No abstract available.
Atrial Fibrillation* ; Heart* ; Thoracic Surgery*

BACKGROUND: Depth and subdural electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings are often required to identify an area of the brain for epileptic surgery. We simultaneously compared bilaterally placed depth and subdural electrode EEGs to determine the site of seizure origins from the temporal lobes. METHODS: We included nine consecutive patients with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, whose noninvasive evaluations such as magnetic resonance imaging, scalp and sphenoidal EEG, and other tests had not proved consistent lateralization. All patients had bilateral temporal depth electrodes, anterior and lateral temporal subdural strip electrodes. Thirty-eight clinical seizures and 3 subclinical seizures were evaluated. RESULTS: Seven out of 9 patients (78%) had unitemporal seizures, one patient had bilateral seizures, and the other had lateral temporal seizures in an invasive study. Ictal onset was localized by depth electrodes in 8 patients, and subdural strip electrodes in one. In ictal recordings, the ictal rhythms never spread to the contralateral neocortex before the ipsilateral neocortex. Most of the ictal rhythms began focally with periodic spikes or fast activities in the depth electrode, then spread to the ipsilateral strip electrode after 14 to 90 seconds (mean : 35.2 seconds). If ictal rhythms propagated to the contralateral side, it took 14 to 140 seconds (mean : 64.2 seconds). Subdural strip electrodes were less sensitive than depth electrodes in the detection of seizure onset and subclinical seizures, but were accurate when lateralized. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that EEG recordings with depth and subdural strip electrodes correctly identify and lateralize temporal lobe seizures more often than subdural electrodes alone.
Brain ; Electrodes* ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsies, Partial ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neocortex ; Scalp ; Seizures ; Temporal Lobe*

BACKGROUND: Persistent auras after temporal lobectomy may be bothersome to the patients even though they are seizure free. But most authors specifically are concerned about the seizure outcome itself. The aim of the present study was to investigate which factors are related to persistent auras in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE) after temporal lobectomy. METHODS: We have retrospectively analysed many factors in 38 TLE patients with aura. All patients underwent anterior temporal lobectomy with amygdalo-hippocampectomy. Twenty three patients were seizure and aura free (completely seizure-free) and 15 patients had persistent auras(persistent auras) in spite of seizure-free. Characteristics of auras, past medical history, presence of secondary GTC, seizure frequency, age of surgery, age of onset, duration of habitual seizure, ictal EEG pattern, and pre- and postoperative MRI findings were compared between group with completely seizure-free and group with persistent aura. RESULTS: Characteristics of aura, past medical history, presence of secondary GTC, seizure frequency, ictal EEG pattern, age of onset, and age of surgery had no statistical differences between both groups. Seizure duration of group with persistent aura seemed to be longer than that of group with completely seizure-free(13.6 years vs 17.0 years, median test, p=0.10) and remained hippocampus in postsurgical MRI seemed to be related to persistent auras(Fisher's exact test, p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: We found that there were suggestive differences in seizure duration and remained hippocampus between the two groups.
Age of Onset ; Anterior Temporal Lobectomy ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy* ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe ; Hippocampus ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Seizures ; Temporal Lobe

PURPOSE: Usefulness of sphenoidal electrodes for detecting mesial temporal seizure foci remains controversial. Our aim is to determine whether sphenoidal electrodes are superior to surface electrodes for EEG localization in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed ictal EEGs recorded simultaneously with standard International 10-20 System, subtemporal and sphenoidal electrodes in 92 patients who underwent temporal lobectomy. Patients were divided into mesial (n=67) and neocortical (n=25) TLE. Ictal EEGs were reviewed in a blinded fashion in both longitudinal bipolar and Pz referential montages. RESULTS: Thirty four (13.1%) of 259 mesial temporal seizures were exclusively isolated to sphenoidal electrode at least 3 seconds before involvement of subtemporal electrodes or were localized to temporal lobe on sphenoidal electrode when scalp electrode failed to localize seizure onset, whereas only 2 (2.6%) of 75 neocortical temporal seizures were (p<0.05). The usefulness of sphenoidal electrode was related to the distribution but not the frequency of ictal onset on scalp EEG. CONCLUSIONS: Although isolated or localized sphenoidal seizure onset in patients with mesial TLE are not frequent, sphenoidal electrodes are superior to scalp electrodes for the localization of mesial temporal seizure foci.
Electrodes* ; Electroencephalography* ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Scalp ; Seizures* ; Temporal Lobe*

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary atresia (PA) with ventricular septal defect has various morphology of pulmonary arteries and pulmonary blood flow sources, so pulmonary arterial hypoplasia and arborization abnormality make this anomaly difficult to manage surgically. In cases associated with juxtaductal stenosis, we evaluated the change of the pulmonary arterial and juxtaductal stenotic site after shunt operations, and would like to find useful information in surgical planning and methodology of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Among 59 cases diagnosed as PA with ventricular septal defect associated with juxtaductal stenosis, 29 cases who had cardiac catheterization before and after shunt operation were selected from July, 1991 to July, 1996. In 10 cases of right shunt operation (Group I) and 19 cases of left shunt operation (Group II), the diameters of the descending aorta, both pulmonary arteries, and the juxtaductal stenosis site were measured before and after the shunt operation. RESULT: In both Group I and II, the pre-and postoperative ratio of diameters of the ipsilateral pulmonary artery to the descending aorta was from 0.78+/-0.31 units to 1.01+/-0.26 units and from 0.67+/-0.18 units to 0.84+/-0.27 units respectively, showing a signigicant increase. The contralateral pulmonary artery index was increased from 0.92+/-0.28 units to 1.05+/-0.15 units and from 0.94+/-0.27 units to 1.08+/-0.37 units respectively, but could not be confirmed statistically. In both groups, the change of juxtaductal stenosis showed an aggravating tendency but of no statistical significance from 0.43+/-0.27 units to 0.39+/-0.25 units and from 0.32+/-0.10 units to 0.30+/-0.16 units respectively, and we experienced 2 total obstruction in Group II. Because the increased pulmonary blood flow by shunt operation has a favorable effect to the pulmonary arterial growth, the shunt operation is a recommended treatment in patients with hypoplastic pulmonary arteries. But in PA with ventricular septal defects, the change of juxtaductal stenosis is very important. In conclusion, the growth of ipsilateral (shunt site) pulmonary artery was promoted by shunt operation, but there is a tendency for the juxtaductal stenosis to be aggravated. And we experienced 2 total obstruction in Group II. CONCLUSION: Thus, in cases operated with shunt method, much careful postoperative follow up study including angiographic evaluation is needed, and after the shunt operation on the side of pulmonary artery associated with juxtaductal stenosis, early precise planning for total correction is recommended.
Aorta, Thoracic ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular* ; Humans ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Atresia*

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) of frontal origin is rare. The symptoms are unusual and different from that of temporal origin which makes it difficult to be diagnosed. We report two cases with NCSE of frontal origin. The first case was a 17-year-old girl who presented indifference and reduced word fluency, responsiveness, and facial expres-sion daylong with intermittent unresponsiveness and slight rightward eye and head deviations. Confusion was not noted. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed the recurrent 2 Hz spike-wave ictal discharges on the left frontal area, sometimes spreading to the opposite side. The second case was a 57-year-old woman who had a medically intractable epilepsy. During long-term Video/EEG monitoring, the continuous 2 Hz spike-and-wave complexes were noted on the right hemisphere and the left frontal area. At that time, neurological examination including cognitive functions was normal except for a mild jaw tremor. No confusion was noted. However, she looked depressed, inactive, and affectively indifferent. Intravenous lorazepam injection abolished status EEG activities as well as clinical symptoms. Ictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) showed an increased perfusion in the right frontal lobe. Cortical dysplasia was pathologically diagnosed after a right frontal lobectomy.
Adolescent ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy ; Female ; Frontal Lobe ; Head ; Humans ; Jaw ; Lorazepam ; Malformations of Cortical Development ; Middle Aged ; Neurologic Examination ; Perfusion ; Status Epilepticus* ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; Tremor

Lung cancer metastatic to the small intestine is uncommon. Despite the widespread nature of metastases that characterize this carcinoma, symptomatic intestinal metastases are extremely rare, but have been reported as a cause of intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage, malabsorption, and perforation. We have recently encountered two cases with squamous cell lung cancer who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for obstructive jaundice. Biopsies obtained from concentric ulcerative mass in the duodenum showed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in the lymphatics. Histologically, the pulmonary and duodenal lesions were identical and this suggests a lymphatic route of dissemination. This is the report of two cases with obstructive jaundice secondary to duodenal metastasis from primary lung cancer. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the lung to the duodenum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients harboring such a malignancy who have obstructive jaundice.
Biopsy ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Duodenum ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Intestine, Small ; Jaundice ; Jaundice, Obstructive* ; Lung Neoplasms* ; Lung* ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Ulcer

KAF-200522 and its chloride form, KAF-200522-HCl, were invented in Chemon inc. as new triazole antifungal agents with excellent activities in vivo and in vitro against wide range of fungi. As a result of in vitro susceptibility measurements, 80% minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC80) of both test articles against Candida albican sp. and Aspergillus fumigatus sp. were below 0.0156 microg/mL, which were over 4,100 times lower than those of fluconazole against fluconazole resistant C. albican sp. and A. fumigatus sp., and were over 16 times lower than those of amphotericin B against above same fungi. Additionally, against representative dermatophytes, Trichophyton sp., the MIC80s of both test articles were below 0.0156 microg/mL which were over 64 times lower than those of fluconazole and amphotericin B. As in vivo antifungal activities in A. fumigatus sp. infected mouse models, KAF-200522 treatment group at 600 mg/kg showed 80% survival rate which was 2 times higher than that of amphotericin B and showed 13.7 days in the mean survival time (MST) which was about 2.1 times higher than that of amphotericin B. But in KAF-200522-HCl treatment groups, all animals were found dead in contrast to 40% survival rate in amphotericin B treatment group, however dose dependent increases in MST was revealed. In conclusion, antifungal activities of KAF-200522 and its mimics, KAF-200522-HCl in vitro and in vivo were confirmed in this study, therefore the potentiality of the present compounds to be developed into new antifungal drug was expected.
Amphotericin B ; Animals ; Antifungal Agents ; Arthrodermataceae ; Aspergillus fumigatus ; Candida albicans ; Fluconazole ; Fungi ; Mice ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Survival Rate ; Trichophyton

BACKGROUND: Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is a well-known cause of temporal lobe epilepsy. Coexistence with cortical dysplasia (CD) has been reported, but its role is not well recognized. This study aims to determine whether there is any difference about clinical feature and surgical outcome between patients with MTS and coexistent CD (group 1) and patients with isolated MTS (group 2). METHODS: Retrospectively, surgical series of 45 patients (male:22, female:23) diagnosed as temporal lobe epilepsy were reviewed. We excluded patients who had another pathology (e. g., tumor, vascular malformation) except MTS or CD. The pathology, case histories, interictal EEG, and surgical outcome were compared. RESULTS: There was a tendency for group 1 patients to have earlier seizure onset age (10.9+/-6.35 versus 14.5+/-6.03, p=0.06) There was no statistically significant difference in the history of febrile convulsions (68.4% versus 53.8%, p>0.16) No statistically significant difference between groups were also found in disease duration, the head trauma/mental retardation history, seizure frequency, interictal EEG, and surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: CD in MTS appears to have an influence on seizure onset. The relationships among CD, febrile convulsion, and mesial temporal sclerosis must be more investigated.
Age of Onset ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe* ; Head ; Humans ; Malformations of Cortical Development* ; Pathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Sclerosis* ; Seizures ; Seizures, Febrile ; Temporal Lobe*

BACKGROUND: Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is a well-known cause of temporal lobe epilepsy. Coexistence with cortical dysplasia (CD) has been reported, but its role is not well recognized. This study aims to determine whether there is any difference about clinical feature and surgical outcome between patients with MTS and coexistent CD (group 1) and patients with isolated MTS (group 2). METHODS: Retrospectively, surgical series of 45 patients (male:22, female:23) diagnosed as temporal lobe epilepsy were reviewed. We excluded patients who had another pathology (e. g., tumor, vascular malformation) except MTS or CD. The pathology, case histories, interictal EEG, and surgical outcome were compared. RESULTS: There was a tendency for group 1 patients to have earlier seizure onset age (10.9+/-6.35 versus 14.5+/-6.03, p=0.06) There was no statistically significant difference in the history of febrile convulsions (68.4% versus 53.8%, p>0.16) No statistically significant difference between groups were also found in disease duration, the head trauma/mental retardation history, seizure frequency, interictal EEG, and surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: CD in MTS appears to have an influence on seizure onset. The relationships among CD, febrile convulsion, and mesial temporal sclerosis must be more investigated.
Age of Onset ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe* ; Head ; Humans ; Malformations of Cortical Development* ; Pathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Sclerosis* ; Seizures ; Seizures, Febrile ; Temporal Lobe*