Mollaret meningitis is a recurrent aseptic meningitis with characteristic clinical features and Mollaret cells in cerebrospinal fluid. Since Mollaret first reported Mollaret meningitis in 1944, further reports had been made mainly in Europe. The syndrome consists of brief attacks of meningitis that recur at regular intervals and alternate with a symptom-free period lasting for weeks or months. The symptoms subside as quickly as they develop, and the patient is completely asymptomatic until the next episode, without any residual neurologic abnormalities. Specific changes in the cytologic pattern of the cerebrospinal fluid occur over the course of an attack. In the early stages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and endothelial cells appear in the cerebrospinal fluid, called Mollaret cell. We experienced a case of Mollaret meningitis in a 15-year-old female child who had 5 episodes of recurrent aseptic meningitis, always accompanied by vesicles on the face and anterior neck. We observed Mollaret cells which had faint, finely vacuolated cytoplasm, eccentrically located nuclei show on Papanicolau stain. We present a case of Mollaret meningitis with a brief review of related literatures.
Adolescent ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Child ; Cytoplasm ; Endothelial Cells ; Europe ; Female ; Humans ; Meningitis* ; Meningitis, Aseptic ; Neck ; Neutrophils

Mollaret meningitis is a recurrent aseptic meningitis with characteristic clinical features and Mollaret cells in cerebrospinal fluid. Since Mollaret first reported Mollaret meningitis in 1944, further reports had been made mainly in Europe. The syndrome consists of brief attacks of meningitis that recur at regular intervals and alternate with a symptom-free period lasting for weeks or months. The symptoms subside as quickly as they develop, and the patient is completely asymptomatic until the next episode, without any residual neurologic abnormalities. Specific changes in the cytologic pattern of the cerebrospinal fluid occur over the course of an attack. In the early stages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and endothelial cells appear in the cerebrospinal fluid, called Mollaret cell. We experienced a case of Mollaret meningitis in a 15-year-old female child who had 5 episodes of recurrent aseptic meningitis, always accompanied by vesicles on the face and anterior neck. We observed Mollaret cells which had faint, finely vacuolated cytoplasm, eccentrically located nuclei show on Papanicolau stain. We present a case of Mollaret meningitis with a brief review of related literatures.
Adolescent ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Child ; Cytoplasm ; Endothelial Cells ; Europe ; Female ; Humans ; Meningitis* ; Meningitis, Aseptic ; Neck ; Neutrophils

PURPOSE: To report polymicrobial keratitis involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Ochrobactrum anthropi. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old female complained of pain and secretion in her right eye, which started 6 weeks before her visit. She applied steroid ointment, which was received from the dermatologist, to her eyelid 7 days prior to her visit but this treatment worsened her symptoms. At the initial visit, the visual acuity of the right eye was light perception, and purulent secretions were observed. Using a slit lamp, severe conjunctival hyperemia, hypopyon, and a ring-shaped central corneal ulcer were observed. The anterior chamber and fundus were not observed due to corneal lesions but ultrasonography showed no intraocular inflammation. Infectious keratitis was suspected and cultured by corneal scraping. During the incubation period, 0.5% moxifloxacin, 2% voriconazole, and 1% cyclopentolate were administered. A total of 400 mg of moxifloxacin and 100 mg of doxycycline were given orally. In the primary culture, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were identified so 5% ceftazidime, which was sensitive for the antibiotic susceptibility results was further instilled. Thereafter, the keratitis improved but the keratitis again worsened while maintaining the topical treatment. A secondary culture was positive for Ochrobactrum anthropi. Treatment with 1.4% gentamicin, which was sensitive for the antibiotic susceptibility test was added and the keratitis improved. A conjunctival flap was performed because of the increased risk of perforation. CONCLUSIONS: We report polymicrobial keratitis involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Ochrobactrum anthropi for the first time in the Republic of Korea.
Acinetobacter baumannii ; Acinetobacter ; Anterior Chamber ; Ceftazidime ; Corneal Ulcer ; Cyclopentolate ; Doxycycline ; Eyelids ; Female ; Gentamicins ; Humans ; Hyperemia ; Inflammation ; Keratitis ; Middle Aged ; Ochrobactrum anthropi ; Ochrobactrum ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Pseudomonas ; Republic of Korea ; Slit Lamp ; Ultrasonography ; Visual Acuity ; Voriconazole

PURPOSE: We analyzed time series changes in cataract surgeries in Korea, and provide basic data to enhance the efficiency of medical services for cataract surgery. METHODS: Among cataract surgery statistics registered in the Korean National Health Insurance Cooperation from 2006 to 2012, we used data regarding the number of patients and operations and the number of patients and operations per 100,000 people. We analyzed various time series changes, including differences by sex and age. RESULTS: The total numbers of patients from 2006 to 2012 by year were 207,370; 228,170; 250,289; 268,548; 289,867; 308,111; and 302,182, respectively. The total numbers of operations from 2006 to 2012 by year were 272,920; 305,807; 338,332; 365,874; 398,338; 428,158; and 420,905, respectively. The number of patients and operations per 100,000 people were highest in men 80 to 84 years old and women 75 to 79 years old. Comparing the number of operations in 2006 and after, the patient age group with the highest increase rate changed from over 85 years old to 75–79 years old since 2010 in men and from over 85 years old to 50–54 years old since 2009 in women. For each year investigated, the number of operations performed was higher than the number of patients who received operations. CONCLUSIONS: Over the study period, the number of cataract surgeries increased, while the age of cataract patients decreased. Additionally, the number of cataract-related surgeries increased in relation to the number of patients.
Cataract Extraction ; Cataract* ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male ; National Health Programs

Objectives: ZZThe purpose of this study is to investigate the interest level, perception and attitude of suicide high-risk group towardthe media’s suicide report, and also to provide the fundamental data in order to strengthen both the standard and the recommendationof media coverage in Korea. Methods: ZZWe analyzed the data from the 2013 The Korea National Suicide Survey. The study included 1500 participants aged between19 and 75 years. The participants were selected through the regional multi-layer stratification method using the sampling frameof the 2010 Census. One-on-one face-to-face interviews investigated the interest level, opinions, and attitudes toward suicide reportsand collected data on past suicide history and demographic data. The collected data were evaluated using multiple logistic regressionanalysis. A probability level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: ZZThe suicide high risk groups with histories of suicidal ideations or attempts showed more interest in suicidal reports [suicidalthought odds ratio (OR) = 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40–2.34 ; suicidal attempt OR = 3.21, 95% Cl = 1.52–6.78]. However,there was no difference among the groups in thought that suicide reports incite suicide (suicidal thought OR = 1.26, 95% Cl = 0.92–1.73 ; suicidal attempt OR = 0.96, 95% Cl = 0.44–2.09). The suicide high risk groups showed a positive attitude toward suicide reports,but it was not statistically significant (suicidal thought OR = 1.10, 95% Cl = 0.41–2.92 ; suicidal attempt OR = 1.10, 95% Cl = 0.76–1.59). Conclusions ZZWe suggest the need of careful attitude of media suicidal reports not to bring about copycat suicides. and also we offersuicide prevention campaign based on media leverage.

Objectives: ZZThe purpose of this study is to investigate the interest level, perception and attitude of suicide high-risk group towardthe media’s suicide report, and also to provide the fundamental data in order to strengthen both the standard and the recommendationof media coverage in Korea. Methods: ZZWe analyzed the data from the 2013 The Korea National Suicide Survey. The study included 1500 participants aged between19 and 75 years. The participants were selected through the regional multi-layer stratification method using the sampling frameof the 2010 Census. One-on-one face-to-face interviews investigated the interest level, opinions, and attitudes toward suicide reportsand collected data on past suicide history and demographic data. The collected data were evaluated using multiple logistic regressionanalysis. A probability level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: ZZThe suicide high risk groups with histories of suicidal ideations or attempts showed more interest in suicidal reports [suicidalthought odds ratio (OR) = 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40–2.34 ; suicidal attempt OR = 3.21, 95% Cl = 1.52–6.78]. However,there was no difference among the groups in thought that suicide reports incite suicide (suicidal thought OR = 1.26, 95% Cl = 0.92–1.73 ; suicidal attempt OR = 0.96, 95% Cl = 0.44–2.09). The suicide high risk groups showed a positive attitude toward suicide reports,but it was not statistically significant (suicidal thought OR = 1.10, 95% Cl = 0.41–2.92 ; suicidal attempt OR = 1.10, 95% Cl = 0.76–1.59). Conclusions ZZWe suggest the need of careful attitude of media suicidal reports not to bring about copycat suicides. and also we offersuicide prevention campaign based on media leverage.

PURPOSE: A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become the standard care for the staging of axilla in breast cancer and the increase in body weight with age has an inverse relationship to its success. Therefore, the characteristics of patients who underwent a SLNB, and the relationship of the influences of Body Mass Index (BMI) and age, were evaluated using lymphoscintigram visualization in a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer. METHODS: Between Sept. 1995 and Dec 2003, 238 patients underwent lymphoscintigraphy and SLNB (including full axillary node dissection with SLNB). 205 (86.1%) cases were able to be visualized by lymphoscintigraphy, But the remaining 33 (13.9%) were not. A combined technique (radioisotope and blue dye) was used to detect the SLNs. The BMI for each patient was calculated from height and weight data (kg/m2). RESULTS: A SLNB was attempted in all cases, but 5 failed. Of the 238 cases, the lymphoscintigraphy visualization was successful in 205 (86.1%) and failed in 33 (13.9%). The mean weight and BMI were significantly higher in the failure group. The success of a SLNB was inversely related to the BMI. When the subjects were divided into two group ac-coding to age (<50 year-old versus > or =50 year-old), this relationship was more pronounced in the > or =50 year-old group. CONCLUSION: The age and BMI of the patient influences the detection of the sentinel lymph node on a lymphoscintigram. There was no influence on the sentinel lymph node biopsy with increasing BMI and age. Therefore, increased age and/or BMI alone do not appear to be contraindication for a sentinel lymph node biopsy in older or overweight patients.
Axilla ; Body Mass Index* ; Body Weight ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes* ; Lymphoscintigraphy* ; Overweight ; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

PURPOSE: Most patients with thyroid cancer have a good prognosis. However, it has been difficult to study a large number of patients succumbing to thyroid carcinoma due to the low mortality rate and the long follow-up period associated with differentiated thyroid cancer. Therefore, we evaluated characteristics of metastasis and deaths, sites of metastasis, difference of survival from pathologic classification and treatments and the cause of deaths. METHODS: From June 1995 to December 2003, fifty-four patients who died due to distant metastasis and recurrence of thyroid cancer in Samsung Seoul Medical Center were analyzed. RESULTS: We analyzed cause of death in 55 fatal cases. Single fatal conditions could not be specified in 13 patients. In the remaining 42 patients, respiratory failure (57.1%) was the most common specific fatal condition, followed by airway obstruction (26.2%), renal failure (7.1%) and sepsis (7.1%). According to histologic subtype, overall survival and relapse survival were statistically significant (P<0.005). However, No significant difference in disease free survival was observed (P=0.09). CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and suitable treatment were also important factors for thyroid cancer. There was shorter relapse survival length in papillary cancers than that of follicular cancers. Anaplastic cancers had a poorer survival. We couldn't find difference of relapse survival result from the treatments of metastatic thyroid cancer.
Airway Obstruction ; Cause of Death ; Classification ; Disease-Free Survival ; Early Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mortality ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Renal Insufficiency ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Seoul ; Sepsis ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms*

PURPOSE: To help predict the severity of ocular complications in orbital blunt trauma by analyzing clinical features of ocular complications and orbital wall fracture. METHODS: A retrospective survey consisting of 169 eyes of 168 patients with orbital blunt trauma who visited Kosin University Gospel Hospital was performed. The patients' age, gender, height, weight, cause of accident, and ocular complications were investigated. The patients were imaged using computer tomography and divided into two groups according to whether they had orbital wall fracture: the orbital contusion group and the orbital wall fracture group. Variables of orbital wall fracture, including the location, length, width, and area were measured using computer tomography in the orbital wall fracture group. RESULTS: The incidence of ocular complication was 27 of 67 eyes (40.2%) in the orbital wall fracture group and 75 of 102 eyes (73.5%) in the orbital contusion group; ocular complications were found significantly more often in the orbital contusion group than in the orbital wall fracture group (p < 0.001). Among causes of the accident, 'flying object' showed the highest incidence of ocular complication at 40 of 48 eyes (85.1%). In the orbital wall fracture group, there was no significant difference in orbital fracture location, length, width or area between the ocular complication group and the non-ocular complication group. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular complications were found significantly more often in the orbital contusion group than in the orbital wall fracture group, and 'flying object' showed the highest incidence of ocular complication among causes of the accident.
Contusions ; Humans ; Incidence ; Orbit* ; Orbital Fractures ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: Strabismus affects any age and represents various functional or non-functional eye problems. This population-based study was conducted to determine the prevalence of strabismus and nystagmus in South Korea according to various sociodemographic factors. METHODS: We acquired data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nation-wide cross-sectional survey and examinations of the non-institutionalized civilian population in South Korea (n = 30,538), conducted from July 2008 to December 2011. The prevalence of strabismus and nystagmus were verified, and associated sociodemographic factors was evaluated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of strabismic disorder in participants over 3 years of age was 1.4 ± 0.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–1.6%; 1.5 ± 0.1% in males, 1.3 ± 0.1% in females). The prevalence of exodeviation (15 or more prism diopters), esodeviation (10 or more prism diopters), vertical deviation, and other complicated strabismus and nystagmus was 1.0%, 0.2%, 0.2%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively. The prevalence was highest in the 6 to 15-year age group (1.9 ± 0.3%), and lowest in the 40 to 49 years age group (0.8 ± 0.1%) (p = 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences for gender, region, residential area, household income, educational level and occupation. CONCLUSIONS: This nation-wide epidemiologic study demonstrated that the prevalence of strabismus and nystagmus according to various sociodemographic factors in South Korea was not statistically significant except for age group. Further investigations are required based on more surveys to better recognize the etiologic or risk factors that may be related to strabismus and nystagmus.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Esotropia ; Exotropia ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male ; Nutrition Surveys ; Occupations ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Strabismus*