We retrospectively analysed plain radiographs and MR imaging of 16 conventional osteosarcoma cases(8 children, 8 adults) which underwent amputations or limb salvage operations. Pathologic correlation was performed with gross and microscopic sections to evaluate 1) whether the open epiphyseal plate can function as a barrier against transphyseal spread of osteosarcoma and 2) the diagnostic value of MR imaging for the detection of the detection of the epiphyseal involvement of osteosarcoma. In children with open epiphyseal plates, conventional radiographs suggested transphyseal tumor growth in one of eight cases(12.5% and MR imaging in seven cases(87.5%). Pathologic examination confirmed epiphyseal involvement in six of seven cases noted with MR imaging(75%). On the the other hand, in adult patients with closed epiphyseal plates, conventional radiographs showed transphyseal tumor growth in six of eight cases(75%), while MR imaging and pathologic exam demonstrated tumor invasion in all cases(100%). We conclude that open epiphyseal plate does not function as and effective barrier against tumor extension, and MR imaging is an excellent method in detecting the extent of transphyseal tumor growth.
Adult ; Amputation ; Child ; Growth Plate ; Hand ; Humans ; Limb Salvage ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Methods ; Osteosarcoma* ; Retrospective Studies

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies both suggest that frontal lobe dysfunction is present in migraineurs. Since P3a abnormalities manifest in other diseases associated with attention problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, we hypothesized that migraine patients have P3a abnormalities, particularly in the frontal region. METHODS: Event-related potentials were measured using a passive auditory oddball paradigm in 16 female migraineurs (aged 22.9+/-2.0 years, mean+/-SD) during the interictal period and in 16 age-matched healthy females (22.6+/-2.0 years). The amplitudes and latencies were analyzed independently using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Nonparametric statistical testing using a cluster-level randomization method was performed to localize the abnormalities. RESULTS: The mean P3a amplitude at frontal areas during the third trials was significantly lower in migraineurs (1.06 microV) than in controls (1.69 microV, p=0.026). P3a amplitudes were negatively correlated with the duration of the migraine history (r=-0.618, p=0.014). Cluster-based nonparametric statistical analysis showed that the amplitudes over left frontal areas were significantly lower in migraine patients than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: A reduced P3a amplitude of migraineurs reflects attentional deficits and frontal dysfunction. The negative correlation between P3a amplitude and the duration of the migraine history suggests that attentional deficits and frontal dysfunction are either the cause or the result of headache.
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity ; Evoked Potentials ; Female ; Frontal Lobe ; Headache ; Humans ; Migraine Disorders ; Neuroimaging ; Oxalates ; Random Allocation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tranilast is an anti-allergic drug that suppresses the release of cytokines, such as platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-1beta. It has recently become known to be effective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty two consecutive patients with angina who underwent PTCA between Jan 1999 and Jul 2000 at Chonnam National University Hospital were analyzed prospectively. Thirty patients (Tranilast group:60.8+/-7.7 years, M:F=22:8, 41 lesions) out of 48 who received 300 mg tranilast for 3 months following PTCA and who underwent follow-up CAG (coronary angiogram), were compared with 61 patients (Control group:58.1+/-11.0 years, M:F=52:9, 82 lesions) out of 94, 94 who did not receive tranilast but did undergo follow-up CAG. RESULTS: The restenosis rate per lesion was significantly lower in the Tranilast group than in the Control group on the 6-month follow-up CAG (Tranilast vs. Control group:19.5% vs. 40.2%, p=0.021). The minimal luminal diameter was significantly larger in the Tranilast group as compared to the Control group (1.99+/-0.76 vs. 1.50+/-0.83 mm p=0.002). One patient of the Tranilast group suffered from liver dysfunction and stopped medication. CONCLUSION: The oral administration of tranilast is safe and effective in the prevention of restenosis following PTCA in patients with angina.
Administration, Oral ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* ; Coronary Disease ; Cytokines ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta ; Jeollanam-do ; Liver Diseases ; Phenobarbital ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; Prospective Studies