The increase in size of lymph node on Ct scan is the single most important finding of lymphadenopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the size of mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with no evidence of malignancy or current infection. CT scans of 70 patients (16 with conventional CT and 54 with high-resolution CT) were assessed for lymph node size and locations. The duration of symptoms, and the extent and patterns of the parenchymal lung disease on CT scans were correlated with lymph node enlargement. In 54 of 70 patients, more than one lymph nodes were larger than 1-1.5cm. The prevalence of mnode enlargement increased significantly with a longer duration of symptom (p=0.001), larger extent of the disease (p=0.043), and with a greater proportion of honeycomb pattern (p=0.0344). Right paratracheal, subcarinal, right tracheobronchial, and paraesophageal nodes were the most common sites of nodes enlargement. In conclusion, mediastinal lymph node enlargement is common in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and is more frequently seen in patients with a longer duration of clinical symptoms, greater extent of the disease, and with a larger proportion of honeycomb pattern.
Humans ; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis* ; Lung Diseases ; Lymph Nodes* ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Prevalence ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze restoration of segmental lordosis and factors related to interbody fusion and the fusion rate with degenerative lumbar disease. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Few studies have addressed the restoration of segmental lordosis and factors related to interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 43 patients treated by anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery from 2011 to 2013 were reviewed. ALIF used a metal cage with a 10degrees lordotic angle and PLIF used a metal cage with an 8degrees lordotic angle. Preoperative, postoperative, and at least 1 year outcomes were analyzed from radiographs. As a related factor, segmental flexibility, disc height, osteophytes, vaccuum disc, hypertrophic facet, spondylolisthesis, and endplate violation were analyzed. We also analyzed the bony union rate. RESULTS: The segmental lordotic angle was 4.67degrees before surgery, improved to 10.43degrees after surgery, and was 9.32degrees at the final follow-up. Comparing between the ALIF and PLIF at the L3-4 level in a similar number of patients revealed 7.24degrees and 4.61degrees restoration after ALIF and PLIF surgery, postoperatively. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.011). Segmental flexibility had a statistically significant positive correlation (p=0.013). Lower disc height and osteophytes limited restoration of segmental lordosis, but vaccuum disc was restored well after interbody fusion. Bony union was achieved in 92.8% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Intebody fusion, especially ALIF surgery, results in acceptable restoration of segmental lordosis. Even with narrowed disc space or osteophytes, remained segmental flexibility is an important factor of segmental lordosis restoration.
Animals ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lordosis* ; Osteophyte ; Pliability ; Retrospective Studies ; Spondylolisthesis

Localized nodular myositis is an uncommon benign inflammatory myopathy of unkonwn cause affecting skeletal muscle and, presenting as a localized painful swelling within the soft tissue of an extremity. Histological examination reveals lymphocytic infiltration, scattered muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration, and interstitial fibrosis. MRI finding is an enhancement with increased signal intensity around the lesion. We report two cases of localized nodular myositis presenting as pseudothrobothrombophlebitis. We believe this is the first case report of localized nodular myositis in Korea.
Extremities ; Fibrosis ; Korea ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Myositis* ; Necrosis ; Regeneration

We have recently managed a case of syringomyelia associated with Chiari I Type malformation. The syrinx was found at C2 level to T10 level. And the patient complained left forearm pain and paresthesia in left shoulder, arm with segmental dissociated sensory loss. The cranio-vertebral decompression(suboccipital craniectomy, cervical laminectomy) and the shunting procedures were performed. Postoperative course was not uneven, the clinical and neurological improvement was observed. M.R.I. permitted rapid, exact diagnosis including localization of syrinx and information of associated anomaly.
Arm ; Diagnosis ; Forearm ; Humans ; Paresthesia ; Shoulder ; Syringomyelia*

Background: Osteoporosis is an important clinical factor for tendon healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Conventional dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and lumbar spine (LS) does not represent proximal humeral bone mineral density (BMD). Theoretically, direct measurement of the BMD of the proximal humerus is the best method; however, it is not popular and is non-standardized. Therefore, we evaluate whether the trabecular bone score (TBS) using LS DXA would represent proximal humeral BMD. Methods: Conventional hip and LS DXA and proximal humeral BMD were measured in 212 consecutive ARCR patients, and TBS was calculated using LS DXA. Comparative analysis between the affected and contralateral asymptomatic shoulders was done; moreover, correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the representativity of TBS for proximal humeral BMD. Regression analysis was performed to elucidate the risk factor of intraoperative suture anchor failure (ISAF). Results: BMDs of the affected shoulder were significantly lower than those of the contralateral side (all P<0.05). TBS failed to present a strong correlation with proximal humeral BMD (correlation coefficients 0.155-0.506, all P<0.05), and the BMD of the greater tuberosity (GT) of the proximal humerus was revealed to be a sole risk factor for ISAF (odds ratio, 0.01, P=0.020). Conclusions TBS and conventional hip and LS DXA did not represent proximal humeral BMD. Furthermore, among the various radiological measurements, the BMD of the GT was a sole risk factor of ISAF. Therefore, further research for the direct measurement of proximal humeral BMD is mandatory to predict proximal humeral focal osteoporosis.

Background: Osteoporosis is an important clinical factor for tendon healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Conventional dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and lumbar spine (LS) does not represent proximal humeral bone mineral density (BMD). Theoretically, direct measurement of the BMD of the proximal humerus is the best method; however, it is not popular and is non-standardized. Therefore, we evaluate whether the trabecular bone score (TBS) using LS DXA would represent proximal humeral BMD. Methods: Conventional hip and LS DXA and proximal humeral BMD were measured in 212 consecutive ARCR patients, and TBS was calculated using LS DXA. Comparative analysis between the affected and contralateral asymptomatic shoulders was done; moreover, correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the representativity of TBS for proximal humeral BMD. Regression analysis was performed to elucidate the risk factor of intraoperative suture anchor failure (ISAF). Results: BMDs of the affected shoulder were significantly lower than those of the contralateral side (all P<0.05). TBS failed to present a strong correlation with proximal humeral BMD (correlation coefficients 0.155-0.506, all P<0.05), and the BMD of the greater tuberosity (GT) of the proximal humerus was revealed to be a sole risk factor for ISAF (odds ratio, 0.01, P=0.020). Conclusions TBS and conventional hip and LS DXA did not represent proximal humeral BMD. Furthermore, among the various radiological measurements, the BMD of the GT was a sole risk factor of ISAF. Therefore, further research for the direct measurement of proximal humeral BMD is mandatory to predict proximal humeral focal osteoporosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of thromboembolic events and complications related to bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a mechanical compression device alone or in combination with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 489 TKA patients (776 knees) were retrospectively reviewed for the incidence of thromboembolic events and complications related to bleeding. While 233 patients (354 knees) were treated with a mechanical compressive device without LMWH, 256 patients (422 knees) were treated with the mechanical compressive device along with LMWH. RESULTS: The incidences of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were 15 of 375 knees (4.0%) and 5 of 375 knees (1.3%), respectively, in the group that used only a mechanical compressive device, and 14 of 401 knees (3.4%) and 5 of 401 knees (1.2%), respectively, in the group that used the mechanical compressive device with LMWH. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.125 and p=0.146, respectively). The postoperative hemovac drainage amount was 635±57 mL in the group with a mechanical compressive device only and 813±84 mL in the group with the device and LMWH; therefore, the amount of drainage was significantly greater in the latter group (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical compression alone for prophylaxis against DVT and PE after TKA can be an attractive option in Korean patients.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Drainage ; Hemorrhage ; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight ; Humans ; Incidence ; Knee ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Thromboembolism ; Venous Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of the cross-sectional areas (CSA) of paraspinal muscles (back extensors and psoas muscles) and full range-of-motion isometric lumbar extension strength in the individuals with low back pain. METHOD: Twenty four subjects (14 men and 10 women) with low back pain completed a maximum isometric lumbar extension strength test at seven angles through a 72degrees range of motion (0, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 degrees of lumbar flexion). CSA of back extensors and psoas muscles were measured from standardized transaxial view by CT scanner. RESULTS: CSA of lumbar extensor and psoas were correlated with isometric lumbar extension strength from full flexion to extension in the low back pain patients. The greater the lumbar flexion angle, the greater the coefficient of determination (R2). The correlation coefficients of psoas muscles were greater than those of lumbar extensors. CONCLUSION: Both back extensors and psoas muscles do their important role during isometric lumbar extension. Isometric lumbar extension strength of full lumbar flexion is well correlated with CSA of paraspinal muscles.
Humans ; Low Back Pain ; Male ; Paraspinal Muscles* ; Psoas Muscles ; Range of Motion, Articular

Cerebral cysticercosis is relatively common disease in Korea. But cysts in the ventricular system are rare form. In the ventricular system, they occur most frequently in the 4th ventricle, more rarely in the lateral and 3rd ventricle. We have recently experienced a case of cerebral cysticercosis which involved the 3rd ventricle. A sixty-year old man was admitted because of generalized seizure attack followed by drowsy mentation. On admission, there were no specific localizing and lateralizing neurological abnormalities except bilateral, mild degree optic papilledema. Brain CT scan after intraventricular metrizamide administration disclose a cystic mass in the third ventricle. And the serum ELISA test was positive(patient's titer : 0.31, normal : below 0.18). Anterior transcallosal approach was performed and cystic mass was removed from the third ventricle. Pathological diagnosis of the specimen was cysticercosis. Following surgery, the patient's symptom cleared up and papilledema disappeared gradually.
Brain ; Cysticercosis* ; Diagnosis ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Korea ; Metrizamide ; Papilledema ; Seizures ; Third Ventricle ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Interstitial pneumonitis associated with interferon alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C was first described in 1994 by Kazuo et al in Japan. The mechanism of interstitial pneumonitis deveoped by interferon alpha was still unknown but immunologic, allergic or direct lung toxicity were suggested. We experienced a case of interstitial pneumonitis developed during interferon alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C in a 52-year-old male patient. He was treated with 6 million units of interferon alpha intramuscularly 3 times per week for 4 weeks and noted progressive dyspnea and cough. These symptoms were subsided after 6 weeks' discontinuation of interferon alpha therapy. And so, he was retreated with 3 million units of interferon alpha 3 times per week for 8 weeks and felt dyspnea again. He was admitted to our hospital for further evaluation of progressive dyspnea. Arterial blood gas(ABG) values were PaO2 90.7 mmHg and PaCO2 31.9 mmHg, and antinuclear antibody(ANA) was negative. A chest X-ray film revealed diffuse reticulo-nodular shadows in bilateral lung fields, suggesting a diagnosis of interstitial pneumonitis. A marked increase in lymphocyte count and suppressor T cell were observed in bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) fluid. Lymphocyte stimulation test with interferon alpha was positive. Interstitial pneumonitis was confirmed by transbronchial lung biopsy. After discontinuation of interferon alpha, we gave oral steroid in the condition that clinical symptoms were being improved gradually.
Biopsy ; Cough ; Diagnosis ; Dyspnea ; Hepatitis C, Chronic* ; Hepatitis, Chronic* ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; Japan ; Lung ; Lung Diseases, Interstitial* ; Lymphocyte Activation ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Thorax ; X-Ray Film