No abstract available.
Animals ; Epidermal Growth Factor* ; Gene Expression* ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone* ; Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide* ; Rats*

No abstract available.
Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic* ; Humans ; Infant* ; Mothers*

BACKGROUND: Coronary intervention is a well established treatment of ischemic heart diseases. However, acute arterial occlusion and restenosis have remained as the principal limitations of coronary intervention. This study was aimed to analyze the acute and long-term, and the clinical angiographic results of the coronary intervention for restenotic lesions. METHOD: Between March 1996 and July 1997 at Chonnam University Hospital, second interventions were performed in one hundred restenotic coronary lesions of ninety patients (age 58.5+/-9.0 year, M:F = 5:1), i.e. percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or stent implantation for the treatment of restenosis. RESULTS: 1) Initial interventions were PTCA in 75 lesions (Group I) and stent in 25 lesions (Group II). There were no differences in clinical manifestations, angiographic findings and follow-up period between the two groups. 2) The method of the second intervention for the restenotic lesions after PTCA were either PTCA or stent implantation ; in Group I PTCA was performed in 27 (37%) lesions and stent in 46 (63%), In Group II, PTCA was performed in 20 (91%) lesions and stent in 2 (9%) lesions. The overall success rate of the second intervention for the restenotic lesion was 96%. 3) Follow-up angiogram at 5.5+/-2.9 months after the second intervention revealed the second restenosis rates of 44% (8/18) after stent and 50% (7/14) after PTCA. CONCLUSION: Second intervention for restenotic lesion can be performed with high success rate. Second restenosis rate are not different between the PTCA and stent groups.
Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Jeollanam-do ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Stents

BACKGROUND: The endovascular stent has been applied clinically in acute arterial occlusions after intimal dissection by angioplasty and in the prevention of restenosis. However, subacute stent thrombosis and restnosis remain major concerns in clinical stenting despite intravscular ultrasound guidance and high pressure inflation. Moreover, anticoagulation before and after stent implantation may be required for long periods and complicated by bleeding. A new strategy may be local drug delivery, which maintains sustained local concentration and may limit systemic complications. To evaluate the efficacy of local Nitric Oxide(NO) donor delivery on acute or subacute stent thrombosis and bleeding complications in patients, local NO donor delivery was performed in stented patients. METHOD: NO donor (2.0mg, Molsidomine) was delivered (1.0ml/min over 10min) using the Dispatch Catheter, after predilation of target lesion in 15 patients (8 angina, 7 myocardial infarction, mean age 5311.5 yr.) without heparin or nitrate infusion after stenting. After local NO donor delivery, Palmaz-Schatz stents were placed with standard methods. APTT and CK were checked at 1 hr, 3 hrs and 24 hrs after local NO donor delivery and STENTING. Follow-up coronary angiograms were done 48 hrs after stenting. RESULT: All patients had no hypotensive effects, no ischemic symptoms or no ECG changes during and after locaL NO donor delivery. ARTT and CK values were not changed at 3 and 24 hrs after local NO donor delivery and stenting. This allowed early arterial sheath removal. Follow-up coronary angiograms at 48 hrs showed all stents patent without stent recoil, with TIMI III flow, and without intra-stent thrombus. No target lesion revascularization and 100% event free survival were obsered for one month's clinical follow-up after NO donor delivery and stenting. Conclusion: Local NO donor delivery prior to stenting prevents acute and subacute stent thrombosis, systmic complications of nitrate, and maintains stent blood flow without stent recoil within the first one month after stenting.
Angioplasty ; Catheters ; Disease-Free Survival ; Electrocardiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage ; Heparin ; Humans ; Inflation, Economic ; Myocardial Infarction ; Nitric Oxide* ; Stents* ; Thrombosis ; Tissue Donors* ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Aspirin, one of the antiplatelet agents, improves the survival rate after myocardial infarction. This beneficial effect is known to be obtained in part by the antiarrhythmic action of aspirin. It is not known whether other antiplatelet agents have such effects. This study was performed to compare the effects of aspirin, ticlopidine, and abciximab (platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist) on the ischemia-induced arrhythmias with a rat model of cardiac regional ischemia. METHODS: Experiments were performed in 4 groups of rats. The 4 groups were as follows : control, n=10:aspirin-pretreated, 300 mg/kg po for 1 week:ticlopidine-pretreated, 200 mg/kg po for 1 wk:abciximab-pretreated, 2 mg/kg iv 10-20 minutes before experiment. The electrocardiogram and blood pressure were recorded during 20 minutes. The time to the onset of ST-segment elevation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, frequency and incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and death rate were assessed during acute myocardial ischemia induced by ligation of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery in anesthetized rats. RESULTS: Platelet aggregations to ADP were significantly lower in aspirin (42.8%), ticlopidine (43.8%), and abciximab group (34.0%) than in control group (66.4%). The frequencies of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) were 6.8+/-3.6 in control, 3.6+/-3.8 aspirin, 4.7+/-3.7 ticlopidine, and 1.4+/-2.5 abciximab group. The frequency of sustained VT in the abciximab group was significantly lower than in control group. The incidences of ventricular arrhythmias for 20 min were 10/10 for VT and 8/10 for ventricular fibrillation (VF) in control group, 7/10 for VT and 3/10 for VF in aspirin group, 10/10 for VT and 3/10 for VF in ticlopidine group, and 5/10 for VT and 4/10 for VF in abciximab group. The incidences of cardiac death during 20 min were 8/10 in control group, 4/10 in aspirin group, 2/10 in ticlopidine group and 5/10 in abciximab group. The incidence of VT in the abciximab group was significantly lower than in control group, incidences of VF in the aspirin and ticlopidine groups were significantly lower than in control group, and death rate in ticlopidine group was significantly lower than in control group. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that aspirin, ticlopidine, and abciximab could prevent ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in a rat model of cardiac regional ischemia and their antiarrhythmic effects improve the survival rate.
Adenosine Diphosphate ; Animals ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Aspirin ; Blood Platelets ; Blood Pressure ; Coronary Vessels ; Death ; Electrocardiography ; Glycoproteins ; Incidence ; Ischemia ; Ligation ; Models, Animal ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Myocardial Ischemia* ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors* ; Rats* ; Survival Rate ; Tachycardia* ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; Ticlopidine ; Ventricular Fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Aspirin, one of the antiplatelet agents, improves the survival rate after myocardial infarction. This beneficial effect is known to be obtained in part by the antiarrhythmic action of aspirin. It is not known whether other antiplatelet agents have such effects. This study was performed to compare the effects of aspirin, ticlopidine, and abciximab (platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist) on the ischemia-induced arrhythmias with a rat model of cardiac regional ischemia. METHODS: Experiments were performed in 4 groups of rats. The 4 groups were as follows : control, n=10:aspirin-pretreated, 300 mg/kg po for 1 week:ticlopidine-pretreated, 200 mg/kg po for 1 wk:abciximab-pretreated, 2 mg/kg iv 10-20 minutes before experiment. The electrocardiogram and blood pressure were recorded during 20 minutes. The time to the onset of ST-segment elevation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, frequency and incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias, and death rate were assessed during acute myocardial ischemia induced by ligation of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery in anesthetized rats. RESULTS: Platelet aggregations to ADP were significantly lower in aspirin (42.8%), ticlopidine (43.8%), and abciximab group (34.0%) than in control group (66.4%). The frequencies of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) were 6.8+/-3.6 in control, 3.6+/-3.8 aspirin, 4.7+/-3.7 ticlopidine, and 1.4+/-2.5 abciximab group. The frequency of sustained VT in the abciximab group was significantly lower than in control group. The incidences of ventricular arrhythmias for 20 min were 10/10 for VT and 8/10 for ventricular fibrillation (VF) in control group, 7/10 for VT and 3/10 for VF in aspirin group, 10/10 for VT and 3/10 for VF in ticlopidine group, and 5/10 for VT and 4/10 for VF in abciximab group. The incidences of cardiac death during 20 min were 8/10 in control group, 4/10 in aspirin group, 2/10 in ticlopidine group and 5/10 in abciximab group. The incidence of VT in the abciximab group was significantly lower than in control group, incidences of VF in the aspirin and ticlopidine groups were significantly lower than in control group, and death rate in ticlopidine group was significantly lower than in control group. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that aspirin, ticlopidine, and abciximab could prevent ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in a rat model of cardiac regional ischemia and their antiarrhythmic effects improve the survival rate.
Adenosine Diphosphate ; Animals ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Aspirin ; Blood Platelets ; Blood Pressure ; Coronary Vessels ; Death ; Electrocardiography ; Glycoproteins ; Incidence ; Ischemia ; Ligation ; Models, Animal ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Myocardial Ischemia* ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors* ; Rats* ; Survival Rate ; Tachycardia* ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; Ticlopidine ; Ventricular Fibrillation

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical and radiographic results of arthroereisis using the Kalix(R) implant (Newdeal, Lyon, France) for the treatment of flexible flatfoot deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2005 to February 2007, we performed the subtalar arthroereisis on 8 patients (9 feet) of symptomatic flexible flat feet after more than 6 months of conservative treatment. Average age was 14.5 years (11~29 years) old. We checked the functional status with AOFAS functional score pre-operatively and at final follow-up. Radiologically, we took weight bearing anterior to posterior and lateral view of the feet, and measured the talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch angle in pre-operatively and at final follow-up. RESULTS: Mean follow up period was 34.4 months. Average AOFAS score improved from preoperatively 65.6 to postoperatively 94.8. Average lateral talo-first metatarsal angle reduced from 12.8degrees preoperatively to 1.6degrees at final follow-up. Average anterior to posterior talo-first metatarsal angle was reduced from 15.1degrees preoperatively to 8.3degrees at final follow-up. Average calcaneal pitch angle was increased from 9.5degrees preoperatively to 12.0degrees at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Subtalar arthroereisis with Kalix(R) implant can be considered to be one of treatment options symptomatic flatfoot deformity patients.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Flatfoot ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Humans ; Metatarsal Bones ; Weight-Bearing

BACKGROUND: Coronary arterioveonus fistula(CAVf) is a rare congerital coronary artery anomaly in adults. CAVF is related with some clinincal significances, such as angina, congestive heart failure and bacterial endocarditis. METHOD: We analyzed clincial characteristics in 10 patients(mean age=52.1 +/- 12.5 year) of adult CAVF, who were diagnosed as CAVF by coronary angiogram from Jan. 1993 to Mar. 1997 in Chonnam University Hosptial. RESULTS: Five out of 10 patients complained of chest pain, four had dyspnea and one had hemoptysis. In seven patients, arteries of CAVF were originated from left coronary arteries, from right coronary artery in one, and from both coronary arteries in two. CAVF was drained into pulmonary artery in six patients, right ventricle in two, right atrium in one, and left ventricle in one. CONCLUSION: Chest pain and dyspnea are common in symptomatic patients with CAVF are originated most commonly from left coronary arteries and drained into pulomonary arteries in Korean adults.
Adult* ; Arteries ; Arteriovenous Fistula* ; Chest Pain ; Coronary Vessels ; Dyspnea ; Endocarditis, Bacterial ; Heart Atria ; Heart Failure ; Heart Ventricles ; Hemoptysis ; Humans ; Jeollanam-do ; Pulmonary Artery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possibility of phrenic neuropathy in diabetic patients, and to define the factors that influence phrenic neuropathy in those patients. METHOD: Seventeen diabetic patients and sixteen controls participated in this study. The fasting and postprandial 2 hours blood sugar levels, HbA1c study, motor and sensory nerve conduction study, pulmonary function test, and phrenic nerve conduction study were examined in all subjects. The neuropathic disability score (NDS) was measured for clinical assessment in diabetic patients. RESULTS: 1) The mean duration of diabetes was 12.3+/-7.7 years, and the mean NDS score was 3.2+/-3.8. 2) In pulmonary function test, FEV1 and FVC of diabetic patients were lower than controls (p<0.05). 3) The prolonged latency and decreased amplitude of phrenic nerve were shown in diabetic patients compared with controls (p<0.05). The FEV1 and FVC in the diabetics with phrenic neuropathy were lower than ones without phrenic neuropathy (p<0.05). 4) The duration of diabetes, NDS are related to prolonged phrenic latency. CONCLUSION: The diabetic patients with decreased pulmonary function with might be related phrenic neuropathy. The prolonged latencies of phrenic nerve were related with longer duration of diabetes and higher NDS score.
Blood Glucose ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Fasting ; Humans ; Neural Conduction ; Phrenic Nerve* ; Respiratory Function Tests

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of parotid gland tumors to help in the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The CT findings of 22 patients with surgically proven parotid gland tumors were reviewed. Analysis was focused on the density and margin characteristics of the tumors, and the relationahip between the tumor and surrounding structures. RESULTS: Those tumors were pleomorphic adenoma (n=8), Warthin's tumor (n=5), basal cell adenoma (n=l), lipoma (n=l), dermold cyst (n=l), adenold cystic carcinoma (n=2), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n=l), epidermold carcinoma (n=l), and carcinoma in pleomorphic adenoma (n=l). Most of benign and malignant tumors were heterogeneous in denstiy on contrast enhanced CT scans. In 5 of 6 malignant cases, the tumors had irregular or ill-defined margin and a tendancy to involve or cross the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia with obliteration of subcutaneous fat. Two malignant tumors invaded surrounding structures. CONCLUSION: Although the heterogeneous density of tumor is not a specific finding for malignancy at CT, following findings, such as, irregular or blurred margin of the lesion, the involvement of fascial plane, and the infiltration of surrounding structures may suggest the possibility of malignant parotid tumor.
Adenoma ; Adenoma, Pleomorphic ; Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid ; Fascia ; Humans ; Lipoma ; Parotid Gland* ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed