No Abstract Available.
Keratitis* ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*

Thyroid hemiagenesis is a development failure of one of the thyroid lobes, predominantly in females with a left lobe. The associated disease in the remaining thyroid lobe include benign adenoma, multinodular goiter, hyperthyroidism, chronic thyroiditis, and carcinoma etc. We report a very rare case of thyroid hemiagesesis with hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and ectopic thymus. A 43-year-old female presented with hyperthyoidism and thyroid nodule. Thyroid scan with 99mTcO4 revealed cold nodule in left lobe with absent right lobe. The patient underwent thyroid exploration. Because nodule in the remaining thyroid lobe proved to be a thyroid cancer on frozen biopsy, total thyroidectomy was performed. There was a thyroid-like tissue at the right side (scan 'absent' side) and removed. Pathology confirmed that the removed tissue from right side was thymus. There has been no report in world literatures of such case; in one patient, thyroid hemiagenesis, hyperthyroidism, thyroid carcinoma, and ectopic thymus coexists. We report the case and review the literature on thyroid hemiagenesis and ectopic thymus.
Adenoma ; Adult ; Biopsy ; Female ; Goiter ; Humans ; Hyperthyroidism* ; Pathology ; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m ; Thymus Gland* ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroid Nodule ; Thyroidectomy ; Thyroiditis

PURPOSE: Piccolo et al. advocated the usefulness of Tc-99m-MDP breast scan in differential diagnosis of breast mass with high accuracy. But there are little or no follow-up studies about it as we know. We studied Tc-99m-MDP uptake pattern and lesions/background ratio in patients complaining palpable breast lesions to evaluate the clinical usefulness of Tc-99m-MDP scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 34 patients were studied with physical examination, mammogram and Tc-99m-MDP scan prospectively. Anteroposterior and both lateral view of breast were obtained 5 minutes after iv injection of 740 MBq Tc-99m-MDP. Breast uptake pattern of Tc-99m-MDP was analyzed by a grade system: 0=no uptake, grade 1=bilateral diffuse uptake, grade 2=asymmetric faint uptake, grade 3=focal hot uptake. 20 cases were pathologically confirmed by excision biopsy or aspiration biopsy. 14 cases were normal in physical examination and mammo-grain. RESULTS: Pathologic results showed 7 carcinomas, 6 benign solid tumors, and 7 fibrocystic changes. Grade 3 pattern of Tc-99m-MDP uptake was noted in 4/7 carcinomas, 3/6 benign solid tumors, and 1/7 fibrocystic changes. Grade 2 pattern was 2/7, 0/7, 3/7 respectively. The average L/B ratio was 1.66 in carcinomas, 1.68 in benign solid masses, 1.20 in fibrocystic diseases, 1.05 in normal patients. L/B ratio was higher in carcinoma and benign mass groups than in fibrocystic change and normal control groups(p=0.005). But there was no statistical difference between L/B ratio of malignant mass group and benign mass group. CONCLUSION: Tc-99m-MDP scan is not suitable to routine clinical use for breast mass diagnosis. It might be used in limited conditions when whole body bone scan is planned.
Biopsy ; Biopsy, Needle ; Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mammography ; Physical Examination ; Prospective Studies ; Technetium Tc 99m Medronate*

PURPOSE: Actinomycosis is still a relatively rare infection, characterized by multiple abscesses, draining sinuses and the appearance of sulfur granules, which are valuable in aiding the diagnosing the discharge of involved tissues. In most instances, the onset of an abdominal disease is preceded by inflammatory or a traumatic incident resulting in the perforation of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Intensive and prolonged antimicrobial therapy, and wide surgical excision of involved tissues are the two general principles of therapy. METHODS: We experienced 8 cases of abdominal actinomycosis after a laparotomy between March 1997 and February 2002. RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1) There was a 1: 1 male to female ratio of abdominal actinomycosis, and a mean age of 47 years. 2) The clinical features were different for each involved organ, -but, most of the clinical symptoms were nonspecific to suspect actinomycosis. 3) The frequently involved organs were mainly located lower abdomen, such as the appendix and cecum, sigmoid colon and small bowel. 4) In 60% of the patients, the predisposing factors were identifiable, these being: a previous abdominal operation, IUD and abdominal injury. 5) The preoperative diagnoses included: acute appendicitis, and periappendiceal and intra-abdominal abscesses. The pre-exploratory diagnoses were made by ultrasound and abdominal CT. 6) Explorations were performed in all patients, depending on their diagnosis, to afford the proper surgical treatment and correct diagnosis. After the operation, all the patients were treated with oral antibiotics for long period. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that pre-exploratory cytological or culture studies, with careful history taking, for low abdominal tumors or abscesses may increase the rate of correct diagnosis, as could proper explorations.
Abdomen ; Abdominal Abscess ; Abdominal Injuries ; Abscess ; Actinomycosis* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Appendicitis ; Appendix ; Causality ; Cecum ; Colon, Sigmoid ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Laparotomy ; Male ; Mucous Membrane ; Sulfur ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of annulus fibrosus repair (AR) using a novel technique with a conventional implant. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present the feasibility and clinico-radiological outcomes of a novel AR technique using a conventional implant to minimize recurrence following a lumbar discectomy (LD). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Conventional repair techniques to prevent recurrence following LD have several drawbacks. The AR surgical technique has received little attention as an adjunct to LD. METHODS: A total of 19 patients who underwent novel AR following LD, and who were available for follow-up for at least three years, were enrolled in this study. Several variables, including the type and size of disc herniation, and the degree of disc degeneration, were evaluated preoperatively. Postoperatively, the presence of clinical and radiological recurrence of disc herniation was evaluated from pain intensity and functional statuses, as well as an enhanced L-spine magnetic resonance imaging at the final follow-up. The presence of a peripheral hollow rim and inserted anchor mobilization were also evaluated during the follow-up. RESULTS: During follow-ups, there were no recurrences of disc herniation or complications, including neurovascular complications. Pain and functional disability improved significantly after surgery, and the improvement was maintained throughout the three-year follow-up period. No mobilization or implant peripheral hollow rim was observed during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study examined the feasibility of a novel and easily available annulus implant technique following LD. These results suggest performing AR with this technique may be a valuable alternative for optimizing outcomes, if the procedure is performed in proper candidates.
Diskectomy* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

We performed this study to show that it is possible to identify underlying causes of de ath not identif ied by issued death certificates by mapping and adding information from National Database(DB) such as health insurance DB or KUHDDS(Korea Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Sets) with death certificates. We collected 2,986 death certificates issued at Cheonan, Asan provinces and 458 death certificates issued at 3 general hospitals at Chenoan city. Mapping of death certificate data with health insurance DB was possible in 77.4%(Cheonan, Asan provinces) and 87.3%(3 general hospitals at Cheonan city) of cases. Rate of underlying causes of death identified from records on death certificates before mapping was 64.4% and 68.3% each. After mapping and adding information from health insurance DB, the rate increased to 79.8% and 79.2% each. This work was done by skilled medical record officers. We also selected death certificates which recorded the causes of deaths as old age, cardiopulmonary arrest, or nonspecific symptoms. The possibility was shown that old age, ca rdiopulmonary a rrest, and nonspecific symptoms can be corrected by information from mapped health insurance DB and KUHDDS. With these results, we discussed some cause of incorrect recording practices. And we suggested simple but practical method to improve the correctness of death certificates; there is a possibility that comparing death certificates with KUHDDS before it is issued, where available, can improve the quality of death certificate.
Cause of Death* ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Death Certificates* ; Heart Arrest* ; Hospitals, General ; Insurance, Health ; Medical Records

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation and limbal-conjunctival autograft for patients with recurrent pterygium or pseudopterygium, the results of 15 eyes of 14 patients were analyzed. METHODS: Total 10 cases of recurrent pterygium and 5 cases of pseudopterygium were surgically managed during June 1998 to July 2000. After excision of pterygium, amniotic membrane was attached on the bare sclera and limbal-conjunctival autograft was transplanted over the amniotic membrane. Mean follow-up period was 47.2 week and all patients were examined for recurrence, which was graded from G0(no vessel) to G3(fibrotic tissue invading the limbus). RESULTS: 12 out of 15 cases(rate 80%) showed no recurrence(grade 0). 1 case of grade 2 recurrence and 2 cases of grade 3(total 3 cases) were observed(rate 20%). Reoperation was performed on 2 cases of grade 3 recurrence. There was no further recurrence necessitating additional reoperation. 1 case of limbal graft was detached and removed. The operation time of this more prolonged than the other procedures, but there were no significant complications. CONCLUSION: Amniotic membrane and limbal-conjunctival autograft for patients with recurrent pterygium or pseudopterygium reconstructed complete ocular surface with less recurrence. Therefore, we recommend this surgical approach as a safe and effective method for the treatment of complicated cases of pterygium.
Amnion* ; Autografts* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Pterygium* ; Recurrence ; Reoperation ; Sclera ; Transplants

This is to report a case of immediate reconstruction after hemimandibulectomy by using of bicorticocancellous block bone harvested from the iliac crest in the case of an ameloblastomaon the mandible. Because the lesion involved condylar area, it was reconstructed with titanium artificial condyle attached to A/O metal plate. Three weeks after the operation, infection developed with suppuration and was well treated with adequate antibiotic therapy and drainage. The patient has been followed up over a four-year period and taken an orthopantomogram every three or six month for the examination of mandibular movement, the potentiality of recurrence and the remodeling of the grafted bone. At present, the patient is satisfied with her appearence and has a normal occlusion with proper masticatory function, and there is no sign of recurrence.
Ameloblastoma* ; Drainage ; Humans ; Mandible ; Mandibular Osteotomy ; Recurrence ; Suppuration ; Titanium ; Transplants*

The clinical signs of acquired hypothyroidism are usually manifested insidiously over several months to years. The incidence increases after 6 years of age and peaks at 11 to 18 years of age. The clinical symptoms and signs are fatigue, constipation, decreased growth velocity and delayed bone age, compromised intellectual performance, obesity, myxedema, hyperlipidemia, peripheral neuropathy and delayed or precocious puberty. Two children were referred to our hospital for the evaluation of severe obesity and short stature. During the evaluation we found they also had hyperlipidemia, cardiomegaly with or without pericardial effusion. Thyroid function test revealed decreased serum thyroid hormone levels with positive anti- microsome and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies consistent with long-standing acquired hypothyroidism. After the supplement of L-thyroxine, both of them showed rapid improvement of above symptoms, except for the incomplete catch-up growth. We herein report two cases of acquired hypothyroidism with severe obesity, short stature, hyperlipidemia and cardiomegaly with review of literatures.
Antibodies ; Cardiomegaly* ; Child ; Constipation ; Fatigue ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypothyroidism* ; Incidence ; Microsomes ; Myxedema ; Obesity ; Obesity, Morbid* ; Pericardial Effusion ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Puberty, Precocious ; Thyroid Function Tests ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroxine

The clinical signs of acquired hypothyroidism are usually manifested insidiously over several months to years. The incidence increases after 6 years of age and peaks at 11 to 18 years of age. The clinical symptoms and signs are fatigue, constipation, decreased growth velocity and delayed bone age, compromised intellectual performance, obesity, myxedema, hyperlipidemia, peripheral neuropathy and delayed or precocious puberty. Two children were referred to our hospital for the evaluation of severe obesity and short stature. During the evaluation we found they also had hyperlipidemia, cardiomegaly with or without pericardial effusion. Thyroid function test revealed decreased serum thyroid hormone levels with positive anti- microsome and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies consistent with long-standing acquired hypothyroidism. After the supplement of L-thyroxine, both of them showed rapid improvement of above symptoms, except for the incomplete catch-up growth. We herein report two cases of acquired hypothyroidism with severe obesity, short stature, hyperlipidemia and cardiomegaly with review of literatures.
Antibodies ; Cardiomegaly* ; Child ; Constipation ; Fatigue ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypothyroidism* ; Incidence ; Microsomes ; Myxedema ; Obesity ; Obesity, Morbid* ; Pericardial Effusion ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Puberty, Precocious ; Thyroid Function Tests ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroxine