To investigate the properties and mechanism of PAF and TNF on the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 in human amnion, primary monolayer culture method was used for human amnion cell incubation. Amnion cells were incubated with various concentrations of PAF or TNF in Ca++ containing medium for various duration. Then PG E2 concentrations were measured by RIA and analyzed for the effect of PAF and TNF on PG E2 production according to their doses and incubation time. To test the role of Ca++ in E2 production, Ca++ free medium, Ca++ -channel antagonist and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor were substituted or added in incubation medium. Following results were obtained. The synthesis of PG E2 was significantly enhanced by PAF of 10(-6) mol/L. The TNF also stimulated PG E2 synthesis at concentration of 10(-6)g/ml. The maximal level in PAF(10-6mol/L)-stimulated release of PG E2 was observed after 16 hours in incubation. The TNF(10(-6)g/ml)-induced PG E2 release was maximal after 24 hours of incubation. Combined application of PAF and TNF produced positive effect in PG E2 production. PAF or TNF stimulated-PG E2 production in Ca++ -free media was much lower than that of Ca++ -containing media. The PAF-stimulated PG E2 release was significantly inhibited by Ca++ -channel antagonist but TNF-stimulated PG E2 release was not effected by Ca++ -channel antagonist or cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor. It is strongly suggested us that both PAF and TNF enhance PG E2 release by amnion cell, although Ca++ -channel opening is essential only for PAF stimulation.
Amnion* ; Blood Platelets* ; Dinoprostone* ; Humans* ; Platelet Activating Factor* ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha*

In order to evaluate the ability of spin-echo MR imaging to differentiate slow flow from mural thrombus in aortic diseases, we reviewed the spin-echo MR images of 13 patients with intraaortic thrombus documented by CT (N=11) or aortography (N=2). Six patients had aortic aneurysms and seven had aortic dissection. Intraaortic mural thrombi were accompanied by flow-related intraluminal signal of various patterns and extents in all 13 patients. On 10 gated MR studies, slow flow regions showed even-echo rephasing phenomenon (N=8), interslice variation of signal intensities of the intraluminal signal (N=7) and flow-related ghost artifact (N=2). However, these MR flow phenomena were obscured on two of three non-gated studies. Seven of 13 intraaortic thrombi remained hyperintense on T2-weighted second-echo images. In these circumstances, a hypointense boundary layer between slow flow and mural thrombus, which was caused by either 'boundary layer dephasing phenomenon' of slow flow or 'paramagnetic T2 shortening' of fresh clot at the edge of mural thrombus, was useful in discriminating the area of slow flow from that of mural thrombus. Proper interpretation of spin-echo MR images may obviate the need for phase display imaging or gradientecho imaging in differentiating slow flow and mural thrombus.
Aortic Aneurysm ; Aortic Diseases* ; Aortography ; Artifacts ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Thrombosis*

In order to evaluate the ability of spin-echo MR imaging to differentiate slow flow from mural thrombus in aortic diseases, we reviewed the spin-echo MR images of 13 patients with intraaortic thrombus documented by CT (N=11) or aortography (N=2). Six patients had aortic aneurysms and seven had aortic dissection. Intraaortic mural thrombi were accompanied by flow-related intraluminal signal of various patterns and extents in all 13 patients. On 10 gated MR studies, slow flow regions showed even-echo rephasing phenomenon (N=8), interslice variation of signal intensities of the intraluminal signal (N=7) and flow-related ghost artifact (N=2). However, these MR flow phenomena were obscured on two of three non-gated studies. Seven of 13 intraaortic thrombi remained hyperintense on T2-weighted second-echo images. In these circumstances, a hypointense boundary layer between slow flow and mural thrombus, which was caused by either 'boundary layer dephasing phenomenon' of slow flow or 'paramagnetic T2 shortening' of fresh clot at the edge of mural thrombus, was useful in discriminating the area of slow flow from that of mural thrombus. Proper interpretation of spin-echo MR images may obviate the need for phase display imaging or gradientecho imaging in differentiating slow flow and mural thrombus.
Aortic Aneurysm ; Aortic Diseases* ; Aortography ; Artifacts ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Thrombosis*

Divergent placement of the femoral interference screw has been described as a major pitfall in single incision endoscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. This study reviews the radiographic results in 30 consecutive endoscopic single-incision ACL reconstructions using interference screw fixation to find a method to reduce the divergent femoral screw fixation. We measured the angles which were determined by a line through axis of femoral bone block and axis of interference screw in anteroposterior and lateral view of knee(APD/LD),through axis of femoral tunnel and axis of tibial tunnel in the full extension-anteroposterior view(AFT),through the longitudinal axis of distal femoral shaft and axis of femoral tunnel in the anteroposterior and lateral view(APFT/LFT). Average LD(4.96+/-62degrees) was significantly larger than average APD(1.303+/-13degrees) (P=0.008). Significant correlation was present between APD and APFT(g=-0.3882, P=0.034), between LD and LFT(gamma=0.6933, P=0.000) and other variables had no significant correlation. The femoral divergence in the anteroposterior plane occurred in the case with small angle between longitudinal axis of femoral shaft and that of femoral tunnel, and vice versa in lateral plane. During drilling of femoral tunnel, more than 90 flexion causes LFT to increase and the risk of femoral divergence increases. Therefore, in the anteroposterior plane, angle between femoral tunnel and longitudinal axis of femoral shaft shoud be made as large as possible and flexion of knee should not be more than 90 during drilling of femoral tunnel.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction* ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament* ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Knee ; Patellar Ligament*

Arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconsturction provide a technique with less morbidity, less pin, less sacr, lower ris k of sepsis. The magnification offered by arthroscopic visualization also provide a clearer view, more precise location of anatomical landmarks, and the ability to place the graft in the exact anatomic sites. However, in order to accomplish all these goals, the surgeon must possess a high level of psychomotor skills, which take time and practice to develop. Wile this learning curve is being completed, there are occasion when complications will occur, and, realistically these may be difficult to avoid. The purpose of this study is to evaluate author's cases in which complication occurred during the endoscopic one-incision ACL reconstruction using the patellar tendon and to offer some tips on how to avoid them and how to salvage the situation if they do occur. We reviewed 22 complications (11 patients) out of 40 ACL reconstructions performed between May 1994 and December 1995. The complications were divergence(6), graft-tunnel mismatch(5), too anterior tibial tunnel(3), too anterior femoral tunnel(2), too posterior femoral tunnel(2), rotation of screw around the graft(2), guide pin breakage(1), bone plug retraction into the joint(1). It is suggested that arthroscopist should constantly try to avoid the intraoperative complications of arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction and follow the precautions and preventive measures recommended.
Intraoperative Complications ; Knee ; Learning Curve ; Patellar Ligament ; Sepsis ; Transplants

PURPOSE: MRI is known to be an effective imaging modality of the aorta and its role is steadily increasing in the evaluation of acquired aortic diseases including aortic dissections and aortic aneurysms. However, differentiation of the aortic dissections with thrombosed false lumen from the aortic aneurysm with mural thrombus in MRI has not been easy. Therefore, the authors tried to find the characteristic MR featrses which would to differentiate the two diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of 6 patients with thrombosed aortic dissection and 7 patients with thrombosed aortic aneurysms were reviewed retrospectively and compared in regand to shape and extent of thrombus, dimension of aorta, and luminal flow signal. RESULTS: Thrombosed aortic dissections showed sharply demarcated crescent shaped aortic wall thickening of even thickness involving long segment of the aorta, whereas thrombosed aortic aneurysms showed irregular aortic wall thickening of uneven thickness localized in the short dilated segment of the aorta. Characteristically aortic aneurysm with mural thrombus showed eccentric intraluminal slow flow signal. In contrast to the signal void of the true lumen in aortic dissections, the residual lumen of the aortic aneurysm with mural thrombus revealed intraluminal signal due to slow flow. CONCLUSION: Familiarity to these MRI findings of thrombosed aortic dissections and aortic aneurysms may lead to the accurate differential diagnosis in majority of cases.
Aorta ; Aortic Aneurysm* ; Aortic Diseases ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Phenobarbital ; Recognition (Psychology) ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombosis

As a new interventional procedure for the control of variceal bleeding, a portosystemic shunt can be established with the installment of metallic stent through the transjugular approach. In order to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the procedure, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic chunt procedure were performed in 5 patients with variceal bleeding due to liver cirrhosis. The metallic stents were mainly a self expandable Wallstent(Schneider, Switzerland). An 8 to 10 mm shunt was formed by the insertion of the stent and balloon dilatation after puncture of the proximal portal vein from the right or middle hepatic vein. The patency of the shunt was proven by portography after the procedure. The portal pressure measured in 3 patients before and after the procedure improved with decrease from 31 mmHg to 25 mmHg. The procedure failed in 1 patient due to preexsisting portal vein thrombosis. During the follow-up period from 1 month to 4 months, shunts were patent in all 4 patients. However, hepatic encephalopathy occured in one patient one week following the procedure. Though the follow-up period was not long enough for full evaluation. We found the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was a safe and effective procedure for the control of variceal bleeding by lowering the portal pressure. For the appropriate application for this procedure, the optimal size of the shunt and optimal degree of the resultant decompression are yet to be determined in the future.
Decompression ; Dilatation ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatic Encephalopathy ; Hepatic Veins ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Portal Pressure ; Portal Vein ; Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical ; Portography ; Punctures ; Stents ; Venous Thrombosis

We performed 70 proceudres of transarterial chemoembolization (TAE) through extrahepatic collateral vessels (n=27) or parasitic feeders (n=18) in 45 hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The collaterals developed after interruption of the hapatic artery due to repeated TAE(n=17), surgical ligation(n=7) and primary celiac occlusion (n=3). Radiologic findings suggesting the existence of parasitic or collateral supply for hepatocellular carcinoma were 1) a focal defect of Lipiodol retention on CT or plain film after TAE via the hepatic artery, 2) dilated and tortuous vessels around the mass on angiography, 3) persistent elevation of the level of serum alpha fetoprotein or continuous clinical symptoms in spite of sufficient devascularization of the tumor via the hepatic artery, and 4) radiological findings of direct invasion into adjacent organ. The sites of the catheter placement were the inferior phrenic artery (n=19), omental branches (n=16), periportal collaterals (n=6), pancreaticodenal arcade (n=3), gastroduodenal artery (n=3), internal mammary artery (n=2), intercostal artery (n=2), lateral thoracic artery (n=1), bronchial artery(n=1), and colic branches(n=1). Masses feeded by the inferior phrenic and chest wall collaterals were usually located at the dome area of the liver, and the omental and gastroduodenal collaterals developed in the masses located at the inferior tip of the liver. After TAE via collateral vessels, 37 patients underwent follow-up study. In 18 cases(48%), the tumor favorably responded to TAE. Specific complications of collateral TAE were epigastric soreness (n=10), severe shoulder pain (n=4), and embolization of the spinal artery during embolization through the intercostal artey (n=1). In conclusion, various extrahepatic collaterals are important alternative or additional routes for effective chemoembolization in patients with advanced hepatoma, and early recognition of the parasitic supply and the effort to perform TAE via collaterals is very important for effective management of the patients with the hepatoma.
alpha-Fetoproteins ; Angiography ; Arteries ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Catheters ; Colic ; Ethiodized Oil ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatic Artery ; Humans ; Liver ; Mammary Arteries ; Shoulder Pain ; Thoracic Arteries ; Thoracic Wall

PURPOSE: To analyse the parameters of in vivo pharmacokinetics such as absorption, distributionin , and excretion of adriamycin patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and investigate the stagnation of adriamycin, in the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients in whom hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed and who were admitted for transhepatic chemoembolization were involved in this study. Fifty mg of adriamycin was mixed with 2.5 mL of water-soluble contrast material and 12 -15 mL of lipiodol, and the emulsion was injected into a selected tumor-supplying artery using a 3-F catheter. Between 1 minute and 72 hours after chemoembolization, peripheral blood samples were then obtained, and from these the blood concentration curve of adriamycin was calculated and applied to a two-compartment model. Using the model, several pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. RESULTS: The volume of the central and the peripheral compartment was 45 L and 4090.6 L, respectively. 75.14% of adriamycin was delivered to the liver directly, and the absorption rate constant was 2.448/hr. Distribution clearance was 969.3 L/hr, and excretion and metabolic clearance was 136.4 L/hr. CONCLUSION: Using a two-compartment model, the in vivo pharmacokinetics of adriamycin after hepatic arterial chemoembolization were successfully analyzed. On the basis of the parameters determined, it may be concluded that in these five patients, adriamycin remained in the liver in much greater quantities and for longer. Index words : Liver neoplasms Liver neoplasms, chemotherapeutic embolization Chemotherapy, regional
Absorption ; Arteries ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Catheters ; Doxorubicin* ; Drug Therapy ; Ethiodized Oil ; Humans ; Liver ; Liver Neoplasms ; Pharmacokinetics*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pregnancy outcome, designate the predicting factor of neonatal thrombocytopenia, and reevaluate the treatment scheme of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in pregnancy. METHODS: Medical records of 83 patients(98 deliveries) who were diagnosed as having ITP and delivered at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine from January 1990 to May 1999 were reviewed. For statistical analysis Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used. RESULTS: Among various maternal characteristics, inability to raise platelet counts more than 100,000/mm3 by any means of treatment, categorized as ""poor response to treatment"", could be designated as the predicting factor of neonatal thrombocytopenia (p<0.05). Pregnant women treated with prednisolone had significantly greater chance of having preterm delivery (p<0.001). The occurrence of postpartum anemia requiring transfusion was higher in the group undertaking cesarean section (p<0.05). Although a control group was missing, the pregnancy outcome was poor in the category of pregnancy induced hypertension(PIH) and preterm labor being 17.3% and 33.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ITP patient should be carefully monitored during the antenatal care visits because of the increased incidence in adverse pregnancy outcome such as PIH and preterm labor. Neonatal thrombocytopenia could be predicted in the presence of inability to raise platelet counts to more than 100,000/mm3 by any means of treatment. Cesarean section should not be performed routinely under the indication of ITP due to the accompanynig morbidity and low incidence of bleeding sequalae in the neonate. The accompanying complications of prednisolone treatment raises questions and warnings about its usage, therefore a prospective study is warranted to evaluate the effect and complications of prednisolone treatment.
Anemia ; Cesarean Section ; Female ; Gynecology ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn ; Medical Records ; Mortuary Practice ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Obstetrics ; Platelet Count ; Postpartum Period ; Prednisolone ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnant Women ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; Thrombocytopenia* ; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune