Osteoblastoma is a benign bone tumor which commonly occurs in the vertebral column and the long bone of extremities, although the paranasal sinus involvement is very rare. We are reporting a case of benign osteoblastoma of the ethmoid sinus extending maxillary sinus and nasal cavity in a 66-year-old man who presented with progressive exophthalmos and intractable epiphora. The tumor was successfully removed via extended medial maxillectomy through lateral rhinotomy approach. Histologic features showed the central zone of edematous vascular fibrous tissue with scattered trabeculae of osteoid surrounded by the outer layer of dense mature bone. A differential diagnosis is necessary for various kinds of fibro-osseous lesions such as osteoid osteoma, ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia.
Aged ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Ethmoid Sinus* ; Exophthalmos ; Extremities ; Fibroma, Ossifying ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases ; Maxillary Sinus ; Nasal Cavity ; Osteoblastoma* ; Osteoma, Osteoid ; Spine

The rhinocerebral aspergillosis invading sinuses and CNS is known to be a fatal desease in immunocompromised patients. The management principle of rhinocerebral aspergillosis is often by extensive surgical removal through craniotomy combined with amphotericin B therapy, and endoscopic removal had not been reported until now. We report in this study a case of rhinocerebral aspergillosis invading the left frontal sinus and the left frontal lobe which were treated by the combination therapy of endoscopic removal and antifungal agents.
Amphotericin B ; Antifungal Agents ; Aspergillosis* ; Craniotomy ; Frontal Lobe* ; Frontal Sinus ; Immunocompromised Host

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute coronary syndrome occurs most commonly in the setting of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, but there is little information concerning the mechanism responsible for the transition from stable to unstable coronary atherosclerotic plaque. Hypothetically, several microorganism(Chlamydia pneumonia, Cytomegalovirus and Helicobacter pylori) and their inflammatory reaction have been suggested as a causative motive in progression of acute coronary syndrome. Although it is unclear whether the serum level of CRP as a inflammatory parameter is concerned with previous inflammatory change or myocardial necrosis, CRP apper to be predictive of higher risk for cardiac event in the patients with acute coronary syndrome. Our objective was to evaluate whether the inflammatory parameters(CRP, ESR and WBC count) is useful in predicting the short-term cardiac risk within 30 days. MATERIALS AND METHOD: One hundred and ten patients with acute coronary syndrome were enrolled from April 1998 through August 1998. Blood samples were collected at 1st hour, 24th hour, 48th hour and 7th day and tested for CRP, ESR, WBC count and CK-MB level. Values of 323 normal were used as control. All patients were followed up for 30 days and assessed for the presence of cardiac complications. RESULTS: Peak CRP value of the patients with acute myocardial infarction(3.4+/-3.85 mg/dL, n=2) was higher than that of the patients with unstable angina(0.7+/-0.93 mg/dL, n=8, p<0.05) and controls(0.3+/-0.48 mg/dL, n=23, p<0.05). Peak CRP value of patients with cardiac complication was higher than that of patients without complication(7.7+/-4.77 mg/dL, n=5 vs 1.3+/-1.74 mg/dL, n=5 ; p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, peak CRP value was the only predictive parameter for development of cardiac complications in the patients with acute coronary syndrome(Odds ratio 4.893, 95% confidence interval 1.212-19.756, p value=.026). In the high-CRP group(>2 mg/dL, n=0), the cardiac complication rate was higher than the low-CRP group(< or =2 mg/dL, n=0) (43.3% vs 2.5%, p<0.05). Peak CRP value was correlated with age(r=.191, p=.045), pulse rate(r=.186, p=.008), left ventricular ejection fraction(r=0.384, p<0.001), peak ESR(r=.383, p<0.001) and peak WBC count(r=.307, p=.001), but not with peak CK-MB level. CONCLUSION: Elevated CRP level in patients with acute coronary syndrome seems to be a valuable prognostic factor for the development of cardiac complications within 1 month after admission.
Acute Coronary Syndrome* ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Cytomegalovirus ; Helicobacter ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Necrosis ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Pneumonia

BACKGROUND: Assessment of segmental wall motion is one of the most challenging tasks in echocardiography. The diagnosis of ischemic heart disease by echocardiography depends on the accurate detection of segmental wall motion abnormalities. However, echocardiographic regional wall motion analysis is impaired by incomplete endocardial definition due to obesity, chronic obstructive lung disease, etc. The purpose of this study was to examine the value of tissue harmonic imaging for endocardial border definition. METHODS: We recorded echocardiograms in 30 consecutive patients, in which more than one segment of left ventricule were poorly visualized, by ATL HDI 3000 and analyzed left ventricular segmental wall motion and then recorded echocardiograms again by tissue harmonic imaging (THI) technique. Endocardial border definition for each segment was graded from grade A to C (grade A in which endocardium is clearly visualized, grade B in which endocardium is poorly visualized and grade C in which endocardium is not seen). Densitometric analysis was perfromed in 10 randomly selected patients. Mean density and dynamic range in histogram were obtained at septum, posterior wall and left ventricle cavity on parasternal long axis view with both techniques. RESULTS: Among total 480 segments, 237 segments (49.4%) were categorized as grade A, 152 segments (31.7%) were categorized as grade B and 91 segments (18.9%) were categorized as grade C in fundamental modes. However, 380 segments (79.2%) were categorized as grade A, 75 segments (15.6%) were categorized as grade B and 25 segments (5.2%) were categorized as grade C in tissue harmonic modes. Visualization of 37.7% (181 segments/480 segments) of all segments was improved in tissue harmonic imaging, with 5.2% (25 segments/480 segments) improved from "not seen" to "clearly visualized". Of these improved 181 segments in THI, 105 segments (58%) were the lateral and anterior walls on apical views. In densitometric analysis of septum, wall density and delta density (wall densityLV cavity density) were significantly higher in THI than fundamental modes (p<0.05). But, W/C ratio (wall density/LV cavity density) was not different between two imaging modalities. In densitometric analysis of posterior wall, all parameters were not significantly different between two imaging modalities. Also, W/C ratio of dynamic range (posterior wall dynamic range/LV cavity dynamic range) was not significantly different between two imaging modalities. CONCLUSION: Tissue harmonic imaging has significant value in endocardial border definition in the patients with poor echocardiographic windows and appears promising with the added advantage of no requirement for intravenous access.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Diagnosis ; Echocardiography ; Endocardium ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Obesity ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangement has been known to be a useful marker for determining the clonality as well as detecting minimal residual disease in B cell malignancies. This study was performed to establish single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the detection of IgH gene rearrangements in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue of patients with B cell lymphoma and determine the type of JH segments used. METHODS: We obtained formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 44 patients diagnosed with B cell lymphoma at Ajou University Hospital from January 2005 to January 2007 and reviewed medical records retrospectively. After the extraction of DNA, PCR was performed using VH3 and JHPST primers to detect the third complementarity determining region (CDR3) gene of IgH. Sequence analysis of the PCR products was also done in 23 patients. RESULTS: The CDR3 gene rearrangements were detected in 26 (59%) out of 44 patients with B cell lymphoma. Sequence analysis of the amplified CDR3 gene was successful in 16 (70%) of 23 patients. JH3, JH4, JH5, and JH6 segments were used for CDR3 gene rearrangements in 3 (25%), 4 (33%), 1 (8%), and 4 (33%) patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although there are some limitations due to a low sensitivity less than 60%, single PCR using consensus primers could be an effective tool for the detection of CDR3 gene rearrangements in routine laboratory settings. Furthermore, sequence analysis of the CDR3 PCR products will provide basic information necessary for further studies.
Complementarity Determining Regions ; Consensus ; DNA ; Formaldehyde* ; Gene Rearrangement* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains* ; Immunoglobulins* ; Lymphoma, B-Cell* ; Medical Records ; Neoplasm, Residual ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Retrospective Studies ; Sequence Analysis

BACKGROUND: A rapid increase in antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has become a serious problem in Korea. Moreover, the antibiotic resistance problem has worsened noticeably during the past several years. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of resistance among frequently isolated gram-positive and -negative bacteria in Korea. METHODS: Routine susceptibility data for medically important bacteria isolated during 6 months of 2003 were collected from 12 university and general hospital laboratories in Korea. RESULTS: The proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 66%; however, vancomycin-resistant strains were not detected. The rates of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP) were 22% and 73%, respectively. The resistance rates to 3rd generation cephalosporins and monobactam were: Escherichia coli 8-12%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 18-22%, Citrobacter freundii 22-32%, Enterobacter cloacae 34-37%, and Serratia marcescens 12-21%, respectively. Imipenem resistance rates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 23% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial resistant strains were already prevalent among the clinically important isolates, especially, MRSA, PNSP, and extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistant gram-negative bacilli in Korea. The imipenem-resistant rates of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa increased, respectively, from 13% and 20% in 2002 to 23% and 25% in 2003. The results of this study will provide a basis for proper treatment of bacterial infections and prevention of spread of resistant bacteria. A continuous nationwide surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is very important and should be performed.
Acinetobacter baumannii ; Bacteria* ; Bacterial Infections ; Cephalosporins ; Citrobacter freundii ; Drug Resistance, Microbial ; Enterobacter cloacae ; Enterococcus faecium ; Escherichia coli ; Hospitals, General ; Imipenem ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Korea* ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Prevalence ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Serratia marcescens ; Streptococcus pneumoniae

BACKGROUND: A rapid increase in antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has become a serious problem in many countries including Korea, but the rate and pattern of antimicrobial resistance may vary significantly depending on countries and even on hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine the nationwide prevalence of resistance among frequently isolated bacterial pathogens in Korea. METHODS: Routine susceptibility data for medically important bacterial pathogens from 12 university hospital and general hospital laboratories in Korea were analysed by patient group. These pathogens had been isolated during the period from April to November in 2004. RESULTS: The proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 67%. Van-comycin-resistance rate of Enterococcus faecalis was 1% and that of E.faecium was 20%. The resistance rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae to penicillin and Haemophilus influenzae to ampicillin were 70% and 54%, respectively. The resistant rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 7-10% and 26-31% to the 3rd generation cephalosporin, respectively. The resistance rates to 3rd generation cephalosporin were 22-30% in Citrobacter freundii, 35-44% in Enterobacter cloacae and 15-22 % in Serratia marcescens. Imipenem resistance rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were 26% and 17%. Cotrimoxazole and levofloxacin resistance rates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were 46% and 44%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial resistance rates of clinically important pathogens in Korea were still high and were generally higher among the bacteria isolated from the intensive care unit patients. Strict infection control and continuous nationwide surveillance program will be required to manage the antimicrobial resistance problem.
Acinetobacter baumannii ; Ampicillin ; Bacteria* ; Citrobacter freundii ; Enterobacter cloacae ; Enterococcus faecalis ; Escherichia coli ; Haemophilus influenzae ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Imipenem ; Infection Control ; Intensive Care Units ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Korea* ; Levofloxacin ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Penicillins ; Prevalence ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Serratia marcescens ; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the nationwide prevalence of Ambler class A extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and to characterize genotypes of ESBLs. METHODS: During the period of February through July, 2003, E.coli and K.pneumoniae isolates were collected from 12 hospitals in Korea. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were tested by disk diffusion method, and ESBL-production was determined by the double-disk synergy test. MICs of beta-lactam antibiotics were tested by agar dilution method. Searches for bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX-M, bla PER-1, bla VEB, bla IBC, bla GES and bla TLA genes were performed by PCR amplification, and the genotypes of ESBLs were determined by direct nucleotide sequence analysis of amplified products. RESULTS: Resistance rates of E.coli (n=246) and K.pneumoniae (n=239) isolates to ceftazidime were 8.5% and 20.1%, respectively. Most prevalent Ambler class A ESBL genotypes in E.coli isolates were bla CTX-M-15 (n=4) and bla CTX-M-3 (n=3), and each of bla CTX-M-14, bla SHV-12, and bla TEM-52 gene was also found in one isolate. Most prevalent ESBL genotypes in K.pneumoniae were bla SHV-12 (n=30) and bla CTX-M-3 (n=13), and bla CTX-M-14 (n=5). bla SHV-2a (n=3), bla SHV-5 (n=2), bla TEM-52 (n=1), bla GES-3 (n=2) genes were also found. CONCLUSION: CTX-M-type ESBL-producing E.coli and K.pneumoniae isolates are spreading, and a GES-type ESBL has emerged in Korea.
Agar ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Base Sequence ; beta-Lactamases ; Ceftazidime ; Diffusion ; Escherichia coli* ; Escherichia* ; Genotype ; Klebsiella pneumoniae* ; Klebsiella* ; Korea* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence*

BACKGROUND: A rapid increase of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has become a serious problem in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of resistance among frequently isolated gram-positive and -negative bacteria in Korea. METHODS: Data of routine antimicrobial susceptibility test for medically important bacteria, isolated during 3 months of 2002, were collected from 12 university and 1 commercial laboratories in Korea. RESULTS: The proportions of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were 60-88%, but vancomycin-resistant S. aureus was not detected. Among the Enterococcus faecium isolates, the resistance rate to vancomycin was 29%. The resistance rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: 11% and 24% to cefotaxime, respectively, and 12% and 21% to cefoxitin, respectively. The resistance rates of Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, and Serratia marcescens: 28%, 34% and 21% to cefotaxime, respectively, <1%, 8% and 14% to cefepime, respectively. The resistance rates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were: 65% and 37% to piperacillin, 64% and 19% to ceftazidime, 13% and 20% to imipenem, respectively. The resistant rates varied according to the hospital size. The resistance rates were generally higher among the isolates in the hospitals with more than 1,000 beds. The rates of penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae were 58-90%. Among the Haemophilus influenzae isolates, 55-68% were resistant to ampicillin. CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial resistant strains were prevalent among the medically important clinical isolates, especially, MRSA, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, extended-spectrum -lactamase- or AmpC -lactamase-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae, third generation cephalosporin-resistant C. freundii, E. cloacae and S. marcescens, imipenem-resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, penicillin-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae and ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae. The antimicrobial resistance has become a serious problem in Korea.
Acinetobacter baumannii ; Ampicillin ; Bacteria* ; Cefotaxime ; Cefoxitin ; Ceftazidime ; Citrobacter freundii ; Cloaca ; Enterobacter cloacae ; Enterococcus faecium ; Escherichia coli ; Haemophilus influenzae ; Health Facility Size ; Imipenem ; Influenza, Human ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Korea* ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Piperacillin ; Pneumonia ; Prevalence ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Serratia marcescens ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; Vancomycin

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to survey nationwide susceptibilities of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates against cefotaxime and to determine the prevalences of CTX-Mtype extended-spectrum beta-lactamases(ESBLs). METHODS: During the period of February to July, 2003, E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from 12 hospitals. Antimicrobial susceptibilities to cefotaxime were tested by the disk diffusion method. ESBL production was determined by the double disk synergy test. Cefotaxime-resistance of the ESBL-producers was transfered to E. coli DH5alphaand E. coli Top10-F by transformation. MICs of beta-lactam antibiotics were determined by the agar dilution method. Searches for blaCTX-M genes was performed by PCR amplication; pIs of beta-lactamases were determined by isoelectric focusing. RESULTS: Among 230 isolates of E. coli and 232 isolates of K. pneumoniae, 27 (11.7%) and 79 (34.1%) were intermediate or resistant to cefotaxime, respectively. Twenty-four (10.4%) isolates of E. coli and 58 (25.0%) K. pneumoniae isolates showed positive results in the double disk synergy test. Three isolates of E. coli and 13 K. pneumoniae isolates harbored blaCTX-M-3 gene, 4 E. coli isolates harbored blaCTX-M-15 gene, and 1 E. coli and 5 K. pneumoniae isolates harbored blaCTX-M-14 gene. CONCLUSION: E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates producing CTX-M-type ESBLs were not uncommon in Korean hospitals. It is thought that periodical surveys are necessary for inspecting the spread of CTX-M-type ESBL genes are necessary.
Agar ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; beta-Lactamases ; Cefotaxime ; Diffusion ; Escherichia coli* ; Escherichia* ; Isoelectric Focusing ; Klebsiella pneumoniae* ; Klebsiella* ; Korea* ; Pneumonia ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence*