PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of the known CT signs of the traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans and chest radiographs were retrospectively reviewed in 13 patients who had diaphragmatic rupture confirmed by surgery. On chest radiographs, the elevation of the diaphragm was evaluated. On CT, 1) discontinuity of the diaphragm, 2) lack of depiction of the diaphragm surrounding the herniated intraabdominal organs (absent diaphragm sign), and 3) fat seen lateral to the diaphragm (fat sign) were evaluated. RESULTS: Chest radiographs showed the elevation of the diaphragm in 11 patients (85%). CT scan showed absent diaphragm sign in 11 patients (85%), discontinuity of the diaphragm in 8 (62%), and fat sign in 7 (54%). All of 12 patients who had the left diaphragmatic rupture had one or more of the above findings. CONCLUSION: Discontinuity of the diaphragm, absent diaphragm sign, and fat sign may be helpful CT findings in the diagnosis of the traumatic rupture of the left diaphragm.
Diagnosis ; Diaphragm* ; Humans ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Retrospective Studies ; Rupture* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Rheumatoid meningitis, one of the most severe complications of rheumatoid arthritis, presents various symptoms such as headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizure, fever, and focal neurological deficits. A 63-year-old man with the history of rheumatoid arthritis presented with intermittent left leg weakness, seizures and later developed fever and confusion. Brain MRI demonstrated leptomeningeal enhancement in right fronto-parietal area. Brain biopsy revealed multifocal suppurative inflammation. After aggressive immunosuppressive treatment, he had gradually recovered and the lesion was reduced on a follow-up MRI.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Biopsy ; Brain ; Fever ; Follow-Up Studies ; Headache ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Leg ; Meningitis ; Middle Aged ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Seizures ; Seizures, Febrile ; Unconsciousness

OBJECTIVE: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cervix cancer were detected in some cases of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) PAP smear. So it is reasonable to evaluate and manage ASCUS PAP smear. In this study, we attempted to assess the clinical significance of a cytologic diagnosis of ASCUS and determine the usefulness of HPV DNA chip test (which is a new diagnostic method for HPV) in management and evaluation of ASCUS patients. METHODS: This study was performed from November 2001 to June 2002 and included 48 cases of ASCUS. They were evaluated by HPV DNA chip test and the pathology was evaluated by punch biopsy, cone biopsy or hysterectomy. The result of type 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68 and 69 in HPV DNA chip test were categorized as high risk. RESULTS: The rate of CIN II or above in ASCUS was 18.8% (9/48). The detection rate of high risk HPV DNA in ASCUS was 41.7% (20/48). The detection rate of high risk HPV DNA was 30.6% (11/36) in normal or reactive, 33.3% (1/3) in CIN I, 80% (4/5) in CIN II, 100% (2/2) in CIN III, 100% (2/2) in invasive cervix cancer. Higher the grade of pathology, more the detection rate of high risk HPV DNA chip test. The sensitivity for the prediction of CIN II or above by HPV DNA chip test was 88.9% and specificity was 69.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of HPV DNA chip test in patients with ASCUS may provide usefulness in detection of CIN II, CIN III and invasive cervix cancer.
Biopsy ; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ; Diagnosis ; DNA* ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis* ; Pathology ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is a clinically and pathophysiologically distinct complication of advanced liver disease. PPHTN is characterized by the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in association with advanced hepatic disease-related portal hypertension. A characteristic feature of PPHTN is an obstruction to the pulmonary artery flow caused by vasoconstriction, the proliferation of the endothelium and smooth muscle components of the vascular wall, as well as in situ thrombosis. This disorder is commonly underdiagnosed but the clinical implications are significant because it has substantial effects on survival and requires special treatment. We report a case of portopulmonary hypertension in a 53-year-old woman with primary biliary cirrhosis who presented with exertional dyspnea.
Dyspnea ; Endothelium ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension* ; Hypertension, Portal ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary* ; Liver Diseases ; Middle Aged ; Muscle, Smooth ; Pulmonary Artery ; Thrombosis ; Vasoconstriction