No abstract available.
Cisterna Magna*

PURPOSE: For the early diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP) presenting with acute abdominal pain preceding skin rash. METHODS: The clinical, endoscopic and radiological records of 23 cases of HSP, presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms preceding skin rash were reviewed. RESULTS: The intervals from the onset of abdominal pain to the development of the skin rash were one day to 30 days(median five days), most of them were within two weeks. The presenting abdominal symptoms were abdominal pain(23 cases), vomiting(16 cases), hematochezia or melena(eight cases) and hematemesis(three cases). The abnormal endoscopic findings include coalescing erythematous lesions, areas of submucosal hemorrhage and superficial erosions and ulcers. The upper gastro intestinal endoscopy showed the abnormalities in 21 of 23 cases, which were observed in the duodenum(21 cases), the stomach(12 cases) and the esophagus(one case). Duodenitis with hemorrhage and/or erosions in the descending duodenum was the sole endoscopic abnormality in two cases and was the most marked finding in three cases. Sigmoidoscopy showed the abnormalities in six of eight cases. The abdominal ultrasonogram showed abnormalities in 12 of 17 cases, which included small bowel wall thickening(eight cases) and intramural hemorrhage(three cases). Recurrences after three months of symptom free intervals developed in four cases; three of them had persistent nephritis beyond one year. CONCLUSION: The erosive hemorrhagic duodenitis in the descending duodenum in the upper endoscopy and the small bowel wall thickening in the abdominal ultrasonogram can be useful findings in the diagnosis of HSP presenting with acute abdomen.
Abdomen, Acute ; Abdominal Pain* ; Diagnosis ; Duodenitis ; Duodenum ; Early Diagnosis ; Endoscopy ; Exanthema* ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhage ; Nephritis ; Purpura* ; Recurrence ; Sigmoidoscopy ; Skin* ; Ulcer ; Ultrasonography

Duplications of the stomach account for only 3.8% of gastrointestinal duplication, mainly discovered during first year of life. Etiopathogenesis is unknown. The most widely accepted theory is recannalization with fusion of longitudinal epithelial fold. The most frequent presented symptoms and signs include gastric outlet obstruction with vomiting, and palpable mass in the epigatric area. An upper gatrointestinal series usually reveals evidence of extrinsic mass effect of intramural lesion. An abdominal ultrasonographic finding is cystic mass lesion with double layer. Histologically, the wall of intramural cyst is composed of orderly layers of alimentary mucosa, submucosa, and muscle fibers. Recommended management is complete excision & simple closure of duplication without violation of the gastric lumen. In this case, 3-day old male newborn suffered from symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction, multiple gastric duplication cysts were found in pyloric canal and greater curvature. The cystic wall was composed with typical 3 layers of gastric mucosa, submucosa, and muscle fibers. The cystic wall was composed with typical 3 layers of gastric mucosa, submucosa, and muscle fibers. Surgical excision was successfully done.
Gastric Mucosa ; Gastric Outlet Obstruction ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Male ; Mucous Membrane ; Stomach ; Vomiting

PURPOSE: We created an 'AAPM TG18 Evaluation Tool' and we determined its usefulness for the quality control of a diagnostic monitor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We created an evaluation tool (the AAPM TG18) for conducting quality control of a diagnostic monitor, and we evaluated the measurement items of the AAPM TG18 evaluation tool. The measurement items were geometric distortion, fixed quantity assessment and visual assessment of the veiling glare, and we carried out adjustment for the luminance meter 0% calibration, which was used to revise the diagnostic monitor DICOM LUT. RESULTS: With the AAPM TG18 Evaluation Tool, we measured the 2-dimensional length when evaluating the quantitative geometric distortions in the TG18-QC test pattern, and we measured the veiling-glare ring response function, which provided information regarding the spatial extent of the luminance spread, and this measurement of the can be performed using the TG18-GV pattern. Additionally, the AAPM TG18 Evaluation Tool can be used for sensor calibration to standardize the basic rate of 0% luminance when performing periodic calibration. CONCLUSION: The evaluation tool is a very useful for easily evaluating many of the examination items of the AAPM TG18 for performing quality control of a diagnostic monitor.
Calibration ; Computer Terminals ; Glare ; Organothiophosphorus Compounds ; Quality Control ; Radiology Information Systems ; Total Quality Management

PURPOSE: This paper is to evaluate radiological features of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, correlated with clinical and pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients consisted of 2 men and 3 women, aged 23-51 years old (average 41). Diagnosis was based on the presence of suggestive clinical and radiological findings (chest radiography, high resolutional CT, gallium scintigraphy), and lung biopsy showing characteristic histological features. RESULTS: All patients complained of exertional dyspnea and three patients experienced coughing. On the pulmonary function test, four patients revealed restrictive pattern and one patient was normal. Results of bronchoalveolar lavage, available in four patients, revealed lymphocytosis in three patients and normal finding in one patient. Chest radiographs showed ground glass opacity or diffuse nodular densities. On the HRCT, diffuse nodular opacity and ground glass opacity were seen in variable features. All 4 patients had diffuse increased uptake on the gallium scan. On lung biopsy, a combination of histologic findings showed cellular bronchiolitis, diffuse interstitial infiltrates and non-necrotizing granulomas, consistent with diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. CONCLUSION: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis could be diagnosed with these radiological, clinical and pathological findings.
Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic* ; Biopsy ; Bronchiolitis ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage ; Cough ; Diagnosis ; Dyspnea ; Female ; Gallium ; Glass ; Granuloma ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Lung ; Lymphocytosis ; Male ; Radiography ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Respiratory Function Tests

PURPOSE: The purpose is to evaluate the CT or MRI findings to help in the differentiation between benign and malignant meningiomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The CT and MRI findings of 8 patients with surgically proven malignant meningioma were reviewed. Four cases of 8 malignant meningiomas and 18 cases of 27 benign lesions were studied with a 1.5T or 0.5T MRI. Radiologic analysis was focused on the heterogeneity of tumor, grade of peritumoral edema, presence of cystic degeneration and calcification, tumoral enhancement pattern, dural enhancement, and tumoral border. RESULT: Histologic types of malignant meningioma were meningotheliomatous (n=4), papillary(n=1), fibroblastic(n=l), angioblastic(n=l), and sarcomatous(n=l). Tumoral Heterogeneity was seen in 8 of 8 malignant lesions(100%) and 8 of 27 benign ones(30%). (p<0.01) Marked peritumoral edema was seen in 8 of 8 malignant lesions(100%) and 2 of 27 benign ones. (7.3%)(p<0.01) Most of malignant lesions(6 of 8 cases, 75%) showed ill defined border. Calcification was not present in malignant lesions in contrast with benign ones (14 of 27 cases, 52%). (p<0.05) No statistical significance was noted in cystic degeneration, dural tail like enhancement or tumoral enhancement pattern between malignant and benign meningiomas. MRI signal intensity of malignant meningiomas was homogeneously or heterogeneously hypointense on T1WI, heterogeneously isointense or hypointense on T2WI and heterogeneous or mixed on Gd-DTPA enhancement study. CONCLUSION: The CT or MRI findings such as heterogeneity, ill defined tumoral border, marked peritumoral edema, and absence of calcification may suggest the possibility of malignancy in meningioma.
Edema ; Gadolinium DTPA ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Meningioma* ; Population Characteristics

The purpose of this study has been performed to investigate the possibility of external audit program using thermoluminescence dosimetry for electron beam in korea. The TLD system consists of LiF powder, type TLD-700 read with a PCL 3 reader. In order to determine a calibration coefficient of the TLD system, the reference dosimeters are irradiated to 2 Gy in a (60)Co beam at the KFDA The irradiation is performed under reference conditions is water phantom using the IAEA standard holder for TLD of electron beam. The energy correction factor is determined for LiF powder irradiated of dose to water 2 Gy in electron beams of 6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV (Varian CL 2100C). The dose is determined according to the IAEA TRS-398 and by measurement with a PTW Roos type plane-parallel chamber. The TLD for each electron energy are positioned in water at reference depth. In this study, to verify of the accuracy of dose determination by the TLD system are performed through a 'blind' TLD irradiation. The results of blind test are 2.98%, 3.39% and 0.01% (1sigma) at 9, 16, 20 MeV, respectively. The value generally agrees within the acceptance level of 5% for electron beam. The results of this study prove the possibility of the TLD quality assurance program for electron beams. It has contributed to the improvement of clinical electron dosimetry in radiotherapy centers.
Calibration ; Fibrinogen ; Korea ; Radiotherapy ; Water

High selectivity provided by biomolecules such as antibodies and enzymes has been exploited during the last two decades for development of biosensors. Of particular importance are efficient immobilization methods for biomolecules in order to preserve their biological activities. In this study, we have evaluated immobilization strategies for an anti-DNA antibody on a self-assembled monolayer of omega-functionalized thiols. The antibody was immobilized via peptide bond formation between the primary amines in the antibody and the carboxyl groups on the self-assembled monolayer. The peptide bond coupling was achieved by activating COOH groups on the surface through N-Hydroxysuccimide (NHS)-ester formation, followed by acylation of NH2 group in the antibody. DNA binding activity of the immobilized antibody was examined by counting beta emission from 35S-labeled DNA.
Antibodies, Antinuclear* ; DNA/immunology ; DNA/analysis* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry ; Gold ; Membranes, Artificial ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polyvinyls/chemistry ; Radioimmunoassay/methods* ; Thioctic Acid/chemistry

BACKGROUND: In the life cycle, bone mineral density (BMD) is the most optimal condition in the 20s. In Korea, vitamin D deficiency status is very serious in Korean women due to recent lack of activity, weight polarization, and inadequate nutritional intake. The purpose of this study was to compare serum vitamin D and BMD according to obesity status in Korean young adult women. METHODS: A total of 143 female college students participated in the research. Body fat and lean body status were analyzed using a body composition analyzer. Nutrient intakes of the subjects were assessed by 3-days food record method. The BMDs was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The subjects were divided into normal weight group and obesity group on their body mass index. RESULTS: Obesity group showed significantly higher weight, body fat (%), and body fat (kg) than normal weight group and T-scores of lumbar-2 spines were significantly lower. Obesity group showed high triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and vitamin D levels were significantly lower. Physical fitness and activity status showed that sit and reach and sit up were significantly lower in obesity group. The intake of carbohydrates was higher in the obesity group than in the normal weight group, and the intake of vitamin C and vitamin D was significantly lower. Factors affecting serum vitamin D were analyzed as body fat (%), lumbar-2 T-score, triglyceride, and carbohydrate intake. CONCLUSIONS: Obese women need more effort to manage their serum vitamin D status and balanced nutrition to prevent bone loss.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Adipose Tissue ; Ascorbic Acid ; Body Composition ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Bone Density ; Carbohydrates ; Cholesterol ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Cycle Stages ; Lipoproteins ; Methods ; Nutritional Status ; Obesity ; Physical Fitness ; Spine ; Triglycerides ; Vitamin D Deficiency ; Vitamin D ; Vitamins ; Young Adult

pose:Growth delay in asthmatic children has been reported, but the causes are unclear. In this study, we analyzed growth status in children with mild asthma and measured serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 to evaluate the relationship between the growth status and growth factors. We also evaluated the difference in the relationship of height standard deviation score (HTSDS) according to weight standard deviation score (WTSDS) between children with asthma and controls. METHODS:58 children between the age of 9 months and 12 years, who visited Konkuk University Hospital between July 2002 to June 2003, with wheeze and responded to bronchodilators were enrolled as asthma group. 59 children between the age of 6 months and 14 years without any medical problem were enrolled as controls. Height and weight were measured for both groups and their standard deviation scores were calculated respectively. Blood samples were collected for serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 levels and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio were calculated from those values. The relationships between each growth status and growth factors were analyzed. RESULTS:The HTSDS and WTSDS were 0.17+/-.00, 0.38+/-.23 respectively for the asthma group; the HTSDS and WTSDS were 0.05+/-.95, 0.08+/-.06 respectively for the controls. IGF-I was 169.6+/-0.7 ng/mL, IGFBP-3 was 2146.0+/-36.5 ng/mL, and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio was 0.08+/-.03 for the asthma group; IGF-I was 422.6+/-70.3 ng/mL, IGFBP-3 was 3409.6+/-61.1 ng/mL, and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio was 0.12+/-.05 for the controls. In both groups, the concentration of IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and IGF-I/ IGFBP-3 ratio showed significant correlation with the age (P<0.01). In both groups, the correlation coefficient for WTSDS and HTSDS were 0.39 and 0.64, which were statistically significant. In the asthma group, the height gain was significantly smaller than the weight gain compared with controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that in children with mild asthma the increment in HTSDS according to WTSDS is less than that of controls.
Asthma* ; Bronchodilator Agents ; Carrier Proteins ; Child* ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3* ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I* ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Weight Gain