OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the methods of anesthesia on fetal acidemia following elective cesarean delivery among uncomplicated healthy parturients at term, with a single fetus and is to see the correlation of that results with maternal age, Apgar score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The gestational age more than 37 weeks, singleton, estimated birth weight more than 2.5 kg with ultrasonographic profiles, 98 cases of uncomplicated parturients were included. Three methods of anesthesia - general, epidural, spinal - were chosen randomly. Umbilical artery blood samples just after delivery were obtained from a double clamped segment of cord using a 3 ml syringe that had been flushed with heparin, then transported in ice to the laboratory. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the three anesthesia groups in regarding to maternal age, birth weight, and Apgar score. The incidence of fetal acidemia was more prevalent in the epidural anesthesia group than the others, and less in the general anesthesia group. No clinically pathologic neonatal outcome was happened even one case of pathologic fetal acidemia among the spinal anesthesia group. The average PO2 of umbilical artery was 19.7 mmHg, and there was no statistically significant difference between the three anesthesia groups. The average PCO2 of umbilical artery was statistically high in the epidural anesthesia group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the fetal acidemia can occur in three methods of anesthesia. Because there is no difference between the three methods of anesthesia with regarding to 1-minute, 5-minute Apgar scores and there is no specific finding for postpartum follow up of 1month. In conclusion, any method of anesthesia can be used safely in the view of neonatal outcome for elective cesarean delivery.
Anesthesia* ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; Apgar Score ; Birth Weight ; Fetus ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gestational Age ; Heparin ; Ice ; Incidence ; Maternal Age ; Postpartum Period ; Syringes ; Umbilical Arteries

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the methods of anesthesia on fetal acidemia following elective cesarean delivery among uncomplicated healthy parturients at term, with a single fetus and is to see the correlation of that results with maternal age, Apgar score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The gestational age more than 37 weeks, singleton, estimated birth weight more than 2.5 kg with ultrasonographic profiles, 98 cases of uncomplicated parturients were included. Three methods of anesthesia - general, epidural, spinal - were chosen randomly. Umbilical artery blood samples just after delivery were obtained from a double clamped segment of cord using a 3 ml syringe that had been flushed with heparin, then transported in ice to the laboratory. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the three anesthesia groups in regarding to maternal age, birth weight, and Apgar score. The incidence of fetal acidemia was more prevalent in the epidural anesthesia group than the others, and less in the general anesthesia group. No clinically pathologic neonatal outcome was happened even one case of pathologic fetal acidemia among the spinal anesthesia group. The average PO2 of umbilical artery was 19.7 mmHg, and there was no statistically significant difference between the three anesthesia groups. The average PCO2 of umbilical artery was statistically high in the epidural anesthesia group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the fetal acidemia can occur in three methods of anesthesia. Because there is no difference between the three methods of anesthesia with regarding to 1-minute, 5-minute Apgar scores and there is no specific finding for postpartum follow up of 1month. In conclusion, any method of anesthesia can be used safely in the view of neonatal outcome for elective cesarean delivery.
Anesthesia* ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; Apgar Score ; Birth Weight ; Fetus ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gestational Age ; Heparin ; Ice ; Incidence ; Maternal Age ; Postpartum Period ; Syringes ; Umbilical Arteries

OBJECTIVE: Detection of intracranial multiple aneurysms, including mirror-image aneurysms, have recently been increasing with the development of diagnostic techniques. However, studies of mirror-image aneurysms have been rare in South Korea. Thus, we intend to report our hospital's experience with mirror-image aneurysms during the past 20 years along with a review of relevant literature. METHODS: We analyzed medical records and image data from patients with cerebral aneurysms who had been admitted to our institution from January 1988 to June 2007. We divided the patients into three groups and investigated the clinical patterns of mirror-image aneurysms (Group 1). We then compared them with patients exhibiting non-mirror multiple aneurysms (Group 2) and the patients with solitary aneurysms (Group 3). We also statistically analyzed the age, sex, smoking habits, medical histories, and prognoses of the patients. RESULTS: Mirror-image aneurysms were found in 62 (5.1%) of the 1,209 patients admitted for cerebral aneurysms over the past 20 years. Of the mirror-image aneurysms, 48% were located in the posterior communicating artery (PcoA), and 40% were in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Ruptures of aneurysms occurred slightly more frequently on the right side and when the aneurysm was larger and its shape was more irregular. Women, particularly menopausal women aged 50 and older, were shown to be at higher risk. Smoking was also a risk factor. However, there were no significant differences in prognoses among the three groups. CONCLUSION: We should pay attention to the possibility of mirror-image or multiple aneurysms when diagnosing and treating menopausal women and smokers, particularly if the cerebral aneurysm is located in the MCA or PcoA.
Aged ; Aneurysm ; Arteries ; Female ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Medical Records ; Middle Cerebral Artery ; Prognosis ; Republic of Korea ; Risk Factors ; Rupture ; Smoke ; Smoking

OBJECTIVE: Oculo-cerebral syndrome is an intraocular hemorrhage and related ocular symptoms caused by sudden increase in intracranial pressure. The authors investigate the clinical significance of oculo-cerebral syndrome after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and analyze the characteristics of aneurysms which caused intraocular hemorrhage in order to help the treatment of intracranial aneurysm patients. METHODS: From January 2000 to May 2001, 103 patients were admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. We divided the patients into two groups:81 patients without intraocular hemorrhage(non-IOH) and 22 patients with intraocular hemorrhage(IOH). The authors prospectively analyzed the prognostic factors of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage by chi-square test. RESULTS: The initial neurologic state was poor in the IOH group(p<0.001). The Fisher's grade was higher than non-IOH group(p<0.001), and intracranial hemorrhage was great in the IOH group(p<0.001). The prognosis was poor in the IOH group at discharge(p<0.001). The most common rupture site in the IOH group was the anterior communicating artery(p<0.001). Frontal intracerebral hematoma was specific to intraocular hemorrhage(p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between intraocular hemorrhage and rebleeding(p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that oculo-cerebral syndrome is clinically significant with a poor prognostic factor in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Aneurysm ; Hematoma ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; Intracranial Pressure ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Rupture ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage*

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the survival rate and prognosis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage(S-ICH) has improved, and their enhanced survival has become associated with a consequent rise in the recurrence of S-ICH. The aim of this study is to improve the prevention of recurrent S-ICH. METHODS: Between January 1999 and March 2004, we experienced 48 cases of recurrence. We classified the patients into the two groups; a double ICH group and a triple ICH group. We investigated their brain CTs, MRIs, cerebral angiographies, and medical records, retrospectively. RESULTS: Majority of patients had the intervals at least 12 months, and most of patients underwent conservative treatment. The most common hemorrhage pattern of recurrence was ganglionic-ganglionic (basal ganglia-basal ganglia), and the second attack was contralateral side of the first attack in a large percentage of all patients. Prognosis of patients was worsened in recurrent attack. Nearly all patients had medical history of hypertension, and most patients have taken antihypertensive medication at the arrival of emergency room. CONCLUSION: In treating hypertension for S-ICH patients, we stress that blood pressure must be thoroughly controlled over a long period of time.
Blood Pressure ; Brain ; Cerebral Angiography ; Cerebral Hemorrhage* ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Medical Records ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVE: The authors analyzed the postoperative radiological changes in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) after operation and its relation to the recurrence. METHODS: After reviewing the postoperative imagings of CSDH patients (90 cases, 70 patients), we classified them into 4 types according to the radiological changes in the hematoma area and calculated the prevalence of recurrence respectively. We also reviewed the preoperative images of the same patients and classified them into 4 types according to hematoma density and internal structure and investigated the prevalence of recurrence after operation respectively. RESULTS: The low density area in postoperative computerized tomography (CT) showed the same Hounsfield unit and signal intensity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the CSF in ventricles. The recurrence of CSDH was lower if the hematoma was totally replaced with CSF (Type III) or the brain re-expanded completely with total hematoma drainage (Type IV) on postoperative imagings (p<0.05). The location of catheter tip can be used as a valuable indicator of the boundary of newly collected CSF and residual hematoma. CONCLUSION: The low-density area found on postoperative CT medial to the residual hematoma in CSDH is filled with CSF and it can be a helpful factor in reducing the recurrence. The catheter tip location can be used as a good index and we can remove the catheter immediately after confirming the tip location on the inner surface of the skull.
Brain ; Catheters ; Drainage ; Hematoma ; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Prevalence ; Recurrence* ; Skull

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of the Codman Hakim programmable valve versus differential pressure valve in the treatment of patients with hydrocephalus. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective study of 83 patients who were implanted the Codmam Hakim programmable valve and differential pressure valve between January 1996 and April 2001. We analyzed complications, the number of shunt revision, and prognosis between the two groups. We analyzed initial pressure setting, the cause of reprogramming, and the number of reprogramming in Codman Hakim programmable valve. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was apparent between the Codmam Hakim programmable valve group and a differential pressure valve group in complications, primary disease entities in shunt revision cases and prognosis(p>0.05). And statistically difference was not apparent in the number of shunt revision(p=0.07). The average pressure and range of initial pressure setting in the Codmam Hakim programmable valve was 97.1mmH2O and 50~150mmH2O, respectively. The number of cases of reprogragmming in the Codmam Hakim programmable valve was 12 in total, 1 time in 9 cases , 2 times in 2 cases, and 3 times in 1case. CONCLUSION: The Codmam Hakim programmable valve can decrease shunt revision caused by underdrainage and overdrainage complications. The optimal pressure settting is the key point to decreasing reprogramming and complications in the Codmam Hakim programmable valve and a differential pressure valve.
Humans ; Hydrocephalus* ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

Recently the origin of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is thought be the interstitial cells of Cajal or primitive stem cells. This study was performed to evaluate the roles of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), cell block preparation, and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of GISTs. Nine cases of GIST in which FNAC was performed were included in this study. Cytologically, the tumor cells characteristically occurred in closely packed cohesive tissue fragments with high cellular density often in bloody background. The tumor cells often formed fascicles with parallel, side-by-side arrangements of the nuclei. Histologically, GISTs were highly cellular spindle or epithelioid tumor with basophilic appearance. Immunohistochemically, GISTs were c-kit positive in all of nine cases, CD34 positive in seven, focally SMA positive in two, and S-100 and GFAP negative in all. Both histologic and cell block sections showed the same histologic and immunohistochemical features. Cytomorphologically GISTs show a broad morphologic spectrum but rarely a significant nuclear pleomorphism and the assessment of malignant potential is difficult based on cytology alone. However, in the appropriate clinical and radiologic setting, a confident diagnosis of primary or metastatic GIST can be established by FNAC, cell block, and immunohistochemistry.
Actins/analysis ; Adult ; Antigens, CD34/analysis ; Biopsy, Needle ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/chemistry/*pathology ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/analysis ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paraffin Embedding ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit/analysis ; S100 Proteins/analysis ; Stromal Cells/*pathology

Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) are rare and usually asymptomatic, and they usually do not require surgical treatment. If symptoms manifest, however, surgical treatment is required. A 25-year-old male patient complained of impotence upon admission. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of his lumbar spine showed a SEAC located longitudinally from the T11 to L3, which was accompanied by thecal sac compression. Verifying the location of the dural defect is crucial for minimizing surgical treatments. Cystography, myelography, and lumbar spine MRI were conducted to locate the leak in real-time; however, it was not found.Hence, the location of the cerebrospinal fluid leak was estimated based on cystography, computed tomography, myelography, and MRI findings. We suggest that the region with the earliest contrast-filling, as well as the middle and widest area of the cyst, may correspond to the location of the dural defect.

Primary small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare malignant tumor. A more rapidly fatal course may be seen in advanced stages of small cell carcinoma as compared to similar stages of urothelial carcinoma. It is very important to recognize this distinct form of bladder cancer by urinary cytology. The differential diagnosis of small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder includes metastatic small cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and primary or secondary malignant lymphoma. This article highlights the urinary cytologic diagnosis of a case of primary small cell carcinoma. A 59-year-old male presented with gross hematuria for five months. Urinary cytology showed high cellularity consisting of tiny monotonous tumor cells in the necrotic background. The tumor cells occurred predominantly singly, but a few in clusters. The cytoplasm was so scanty that only a very narrow rim of it was seen. The nuclei were oval or round and had finely stippled chromatin. Rarely, the nuclei contain visible nucleoli. Frequently cell molding was noted in clusters. Many single cells demonstrated nuclear pyknosis or karyorrhexis. The histologic findings of transurethral resection and partial cystectomy specimen were those of small cell carcinoma. Cytologic distinction may be very difficult but careful attention to clinical features and cellualr details can classify these neoplasms correctly.
Carcinoma, Small Cell* ; Chromatin ; Cystectomy ; Cytoplasm ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fungi ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; Urinary Bladder*