BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Screening strategies for aortic aneurysm (AA) according to risk factors and ethnicity are controversial. This study explored the prevalence of AA and determined whether screening is necessary in a population of multiple risk factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From June, 2012 to April, 2013, 542 consecutive elderly (> or =65 years) male hypertensive patients without a history of AA were prospectively enrolled. After excluding 15 patients (2.8%) with aortic valve surgery, 30 patients (5.5%) with suboptimal computed tomography (CT) images, the remaining 496 patients (age 73+/-5 years) comprised the study population. Maximal diameters of the thoracic and abdominal aorta were measured using non-contrast CT. RESULTS: The prevalence of thoracic AA (TAA, diameter > or =40 mm) and abdominal AA (AAA, diameter > or =30 mm) was 36.5% (181/496) and 6.0% (30/496), respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, determinants for TAA were age {odds ratio (OR) 1.059, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.018-1.101, p=0.005}, dyslipidemia (OR 0.621, 95% CI 0.418-0.923, p=0.018), body surface area (OR 11.92, 95% CI 2.787-50.97, p=0.001), diastolic blood pressure (OR 1.029, 95% CI 1.009-1.049, p=0.004) and AAA (OR 3.070, 95% CI 1.398-6.754, p=0.005). In contrast, AAA was independently associated with dysplipidemia (OR 2.792, 95% CI 1.091-7.143, p=0.032), current/past smokerfs (OR 4.074, 95% CI 1.160-14.31, p=0.028), and TAA (OR 3.367, 95% CI 1.550-7.313, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AA was significant and TAA was more prevalent than AAA in elderly Korean males with hypertension. Future research should establish distinct screening strategies for TAA and AAA according to risk factors and ethnicity.
Aged ; Aneurysm ; Aorta ; Aorta, Abdominal ; Aortic Aneurysm* ; Aortic Valve ; Blood Pressure ; Body Surface Area ; Dyslipidemias ; Humans ; Hypertension* ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Mass Screening* ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES: This study compared attitudes toward antipsychotic treatment according to awareness of the name of their illness in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including awareness of the importance of antipsychotic treatment, was obtained through a self-report questionnaire. The Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI) was administered. The data were compared according to awareness of the name of their illness. RESULTS: The study analyzed data for 199 patients with schizophrenia. Of these, 115 patients (57.8%) were aware that their illness was called schizophrenia, while 84 patients (42.2%) knew it by their psychotic symptoms or as another mental illness, such as depression. The patients aware of the name of their illness had significantly longer durations of illness and higher scores on the DAI. They were significantly more likely to have stopped taking medication on their own accord and to agree with the importance of antipsychotic treatment. Statistical significance was sustained in a logistic regression analysis after adjusting for the duration of illness and study site, except for the DAI score, which had borderline significance (p=0.055). In subjects with duration of illness > or =5 years, patients aware of the name of their illness had significantly higher scores on the DAI. CONCLUSION: Awareness of the name of their illness was associated with awareness of the importance of, and a positive attitude toward, antipsychotic treatments in patients. Psycho-education, including telling the patient the correct name of his or her illness, might be needed for maintaining antipsychotic treatment in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
Antipsychotic Agents ; Depression ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Schizophrenia

PURPOSE: To clarify the behavior of the lumbar spine under vertical compressive load and follower compressive load and to confirm the effect of the follower load on the stability of the spinal column using finite element method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Describing follower compression test to overcome underestimation of load carrying capacity, the problem in existing ex-vivo lumbar spine compression test, with finite element analysis, comparing with the result of simple vertical compressive load, we analyze the property of kinetic behavior. After performing finite element modelling about L1-L5 lumbar vertebral column, analyze it about vertical compressive load and follower compressive load. Intervertebral discs with complex structure and mechanical properties was modeled using spring element that compensate stiffness and tube-to-tube contact element was employed to give follower load. With compressive load, change of lumbar spinal curve is so much, that geometrical analysis should be done. RESULTS: Under the follower compressive load, the vertebral column was so stiff that vertical displacement of the upper end plate of L1 was markedly reduced, comparing with that under the simple vertical compressive load. Sagittal rotation of that upper end plate was also decreased in the opposite direction. Compressive load on the intervertebral disc was evenly distributed along the entire column. The bending moment at each disc was reduced in the opposite direction. A lesser A-P shear force occurred at the intervertebral disc. CONCLUSION: As a result of finite element interpretation of lumbar spine, the stability and load carrying capacity was increased largely, and the compressive load was transmitted through the column in a more pattern, when follower compressive load applied. This can provide the basis for explaining the difference of early buckling occurrence reported in ex-vivo testing, and load carrying capacity of the lumbar spine in-vivo, but, for more precise replication of behavior of lumbar spine in-vivo to variable loading. A invention of a more precious finite element interpretation model which consider the role of muscle around the spine is loaded.
Natural Resources ; Finite Element Analysis ; Intervertebral Disc ; Inventions ; Spine*

We report here on a rare case of papillary and follicular carcinoma of the thyroid gland that developed in a 31 years old woman who was previously diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Her chief complaint was a palpable neck mass. The antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibody levels were elevated. Ultrasonography of the left thyroid gland revealed a 2.5x2.0 cm sized thyroid nodule. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid nodule was done and this was diagnosed as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. There was no evidence of thyroid cancer. After 1 year, thyroid ultrasonography and biopsy were repeated for examining an enlarged thyroid nodule. Total thyroidectomy was then performed. The histopathologic examination revealed that the right and left thyroid glands were in accordance with the diagnosis of papillary and follicular cancer, respectively. Until now, no known case of simultaneous papillary and follicular carcinoma in Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been reported. This case suggests that adequate follow up for Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients with thyroid nodule may help the early detection and management of thyroid cancer.
Adult ; Biopsy ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Neck ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroid Nodule ; Thyroidectomy ; Thyroiditis* ; Ultrasonography

A 69-year-old female patient visited the emergency room with fever (38.3degrees C) and dyspnea. She had been taking prednisolone (5 mg once per day) and methotrexate (2.5 mg once per week) for rheumatoid arthritis for 2 years. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral, multifocal ground glass opacity with interlobular septal thickening. Peripheral blood leukocyte count was 6,520/mm3 (neutrophils, 77.4%; eosinophils, 12.1%). During the night, mechanical ventilation was initiated due to the development of severe hypoxemia. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed a high proportion of eosinophils (49%). Her symptoms improved dramatically after commencement of intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. This is the first report of idiopathic acute eosinophilic pneumonia developing in a current user of systemic corticosteroids.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Anoxia ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Dyspnea ; Emergencies ; Eosinophils ; Female ; Fever ; Glass ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Methotrexate ; Methylprednisolone ; Prednisolone ; Pulmonary Eosinophilia ; Respiration, Artificial ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Thorax

No abstract available.
Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: The endocrine dysfunction after the operation for suprasellar arachnoid cysts is not rare. The careful operation to prevent structures can prevent this complication, but it is not enough and effective to prevent it. Authors present technical surgical considerations to prevent this complication with a review of our suprasellar arachnoid cyst patients who had postoperative endocrine dysfunction. METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2009, eight patients who had suprasellar arachnoid cysts with visual impairment underwent surgery. The mean age was 57.1 years (range, 33-77). Preoperatively, their endocrine function was clinically normal, and laboratory hormonal levels were within normal ranges. Cyst fenestration was performed by craniotomy (n=6) or by a neuro-endoscopic procedure (n=2), and, simultaneously, along with a cyst wall biopsy. RESULTS: The surgery was uneventful in all eight patients, and there were no neurological morbidities. However, in four patients, endocrine dysfunction occurred postoperatively. We compared these four patients (group A) to the other 4 patients without endocrine dysfunction (group B) with intraoperative findings and with the histopathological findings of the cyst wall biopsy. The group A patients had more abundant vasculature on the cystic wall than the group B patients according to both the intraoperative findings and the histopathological findings. CONCLUSION: When performing a surgical cyst wall fenestration, surgeons should try to minimize the destruction of the cystic wall vasculature and not to make the fenestration at a site that contains many vascular striae.
Arachnoid ; Arachnoid Cysts ; Biopsy ; Craniotomy ; Humans ; Reference Values ; Vision Disorders

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nasal airflow is asymmetrical and is subjected to spontaneous reciprocal changes which are referred to as the nasal cycle. Limited information is available about how they are affected by allergens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of allergen provocation on the nasal cycle. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: This study was performed in 11 patients with allergic rhinitis and 6 healthy controls. Acoustic rhinometry was used to test subjects before and after the allergen provocation. The subjects underwent acoustic rhinometry in 15 minutes interval for evaluation of nasal cycle and 3 minutes interval for immediate response. RESULTS: With the allergic subjects, 10 of the 11 subjects (90.9%) showed nasal cycle and they still had nasal cycle after the allergen provocation. In the study on the changes of the immediate responses, recovery time was on the average of 33.0 minutes and reduction rate of non-patent side was higher than that of patient side. And the period of nasal cycle was on the average of 173 minutes before the allergen provocation and the average 159 minutes after the allergen provocation; there were no statistical differences. The amplitude of each nasal cycle increased after allergen provocation and the difference had statistical meaning. CONCLUSION: Overall duration and reciprocity of nasal cycle were not changed after the allergen provocation and the amplitude of nasal cycle was increased significantly after the allergen provocation.
Allergens ; Humans ; Nasal Provocation Tests ; Rhinitis ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; Rhinometry, Acoustic

PURPOSE: Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most important diabetic complications because it increases the risk of amputations. Moreover, it lowers the quality of patients' life and increases the social medical expenses. Authors analyzed risk factors of intractable diabetic foot ulcer using retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2010, 40 patients who could not achieve complete healing despite more than 12 weeks of proper management among who had been diagnosed and treated as diabetic foot ulcer at our hospital were included and evaluated retrospectively. We compared the risk factors between two groups who were finally treated by amputation and non-amputation. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 31 male patients (77.5%) and 9 female patients (22.5%). Comorbidity including hypertension and hyperlipidemia were 77.5% and 80% each. By Wagner classification, 30 patients (80%) had ulcerative lesion over the grade 3. From bacteriology results, 29 patients (72.5%) had polybacteria infection. 35 patients (87.5%) had neuropathy and 26 patients (65%) had vascular stenosis at least one level. The mean initial ankle-brachial index and toe-brachial index were 0.982 and 0.439. In comparison between amputation group and non-amputation group, ulcer severity, number of stenotic vessel and initial ankle-brachial index/toe-brachial index had statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The most commonly risk factor of intractable diabetic foot ulcer was peripheral neuropathy reaching 87.5% of cases. In comparison with non-amputation group, ulcer severity according to Wagner classification, number of stenotic vessel and initial ankle-brachial index/toe-brachial index were demonstrated as a risk factor of amputation in intractable diabetic foot ulcer.
Amputation ; Ankle Brachial Index ; Bacteriology ; Comorbidity ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Diabetes Complications ; Diabetic Foot ; Female ; Glycosaminoglycans ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertension ; Male ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND: Being able to hydrolyze the majority of b-lactam antibiotics that are currently in use, extended-spectrum b-lactamases (ESBLs) pose a serious clinical problem. In order to solve this problem, it is recommended to use beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor instead of extended-spectrum cephalosporins. This study investigated the relationship between piperacillin/tazobactam use and ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in stool colony. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in hemato-oncology department patients of Hanyang University Hospital. During the pre-intervention period of 3 months (Feb. 2005 to Apr. 2005), antibiotics were prescribed liberally. During the intervention period of 6 months (May. 2005 to Oct. 2005), use of the 3rd (4th) generation cephalosporins and carbapenems were restricted and piperacillin/tazobactam was recommended. All enrolled patients performed stool culture or rectal swab culture. ESBL confirmed by Double disk synergy test and commercial identification kit. Between the pre-intervention and intervention groups, acquisition rates of ESBL producing organisms were compared. RESULTS: 50 cases were enrolled in pre-intervention period and 112 cases were enrolled in intervention period. In intervention period, use of 3rd (4th) generation cephalosporins and carbapenems decreased from 27 daily define dose/1,000patient/days to 6.82 DDD/1,000patient/days, but use of piperacillin/tazobactam increased from 1.98 DDD/1,000patient/days to 5.66 DDD/1,000patient/days. The intestinal acquisition rate of ESBL producing organism decreased from 30% to 12%. There was no difference in overall mortality of infectious disease between two phase. CONCLUSION: Use of piperacillin/tazobactam instead of extended-spectrum cephalosporins reduces intestinal acquisition rate of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli. Therefore, in order to decrease the number of ESBL producing organism, we recommend using piperacillin/tazobactam instead of using extended-spectrum cephalosporins.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Carbapenems ; Cephalosporins ; Colon* ; Communicable Diseases ; Drug Resistance, Microbial ; Escherichia coli* ; Escherichia* ; Humans ; Klebsiella pneumoniae* ; Klebsiella* ; Mortality ; Pneumonia ; Prospective Studies