PURPOSE:The primary biliary carcinoma is usually unresectable at presentation, because of early lymphatic spread. To determine the incidence and the spread pattern of lymph node metastases according to the location of the primary tumor, we analyzed the CT scans of the patients with primary biliary adenocarcinome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the CT scans of 92 patients with pathologically proven primary biliary adenocarcinoma, including 45 peripheral cholangiocarcinomas, 22 hilar cholangiocarcinomas, 18 gallbladder carcinomas, and 7 common bile duct carcinomas. Positive adenopathy was diagnosed when the node exceeded 10 mm in short axis. RESULTS:The overall incidence of nodal metastases was 59.8 % (55/92); 66.7 % in peripheral cholangiocarcinoma, 54.5 % in hilar cholangiocarcinoma, 55.6 % in gallbladder carcinoma, and 42.9 % in common bile duct carcinoma. The most commonly involved nodal group was the lesser omentum, followed by the celiac, periaortic, and peripancreatic group. The phrenic node group was only involved in the cases with the peripheral or hilar cholangiocarci nome. CONCLUSION:The primary biliary carcinoma has a high incidence of lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis, and shows different nodal spread pattern according to the location of the primary tumor. Involvement of the phrenic node was limited to the peripheral and hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Biliary Tract* ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; Common Bile Duct ; Diagnosis ; Gallbladder ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymph Nodes* ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Omentum ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: Type I endoleak is known to be associated with sac enlargement and occasional rupture, therefore, the treatment of type I endoleak is recommended at the time of diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify the significance of early type I endoleak found on completion angiography. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2012, a total of 86 patients underwent endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and 10 patients (11.6%) were diagnosed with type Ia endoleak on completion angiography. Clinical and radiologic data were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, two underwent EVAR with custom-made stent-grafts in the initial stage and both of them needed immediate treatment: one case involved open repair while the other involved insertion of an additional stent-graft. In 8 patients, the amount of leakage decreased after repeated balloon molding. They were managed conservatively and followed up with computed tomography angiography within 2 weeks after EVAR. In 7 of the 8 cases, type Ia endoleaks disappeared. In one patient with a persistent endoleak and a folded posterior wall of the stent-graft, coil embolization was performed 1 week after EVAR. With a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 1-61 months), no patients showed recurrence of type I endoleak or sac expansion. CONCLUSION: Type I endoleaks diagnosed on completion angiography sealed spontaneously in 7 of 10 patients (70.0%). In cases of decreased amounts of leakage after balloon molding, simple observation may be an alternative to repetitive procedures. The long-term follow-up of patients with self-sealed type I endoleaks is mandatory.
Angiography* ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; Diagnosis ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; Endoleak* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fungi ; Humans ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Rupture

OBJECTIVE: The transplantation of bone marrow cells into the injured spinal cord improves neurologic functions in experimental animals. However, it is unclear whether bone marrow cells can similarly improve the neurologic functions of complete spinal cord injury patients. To study their therapeutic effects in human spinal cord injury (SCI), we transplante autologous bone marrow cells into the SCI sites and administer granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in three complete SCI patients. METHODS: Bone marrow cell transplantation with GM-CSF administration was performed on two patients (patients1 and 2), wherein concentrated bone marrow cell pastes were injected into the injury area using a sterile 21 gauge fine needle. The total volume of bone marrow cells injected was 1.8ml (cell concentration 1.1X106/ul). Patient 3 was administered GM-CSF only. The follow up periods were 5 months (patient 1), 4 months (patient 2) and 6 months (patient 3). RESULTS: Sensory improvements were followed immediately after the operations. Sensory recovery in the sacral segment was noticed at 3 weeks (patient 1), 13 days (patient 2) and at 2 months (patient 3) postoperatively. Significant motor improvements were noticed at 3 months in patients 1 and 2, and at 4 months in patient 3. All three patients showed neurologic improvements at the last follow up 5, 4 and 6months respectively (Frankel grade C, AIS grade C). CONCLUSION: Treatment of SCI patients with autologous bone marrow cell transplantation and GM-CSF administration shows some beneficial effects during the early postoperative periods. However, long-term and more comprehensive clinical studies are required.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells* ; Bone Marrow Transplantation* ; Bone Marrow* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Granulocytes* ; Humans ; Needles ; Ointments ; Postoperative Period ; Spinal Cord Injuries* ; Spinal Cord* ; Stem Cells ; Transplantation

We report a case of celiac artery dissection after abdominal blunt trauma. A 29-year-old man visited the emergency room for acute left periumbilical pain after abdominal blunt trauma from his child. Computed tomography showed a wedge-shaped splenic infarction with splenic artery thrombus. He was hospitalized for careful observation, and after two days, follow-up computed tomographic angiography showed a progressed celiac artery dissection that involved common hepatic artery and an increased extent of splenic infarction. He underwent conventional angiography, and a self-expandable stent was placed between the celiac axis and the common hepatic artery. After two days, follow-up computed tomographic angiography showed good hepatic arterial blood flow via the stent and no progression of splenic infarction. After ten days, he was discharged without complications.
Adult ; Angiography ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Celiac Artery* ; Child ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatic Artery ; Humans ; Splenic Artery ; Splenic Infarction ; Stents ; Thrombosis

Evaluation of postpneumonectomy space (PPS) by CT in patients with lung cancer for operation-related complication or tumor recurrence is critical, but often difficult. We retrospectively analysed CT scans of 38 patients who underwent pneumonectomy for lung cancer. CT scans were obtained on 7-10th post-operative day for baseline image and at varying intervals of 2 to 24 months thereafter. Usual postoperative findings in patients without complication included mediastinal shifting, changes in subpleural space, changes in parietal pleura, and herniation of contralateral lung. Four patients had postoperative complications including empyema(n=3) and bronchopleural fistula(n=2). Twelve patients showed findings of tumor recurrence such as lymph node metastasis, local recurrence, and pericardial and contralateral pleural effusion. By comparing follow-up CT with baseline CT, we were able to detect early cancer recurrence and postoperative complications. Our results indicate that serial chest CT play an important role in the evaluation of the patients who underwent pneumonectomy for lung cancer.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms* ; Lung* ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Pleura ; Pleural Effusion ; Pneumonectomy* ; Postoperative Complications ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Thorax* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Standard open surgery for aortoiliac occlusive disease has achieved excellent long-term patency, but is accompanied by postoperative morbidity, including ileus, pain and delayed functional recovery. A laparoscopic approach to the aorta may afford several advantages as a less invasive modality. Herein, our two experiences of a total laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass (LABF) are reported. Two males, 57 and 73-years old, presented with a history of resting pain in both legs (especially right) and progressing severe claudication, respectively. The patients were positioned in right lateral decubitus, with their left side elevated between 70degrees to 80degrees using a pillow and tilted table. Five ports under the pneumoperitoneum were used for the procedure (five ports; 10 to 12 mm). The laparoscopic techniques consisted of aortic dissection, vascular control and intracorporeal anastomosis. The approach to the aorta in the transperitoneal left retrocolic plane was used for the first case, and in the transperitoneal left retrorenal plane for the second. Laparoscopic anastomosis was performed through two continuous running intracorporeal sutures and multiple interrupted sutures. The aortic clamping times were 178 and 185 minutes, respectively. The operative times were 415 and 530 minutes, with liquid diets initiated on the second and third postoperative days, respectively. Both patients suffered minimal postoperative pain, and were subsequently discharged. Total laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass is more technically demanding than an open procedure. However, our experiences indicate that total laparoscopic aortic surgery is worthy of further development.
Aged ; Aorta ; Atherosclerosis ; Constriction ; Diet ; Humans ; Ileus ; Laparoscopy ; Leg ; Male ; Operative Time ; Pain, Postoperative ; Pneumoperitoneum ; Running ; Sutures

Background/Aims: Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is characterized by intestinal and extra intestinal symptoms associated with the consumption of gluten-containing food. Since biomarkers for non-celiac gluten sensitivity are lacking, its prevalence is estimated based on self-reported symptoms. However, no data exist on self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity in the Korean population. Thus, we aim to investigate the prevalence of self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity in the Korean population and to determine its demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: This study surveyed Korean participants aged 18-80 years who visited gastroenterology outpatient clinics at 9 tertiary hospitals in South Korea from January 2016 to February 2017. They were questioned regarding symptoms related to gluten ingestion: degree of discomfort (visual analog scale score), frequency, time of symptom onset, and duration. Abdominal discomfort caused by 11 differentkinds of gluten-containing Korean food items was investigated. Results: More non-celiac gluten sensitivity self-reporters were identified among those with irritable bowel syndrome (33.6%) than among controls (5.8%). Major gastrointestinal symptoms included bloating (75.0%), abdominal discomfort (71.3%), and belching (45.0%).Common extra-intestinal symptoms included fatigue (20.0%) and headache (13.7%). More than half of those who self-reported nonceliac gluten sensitivity (66.3%) developed symptoms within 1 hour of food ingestion, and symptoms were localized in the upper abdomen (37.5%) and entire abdomen (30.0%). Conclusion Our findings suggest that if there are gluten-related symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome, the possibility of accompanying non-celiacgluten sensitivity should be considered.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to develop a model of risk factors for depression in hospitalized burned patients. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients over 20 tears of age who were admitted to the Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital for burn injury, completed Structured Interview Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and itching after 1 month from burn. A path analytic strategy was used to develop a model of risk factors for depression in burned patients. RESULTS: Two pathways to depression were developed. 1) From sleep disturbance and then to depression 2) from burn pain to PTSD and then to depression. It was revealed that sleep disturbance and PTSD had a direct effect on depression, pain had both direct and indirect effect on depression. CONCLUSION: Sleep disturbance and PTSD are associated with depression in burned patients. The identification of two developmental pathways suggests the importance of establishing preventive interventions for depression.
Burns ; Depression ; Heart ; Humans ; Pruritus ; Risk Factors ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

Acinetobacter baumannii is known for its multidrug antibiotic resistance. New approaches to treating drug-resistant bacterial infections are urgently required. Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) is a murine antimicrobial peptide that exerts diverse immune functions, including both direct bacterial cell killing and immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we sought to identify the role of CRAMP in the host immune response to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Wild-type (WT) and CRAMP knockout mice were infected intranasally with the bacteria. CRAMP−/− mice exhibited increased bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid after A. baumannii infection compared to WT mice. The loss of CRAMP expression resulted in a significant decrease in the recruitment of immune cells, primarily neutrophils. The levels of IL-6 and CXCL1 were lower, whereas the levels of IL-10 were significantly higher in the BAL fluid of CRAMP−/− mice compared to WT mice 1 day after infection. In an in vitro assay using thioglycollate-induced peritoneal neutrophils, the ability of bacterial phagocytosis and killing was impaired in CRAMP−/− neutrophils compared to the WT cells. CRAMP was also essential for the production of cytokines and chemokines in response to A. baumannii in neutrophils. In addition, the A. baumannii-induced inhibitor of κB-α degradation and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK were impaired in CRAMP−/− neutrophils, whereas ERK and JNK phosphorylation was upregulated. Our results indicate that CRAMP plays an important role in the host defense against pulmonary infection with A. baumannii by promoting the antibacterial activity of neutrophils and regulating the innate immune responses.