This study was carried out to compare the effect of smoking on dietary habits, nutrient intakes and blood lipid profiles in 173 adult male drinkers. Subjects were classified by two groups, alcohol-only and alcohol-smoking, based on their alcohol or smoking habits. The BMI of the alcohol-smoking group was significantly lower than those of alcohol-only group. In dietary habits, the alcohol-smoking group had higher irregular breakfast and dinner intakes than alcohol-only group (p<0.05). Plant lipid intake of the alcohol-smoking group was higher than those of alcohol-only group (p<0.05) and the vitamin C intake of the alcohol-smoking group was lower than those of alcohol-only group (p<0.05). With regard to the diet quality evaluation of subjects, the alcohol-smoking group showed significantly lower values than alcohol-only group in the nutrient density of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sodium, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Also, with regard to the index of nutrition quality (INQ) and the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), the alcohol-smoking group showed significantly lower value than alcohol-only group in vitamin C. With these results, we found that the alcohol-smoking group had lower diet quality evaluation. The results of blood analysis showed that HDL-cholesterol in the alcohol-smoking group was significantly lower than that in the alcohol-only group. In conclusion, the alcohol-smoking group had greater health risk than the alcohol-only group. Particularly, alcohol-smoking caused irregular eating patterns and unbalanced nutrition intakes compared to alcohol-only and also changed blood composition as shown in the decrease of HDL-cholesterol. Besides, the index of coronary heart disease such as AI was higher in both groups suggesting that alcohol-only or alcohol-smoking cause health problems. Since there is the limiting point in which the comparative analysis of non-drinkers and non-smokers is unable to be performed in this study, further wide research is needed on that matter.
Adult ; Ascorbic Acid ; Breakfast ; Coronary Disease ; Diet ; Dietary Carbohydrates ; Eating ; Food Habits ; Humans ; Male ; Meals ; Plants ; Potassium ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Sodium ; Vitamin B 6

Female pelvic tuberculosis is almost invariably secondary to disease elsewhere, usually in the lungs. It is difficult to diagnose pelvic tuberculosis, because it is often a disease with absent or few non-specific symptoms. Pelvic tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all ovarian mass and pelvic malignancy. We report a case of retroperitoneal tuberculous lymphadenopathy that may be mistaken for pelvic malignancy, because of the nonspecific clinical features and radiologic findings. The diagnosis was made post-operatively by histopathology.
Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Lung ; Lymphatic Diseases* ; Retroperitoneal Space ; Tuberculosis

No abstract available.
Animals ; Chick Embryo* ; Nicotine*

The effects of statins on insulin resistance and new-onset diabetes are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rosuvastatin on insulin resistance and adiponectin in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. In a randomized, prospective, single-blind study, 53 hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to the control group (n=26) or the rosuvastatin (20 mg once daily) group (n=27) during an 8-week treatment period. Both groups showed significant improvements in systolic blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) after 8 weeks of treatment. Rosuvastatin treatment improved total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The control and rosuvastatin treatment groups did not differ significantly in the change in HbA1c (3.0+/-10.1% vs. -1.3+/-12.7%; p=0.33), fasting glucose (-1.3+/-18.0% vs. 2.5+/-24.1%; p=0.69), or fasting insulin levels (5.2+/-70.5% vs. 22.6+/-133.2%; p=0.27) from baseline. Furthermore, the control and rosuvastatin treatment groups did not differ significantly in the change in the QUICKI insulin sensitivity index (mean change, 2.2+/-11.6% vs. 3.6+/-11.9%; p=0.64) or the HOMA index (11.6+/-94.9% vs. 32.4+/-176.7%; p=0.44). The plasma adiponectin level increased significantly in the rosuvastatin treatment group (p=0.046), but did not differ significantly from that in the control group (mean change, 23.2+/-28.4% vs. 23.1+/-27.6%; p=0.36). Eight weeks of rosuvastatin (20 mg) therapy resulted in no significant improvement or deterioration in fasting glucose levels, insulin resistance, or adiponectin levels in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
Adiponectin ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Cholesterol ; Fasting ; Fluorobenzenes ; Glucose ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ; Hypertension ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipoproteins ; Plasma ; Prospective Studies ; Pyrimidines ; Single-Blind Method ; Sulfonamides ; Rosuvastatin Calcium

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular treatment (EVT) are currently the main treatments for reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke. Although the EVT recanalization rate has increased, unsuccessful recanalization is still observed in 10-30% cases. Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass is considered a rescue therapy in such cases, but in most centers it is not usually performed for acute ischemic stroke. Graft occlusion is rare following STA-MCA bypass, but it might lead to recurrent ischemic stroke. We hereby report on a patient with right MCA infarction and in whom EVT failed due to complete proximal internal carotid artery occlusion. He underwent an emergency STA-MCA bypass, resulting in a full recovery of his motor weakness. However, six months later, the patient experienced recurrent acute ischemic stroke due to bypass graft occlusion. His EVT failed again but revision bypass surgery, using STA remnant branch, was successful with full motor weakness recovery. We recommend a revision bypass surgery as a feasible therapeutic option for recurrent cerebral infarction caused by delayed STA graft occlusion.
Carotid Artery, Internal ; Cerebral Arteries* ; Cerebral Infarction ; Cerebral Revascularization ; Emergencies ; Graft Occlusion, Vascular ; Humans ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; Reoperation ; Reperfusion ; Stroke* ; Transplants*

Among the treatment options for BRCA mutation carriers, risk reducing surgery is the most effective. However, this procedure has been rarely performed in Korea. Interestingly, our case showed double heterozygosity for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The patient was diagnosed with left renal cancer and left breast cancer at 45-years-of-age, 4 years before risk reducing surgery. The patient received left radical nephrectomy and left partial mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. After pretest counseling, the patient underwent genetic testing that identified BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. After post-test counseling, the patient decided on intensive surveillance. At 49-years-of-age, the patient was newly diagnosed with contralateral breast cancer. Treatment options were discussed once again. We performed bilateral total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy after multidisciplinary discussion. The patient has been satisfied with the results of surgery. We think this procedure is a recommendable treatment option for BRCA mutation carriers.
Breast Neoplasms ; Counseling ; Genes, BRCA1 ; Genes, BRCA2 ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; Korea ; Lymph Node Excision ; Mastectomy ; Mastectomy, Segmental ; Mastectomy, Simple ; Nephrectomy

PURPOSE: To assess the performance of contrast-enhanced three-dimensional(3-D) magnetic resonance venography (MRV) of the pelvis and lower extremities in patients with varicose veins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ascending and MR venography were performed in seven legs of seven patients, and duplex Doppler sonography and MR venography in 15 legs of 12 patients, all referred for evaluation of varicose veins. For analysis, the venous system as revealed by ascending and MR venographic images was divided into 13 segments. For detection of reflux to the great saphenous vein, duplex Doppler sonography and MRV were performed. RESULTS: In ascending venography and MRV, 91 venous segments were potentially visible; both modalities depicted 78 of these, but failed to detect four. Ascending venography and MRV detected 17 and 19 varices, respectively. When two tourniquets were placed around the ankle and knee using the Valsalva maneuver, MRV and duplex Doppler sonography detected reflux in 8 of 11 and 13 of 15 legs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced 3-D MRV comprehensively displays the venous system of the lower extremities and permits assessment of varicose veins. MRV using the Valsalva maneuver allows assessment of reflux to the great saphenous vein.
Ankle ; Humans ; Knee ; Leg ; Lower Extremity* ; Pelvis ; Phlebography* ; Saphenous Vein ; Tourniquets ; Valsalva Maneuver ; Varicose Veins*

BACKGROUND: Chimerism analysis used to be one of the most valuable methods for monitoring patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). The relationship between the mixed chimerism status and the risk of relapse has been controversial. We analysed the clinical significance of mixed chimerism for the prediction of relapse after SCT. METHODS: Between October 2000 and January 2002, 16 patients with haematologic malignancies treated with SCT were included in this study. The median follow-up periods were 11.5 months (range 5-32 months) after SCT. For chimerism analysis, STR (D13S317, D5S818, D7S820) and VNTR (D1S80, D17S30) loci were amplified by PCR. Patients who exhibited complete donor hematopoiesis at all times during the follow-up period were defined as CCG (complete chimerism group) and those who showed mixed chimerism at least once at any time were definded as the MCG (mixed chimerism group). Relapse was considered based on clinical, hematologic and cytogenetic findings. RESULTS: MCG was 63% (10/16). Relapse was observed in 80% (8/10) of MCG and none of CCG (P>0.05). Among 8 relapsed patients, two patients showed MC 1 month prior to relapse and 4 patients changed to MC from CC at relapse status. The remaining 1 patient continued to show CC. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed chimerism seems to be associated with a high risk of relapse. For early detection of relapse, chimerism analysis may need to be performed at shorter time intervals than once a month.
Chimerism* ; Cytogenetics ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematopoiesis ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells* ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Recurrence ; Tissue Donors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early clinical experience associated with radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RF ablation treatment was performed on 17 tumors from 16 patients (mean age, 60.5 years; range, 43-73 years) with RCC. The treatment indications were localized, solid renal mass, comorbidities, high operation risk, and refusal to perform surgery. All tumors were treated by a percutaneous CT (n = 10), followed by an US-guided (n = 2), laparoscopy-assisted US (n = 2), and an open (n = 2) RF ablation. Furthermore, patients underwent a follow-up CT at one day, one week, one month, three and six months, and then every six months from the onset of treatment. We evaluated the technical success, technical effectiveness, ablation zone, benign periablation enhancement, irregular peripheral enhancement, and complications. RESULTS: All 17 exophytic tumors (mean size, 2.2 cm; range, 1.1-5.0 cm) were completely ablated. Technical success and effectiveness was achieved in all cases and the mean follow-up period was 23.8 months (range, 17-33 months). A local recurrence was not detected in any of the cases; however, five patients developed complications as a result of treatment, including hematuria (n = 2), mild thermal injury of the psoas muscle (n = 1), mild hydronephrosis (n = 1), and fistula formation (n = 1). CONCLUSION: The RF ablation is an alternative treatment for exophytic RCCs and represents a promising treatment for some patients with small RCCs.
Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell/radiography/*surgery ; *Catheter Ablation/adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms/radiography/*surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the structures that can mimic aneurysm on CT angiography with using the 3-D volume rendering technique and a 16-row detector CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined 206 patients who underwent CT angiography with a 16-row detector CT from May 2003 to July 2004. For the CT angiography, the contrast media was injected at a rate of 4 cc per second. The scanning was then done when 5 seconds delay time had elapsed after the CT number of the common carotid artery had reached 150. The baseline images were obtained by reconstructing the row data with a kernel value of H31f, a slice thickness of 1 mm and an increment of 0.5 mm. Finally, the 3-D images were constructed by using a volume rendering technique. The structures that were confused with aneurysm on CT angiography were further evaluated by MPR or MIP to ascertain whether they were aneurysms. For comparison, digital subtraction angiography was done in 86 patients and surgery was done in 5 patients. RESULTS: On CT angiography, 51 patients did not show any abnormalities, and 80 patients showed definitive aneurysms, as was ascertained by their sizes, shapes and locations, or by the aneurysm clips only. The remaining 75 patients showed 90 aneurysm mimicking structures that were 35 infundibular dilatations or preaneurysmal blebs, 24 focal dilatations of the branches of the deep middle cerebral veins, 6 focal dilatations of the sphenoparietal sinuses adjacent to the middle cerebral artery, 18 focal dilatations of the inferior sagittal sinuses adjacent to the pericallosal artery and 7 low density calcifications of the vessel walls that were adjacent to the aneurysm-prevalent arteries. CONCLUSION: CT angiography based on volume rendering technique was able to identify the structures that were confused with aneurysm. Accordingly, careful observation is required for interpreting the reconstructing 3-D images since a wide variety of structures can be confused with aneurysm on CT angiography.
Aneurysm* ; Angiography* ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction ; Arteries ; Blister ; Carotid Artery, Common ; Cerebral Veins ; Contrast Media ; Dilatation ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Middle Cerebral Artery