BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is a common therapeutic technique for biliary and pancreatic disease, but it can cause several complications. Although the literature suggests that there is no need for patients to stop taking aspirin before undergoing EST, there are no definite guidelines on this in Korea. Consequently, we compared the frequency of bleeding and safety between aspirin users and nonusers undergoing EST. METHODS: This retrospective study recruited 1003 patients who underwent EST at our hospital between 1 February 2005 and 30 September 2008. Thirteen patients continued to take aspirin until the day of the sphincterotomy (group 1), and 990 patients had not taken aspirin before the sphincterotomy (group 2). The incidence of post-sphincterotomy bleeding was compared between the two groups retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age or gender between the two groups. The indications for EST included common bile duct stones in 12 patients (92.3%, 12/13) in group 1 and 706 patients (71.3%, 706/990) in group 2 (p = 0.124). Regarding combined disease, cholangitis was observed in 11 patients (84.6%, 11/13) in group 1 and 815 patients (82.3%, 815/990) in group 2 (p = 0.974). Clinically significant post-sphincterotomy bleeding was observed in three patients in group 2 (0.3%, 3/990) versus none in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Taking aspirin does not appear to clinically increase bleeding after EST. Therefore, there is no definite need to stop aspirin before undergoing EST.
Aspirin ; Cholangitis ; Common Bile Duct ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Morinda ; Pancreatic Diseases ; Retrospective Studies ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic

BACKGROUND: p27 is a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors that arrest the progression of the cell cycle; thus, it acts as a tumor suppressor gene. The loss or decrease of p27 protein is frequently seen and this has an independent prognostic potential for many human cancers. p27 is functionally inactivated through accelerated proteolysis and cytoplasmic sequestration. Cytoplasmic mislocalization of p27 by abnormal phosphorylation in the tumor cells doesn't allow it to bind and inhibit nuclear cyclin/CDK targets. METHODS: We examined the p27 protein expression in 86 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast via immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the subcellular localization of p27 and its relationship with the clinicopathologic features and the prognostic factors. RESULTS: The nuclear expression of p27 was noted in 48.9% of the tumors, a combined nuclear and cytoplasmic expression was noted in 20.9%, a cytoplasmic expression was noted in 12.8%, and a negative expression was noted in 17.4%. The decreased nuclear expression and/or cytoplasmic mislocalization of p27 were statistically correlated with the nuclear grade (p=0.001), histologic grade (p=0.036), tumor size (p=0.033), lymph node metastasis (p=0.043), ER (p=0.001), and PR (p=0.001) status, while they were not correlated with patient age, stage, HER2, p53, and Ki67. CONCLUSIONS: The breast tumors showing both decreased nuclear expression and cytoplasmic mislocalization of p27 are associated with a deranged cell cycle via functional inactivation and also with poor prognostic factors. It is expected that p27 can be a promising anticancer target molecule for the treatment of breast cancer.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Carcinoma, Ductal ; Cell Cycle ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27 ; Cytoplasm ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; Prognosis ; Proteolysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of selective intra-arterial thrombolysis in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Methods: Medical records for 44 eyes of 44 patients diagnosed with acute non-arteritic CRAO and thrombolysis between October 2010 and February 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on visual acuity, fundoscopic findings, and fluorescein angiography, the patients were classified into three stages: incomplete, subtotal, and total. The perfusion state using the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), arm to retina time, and arteriovenous passage times, after 1 month, 6 months, and at the final visit after the procedure, were compared with baseline readings. Results: Improvement of visual acuity was confirmed in 31 out of 44 patients (70.45%). The mean BCVA of 44 patients changed from 1.65 ± 0.78 logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at the first visit to 1.18 ± 0.91 logMAR at the last visit (p = 0.114). The BCVA according to CRAO stage was 0.08 ± 0.11 logMAR for the incomplete stage at the first visit, 0.06 ± 0.05 logMAR (p = 0.933) 1 month after the procedure, and 0.05 ± 0.07 logMAR (p = 0.933) at the last visit. In the subtotal stage, the results were 1.81 ± 0.54 logMAR at the first visit, 1.63 ± 0.76 logMAR (p = 0.035) 1 month after the procedure, and 1.36 ± 0.85 logMAR (p = 0.014) at the last visit. For the total stage of BCVA, the result at the first visit was 2.36 ± 0.25 logMAR, and it was 2.30 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.510) 1 month after the procedure, and 2.42 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.642) at the last visit. Reperfusion was observed in 40 patients out of the 44 (90.91%). Conclusions Selective intra-arterial thrombolysis can be helpful in patients with subtotal CRAO in terms of visual improvement and retinal arterial reperfusion.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of selective intra-arterial thrombolysis in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Methods: Medical records for 44 eyes of 44 patients diagnosed with acute non-arteritic CRAO and thrombolysis between October 2010 and February 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on visual acuity, fundoscopic findings, and fluorescein angiography, the patients were classified into three stages: incomplete, subtotal, and total. The perfusion state using the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), arm to retina time, and arteriovenous passage times, after 1 month, 6 months, and at the final visit after the procedure, were compared with baseline readings. Results: Improvement of visual acuity was confirmed in 31 out of 44 patients (70.45%). The mean BCVA of 44 patients changed from 1.65 ± 0.78 logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at the first visit to 1.18 ± 0.91 logMAR at the last visit (p = 0.114). The BCVA according to CRAO stage was 0.08 ± 0.11 logMAR for the incomplete stage at the first visit, 0.06 ± 0.05 logMAR (p = 0.933) 1 month after the procedure, and 0.05 ± 0.07 logMAR (p = 0.933) at the last visit. In the subtotal stage, the results were 1.81 ± 0.54 logMAR at the first visit, 1.63 ± 0.76 logMAR (p = 0.035) 1 month after the procedure, and 1.36 ± 0.85 logMAR (p = 0.014) at the last visit. For the total stage of BCVA, the result at the first visit was 2.36 ± 0.25 logMAR, and it was 2.30 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.510) 1 month after the procedure, and 2.42 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.642) at the last visit. Reperfusion was observed in 40 patients out of the 44 (90.91%). Conclusions Selective intra-arterial thrombolysis can be helpful in patients with subtotal CRAO in terms of visual improvement and retinal arterial reperfusion.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of MR imaging in the staging of brain abscesses and to determine the correlations between pathologic and MR findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental brain abscesses were induced by direct inoculation of 1ml suspension of l06/ml Streptococcus pneumoniae into the brain parenchyma of ten New Zealand white rabbits. The evolution of abscess formation was divided into four stages, based on pathological criteria: early cerebritis (days 1 to 5), late cerebritis (days 6 to 10), early capsular (days 11 to 15), and late capsular (day 16 and later). The brain abscess of each animal was examined by MR imaging and light microscopy at 3, 8, 13, and 28 days; T1-weighted, T2-weighted and Gd-enhanced images were obtained. The MR images and pathologic findings of 13 pathologically confirmed clinical cases were compared to MR images of the experimental model. RESULTS: In the experimental model, signal intensity of the abscess content was at all stages hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. In all ten cases, Gd-enhanced images showed an ill-defined contrast-enhanced lesion at the early cerebritis stage, and in four of seven cases, irregular ring enhancement at the late cerebritis stage. Pathologic specimens at this latter stage revealed prominent vascular proliferation and infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells. Signal intensity of the abscess wall during the capsular stage showed isointense relative brain parenchyma on T1-weighted images and this was hypointense on T2-weighted images. Gd-enhanced images demonstrated smooth ring enhancement of the abscess wall. At the early capsular stage, pathologic specimens revealed a discrete necrotic center surrounded by infiltration of reticulin and some collagen; at the late capsular stage, these specimens showed marked infiltration of collagen. In clinical cases, the signal intensity of abscess content was at all stages hypointenseon T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Gd-enhanced images demonstrated ill-defined subtle contrast enhancement at the early cerebritis stage and irregular ring enhancement at the late cerebritis stage. In all cases, signal intensity of the abscess wall during the capsular stage was hypointense on T2-weighted images; at this stage, the abscess wall was showed a pattern of smooth ring enhancement. In clinical cases, hypointensity of the abscess wall, as seen on T2-weighted images, and the enhancement pattern of this wall were identical to these findings in the experimental model. CONCLUSION: In an experimental model, correlation between sequential MR findings can be used to predict the stage of a brain abscess; in clinical cases essential indicators are hypointensity and enhancement pattern of the abscess wall, as seen on T2-weighted images. In cases of brain abscess, MRI is a useful diagnostic modality, and in such cases, also helps determine the most suitable treatment.
Abscess ; Animals ; Brain Abscess* ; Brain* ; Collagen ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Microscopy ; Models, Theoretical* ; Rabbits ; Reticulin ; Streptococcus pneumoniae

Sarcomatoid carcinoma or carcinosarcoma is a very rare biphasic tumor characterized by a combination of malignant epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The pathogenesis of sarcomatoid carcinoma is not fully elucidated and the guideline of treatment has not been established yet. Although the upper aerodigestive tract, lung and female urogenital system are known to be the most frequently affected, this tumor also can occur in various sites, including the digestive tract. Since sarcomatoid carcinoma in colon was firstly reported in 1986, 24 cases have been reported to date. We report a rare case with sarcomatoid carcinoma of appendix. Interesting histologic feature of our case was the presence of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma with morphological "transition" between carcinomatous and sarcomatous tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first case of sarcomatoid carcinoma arising from mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix.
Appendix ; Carcinosarcoma ; Colon ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Lung ; Mucins ; Urogenital System

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma mainly arises in the stomach, with fewer than 30% arising in the small intestine. We describe here two cases of primary duodenal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma which were evaluated by endoscopic ultrasonography. A 52-year-old man underwent endoscopy due to abdominal pain, which demonstrated a depressed lesion on duodenal bulb. Endoscopic ultrasonographic finding was hypoechoic lesion invading the submucosa. The other case was a previously healthy 51-year-old man. Endoscopy showed a whitish granular lesion on duodenum third portion. Endoscopic ultrasonography image was similar to the first case, whereas abdominal computed tomography revealed enlargement of multiple lymph nodes. The first case was treated with eradication of Helicobacter pylori, after which the mucosal change and endoscopic ultrasound finding were normalized in 7 months. The second case was treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone, and rituximab every 3 weeks. After 6 courses of chemotherapy, the patient achieved complete remission.
Abdominal Pain ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; Cyclophosphamide ; Duodenum ; Endoscopy ; Endosonography ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Intestine, Small ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphoid Tissue ; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone ; Middle Aged ; Prednisolone ; Stomach ; Vincristine ; Rituximab

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a form of chronic pancreatitis characterized by an autoimmune inflammatory process. This is the first case report of AIP, not otherwise specified, accompanied by pericardial effusion. A 52-year-old female visited our hospital due to dyspnea. Echocardiography showed a large amount of pericardial thickening. Abdominal computed tomography revealed diffuse enlargement of the pancreas body and tail with a sausage-shaped appearance, surrounded by a thick hypodense rim. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography could not identify the tail portion of the pancreas, despite forceful contrast injection. Serology was positive for antinuclear antibody and IgG4 was normal. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided core biopsy of the pancreas was performed. Histologic examination revealed a fibrous connective tissue with inflammatory infiltration. The patient was treated with steroids. In the follow-up images, abnormal findings of pericardial effusion were improved, although an irregular long stricture of the pancreas tail portion remained.
Antibodies, Antinuclear ; Biopsy ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Connective Tissue ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dyspnea ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Middle Aged ; Pancreas ; Pancreatitis* ; Pancreatitis, Chronic ; Pericardial Effusion* ; Steroids

PURPOSE:To evaluate the changes of QT dispersion (QTd) in CAPD patients serially from the period before the initiation of CAPD until several years after CAPD, and to find any associated factors. METHODS:We performed a retrospective cohort study with a total of 101 patients who initiated CAPD between 1990 and 1996. All data were recruited from the patients' medical records before CAPD initiation, within one year after CAPD, and between one and three years after CAPD. RESULTS:QTd and Corrected QTd (QTdc) values after CAPD did not show differences in the paired t-test of those before CAPD and within one year after CAPD. There was a definite correlation between the QTds before CAPD and that within one year after CAPD (r=0.530, p<0.001). In addition, the QTds from within one year after CAPD showed a correlation with those taken from one to three years after CAPD (r=0.487, p=0.019). Upon analysis of all-cause mortality, the change rate of QTd after CAPD initiation was revealed as a predicting factor along with the QTd, QTc max, and QTdc within one year after CAPD (RR=1.055, p=0.005). The change rate also remained a predictor of cardiovascular mortality (RR= 1.088, p=0.007). In a multivariate Cox regression, cardiomegaly and previous cardiovascular disease were revealed to be independent factors for the change rate of QTd. CONCLUSION:QTd in CAPD patients did not change after initiation of CAPD, and the change rate of QTd after CAPD initiation was revealed as a risk factor for both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.
Cardiomegaly ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cohort Studies ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Mortality ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

As a rare complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastroscopy (PEG), a gastrocolocutaneous fistula may occur after PEG placement. This paper reports an interesting case which PEG tube unintentionally penetrated transverse colon during PEG. A 72-year-old female patient who suffered from medullary infarction underwent PEG procedure for enteral nutrition, and fecal materials were observed 6 days after the procedure. Transverse colon located in antero-superior site of stomach was observed through abdominal computed tomography, and also the wrong inserted tube was found through gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Endoscopic treatment for the fistula was performed by the use of hemo-clip and detachable snare, closure of the fistula was finally confirmed 6 days after the endoscopic procedure. Therefore, the gastrocolocutaneous fistula should be considered as one of the complications of PEG when fecal material is observed through PEG tube in a few days after PEG procedure and endoscopic treatment can be feasible in this case.
Aged ; Colon, Transverse ; Colonoscopy ; Enteral Nutrition ; Female ; Fistula ; Gastroscopy ; Gastrostomy ; Humans ; Infarction ; SNARE Proteins ; Stomach