BACKGROUND: Noninvasive estimation of pulmonary artery pressure is an important component of echocardiographic studies. A number of methods are available for estimation of pulmenary pressure, each with varying degrees of reported accuracy. To assess accuracy and difficulties, noninvasive pulmonary artery pressure estimates were performed in infants and children with congenital heart diseases. METHODS: Noninvasive estimates from 8 methods were compared with catheterization measurements. Systolic pressure was estimated by the Burstin method and from perak tricuspid regurgitation velocity, and also from systolic pressure gradients through the VSD(ventricular septal defect) and PDA(patent ductus arteriosus). Mean pressure was estimated by acceleration time divided by ejection time measured from Koppler spectrum obtained at the right ventricular out flow tract. Diastolic pressure was estimated from pulmonary regurgitation velocity spentrum at end-diastolic, and also from diastolic pressure gradient through the patent ductus arteriosus. RESULTS: IN systolic pressure, Burstin and tricuspid regurgitation velocities estimates correlated significantly(r=0.92, 0.90 respectively), whereas VSD and PDA estimates correlated less well with catheterization estimates(r=0.83, 0.65 respectively). The mean pressure, measured from RVOT(right ventricular outflow tract) Doppler spectrum corresponded well with catheterization pressure(r=0.89), whereas those obtained from the main pulmonary artery correlated less well(r=0.74). The diastolic pressure estimates from pulmonary regurgitation velocity spectrum, revealed good correlation(r=0.79), but those from diastolic Doppler spectrum at PDA correlated less well with catheterization estimates(r=0.63). CONCLUSION: All of eight Doppler echocardiographic methods seemed to be easily performable for estimation of pulmonary artery pressure. But, the degree of accuracy was variable. Because a pressure estimante from only a single method may be in error, care should be taken in combining use of other(one or two) methods.
Acceleration ; Blood Pressure ; Catheterization ; Catheters ; Child ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Echocardiography* ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Infant ; Pulmonary Artery* ; Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency ; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency

No abstract available.
Animals ; Foot* ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease* ; Hand* ; Paralysis*

A pathologic fracture is a fracture of a bone with preexisting structural weakness. When considering the local treatment of pathologic fractures, those resulting from disorders which cause a generalized weakness of the whole or part of the skeleton can be largely treated conservatively. And those because of localized bone destruction or weakness often require operative treatment. For ten years from 1973 to 1983, we observed and analysed 26 cases of pathologic fractures, excluding those due to osteoporosis. The results were as follows: 1. The age distribution showed an even pattern, and the male to female ratio was 58% (15 Males): 42% (11 Females). 2. The underlying etiologies were infection in 6 cases (23%), disturbance in skeletal development in 7 cases (27%), benign tumorous lesion in 10 cases (38%) and malignant tumorous lesion in 3 cases (12%). 3. The most common site was femur, 54% (14 cases). 4. Previous treatment was carried on 38% (10 cases). 5. Of the 26 cases, conservative treatment was done in 4 cases (15%) and surgical treatment was done in 22 cases (85%).
Age Distribution ; Clinical Study ; Female ; Femur ; Fractures, Spontaneous ; Humans ; Male ; Osteoporosis ; Skeleton

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The clinical manifestation of Henoch-Schonlein purpura and existance of renal involvement may influence on its course and prognosis. To verify prevention with early administration of steroid, we studied the efficacy of corticosteroid treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analysed 65 children under 15 years of age with Henoch-Scho nlein purpura according to their age, sex, and seasonal incidence. Forty children showed typical skin lesions, arthralgia and abdominal pain. We have divided them two groups. Group A consisted of 20 children who received 1 mg/kg of prednisolone/perday for 2 weeks and group B did not. We carried out their physical examination and urinalysis monthly for a year. RESULT: The main clinical manifestations were skin rash(100% ), abdominal symptoms(41.5 %), joint symptoms (49.2%), and renal involvement(34%). As for gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain(66.7% ) was most commonly observed one and others were nausea or vomiting (44.7%) and melena(25.9%). The joint involvement was observed mostly in knee(56.3%) and ankle joint(31.3% ), Hematuria was observed in all cases with renal involvement and proteinuria, in 28% of them. The improvement of renal manifestations were noted in 84.2% of them within 4 months. Mild elevation of IgA was more frequently observed in renal involvement group than non-involved group (p< 0.01). There were no significant differences in immonologic parameters such as IgG, IgM, IgE, duration of the acute phase and severity of cutaneous symptoms between two growps. None of steroid treated growp showed progression of nephropathy. Of the 20 non-steroid treated growp, 2(10%) developed nephropathy. Conclusion We may suggest that existance of renal involvement in Henoch-Schonlein purpura influences its course and prognosis.
Abdominal Pain ; Ankle ; Arthralgia ; Child ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Incidence ; Joints ; Nausea ; Physical Examination ; Prognosis ; Proteinuria ; Purpura* ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch ; Seasons ; Skin ; Urinalysis ; Vomiting

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions occurs in 2 to 10% of patients with herpes zoster. It occurs mainly in old or debilitated persons especially those who have immunologic defects such as lymphoproliferative diseases, AIDS, or recipients of immunosuppressive therapy. The reported incidence of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions is variable. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the incidence and clinical features of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of 962 patients with herpes zoster by retrospective methods. The annual incidence, age, sex, seasonal variation, predilection sites, and associated conditions of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions were analyzed from January 1990 to December 1996 (7 years). RESULTS: 1. Among 962 patients, 8 patients with herpes zoster revealed generalixed varicelliform eruptions (0.83%). 2. The age ranged from 20 to 85 and the majority of cases occurred in the 6th decade. There were 4 females and 4 males. 3. Past histories of malignancy were observed in 2 patients. However, there were no signs of malignancy at the time of diagnosis of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions. 4. The most common site of initial lesion was the thoracic dermatome,followed by the lumbar and the cervical ones. CONCLUSION: From our observation, it is suggested that herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions may occur in patients without underlying malignancy or immunosuppressive disorders. Sudden incidental uprising of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions was observed in 1996.
Clinical Study* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Herpes Zoster* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons

A case of congenital absence of right atriovntricular (A-V) connection of heart is reported. Patient was 81 day old male infant with chief complaints of dyspnea and irritability. Clinical evaluation revealed increased pulmonary vascularity on chest x-ray, absence of right A-V connection, regurgitation of left A-V valve, right-sided ventricular hypoplasia and L-TGA. Clinical assessment of the case was tricupsid atresia with LTGA and mitral regurgitation. Pulmonary artery banlding and artial septectomy was performed. Parenteral alimentation through the femoral veins resulted in obstruction of IVC and subsequent multiorgan failure. The autopsy findings of the heart were corrected transposition of great arteries with associated anomallies of right-sided mitral atresia, Ebstein's malformation of left-sided tricuspid valve, ventricular septal defect, muscular hypertrophy of right-sided left ventricle with luminal obliteration. Long segment of IVC was completely occluded due to occlusive thrombi with fungal infection. Bilateral kidneys were infarcted and azygos vein was markedly engorged. Microscopic examination revealed candidal colonization in the inferior vena cava and septic embolzation in brain.
Infant ; Male ; Female ; Humans

A case of congenital absence of right atriovntricular (A-V) connection of heart is reported. Patient was 81 day old male infant with chief complaints of dyspnea and irritability. Clinical evaluation revealed increased pulmonary vascularity on chest x-ray, absence of right A-V connection, regurgitation of left A-V valve, right-sided ventricular hypoplasia and L-TGA. Clinical assessment of the case was tricupsid atresia with LTGA and mitral regurgitation. Pulmonary artery banlding and artial septectomy was performed. Parenteral alimentation through the femoral veins resulted in obstruction of IVC and subsequent multiorgan failure. The autopsy findings of the heart were corrected transposition of great arteries with associated anomallies of right-sided mitral atresia, Ebstein's malformation of left-sided tricuspid valve, ventricular septal defect, muscular hypertrophy of right-sided left ventricle with luminal obliteration. Long segment of IVC was completely occluded due to occlusive thrombi with fungal infection. Bilateral kidneys were infarcted and azygos vein was markedly engorged. Microscopic examination revealed candidal colonization in the inferior vena cava and septic embolzation in brain.
Infant ; Male ; Female ; Humans

Maligant melanomas of the oral or nasal cavity, and the vulvovaginal area are relatively common among the melanomas of non-ocular mucosa. But, primary malignant melanoma arising in the mucosa of the palatine tonsil is rare. We present a case of primary malignant melanoma arising in the mucosa of the palatine tonsil. A 36-year-old male was admitted for evaluation of a recurrent sore throat. Tonsillectomy was performed on the basis of clinical suspicion of chronic tonsillitis. Grossly, the left tonsil was focally dark. Microscopically, the tonsillar mucosa was diffusely infiltrated with tumor cells. Tumor cells revealed numerous melanin pigments. Intraepithelial nests of tumor cells were noted, but pagetoid spread of tumor cells was not found. Tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein and HMB45 stain. There was no evidence of melanoma in the skin or eye.
Male ; Humans

In this study, we have conducted characterization of imaging performance for a flat panel digital X-ray detector using amorphous Selenium and a-Si TFT which was developed by the authors. The procedures for characterization were in concordance with internationally recommended standards such as IEC (international electrotechnical commission). The measures used for imaging performance characterization include response characteristic, modulation transfer function (MTF), detective quantum efficiency (DQE), noise power spectrum (NPS), and quantum limited performance. The measured DQEs at lowest and highest spatial frequencies were 40% and 25% respectively, which was superior to that of commercial products by overseas vendor. The MTF values were significantly superior to that of CR and indirect type DRs. The quantum limited performance showed the detector was limited by quantum noise at the entrance exposure level below 0.023 mR, which is sufficiently low for general X-ray examination.
Commerce ; Noise ; Selenium ; Silicon

No abstract available.
Animals ; Mice* ; T-Lymphocytes*