No abstract available.
Sarcoma*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Impairment of inner ear circulation may be one of the pathophysiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Carbogen inhalation therapy, in which patients breathe a gas mixture of 5% CO2 and 95% O2 by mask, and a stellate ganglion block (SGB) are potent vasodilatation and tissue oxygenation procedures widely used as treatment modalities in ISSNHL. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of each modality and to find out the differences in the effectiveness of carbogen inhalation therapy and SGB. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We reviewed the records of 313 patients who were admitted to the Masan Samsung Hospital from January 1995 to December 2000 for investigation of the efficacy of carbogen inhalation therapy and SGB. One hundred and thirty-one patients were treated with carbogen inhalation, SGB and drug medication, and 57 patients without SGB and 125 patients were treated with medication only. RESULTS: Therapeutic results of carbogen inhalation and SGB group was better than that of medication only group. But no statistical differences were found between the carbogen inhalation and SGB group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that carbogen inhalation and SGB were effective treatment modalities of ISSNHL. We recommend that carbogen inhalation therapy and SGB could be utilized as the standard treatment of ISSNHL.
Ear, Inner ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural* ; Humans ; Inhalation* ; Masks ; Oxygen ; Respiratory Therapy ; Stellate Ganglion* ; Vasodilation

Intertrochanteric fractures are common in older age group. Recently better implant design and surgical technique have improved clinical results. But still many patients suffer from high morbidity and mortality, because of accompanying osteoporosis and various senile diseases. From January 1991 to June 1994, we treated 54 patients older than 70 years with intertrochanteric fractures of femur. Among them, 23 patients were followed up at our hospital and the other patients were informed from police station. Lost follow up was ten patients and final follow up were 44 patients. Mortality was analyzed for the detection of causative factors, such as age, sex, associated medical problems. type of fracture, degree of osteoporosis, type of operation, internal between injury and operation and duration of admission. The results were as follows; 1. 26 patients survived and 18 patients died(Mortality rate :40.9%) 2. 10 patients died within 1 year(Mortality rate :22.7%) 3. Mortality was related to associated medical problems, interval between in jury and operation and type of fracture, which were statistically significant(P < 0.05).
Aged ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Mortality ; Osteoporosis ; Police

To investigate the transmission pattern of geographical area and temporal trends of the 2010~2011 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in Korea, and to explore temporal intervals at which spatial clustering of FMD cases space-time analysis based on georeferenced database of 3,575 burial sites, from 30 November 2010 to 23 February 2011, was performed. The cases represent approximately 98.1% of all infected farms (n = 3,644) during the same period. Descriptive maps of spatial patterns of the outbreaks were generated by ArcGIS. Spatial Scan Statistics, using SaTScan software, was applied to investigate geographical clusters of FMD cases across the country. Overall, spatial heterogeneity was identified, and the transmission pattern was different by province. Cattle have more clusters in number but smaller in size, as compared to the swine population. In addition, spatiotemporal analysis and the comparison of clustering patterns between the first 7 days and days 8 to 14 of the outbreak revealed that the strongest spatial clustering was identified at the 7-day interval, although clustering over longer intervals (8~14 days) was also observed. We further discussed the importance of time period elapsed between FMD-suspected notice and the date of confirmation, and emphasized the necessity of region-specific and species-specific control measures.
Animals ; Burial ; Cattle ; Disease Outbreaks ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease ; Geographic Information Systems ; Korea ; Population Characteristics ; Republic of Korea ; Spatial Analysis ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Swine

Thymic carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of the thymic epithelium, distinguished from benign or invasive thymoma by the presence of malignant cytology and a greater incidence of local invasion and embolic metastases. The true incidence of this neoplasm is unknown. Nearly three fourth of their patients had symptoms of an anterior mediastinal mass, including cough, chest pain, and superior vena cava syndrome. These patients rarely have myasthenia gravis or other thymoma-associated paraneoplastic syndromes. The treatment of thymic carcinoma remains a controversial matter. We report eight cases of thymic carcinoma treated in our institution from 1990 to 1997.
Chest Pain ; Cough ; Epithelium ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mediastinum ; Myasthenia Gravis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Paraneoplastic Syndromes ; Superior Vena Cava Syndrome ; Thymoma*

Purpose: This study examined the factors affecting valgus deformities after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures. Materials and Methods: Patients with lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures treated with ARIF were assessed retrospectively. The radiological evaluations included the articular depression distance (ADD) and the lateral plateau widening distance (LPWD) on preoperative and postoperative computed tomography. A postoperative valgus deformity was defined as valgus malalignment (mechanical axis ≥3°) and valgus deviation (Δmechanical axis of the operated knee from the healthy knee of ≥5°). Subgroup analyses based on a postoperative valgus deformity were performed to compare the clinical outcomes, including the range of motion, patient-reported outcomes measures, and failure and osteoarthritis progression. Furthermore, factors affecting the postoperative mechanical and Δmechanical axes were assessed. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included with a mean follow-up of 44.6 months (range, 24-106 months). Valgus malalignment and valgus deviation were observed after ARIF in 10 patients (25.6%) and five patients (12.8%), respectively. The clinical outcomes were similar in patients with and without a postoperative valgus deformity. On the other hand, lateral compartment osteoarthritis progression was significantly higher in the valgus deformity group than in the non-valgus deformity group (valgus malalignment group: 50.0% vs 6.9%, p=0.007; valgus deviation group: 60.0% vs 11.8%, p=0.032).One patient with valgus deformity underwent realignment surgery at postoperative five years. The preoperative ADD and postoperative LPWD were significantly associated with the postoperative mechanical (both, p<0.001) and Δmechanical (ADD, p=0.001; LPWD, p=0.025) axes. Moreover, the lateral meniscectomized status during ARIF was significantly associated with the Δmechanical axis (p=0.019). Conclusion Osteoarthritis progression was highly prevalent in patients with postoperative valgus deformity. Thus, the restoration of lateral plateau widening and articular depression and preservation of the meniscus are necessary to prevent a valgus deformity after ARIF in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures.

Purpose: This study examined the factors affecting valgus deformities after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures. Materials and Methods: Patients with lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures treated with ARIF were assessed retrospectively. The radiological evaluations included the articular depression distance (ADD) and the lateral plateau widening distance (LPWD) on preoperative and postoperative computed tomography. A postoperative valgus deformity was defined as valgus malalignment (mechanical axis ≥3°) and valgus deviation (Δmechanical axis of the operated knee from the healthy knee of ≥5°). Subgroup analyses based on a postoperative valgus deformity were performed to compare the clinical outcomes, including the range of motion, patient-reported outcomes measures, and failure and osteoarthritis progression. Furthermore, factors affecting the postoperative mechanical and Δmechanical axes were assessed. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included with a mean follow-up of 44.6 months (range, 24-106 months). Valgus malalignment and valgus deviation were observed after ARIF in 10 patients (25.6%) and five patients (12.8%), respectively. The clinical outcomes were similar in patients with and without a postoperative valgus deformity. On the other hand, lateral compartment osteoarthritis progression was significantly higher in the valgus deformity group than in the non-valgus deformity group (valgus malalignment group: 50.0% vs 6.9%, p=0.007; valgus deviation group: 60.0% vs 11.8%, p=0.032).One patient with valgus deformity underwent realignment surgery at postoperative five years. The preoperative ADD and postoperative LPWD were significantly associated with the postoperative mechanical (both, p<0.001) and Δmechanical (ADD, p=0.001; LPWD, p=0.025) axes. Moreover, the lateral meniscectomized status during ARIF was significantly associated with the Δmechanical axis (p=0.019). Conclusion Osteoarthritis progression was highly prevalent in patients with postoperative valgus deformity. Thus, the restoration of lateral plateau widening and articular depression and preservation of the meniscus are necessary to prevent a valgus deformity after ARIF in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures.

Purpose: This study examined the factors affecting valgus deformities after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures. Materials and Methods: Patients with lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures treated with ARIF were assessed retrospectively. The radiological evaluations included the articular depression distance (ADD) and the lateral plateau widening distance (LPWD) on preoperative and postoperative computed tomography. A postoperative valgus deformity was defined as valgus malalignment (mechanical axis ≥3°) and valgus deviation (Δmechanical axis of the operated knee from the healthy knee of ≥5°). Subgroup analyses based on a postoperative valgus deformity were performed to compare the clinical outcomes, including the range of motion, patient-reported outcomes measures, and failure and osteoarthritis progression. Furthermore, factors affecting the postoperative mechanical and Δmechanical axes were assessed. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included with a mean follow-up of 44.6 months (range, 24-106 months). Valgus malalignment and valgus deviation were observed after ARIF in 10 patients (25.6%) and five patients (12.8%), respectively. The clinical outcomes were similar in patients with and without a postoperative valgus deformity. On the other hand, lateral compartment osteoarthritis progression was significantly higher in the valgus deformity group than in the non-valgus deformity group (valgus malalignment group: 50.0% vs 6.9%, p=0.007; valgus deviation group: 60.0% vs 11.8%, p=0.032).One patient with valgus deformity underwent realignment surgery at postoperative five years. The preoperative ADD and postoperative LPWD were significantly associated with the postoperative mechanical (both, p<0.001) and Δmechanical (ADD, p=0.001; LPWD, p=0.025) axes. Moreover, the lateral meniscectomized status during ARIF was significantly associated with the Δmechanical axis (p=0.019). Conclusion Osteoarthritis progression was highly prevalent in patients with postoperative valgus deformity. Thus, the restoration of lateral plateau widening and articular depression and preservation of the meniscus are necessary to prevent a valgus deformity after ARIF in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures.

Purpose: This study examined the factors affecting valgus deformities after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures. Materials and Methods: Patients with lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures treated with ARIF were assessed retrospectively. The radiological evaluations included the articular depression distance (ADD) and the lateral plateau widening distance (LPWD) on preoperative and postoperative computed tomography. A postoperative valgus deformity was defined as valgus malalignment (mechanical axis ≥3°) and valgus deviation (Δmechanical axis of the operated knee from the healthy knee of ≥5°). Subgroup analyses based on a postoperative valgus deformity were performed to compare the clinical outcomes, including the range of motion, patient-reported outcomes measures, and failure and osteoarthritis progression. Furthermore, factors affecting the postoperative mechanical and Δmechanical axes were assessed. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included with a mean follow-up of 44.6 months (range, 24-106 months). Valgus malalignment and valgus deviation were observed after ARIF in 10 patients (25.6%) and five patients (12.8%), respectively. The clinical outcomes were similar in patients with and without a postoperative valgus deformity. On the other hand, lateral compartment osteoarthritis progression was significantly higher in the valgus deformity group than in the non-valgus deformity group (valgus malalignment group: 50.0% vs 6.9%, p=0.007; valgus deviation group: 60.0% vs 11.8%, p=0.032).One patient with valgus deformity underwent realignment surgery at postoperative five years. The preoperative ADD and postoperative LPWD were significantly associated with the postoperative mechanical (both, p<0.001) and Δmechanical (ADD, p=0.001; LPWD, p=0.025) axes. Moreover, the lateral meniscectomized status during ARIF was significantly associated with the Δmechanical axis (p=0.019). Conclusion Osteoarthritis progression was highly prevalent in patients with postoperative valgus deformity. Thus, the restoration of lateral plateau widening and articular depression and preservation of the meniscus are necessary to prevent a valgus deformity after ARIF in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures.

BACKGROUND:The number of old patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) is increasing. With the more recent advances in operative techniques, the age at which CABG is indicated has also increased. This study evaluated the risk factors associated with the hospital mortality and the morbidity following CABG in elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between March 1991 and June 1998, we retrospectively reviewed 45 consecutive patients aged 65 years or older who underwent CABG. We compared the data with the results of 179 patients under the age 65 years operated during the same period. RESULT: Mean age was 68+/-1.41 years(range 65 to 74 years). Emergency surgery was required in 4, and elective surgery in 41 patients. The mean number of distal anastomosis per patient was 3.62 +/-0.81 and mean aortic cross-cramp time was 69.84+/-18.5 minutes. Thirty patients had Canadian class III or IV preoperatively, but 43 patients had class I or II postoperatively. The left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly from 54.23+/-10.62% preoperatively to 58.14+/-9.88% postoperatively(p<0.05). Postoperative complication was pneumonia in 2 patients, acute renal failure in 2 patients, sternal wound infection in 1 patient, and postoperative myocardial infarction in 1 patient. There were two postoperative deaths. The causes of deaths were low output syndrome in one patient, and sepsis due to pneumonia in the other patient. The hospital mortality was higher in the elderly group(4.4 versus 2.86%) but was not statistically significant(p>.05). Incremental risk factors for hospital deaths in the elderly were emergent operation, preoperative PTCA, postoperative use of IABP and postoperative ARF(p<0.05). The duration of hospital stay after operation was significantly longer for the elderly group than the younger group(19.27+/-12.51 vs 15.55+/-6.99 days; p<0.05). Follow-up was complete for 34 of the hospital survivors and ranged from 1 to 73 months(mean: 23.58+/-19.56 months). There was no late mortality of cardiac origin. CONCLUSION: Age is an important factor in selecting optimal management for elderly patients with coronary compromise, but age alone should not dictate the choice of therapy. Coronary artery bypass surgery in the elderly is associated with acceptable early mortality and excellent long-term results.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Age Factors ; Aged* ; Cause of Death ; Coronary Artery Bypass* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Emergencies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Pneumonia ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sepsis ; Stroke Volume ; Survivors ; Wound Infection