BACKGROUND: Total occlusion of the infrarenal abdominal aorta is a very rare disease in clinical practice. The clinical outcome may be poor unless management is attempted promptly. Surgical bypass has been recommended as the treatment of choice for these lesions. However, there was relatively high surgical mortality and morbidity associad with aorto-bifemoral bypass graft in patients with other systemic disease, especially coronary artery disease. As a result, the use of, thrombolysis with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has recently been extended to this disease as an alternative method to surgery. PTA is technically simpler with less morbidity and mortality than surgery.We report our experience with thrombolysis and balloon angioplasty of total aortic occlusion in 14 patients between March 1991 and December 1996. METHODS: Fourteen patients, whose mean age was 59+/-13 years (11 male, 3 female), serve as the study's patients. Aortography was introduced via transbrachial artery. The end hole multipurpose catheter with guidewire was introduced into the thrombotic portion of the total occlusion. Urokinase was infused into the thrombus through the catheter if there were no contraindications. in sysremic thrombolysis. Thrombolytic therapy was continued until the thrombi was resolved and flow was restored. Balloon dilatation was followed in residual stenotic lesions. Stents were implanted in case of suboptimal results after ballooning. RESULTS: Clinical findings were resting leg pain in 6 patients, gangrene in 5 patients, and claudication in 3 patients. The causes of aortic occlusion were thromboembolism in 4 patients and thrombosis of an atherosclerotic aorta in 10 patients. Location of obstruction was below the renal artery in all cases. The clinical outcome of interventional therapy was successful in all cases except one patients. Operative treatment was undertaken in 2 cases because they could not received thrombolytic therapy due to contraindication and complication of thrombolytic therapy (gastrointestinal bleeding). Near normal revascularization was achieved in 3 patients by thrombolytic therapy only. PTA was performed at the stenotic after thrombolytic therapy in 4 patients. Stenting were performed at the stenotic sites after balloon dilatation in another 4 patients. There was bleeding complication in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional therapy such as thrombolytic therapy with PTA is an effective and safe treatment modality for abdominal aortic total occlusion in selected cases. These techniques were very useful in some high risk patients who received surgical bypass procedures.
Angioplasty ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Aorta ; Aorta, Abdominal* ; Aortography ; Arteries ; Catheters ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Dilatation ; Gangrene ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Leg ; Male ; Mortality ; Rare Diseases ; Renal Artery ; Stents ; Thromboembolism ; Thrombolytic Therapy ; Thrombosis ; Transplants ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator

BACKGROUND: Suction auto epidermal graft for the treatment of stable vitiligo has become popular clinically. In general, depigmented epidermis is removed by liquid nitrogen freezing for preparation of the recipient site. There have been some problems with the nitrogen freezing method, uneven repigmentation, appearance of Koebner's phenomenon on normal colored skin around the graft site, scar formation on recipients sites. In our view these resulted in unwanted damage to the dermis and epidermal and skin appendageal melanocytes of normal skin by freezing. OBJECTIVE: To introduce a method to remove the depigmented epidermis of recipient site with minimal unwanted damage to melanocytes and dermal tissue. METHODS: Using Ellman surgitron, irradiation equipment of 3.8MHz frequency the depigmented epidermis was removed with a blade electrode under rated electric power around 10 watts depending on the thickness of the epidermis. Operating mode was fully filtered current for minimal charring and destruction of tissue through pure micro-smooth cutting. RESULTS: In the case of removal of the epidermis with Ellman surgitron, oozing and inflammation decreased markedly compared with those applied with liquid nitrogen. And it was confirmed histopathologically that there was no significant unwanted destruction of healthy tissue. Moreover, the electrode of Ellman surgitron is designed to be apt to trace the margin of depigmented lesion. And Ellman surgitron features a continuously linear intensity setting for precise, predictable control to minimize tissue destruction and charring. So we were able to remove the epidermis of the shallow lesion looking like a pseudopod and of the thinnest part of the body like eyelid also. And we grafted normal epidermis successfully on the depigmented lesion. CONCLUSION: The removal of depigmented epidermis by radio-frequency gave satisfactory results in the suction auto epidermal graft by overcoming the defects shown as depigmented epidermis which were removed by liquid nitrogen freezing. And this method made patients comfortable because of less pain, a one day operation procedure and good results.
Cicatrix ; Dermis ; Electrodes ; Epidermis* ; Eyelids ; Freezing ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Melanocytes ; Nitrogen ; Skin ; Suction* ; Transplants* ; Trout ; Vitiligo

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue(gland and stroma) outside the uterus. The incidence of scar endometriosis is quite rare, and must differentiate with cellulitis and abscess. We have experienced one case of perineal endometriosis and one case of abdominal wall endometriosis at the site of postoperative wound scar. The possible pathogenesis of endometriosis and treatment were discussed.
Abdominal Wall ; Abscess ; Cellulitis ; Cicatrix* ; Endometriosis* ; Female ; Incidence ; Uterus ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: Efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA) in the treatment of Peripheral arterial disease has been established. Complications such ans PTA-induced dissections or residual stenosis with occasional mural thrombi have been reported, which compromise the results. New procedures can be used in combination with PTA to improve the immediate and long term results, such ans prolonged balloon inflation, atherectomy, or implantation of endovascular prosthesis. In addition, the occurrence of other lesions, such as spontaneous or post-catheterization dissection or post-PTA restenosis, has prompted the insertion of a vascular stent. But there was few reports on stenting for peripheral arterial disease in Korea. METHODS: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and stability of stent in peripheral arterial disease, twenty-six consecutive symptomatic patients with 37 peripheral lesions were treated with 39 balloon expandable(33 Strecker and 6 Palmaz)stents with or without prior balloon angioplasty in the period of March 1991 and February 1994. RESULTS: The major cause of disease was arteriosclerosis(22 out of 26). The implantation sites for our study include 22 in common iliac artery, 11 in external iliac artery 2 in aorta, subclavian artery, superficial femoral artery each other. Indication for stent deployment were primarily suboptimal results(19 lesions), insufficient PTA such as dissections(4), restenosis after previous PTA(2), and primary stenting was performed without preceding therapeutic PTA(10). Stent deployment was technically successful in 24 of the 26 patients(92%) and clinical success rate was in 25 of the 26 patients treated(96%). Hemodynamic change revealed markedly improvement before and after stenting(peak pressure difference from 66.329.0mmHg to 9.1+/-7.1mmHg; Mean pressure difference from 33.0+/-22.5mmHg to 4.7+/-4.3mmHg). There were two procedural complications which included one stent migration and one artery perforation. During the 7 months of follow-up(1-18 momths), two restenosis occurred. One patient died due to cerebral hemorrhage during thrombolysis with urokinase. CONCLUSION: The stent deployment is relatively safe and very effective primary therapeutic modality and may abolish the limitation of PTA such as suboptimal result, dissection with sudden occlusion and restenosis in peripheral vascular disease and highly recommended in selected cases.
Angioplasty, Balloon ; Aorta ; Arteries ; Atherectomy ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Femoral Artery ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Iliac Artery ; Inflation, Economic ; Korea ; Peripheral Arterial Disease* ; Peripheral Vascular Diseases ; Prostheses and Implants ; Stents* ; Subclavian Artery ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator

Small follicular cysts are common findings in the ovaries of prepubertal girls, and in most cases, they are of no clinical importance. Ocassionally these cysts may enlarge and continue to produce estrogen, resulting in signs of precocious sexual development and vaginal bleeding. We have experienced a case of a precocious pseudopuberty causing ovarian follicular cyst which was treated by exploratory laparotomy. we present this case with a brief review of literatures
Estrogens ; Female ; Follicular Cyst* ; Humans ; Laparotomy ; Ovary ; Sexual Development ; Uterine Hemorrhage

To study the possibility of attraction magnetic forces to expand maxillary arch, we used 2 big adult dogs, 2 small puppies, 1 small adult dog as experiments, and 1 small adult dog as a control. We measured the intercanine width and intermolar width and histologically observed in the suture and cervical and apex region of teeth and took occlusal X-rays to observe separation of suture line in the maxilla. The results were as follows: 1. Expansion velocities of intercanine (0.25mm/day) and intermolar widths (0.23mm/day) in puppies were faster than those (0.135mm/day, 0.09mm/day) in adults. 2. In all experiments in adults (0.135mm/day) and puppies (0.25mm/day), expansion velocity of intercanine widths were faster than those (0.09mm/day, 0.23mm/day) of intermolar width. 3. In all experiments ectatic changes were observed and cellularities of fibroblast increased in the suture line. Only in adults dogs the separations of palatal suture were observed in the occlusal X-ray view. 4. In the puppies bony deposition was particularly observed in the suture line and micro-bony fragments were often observed. 5. In the all experiments no root resorption was observed in the cervical and root area, but normal root resorption due to eruption of permanent teeth was observed in the puppies.
Adult ; Animals ; Dogs ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Maxilla ; Palatal Expansion Technique* ; Root Resorption ; Sutures ; Tooth

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the distribution and extent of left ventricular hypertrophy is known to be variable. Among the subtypes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, midventricular obstruction is a rare variant of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This variant is at higher risk of apical wall motion abnormality and/or infarction. We report 4 patients with midventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who presented with chest pain. Significant systolic pressure gradients between basal and apical chamber of left ventricle were documented by cardiac catheterization and Doppler echocardiography in all patients, and left ventricular apical infarction was noted in one of them. During mean follow-up period of 32 months(21 months to 5 years), one patient with apical infarction died of malignant ventricular arrhythmia.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Blood Pressure ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic* ; Chest Pain ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Infarction

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the distribution and extent of left ventricular hypertrophy is known to be variable. Among the subtypes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, midventricular obstruction is a rare variant of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This variant is at higher risk of apical wall motion abnormality and/or infarction. We report 4 patients with midventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who presented with chest pain. Significant systolic pressure gradients between basal and apical chamber of left ventricle were documented by cardiac catheterization and Doppler echocardiography in all patients, and left ventricular apical infarction was noted in one of them. During mean follow-up period of 32 months(21 months to 5 years), one patient with apical infarction died of malignant ventricular arrhythmia.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Blood Pressure ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic* ; Chest Pain ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Infarction

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to report a modified transtibial technique to approach the center of anatomical femoral footprint in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to investigate the accurate femoral tunnel position with 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and radiography after reconstruction. METHODS: From December 2010 to October 2011, we evaluated 98 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using a modified transtibial technique to approach the center of anatomical femoral footprint in single bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Their femoral tunnel positions were investigated with 3D-CT and radiography postoperatively. Femoral tunnel angle was measured on the postoperative anteroposterior (AP) radiograph and the center of the femoral tunnel aperture on the lateral femoral condyle was assessed with 3D-CT according to the quadrant method by two orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: According to the quadrant method with 3D-CT, the femoral tunnel was measured at a mean of 32.94% +/- 5.16% from the proximal condylar surface (parallel to the Blumensaat line) and 41.89% +/- 5.58% from the notch roof (perpendicular to the Blumensaat line) with good interobserver (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC], 0.766 and 0.793, respectively) and intraobserver reliability (ICC, 0.875 and 0.893, respectively). According to the radiographic measurement on the AP view, the femoral tunnel angles averaged 50.43degrees +/- 7.04degrees (ICC, 0.783 and 0.911, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our modified transtibial technique is anticipated to provide more anatomical placement of the femoral tunnel during ACL reconstruction than the former traditional transtibial techniques.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/*methods ; Female ; Femur/*radiography/surgery ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; Tibia/radiography/surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy affects an individual's ability to work as well as their daily activities. Patients with epilepsy have difficulties in finding and maintaining jobs, and they may not have opportunities to perform adequately. Therefore, evaluation of work-fitness is important for patients with epilepsy. In this report, the authors reviewed a case of epilepsy and discussed aspects of the case for evaluation of work-fitness. CASE REPORT: A 43-year-old man with epilepsy visited the hospital for evaluation of work-fitness. His job consisted of forklift driving and crane operation using a remote control. As a seizure attack could threaten worker's safety, we recommended a job change. The employer refused to approve a job change due to the company's circumstances, so we recommended several conditions, including continuous medication, use of protective equipment, restriction of night-shift work, restriction of strenuous exercise, and profound sleep. An epilepsy event occurred during the follow-up period, prompting his company to evaluate his work. There were frequent movements of forklift operations and workers in the workplace, so we recommended restriction of forklift driving and a job change if possible. As a result, the employer changed his job and we recommended "capable of performing work without any conditions". CONCLUSION: For evaluation of work-fitness in patients with epilepsy, adequate job analysis, assessment of patient's medical conditions, and interviews of coworker and employers should be conducted. It is also important to let the employer make the best decision in terms of the patient's health and coworker's safety.
Adult ; Epilepsy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Linear Energy Transfer ; Seizures ; Work Capacity Evaluation