PURPOSE: We reported the CT and MR findings of 2 cases with Sturge-Weber syndrome which were not accompanied by facial nevi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: They were examined with both CT and MR in one case and with MR only in the other case. RESULTS: CT was better than MR in the demonstration of the characteristic cortical calcification. MR was superior to CT in the depiction of the abnormalities of the surrounding parenchyma and the intense enhancement of pial angiomatosis with Gd-DTPA enhancement. CONCLUSION: Gd-DTPA enhanced MR imaging could be useful in the demonstration of the presence and extent of pial angiomatosis in patients with suspected Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Angiomatosis ; Gadolinium DTPA ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Nevus* ; Sturge-Weber Syndrome*

BACKGROUND: Self-expandable metallic stent is an effective method in palliative treatment of malignant biliary stricture. However, it is controvesial in benign biliary stricture due to recurrent jaundice, cholangtitis, and finally, obstruction of stent. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effectiveness of Gianturco expandable metallic stents in benign biliary strictures. METHODS: We inserted Gianturco self-expandable metallic stent in 13 patients (42~69 years old, 6 men and 7 women) with benign biliary stricture between November 1991 and September 1994 in Wonkwang University Hospital. All patients had a previous history of biliary surgery and underwent balloon dilatation procedure for management of strictures. Insertion routes were percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tracks in 8 cases and T-tube tracks in 5 cases. The insertion site was the right intrahepatic duct in 5 cases, the left intrahepatic duct in 2 cases, both intrahepatic ducts in 1 case, common hepatic duct in 1 case, and distal common bile ducts in 4 cases. The stents used were 2~6cm in length and 8~12mm in diameter. The follow-up period was 46months to 81months(mean, 67months). RESULTS: The initial technical success rate was 100% with good immediate patency in all patients. Nine patients(69.2%) had no recurrence of the initial strictures during the follow-up period and 4 patients(30.7%) had further symptoms of biliary obstruction caused by recurrent cholangitis or intrahepatic duct stone formation. These 4 recurrent biliary strictures were treated by surgical methods. The recurrent stricture sites were distal common bile duct(1case), left intrahepatic duct(1case), both intrahepatic ducts(1case), and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy site(1case). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of long-term follow-up, expandable metallic stent is a useful method in recurrent biliary strictures, especially in the case where operation is not feasible; poor risk patients, patients refusing operation, multiple biliary operation.
Bile ; Cholangitis ; Common Bile Duct ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Dilatation ; Drainage ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Hepatic Duct, Common ; Humans ; Jaundice ; Male ; Palliative Care ; Recurrence ; Stents*

Prolonged administration of steroid in children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome can cause serious complications including growth failure, and various alternative treatments have been used for these children to alleviate steroid-induced complications and to achieve long-lasting remission. Present study was undertaken to compare the therapeutic efficacy of cytotoxic agents (cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil), cyclosporine and levamisole in 88 children with steroid-dependent mininal-change nephrotic syndrome, who have been followed-up in Pediatric Department, Kyungpook National University Hospital from 1985 to 1995. Cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil were given for 8 weeks (cyclophosphamide in 36 and chlorambucil in 13 cases) or 12 weeks (cyclophosphamide in 34 and chlorambucil in 12 cases), and cyclosporine (3-5mg/kg/day) and levamisole (2-2.5mg/kg alternate day) were given for 6-12 months. And the results were as follows ; Results of cytotoxic therapy ; At the end of the 1st year, remission rate with 12 wks course of cyclophosphamide(53%) was better than with 12 wks course of chlorambucil(33%) or 8 wks course of either drugs. However, at the end of the 2nd year, no difference was noted in remission rate between 12 wk course of cyclophosphamide(19%) and chlorambucil(17%). Results of cyclosporine therapy ; Out of 44 cases, 28(64%) showed sustain-ed remission, 8(18%) relapse with decreased frequency and steroid-sparing effect, and 8 no therapeutic effects. During treatment period, BUN, creatinine and blood pressure were remained in normal ranges. Remission rates with cyclosporine alone therapy without steroid in cyclosporine-responsive children were 83%, 83%, 57% and 43% at 2, 4, 6 and 8 months, respectively. Results of levamisole therapy ; Out of 16 cases, 8 (50%) showed sustained remission, 5(31%) relapse with decreased frequency and steroid-sparing effect, and 3 no therapeutic effects. In one case, transient neutropenia was observed without serious sequelae. Remission rate with levamisole alone therapy without steroid in levamisole-responsive children were 88%, 85%, 67% and 44% at 2, 4, 6 and 8 months, respectively. In conclusion, present study indicates that 12 weeks course of cyclohospha-mide or chlorambucil seems to be the most effective therapy for inducing long-lasting remission in steroid-dependent nephrotic children. And long-term use of cyclosporine or levamisole can also be used quite effectively in achieving prolonged remission and steroid-sparing effects without serious side effects.
Blood Pressure ; Child* ; Chlorambucil ; Creatinine ; Cyclophosphamide ; Cyclosporine* ; Cytotoxins* ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Levamisole* ; Nephrotic Syndrome* ; Neutropenia ; Recurrence ; Reference Values

No abstract available.
Polymerase Chain Reaction*

Sodium nitroprusside given by intravenous drip has been used to control hypertensive crises since 1929. Its evanescent action makes it suitable for controlled hypotension during general anesthesia with enflurane. The patients (n=10) were all undergoing Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation for the operative treatment of scoliosis or spinal stenosis. Hemodynamic variables were obtained during administration of sodium nitroprusside. Mean arterial pressure was decreased to 50-60mmHg, while cardiac output, central venous pressure, systemic vascular resistance showed only minor changes. The average dosage of sodium nitroprusside (ug/kg/ min), plotted against age, showed a significant correlation (p<0.05, r= -0.63). The amonut of whole blood transfused during operation was 5.7+/-2.2 units (mean+/-SD) and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit (11.19+/-1.21g/dl, 33.49+/-3.79%, respectively, mean+/-SD) were singificantly lowered than preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit (12.94+/-1.78g/dl, 37.22+/-4.88%, respectively, mean+/-SD) (hemoglobin: p<0.004, hematoorit: p<0.006).
Anesthesia, General* ; Arterial Pressure ; Cardiac Output ; Cardiovascular System* ; Central Venous Pressure ; Enflurane* ; Hematocrit ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hypotension* ; Hypotension, Controlled ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Nitroprusside* ; Scoliosis ; Sodium* ; Spinal Stenosis ; Vascular Resistance

PURPOSE: We experimentally induced hepatic infarction in rabbits to evaluate MR findings of liver parenchyma and capsule and its changes with time and to confirm the capsular structure correlating with its histologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After ligation of hepatic artery, vein and duct of right inferior posterior lobe of liver, T1, T2 weighted and enahnced T1 weighted image were obtained at several time intervals. Histologic samples were taken of two rabbits or more at each time intervals. RESULTS: During the first several days, the signal intensity of the ischemic necrosis showed strong high signal intensity relative to normal liver on both T1 and T2 weighted images. After 2 weeks however, the necrotic areas gradually changed to isointensity or low signal intensity. Capsular structure was observed as slightly high signal intensity compare to ischemic areas on both enhanced T1 and T2 weighted images in six cases, and five cases of 12, respectively. From the first day, homogeneous coagulation necrosis without hemorrhage or liquefaction was observed. Fibrous thickening with rich vascularity was observed along the surface of the necrotic area after two weeks. CONCLUSION: During the first several days, the signal intensity of the ischemic necrosis showed strong high signal intensity on both T1 and T2 weighted images and gradually changed to isointensity or low signal intensity. Liver capsule was shown and slightly high signal intensity along the surface of the necrotic area and could be explained by fibrous thickening of the liver capsule end the rich vascularity within in it.
Hemorrhage ; Hepatic Artery ; Infarction* ; Ligation ; Liver* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Necrosis ; Rabbits ; Veins

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence, indications, and outcome of cesarean hysterectomy in women delivered at the Gil Medical Center, Gacheon Medical School. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of all cases of cesarean hysterectomy performed between January 1995 and December 1999. RESULTS: The incidence of cesarean hysterectomy was 0.4% (122/31,481). Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 100 of 17,829 cesarean sections (0.6%) and in 22 of 13,652 vaginal deliveries(0.2%). The higher the age and the parity of patients, the higher the incidence of cesarean hysterectomy was noted. The most common indication of cesarean hysterectomy was uterine atony(50 cases, 41.9%), followed by 25 cases of placenta previa with adhesive placenta(20.5%), 14 cases of adhesive placenta(11.5%), 11 cases of uterine myoma with pregnancy(9.0%), 9 cases of uncontrolled bleeding with placenta previa(7.4%), 7 cases of uterine rupture(5.7%) and 6 cases of extension of uterine incision(4.9%). All patients who had cesarean hysterectomy received transfusion from 0 pint to 78 pints. Live births were 115 cases(94.3%) and 3 infants were still birth(2.5%). Four infants were dead during early neonatal period(3.3%), so perinatal mortality rate was 5.7%. The postoperative complications were bladder injury, ureteral injury, febrile morbidity, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, hematoma, wound disruption, postpartum cardiomyopathy, and vaginal stump bleeding. There was two maternal deaths due to acute, severe hemorrhage and DIC. CONCLUSIONS: Cesarean hysterectomy remains a necessary procedure for life saving during abdominal and vaginal deliveries. The procedure itself is usually associated with considerable perioperative morbidity. Obstetricians should identify patients at risk and anticipate the procedure and complications.
Adhesives ; Cardiomyopathies ; Cesarean Section ; Dacarbazine ; Female ; Hematoma ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hysterectomy* ; Incidence ; Infant ; Leiomyoma ; Live Birth ; Maternal Death ; Parity ; Perinatal Mortality ; Placenta ; Placenta Previa ; Postoperative Complications ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Schools, Medical ; Ureter ; Urinary Bladder ; Uterine Inertia ; Wounds and Injuries

PURPOSE: We evaluated the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of mycoplasma pneumonia. METHODS: A total of 559 medical records of children with mycoplasma pneumonia admitted to The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean annual number of cases was 51. There was a higher occurrence in autumn (September-November, 41.7%) and in winter(26.7%). Outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumonia were noted in 1993-94, 1997, 2001, and 2003. The age distribution showed a peak frequency of 5-6 years of age and 68.2 percent of patients were in 3-8 years of age. The male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. In comparison between 1994 and 2003, there was a difference in age distribution with a peak frequency of 5-6 years of age in 1994, and of 3-4 years of age in 2003. There were outbreaks during autumn and winter in 1993-94, and during summer and autumn in 2003. CONCLUSION: Outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumonia occurred every 2-4 years in Daejeon in accordance with nationwide epidemics during 1993-2003. The peak incidence of age in the recent outbreak was younger than in the outbreak which occurred 10 years ago, and in outbreaks in Western countries.
Age Distribution ; Child ; Disease Outbreaks ; Epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Medical Records ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae* ; Mycoplasma* ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma* ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the fertility outcomes after abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy in infertile patients with no other infertility factors except uterine myoma. METHODS: From January, 1992 to December, 1998, abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy was performed in 76 patients with desire for children and no other recognizable infertility factors. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 23.4+/-21.2 months(1~82 months). RESULTS: After myomectomy, 35 patients(46.1%) became pregnant during the follow-up period, especially with 24(68.6%) within 12 months. Excluding 7 cases of spontaneous abortion and 2 cases of intrauterine fetal death, 26 patients(74.3%) had a viable birth. Parity, duration of infertility, number, type and location of myoma, and the proportion of opening the intrauterine cavity during operation were not significantly different between the pregnant and nonpregnant groups. However, the size of uterine myoma was significantly larger in the pregnant group(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We obtained a reasonable pregnancy rate in infertile patients with uterine myoma as a sole infertility factor. The size of myoma may influence the postmyomectomy pregnancy rate, and this may indicate a more beneficial effect of myomectomy in infertile patients with a relatively larger myoma.
Abortion, Spontaneous ; Child ; Female ; Fertility* ; Fetal Death ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infertility ; Leiomyoma ; Medical Records ; Myoma* ; Parity ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterus*

Guglielmi Detachable Coil(GDC) embolization is interventional radiology procedure for the management of aneurysm. The technique is recommended in case of patients' poor general condition, difficult surgical approach, but there is concerning about complications due to radiation exposure. We experienced a patient of radiation-induced dermatitis after GDC embolization. She presented with erythema, pus-like discharge, ulceration on scalp and right preauricular area, which symptoms was improved with medical managements. The authors report the case with pertinent literature review.
Aneurysm ; Dermatitis* ; Erythema ; Humans ; Radiodermatitis ; Radiology, Interventional ; Scalp ; Ulcer