We report a case of an erythrodermic form of mycosis fungoides in a 68-year-old male, who showed generalized erythroderma with scales for 3 months. Lymphadenopathies in the inguinal and neck areas were present. Histopathological findings showed epidermotropism, perivascular atypical lymphocyte infilteration in the upper dermis, and dermatopathic lymphadenopathy in the inguinal lymph node. T cell markers were positively stained in the immunohistochemical study. These clinicopathological features were consistent with an erythrodermic form of mycosis fungoides(TNM IIl). The patient was treated with PUVA therapy and low dose chemotherapy.
Aged ; Dermatitis, Exfoliative ; Dermis ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Lymphocytes ; Male ; Mycosis Fungoides* ; Neck ; PUVA Therapy ; Weights and Measures

Papillary eccrine adenoma, first described by Rulon and Helwig in 1977, is a rare benign adnexal neoplastn. It is usually present as a solitary dermal nodule on the distal extremities. It has characteristic histopathological findings, consisting of dilated ducts that contain eosinophilic secretions and are associated with intralummal papillations. On the basis of histological and histochemical studies it is believed to be an adnexal neoplasm of possible eccrine differentiation. We report two recent cases of papillary eccrine adenomas occuring in two young male patients without subjective symptoms who had firm dermal nodules on the extremities.
Adenoma* ; Eosinophils ; Extremities ; Humans ; Male

OBJECTIVE: The authors prospectively analyzed the effect of one-level or two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), comparing stand-alone cages and cage-with-plate fixation constructs with respect to clinical outcomes and radiologic changes. METHODS: A total of 84 patients who underwent one-level (n=52) or two-level ACDF (n=32) for cervical disc disease and who completed 2 years of follow-up were included in this study. The patients were divided by cervical level and grouped into ACDF-Cage-only and ACDF-Cage-with-plate groups. The following parameters were assessed using radiographs: subsidence, C2–C7 lordosis angle, fusion segment angle, adjacent disc space narrowing, and fusion status. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the neck disability index (NDI) and visual analog scale scores for arm pain. RESULTS: In the comparison of one-level ACDF-cage-only and ACDF-cage-with-plate groups, the NDI score was better in the cage-only group at the 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups: however, no significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed. In the comparison of two-level ACDF-cage-only and ACDF-cage-with-plate groups, no difference in any clinical outcome was observed between the two groups. At the 24-month follow-up, subsidence was observed in 45.8% of patients in the one-level cage-only group and 32.1% of patients in the one-level cage-with-plate fixation group. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate between the two groups (p=0.312). Subsidence in the two-level cage-only group (66.6%) was significantly more frequent than in the two-level cage-with-plate fixation group (30%; p=0.049). The fusion rate for patients in the one-level cage-only group was not significantly different from that in the one-level cage-with-plate fixation group (cage-only, 87.5%; cage-with-plate fixation, 92.9%; p=0.425); fusion rate in the two-level patients were also similar between groups (cage-only, 83.3%; cage-with-plate fixation, 95%; p=0.31). CONCLUSION: Our clinical results showed that for single-level cases, plate fixation had no additional benefit versus cage-only; for two-level ACDF cases, the fusion rate and clinical outcomes were similar, although the cage-with-plate fixation group had a lower incidence of cage subsidence than did the cage-only group. We conclude that physicians should be aware of this possible disadvantage associated with using cervical plates in one-level ACDF. However, in two-level ACDF, subsidence is more likely to occur without plate fixation, and thus the addition of plate fixation should be considered.
Animals ; Arm ; Bone Plates ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Diskectomy* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lordosis ; Neck ; Prospective Studies* ; Spinal Fusion ; Visual Analog Scale

In the metastatic CNS lymphoma, parenchymal involvement, especially in both temporal lobes, is rare. A 54-year-old man complained of memory impairment and personality changes that began two weeks prior. He had ulcerated skin lesions and multiple subcutaneous nodules. Brain MRI revealed a diffuse low in T1WI, high in T2WI, and contrast-enhancement in both temporal lobes. Treatment was done with acyclovir and dexamethasone, and symptoms were improved. One week later, symptoms were aggravated and a brain biopsy was performed. The result was a peripheral T-cell lymphoma. (J Korean Neurol Assoc 19(4):417~422, 2001)
Acyclovir ; Biopsy ; Brain ; Dexamethasone ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Lymphoma, T-Cell* ; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Memory ; Middle Aged ; Skin ; T-Lymphocytes* ; Temporal Lobe* ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND: Though its cause has not been well established, premature ejaculation is the most prevalent form of male sexual dysfunction. Some recent studies suggest that penile hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability, earlier excitation of the sacral reflex arc, and abnormality with peripheral and central afferent nerve conduction pathways, are related to premature ejaculation. METHODS: The bulbocavernous reflex latency (BCRL) test and dorsal nerve somatosensory evoked potential (DNSEP) test were done in 15 normal subjects (mean age: 38.2 years) and 30 premature ejaculation patients (mean age: 40.2 years) without history of neurological disorders nor history of medication which influences the nervous system. RESULTS: The mean latency of BCR was shortened significantly in patients with premature ejaculation (33.1+/-3.08 msec) than in the control group (37.2+/-3.95 msec)(P<0.01). However, there were no significant differences in latency and amplitude of DNSEP tests between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, the earlier excitation of the sacral reflex arc might be related to premature ejaculation. (J Korean Neurol Assoc 19(5):494~497, 2001)
Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory* ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Male ; Nervous System ; Nervous System Diseases ; Neural Conduction ; Premature Ejaculation* ; Reflex*

BACKGROUND: Cortical hyperexcitability is proposed to be the putative basis for the physiological disturbances in migraine. Recent studies have demonstrated that divalproex sodium effectively prevents migraine. The cortical silent period (CSP) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) reflects the cortical inhibition of the central motor pathway. METHODS: We studied the CSP of both first dorsal interossei muscles evoked by TMS in 15 migraine patients and 15 normal subjects. As a prophylactic therapy, 15 migraine patients were treated with divalproex sodium 500~750 mg/day. After 3 months, we studied the CSP in migraine patients for the purpose of comparing with results before medication. RESULTS: The CSP was shorter in migraine patients than in controls (135.8+/-27.8 msec vs 203.7+/-32.2 msec, p<0.001). After treatment with divalproex sodium, the CSP was significantly prolonged in migraine patients (196.9+/-31.0msec, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The shortened CSP in migraine patients suggests increased excitability of the cortical neuron in migraine. The prolonged CSP after medication in migraine patients suggests that the divalproex sodium may play a role in the prophylaxis of migraine by decreasing cortical neuronal hyperexcitability. (J Korean Neurol Assoc 19(5):489~493, 2001)
Humans ; Migraine Disorders* ; Muscles ; Neurons ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ; Valproic Acid*

A 34-year-old woman complained of left facial palsy and numbness on the left thigh that began two weeks prior with headaches. Brain MRI revealed ill-defined patchy T2 weighted high signal intensities in the right medial temporal lobe and thalamus without contrast enhancement. Ten days later, when she complained of sensory symptoms below the 7th thoracic cord, we found an enhancing lesion in the lower cervical cord on the MRI. The result from the brain biopsy was consistent with anaplastic astrocytoma.
Adult ; Astrocytoma* ; Biopsy ; Brain* ; Facial Paralysis ; Female ; Headache ; Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Spinal Cord* ; Temporal Lobe ; Thalamus ; Thigh

A 34-year-old woman complained of left facial palsy and numbness on the left thigh that began two weeks prior with headaches. Brain MRI revealed ill-defined patchy T2 weighted high signal intensities in the right medial temporal lobe and thalamus without contrast enhancement. Ten days later, when she complained of sensory symptoms below the 7th thoracic cord, we found an enhancing lesion in the lower cervical cord on the MRI. The result from the brain biopsy was consistent with anaplastic astrocytoma.
Adult ; Astrocytoma* ; Biopsy ; Brain* ; Facial Paralysis ; Female ; Headache ; Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Spinal Cord* ; Temporal Lobe ; Thalamus ; Thigh

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence rate of fatty liver disease and its related factors of women in rural area. METHODS: Seven hundreds and fifty four adult females (above age 30) at eleven Community Health Centers in Koryung County were recruited from 3 March 2001 to 30 May 2001. Abdominal ultrasonography, height, weight, and blood pressure were measured. A questionnaire interviewing method was used to collect life style data. RESULTS: The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 13.4%. By simple analysis, age(p<0.05), diabetes mellitus(p<0.01), salt intake(p<0.05), and obesity (p<0.01) were significantly associated with fatty liver disease. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the risk for fatty liver in above 50 age group was 2.7 (95% CI: 1.25-5.99) times higher than that in 30-49 age group, overweight was 10.3 (95% CI: 5.26-19.99) times higher than normal group, 3.9 times (95% CI: 1.84-8.38) higher in person with diabetes mellitus than those without and the risk of current drinkers was 2.0 times (95% CI: 1.03-3.85) higher than non-drinkers. CONCLUSION: Above findings suggested that risk factors significantly related with fatty liver were age, BMI, diabetes mellitus, and drinking in adult women.
Adult* ; Blood Pressure ; Community Health Centers ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Drinking ; Fatty Liver* ; Female ; Humans ; Life Style ; Logistic Models ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Prevalence* ; Risk Factors* ; Ultrasonography ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic peptide with biologic effects that include regulation of hematopoietic stem cell development, extracellular matrix remodeling, and inflammatory cytokine generation. VEGF plasma levels are elevated in circulation during tumor growth and bone marrow proliferative status. In this study, to investigate the role of VEGF expression in patients with aplastic anemia (AA), VEGF protein expression and microvessel density (MVD) were evaluated. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for detecting VEGF protein was performed by the labeled avidin-biotin method on the formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded bone marrow biopsy samples of 25 patients with severe AA and 10 normal controls. Microvessels were scored in at least 3 areas (x200 fields) of the highest MVD in representative sections of each bone marrow biopsy specimen using immunohistochemistry for CD34 antigen. RESULTS: In AA, megakaryocytes and histiocytes expressed less intense cytoplasmic VEGF than in control (P < 0.05). However, plasma cells had higher VEGF immunoreactivity in AA than in control. MVD was significantly lower in patients with AA (21.43+/-7.24), compared to controls (27.65+/-3.44) (P < 0.05). MVD had a strong correlation with bone marrow cellularity. Also, the degree of VEGF immunoreactivity was correlated with bone marrow cellularity and MVD. CONCLUSION: Angiogenesis as assessed by MVD and VEGF expression seems to have a role in the pathogenesis of AA.
Anemia, Aplastic* ; Antigens, CD34 ; Biopsy ; Bone Marrow ; Cytoplasm ; Extracellular Matrix ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; Histiocytes ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Megakaryocytes ; Microvessels ; Paraffin ; Plasma ; Plasma Cells ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*