Seven fibrovascular diabetic preretinal membranes were examined with lightmicroscophic immunohistochemical stain and electron-microscopy to evaluate the possibility of pericytes to be involved in membrane contraction. Pericytes were positively stained with anti-actin antibody together with some stromal cells thought to be myofibroblasts presumedly. On transmission electron microscopic study, pericytes were highly active with numerous cytoplasmic processes and contained abundant microfilaments considered as actin in their cytoplasm. Pericyte/endothelial cell ratio of vascular channels were increased in some actively proliferative portion of the membranes. Myofibroblasts that contain abundant cytoplasmic microfilaments were also demonstrated in the extravascular stroma of the membranes and were very similar to the pericytes morphologically. Although the evidence that the pericytes are related to the origin of the myofibroblasts could not be demonstrated, this study suggested that the pericytes may play important roles in development and contraction mechanism of fibrovascular diabetic preretinal membranes.
Actin Cytoskeleton ; Actins ; Cytoplasm ; Membranes* ; Myofibroblasts ; Pericytes* ; Stromal Cells

The widespread application of coronary angiography and poen heart surgery have resulted in more frequent detection of patients with coronary artery anomaly. In 0.6 to 1.2 percent of individials, the coronary arteries arise aberrantly from the aorta. Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the fight coronary sinus with subsequent coursing between the aorta and pulmonary artery is a rare and sometimes fatal coronary amonaly. This anomaly has been reported in young and healthy men who died suddenly during or immediately forllowing vigorous physical exercise. The exact mechanism of sudden death is unclear. It is believed to be related to either extrinsic compression of the left coronary artery or distorsion of the vessel orifice, with resultant global ischemia and ventricular fibrllation. A 13-years old healthy boy, who was completely asymptomatic until he had sudden chest pain after running, arrived at hospital with typical clinical picture of acute myocardial infarction. The electrocardiography taken on admission demonstrated pathologic Q wave changes on lead I, aVL, V2, V3 and V4. Cardiac enzymes were elevated. The selective coronary angiography demonstrated that left coronary artery arose from the right coronary sinus. The anomalous left coronary artery passed posterioly around aortic root to reach its normal position in the interventricular groove. We report the patient with anomalous origined left coronary artery which causes the acute myocardial infarction.
Adolescent ; Aorta ; Chest Pain ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Sinus* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Death, Sudden ; Electrocardiography ; Exercise ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Pulmonary Artery ; Running ; Thoracic Surgery

No abstract available.
Animals ; Cesium Radioisotopes/analysis/chemistry ; *Environmental Exposure ; Half-Life ; Humans ; Perciformes/metabolism ; Seafood/*analysis ; Water Pollutants, Radioactive/*analysis/chemistry

BACKGROUND: The analytical performance of the Vitros ECi(R) Immunodiagnostic System on the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and estradiol (E2) assays, which are based on electrochemical luminescence to replace the radioimmunoassay was evaluated. METHODS: The precision as measured by the NCCLS protocol and a comparison of the method were done for each TSH, FT3, FT4, and E2 assay. The functional sensitivity and linearity tests were performed for both TSH and E2. The free hormone validity test was performed for both the FT3 and FT4. RESULTS: All four analytes showed an acceptable precision. The functional sensitivities of TSH and E2 were 0.007 mIU/L, and 87 pmol/L, respectively. TSH and E2 showed excellent linearity up to 78 mIU/mL, and up to 7,700 pmol/L, respectively. The free hormone validity test showed acceptable results demonstrating accurate free hormone determination. The E2 showed a significant proportion-al bias requiring an adjustment of the reference range, However, the other analytes showed good agreement with a slight proportional bias. CONCLUSIONS: The TSH, FT3, FT4, and E2 assay by Vitros ECi(R) exhibited excellent performance overcoming the drawbacks of a conventional radioimmunoassay.
Bias (Epidemiology) ; Estradiol* ; Luminescence ; Radioimmunoassay ; Reference Values ; Thyrotropin ; Thyroxine* ; Triiodothyronine*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the coaxial technique in US-guided breast core biopsy. Materials andMethods : Using the coaxial technique, US-guided breast core biopsy was performed in 49 breast lesions (40patients). Under US-guidance the 17-gauge, 13 cm long introducer needle was positioned proximal to the lesion.Once the needle was in place, the central trocar was removed and was replaced with the core biopsy needle. We usedan 18-gauge, 16-cm-long core biopsy needle with a 17 mm specimen notch. Four to eight tissue specimens wereobtained from each lesion, and the quality and quantity of specimens, procedure time, and complications and theirrate were evaluated. RESULTS: For 48 of 49 lesions, specimens were adequate for histopathologic diagnosis, andthe findings were as follows : six cases of invasive ductal carcinoma, one of ductal carcinoma in situ, 29 offibrocystic disease, eight of fibroadenoma, two of chronic inflammation, and two of sclerosing lesion. In 12lesions agreement between the pathologic results of needle core biopsy and surgical results was 100%. Theprocedure time was about 15 minutes and no significant complications were noted. CONCLUSION: In breast corebiopsy, the coaxial technique is simple and time-saving, and compared with stan-dard breast core biopsy, may alsobe less traumatic and decrease the potential risk of seeding the biopsy tract with malignant cells.
Biopsy* ; Breast* ; Carcinoma, Ductal ; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating ; Diagnosis ; Fibroadenoma ; Inflammation ; Needles ; Surgical Instruments

BACKGROUND: Intubation of the trachea frequently results in a rise in respiratory system resistance (Rrs) that is reversed by inhaled bronchodilators. In asthmatics, this reflex may occasionally result in profound bronchoconstriction, and anesthesiologists often try to avoid tracheal intubation if possible in asthmatics. The hypothesis of this study was that insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) would be less likely to result in reversible bronchoconstriction than would insertion of an endotracheal tube (ETT). METHODS: A total of 52 (45 male, 7 female) patients were randomized to placement of a 7.5 mm (females) or 8.0 mm (males) endotracheal tube or a #4 (females) or #5 LMA (males). Anesthesia was induced with 2 microgram/kg fentanyl and 5 mg/kg thiopental and airway placement facilitated with 1 mg/kg succinylcholine. After ensuring that a seal to greater than 20 cmH2O existed, Rrs was measured immediately following airway placement using the isovolumic method during positive pressure ventilation with oxygen. Correction was made for the resistance of the ETT but not for the resistance of the LMA, which was insignificant at the flows used. Inhalation anesthesia was then begun with isoflurane (ISF) to achieve an end-tidal concentration of 1.0% for ten minutes. Rrs was then measured again under identical conditions. In the LMA patients, fiberoptic laryngoscopy was then performed to ensure that the scope could be passed to the level of the cords without epiglottic obstruction. RESULTS: Among LMA patients, the initial Rrs was significantly lower than among ETT patients (9.2 0.7 vs 13.4 1.9 cmH2O/L/s, P <0.05). After 10 minutes of ISF, the resistance declined to 8.6 0.7 in the ETT group but remained unchanged at 9.1 0.7 cmH2O/L/s in the LMA group. The decline in Rrs in the ETT group of 4.7 1.4 cmH2O/L/s was highly significant compared to the lack of change in the LMA group (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the inclusion of the resistance of the LMA and the laryngeal resistance, Rrs in LMA patients was still clearly lower than in ETT patients. Furthermore, resistance dropped rapidly only in ETT patients after ISF, a potent bronchodilator, suggesting that reversible bronchoconstriction was present in ETT patients but not LMA patients. We conclude that an LMA is a better choice of airway to minimize airway reaction.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Inhalation ; Bronchoconstriction* ; Bronchodilator Agents ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Intubation ; Intubation, Intratracheal* ; Isoflurane ; Laryngeal Masks* ; Laryngoscopy ; Male ; Oxygen ; Positive-Pressure Respiration ; Reflex ; Respiratory System ; Succinylcholine ; Thiopental ; Trachea

BACKGROUND: Intubation of the trachea frequently results in a rise in respiratory system resistance (Rrs) that is reversed by inhaled bronchodilators. In asthmatics, this reflex may occasionally result in profound bronchoconstriction, and anesthesiologists often try to avoid tracheal intubation if possible in asthmatics. The hypothesis of this study was that insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) would be less likely to result in reversible bronchoconstriction than would insertion of an endotracheal tube (ETT). METHODS: A total of 52 (45 male, 7 female) patients were randomized to placement of a 7.5 mm (females) or 8.0 mm (males) endotracheal tube or a #4 (females) or #5 LMA (males). Anesthesia was induced with 2 microgram/kg fentanyl and 5 mg/kg thiopental and airway placement facilitated with 1 mg/kg succinylcholine. After ensuring that a seal to greater than 20 cmH2O existed, Rrs was measured immediately following airway placement using the isovolumic method during positive pressure ventilation with oxygen. Correction was made for the resistance of the ETT but not for the resistance of the LMA, which was insignificant at the flows used. Inhalation anesthesia was then begun with isoflurane (ISF) to achieve an end-tidal concentration of 1.0% for ten minutes. Rrs was then measured again under identical conditions. In the LMA patients, fiberoptic laryngoscopy was then performed to ensure that the scope could be passed to the level of the cords without epiglottic obstruction. RESULTS: Among LMA patients, the initial Rrs was significantly lower than among ETT patients (9.2 0.7 vs 13.4 1.9 cmH2O/L/s, P <0.05). After 10 minutes of ISF, the resistance declined to 8.6 0.7 in the ETT group but remained unchanged at 9.1 0.7 cmH2O/L/s in the LMA group. The decline in Rrs in the ETT group of 4.7 1.4 cmH2O/L/s was highly significant compared to the lack of change in the LMA group (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the inclusion of the resistance of the LMA and the laryngeal resistance, Rrs in LMA patients was still clearly lower than in ETT patients. Furthermore, resistance dropped rapidly only in ETT patients after ISF, a potent bronchodilator, suggesting that reversible bronchoconstriction was present in ETT patients but not LMA patients. We conclude that an LMA is a better choice of airway to minimize airway reaction.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Inhalation ; Bronchoconstriction* ; Bronchodilator Agents ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Intubation ; Intubation, Intratracheal* ; Isoflurane ; Laryngeal Masks* ; Laryngoscopy ; Male ; Oxygen ; Positive-Pressure Respiration ; Reflex ; Respiratory System ; Succinylcholine ; Thiopental ; Trachea

PURPOSE: To report the difficulties in the process of locking head screw removal due to the stripping of the hexagonal recess of the screw head. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have removed 113 5.0-self tapping locking head screws and 202 3.5-self tapping locking head screws from 34 patients with fracture healing and 5 patients complicated with infection. All of the operations were done by one surgeon. All the screws were placed with the use of torque limiting attachment or driver. RESULTS: All of 113 5.0-self tapping locking head screws were removed without difficulties with an usual manner. 21 out of 202 3.5-self tapping locking head screws were removed with many difficulties due to the stripping of the hexagonal recess. 3 screws were removed successfully with the use of conical extraction screw. 12 screws were taken out by further stripping and destruction of the screw head. In 6 situations where the only one screw was left stripped, the plate was bent around the stripped screw and then it was removed by turning the plate as a handle. One screw was removed with the partial breakage of the near cortex upon lifting the plate after failed attempt of using conical extraction screw. CONCLUSION: Although we have followed the guidelines at the time of insertion we have experienced difficulties in the removal of 3.5 locking head screws due to the stripping of the hexagonal recess. Care should be taken at the time of removal of the locking plate especially for the 3.5 locking screws.
Fracture Healing ; Head ; Humans ; Lifting ; Torque

BACKGROUND: Use of one lung anesthesia for thoracic surgery may compromize PaO2. The aim of this study was to compare the shunt and oxygenation effects of the application of CPAP and CPAP/PEEP between right and left thoracic surgery under one lung anesthesia. METHODS: 10 patients for right thoracic surgery were selected as group 1, and 10 patients for left thoracic surgery were selected as group 2. Measurements in each group, were made during each of the following stage. First 30 minutes, One lung anesthesia alone with 50% oxygen (control value), next 30 minutes, CPAP 10 cmH2O to upper lung with 50% oxygen (CPAP), and then CPAP 10 cmH2O to upper lung and PEEP 10 cmH2O to down lung with 50% oxygen for 30 minutes (CPAP/PEEP). RESULTS: PaO2 in CPAP and CPAP/PEEP were significantly increased as compare to control value at both group (P<0.05). Shunt percentage in CPAP and CPAP/PEEP were significantly decreased as compare to control value at both group (P<0.05). But, no statistically significant differences were observed between right and left thoracic surgery group in the PaO2 and shunt percentage. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that CPAP and CPAP/PEEP during one lung ventilation is thought to be effective method in preventing hypoxemia, but no differences were observed between right and left thoracic surgery group.
Anesthesia ; Anoxia ; Humans ; Lung ; One-Lung Ventilation* ; Oxygen* ; Thoracic Surgery*

PURPOSE: To compare the differential findings of tuberculous otitis media(TOM) with those of chronic suppurative otitis media with or without cholesteatoma, as seen on high resolution temporal bone CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of TOM, 30 cases of chronic suppurative otitis media(CSOM), and 30cases of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma(Chole). All had been pathologically confirmed. We evaluated thepreservation of mastoid cells without sclerotic change, the location and extension of soft tissue to the externalauditary canal, the erosion of ossicles, the tegmen tympani, scutum, bony labyr inth, facial nerve canal andsigmoid sinus, and the presence of intracranial co mplications. RESULTS: Soft tissue in the mastoid antrum wasseen in all cases of TOM(100%), 29 cases of CSOM(96.7%), and 26 cases of Chole(86.7%). In contrast, the softtissue in the entire middle ear cavity was noted in 13 cases of TOM(92.8%), 7 cases of CSOM(23.3%), and 12 casesof Chole(40%). Soft tissue extended to the superior aspect of the external auditory canal in 4 cases of TOM(28.6%) and 5 cases of Chole (16.7%). Mastoid air cells were seen in 9 cases of TOM (64.3%), 4 cases of CSOM(13.3%), and 3 cases of Chole(10%). Ossicular erosion was noted in 6 cases of TOM (42.9%), 12 cases of CSOM (40%),and 26 cases of Chole(86.7%), while in one case of TOM (7.1%), 5 cases of CSOM (16.7%), and 15 cases of Chole(50%)there was erosion of the scutum. In one case of TOM, follow-up CT study after 9 months of antituberculousmedication without surgery revealed complete clearing of previously noted soft tissue in the middle ear cavity. CONCLUSION: Specific CT findings of TOM were not seen, but if there were findings of soft tissue in the entiremiddle ear cavity, soft tissue extension to the external auditory canal, preservation of mastoid air cells withoutsclerotic change, and intact scutum, TOM may be differentiated from other chronic otitis media.
Cholesteatoma ; Ear ; Ear Canal ; Ear, Middle ; Facial Nerve ; Follow-Up Studies ; Mastoid ; Otitis Media* ; Otitis Media, Suppurative ; Otitis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Temporal Bone* ; Tuberculosis