Purpose: To report a case of primary conjunctival and tarsal amyloidosis with blepharoptosis.Case summary: A 73-year-old woman presented with left blepharoptosis and foreign body sensation that worsened over a1-year period prior. She presented with severe blepharoptosis on the left upper lid, with slightly reduced levator function. Duringthe operation, a fragile yellowish-pink mass-lesion was observed, widely involving palpebral conjunctiva and the space betweenthe levator aponeurosis and tarsal plate. While levator resection was withheld, the mass was excised as much as possible andblepharoplasty was performed. After surgery, the blepharoptosis improved slightly, and histopathologic examination revealedamyloid deposits. Because there were no abnormal findings in systemic examinations including blood tests, chest X-rays, andabdominal ultrasonography, the patient was diagnosed as primary conjunctival and tarsal amyloidosis. Conclusions Although local amyloidosis of the conjunctiva and tarsal plate is rare, it should be considered in differential diagnosisof patients with involutional blepharoptosis.

PURPOSE: In the correction of cleft lip, there have been various methods to minimize recurrence of the nasal deformity after primary nasal surgery. After cheiloplasty and primary nasal surgery, we tried to elongate the columella of the cleft side, to stretch the vestibular lining of cleft side, and to elevate the alar cartilage of the cleft side with a molding prong. METHODS: We had fifteen cleft lip patients; 12 unilateral cases(6.3-8.2 months), and 3 bilateral cases(3 -7.5 months). Immediately after primary repair of the cleft lip, the toboggan shaped molding prong was located to deep inside of vestibular web of the cleft side. It was persistently suspended by a silicone tube which was connected to the prong and the frontal scalp. The results were analyzed with Photoshop(R) photogrammetrically for 6-48 months with on average of 20.6 months. We measured the proportion index of columellar length-interalar distance for three times(preoperation, immediate postoperation, and postoperation) on the nasal base views. RESULTS: In unilateral, the index had a significant increase statistically between preoperation(10.73) and immediate postoperation(23.96). It is supposed that columellar length was reconstructed to 105.80% of normal side. But, it was decreased to maintain 87.7% of normal side in postoperation(20.54). The results were similar in bilateral. The linear scars by suture penetrating nose skin were not discernable. CONCLUSION: In summary, placement of the molding prong could elongate the reconstructed columella with some relapse postoperatively.
Cartilage ; Cicatrix ; Cleft Lip* ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Fungi* ; Humans ; Nasal Surgical Procedures ; Nose ; Recurrence ; Scalp ; Silicones ; Skin ; Sutures

PURPOSE: As the traditional treatment of the Wassel's type I or II of bifid thumb, Bilhaut-Cloquet, has always been the standard method despite several disadvantages such as tearing of the finger nail, injuries of the growth plate, joint instability, and long visible scarring. To overcome these drawbacks, we applied a modified Bilhaut-Cloquet Method. METHODS: The subjects used for the this study were 10 of 20 patients evaluated. The patients underwent modified methods under every type of Wassel's classification. We designed a central wedge Zig-Zag incision and removed the nail and bony tissues in the remaining digit, but not soft tissue if possible, and transferred the ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue to the remaining thumb from the extra digit. We evaluated the patients' lack of extension, the total ROM of the MP and IP joints, the ROM of IP joints, and the lateral deviations of the reconstructed thumb. RESULTS: The results were encouraging, with all patients showing a good functional and aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSION: The modified method proved a very effective procedure in the treatment of bifid thumb in all types, especially types I or II.
Cicatrix ; Classification ; Fingers ; Growth Plate ; Humans ; Joint Instability ; Joints ; Ligaments ; Polydactyly ; Tendons ; Thumb*

Posttraumatic arthritis of the fifth carpometacarpal joint occurs as a sequelae of intraarticular comminuted fracture or missed and untreated fracture. If it is inappropriately managed, persistent pain and functional disability of the hand can occur. Arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty, or interposition arthroplasty has been reported as the treatment for the arthritis. However, outcome studies for operative treatment of the fifth carpometacarpal arthritis have been rarely reported. We report a case of the fifth carpometacarpal arthritis occurred after missed fracture, which was successfully treated with fourth, fifth metacarpal base arthrodesis.
Arthritis* ; Arthrodesis* ; Arthroplasty ; Carpometacarpal Joints* ; Fractures, Comminuted ; Hand ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care)

PURPOSE: Partial necrosis of skin flaps remains a substantial problem in reconstructive surgery. We investigated the potential use of an adenovirus vector encoding the VEGF, COMP-angiopoietin-1 gene in an attempt to promote the viability of the inferior epigastric artery flap in a rat model. METHODS: Three by six cm lower abdominal transverse skin flaps, supplied only by the left inferior epigastric artery, were designed. After skin flap elevation, the adenovirus VEGF and adenovirus COMP-angiopoietin-1 were injected into the distal portion of the flap, which has a high tendency of developing flap ischemia. Control animals were injected with the same volume of normal saline. On 3, 7 and 14 days after the flap elevation, the flap survival and vascularization were assessed using Visitrak digital(R), CD31 immunohistochemistry in addition to evaluating the general histological characteristics. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the mean percentage of flap viability by 89.8%, 91.1% and 94.8% in flaps transfected with adenovirus VEGF, COMP- angiopoietin-1, coadministraion of VEGF and COMP- angiopoietin-1 at seven days, and by 95.6%, 94.8% and 96.3% at 14 days. Histological assessment revealed that there were more blood vessels formed after adenovirus with VEGF, COMP-angiopoietin-1 or VEGF plus COMP- angiopoietin-1 than with adenovirus Lac Z. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that adenovirus-mediated VEGF, COMP-angiopoietin-1 gene therapy, promote therapeutic angiogenesis in patients that undergo reconstructive procedures. Key Words:
Adenoviridae ; Angiopoietin-1 ; Animals ; Blood Vessels ; Epigastric Arteries ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ischemia ; Necrosis ; Rats ; Skin ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

PURPOSE: Glomus tumors are neoplasms that are composed of modified smooth muscle cells of the glomus body and multiple glomus tumor comprises 10% of all glomus tumors. We report a case of disseminated multiple glomus tumors. METHODS: A 14-year-old boy presented with multiple subcutaneous purple nodules on the right cheek, back, right arm, right hand dorsum, right fourth finger, and left ankle. Nodules on the back and right fourth finger were completely excised under local anesthesia and histopathologic examination was followed. RESULTS: Histopathologic findings showed numerous dilated, cavernous-like, thin-walled vascular spaces surrounded by one or a few layers of glomus cells. On immunohistochemical examination, glomus cells stain for smooth muscle actin, and endothelial cells stain for CD31. Those revealed multiple glomangiomas. CONCLUSION: A review of Korean literature revealed only one reported case of disseminated multiple glomus tumors, so this is the second case to be reported in the Korean literature. In case of multiple soft tissue tumors, thorough physical examination and preoperative evaluation are needed.
Actins ; Adolescent ; Anesthesia, Local ; Animals ; Ankle ; Arm ; Cheek ; Endothelial Cells ; Fingers ; Glomus Tumor ; Hand ; Humans ; Muscle, Smooth ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Physical Examination

Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli is an inflammatory disease caused by calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in the longus colli tendon of the prevertebral space. It is also known as retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis or prevertebral tendinitis. The typical imaging characteristics of this entity are calcifications on the superior insertion of the longus colli tendons at the C1-2 level and fluid collection in the retropharyngeal space. However, we introduce a case of acute longus colli tendinitis without definite calcification deposition on image findings.
Durapatite ; Tendinopathy* ; Tendons

PURPOSE: Complete septal extension grafts have been widely used in rhinoplasty for effective projection of the short retruded columella in Asian patients. Autologous septal cartilages and porous high-density polyethylene sheets are frequently used as septal extension grafts. This study was conducted to compare the postoperative results of porous polyethylene sheets and septal cartilages used for correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities by using photogrammetric analysis. METHODS: This study investigated a total of 49 patients with cleft lip nasal deformities who underwent corrective surgery, and were followed up for at least 6 months. Septal cartilages were used in 39 patients, and porous polyethylene sheets were used in 10 patients. In all patients, through the open rhinoplasty, complete septal extension grafts were sutured to the caudal margin of the septal cartilage, and the alar cartilage was sutured with suspension. The cleft side alar cartilage was overcorrected by approximately 3 - 5 mm. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by using photogrammetric analysis. Five indices and 4 angles were measured on their photographs taken before and after the surgery. In patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities, symmetry was also evaluated by means of columellar length index. RESULTS: The postoperative values obtained in photogrammetric analysis showed improvements in comparison with the preoperative ones. The polyethylene group produced more improved outcomes than the septal cartilage group but also resulted in more complications at the same time. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicates that complete septal extension grafts are efficient for the correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. However, since postoperative complications occur more frequently in the polyethylene group than in the septal cartilage group, caution is advised in using porous high-density polyethylene sheets in patients with cleft lip nasal deformities.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cartilage ; Cleft Lip ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Humans ; Nasal Cartilages ; Polyethylene ; Postoperative Complications ; Rhinoplasty ; Succinates ; Transplants

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the clinical factors affecting the long-term graft patency of leg arterial bypass for the patients with chronic lower limb arterial occlusion. METHOD: The clinical data of 81 femoro-distal bypasses performed at Yeungnam University Hospital from January 1996 to December 2002 were included for this retrospective study. A Log-Rank test of Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard analysis were performed to identify those main effects that were predictive of graft patency. The patients, 79 males and 2 females, ranged from 37 to 81 years of age, with a mean age of 64. The highest incidence occurred among those in their 60s and 70s. Associated diseases were hypertension in 42 cases (51.8%), diabetes mellitus in 15 (18.8%), cardiac disease in 26 (32.1%) and cerebrovascular disease in 6 (7.4%). A history of smoking was noted in 76.5% of the cases. As for the clinical grades of chronic limb ischemia according to SVS/ISCVS classification, 21 limbs (25.9%) were classified as grade I (category 3), 40 (49.4%) as grade II, and 20 (24.7%) as grade III. The site of distal anastomosis was above the knee popliteal artery in 53 limbs (65.4%), below the knee popliteal artery in 8 (9.9%) and tibial artery in 20 (24.7%). As bypass conduit, autologous vein graft was used in 67 limbs (82.7%) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft in 14 (17.3%). There were no hospital mortalities or major perioperative complications. RESULT: From the univariate analysis of 21 clinical variables (age, sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary arterial disease, congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, malignancy, hypercholesterolemia, clinical grade of chronic limb ischemia by SVS/ISCVS, level of occlusion, preoperative ankle-brachial index, type of graft, site of distal anastomosis, operation time, status of inflow artery, postoperative ankle-brachial index, clinical outcome criteria by SVS/ISCVS, postoperative anticoagulation therapy), 5 factors were identified as being associated with long-term graft patency: preoperative clinical grade (P=0.03), preoperative ankle-brachial index (P=0.00), level of occlusion (P=0.03), type of graft (P=0.00) and clinical outcome criteria (P=0.00). In multivariate analysis, type of graft, PTFE graft (vs. autologous vein graft, P=0.002), and clinical outcome criteria, minimally improved (vs. moderately, and markedly improved, P=0.029), showed a lower graft patency rate. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that autogenous vein is more acceptable for leg arterial bypass and poor early clinical outcome predicts poor long term graft patency rate.
Ankle Brachial Index ; Arteries ; Classification ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Extremities ; Female ; Heart Diseases ; Heart Failure ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Ischemia ; Knee ; Leg ; Lower Extremity ; Lung Diseases ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Polytetrafluoroethylene ; Popliteal Artery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Tibial Arteries ; Transplants* ; Vascular Patency ; Veins

PURPOSE: Nasal bone fractures are often classified as minor injury. However, the incidence of posttraumatic nasal deformity remains alarmingly high. It is because of unnoticed septal fracture. This study was conducted to determine the necessity of septoplasty for patients with nasal bone fracture accompanying grade I septal fractures. METHODS: Among 105 patients with nasal bone fractures, 52 who had grade I septal fracture were diagnosed based on physical examination and computed tomography. Patients' age ranged from 14 to 65 years (mean 29.25 years), and 35 were male and 17 female. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to surgical treatment METHODS: patients who underwent closed reduction only (group 1, n=28) and those who underwent simultaneous closed reduction and septoplasty (group 2, n=24). The treatment outcomes were evaluated by comparing changes in nasal airway volume measured by acoustic rhinometry before the surgery, 3 months and 6 months after the surgery according to the timing of surgical repair and surgical treatment methods. RESULTS: Nasal airway volume increased after the surgery by 17.8% in 3 months after the surgery, 25.2% in 6 months in group 1 and by 22.7% in 3 months, 35.8% in 6 months in group 2. The increase in airway volume after the surgery by 26.3% in 3 months after the surgery, 34.2% in 6 months after the surgery in operation within 1 week after trauma and by 12.1% in 3 months, 22.2% in 6 months after the operation later 1 week after trauma. The difference was statistically significant. Three patients in group 1 complained of intermittent nasal obstruction, two of whom showed a decrease in nasal airway volume by acoustic rhinometry. CONCLUSION: Most patients with nasal bone fractures accompanying grade I septal fractures have been treated with closed reduction in clinical settings. However, the results of this study suggest that septoplasty be performed after a correct diagnosis of septal fracture is made through comprehensive physical examination and computed tomography. Septoplasty is important to obtain more favorable outcomes and reduce complication.
Acoustics ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Nasal Bone ; Nasal Obstruction ; Physical Examination ; Rhinometry, Acoustic