PURPOSE: To evaluate the parameters of optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with large cup/disc ratio (CDR) and normal neuroretinal rim configuration who have normal perimetry (physiologic large cups, LC) and to compare these parameters with those of the normal and early glaucoma patients. METHODS: Using Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), 30 patients with LC, 29 normal subjects, and 31 early glaucoma patients were examined. One eye from each subject was randomly selected. RESULTS: Significant differences between LC and glaucomatous eyes (GE) were found in parameters indicating loss of nerve fibers, such as rim area, rim volume, and mean RNFL thickness. However, there was no difference between LC and normal eyes (NE) in RNFL thickness, rim area, and rim volume. LC was able to be defined as a normal central excavation with a large disc and large CDR with a normal rim area. CONCLUSIONS: HRT ONH parameters and RNFL thickness obtained with OCT may be useful for differentiating between glaucoma and LC eyes.
Retina/*pathology ; Optic Disk/*pathology ; Nerve Fibers/*pathology ; Middle Aged ; Humans ; Glaucoma/*pathology ; Adult ; Adolescent

Cholangiocarcinoma has been associated with various fibrocystic diseases of liver and biliary tract, but cholangiocarcinoma in polycystic liver disease (PLD) was extremely rare. It was reported that the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma associated PLD was very poor and distant metastases were common. We report a rare case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma associated with PLD in 58- year- old female who presented vague abdominal pain. She had also polycystic kidneys with normal renal function. MRI showed well demonstrated tumor with central scar and a adjacent large cyst in the left lobe of the liver. She underwent extended left lobectomy. On microscopic examination, the tumor was moderately differentiated cholangiocarcinoma having abundant fibrous stroma and necrosis and the adjacent cyst showed focal in situ carcinomatous changes in the lining epithelium.
Abdominal Pain ; Biliary Tract ; Cholangiocarcinoma* ; Cicatrix ; Epithelium ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Diseases* ; Liver* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Necrosis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases ; Prognosis ; Cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE: To investigate the surgical results of repeated trabeculectomy in primary congenital glaucoma. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the data of 16 patients (23 eyes) who underwent two or more trabeculectomies with or without mitomycin C for primary congenital glaucoma between 1990 and 2004. Surgical success rate and postoperative complications were assessed. The relationship between the use of mitomycin C and the surgical outcomes was also studied. RESULTS: Among the 23 eyes, 10 had a history of previously failed goniotomy or trabeculotomy and 6 eyes had undergone trabeculectomy more than 3 times. The overall success rate of repeated trabeculectomy was 63.9% and the success rate of the 14 eyes operated on with mitomycin C was not higher than that of the 9 eyes that did not receive mitomycin C (p=0.166). Two eyes were reported to have postoperative hypotony and there was one case of endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy; however, the use of mitomycin C did not increase the overall rate of surgical complication (p=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Repeated trabeculectomy can be considered as a procedure to treat primary congenital glaucoma, particularly in severe cases of congenital glaucoma.
Endophthalmitis ; Glaucoma* ; Humans ; Mitomycin ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Trabeculectomy*

PURPOSE: Studies to determine the relation between oxygen tension and outcome in cardiac arrest survivors treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) are lacking. We investigated the relation of time-weighted mean oxygen tension (TWMO2) and outcome in cardiac arrest survivors treated with TH. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study including 177 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors. The patients were divided into four categories according to quartile values of TWMO2. The primary outcome was neurologic outcome at discharge and the secondary outcome was all cause in-hospital mortality. We assessed neurologic outcome using the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) at hospital discharge. Neurologic outcome was dichotomised as either good neurologic outcome (CPC1 and CPC2) or poor neurologic outcome (CPC 3 to 5). The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. RESULTS: The median value of PaO2 was 139(104.5-170.0) mmHg. Among a total of 1,239 PaO2 values, 22(1.8%) values were hypoxia (<60 mmHg) and 16(1.3%) values were hyperoxia (>300 mmHg). Results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed a significantly low odds ratio for poor neurologic outcome [0.353(95% CI, 0.133-0.938) and 0.321(95% CI, 0.121-0.850), respectively] and for in-hospital mortality [0.338(95% CI, 0.132-0.870) and 0.387(95% CI, 0.154-0.975), respectively] for the third quartile and the fourth quartile. However, results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no significant relation between TWMO2 and outcomes. CONCLUSION: In OHCA survivors treated with TH, time-weighted oxygen tension did not show an association with neurologic outcome and in-hospital mortality.
Anoxia ; Heart Arrest ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Hyperoxia ; Hypothermia* ; Logistic Models ; Observational Study ; Odds Ratio ; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest* ; Oxygen* ; Retrospective Studies ; Survivors*

Since anorexia nervosa is a multi-systemic disorder, as well as a psychiatric disorder, it needs a multidisciplinary approach. It causes many medical problems, including irregular menstruation, hematologic problems, decreased bone density, electrolyte imbalance, and dysrhythmias. Sometimes, this disorder also causes rare, unexpected complications, including abnormal air collections, such as pneumomediastinum, retropneumoperitoneum, or subcutaneous emphysema. The cause of these phenomena is unknown, although fragile parenchymal tissue that is disrupted easily when the local pressure is increased by coughing, vomiting, or defecation is a suggested cause. We experienced a case of anorexia nervosa complicated with abnormal air collections. After we excluded other possible causes, such as perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, and ordered the patient to undergo a short fast and inhale oxygen, the abnormal air collections resolved. We report this case because of its rarity and benign course.
Anorexia ; Anorexia Nervosa ; Bone Density ; Cough ; Defecation ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Mediastinal Emphysema ; Menstruation ; Oxygen ; Retropneumoperitoneum ; Subcutaneous Emphysema ; Vomiting

Sebaceous hyperplasia occurs on the face in persons over 40 years of age. Cyclosporine in dermatologic diseases can be used for the treatment of psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, lichen planus, graft-versus-host disease, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, Behcet's disease, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. etc. The side effects of cyclosporine in mucocutaneous tissue, were hypertrichosis, gingival hypertrophy, acneiform eruption, keratosis pilaris, flushing, angioedema, urticaria, and anaphylaxis have also been reported with the use of cyclosporine. Development of sebaceous hyperplasia is related to the process of dysplastic epithelial proliferation. We experienced a case of sebaceous hyperplasia in a renal transplant patient receiving cyclosporine. After carbon dioxide laser was done, lesions were cleared without any scar.
Acneiform Eruptions ; Anaphylaxis ; Angioedema ; Cicatrix ; Cyclosporine* ; Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita ; Flushing ; Gingival Hypertrophy ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Humans ; Hyperplasia* ; Hypertrichosis ; Keratosis ; Lasers, Gas ; Lichen Planus ; Pemphigus ; Psoriasis ; Pyoderma Gangrenosum ; Urticaria

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies have shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) may be involved in the process of invasion, growth and apoptosis in colorectal carcinoma and in the growth and tumorigenesis in familial adenomatous polyposis. This study was conducted to determine the significance of the expression of COX-2 in gastric and colorectal adenomas. METHODS: Forty-nine samples of gastric adenoma and fifty-seven samples of colorectal adenoma were obtained by endoscopic mucosal resection or polypectomy from 106 patients from January 2000 to July 2003. COX-2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Correlation between COX-2 expression and several clinical factors were compared in each gastric and colorectal adenomas. RESULTS: The expression of COX-2 in epithelial cells was significantly higher in the group with large adenoma (>1 cm) compared with the group with small adenoma ( Adenoma/enzymology/*pathology ; Aged ; Colorectal Neoplasms/enzymology/*pathology ; English Abstract ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase/*analysis ; Stomach Neoplasms/enzymology/*pathology

BACKGROUND: The combined use of small endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) followed by endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) might be associated with a lower incidence of procedure-related complications such as pancreatitis, bleeding or perforation, compared to the use of EPLBD or a large EST alone. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the utility of a combined EST and EPLBD method for the removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones that could not be extracted by use of an EST and conventional techniques. METHODS: Between March 2005 and September 2006, a total of 35 patients with CBD stones were enrolled. Fourteen patients had received a previous EST, and 21 patients underwent an EST. The sphincterotomy site was then dilated with a 12~18 mm diameter balloon. RESULTS: The average number of stones was 3.6+/-2.9 (range: 110). The average maximum stone diameter was 26.11+/-8.88 mm (range: 12~50 mm). Complete stone removal was accomplished in 31 patients (88.6%). In 9 patients (25.7%), a mechanical lithotripsy was required. No episode of true pancreatitis occurred. A procedure-related perforation occurred in one patient (2.8%) and the patient was treated with NPO and antibiotics. No procedure-related bleeding or mortality was observed. The procedure was performed safely in 9 patients (25.7%) with a periampullary diverticulum and in 14 patients (40.0%) with a previous EST. CONCLUSIONS: Combined EST and EPLBD may be a safe and effective method, and may be a good alternative treatment for removing CBD stones that cannot be extracted by an EST and conventional techniques. However, prospective studies based on a large number of patients are needed.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bile Ducts* ; Bile* ; Common Bile Duct ; Diverticulum ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lithotripsy ; Mortality ; Pancreatitis ; Retrospective Studies ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic fibrosis is an important prognostic factor in chronic hepatitis B. Liver biopsy is a gold standard diagnostic tool but an invasive procedure, so it cannot be done on all patients. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of AST/ALT ratio and platelet counts as predictors of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively clinical records of 323 patients, who visited Kyungpook National University Hospital for chronic hepatitis B and underwent liver biopsy from September 1998 to May 2002. Correlation with laboratory parameters with hepatic fibrosis stage was identified. RESULTS: Of 323 patients, there were 278 male patients with mean age 27 (9~59). Platelet counts showed a significant correlation (r=-0.343, p=0.000), and AST/ALT ratio showed a weak but significant correlation (r=0.137, p=0.013) with fibrosis stage. Patients with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis (stage 3 and 4) can be identified to have AST/ALT ratio > 1 and platelet counts < 150,000/mm3, which showed with positive predictive value of 66.7%. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value were 14.6%, 97.5%, and 77.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In chronic hepatitis B patients without clinical evidence of cirrhosis, severe hepatic fibrosis might be predicted using laboratory parameters of AST/ALT > 1 in combination with platelet counts. However, its sensitivity is too low to replace liver biopsy.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Alanine Transaminase/*blood ; Aspartate Aminotransferases/*blood ; Biological Markers/blood ; Child ; English Abstract ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/*complications ; Humans ; Liver/pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis/*diagnosis/pathology/virology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Platelet Count ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate in vivo MR imaging for the depiction of intraarterially injected superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in an experimental rat model of renal ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Left renal ischemia was induced in 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats by use of the catheter lodging method. In vivo MR signal intensity variations depicted on T2*-weighted sequences were evaluated in both the left and right kidneys prior to injection (n = 2), two hours (n = 4), 15 hours (n = 2), 30 hours (n = 2) and 72 hours (n = 2) after injection of SPIO-labeled MSCs in both kidneys. Signal intensity variations were correlated with the number of Prussian blue stain-positive cells as visualized in histological specimens. RESULTS: In an in vivo study, it was determined that there was a significant difference in signal intensity variation for both the left and right cortex (40.8 +/- 4.12 and 26.4 +/- 7.92, respectively) and for both the left and right medulla (23.2 +/- 3.32 and 15.2 +/- 3.31, respectively) until two hours after injection (p < 0.05). In addition, signal intensity variation in the left renal cortex was well correlated with the number of Prussian blue stain-positive cells per high power field (r = 0.98, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intraarterial injected SPIO-labeled MSCs in an experimental rat model of renal ischemia can be detected with the use of in vivo MR imaging immediately after injection.
Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Ischemia/*diagnosis/*therapy ; Kidney/blood supply/pathology ; Kidney Diseases/*therapy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/*methods ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley