Three cases of cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) were diagnosed in a returnee from a trip to Thailand and in 2 domestic farmers during July and September, 2003. The linear and serpiginous skin lesions on the lower extremities were presented in all 3 cases. Routine laboratory findings were normal. In the imported case, a 650 x 30 micrometer sized filariform nematode larva, presumably a species of hookworm, was detected in the lesion. All cases were treated with 400 mg albendazole once daily for 3-5 days, and their skin lesions gradually improved. In the present study, a causative agent of CLM was isolated for the first time in the Republic of Korea. Moreover, we speculate that CLM is prevalent in farmers who are in frequent contact with soil in the Republic of Korea.
Middle Aged ; Male ; Larva Migrans/*diagnosis/drug therapy/*pathology ; Humans ; Female ; Anthelmintics/therapeutic use ; Albendazole/therapeutic use ; Aged ; Adult

Hyperthyroidism is a well known cause of atrial fibrillation. It is also known that control of hyperthyroidism can usually curb thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation and restore sinus rhythm. In this study, 282 patients with hyperthyroidism were investigated to quantify the incidence of atrial fibrillation, and to identify the vulnerable groups. In addition, we compared two groups of subjects with atrial fibrillation-one group with hyperthyroidism and the other group without
Aged ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism ; Incidence ; Male ; Sex Ratio ; Thyroid Gland

PURPOSE: We aimed to know the prevalence of abnormal meniscal signal on MR imaging in asymptomatic soccer players and its radiologic significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using T1 and gradient echo T2* weighted sagittal and coronal MR image, 48 knees in twenty-four full time soccer players were evaluated for the meniscal abnormalities, the status of ligament and existance of joint effusion. Meniscal abnormalities were interpretated using grading system of Lotysch. By using Chi-square method, We analyzed the existance of joint effusion could divide the healing state and healed state of the meniscus. RESULTS: The prevalence of Grade 2 and more and Grade 3 were 42% and 39% of asymptomatic knees. In the 24 knees with meniscus tear, nine of the 14 asymptomatic knee showed effusion while eight of the 10 symptomatic knee did. Of 24 knees with meniscal tear, only eleven knees were related to previous history of major knee trauma. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of meniscal abnormalities on MR imaging in asymptomatic soccer players was higher(grade 3:39%) than we expected. The joint effusion was not helpful to divide the healing state and healed state of the meniscus. So we suggest baseline MR imaging in the athletes who have been using the knee vigorously could give decisive information for the interpretation of subsequent MRI that may be performed when the players wounded.
Athletes ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee ; Ligaments ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Prevalence* ; Soccer* ; Wounds and Injuries

Interstitial cystitis has been thought to result from autoimmune phenomenon and its ocurrence in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)has rarely been reported. We report a case of female patient with SLE whose initial urinary symptoms were caused by intersitial cystitis. Radiography showed the reduced bladder capacity, irregularity of bladder wall, hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Deep bladder wall biopsy was performed and a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis with SLE was made. She was treated with steroid and stent insertion and showed symptomatic improvement. We consider the recognition of bladder involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus is important because it may be a reversible cause of renal failure in a patient with lupus erythematosus and adequate therapy may preserve bladder size and function.
Biopsy ; Cystitis ; Cystitis, Interstitial* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* ; Radiography ; Renal Insufficiency ; Stents ; Urinary Bladder