This study was carried out to investigate the mechanisms of acinar cell deletion, leading to the pancreatic atrophy of rat pancreas after experimental duct ligation. Fifty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats, maintained on a stock diet, weighing 200 gm, in average, were divided into 2 experimental groups. Group 1. Control group. Six rats. Abdominal cavity was opened and closed without further treatment. Group 2. Fifty-one rats. Animals were treated with partial ligation of the pancratic ducts according to the procedure developed by Hultquist followed by sequential sacrifices at: 1 hour (3 rats), 3 hours (3 rats), 6 hours (6 rast), 12 hours (3 rats) and 24 hours (8 rats); 2 days (8 rats), 3 days (3 rats), 4 days (3 rats) and 5 days (5 rats); 1 week (3 rats), 2 weeks (3 rats) and 8 weeks (3 rats); after partial ligation was extirpated and examined by both light and electron microscopy. The results obtained were as follows: Light microscopically, noted were an interstitial edema and focal necrosis of the pancreatic tissue along with fine vacuolization and depletion of the zymogen granules in the acinar cell cytoplasms and condensation of the acinar cell nucleus. These changes were observed by 2 days after ligation. At about the same time, one can observe the dense body, identified to be apoptotic body, in the acinar cell which were found to be decreased in quantity. By 5 days after ligation, no recognizable acinar cells left in the collagenous stroma except intercalated ducts. Conspicuous stroma except intercalated ducts. Conspicuous stromal hyalinization, thereafter. Electron microscopically (TEM and SEM), nuclear condensation and margination toward the nuclear membrane was noted by 6 hours after duct ligation. By 24 hors sporadic membrane-bounded apoptotic bodies appeared in the acinar cells, the number of which reaching to the peak by 3 days after ligation. These apoptotic bodies were found to be phagocytosed by either intraepithelial mononuclear phagocytes or adjoining acinar cells. It can be concluded, therefore: That orderly remodeling of pancreatic exocrine tissue during atrophy is effected by rapid deletion of acinar cells by apoptosis.
Male ; Humans ; Rats ; Animals

Arthroscopic synovectomy has some limitations for adequate posterior visualization, and it is difficult to establish the posterior portal because of potential damage to neurovascular structures. The purpose of this study is to introduce a newly designed arthroscopic technique passing through posterior septum and to review the arthroscopic synovectomy using transposterior septal portal in the knee. Routine arthroscopic examination of the knee joint is performed using standard anterolateral and anteromedial portals. Posterior arthroscopic technique is divided into four steps. The first step is to make a posteromedial portal. The second step is to make a posterolateral portal. The third step is to make a hole at the posterior septum and to examine the posterolateral compartment. The fourth step is to examine the posteromedial compartment by switching the arthroscope to the posterolateral portal in the same manner. This technique provides complete visualization of the posterior compartment of the knee joint including the posterior aspect of the medial and lateral femoral condyles, posterior horn of both menisci, the posterior cruciate ligament(PCL), the meniscofemoral ligament, posterior aspect of the popliteal tendon, and the posterior capsule. We reviewed 47 cases(of 43 patients) of arthroscopic synovectomy using anterolateral, anteromedial and transposterior septal portal. The results were assessed with follow up of at least 1 year using the criteria of pain, synovitis, effusion, and range of motion. In 15 case rheumatoid arthritis, we had good result in 14 cases, but 1 case of recurrence was noted at 2 months after surgery. Non specific synovitis, 11 cases, had the similar result of rheumatoid arthritis. In 9 cases with hemophilic arthritis, pain and effusion were improved, but range of motion was improved minimally. In 2 cases with gouty arthritis, 2 cases with tuberculous arthritis, and I case with pigmented villonodular synovitis(PVNS), range of motion was rather reduced. It is considered that arthroscopic technique using transposterior septal portal is safe procedure without damaging the PCL, posterior capsule, neurovascular structures, and very efficient method in removing hypertrophied synovium or debris of persistent synovitis or arthritis of the knee joint and helpful in removing encapsulated loose bodies located behind the PCL.
Animals ; Arthritis ; Arthritis, Gouty ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Arthroscopes ; Arthroscopy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Horns ; Knee ; Knee Joint ; Ligaments ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Recurrence ; Synovial Membrane ; Synovitis ; Tendons

BACKGROUND: Various hemodynamic changes occur during left ventriculography, such as myocardial depression, hypotension, peripheral circulatory changes, ECG changes(such as arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities) and anaphylactic reaction etc. These effects are somewhat caused by osmolality, ionic concentration of Na+, viscosity and molecular weight of contrast dye and underlying various heart disease itself during left ventriculography. We compared the hemodynamic differences between ionic(ioxaglate) and non-ionic(iopromide) low osmolar contrast agents during routine ventriculography. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double blind study of 124 patients underwent left ventriculography, we examined the various hemodynamic effects of the two contrast agents on left ventricle. All subjects were divided into 2 groups : ioxaglate and iopromide groups. Also, each agent was used in randomized double blind fashion in both groups ; normal control subjects(14 in ioxaglate group : 12 in iopromide group) and subjects whose ejection fraction less than 50%(12 in ioxaglate group : 16 in iopromide group). Left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP), maximum dP/dt, (dP/dt)/P ratio, peak - dP/dt and Tau were obtained immediately before and left ventriculography. RESULTS: 1) In total(normal+angina+MI) subjects of both groups, LVEDP(p<0.001) and maximum dP/dt(p<0.001) were increased and T(au) was reduced significantly(p<0.05). But LVSP(p<0.001) and peak - dP/dt(p<0.005) were increased significantly only in ioxaglate group. 2)In normal(control) subjects, there were no significant differences in both groups, except LVEDP that was increased by equal magnitude(p<0.001). 3) In subjects with ejection fraction less than 50%, there were no significant hemodynamic differences in both contrast agent groups bur LVEDP increased significantly in both groups(p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This present study showed that both ionic(ioxaglate) and non-ionic(iopromide) low osmolar contrast agents were very safe without any significant side effects except two agents caused an increase in LVEDP and did not show major differences between ioxaglate and iopromide contrast agents from a hemodynamic point of view. Two contrast agents tend to improve contractilities and diastolic properties of left ventricle since both caused an increase in maximum dP/dt and a reduce in Tau, in total subjects. This effect may be caused by cardiac compensation, probably because of osmolality, volume loading by contrast agents and secondary activation of sympathetic system immediately after injection of contrast agents. Thus, it is concluded that two ioxaglate and iopromide contrast agents amy be used safely in left ventriculography in patients with and without left ventricular dysfunction, with paying attention to an increase in LVEDP.
Anaphylaxis ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Compensation and Redress ; Contrast Media* ; Depression ; Double-Blind Method ; Electrocardiography ; Heart Diseases ; Heart Ventricles ; Hemodynamics* ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Ioxaglic Acid ; Molecular Weight ; Osmolar Concentration ; Prospective Studies ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left ; Viscosity

We have employed the external akeletal fixation devices, that is Hoffmann apparatus and Pin and Resin fixation method, for the treatment of 44 cases of long bone fractures from Dec. 1978 to Dec. 1981. The following are our impressins. 1. Hoffmann apparatus and Pin and Resin fixation method proved to be effective and useful measure for the management of fractures of long bones, particulary in cases of the open tibial fractures. 2. Employing the Hoffmann apparatus to the tibial model, the possible limit of correction of the fracture alignment was calculated. It was found that the average angle of correction of deformity can be managed up to 20 degrees in varus and valgus deformity, 70 degrees in anterior angulation, 40 degrees in posterior angulation and 70 degrees in rotation. 3. Pin and Resin fixation method is one of effective means in immobilization of long bones. It is simple to apply, easy to manipulate and inexpensive while offering fair fixation without much complications and therefore we recommend the method as the best alternative to expensive Hoffmann apparatus. 4. The complications of Hoffmann apparatus and Pin and Resin fixation method were pin tract infections and ankle stiffness which were generally minor and prevented by more careful aseptic technique and encouraging early joint motion.
Ankle ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Fracture Fixation ; Fractures, Bone ; Immobilization ; Joints ; Methods ; Tibial Fractures

The pulmonic valve is the least commonly affected valve in infective endocarditis. Pulmonic valve endocarditis usually occurs in IV drug addicts or patients with congenital heart disease, most commonly pulmonic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot, and ventricular septal defect. The diagnosis of pulmonic valve endocarditis is difficult clinically and echocardiography is a reliable method to detect the presence of pulmonic valve endocarditis. Diagnostic finding is vegetations on the pulmonic valve appear as shaggy echo-dense masses or thickening of the pulmonic valve during diastole and/or systole. The prevalence of pulmonic valve endocarditis has increased significantly recent years, especially among intravenous drug addicts. However, few reports have dealt with the echocardiographic and clinical features of pulmonic valve endocarditis. We, therefore, reviewed the clinical spectrum and echocardiographic features of pulmonic valve endocarditis in two patients with ventricular septal defect.
Diagnosis ; Diastole ; Drug Users ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Echocardiography* ; Endocarditis* ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis ; Systole ; Tetralogy of Fallot

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the somatostain analogue, octreotide, pretreatment before ovulation induction with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) affects ovarian response, and ovulation induction outcome in infertile patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) resistant to clomiphene citrate (CC) METHODS: From November 1998 to June 1999, 30 infertile patients with PCOS unresponsive to CC were randomly allocated either octreotide pretreatment (treatment group) (n = 15) or hMG alone (control group) (n = 15) groups. In the treatment group, 100 g of octreotide were administered daily for 7 days after progesterone injection for withdrawal bleeding, and then hMG was administered for ovulation induction. RESULTS: There were no differences in the total number of hMG ampules required and the duration of hMG administration between the two groups. The number of follicles of 10-14 mm diameter on the day of hCG injection was significantly less in the treatment group than that in the control group (4.3 +/- 2.5 vs. 9.6 +/- 4.4, p < 0.001). The serum estradiol (E2) level on the day of hCG injection was significantly lower in the treatment group, with 1579.2 +/- 421.0 pg/ml compared with 2120.3 +/- 512.7 pg/ml in the control group (p < 0.001). The hematocrit level on the day of hCG injection was also significantly lower in the treatment group than that in the control group (36.9 +/- 2.1% vs. 40.8 +/- 2.9%, p < 0.05). The incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) seemed to be lower in the treatment group, but the difference did not achieve significance (6.7% vs 20.0%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that octreotide pretreatment before ovulation induction could improve hormonal milieu compared to hMG alone, and therefore may be effective in ovulation induction for patients with PCOS resistant to CC.
Clomiphene ; Estradiol ; Female ; Gonadotropins ; Hematocrit ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Octreotide ; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ; Ovulation Induction* ; Ovulation* ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* ; Progesterone ; Somatostatin*

PURPOSE: To compare the lesion conspicuity of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) zones among MR sequences according to time in the normal rabbit liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RFA zones were created in 12 rabbit livers with a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode (1-cm active tip, 30 Watts, 3 minutes). Three rabbits were sacrificed immediately, three days, two weeks, and six weeks after the RFA procedure, respectively. Before sacrifice, T1-, T2-weighted images (WI), and gadolinium-enhanced (GE)-T1WI images were obtained. The lesion conspicuity of the RFA zone and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the RFA zone to the liver parenchyma were analyzed and compared among the MR sequences according to time. RESULTS: On T1WI, the RFA zones were only clearly seen on acute phase. On T2WI, the RFA zones were clearly seen on all phases except the hyperacute phase. On GE T1WI, the RFA zones were clearly seen on all phases. The CNRs of the RFA zone to the liver parenchyma of GE-T1WI (8.1-12.4) were significantly higher than the CNRs of TIWI (1.6-2.7) and T2WI (1.7-6.3) on all phases (p < 0.05), but the visual lesion conspicuity between GE T1WI and T2WI were similar. CONCLUSION: On hyperacute phase, GE T1WI showed better lesion conspicuity of the RFA zone than T1WI and T2WI. On other phases, GE T1WI and T2WI showed similar lesion conspicuity.
Catheter Ablation* ; Electrodes ; Liver* ; Rabbits ; Radiology, Interventional

No abstract available.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of the straight leg raising test during an arthroscopic microdiscectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 52 patients, 38 men and 14 women, took part in this experiment. The mean followed up and age were 21, ranging from 13 to 41 months, and 26.4, ranging from 13 to 42 years old. There were 19, 28 and 9 cases between the 3rd- 4th lumbar vertebrae, between the 4-5th lumbar vertebrae between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the 1st sacral vertebra, respectively. 41 patients were able to perform the SLRT (straight leg raising test) procedure, and were called group I, and 11 patients could not perform the test, and were classed as group II. In order to perform the intraoperative SLRT, a lateral decubitus position was adopted. After the disc removal, the SLRT was carried out. When the test result gave an angle of 70 degrees or greater, the surgery was carried out on a pertinent domain. The success of the surgery was graded by the JOA score. RESULTS: In group I, after removal of the disc, the first 31 patients were checked over a 4 week period to assess their recoveries. A year after the surgery, their follow up results were better than Good. In 9 patients, there were little improvements from the first SLRT, so they were re-tested after a 2nd discectomy, which resulted in improvements., with better than good results. 1 patient, whose test result was fair after four weeks and one year, was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, so underwent an operation. In group II, the SLRT during surgery was untestable, due to overweight and uncooperative patients. The results in 3 patients were fair, and in another 8 they better than good. Overall, 97.6% of the patients in group I showed a rapid recovery, but in the group II, only 72.2% showed a rapid recovery. CONCLUSION: From the short term follow up, the use of a SLRT during surgery is very effective. Further research is required to give more precise results.
Adult ; Diskectomy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leg* ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Male ; Overweight ; Prospective Studies ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine

Bleeding from the appendix has been reported very rarely in patients with lower-gastrointestinal-tract bleeding. In general, after a colonoscopic diagnosis of appendiceal bleeding, laparoscopic or surgical appendectomy would be recommended. Two patients with continuous bleeding from the appendix were treated with partial occlusion of the appendiceal orifice by colonoscopic clipping. In neither case was there evidence of further active bleeding over the following 12 months. This is the first report of such a treatment in the English literature.
Appendectomy ; Appendix ; Colonoscopy ; Hemorrhage ; Humans