No abstract available.
Blotting, Southern* ; Diagnosis* ; DNA* ; Humans*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The olfactory identification test has been used in clinical assessment of olfactory ability for the following reasons: it is fast, it yields results compatible to a threshold test, and it gives a picture of how well the patient can deal with odors of everyday life. However, items in UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test)and CCCRC (Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center)identification test which are widely used in the world are selected for western people. Accordingly, these items in the tests are not appropriate for Koreans of different cultural background. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the selection of proper items for the olfactory identification test, 42 natural odors familiar to Koreans were applied to 40 normal subjects and 40 patients with decreased sense of smell without sinonasal diseases. Among 42 items, 16 items with high identifiability and familiarity were chosen according to the results of test-retest in normal subjects. RESULTS: The results of olfactory identification test using 16 selected items showed high correlation with olfactory threshold. CONCLUSION: These 16 items can be used for an olfactory identification test for Koreans.
Humans ; Odors ; Pennsylvania ; Recognition (Psychology) ; Smell

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The odor identification tests use natural and synthetic odorants as stimuli. Synthetic odorants span a smaller qualitative range than natural ones, however, they eliminate the need for preparation, preservation and have improved familiarity owing to the improved development techniques. The aim of this study is whether we can use synthetic odorants in odor identification tests by comparing the results of tests using natural odorants and synthetic ones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two natural and 21 synthetic odorants familiar to Koreans were applied to 40 normals and 20 patients with decreased sense of smell without sinonasal diseases. Percent-correctness shown by the controls and patients smelling natural and synthetic odorants were compared with those patients showing over 95% identifiability and in 11 corresponding natural and synthetic odorants. RESULTS: Percent-correctness of odor identification test using synthetic odorants was highly correlated with that using natural ones and there was no problem in discriminating patients from the control. CONCLUSION: Synthetic odorants can be used in odor identification tests for Koreans in a clinical context.
Humans ; Odors* ; Olfaction Disorders ; Recognition (Psychology) ; Smell

Dilated cardiomyopaty is a rare occurrence in Hecker muscular dystropy. We report a case of Becken muscular dystrophy in 28 old man who presented with dyspnea, progressive muscle weakness, and dilated cardiomyopathy with severe left ventricular dysfunction which was detected by echocardiograpy. Muscle biopsy demonstrated diffuse degenerated changes consistent with progressive muscular dystropy, His brother has also Becker muscular dystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy, The patient is on NYHA Class II~III with medical therapy.
Biopsy ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* ; Dyspnea ; Humans ; Muscle Weakness ; Muscular Dystrophies ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne* ; Siblings ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Gallstone ileus is a mechanical obstruction caused by the impaction of one or more gallstones within the lumen of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Gallstone ileus is frequently proceeded by an episode of acute cholecystitis. The resulting inflammation and adhesions facilitate the erosion of the offending gallstone through the gallbladder wall forming a cholecystoenteric fistula and allowing the passage of the gallstone. Fifty five-year-old, 71-year-old, and 74-year-old female patients were admitted to the Asan Medical Center for nausea, vomiting, and nonspecific abdominal pain. Erect abdominal plain film revealed several moderately dilated loops of small bowel with air fluid levels. Computed tomography showed the classic triad of findings of gallstone ileus. Dilated loops of small bowel, air in the biliary tree and an ectopic stone in the ileum were demonstrated. These impacted stones were removed by surgical intervention.
Abdominal Pain ; Aged ; Biliary Tract ; Cholecystitis, Acute ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Female ; Fistula ; Gallbladder ; Gallstones* ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Ileum ; Ileus* ; Inflammation ; Nausea ; Vomiting