The liver is a distinctly unusual locus for a primary leiomyosarcoma. In October 1994, a 64-year-old female patient was admitted with palpable mass at the right upper abdomen for 2 months. Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography revealed a big cystic nature tumor at the right lobe of the liver. A right lobectomy was undertaken. On gross examination of the specimen, the tumor size was measured a 7.5 cm 16.0 cm 4.5 cm. On a cut section, cystic degeneration was showed and the color of the solid component was grayish. Microscopic examination growth pattern of the tumor to be expansive with no capsule. Finally the leiomyosarcoma of the liver was diagnosed with 5 to 6 mitosis per 10 high power fields. In September 1995, follow-up Computed Tomography revealed a recurred mass on segment 4 of the liver. A tumonectomy was performed. Twenty-one months after the second operation, recurrence was noted on the remaining liver and intraabdomen. Debulking surgery of the intraabdominal mass with intraperitoneal chemotherapy was undertaken. We report this case of primary hepatic leiomyosarcoma with a review of the literatures.
Abdomen ; Drug Therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Leiomyosarcoma* ; Liver ; Middle Aged ; Mitosis ; Recurrence ; Ultrasonography

No abstract available.

Soft rot on banana fruit caused by Rhizopus oryzae was identified for the first time in Korea. Colonies were white to light brown and formed numerous sporangiospores. Optimum temperature for mycelial growth was 30degrees C. Sporangia were globose and 30~200 microm. Sporangiophores were usually straight, 8~20 microm, and rhizoids usually in groups of 3~5. Columella were globose to sub-globose and 90~110 microm. Sporangiospores were sub-globose or oval and 4~10 microm. Based on its mycological characteristics, molecular analysis, and pathogenicity to host plants, this fungus was identified as Rhizopus oryzae Went & Prisen Geerligs. This is the first report of soft rot on banana caused by Rhizopus oryzae in Korea.
Fruit ; Fungi ; Humans ; Korea ; Light ; Musa ; Oryza ; Rhizopus ; Sporangia

PURPOSE: Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most frequent opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised host. However, we have found EC in healthy individuals through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for EC in healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 281 patients who had been incidentally diagnosed with EC. We also conducted age and sex matched case control study to identify the risk factor for EC. RESULTS: The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125). The most common coexisting EGD finding was reflux esophagitis (49/281, 17.4%). An antifungal agent was prescribed in about half of EC, 139 cases (49.5%). Follow-up EGD was undertaken in 83 cases (29.5%) and 20 cases of candidiasis was persistently found. Case control study revealed EC were more often found in user of antibiotics (p=0.015), corticosteroids (p=0.002) and herb medication (p=0.006) as well as heavy drinking (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125) in Korea. Use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and herb as well as heavy drinking were significant risk factors for EC in healthy individuals.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use ; Adult ; Aged ; Alcohol Drinking ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; Candidiasis/*diagnosis/epidemiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Esophageal Diseases/*diagnosis/epidemiology ; Esophagitis, Peptic/complications/diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Immunocompromised Host ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plant Preparations/therapeutic use ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac is very rare and primary malignant melanoma is extremely rare. It is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage after excision or biopsy of a tumor. We treated a patient with tearing and bloody discharge from the left eye. We performed a dacryocystectomy with the suspicion of a chronic dacryocystitis. However, the pathological findings and the immunohistochemical studies showed a malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac. The patient underwent postoperative irradiation therapy. Follow up two months after surgery revealed no evidence of recurrence. Early diagnosis is very important for prognosis in patients with malignant melanoma of the lacrimal sac. Because this tumor often presents with symptoms similar to dacryocystitis and may masquerade as a chronic dacryocystitis, it can be difficult to make an early diagnosis.
Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures/methods ; Middle Aged ; Melanoma/*diagnosis/surgery ; *Lacrimal Apparatus ; Humans ; Follow-Up Studies ; Female ; Eye Neoplasms/*diagnosis/surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Biopsy

PURPOSE: Peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis remains one of the most common causes of hospitalization and discontinuation of peritoneal dialysis. Patient education and the individual environment play a significant role in improving the clinical outcomes. Therefore, this study focused on the preventive effects of practical training on the spot for peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis in continous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who were started on CAPD were as the primary intended treatment modality. The patients were given to a questionnaire regarding their gender, age, place of residence, level of education, economic status, sterile technique, knowledge of personal hygiene, placing a correct region for exchanging a fluid bag, and their duration of CAPD. During a home visit, the patients were instructed in how to sterilize the region of dialysis and maintain sterility in dialysis. RESULTS: Seventy four cases of peritonitis from 35 patients were identified over the 2 year's period. In the rural residences where there is a lower socio-economic status, the rates of peritonitis decreased in those patients who had received training on the spot within 6 months from the start of peritoneal dialysis compared with the patients after the 6 month period. Lower rates of peritonitis were noted in the patients who received training earlier (r=0.19, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Ongoing and repetitive individualized education is needed to prevent peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis. The incidence of peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis can be reduced by educating these patients individually.
Dialysis ; Education ; Hospitalization ; House Calls ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Incidence ; Infertility ; Patient Education as Topic ; Peritoneal Dialysis* ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory* ; Peritonitis* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

A double eyelid operation is the most prevalent form of aesthetic surgical procedure, and variable methods have been developed to suit each patients while indication of each surgery has been specialized with great details. Occasionally, we can find a blepharoptosis in the patients, who come for double eyelid operation. It is crucial to take note of this because even the smallest degree of blepharoptosis can lead to cosmetically very unsatisfactory result after double eyelid operation and so we think blepharoptosis must be corrected at the same time with double eyelid operation. There are several standardized method for blepharoptosis correction such as Fasanella-Servat, aponeurosis surgery, levator shortening(resection), frontalis suspension; the choice of most appropriate operation method depends on the function of a levator palpebrae superioris muscle and ptosis degree. Usually, in mild blepharoptosis patient with good levator function, Fasanella- Servat or aponeurosis surgery has been done. But in case, the patient want double eyelid operation at the same time, there exists great number of difficulties on operating both blepharoptosis correction and double eyelid operation simultaneously. Of course, in moderate or severe blepharoptosis patient, these two procedure must be performed seperately. But in mild blepharoptosis, with only single procedure for double eyelid operation we can correct ptosis simultaneously. Author's method is suturing dermal tissue of incisional lower flap to levator aponeurosis at 2- 3mm higher level than upper margin of tarsus. We report 3 years clinical observations of 56 patients undergoing this procedure with mild blepharoptosis, which provide a satisfactory results.
Ankle ; Blepharoptosis* ; Eyelids* ; Humans

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate a new monoclonal antibody for Helicobacter pylori urease in gastric tissue. METHODS: A total of 107 volunteers were enrolled. All subjects underwent a 13C-urea breath test and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Gastric aspirates were analyzed for pH and ammonia. Six biopsy specimens in the gastric antrum and body were obtained for a rapid urease test and histology. The new monoclonal antibody-based H. pylori urease test (HPU) was performed to rapidly and qualitatively detect urease in two biopsy specimens. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was diagnosed in 73 subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of the HPU was 89% and 74%, respectively. The subjects were divided into two groups: one with true-positive and true-negative HPU results (n = 90) and the other with false-positive and false-negative HPU results (n = 17). Across all subjects, ammonia levels were 900.5 +/- 646.7 and 604.3 +/- 594.3 mumol/L (p > 0.05), and pH was 3.37 +/- 1.64 and 2.82 +/- 1.51 (p > 0.05). Sensitivity was higher in the presence of atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia. CONCLUSIONS: HPU detected H. pylori in approximately 10 min. Gastric aspirate ammonia and pH levels did not affect the test results. Sensitivity was good in the presence of atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia.
Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/*immunology ; Bacterial Proteins/*analysis/immunology ; Biomarkers/analysis ; Biopsy ; False Negative Reactions ; False Positive Reactions ; Female ; Gastritis, Atrophic/*diagnosis/microbiology ; Helicobacter Infections/*diagnosis/microbiology ; Helicobacter pylori/*enzymology/immunology ; Humans ; *Immunologic Tests ; Male ; Metaplasia ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Pyloric Antrum/*microbiology/pathology ; Reproducibility of Results ; Time Factors ; Urease/*analysis/immunology ; Workflow

No abstract available.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Frostbite* ; Renal Dialysis ; Rhabdomyolysis*

Recently, self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving's popularity has been increasing tremendously. Most diving injuries are related to the behavior of the gas and to pressure changes during descent and ascent. A scuba diver at depths greater than 7 m may accumulate a tissue partial presure of nitrogen large enough that, on ascent to the surface, nitrogen exist the tissues rapidly, forming bubbles in the blood and other organs, which is known as decompression sickness (DCS). Although both of these bubble disorders can, in theory, cause injury to skeletal muscles (rhabdomyolysis), the case are report here demonstrates the potential for massive muscle necrosis after scuba diving. We report a case of rhabdomyolysis presented with general weakness after scuba diving.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Decompression Sickness ; Diving* ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Necrosis ; Nitrogen ; Respiration ; Rhabdomyolysis*