Intrameduallary spinal hemangioblastoma is frequently associated with syringomyelia. It grows slowly and can be removed totally. Syringomyelia can be subcided by total removal of tumor and opening of syringomyelia. Two cases of intramedullary spinal hemangioblastomas associated with syringomyelia are reported. Intramedullary tumor and syrinx was easily diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). They are successfully managed by total removal of tumor and opening of syrinx. Patients showed improved neurological status after operations.
Hemangioblastoma* ; Humans ; Syringomyelia*

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was performed to determine effect of ginseng on blood pressure. METHODS: The databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, RISS, DBpia, KISS, and Koreamed were searched for all published studies from inception to January 2016. The following terms were used: "ginseng", "hypertension", and "blood pressure". Using the Review Manager 5, mean differences (MDs) were pooled to measure the effect of ginseng on blood pressure compared to that of placebo. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included. In this meta-analysis, ginseng treatment significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) in a dose-independent way (MD: -1.99, p = 0.04). In subgroup analysis, 8-12 week consumption of ginseng achieved significantly greater reduction in SBP (MD: -3.14, p = 0.03), while single administration of ginseng failed to show BP-lowering effect. When ingested over 8-12 weeks, ginseng significantly lowered diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD: -1.96, p = 0.03). No significant association was found between ginseng dose and the magnitude of BP-lowering effect. However, a significant positive relationship was observed between baseline SBP level and the magnitude of SBP reduction (r = 0.848, p = 0.033). Such a relationship was not seen in DBP. CONCLUSION: Consumption of ginseng for 8-12 weeks achieved significant reductions in SBP and DBP in a dose-independent way. There was a significant positive relationship between baseline SBP level and the magnitude of SBP reduction.
Blood Pressure* ; Panax*

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the impact of smaller gantry arc increment (GAI) values on the plan quality and deliverability of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck (HN) and prostate cancer cases using the Monaco treatment planning system. The study investigates whether a smaller GAI can enhance organ at risk (OAR) sparing without compromising target coverage or significantly increasing plan complexity. Methods: VMAT plans were created for 20 patients (10 HN and 10 prostate cancer) using GAI values of 15° and 30°. Dose-volumetric parameters, such as conformity number, homogeneity and gradient indices, were assessed alongside plan complexity metrics like the modulation complexityscore for VMAT (MCS v ) and monitor unit (MU). Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: For HN cases, a 15° increment significantly reduced the D0.03cc for the spinal cord and the Dmean for both parotid glands compared to a 30° increment, improving OAR sparing. However, no significant differences were observed in the OAR doses for prostate cases. The 15° increment resulted in higher plan complexity, reflected by a lower MCS v , but the MU difference was not significant. Conclusions Smaller GAI values, such as 15°, can significantly reduce OAR doses in HN VMAT plans, offering potential clinical benefits despite increased plan complexity. However, no substantial advantages were observed in prostate cases. These findings suggest that smaller GAI values may be particularly beneficial for cases requiring high modulation.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the impact of smaller gantry arc increment (GAI) values on the plan quality and deliverability of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck (HN) and prostate cancer cases using the Monaco treatment planning system. The study investigates whether a smaller GAI can enhance organ at risk (OAR) sparing without compromising target coverage or significantly increasing plan complexity. Methods: VMAT plans were created for 20 patients (10 HN and 10 prostate cancer) using GAI values of 15° and 30°. Dose-volumetric parameters, such as conformity number, homogeneity and gradient indices, were assessed alongside plan complexity metrics like the modulation complexityscore for VMAT (MCS v ) and monitor unit (MU). Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: For HN cases, a 15° increment significantly reduced the D0.03cc for the spinal cord and the Dmean for both parotid glands compared to a 30° increment, improving OAR sparing. However, no significant differences were observed in the OAR doses for prostate cases. The 15° increment resulted in higher plan complexity, reflected by a lower MCS v , but the MU difference was not significant. Conclusions Smaller GAI values, such as 15°, can significantly reduce OAR doses in HN VMAT plans, offering potential clinical benefits despite increased plan complexity. However, no substantial advantages were observed in prostate cases. These findings suggest that smaller GAI values may be particularly beneficial for cases requiring high modulation.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the impact of smaller gantry arc increment (GAI) values on the plan quality and deliverability of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck (HN) and prostate cancer cases using the Monaco treatment planning system. The study investigates whether a smaller GAI can enhance organ at risk (OAR) sparing without compromising target coverage or significantly increasing plan complexity. Methods: VMAT plans were created for 20 patients (10 HN and 10 prostate cancer) using GAI values of 15° and 30°. Dose-volumetric parameters, such as conformity number, homogeneity and gradient indices, were assessed alongside plan complexity metrics like the modulation complexityscore for VMAT (MCS v ) and monitor unit (MU). Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: For HN cases, a 15° increment significantly reduced the D0.03cc for the spinal cord and the Dmean for both parotid glands compared to a 30° increment, improving OAR sparing. However, no significant differences were observed in the OAR doses for prostate cases. The 15° increment resulted in higher plan complexity, reflected by a lower MCS v , but the MU difference was not significant. Conclusions Smaller GAI values, such as 15°, can significantly reduce OAR doses in HN VMAT plans, offering potential clinical benefits despite increased plan complexity. However, no substantial advantages were observed in prostate cases. These findings suggest that smaller GAI values may be particularly beneficial for cases requiring high modulation.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the impact of smaller gantry arc increment (GAI) values on the plan quality and deliverability of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck (HN) and prostate cancer cases using the Monaco treatment planning system. The study investigates whether a smaller GAI can enhance organ at risk (OAR) sparing without compromising target coverage or significantly increasing plan complexity. Methods: VMAT plans were created for 20 patients (10 HN and 10 prostate cancer) using GAI values of 15° and 30°. Dose-volumetric parameters, such as conformity number, homogeneity and gradient indices, were assessed alongside plan complexity metrics like the modulation complexityscore for VMAT (MCS v ) and monitor unit (MU). Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: For HN cases, a 15° increment significantly reduced the D0.03cc for the spinal cord and the Dmean for both parotid glands compared to a 30° increment, improving OAR sparing. However, no significant differences were observed in the OAR doses for prostate cases. The 15° increment resulted in higher plan complexity, reflected by a lower MCS v , but the MU difference was not significant. Conclusions Smaller GAI values, such as 15°, can significantly reduce OAR doses in HN VMAT plans, offering potential clinical benefits despite increased plan complexity. However, no substantial advantages were observed in prostate cases. These findings suggest that smaller GAI values may be particularly beneficial for cases requiring high modulation.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the impact of smaller gantry arc increment (GAI) values on the plan quality and deliverability of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck (HN) and prostate cancer cases using the Monaco treatment planning system. The study investigates whether a smaller GAI can enhance organ at risk (OAR) sparing without compromising target coverage or significantly increasing plan complexity. Methods: VMAT plans were created for 20 patients (10 HN and 10 prostate cancer) using GAI values of 15° and 30°. Dose-volumetric parameters, such as conformity number, homogeneity and gradient indices, were assessed alongside plan complexity metrics like the modulation complexityscore for VMAT (MCS v ) and monitor unit (MU). Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: For HN cases, a 15° increment significantly reduced the D0.03cc for the spinal cord and the Dmean for both parotid glands compared to a 30° increment, improving OAR sparing. However, no significant differences were observed in the OAR doses for prostate cases. The 15° increment resulted in higher plan complexity, reflected by a lower MCS v , but the MU difference was not significant. Conclusions Smaller GAI values, such as 15°, can significantly reduce OAR doses in HN VMAT plans, offering potential clinical benefits despite increased plan complexity. However, no substantial advantages were observed in prostate cases. These findings suggest that smaller GAI values may be particularly beneficial for cases requiring high modulation.

OBJECTIVE: We applied chest radiographs to scoliosis screening for conscription. Prevalence, types of scoliosis, and insight of examinees with scoliosis were investigated. METHODS: In this study, chest radiographs of 2417 males, who had been given an examination for conscription at the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration from April 2009 to May 2009, were analyzed. The prevalence of scoliosis more than a 10 degrees Cobb angle was calculated. The insight of scoliosis was investigated in every examinee and thoracolumbar radiographs were checked in those examinees with more than a 20 degree Cobb angle. RESULTS: Among 1904 males, 477 (19.7%) exhibited scoliosis involving more than a 5 degrees Cobb angle were and 131 (5.4%) exhibitedmore than a 10 degree Cobb angle. In those 131 cases, 18 (13.7%) had a known history of problems with scoliosis. Among the group measuring less than a 10 degree Cobb angle, 1.7% of them misunderstood scoliosis. Insight of scoliosis increased according to the severity of spinal curvature; however, nearly half of the cases with a 20 degree or greater Cobb angle had no insight with respect to their scoliosis. CONCLUSION: In male adolescents, the prevalence of scoliosis with a greater than 10 degree Cobb angle was 5.4% and there was a low insight with respect to scoliosis.
Adolescent ; Benzeneacetamides ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Military Personnel ; Piperidones ; Prevalence ; Scoliosis ; Thorax

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate mammographic findings of invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma(ILC)and to find differential points between the two. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 239 patients, who underwent mammography prior to surgery and were proved to have IDC(224 patients) or ILC(15 patients)pathologically, were analized retrospectively. On mammogram, presence of mass and micro calcification were analized. When there was a mass on mammogram, lesion opacity was classified into high, equal, or low opacity andborder of the mass was classified into spiculated, poorly marginated, and well-marginated. When there was nodefinite mass, mammographic findings were classified into asymmetric opacity and no mass. RESULTS: Masses were observed in 168 patients(75%) of IDC and 12 patients(80%) of ILC. Border of the masses were spiculated(n=50,22.3%), poorly marginated(n=112, 50%), or well-marginated(n=6, 2.7%) in patients with IDC. Spiculated and poorly marginated borders were observed in 8 patients(53.3%) and 4 patients(26.7%) respectively, in patients with ILC. Microcalcifications were seen in 88 patients(39.3%) of IDC and 2 patients(13.3%) of ILC. Equal or low opacities ofthe lesions were observed in 29 patients(17.3%) of IDC and 5 patients(33.3%) of ILC. CONCLUSION: Although equalor low opacities were observed more frequently in ILC and microcalcifications were noted more frequently in IDC,it was difficult to differentiate the two diseases based on mammographic findings.
Carcinoma, Ductal* ; Carcinoma, Lobular* ; Humans ; Mammography ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of back pain questionnaires for lumbar disc screening among Korean young males. METHODS: We carried out a survey for lumbar disc screening through back pain questionnaires among the volunteers with or without back pain. Three types of back pain questionnaire (Oswestry Low Back Pain Score, Aberdeen Low Back Pain Scale, and Acute Low Back Pain Screeing Questionnaire) were randomly assigned to the examinees. The authors reviewed lumbar imaging studies (simple lumbar radiographs, lumbar computed tomography, and magnetic resolutional images), and the severity of lumbar disc herniation was categorized according to the guidelines issued by the Korean military directorate. We calculated the relationship between the back pain questionnaire scores and the severity of lumbar disc herniation. RESULTS: The scores of back pain questionnaires increased according to the severity of lumbar disc herniation. But, the range of scores was very vague, so it is less predictable to detect lumbar disc herniation using only back pain questionnaires. The sensitivity between the back pain questionnaires and the presence of lumbar disc herniation was low (16-64%). CONCLUSION: Screening of lumbar disc herniation using only back pain questionnaires has limited value.
Back Pain ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; Korea ; Low Back Pain ; Magnetics ; Magnets ; Mass Screening ; Military Personnel ; Surveys and Questionnaires