Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive destruction of pancreatic tissue and resulting in pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Although a lot of efforts have been made in managing chronic pancreatitis, treatment of chronic pancreatitis is still challenging and remains mostly empirical. Medical treatment of chronic pancreatitis focuses on chronic abdominal pain, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and also pancreatic endocrine insufficiency. Chronic disabling abdominal pain is the main symptom of chronic pancreatitis, which could be managed by analgesics and non-enteric coated pancreatic enzymes as well as adjunctive agents such as antidepressants, duolexitine and pregabalin. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is commonly associated with weight loss, steatorrhea and malnutrition. Adequate pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy can significantly improve not only exocrine insufficiency related symptoms but also nutritional status. Several problems affecting the efficacy of pancreatic enzyme replacement can be avoided by the use of enteric-coated enzyme microspheres with or without proton pump inhibitors.
Abdominal Pain ; Analgesics ; Antidepressive Agents ; Enzyme Replacement Therapy ; Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; Malnutrition ; Microspheres ; Nutritional Status ; Pancreatitis, Chronic ; Proton Pump Inhibitors ; Steatorrhea ; Weight Loss ; Pregabalin

Gallstones are often suspected on history and clinical examination alone but symptoms may be variable ranging from asymptomatic to complications such as biliary pain, cholecystitis, jaundice, cholangitis, or pancreatitis. The clinical presentation of gallstone disease may depend on ongoing complications. Patient with gallstone usually present with characteristic biliary pain which is often situated in the right upper quadrant or epigastrium lasting more than thirty minutes to several hours. Diagnostic investigations aimed to predict the presence and location of stones include history, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Imaging studies such as transabdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasonography, frequently confirm the diagnosis and identify the location and etiology of the obstruction.
Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance ; Cholangitis ; Cholecystitis ; Choledocholithiasis ; Endosonography ; Gallstones ; Humans ; Jaundice ; Pancreatitis

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are frequently recognized on routine screening cross-sectional imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can be used in their diagnosis and management when characteristic features are present. However, not all such neoplasms can be evaluated completely with CT or MRI and the diagnosis and risk of malignancy are often unclear. Despite recent advances in these diagnostic modalities, the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic cystic tumors remains difficult. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been used increasingly for the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic tumors, as it provide high-resolution images of pancreatic cystic tumors and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can enable the analysis of cystic fluid for cytology and tumor markers. EUS-FNA provides useful information for the differential diagnosis of mucinous cystic lesions, although it has limited diagnostic accuracy. Other techniques and markers are needed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of mucinous cystic lesions.
Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Diagnosis* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration ; Endoscopy ; Endosonography ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mass Screening ; Mucins ; Pancreatic Cyst* ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; Biomarkers, Tumor

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) according to severity. METHODS: A total of 325 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between January 2008 and October 2010 were enrolled. Patients were classified into three groups based on severity grade according to the Tokyo guidelines for AC: grade I (mild), grade II (moderate), and grade III (severe). These groups were further classified into two subgroups based on whether or not they underwent preoperative PC. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were classified into the grade I group (57%), 135 patients were classified into the grade II group (42%), and five patients were classified into the grade III group (1%). In the grade I and II groups, the mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients who did not undergo PC than in those who received PC (10.7 ± 4.4 vs. 13.7 ± 5.8, p < 0.001; 11.8 ± 6.5 vs. 16.9 ± 12.5, p = 0.003, respectively). The mean length of preoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients without PC than in those with PC in the grade I and II groups (5.8 ± 3.3 vs. 8.2 ± 4.6, p = 0.001; 6.0 ± 4.4 vs. 8.8 ± 5.2, p = 0.002). In addition, the operative time was shorter in patients without PC, especially in the grade I group (94.6 ± 36.4 vs. 107.3 ± 33.5, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PC should be reserved for only selected patients with mild or moderate AC. No significant benefit of preoperative PC was identified with respect to clinical outcome or complications.
Cholecystectomy ; Cholecystitis, Acute* ; Cholecystostomy* ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare benign neuroendocrine tumors that arise mainly in the duodenum. A total of 3 cases of duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma have been reported in Korea. The authors encountered another case of a gangliocytic paraganglioma in the duodenum. A 48-year old man presented with a mass in the duodenum that had been found incidentally in a medical checkup. The endoscopic examination revealed a 3.5x2.2 cm sized polypoid mass in the second portion of the duodenum. The patient underwent a polypectomy in the form of a wedge resection under general anesthesia. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of epithelial cells forming paraganglioma like patterns, spindle cells and ganglion cells. Gangliocytic paragangliomas are believed to be benign tumors but regional lymph node metastasis and recurrence can occur in rare cases. During the 27-month follow-up after treatment, there was no evidence of recurrence or lymph node metastasis. We report this case to help improve the understanding of this rare disease.
Anesthesia, General ; Duodenum* ; Epithelial Cells ; Follow-Up Studies ; Ganglion Cysts ; Humans ; Korea ; Lymph Nodes ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neuroendocrine Tumors ; Paraganglioma* ; Rare Diseases ; Recurrence

The polyglandular autoimmune syndrome is constellation of multiple endocrine insufficiencies often associated with diseases of nonendocrine organs occurring in individual patients and their families. In 1980, Neufeld classified this syndrome into three major types. Type II is characterized by adrenocortical insufficiency, autoimmune thyroiditis, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. We experienced a case characterized by adrenocortical insufficiency, autoimmune thyroiditis, and ovarian failure and report with the review of the literature. A 38-year-old woman visited our clinic because of progressing brown colored pigmentation of skin and mucosa which is developed a year ago. Nine years ago prior to visit, amenorrhea was developed after right oophrectomy. Three years ago, she revealed feature of hyperthyroidism such as palpitation, loss of body weight (8kg/1-2years), heat intolerance, and sweating, so received antithyroid therapy for 14 months. Brown colored pigmentation of skin and mucosa, especially scar and gingiva, has been progressively aggravated during last year. She had no past or family history of other endocrine disease. Diffuse pigmentation of skin, loss of axillary and pubic hair, and diffuse enlargement of both thyroid glands were shown on physical examination. Blood cell count, serum chemistry and blood sugar test were all within normal range. Basal hormone levels were T3-uptake 29.7% (30~40), T3 153 ng/dL (85~185), T4 7.5ug/dL (5.5~11.5), TSH 2.4 IU (0.34~3.5), anti-TG antibody <100 U/mL (0~100), anti-microsome antibody <50 U/mL (0~100), TBII (thyrotropin binding inhibiting immunoglobulin) 2.2% ( (-15)~15), ACTH 989 pg/mL (0~37), cortisol 0.1 ug/dL (5~25), renin 7.1ng/mL/hr (1~2.5), aldosterone 81.0pg/mL (50~194), LH 115.2 mIU/mL (0.6~16.8), FSH 122 mIU/mL (1.6~19.0), and estradiol <10.0pg/mL (30~120). In ACTH stimulation test, levels of basal cortisol, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes were <0.1, <0.1, and <0.1 g/dL respectively. And, in glucagon stimulation test, levels of basal C-peptide, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes were 0.9, 5,1, 6.3, and 5.5 ng/dL respectively. Thyroid scan showed diffuse enlargement of bilateral thyroid glands and pelvic ultrasonogram showed atrophy of left ovary. We administered corticosteroid, estrogen, and progesterone which were deficient to the patient, and has followed up the clinical course of the patient.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; Adult ; Aldosterone ; Amenorrhea ; Atrophy ; Blood Cell Count ; Blood Glucose ; Body Weight ; C-Peptide ; Chemistry ; Cicatrix ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ; Endocrine System Diseases ; Estradiol ; Estrogens ; Female ; Gingiva ; Glucagon ; Hair ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Hyperthyroidism ; Mucous Membrane ; Ovary ; Physical Examination ; Pigmentation ; Progesterone ; Reference Values ; Renin ; Skin ; Sweat ; Sweating ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroiditis, Autoimmune ; Ultrasonography

Cholangiocytes, the lining epithelial cells in bile ducts, are an important subset of liver cells. They are activated by endogenous and exogenous stimuli and are involved in the modification of bile volume and composition. They are also involved in damaging and repairing the liver. Cholangiocytes have many functions including bile production. They are also involved in transport processes that regulate the volume and composition of bile. Cholangiocytes undergo proliferation and cell death under a variety of conditions. Cholangiocytes have functional and morphological heterogenecity. The immunobiology of cholangiocytes is important, particularly for understanding biliary disease. Secretion of different proinflammatory mediators, cytokines, and chemokines suggests the major role that cholangiocytes play in inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, paracrine secretion of growth factors and peptides mediates extensive cross-talk with other liver cells, including hepatocytes, stellate cells, stem cells, subepithelial myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells. Cholangiopathy refers to a category of chronic liver diseases whose primary disease target is the cholangiocyte. Cholangiopathy usually results in end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplant. We summarize the biology of cholangiocytes and redefine the concept of cholangiopathy. We also discuss the recent progress that has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of cholangiopathy and how such progress has influenced therapy.
Bile ; Bile Ducts ; Biology* ; Cell Death ; Chemokines ; Cytokines ; Endothelial Cells ; Epithelial Cells ; Hepatocytes ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Liver ; Liver Diseases ; Myofibroblasts ; Peptides ; Stem Cells

BACKGROUND: Mivacurium has a considerably shorter duration of action than any other currently used nondepolarizing agent. Rocuronium, on the other hand, has a brief onset but an intermediate duration of action. The current study was undertaken to characterize the interaction between mivacurium and rocuronium in rabbits. METHODS: In the first study, the dose-response relations of mivacurium, rocuronium and their combination were studied in thirty rabbits during thiopental anesthesia. Rabbits, randomly assigned to three groups (n=10), received mivacurium 10, 20, or 30 microgram/kg; rocuronium 50, 70, or 90 microgram/kg; or an equieffective combination of both drugs (0.3 ED50 mivacurium 0.3 ED50 rocuronium; 0.5 ED50 mivacurium 0.5 ED50 rocuronium; or 0.7 ED50 mivacurium 0.7 ED50 rocuronium, where ED50 is the dose producing 50% depression of the twitch height). In the second study, twenty rabbits were randomly allocated to two groups (n=10) to receive mivacurium 0.18 mg/kg or rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. When the twitch height recovered to 25%, each rabbit received mivacurium 16.4 microgram/kg. RESULTS: The calculated ED95 and ED50 for mivacurium were 29.1 4.2 (mean SD) and 16.4 3.3 microgram/kg, respectively. Corresponding rocuronium was 95.1 6.7 and 61.5 5.3 microgram/kg, respectively. The interaction between mivacurium and rocuronium was found to be synergistic. The measured ED50 of the mixture was only 54% of the predicted value assuming a purely additive interaction. In the second study, the times after mivacurium until 95% in mivacurium and rocuronium group were 18.1 4.6 min and 37.7 5.7 min, respectively (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of mivacurium and rocuronium is synergistic interaction and after rocuronium induced neuromuscular block, mivacurium becomes a longer acting agent than the shorter agent.
Anesthesia ; Depression ; Hand ; Neuromuscular Blockade ; Rabbits* ; Thiopental

Gallstones are one of the most common diseases worldwide. Recently, the incidence of gallstones has increased and the pattern of gallstones has changed in Korea. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones. Expectant management is considered the most appropriate choice in patients with asymptomatic gallstones. The dissolution of cholesterol gallstones by oral bile acid, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, can be considered in selected patients with gallstones. Although the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has moved interest away from the pharmacologic treatment of gallstones, several promising agents related to various mechanisms are under investigation.
Bile ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Cholesterol ; Gallstones* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Ursodeoxycholic Acid

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on muscle spasticity of elbow and wrist affected by stroke. Methods: We studied 21 patients affected by stroke with spasticity in upper limbs. The neurological status of the stroke patients were evaluated by K-NIHSS and the evaluation of efficacy on the upper limb spasticity were based on modified Ashworth scale (MAS), modified Tardieu scale (MTS), and active elevation of upper limb. Treatment was performed 1 session/week, total 3 sessions in each patient. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment using MAS of elbow flexor and active elevation of upper limb. Patients were monitored at baseline, after sham stimulation, and at 1, 4 weeks after ESWT using MTS of elbow flexor and wrist pronator. RESULTS: After ESWT, patients showed significant improvement in muscle tone of elbow flexor and wrist pronator after the 1st and 4th weeks compared with baseline and sham stimulation (p<0.001). The active elevation of hemiplegic upper limb was significantly increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest the ESWT could be a useful treatment method on upper limb spasticity in the patients of stroke. Further studies with a larger group of patients are warranted.
Elbow ; Humans ; Muscle Spasticity ; Muscles ; Salicylamides ; Shock ; Stroke ; Upper Extremity ; Wrist