We evaluated the hypolipidemic effect and adverse reaction of Lovastatin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor 20 to 40mg once-daily in the evening, in 20 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia for 12 weeks and the following results were obtained. 1) Lovastatin significantly reduced the total cholesterol(from 264.8+/-12.9mg/dl to 195.3+/-31.3mg/dl) by 26.3%, TG(from 191.1+/-41.5mg/dl to 156.2+/-52.9mg/dl) by 18.3%, LDL-C(from 177.0+/-12.4mg/dl to 121.3+/-19.6mg/dl) by 31.5% and increased th HDL-C (from 39.8+/-4.2mg/dl to 41.6+/-5.0mg/dl) by 4.5% at the end of 12th week. 2) The adverse reaction during the period of study were limited to diarrhea and nausea in one patient, dryness of skin and itching in one patient, and no patients was withdrawn form therapy. In this study, Lovastatin was well toterated and effective agent for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia without serious side effects.
Diarrhea ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia* ; Lovastatin ; Nausea ; Oxidoreductases ; Pruritus ; Skin

Malignant tumours of the oral cavity that require resection of the tongue result in severe deficiencies in speech and deglutition. In such patients, improvements in mastication, swallowing, and speech may be reasonable goals for treatment. The viability of a prosthodontic approach to treatment depends on the type and extent of surgery. In a total glossectomy, a mandibular tongue prosthesis is the treatment of choice. Mandibular tongue prosthesis occupies the space in the floor of the oral cavity. It provides the patients with a platform for directing food into the esophagus and aids in speaking. This type of prosthesis can achieve that protection of the underlying fragile tissue and improvement in appearance and psychosocial adjustment. This case report describes the technical steps involved in prosthetic rehabilitation for a glossectomy patient.
Deglutition ; Esophagus ; Glossectomy* ; Humans ; Mastication ; Mouth ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthodontics ; Tongue

The results of trials using novel or non-vitamin K-dependent new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) reveal that these agents are non-inferior (in terms of efficacy) and possibly safer (particularly in terms of major bleeding) than the standard heparin/vitamin K antagonist (VKA) regimen. High TTR values were achieved under VKA treatment in all trials; however, it should be noted that the study populations comprised relatively young patients, very few of whom had cancer. At present, NOACs can be viewed as an alternative to standard treatment. Currently, experience with NOACs is limited, but continues to be accumulated. Practical recommendations for the use of NOACs in different clinical scenarios and the management of their bleeding complications are needed. The results of the trials using NOACs in the extended treatment of VTE are in line with those of the studies that tested these agents for acute-phase treatment and standard duration of anticoagulation after pulmonary embolism (PE) or VTE. They indicate that NOACs are both, effective (in terms of prevention of symptomatic or fatal recurrence of VTE) and safe (particularly in terms of major bleeding), probably safer than standard VKA regimens.
Anticoagulants ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Recurrence ; Venous Thromboembolism*

BACKGROUND: Left atrial thrombus(LAT) has long been recognized as a complication of mitral stenosis(MS).The transesophageal echocardiographic approach readily visualize LAT. We evaluated the risk factors for left atrial thrombus in patients with MS using transthoracic(TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography(TEE). METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three(patients) who had moderate to severe MS were consecutively studied with TTE and TEE. They were 43 males(30%) and 100 females(70%).The mean age was 44+/-11 years(range 21-70). Twenty-five patients had at least one episode of embolic events. Ninety-six patients were in atrial fibrillation(AF). LAT was detected in 30 pts(21%) : 16 had thrombus confined to the LA appenge(LAA), 14 to true LA cavity and/or LAA. TTE variables were compared between LAT group and non-LAT group. Univariate predictors of LAT were mitral valve area(MVA)(0.78+/-0.22cm2 vs 1.05+/-0.32cm2, p=0.001), pressure half time(353+/-88ms vs 258+/-118ms, p=0.002). LV ejection fraction(EF)(55+/-11% vs 62+/-8%,p=0.008), LA size (58+/-11mm vs 52+/-7mm, p=0.033) and AF(p=0.001). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed significant independent predictors of LAT to be AF(p=0.02), MVA(p=0.02) and EF(p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Left atrial thrombus was not uncommon in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. Small mitral valve area and reduced ejection fraction of left ventricle appear to be significant predictors of LAT in mitral stenosis with atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation ; Echocardiography* ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Mitral Valve ; Mitral Valve Stenosis* ; Risk Factors ; Thrombosis*

Surgical guide not only provide diagnosis and treatment plan, but even location and direction of implantation. Surgical guide could be divided into non-limited design, partially limited design, and completely limited design. Partially limited design is easily manufactured and inexpensive but less accuracy, compared to completely limited design. From this approach, partially limited design may be particularly effective in patients who present with a single missing tooth or partially edentulous teeth. Completely limited design is anatomically accuracy, esthetical and functional, optimized treatment for prosthetic and biomechanical perspective, and also minimizes discomfort for post-treatment. The purpose of this study is to review previous studies of various surgical guides and applying in clinic.
Diagnosis ; Humans ; Stents* ; Tooth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intracardiac pathology results in 15 - 20% of ischemic stroke, but transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has a number of limitations because of suboptimal precordial windows or ultrasound interference with prosthetic materials. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides superior resolution of basal structures such as the left atrium, left atrial appendage, mitral valvular apparatus, atrial septum, and aorta. The purpose of this study was to describe the various TEE findings which were sources of cerebral emboli. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study population was comprised of 122 patients (mean age:54.5, male 83, female 39) who were admitted to Severance Hospital because of ischemic stroke from 1991 to 1997. All patients underwent TEE with agitated saline contrast administration. Patients without a definitive cardiac source of embolism underwent Holtor monitoring, internal carotid and cerebral angiography, as well as transcranial Doppler. RESULTS: 1) The number of patients diagnosed as cardioembolic stroke was 55 (45.1%). Atrial fibrillation was noted in 31 patients of cardioembolic stroke and it was the most frequent finding. Among these patients, 16 did not have any other cardiac problem. 2) We were able to find the possible source of embolism in 49 (40.2%) patients with TEE. Among these patients, 12 did not have dysrhythmia or any known previous heart problem. We found spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrium and left atrial appendage in 33 cases. There were 8 patients who had intracardiac thrombus. Among these patients, 6 patients had thrombi in the left atrial appendage, 1 in left atrium and 1 in left ventricular apex. We found patent foramen ovale in 3 cases and atrial aneurysm in 1 case. We found atheromatous plaque and/or thrombi of the aorta in 16 cases, while there were 4 cases where lesions located in the ascending aorta and aortic arch and which were considered as the source of embolism. Small thrombi in the left atrial appendage and left atrium were only detectable with TEE. CONCLUSIONS: We described TEE findings in ischemic stroke patients. And we assert TEE is a useful diagnostic tool in detecting the source of cardioembolic stroke and it may be used as a primary diagnostic tool in patients who are being evaluated for ischemic stroke.
Aneurysm ; Aorta ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Atrial Appendage ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Atrial Septum ; Cerebral Angiography ; Dihydroergotamine ; Echocardiography ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal* ; Embolism ; Female ; Foramen Ovale, Patent ; Heart ; Heart Atria ; Humans ; Intracranial Embolism ; Male ; Pathology ; Stroke* ; Thrombosis ; Ultrasonography

Pulmonary vein stenosis is a rare condition which is usually congenital in origin and is almost invariably fatal in its bilateral and severe forms. It is often overlooked, however, during clinical examination, routine echocardiography, and even at cardiac catheterization. This report describes pulsed Doppler, color flow echocardiography, and hemodynamic findings of bilateral pulmonary vein stenosis accompanying ventricular septal and atrial septal defects successfully corrected by surgery.
Cardiac Catheterization* ; Cardiac Catheters* ; Catheterization ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Echocardiography ; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color* ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; Hemodynamics ; Pulmonary Veins*