BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is little information available about the effects of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) hospital notification on transfer and intrahospital processing times in cases of acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: This study retrospectively investigated the real transfer and imaging processing times for cases of suspected acute stroke (AS) with EMS notification of a requirement for intravenous (IV) tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and for cases without notification. Also we compared the intra-hospital processing times for receiving t-PA between patients with and without EMS prehospital notification. RESULTS: Between December 2008 and August 2009, the EMS transported 102 patients with suspected AS to our stroke center. During the same period, 33 patients received IV t-PA without prehospital notification from the EMS. The mean real transfer time after the EMS call was 56.0+/-32.0 min. Patients with a transfer distance of more than 40 km could not be transported to our center within 60 min. Among the 102 patients, 55 were transferred via the EMS to our emergency room for IV t-PA. The positive predictive value for stroke (90.9% vs. 68.1%, p=0.005) was much higher and the real transfer time was much faster in patients with an EMS t-PA call (47.7+/-23.1 min, p=0.004) than in those without one (56.3+/-32.4 min). The door-to-imaging time (17.8+/-11.0 min vs. 26.9+/-11.5 min, p=0.01) and door-to-needle time (29.7+/-9.6 min vs. 42.1+/-18.1 min, p=0.01) were significantly shorter in the 18 patients for whom there was prehospital notification and who ultimately received t-PA than in those for whom there was no prehospital notification. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that prehospital notification could enable the rapid dispatch of AS patients needing IV t-PA to a stroke centre. In addition, it could reduce intrahospital delays, particularly, imaging processing times.
Emergencies ; Emergency Medical Services ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke ; Tissue Plasminogen Activator

PURPOSE: We performed a multicenter, prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of imipramine and desmopressin to improve arousability and prevent nocturnal enuresis(NE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The total of 48 children with NE were given questionnaires that included a scoring system for the assessing arousal from sleep. They were assigned into two groups: group 1(imipramine 25 mg, 3 girls and 16 boys, mean age 7.9 years), group 2(desmopressin 0.2 mg, 9 girls and 9 boys, mean age 7.5 years). The assessment of arousability was repeated 2 weeks and 4 weeks after medication. Eleven children were excluded because of incomplete data. RESULTS: Mean wetting events in group 1 decreased from 8.8 to 5.1 times(2 weeks) and 3.0 times(4 weeks)(p=0.009) versus 10.2 to 5.5 times(2 weeks) and 6.4 times(4 weeks)(p=0.007) for group 2. The mean threshold of arousability in group 1 was 4.9(baseline), 4.4(2 weeks), and 3.7(4 weeks), and, for group 2, 5.1(baseline), 4.8(2 weeks), and 4.8(4 weeks). The two groups were not different(p=0.14, p=0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Imipramine and desmopressin, which are commonly used in treating NE in Korea, influenced wetting events but not arousability.
Arousal ; Child ; Deamino Arginine Vasopressin ; Humans ; Imipramine ; Korea ; Nocturnal Enuresis ; Prospective Studies

PURPOSE: Pneumonia is one of the most common infections in children who visit emergency Department(ED), but standard clinical guidelines for children with pneumonia in Korea have not been studied. This study was performed to collect and evaluate a data-base of children with pneumonia for establishing clinical guidelines in ED. METHODS: This study reviewed 304 children who were diagnosed and treated for pneumonia in the ED at one tertiary hospital between January 2003 and December 2003 retrospectively by reviewing the charts and analyzing the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and radiologic findings between an admission group and a discharge group. RESULTS: The 2 year-5 year age group was the top of age distribution and the peak incidence of monthly distribution was December. Two hundred forty seven(81.3 percent) children were hospitalized(admission group), and the mean length of hospitalization was 7.24+/-3.24 days. The most common indications of admission were fever, tachypnea and an age of less than three months. There was statistical differences in the outpatient department follow-up between the two groups(85.8 percent in admission group vs 35.1 percent in discharge group). CONCLUSION: More prospective studies are needed to establish clinical standard guidelines for children with pneumonia. This will be helpful in ED management and will aid the prevention of pneumonia.
Age Distribution ; Child* ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Service, Hospital* ; Fever ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Outpatients ; Pneumonia* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tachypnea ; Tertiary Care Centers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to characterize the lesion characteristics of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), which is being increasingly recognized as a cause of mitral regurgitation (MR) in Koreans SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 497 Patients with MVP that was diagnosed by echocardiography in 13 university-affiliated hospitals from Jan to Dec 2003 were prospectively enrolled in our study. RESULTS: A total of 497 patients (270 males, 54%) were enrolled and their mean age was 52+/-17 years. Grade 4 MR was present in 272 patients (54.7%); grade 3, 2 and 1 MR as present in 30.2%, 10.7% and 4.2%, respectively. MVP of the anterior and posterior mitral leaflet was present in 170 patients (34.2%) and 223 patients (44.9%), respectively; MVP developed in both leaflets in 104 patients (20.9%). In 37 patients (7.4%), MVP developed in all 6 segments of the mitral leaflet and these patients were younger (37+/-14 versus 54+/-16 years, respectively, p<0.05) and had a lower prevalence of chordae rupture and severe MR compared to the other patients. Among the 266 mitral segments showing prolapse in the 132 patients (26.6%) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography, the posterior medial scallop was the most frequently diseased one (26%), and this was followed by the posterior middle scallop (18%), the medial (17%), lateral (14%) and middle (13%) part of the anterior leaflet, and the posterior lateral scallop (12%). Younger patients with a mean age <45 years showed a lower prevalence of single segment prolapse, hypertension, severe MR and chordae rupture compared to the older patients (p<0.001, each). CONCLUSION: The medial part of both mitral leaflets was the predilection site for the development of MVP in Koreans and the lesion characteristics were different according to the patients' age.
Echocardiography* ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Korea* ; Male ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency ; Mitral Valve Prolapse* ; Mitral Valve* ; Pectinidae ; Prevalence ; Prolapse ; Prospective Studies* ; Rupture

A case of coil embolization in right superior thyroid artery pseudoaneurysm by stab wound is reported. A fifty-six-year old female, laceration and some bulging in right neck side. Aortic arch angiography, right common carotid angiography was done. Angiography shows 4 2 cm sized right thyroid artery pseudoaneurysm (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2). We selected right superior thyroid artery by 3F micorofert (CooK, Bloomington, Ind.) and embolized by 2 4 mm (diameter), 2 cm (length) sized micro tornaido coil (CooK, Bloomington, Ind.). Post procedure right common carotid angiography was done. Angiography shows no visualized right thyroid artery pseudoaneurysm (Fig. 3).
Aneurysm, False* ; Angiography ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Arteries* ; Embolization, Therapeutic* ; Female ; Humans ; Lacerations ; Neck ; Thyroid Gland* ; Wounds, Stab*

We performed 3 cases of pudendal-thigh flaps in patients with congenital absence of the vagina from June, 1996 through February, 1999. Pudendal-thigh flaps are posterior labial artery axial flaps based on the terminal vessels of the internal pudendal artery. The flaps are raised bilaterally in the groin crease just lateral to the labia majora and are then transposed toward the midline and sutured together to form a neovagina. With adequate flap dissection, reliable blood supply is maintained. Thus, complications such as flap necrosis do not occur and early wound healing is possible. It is s relatively simple technique which can be completed with little blood loss. This method can be completed in one stage, and the prolonged use of stents of dilators is not necessary, since the reconstructed vagina is stable. The linear scars of the donor sites are well hidden in the groin crease and perineum. Normal function is maintained postoperatively without change in sensation. The authors report these methods with a review of the literature.
Arteries ; Cicatrix ; Groin ; Humans ; Necrosis ; Perineum ; Sensation ; Stents ; Tissue Donors ; Vagina ; Wound Healing

BACKGROUND: The intracoronary stent implantation is regarded as an effective treatment modality to reduce restenosis. However, subacute stent thrombosis and subsequent anticoagulation therapy have been major problems after stenting. The high-pressure inflation stenting reduced the incidence of stent thrombosis and resulted in less need of anticoagulation therapy. We intended to analyze the high-pressure inflation stenting with intravascular ultrasound(IVUS) and to evaluate different IVUS criteria of optimal stenting. METHOD: One hundred and forty eight patients with 160 lesions were treated with 175 stents of various types. IVUS images were obtained after angiographic optimization (<10% of residual stenosis) with high-pressure inflation stenting. The quantitative and qualitative off-line measurements of IVUS parameters were performed. RESULTS: More high-pressure or larger-sized balloon inflation was needed in 32 lesions (20%) after IVUS. The incomplete stent apposition was observed in 5 lesions (3%). The edge dissection occurred distally or proximally to stented site in 19 lesions (12%). The plaque prolapse was observed within the stent in 24 lesions (15%). In single stent implantation for discrete lesions, optimal stent expansion defined by IVUS was achieved in 69% with minimal stent lumen area of 90% of distal reference lumen area and in 75% with minimal stent lumen area of 80% of average reference lumen area. The IVUS criteria of minimal stent lumen area 9mm2 and 7-9mm2 was met in 29% and 29%, respectively. In stents implantation for diffuse lesions including long stent,multiple overlapping stents and hybrid stents implantation, optimal stent expansion defined by IVUS was achieved in 69% with minimal stent lumen area of 90% of distal reference lumen area and in 67% with minimal stent lumen area of 80% of average reference lumen area. The IVUS criteria of minimal stent lumen area 9mm2 and 7-9mm2 was met in 17% and 23%, respectively. CONCLUSION: IVUS provided a valuable informations leading to additional intervention in 20% of the lesions after angiographic optimization with high-pressure balloon inflation. Even though additional interventions were performed with IVUS-guidance, the optimal stent expansion by IVUS criteria was achieved in about 70%. Therefore, we suggest that IVUS might be used more generally to improve the acute results after coronary stenting.
Humans ; Incidence ; Inflation, Economic* ; Prolapse ; Stents* ; Thrombosis ; Ultrasonography*

BACKGROUND: Restenosis remains as the major limitation of percutaneous translumainal coronary balloon angioplasty (PTCA). Although its mechanism remains incompletely understood, proliferative action of arterial smooth muscle cells has been found to play an important role on restenosis by neointimal formation after PTCA. Glycosaminoglycan-containing compounds, including Sulodexide (Vessel Due , ALFA, Wasserman, S.p.A, Italy), inhibit the proliferation and maigration of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to assess the efficacy of Sulodexide, a glycosaminoglycan compound with antithrombotic and antiproliferative properties, in preventing restenosis after PTCA. METHOD: Two hundred eighty-four patients with ischemic heart disease were randomized to receive either the standard PTCA without Sulodexide in 144 patients (control group, M : F = 99 : 45, Age = 58 +9 or -9), 160 lesions or the standard PTCA with Sulodexide in 140 patients (treated group, M : F = 89 : 51, age = 58 +10 or -10), 158 lesions. Successful angioplasties were performed in 258 atheromatous coronary lesions in 224 patients for whom follow-up angiographic data were obtained 6 month later. Quantitative coronary angiographic analysis (QCA) was performed before , immediate after PTCA and 6-month later. Angiographic restenosis (>50% diameter stenosis at follow-up) was the primary end point : miniamal luminal diameter at follow-up angiogram was the secondary end point. RESULT: Successful PTCA was 97.6% and 97.5% in the standard PTCA with Sulodexide and the standard PTCA without Sulodexide, respectively. Although reference vessel size and minimal luminal diamater after PTCA were larger in the control group than in the Sulodexide group(2.94+0.11 or-0.11 vs 2.83+0.13 or -0.13 mm and 2.26+0.12 or -0.12 vs 2.18+0.08 or -0.08 mm, respectively, p=NS), there was a increased tendency of minimal lumen diameter at 6 months angiogram in the Sulidexide group than in the control group (1.12+0.50 or -0.50 vs 1.07 + 0.53 or -0.53 mm, respectively, p=NS). Angiographic restenosis occured in 42% of lesions in the Sulodexide group and 52% of the control group (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Sulodexide treatment had a tendency to reduce restenosis rate in 6 months after coronary angioplasty. However, further study is necessary to verify the antiproliferative effect of Sulodexide with much larger number of patients.
Angioplasty ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Phenobarbital ; Prospective Studies*

No abstract available.
Leiomyoma* ; Vulva*

BACKGROUND: The intracoronary stent implantation is accepted as the treatment modality to reduce restenosis in comparison with balloon angioplasty in patients with coronary artery disease. In recent studies, the technique of high pressure balloon dilation for stent optimization has been shown to improve procedural success and to reduce the subacute closure after stenting. The late clinical outcome, however, is still uncertain after stenting with high pressure balloon dilation. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of high pressure balloon dilation on subsequent clinical courses after intracoronary stenting. METHOD: One hundred sixty nine patients with 176 lesions were treated with Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation. Intracoronary stenting without high pressure balloon dilation was perforned in 55 patients with 55 lesions(phase 1), whereas intracoronary stenting with high pressure balloon dilation was done in 114 patients with 121 lesions(phase 2). We compared the angiographic and clinical results immediately and at late follow-up period after atenting between phase 1 and phase 2. RESULTS: Coronary angiography was repeated at 6 months in 135 patients, 138 lesions(78%). The overall incidence of restenosis was 25%(31% in phase 1 and 22% in phase 2). The restenosis occurred in 18% of elective stenting on de novo lesions(23% in phase 1 and 15% in phase 2). The restenosis rate was significantly reduced after using high pressure balloon dilation in infarct-related artery, final luminal diameter>/=4.0 mm after stenting and bail-out procedure(p<0.05). In phase 2, the restenosis rate was significantly higher in the lesions that had been previously dilated(43% in restenotic lesion vs 15% in de novo lesion, p<0.05) and in type C lesion compared with the others(type A, type B1, type B2 and type C ; 22%, 22%, 15% and 57%, respectively, p<0.05). According to the final luminal diameter, the restenosis rate was 7% in case of final luminal diameter greater than 4.0 mm which was significantly lower than that of final luminal diameter less than 3.5mm(p<0.05). At univariate anaysis, factors affecting restnosis were post-stent minimal luminal diameter, balloon-to-vessel ratio, acute gain and restenotic lesion. However multivariate analysis showed post-stent minimal luminal diameter was the only factor affecting restenosis. CONCLUSION: As intracoronary stenting using high pressure balloon dilation technique without anticoagulation has a good immediate results, negligible stent thrombosis and has a tendency of lower rate of restenosis.
Angioplasty, Balloon ; Arteries ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Dilatation* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Multivariate Analysis ; Phenobarbital ; Stents* ; Thrombosis