PURPOSE: We performed this study to define the characteristic mammographic and ultrasonographic findings in lower risk lesions of fibrocystic change and also tried to evaluate the role of both modalities in planning the treatment of these lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 38 cases of mammography and 46 cases of ultrasonography in biopsy proven 55 cases of fibrocystic change, histologically showing the nonproliferative pattern or proliferative pattern without atypia. We analyzed the mammographic and ultrasonographic findings, final assessments, and compared the effectiveness of each modality. RESULTS: On mammography, there were no abnormalities in 20 cases(53%), nodules or masses in 9 cases(24%), microcalcifications in 6 cases(16%) and asymmetric density in 5 cases(14%). On ultrasonography, there were 40 cases(87%) of focalsonographic abnormality and no abnormality in 6 cases(13%). Most focal sonographic abnormalities were smooth(40cases, 93%), well-defined(21 cases, 49%) or ill-defined(22 cases, 51%) round or oval(36 cases, 84%) shaped, homogeneous(31 cases, 67%), hypoechoic(30 cases, 65%) lesions. Final assessment revealed that only 7 cases(18%) of mammography and 8 cases(18%) of ultrasound examinations were included into the category of indeterminate and malignancy groups which were recomended biopsy. Mammography was excellent to demonstrate the microcalcifications and ultrasonography was effective in depiction of the focal lesions. CONCLUSION: The mammography and ultrasonography findings were not specific in diagnosing lower risk group of fibrocystic change. But complementary study of both modalities in conjunction with clinical findings will be helpful in making decinion amary biopsy, fine needle aspiration, and simple close follow up of the lesions.
Biopsy ; Breast* ; Mammography ; Needles ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: This study was performed to identify the characteristic findings of miliary pulmonary tuberculosis on HRCT and to evaluate the usefulness of HRCT by compareson with chest radiographs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: High resolution CT, chest radiographs and medical records were retrospectively reviewed in 10 patients with miliary pulmonary tuberculosis. We analysed the size, distribution and margin of nodules, reticular or ground-glass density, parenchymal lesion, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion on HRCT which were compared with chest radiographic findings. RESULTS: On HRCT, characteristic 1--2mm sized sharp or ill-defined nodular densities were randomly distributed throughout both lungs in all cases. In seven cases, the nodules were evenly scattered, but slightly more in upper lung zone in two cases, and in lower in one case. Only three cases revealed somewhat large and abundant nodules in posterior lung zone. There were findings of ill-defined margin of nodules in three cases, reticular densities in three cases and ground-glass opacity in two cases, all of which were observed within 4 weeks after onset of symptom. In one case, HRCT scan revealed a micronodular pattern in the lung parenchyma, even though chest radiographs of 2 days before were not obviously abnormal. HRCT was better to evaluate the margin of nodule and distribution than chest radiographs in four cases. Focal parenchymal lesion (n=5), pleural effusion(n=4), mediastinal lymphadenopathy(n=6) and ARDS(n=I) were also associated. CONCLUSION: HRCT could suggest a more specific diagnosis of miliary pulmonary tuberculosis with the above characteristic findings in appropriate clinical setting and normal or interstitial pattern of chest radiographs.
Diagnosis ; Humans ; Lung ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Medical Records ; Pleural Effusion ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Retrospective Studies ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*

Verruca vulgaris is commonly seen on skin, but extremely rare in other areas, especially in larynx, where it could be not uncommonly misdiagnosed as verrucous carcinoma. In the recent studies, we noted that verruca vulgaris of the larynx is related to human papilloma virus type 6, 11, which is different from human papilloma virus type 2, 4, which is found on skin. Verruca vulgaris of the larynx occurs in old age with the average of 56 years, and it looks white in color on laryngoscopic examination, which is limited to the true vocal cords. It recurs infrequently. Pathologically, it is heavily keratinized and it contains prominent keratohyaline granules and exhibits koilocytosis. We experienced a case of verruca vulgaris of the larynx in a patient with hoarseness lasted for 3 months. So we report this case with a review of literature.
Carcinoma, Verrucous ; Hoarseness ; Humans ; Larynx* ; Papilloma ; Skin ; Vocal Cords ; Warts*

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Complete elimination of intrahepatic duct (IHD) stones is difficult and IHD stone disease is frequently associated with various complications, recurrence and sometimes cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, we analyzed the long-term surgical results and evaluated the management currently considered appropriate. METHODS: Overall 110 patients who had been diagnosed with benign IHD stone disease and who underwent surgical treatment were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized into three groups according to the type of surgery performed; liver resection (LR) group, intrahepatic duct exploration (IHDE) group and hepaticoenterostomy (HE) group. We compared and analyzed the results of these three groups. RESULTS: The number of cases in the LR group, IHDE group and HE group were 77, 25 and 8 respectively. The LR group required a longer operation time (p=0.000), more frequent transfusion (p=0.028) and had higher morbidity (p=0.049). However, the LR group had a higher clearance rate (90.9%) (p=0.000) than the other groups. In addition, there were a total of 22 cases of IHD stone recurrence during the follow-up, but there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups. The location of IHD stones was related to a risk factor for incomplete stone removal, but not for recurrence. CONCLUSION: The fundamental principle for the treatment of IHD stone disease should be liver resection. However, it can lead to a longer operative time and higher rate of complications than the other procedures. There is also no difference in the IHD stone recurrence rate among the procedures. Therefore, these alternative and minor procedures could also be taken into account for patients with poor preoperative condition.
Cholangiocarcinoma ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver ; Operative Time ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors

Trichofolliculoma is a rare skin lesion. It is an adnexal tumor of hair follicles, which was first described by Miescher. Trichofolliculoma is a hamartomatous lesion of hair follicle origin, intermediate in differentiation between a hair follicle nevus and trichoepithelioma as classified by Kligman and Pinkus. It usually manifests clinically as a small, slowly growing, well-demarcated, flesh-colored papule on head and neck. The diagnosis is difficult clinically and is based mainly on histopatholigic appearance. It is commonly misdiagnosed as sebaceous cyst, nevus, and basal cell carcinoma. Treatment is by simple excision and recurrence is rare. We report a case of trichofolliculoma of nasal vestibule with a review of literature.
Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Diagnosis ; Epidermal Cyst ; Hair Follicle ; Head ; Neck ; Nevus ; Recurrence ; Skin

PURPOSE: Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a life-threatening complication occurring early after stem cell transplantation (SCT). Early diagnosis and effective treatment has not been established in severe VOD. Because there are few reports on VOD in Korean children, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of VOD following SCT in children. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the chart of all patients (n=116) receiving SCTs in CNUH Pediatric BMT center between May, 1991 and June, 2004. RESULTS: VOD developed in 11 patients (9.5%) (median age, 9.8 years; range, 2 to 13.9). Underlying diagnoses were ALL (n=3), severe aplastic anemia (n=3), AML (n=2), acute biphenotypic leukemia (n=1), neuroblastoma (n=1), and myelodysplastic syndrome (n=1). The median day of onset of VOD was D+9 (range, D-3 to D+19). VOD was classified as moderate in 5 and severe in 6 cases. Maximum level of serum total bilirubin was 2.9 mg/dL (range, 2.1 to 9.2) in moderate VOD and 7.3 mg/dL in severe VOD (range, 2.0 to 24.2) at D+18 (range, D-5 to D+59). We successfully treated VOD with various combinations including tPA and heparin (2/5, 40%), ursodeoxycholic acid (2/5, 40%), N-acetylcysteine (3/5, 60%), and defibrotide (1/2, 50%). All of 5 patients with moderate VOD survived at D+100 (range, 5.5+ to 66.6+ months). Five of 6 (83%) patients with severe VOD died within first 19 day from complications of VOD. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study showed that the incidence of VOD was 9.5%, and the mortality of severe VOD was still high which would necessitate early diagnosis, effective prevention and treatment.
Acetylcysteine ; Anemia, Aplastic ; Bilirubin ; Child ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells* ; Heparin ; Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Leukemia, Biphenotypic, Acute ; Mortality ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; Neuroblastoma ; Retrospective Studies* ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Brucellosis is a well known systemic, zoonotic disease that can affect many organs. We report a rare case of spondylodiscitis with an epidural abscess caused by brucellosis. The patient was treated surgically for severe pain and concomitant devastating neurological deficit. A diagnosis of spondylodiscitis or an epidural abscess due to brucellosis must be considered when acute back pain, radiating pain and febrile episodes occur, particularly in people in a high risk group.
Back Pain ; Brucellosis ; Discitis ; Epidural Abscess ; Humans

PURPOSE: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disorder characterized by the proliferation of activated Langerhans cells. Although current therapies are very effective at inducing remission, multiple recurrences and long-term sequelae are common for young patients. For this reason, more effective therapies based on the pathogenesis of LCH are needed. We investigated the use of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA), a purine analogue with an antiproliferative effect on histiocytes and lymphocytes, in patients with recurrent or refractory LCH. METHODS: Four children with recurrent or refractory LCH received 2-CdA (5~7 mg/m2/day for 5 days, given as a 24-hr continuous infusion and repeated every 21~28 days for 5~7 courses). RESULTS: All four patients had multiorgan involvement, and were heavily pretreated. Of the two children with recurrent diseases, one had complete response and the other showed no active disease except for the remaining diabetes insipidus. Two infants who showed poor early response to previous combination chemotherapy also responded poorly: partial response in one, and progressive disease resulting in death in the other. Toxicity consisted mainly of myelosuppression, but significant infections did not occur. The peripheral neuropathy was not seen. CONCLUSION: 2-CdA, tolerable in children without significant side effects, might be effective for the treatment of recurrent LCH in children. However, the efficacy in infants with multi-system, refractory diseases needs further study. The feasibility of 2-CdA treatment as the first-line therapy for high-risk diseases, and the possibility of combination with other agents needs to be addressed in the future.
Child* ; Cladribine* ; Diabetes Insipidus ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Histiocytes ; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell* ; Humans ; Infant ; Langerhans Cells ; Lymphocytes ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Recurrence

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential association between the GSTP1 genotype and the development of breast cancer, a hospital based case-control study was conducted in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METGODS: The study population consisted of 171 histologically confirmed incidents of breast cancer cases, and 171 age-matched controls with no present, or previous, history of cancer. A PCR method was used for the genotyping analyses, and statistical evaluation was performed by an unconditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: No association was observed in the study subjects, or the premenopausal women group with GSTP1 Val allele. However, postmenopausal women with GSTP1 Val allele had a reduced risk of breast cancer (OR=0.3, 95% CI=0.1~0.7). When the data were stratified, by the known risk factors of breast cancer, a significant interaction was observed between the GSTP1 genotype and alcohol consumption (p for interaction = 0.01); women with GSTP1 Val allele, that drank regularly, had a 3.0-fold increased risk of breast cancer (95% CI=1.1~7.9), whereas women with GSTP1 Val allele, that never drink, had protective effects (OR=0.4, 95% CI=0.2~0.8). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism influences the individual susceptibility to breast cancer, and that this effect may be modified by alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Drinking ; Alleles ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase* ; Glutathione* ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic* ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Because of its advantage over the conventional method, power-assisted adenoidectomy has become an increasingly popular procedure in adenoidectomy. The purpose of this paper is to find the best combination of endoscope and microdebrider to achieve the most successful outcome in patients with various configuration of adenoid vegetation. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: One hundred ninety-one patients who underwent adenoidectomy in the department of Otolaryngology at Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital from January 2000 to February 2006 were reviewed by charts and recorded video tapes for the techniques that we applied to these patients. RESULTS: Four different combinations can be created from two different angles of endoscope and microdebrider ; transnasal 0degrees endoscopic guided transnasal adenoidectomy using straight microdebrider (TNTN), transnasal 0degrees endoscopic guided transoral adenoidectomy using curved microdebrider (TNTO), transoral 70degrees endoscopic guided transnasal adenoidectomy using straight microdebrider (TOTN) and transoral 70degrees endoscopic guided transoral adenoidectomy using curved microdebrider (TOTO). TOTO was the most frequent combination for simple adenoid vegetation. However, it is not suitable for removal of adenoid located high in the pharyngeal roof. In this case, we added TNTO to TOTO. The least frequent combined technique was TNTN, which has inherent limitation to use in small sized nares and younger age. In this situation, TOTN is a better alternative to use. CONCLUSION: From six years of experience, we confirmed that endoscopic guided powerassisted adenoidectomy should be performed with proper combination of endoscope and microdebrider based on the location and configuration of adenoid vegetation. The most ideal combination we consistently applied for removal of adenoid is as follows ; first, TNTO, secondly, TOTO. Lastly, TOTN could be useful in selected cases.
Adenoidectomy* ; Adenoids ; Endoscopes* ; Humans ; Otolaryngology ; Seoul