Impact of non-hepatic hyperammonemia on mortality in intensive care unit patients: a retrospective cohort study

Background/Aims@#The effect of hyperammonemia on the mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis is well documented. However, little is known about the impact of hyperammonemia on mortality among intensive care unit patients without hepatic disease. We aimed to investigate factors associated with non-hepatic hyperammonemia among intensive care unit patients and to evaluate the factors related to the 7- and 90-day mortality. @*Methods@#Between February 2016 and February 2020, 948 patients without hepatic disease who had 972 episodes of admission to the intensive care unit were retrospectively enrolled and classified as hyperammonemia grades 0 (≤ 80 µg/dL; 585 [60.2%]), 1 (≤ 160 µg/dL; 291 [29.9%]), 2 (≤ 240 µg/dL; 55 [5.7%]), and 3 (> 240 µg/dL; 41 [4.2%]). Factors associated with hyperammonemia and the 7- and 90-day mortality were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis and Cox regression analysis, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the 7- and 90-day mortality were constructed. @*Results@#The independent risk factors for hyperammonemia were male sex (odds ratio, 1.517), age (0.984/year), acute brain failure (2.467), acute kidney injury (1.437), prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (2.272/unit), and albumin (0.694/g/dL). The 90-day mortality rate in the entire cohort was 24.3% and gradually increased with increasing hyperammonemia grade at admission (17.9%, 28.2%, 43.6%, and 61.0% in patients with grades 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Additionally, non-hepatic hyperammonemia was an independent predictor of the 90- day mortality in intensive care unit patients. @*Conclusions@#Non-hepatic hyperammonemia is common (39.8%) and associated with the 90-day mortality among intensive care unit patients.

Rapid Local Recurrence of Breast Myoepithelial Carcinoma Arising in Adenomyoepithelioma: A Case Report

Adenomyoepithelioma (AME) is a rare breast neoplasm composed of both epithelial and myoepithelial cells with biphasic proliferation. Although most AMEs are benign, malignant transformation of either or both cellular components may occur. This report describes an unusual rapid local tumor recurrence a month after excision of the myoepithelial carcinoma arising in an AME. Ultrasound and MRI showed small recurrent masses in the superficial part of a hematoma. This report suggests the benefit of immediate postoperative breast imaging in patients with malignant AME with potential for local recurrence, such as those with narrow resection margins or high mitotic activity.

A Case of Tracheal Cancer Arising 3 Years after Radiation Therapy for Laryngeal Cancer

Tracheal cancer is rare and accounts for approximately 0.03% of all malignancies. Because of atypical symptoms, tracheal cancer can be misdiagnosed as obstructive lung disease, or tumors of thyroid or lung. Among patients of previous head and neck cancer, other primary cancer may accompany which called “second primary cancer”. We report a case of patient with tracheal cancer 3 years after definite radiation therapy of laryngeal cancer with a review of related literatures.

A Case of Cardiac Arrest due to Multivessel, Diffuse Coronary Spasm in Moyamoya Disease / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Moyamoya disease is characterized by progressive stenosis of the distal portion of the internal carotid arteries and fragile collateral vessels in the brain. The precise pathogenesis is still not known. Although extracranial vessel involvement is very rare, coronary arterial involvement has recently been reported. Here, we report a case of diffuse, multivessel coronary spasm leading to cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction in a 47-year-old man with moyamoya disease with no underlying emotional or physical stress.

Goblet Cell Carcinoid of the Rectum in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

No abstract available.

Acetabular Reconstruction in Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

The difficulties encountered in dealing with the bone deficient acetabulum are amongst the greatest challenges in hip surgery. Acetabular reconstruction in revision total hip arthroplasty can successfully be achieved with hemispherical components featuring a porous or roughened ingrowth surface and options for placement of multiple screws for minor acetabular defect. Acetabular component selection is mostly based on the amount of bone loss present. In the presence of combined cavitary and segmental defects without superior acetabular coverage, reconstructions with a structural acetabular allograft protected by a cage or a custom-made triflange cage have been one of preferred surgical options. The use of a cage or ring over structural allograft bone for massive uncontained defects in acetabular revision can restore host bone stock and facilitate subsequent rerevision surgery to a certain extent. But high complication rates have been reported including aseptic loosening, infection, dislocation and metal failure. On the other hand, recent literature is reporting satisfactory outcomes with the use of modular augments combined with a hemispherical shell for major acetabular defect. Highly porous metals have been introduced for clinical use in arthroplasty surgery over the last decade. Their higher porosity and surface friction are ideal for acetabular revision, optimizing biological fixation. The use of trabecular metal cups in acetabular revision has yielded excellent clinical results. This article summarizes author's experience regarding revision acetabular reconstruction options following failed hip surgery including arthroplasty.

Human Herpesvirus 8-Negative and Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Effusion-Based Lymphoma in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

A 39-year-old man infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was admitted to our hospital because of sudden onset of chest pain. Chest radiography revealed pneumothorax of the right lung. Computed tomographic scans disclosed a 5.8-cm-sized emphysematous bulla in the right middle lobe of the lung. Histologically, the wedge-resected lung showed medium to large atypical cells within the bullous cavity of the Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, without solid mass formation. These atypical cells were confirmed to be large B-cell lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus-positive and human herpesvirus 8-negative. Therefore, this case was not diagnosed as primary effusion lymphoma, but effusion-based lymphoma arising in an emphysematous cavity of an HIV-infected patient. This type of effusion-based lymphoma has never been reported, and, although rare, it should be noted in order to clinically diagnose this lymphoma.

Usefulness of Digital Tomosynthesis for the Detection of Airway Obstruction: A Case Report of Bronchial Carcinosarcoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Bronchial carcinosarcoma is a very rare malignant tumor that is composed of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. We describe the first case in which digital tomosynthesis was useful for the evaluation of airway obstruction by bronchial carcinosarcoma that was overlooked on initial chest radiography.

Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Histoplasmosis in a Non-HIV and Immunocompromised Patient without Overseas Travel History

Korea is not known as an endemic area for Histoplasma. However, we experienced a case of histoplasmosis in a person who had never been abroad. A 65-year-old female was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of multiple lung nodules. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed multiple ill-defined consolidations and cavitations in all lobes of both lungs. The patient underwent a CT-guided lung biopsy, and a histopathology study showed findings compatible with histoplasmosis. Based on biopsy results and clinical findings, the patient was diagnosed with chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis. The patient recovered completely following itraconazole treatment. This is the first case report of pulmonary histoplasmosis unconnected with either HIV infection or endemicity in Korea.

Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Histoplasmosis in a Non-HIV and Immunocompromised Patient without Overseas Travel History

Korea is not known as an endemic area for Histoplasma. However, we experienced a case of histoplasmosis in a person who had never been abroad. A 65-year-old female was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of multiple lung nodules. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed multiple ill-defined consolidations and cavitations in all lobes of both lungs. The patient underwent a CT-guided lung biopsy, and a histopathology study showed findings compatible with histoplasmosis. Based on biopsy results and clinical findings, the patient was diagnosed with chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis. The patient recovered completely following itraconazole treatment. This is the first case report of pulmonary histoplasmosis unconnected with either HIV infection or endemicity in Korea.

Limb Lengthening in Patients with Achondroplasia

PURPOSE: Although bilateral lower-limb lengthening has been performed on patients with achondroplasia, the outcomes for the tibia and femur in terms of radiographic parameters, clinical results, and complications have not been compared with each other. We proposed 1) to compare the radiological outcomes of femoral and tibial lengthening and 2) to investigate the differences of complications related to lengthening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients (average age, 14 years 4 months) with achondroplasia who underwent bilateral limb lengthening between 2004 and 2012. All patients first underwent bilateral tibial lengthening, and at 9-48 months (average, 17.8 months) after this procedure, bilateral femoral lengthening was performed. We analyzed the pixel value ratio (PVR) and characteristics of the callus of the lengthened area on serial radiographs. The external fixation index (EFI) and healing index (HI) were computed to compare tibial and femoral lengthening. The complications related to lengthening were assessed. RESULTS: The average gain in length was 8.4 cm for the femur and 9.8 cm for the tibia. The PVR, EFI, and HI of the tibia were significantly better than those of the femur. Fewer complications were found during the lengthening of the tibia than during the lengthening of the femur. CONCLUSION: Tibial lengthening had a significantly lower complication rate and a higher callus formation rate than femoral lengthening. Our findings suggest that bilateral limb lengthening (tibia, followed by femur) remains a reasonable option; however, we should be more cautious when performing femoral lengthening in selected patients.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Mimicking Fat Necrosis in Breast: A Case Report

Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common breast malignancy. Mammographic finding of invasive lobular carcinoma is often subtle or negative due to its histological feature showing infiltration of tumor cells into surrounding tissue with scanty fibrotic reaction. Thus, ultrasound plays an important role in detection of invasive lobular carcinoma. We report here on our experience with a 70-year-old female who had invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast with unique ultrasound findings; a mixed hyper- and hypoechoic mass at the fatty layer mimicking fat necrosis.

Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma in Breast Presented as Hyperechoic Mass with Coarse Macrocalcifications: A Case Report

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma is a rare, clinically aggressive variant of invasive ductal carcinoma. Imaging findings of invasive micropapillary carcinoma are not specific, and associated microcalcifications are frequent. Our case presented with unique radiological features: a mass with coarse macrocalcifications on mammography and breast computed tomography and a hyperechoic mass on breast ultrasound. Macrocalcifications and hyperechogenicity are not usual malignant characteristics. We report here on our experience with a 55-year-old woman who had invasive micropapillary carcinoma in the breast with unique radiological and pathological findings.

Urachal Mucinous Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential: A Case Report

Urachal mucinous tumor of uncertain malignant potential is very rare and is characterized by a multilocular cyst showing the proliferation of atypical mucin-secreting cells without stromal invasion. As in ovarian and appendiceal borderline tumors, it represents a transitional stage of mucinous carcinogenesis in the urachus. In addition, this tumor may recur locally and develop into pseudomyxoma peritonei. Due to its scarcity and diagnostic challenges, we report a mucinous tumor of uncertain malignant potential arising in the urachus.

Varicella-Zoster Virus Pneumonia in Immunocompetent Adults / 결핵및호흡기질환

Varicella, more commonly known as chickenpox, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is a common benign childhood illness. In adults, Varicella is uncommon but is more severely associated with complications including pneumonia, hepatitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, encephalitis and myocarditis. A serious and life-threatening complication is the development of varicella-zoster virus pneumonia (VZVP). Although VZVP is well described in immunocompromised hosts, it is rarely seen in immunocompetent adults. The VZVP in healthy adults is more prevalent in cigarette smokers and during pregnancy. However, reports of VZVP in healthy adults are scarce in Korea. The authors report here a case of VZVP in an immunocompetent adult and present a literature review.

Retrospective Analysis of Cases of Death by a Hand Grenade / 대한법의학회지

The death caused by a hand grenade detonation is extremely uncommon and specialized event in Korea cause that it used in military fields, and these cases are only investigated by CIC (Criminal Investigation Command) of ROK Army. The hand grenade is small, light weighted anti-human explosive, so it uses widely than other explosive objects. The morphological characteristics seeing in victim by hand grenade detonation are very variable according to position, distance of explosion, type of grenade, environmental effects, and so many others. We performed retrospective analysis of 23 cases of death by hand grenade in ROK Army from 1990 to 2008. These cases are classified by direction and position of wounds, injuries of external and internal organs. Most of all are contact or near contact range detonation, and the focus of detonation is suggested anterior chest wall mostly. Amputations or critical wounds are mostly located on hand, arm, anterior chest, but wounds of dorsal portion is relatively rare. Most of all are suggested to detonate grenade in standing or straightened-arm position. Internal organ damages, such as hemothorax, hemoperitoneum, hemopericardium by detonation pressure or penetration by fragments, are seen in 75% cases of all, and the organs are mostly heart, lung and other hollow organs. External examination may fail to show fatal external damage or wound. The data of this analysis would be used as adjunctive and objective examples of investigation of death by hand grenade in Korea.

Gliosarcoma with Components of Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma and Unclassifiable Spindle Cells: A Case Report

Gliosarcoma is a distinct disease entity that is characterized by a biphasic tissue pattern with alternating areas displaying glial and mesenchymal differentiation. The tumor in our case was a rare morphologic variant of gliosarcoma with components of anaplastic oligodendroglioma and unclassifiable spindle cells. Spindle cells showed CD34 and S-100 protein immunoreactivity, which was possibly related to peripheral nerve sheath differentiation. This unique feature has not been described previously and so this case expands the spectrum of possible divergent mesenchymal differentiation, and it lends support to pluripotential stem cells being the origin of this tumor.

Glucose Transporter-1 Expression in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Tumor cells are known to express hypoxia-related proteins such as glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1). These hypoxia-induced changes may allow tumor cells to survive under sustained hypoxic microenvironments, and the surviving tumor cell under hypoxia may develop a more aggressive phenotype and so result in a poor prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Glut-1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and its association with the prognosis was assessed in 60 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. RESULTS: The Glut-1 expression was diffuse with a membranous pattern, and the median percentage of Glut-1 positive tumor cells was 60% (range: 0.0~90.0%). A high Glut-1 expression (the percentage of positive tumor cells > or = the median value, 60%) was associated with the location of primary lesion, lymph node metastasis status and disease stage (p<0.05). The expression of Glut-1 was correlated with the Ki-67 expression (r=0.406, p=0.001). Microvessel density, as represented by CD31 staining, was also correlated with the Glut-1 expression although its significance is weak (r=0.267, p=0.039). On the univariate analysis, the group with a high Glut-1 expression showed poorer overall survival than the group with a low Glut-1 expression (p<0.05). However, the Glut-1 expression failed to show any independent prognostic significance on the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The expression of Glut-1 may be useful for predicting the prognosis and determining the treatment strategy for the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

Disseminated Histoplasmosis and Tuberculosis in a Patient with HIV Infection

Histoplasmosis is a very rare disease in Korea. Clinical manifestations are very similar to those of tuberculosis. This is the first case report of combined disseminated histoplasmosis and tuberculosis in a patient with HIV infection in Korea. A 42-year-old Korean with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He had lived in Guatemala for the past five years. Upon diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis with HIV infection, he was treated with anti-tuberculosis medications and anti-retroviral agents. Fever, weakness, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia were persistent despite treatment. The patient's history of living in Guatemala caused us to seek opportunistic infectious organisms other than tuberculosis. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were performed and the result revealed numerous intracellular organisms consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum; therefore, the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis was made.

Follicular Lymphoma with Monoclonal Plasma Cell Differentiation: A Case Report

We present a case of recurrent follicular lymphoma with an extensive plasma cell component involving infra-auricular lymph nodes in a 64 year-old woman. Immunohistochemical staining showed a strongly positive reaction of the follicles with CD20, bcl-2, bcl-6, CD10 and CD21 on the first biopsy specimen. The intrafollicular and interfollicular plasma cells showed monoclonality for IgG heavy chain and lambda light chain. The histological and immunohistochemical findings in the recurrent tumor were identical with those of the original. Discussion is focused on the importance of the differential diagnosis between reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and other lymphomas having plasmacytic differentiation.