No abstract available.
Diverticulum* ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Nodule*

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration(FNA) is regarded as the best procedure in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancies. However, the rate of false negative and indeterminate results are between 5~10 and 10~30%, respectively. Therefore, a new diagnostic tool to assist FNA is required. Recently, high resolution ultrasonography(US) has become a useful tool in the detection of malignant thyroid nodules. Therefore, the sonographic characteristics differentiating malignant from benign nodules were analyzed, and the usefulness of US in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy assessed. METHODS: Of the 212 patients that underwent surgery due to a thyroid nodule, at the Daegu Catholic University Hospital between January 2002 and June 2004, and 181 patients(199 nodules) who underwent high resolution US examination before surgery, were included in this study. The characteristics of the sonographic parameters, such as depth/width ratio, shape, margin, structure, sponge sign, calcification and halo, and the homogeneity and echogenicity of the solid component and invasion, were observed. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis of the nonfollicular neoplasms, the depth/width ratio, shape, margin, structure, calcification and halo, and the homogeneity and echogenicity of the solid component were found to be significant parameters. The "sponge sign", a new parameter suggested by us, was found only in benign nodules. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, only the depth/width ratio, shape, presence of calcification and echogenicity of the solid component were significant parameters. According to the results of the multiple logistic regression analysis, the point and estimate of each characteristic of the significant parameters were found, and a formula for calculating a score for the prediction of malignancy computed. At a score of 0.44, the sensitivity and specificity of US were 85.9 and 88.7%, respectively. In a univariate analysis of follicular neop-lasms, the shape, calcification and echogenicity were found to be significant parameters. CONCLUSION: It was conclude that high resolution US is a very useful tool in the differentiation of benign and malignant nodules, especially in nonfollicular neoplasms. It is also suggested that the "sponge sign" might be used as a strong indicator for the confirmation of benign nodules
Daegu ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Needles ; Porifera ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroid Nodule* ; Ultrasonography*

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration(FNA) is regarded as the best procedure in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancies. However, the rate of false negative and indeterminate results are between 5~10 and 10~30%, respectively. Therefore, a new diagnostic tool to assist FNA is required. Recently, high resolution ultrasonography(US) has become a useful tool in the detection of malignant thyroid nodules. Therefore, the sonographic characteristics differentiating malignant from benign nodules were analyzed, and the usefulness of US in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy assessed. METHODS: Of the 212 patients that underwent surgery due to a thyroid nodule, at the Daegu Catholic University Hospital between January 2002 and June 2004, and 181 patients(199 nodules) who underwent high resolution US examination before surgery, were included in this study. The characteristics of the sonographic parameters, such as depth/width ratio, shape, margin, structure, sponge sign, calcification and halo, and the homogeneity and echogenicity of the solid component and invasion, were observed. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis of the nonfollicular neoplasms, the depth/width ratio, shape, margin, structure, calcification and halo, and the homogeneity and echogenicity of the solid component were found to be significant parameters. The "sponge sign", a new parameter suggested by us, was found only in benign nodules. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, only the depth/width ratio, shape, presence of calcification and echogenicity of the solid component were significant parameters. According to the results of the multiple logistic regression analysis, the point and estimate of each characteristic of the significant parameters were found, and a formula for calculating a score for the prediction of malignancy computed. At a score of 0.44, the sensitivity and specificity of US were 85.9 and 88.7%, respectively. In a univariate analysis of follicular neop-lasms, the shape, calcification and echogenicity were found to be significant parameters. CONCLUSION: It was conclude that high resolution US is a very useful tool in the differentiation of benign and malignant nodules, especially in nonfollicular neoplasms. It is also suggested that the "sponge sign" might be used as a strong indicator for the confirmation of benign nodules
Daegu ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Needles ; Porifera ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroid Nodule* ; Ultrasonography*

Contemporary cementing techniques improved the longevity of the cemented total hip replacement. The mechanical strength of acrylic bone cement can be changed by different handling techniques with reduction of the porosity of acrylic bone cement. The greatest improvement of the mechanical properties with reducing the porosity is that of the fatigue strength. We investigated the mechanical properties of the specimens of high viscosity, Palacos R(Merk, Darmstadt, FRG) bone cement with two mixing methods, hand and vacuum mixing. Vacuum mixing improved the ultimate tensile strength by 22.4% compared to hand mixing in previous study. For the uniaxial tension fatigue test, the specimens were cyclically loaded at a maximum stress of 25 MPa at a frequency of 2.5 Hz and to investigate the porosity, scanning electromicroscopic examination was taken in each hand mixed and vacuum mixed specimens. Scanning electromicrogram showed the vacuum mixed specimens to be the more uniform and free of small voids compared with the hand mixed specimens. The results of the fatigue test were analized using Weibull distribution of survival probability, the average number of cycles to failure was 1459±924 cycles in hand mixed specimens, in vacuum mixed specimens, 21491±14956 cycles. The average fatigue life of the vacuum mixed specimens was 15 times loanger than that of the hand mixed specimens by Weibull mean, this differene exists stastically within 95% confidence interval. We could suggest vacuum mixing technique as a method eliminating porosity in a chilled acrylic bone cement and thereby markedly improving the mechanical properties. In cemented joint replacement surgery, a vacuum mixing technique are recommended as a method of preparation of acrylic bone cement
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Clothing ; Fatigue ; Hand ; Joints ; Longevity ; Methods ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; Porosity ; Tensile Strength ; Vacuum ; Viscosity

Carney complex is a multiple neoplasia syndrome, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, that is characterized by lentigines, cardiac myxoma, and numerous endocrine and other tumors, including primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. Here, we describe a typical case of Carney complex in a 27- year-old female who exhibited spotty skin pigmentation on the lips, oral mucosa, fingers, and toes and several manifestations of Cushing's syndrome due to primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. She also had pituitary adenoma, breast tumor and thyroid nodule. Only a few cases of this disorder have been reported in the Korean literature. All of them, however, had only two components of Carney complex: composed of skin pigmentation and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. Therefore, the present case seems to be the first true case of Carney complex reported in Korea.
Adult ; Cushing Syndrome/*diagnosis ; Female ; Human ; Hyperpigmentation/diagnosis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia/diagnosis ; Myxoma/*diagnosis/genetics ; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/*diagnosis ; Pituitary Neoplasms/*diagnosis ; Skin Neoplasms/*diagnosis/genetics ; Syndrome

Recently, according to the increase of adult patient, it is neccessory to understand the growth changes of adult after cessation of active pubertal growth in clinical orthodontics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth changes of craniofacial structure after active growth period(afult) in order to use reference in clinical orthodontics. Authors followed the 40 sample(male 25, female 15) from 24 to 31 years of age. By analyzing the serial cephalograms, authors could get the following findings. ? The mandible rotated clockwise in female, but not in male, and no incremental growth change in both genders. ? The anterior facial height and lower anterior facial height were increased in both genders, the increase of lower anterior facial height exceed the posterior facial height increase in famale. ? The cranial base was stable throughout observation period. ? The upper incisors uprighted slightly in female. ? There were quite great the individual variation in the growth change of ceaniofacial structure in adult.
Adult* ; Female ; Humans ; Incisor ; Male ; Mandible ; Orthodontics ; Skull Base

Familial isolated primary hyperparathyroidism(FIPH) is associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome, primary hyperparathyroidism accompanied by jaw-tumor syndrome, and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. FIPH may be an early stage of MEN1 or an allelic variant of MEN1. Thymic carcinoid tumor is a rare tumor in MEN1 syndrome. Here, the authors report the case of a 40-year-old man diagnosed with recurrent thymic carcinoid tumor and FIPH. Both the patient and his elder sister had been previously diagnosed to have FIPH with a novel frameshift mutation in the MEN1 gene. Initially, the patient underwent thymectomy because of an incidental finding of a mediastinal mass in his chest X-ray, and had remained asymptomatic over the following 4 years. Pancreas computed tomography conducted to evaluate MEN1 syndrome revealed anterior and middle mediastinal masses, and resultantly, massive mass excision was performed. Histological findings disclosed atypical carcinoids with infiltrative margins. In view of the thymic carcinoid tumor relapse that occurred in this patient, the authors recommend that regular pancreas and pituitary imaging studies be conducted for FIPH associated with a MEN1 gene mutation.
Adult ; Carcinoid Tumor* ; Frameshift Mutation ; Humans ; Hypercalcemia ; Hyperparathyroidism ; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary* ; Incidental Findings ; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 ; Pancreas ; Recurrence ; Siblings ; Thorax ; Thymectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of using minimally invasive reduction techniques in patients with femoral subtrochanteric fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 40 patients (41 cases) with subtrochanteric fracture who underwent using minimally invasive reduction techniques. The mean age was 61.4 years (15-89 years), and the mean follow-up period was 32.7 months (12-66 months). Clinical results were assessed using the Parker-Palmer mobility score and the Salvati-Wilson hip functional score. Radiographic results were evaluated using bone union time and femur neck-shaft angle. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the pre- and postoperative Parker-Palmer mobility score. Salvati-Wilson hip functional score showed more than good grade in 37 cases (90%) at the last follow-up. Union was achieved in all 41 cases at an average of 22.5 weeks (18-30 weeks). The mean femoral neck-shaft angle immediately postoperatively was 128.8 degrees (120-140 degrees), and the mean difference versus contralateral sides was 2.5 degrees varus (-6-13 degrees). CONCLUSION: Fixation of femoral subtrochanteric fracture using minimally invasive reduction techniques showed excellent clinical and radiographic results and low complication rate.
Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Overt thyroid dysfunction is well known to affect weight. However, the influence of normal-range changes in thyroid status on body mass index (BMI) is unclear. We sought to evaluate thyroid function (free T4, TSH) and its possible relationship with BMI and lipid profiles in euthyroid subjects. METHODS: A total of 1572 euthyroid women (mean age 46.2 years) who visited Daegu Catholic University Medical Centre for primary health screening participated in this cross-sectional study. Women who were not euthyroid and women who took thyroid medication were excluded. TSH, free T4, and lipid profile [total-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), HDL-C, LDL-C] were evaluated. RESULTS: Obese euthyroid women had lower free T4 levels than did lean euthyroid women. After adjustment for age and smoking, free T4, but not TSH, was significantly negatively correlated with BMI. After adjustment for age, smoking, and BMI, free T4 was negatively correlated with TG to a significant degree. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a negative correlation between free T4 within the normal range and BMI in euthyroid subjects. These findings suggest that low free T4 is associated with obesity in euthyroid subjects.
Adult ; *Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol/blood ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Korea/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Obesity/blood/epidemiology/*physiopathology ; Pilot Projects ; Thyroid Function Tests ; Thyroid Gland/*metabolism/physiopathology ; Thyrotropin/*blood ; Thyroxine/*blood ; Triglycerides/analysis/blood ; Triiodothyronine/blood

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer is a common disease and its prevalence is increasing. Recent reports have shown that an elevated thyrotropin (thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH) level is associated with thyroid cancer risk. However, the association between TSH level and thyroid cancer risk is not yet known for euthyroid patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: Our study included 425 patients who underwent thyroid surgery and were diagnosed with PTMC between 2008 and 2009. Control group patients were diagnosed with benign nodules < or = 1 cm in size by US-guided fine needle aspiration. Nodules with one or more suspected malignant-ultrasonographic feature(s) were excluded from this study. Patients who were not euthyroid or who took thyroid medication were also excluded. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 48.5 +/- 11.0 years and 88.8% were women. The mean age of those with PTMC was significantly lower than that of the control group. The mean TSH level was 1.78 +/- 0.93 mIU/L, and the mean free T4 level was 15.96 +/- 2.32 pmol/L. There was no difference in TSH level between the PTMC and control groups (1.77 +/- 0.93 mIU/L vs. 1.79 +/- 0.91 mIU/L, P = 0.829). After adjusting for age, TSH level was not correlated with tumor size (r = 0.02, P = 0.678) in the PTMC group. Moreover, the TSH level did not differ between patients with stage I and stage III-IV carcinoma (stage I, 1.77 +/- 0.95 mIU/L; stage III-IV, 1.79 +/- 0.87 mIU/L; P = 0.856). CONCLUSION: TSH levels are not elevated in euthyroid PTMC patients. Thus, further evaluation is needed before serum TSH can be used as a tumor marker for small nodules < or = 1 cm in size in euthyroid patients.
Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Carcinoma ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Female ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; Thyroid Nodule ; Thyrotropin