PURPOSE: Tethered cord syndrome(TCS) is defined as low position of the conus medullaris by the abnormally fixed spinal cord with progressive neurologic deficit MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the findings of TCS at MRI and its diagnostic value, we performed a retrospective analysis of MRI of 30 patients with emphasis on clinical manifestation, level of conus medullaris, cause of tethering, and associated findings. RESULTS: Clinical presentation included back mass(26 cases), neurogenic bladder(5 cases), urinary incontinence(5 cases), progressive constipation(2 cases), skin dimpling(1 case), gait disturbance(1 case) and club foot (1 case). Neurologic deficit was developed in 11 cases(40% and mean age of these patients at the time of diagnosis was 8.6 years. The most common cause of tethering was lipoma(63%). The tips of conus medullaris were below the level of the second lumbar spine in all patients. The causes of tethering were lipomatous component(spinal lipoma and lipomyelomenigocele) in 67% myelomeningocele in 20%, presacral mass in 7%, thickened filum terminale in 3% and postoperative change in 3%. Associated anomalies included syringomyelia(20%) and hydrocephalus was associated in 3 out of 5 patients who underwent brain MRI. CONCLUSION: MRI clearly delineated the location of conus, tethering of the filum terminale with their causes and associated abnormalities. MRI examination is a very useful diagnostic tool for the early evaluation of TCS and the postoperative follow up.
Brain ; Cauda Equina ; Conus Snail ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Gait ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Lipoma ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Meningomyelocele ; Neural Tube Defects* ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Spinal Cord ; Spine

In order to achieve a satisfactory esthetic result of periodontal surgery or implant in maxillary anterior area, periodontists must be aware of normal alveolar bone anatomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of alveolar bone morphology to tooth shape and form. 78(mean age : 25 yrs) periodontally healthy volunteers participated in this study. Two maxillary central incisor and one lateral incisor were selected to study. With minimal local anesthesia, guttapercha cone inserted to labial gingival sulcus of selected teeth just after bone sounding with periodontal probe. Metal ball (4mm diameter) attached to palatal fossa of central incisor. Then, periapical radiograph was taken according to long cone paralleling technique. After film scan, labial alveolar bone profile reproduced along interproximal bone and apical ends of gutta-percha cones on computer screen. By utilizing computer program, the distance from height of interproximal bone to the labial bone crest in central incisor-central incisor and central incisor-lateral incisor area was measured and converted to real distance by using vertical length of metal ball on film. After measuring crown length & width of central incisor, the 10 individuals ranked lowest CW/L ratio (crown width/length ratio) and the 10 ranked highest were selected as having a long-narrow(group N), or a short-wide(group W) form of the central incisors. Means of the distance from height of interproximal bone to the labial bone crest of group N, W were calculated and compared by means of independent t-test. The results were as follows: 1. Mean distance from the height of the interproximal bone to the labial bone crest was 3.5+/-0.7mm between two central incisor, and 2.8+/-0.6mm between central and lateral incisor. 2. Mean CW/L ratio of group N was 0.57, and group W was 0.8. Mean distance from the height of the interproximal bone to the labial bone crest of group N was higher than group W in both measured area(measurements of group N, W were 3.9+/-0.2mm and 3.5+/-0.2mm between two central incisor, 3.0+/-0.2mm and 2.8+/-0.2mm between central and lateral incisor), but there were no statistically significant differences when the groups were compared. Within the limits of the present study, there was a tendency that subjects with long-narrow teeth have more scalloped alveolar bone profile than subjects with short-wide teeth in upper anterior area, but no statistically significant differences were found.
Adult ; Male ; Female ; Humans

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica, a liver fluke, for which human acts as an accidental host. Fascioliasis, while common in some tropical countries, is rare in Korea. Endoscopie retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) has been described in only a very few cases as a useful technique for the diagnosis of fascioliasis. We report a case of fascioliasis diagnosed by ERCP, after endoscopic sphinchterotomy adult worms were removed by Dormia basket.
Adult ; Biliary Tract* ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde* ; Diagnosis ; Fasciola hepatica ; Fascioliasis* ; Humans ; Korea ; Pancreas* ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic ; Zoonoses

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transtubular potassium gradient(TTKG) is known as the most accurate indicator of aldosterone activity. TTKG may be used to monitor the effectiveness of aldosterone antagonist which is prescribed generally for the management of cirrhotic ascites. Spot urine [Na]/[K] ratio may also be used for the same purpose. METHODS: After measuring TTKG, spot urine [Na]/[K] ratio, and plasma aldosterone concentration in each of the 23 patients all who had cirrhotic ascites, 100 mg of spiron-olactone was prescribed to be taken daily for 5 days. When no diuretic response occurred and TTKG was more than 3.5 at the end of 5 days, the dose of spironolactone was increased by 100 mg/day at the interval of 5 days until TTKG decreased to below 3.5. Furosemide was added to the non-responders if their TTKG had dropped to below 3.5. RESULTS: Basal plasma concentration of aldosterone was higher than upper normal limit in 13(57%) patients, and correlated with TTKG significantly(r=0.60, p=0.002). TTKG was calculated to be 3.5+/-0.67 when assuming the aldosterone activity has been completely blocked. Spot urine [Na]/[K] ratio had significant negative correlation with TTKG before and after the administration of spironolactone. In most patients, diuretic response appeared with the fall of TTKG (especially below 3.5) and with the rise of spot urine [Na]/[K] ratio. In patients who did not respond to a low dose spironolactone, further treatment plan (to increase dose of spironolactone or to add furosemide) was guided by TTKG, and all were successful. CONCLUSIONS: TTKG and spot urine [Na]/[K] ratio are good indicators of aldosterone activity, and might be used as useful guidelines in the diuretic management of cirrhotic ascites.
Aldosterone ; Ascites* ; Furosemide ; Humans ; Plasma ; Potassium* ; Spironolactone

This study examined infectious outcomes in elective colorectal cancer surgery between cefotetan alone or conventional triple antibiotics. From January to December 2007, 461 consecutive primary colorectal cancer patients underwent elective surgery. Group A contained 225 patients who received conventional triple antibiotics (cephalosporin, aminoglycoside and metronidazole) for prophylaxis, and group B contained 236 patients who received cefotetan alone for prophylaxis. Treatment failure was defined as the presence of postoperative infection including surgical-site infection (SSI), anastomotic leakage, and pneumonia or urinary tract infection. The two groups were similar in terms of demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, tumour location, stage, surgical approach (conventional open vs. laparoscopy-assisted), and type of operation. The treatment failure rates were 3.1% in Group A and 3.4% in Group B (absolute difference, -0.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 3.07, P=0.866), with SSI being the most common reason for failure in both groups (2.7% in Group A and 3.0% in Group B [absolute difference, -0.3%; 95% CI, 0.37 to 3.37, P=0.846]). Cefotetan alone is as effective as triple antibiotics for prophylaxis in primary colorectal cancer patients undergoing elective surgery.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*therapeutic use ; *Antibiotic Prophylaxis ; Cefotetan/*therapeutic use ; Colorectal Neoplasms/*surgery ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/*prevention & control ; Surgical Wound Infection/*prevention & control ; Treatment Failure ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies, have examined the expression of adhesion molecules in liver inflammation, and the existence of soluble ICAM 1 in serum could be proved by ELISA. We maeasured s-ICAM 1 in patients with acute and ehronic liver disease to see the level of s-ICAM 1 can reflect degree of necroinflammation or progress of disease. METHOD: Serum levels of soluble forms of intercellular adhesion molecule 1(sIGAM 1) in 78 patients with acute and chronic liver disease including acute hepatitis B, CAH, C.'PH, post-necrotic and alcoholic liver cirrhosis, hepatoceliular carcinoma, toxic hepatitis were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: 1) ICAM 1 semm levels in acute and chronic liver disease including acute hepatitis B(709.6+/-321.7 ng/L, p<0.001), C:AH(582.2+/-312.4 ng/L, p<0.001), CPH(357,8+/-135.0 ngL, p<0.044), postnecrotic livercirrhosis(716.2+/-348.0 ng/L, p<0.0001), alcoholic liver cirrhosis(763.3+/-48l.5 ng/L, p<0.009). Hepatocellular carcinoma(728.2+/-329.0 ng/L, p<0.002), toxic hepatitis(817.3+/-324.4 ng/l, p<0.0001) were signiticantly higher than that of healthy controLs(234.5+/-67.5 ng/L).2) In comparison with CPH we found significantly increased ICAM- 1 serum levels in CAH.(p=0.027) A significant correlation was found between the ICAM-1 serum level and the histologically graded inflammatory activity in CAH. 3) No correlation was found be1ween the ICAM l serum level aml the Child- Pugh classification in liver cirrhosis. 4) In comparison with chronic hepatitis we found signitcantly increased 1CAM 1 serum levels in liver cirrhosis(p = 0.001) , and in hepatocellular carcinoma(p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Soluble ICAM I serum level correlated well with ongoing necrointlammatory activity in acute and chronic hepatitis and also slCAM 1 can reflect disease severity in various chronic 1iver disease groups.
Alcoholics ; Classification ; Drug-Induced Liver Injury ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Hepatitis ; Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis, Chronic ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic ; Liver Diseases* ; Liver*

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of midazolam premedication administered by a jet-injector in pediatric patients. METHODS: Children undergoing outpatient surgery were randomized into three groups: intravenous induction with thiopental sodium (control group, n = 20), oral midazolam premedication (PO-med group, n = 20) or midazolam premedication using a jet-injector (Jet-med group, n = 20). In the PO-med and Jet-med group patients, anesthetic induction was performed by sevoflurane inhalation and an intravenous catheter (IVC) was inserted after the children had been anesthetized by sevoflurane inhalation. For the control group patients, an IVC was placed in the preoperative holding area. Agitation scores were recorded in the preoperative holding area and recovery room. Anesthesia times and the views of the medical staff concerning the technique benefits were also noted. Patients and parents were interviewed on the following day. RESULTS: Maximum agitation scores in the preoperative holding area and during separation with parents were significantly lower in the PO-med and Jet-med groups. The induction time was significantly longer in the PO-med and Jet-med groups. No statistically significant differences were found for the recovery characteristics. Though interviews with patients and parents produced similar results for patients in each group, the medical staff satisfaction levels were significantly higher for patients in the PO-med and Jet-med groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the application of the jet-injector for midazolam premedication may be clinically useful in children who do not have an IVC. The use of the jet-injector could be a substitute for the oral route for midazolam administration.
Ambulatory Surgical Procedures ; Anesthesia ; Catheters ; Child ; Dihydroergotamine ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Medical Staff ; Midazolam ; Parents ; Preanesthetic Medication ; Premedication* ; Recovery Room ; Thiopental

Hypercalcemia in accelerated phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is very rare. Its pathogenesis is considered humoral hypercalcemia of malignancies mediated by parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). In severe hypercalcemia, calcifications in kidneys, skin, vessels, heart, and stomach may occur. Our two cases were admitted because of severe hypercalcemia in accelerated phase of CML. On Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scintigraphies, a marked tracer accumulation was seen in the lung, heart, stomach and kidney. We report increased tracer accumulation of multiple organs on Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy in two rare hypercalcemic patients with CML.
Adult ; Bone Diseases/radionuclide imaging* ; Bone Diseases/etiology* ; Calcinosis/radionuclide imaging ; Calcinosis/etiology ; Case Report ; Human ; Hypercalcemia/radionuclide imaging* ; Hypercalcemia/etiology* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic/metabolism ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic/complications* ; Male ; Middle Age ; Proteins/metabolism ; Technetium/diagnostic use

Intussusception is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in adults and is most often due to a primary abnormality of the bowel, which serves as the leading point. Idiopathic intussusception in adults is distinctly uncommon, comprising 10% of diagnosed intussusceptions. We report a case of a spontaneous jejunal intussusception in a 48-year-old man that developed shortly after an open colectomy. The 48-year-old man, with no history of a laparotomy, underwent a left hemicolectomy and a left hemihepatectomy for descending colon cancer with liver metastasis. For 14 postoperative days, the patient complained of ileus, and conservative management with a long intestinal tube failed. When the patient underwent a laparotomy, intussusception of the mid jejunum was observed. The intussusception was resected, and no underlying bowel abnormality was identified. This report highlights the importance of considering this rare etiology in patients with ileus who have recently undergone a laparotomy.
Adult ; Colectomy ; Colon, Descending ; Humans ; Ileus ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Intussusception ; Jejunum ; Laparotomy ; Liver ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis

The Rastelli operation has been a standard procedure for repairing complete transposition of the great arteries combined with a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Yet this procedure has several shortcomings, including the risk of incurring left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on long-term follow-up. In this regard, aortic translocation has recently been regarded as a potent alternative to Rastelli's operation. We report here on a case of complete transposition of the great arteries that was combined with an inlet-extended perimembranous ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis in a 2-year-old boy. All the problems were successfully repaired using the aortic translocation technique. Postoperative echocardiography showed a straight and wide left ventricular outflow tract.
Arteries ; Echocardiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; Preschool Child ; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis ; Transposition of Great Vessels