BACKGROUND: Thyroid status in uremia is still inconclusive due to the complexicity of the system. No single pathogenetic event may explain the thyroid function abnormalities in end stage renal disease (ESRD). Defects at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis have been identified. Regarding the thyroid dysfunction in ESRD it is well recognized that the TSH response to TRH is blunted and serum concentrations of thyroid hormones are decreased in patients with ESRD. Whether or not on maintenance hemodialysis. Restoration of renal function with renal transplantation resulted in normalization of all parameters of thyroid function with exception of blunted TSH response to TRH. We evaluated the long-term changes of the thyroid function in 10 patients to know whether the thyroid function and the hypothalamo-pituitary axis were improved with the recovery of the renal function under maintenance low-dosage steroid administration after renal transplantation. METHODS: These tests were performed during the morning in the fasting state in 10 ESRD patients before, 1 month and 6 years after renal transplantation (RT). Thyroid function tests. Serum T3, T4 were measured by RIA kit and serum TSH was measured by IRMA kit. TRH stimulation test. Serum blood samples were obtained 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 min after TRH (400microgram) administration. Statistical analysis. All grouped data were expressed as mean+/-SD. Student t-test was used to assess the statistical difference between any two means. RESULTS: 1) The mean basal level of serum T3 was reduced in ESRD patients (53.6+/-33.2ng/dL) and increased to the low normal level 1 month after RT (87.8+/-25.4ng/dL), improved to the normal level 6 years after RT (116.3+/-28.8ng/dL). 2) The mean basal level of T4 was within normal range before RT (5.9+/-1.1microgram/dL), after 1 month (6.2+/-1.2microgram/dL) and after 6 years (6.5+/-1.4microgram/dL) of RT. 3) The mean basal level of TSH was within normal range before RT (2.0+/-1.2microU/mL), after 1 month (1.1+/-0.7microU/mL), and after 6 years (0.7+/-0.5microU/mL) of RT. Rut the mean TSH level of 6 years of RT was significantly decreased within the normal range. 4) In ESRD the TSH response to TRH was blunted, had a diminished peak and delayed fall before RT. After 1 month of RT, the TSH response to TRH was persistently blunted, however showed more rapid fall of TSH. After 6 years of RT, the TSH response to TRH normalized, but the absolute level of TSH and the peak level of TSH to TRH were less than before and after 1 month of RT. CONCLUSIONS: The abnormalities of thyroid hormones in uremic patients were improved partially after 1 month of RT and almost completely after 6 years of RT. But the level of T3H and the peak level of TSH to TRH were low within normal range, these results may be a direct consequence of low-dosage and long-term glucorcorticoid administration.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Fasting ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Kidney Transplantation* ; Reference Values ; Renal Dialysis ; Thyroid Function Tests ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Hormones ; Uremia

It is very important to select the appropriate operative method in cancer surgery. For proximal gastric cancer, a total gastrectomy (TG) has usually had less morbidity and mortality than an extended total gastrectomy (ETG). To compare and evaluate the results of a TG with those of an ETG, the authors analyzed 50 cases treated by a TG and 50 cases treated by an ETG during the last 12 years. The results were as follows: The post operative complication rates were 34% for a TG and 54% for an ETG, the average operation time was 3 hours 53 minutes for a TG and 3 hours 42 minutes for an ETG, the postoperative fasting period was 7.1 days for a TG and 6.5 days for an ETG, and the mean length of hospital stay was 21.4 days for a TG and 22.6 days for an ETG. the ETG had a higher complication rate than the TG, but there was no statistical difference between the operation times, the postoperative fasting periods, and the length of stay in the hospital. from our experience, it is suggested that the ETG is easier, or almost the same, to carry out than the TG procedure. Therefore, we recommend an ETG for proximal gastric cancer to achieve better curative results.
Fasting ; Gastrectomy* ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; Stomach Neoplasms*

Carcinosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm consisting of both epithelial and nonepithelial components, that is, carcinoma and sarcoma in the same tumor. Since Queckenstedt reported the case of carcinosarcoma of the stomach in 1904, only 30 cases have been reported. We present a case of carcinosarcoma and adenocarcinoma of the stomach in 63-year-old man with the review of the literature.
Adenocarcinoma* ; Carcinosarcoma* ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Sarcoma ; Stomach*

BACKGROUND: A few reports of transudative malignant effusion on a small number of patients have suggested the need to perform routine cytologic examination in all cases of transudative pleural effusion, whether encountered for malignancy or not. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cytologic examination should be performed in all cases of transudative pleural effusion for the diagnosis of malignancy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 229 consecutive patients with malignant pleural effusion, proven either cytologically or with biopsy. In patients with transudative pleural effusion, we reviewed medical records, results of transthoracic echocardiography, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, chest X-ray, chest CT scan, and ultrasonogram of the abdomen. These data were examined with particular attention to identifying whether or not the malignancy was suggested on chest X-ray, examining the involvement of the superior vena cava, great vessels, and lymph nodes, determining the presence of pericardial effusion, and observing the endobronchial obstruction. RESULTS: Transudative malignant pleural effusion was observed in seven (3.1%) of the 229 patients, and was caused either by the malignancy itself (6 patients) or by coexisting cardiac diseases (1 patient). All the patients showed evidence suggesting the presence of malignancy at the time of initial thoracentesis, which facilitated the decision of most clinicians on whether to perform cytologic examination for the diagnosis of malignancy. CONCLUSION: Therefore, in all cases of transudative pleaural effusion, no clinical implications indicating malignancy were found on cytologic examination.
Biopsy ; Carcinoma/classification/*pathology/*secondary ; Exudates and Transudates ; Human ; Lung Neoplasms/*pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/*pathology ; Pleural Effusion, Malignant/metabolism/*pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

This is a clinical analysis and review of one-hundred ninety-four patients with periappendiceal abscesses who were treated at the Departmeat of Surgery, Masan Samsung Hospital over a ten year period from January 1985 to December 1994. The following results were obtained. The incidence of periappendiceal abscesses was 7.24% of the total cases of appendicitis operated on during the same period, and most of the patients(43.8%) were over fifty years old. The male to female ratio was 1:1.02. 41.2% of the patients had operations within four days after their symptoms occurred. On admission, the most common physical finding was tenderness on the right lower quadrant of the abdomen (92.9%) and leukocytosis(> OR = 10,000/mm3) was noted on CBC in 82% of the patients. Abdominal sonograms revealed periappendiceal abscesses in 88% of the patients, 83% were revealed with barium enema and 88% with abdominal CT scan. Many patients(75.5%) visited the local clinic and were treated under the diagnosis of gastritis or enteritis instead of appendicitis. One-hundred eighty-three patients(94.3%) had appendectomies with drainages(94.3%), two patients had drainages of abscesses without appendectomy, six patients had ileocecal resections and three patients had right hemicolectomies. Microbiologically, E. coli was the most frequently cultured species(63%) from abscess, and Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Proteus were isolated in some cases. Postoperative complication occurred in seventy-five patients(38.6%) and the most frequent complication was wound infection(28.8%). There was no mortality and the mean hospital stay was fifteen days.
Abdomen ; Abscess* ; Appendectomy ; Appendicitis ; Barium ; Diagnosis ; Enema ; Enteritis ; Enterococcus ; Female ; Gastritis ; Humans ; Incidence ; Klebsiella ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; Proteus ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Wounds and Injuries

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin is a fat cell-secreted cytokine, which has been reported to improve insulin sensitivity and have antiatherogenic properties. However, it is still unclear whether resistin plays a significant role in the development of insulin resistance in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of the adiponectin and resistin concentrations with insulin resistance, metabolic markers and adiposity in healthy and type 2 diabetic subjects. METHODS: Eighty-three type 2 diabetic and 139 healthy subjects were studied. Blood samples were drawn after fasting to determine the fasting plasma glucose, insulin, resistin, adiponectin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol levels. The subcutaneous and visceral fat areas were measured at the umbilical level using computed tomography. RESULTS: The serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in the diabetic(6.7+/-2.3microgram/mL) than in the obese(8.2+/-2.4microgram/mL, P<0.01) and non-obese subjects(9.9+/-4.5microgram/mL, P<0.01). The serum resistin concentrations were Similar between the non-obese, obese and type 2 diabetic subjects. From a multiple regression analysis, the fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and HOMA-IR were found to be independent determinants of the log of the adiponectin level in the diabetes group. In healthy subjects, the gender, BMI, HOMA-IR, visceral fat area and HDL-cholesterol were associated with the log of the adiponectin level. However, the log of the resistin level was not associated with the markers of insulin resistance and obesity. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the serum adiponectin concentration was closely related to the insulin resistance marker in both healthy and type 2 diabetic subjects. However, the resistin concentration was not associated with the markers of insulin resistance and/or obesity.
Adiponectin* ; Adiposity ; Blood Glucose ; Cholesterol ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Fasting ; Glucose ; Humans ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Obesity ; Resistin* ; Risk Factors* ; Triglycerides

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the degree of behavioral and psychic masculinization as well as factors influencing the masculinization in female patients with CAH caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. METHODS: We studied 26 patients with salt-wasting (SW) type, 29 patients with simple virilizing (SV) type and 30 control patients, who were older than 10 years of age. Study participants were given a questionnaire containing 55 items (20 masculine items, 20 feminine items, 15 neutral items) in order to evaluate the degree of feminity and masculinity. RESULTS: SW and SV girls revealed significantly higher masculine scores and lower feminine scores than the control groups (P<0.05). Feminine scores were lower in the SW group compared to those in the SV group (P<0.05). Neutral scores showed no significant difference among three groups. Masculine, feminine, bisexual and undifferentiated personality characteristics exhibit 57.6%, 3.8%, 7.6%, and 30.7% in SW group, respectively; 31%, 17.2%, 20.6%, and 30%, respectively in SV group; 3.3%, 50.0%, 20.0% and 26.6%, respectively in control group. Masculine scores were negatively correlated with age at diagnosis and treatment (r=-0.516, P<0.05), but not with the levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone at the time of diagnosis and study, advancement of bone age, age at clitoplasty, age at onset of puberty and age at menarche. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, who reveal high masculinizing score, should be closely monitored for the adverse effects of high degree of masculinization, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Additionally, it is important to treat adequately after early diagnosis to minimize the degree of masculinization and to develop the prenatal mode of treatment to interrupt the secretion of adrenal androgen.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone ; Adolescent ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital* ; Bisexuality ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Female* ; Humans ; Masculinity ; Menarche ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; Puberty ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase*

An adrenal crisis is a serious medical emergency. Most such crises develop in patients with Addison's disease when they are stressed. However, the clinical features of an impending adrenal crisis are nonspecific, delaying diagnosis and management. Adrenal tuberculosis is very rare among the extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis. We herein report a case of an adrenal crisis triggered by bilateral adrenal tuberculosis. A 35-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of drowsiness, fever, and hypotension. Abdominal computed tomography revealed bilateral adrenal enlargement, and computed tomography-guided adrenal gland biopsy allowed us to diagnose adrenal tuberculosis.
Addison Disease ; Adrenal Glands ; Adrenal Insufficiency ; Adult ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Emergencies ; Fever ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Sleep Stages ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Endocrine

The fundamental alterations in the cardiovascular system that occur consequent to aging are of great pratical importnace to clinicians. Senescent cardic muscle has many features of prolonged tension development, impaired relaxation and diminished response to receptor-mediated inotropic interactions. We estimated left ventricular mass by 2-D echo area-length method using a high quality planimeter. Age-related increments in left ventricular mass demostrated, but left ventricular enddiastolic cavity volumes were unaffected by age. The increase in left ventricular mass observed with aging is typical of pressuer-overload hypertrophy and its stimulus may be increased afterload from senescent changes.
Aging* ; Cardiovascular System ; Hypertrophy ; Relaxation

With the development of gray scale ultrasonography, detection and evaluation of hepatic parenchymal diseaseincluding space occupying lesions are easitly performed and frequently used in the world. Thirty-five cases ofhistopathologically proven and ultrasonographically suggested hepatocellular carcinoma are retrospectivelystudied. The results were as follows; 1. Ultrasonographic findings of hepatocellular carcinoma show hyperechoicpattern in 22 cases (63%), hypoechoic pattern in 2 cases (6%), and mixed pattern in 11 cases (31%). 2. The marginof tumor is ill-defined in 19 cases (54%) and well defined in 16 cases (46%). 3. The size of tumor by sonographicmeasurement was larger than 5cm in diameter in 33 cases (94%). 4. The number of tumor is solitary in 19 cases andmultiple in 16 cases. The sites of involved lobe were right lobe in 22 cases (63%), left lobe in 2 cases (6%), andboth lobes in 11 cases (31%). 5. Associated sonographic findings were hepatomegaly with focal contour change in 25cases (71%), splenomegaly in 16 cases (46%), cirrhosis of liver in 15 cases (43%), ascites in 11 cases (31%) andtumoral thrombosis in portal vein in 8 cases (23%). 6. The sex ratio is 6:1 male predominence and the age rangesfrom 32 to 76 years with highest incidence in 5th and 6th decades.
Ascites ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Fibrosis ; Hepatomegaly ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver ; Male ; Portal Vein ; Sex Ratio ; Splenomegaly ; Thrombosis ; Ultrasonography