Drainage of pancreatic abscesses is required for effective control of sepsis. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided endoscopic drainage is less invasive than surgery and prevents local complications related to percutaneous drainage. Endoscopic drainage with stent placement in the uncinate process of the pancreas is a technically difficult procedure. We report a case of pancreatic abscess treated by repeated EUS-guided aspiration and intravenous antibiotics without an indwelling drainage catheter or surgical intervention.
Abscess* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Catheters ; Drainage ; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration ; Pancreas ; Sepsis ; Stents ; Ultrasonography

We report the case of a rectal teratoma. A 62-year-old woman was referred to our department for evaluation of a rectal mass. She had a 3-month history of rectal bleeding and constipation. No palpable mass was detected using digital rectal examination. Colonoscopic examination demonstrated a protruding mass with a broad stalk in the posterior wall about 12 cm from the anal verge. A computed tomography scan showed a mass, which contained calcifications and fatty components, protruding into the rectal lumen. On operation, the mass was located in the upper rectum, and the right lateral portion of the upper rectum was adhesed to the right ovary. Thus, she had undergone a low anterior resection and right oophorectomy. The pathologic results confirmed a teratoma arising in the muscularis mucosa and the submucosa of the rectal wall.
Constipation ; Digital Rectal Examination ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Mucous Membrane ; Ovariectomy ; Ovary ; Rectum ; Teratoma*

PURPOSE: Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) displays a well-described distinct phenotype, but the true biological significance of MSI-low (L) is still uncertain. To clarify the significance of this MSI-L, we studied the differences between patients with CRC with MSI-H, MSI-L, and microsatellite stability (MSS). METHODS: A total of 723 consecutive patients (429 males and 294 females) who had undergone resections between September 2002 and August 2007 were studied. We analyzed the clinicopathological features, the MSI statuses, and the prognoses of the 723 CRC patients. RESULTS: MSI-H was observed in 54 (7.5%), MSI-L in 27 (3.7%), and MSS in 642 (88.8%) of the 723 colorectal cancer patients. MSI-L and MSS CRC share similar clinicopathological features. A univariate analysis showed no significant differences in overall survival between MSI-L, MSS, and MSI-H. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, MSI-L was significantly (P=0.036) associated with poorer prognosis compared with MSS tumors, after adjustment for factors previous shown to be associated with the survival based on potentially relevant variables. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current study showed no difference in the clinicopathological features of MSI-L versus MSS CRCs. However, in the multivariate analysis, patients with MSI-L CRCs had significantly poorer overall survival. Finally, these findings support the existence of MSI-L CRCs as a distinct category. Thus, further studies are required to explore possible reasons for the adverse prognosis associated with MSI-L cancers.
Calcium Hydroxide ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Humans ; Male ; Microsatellite Instability ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Multivariate Analysis ; Phenotype ; Prognosis ; Succinimides ; Zinc Oxide

PURPOSE: We wanted to determine the usefullness of ultrasonography for exploring cervical anatomical structures and to compare its results with those of magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May, 2008 and January, 2009, 16 patient (8 male patients and 8 female patients, average age: 55.5 years old) with neck pain following in out patient clinic and who had cervical MRI performed were selected. By using ultrasonography, we measured the shortest distance of the internal carotid artery, internal jugular vein, sternocleidomastoid muscle and longus colli muscle based on the vertebral body of cricoid cartilage. We also measured the thickness of the longus colli muscle. We measured the average length of the shortest distance and thickness of C6 on MRI axial view. RESULTS: The length using ultrasonography showed that the average length was 2.12 cm for the internal carotid artery, 3.04 cm for the internal jugular vein, 4.34 cm for the sternocleidomastoid muscle and 0.68 cm for the longus colli muscle. Cervical MRI was used to measure the same structures. Its results were 2.23 cm for the internal carotid artery, 3.14 cm for the internal jugular vein, 4.39 cm for the sternocleidomastoid muscle and 0.70 cm for the longus colli muscle. We also measured the thickness of the longus colli muscle with ultrasonography and cervical MRI, and the results were 0.77 cm and 0.76 cm, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between ultrasonography and MRI for the measurement of length, but there was a statistically significant difference for the measurement of thickness. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference for the measurement of cervical anatomical stuctures using ultrasonography, and especially the longus coli thickness, as compared with that of MRI. Therefore, we suggest that ultrasonography can give more useful information for the diagnosis and treatment of problems in the cervical spinal field.
Carotid Artery, Internal ; Cricoid Cartilage ; Female ; Humans ; Jugular Veins ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Male ; Muscles ; Neck Pain

PURPOSE: This study was conducted in order to evaluate effect and efficiency of selective spinal nerve root block for neuropathic pain patients with lower leg radiating pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 113 patients were evaluated and follow-up periods were a minimum of 12 months. They were divided into two groups: group A included 41 patients with neuropathic pain and group B included 72 patients with simple lower leg radiating pain. RESULTS: Fourteen (34.1%) patients in group A and 45 (62.5%) patients in group B had favorable results for selective spinal nerve block (p<0.05). Visual analog scale (VAS) was improved from 7.57 to 5.23 at 12 months in group A and from 7.11 to 3.49 at 12 months in group B. CONCLUSION: The initial treatment period for group A was significantly later than in group B. For patients with neuropathic pain and radiculopathy, early assessment was recommended and early selective spinal nerve block could be a good treatment option for neuropathic pain patients.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leg ; Neuralgia* ; Radiculopathy* ; Spinal Nerve Roots* ; Spinal Nerves ; Visual Analog Scale

PURPOSE: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) are a rare subgroup of tumors. For PNETs, the predictive factors for survival and prognosis are not well known. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the predictive factors for survival and disease progression in PNETs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 37 patients who were diagnosed with PNET at Severance Hospital between November 2005 and March 2010. Prognostic factors for survival and disease progression were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.0+/-15.0 years. Eight cases (21.6%) were described as functioning tumors and 29 cases (78.4%) as non-functioning tumors. In univariate analysis of clinical factors, patients with liver metastasis (p=0.002), without resection of primary tumors (p=0.002), or American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control (AJCC/UICC) stage III/IV (p=0.002) were more likely to demonstrate shorter overall survival (OS). Patients with bile duct or pancreatic duct invasion (p=0.031), sized-lesions larger than 20 mm (p=0.036), liver metastasis (p=0.020), distant metastasis (p=0.005), lymph node metastasis (p=0.009) or without resection of primary tumors (p=0.020) were more likely to demonstrate shorter progression-free survival (PFS). In multivariate analysis of clinical factors, bile duct or pancreatic duct invasion [p=0.010, hazard ratio (HR)=95.046] and tumor location (non-head of pancreas) (p=0.036, HR=7.381) were confirmed as independent factors for predicting shorter PFS. CONCLUSION: Patients with liver metastasis or without resection of primary tumors were more likely to demonstrate shorter OS. Patients with bile duct or pancreatic duct invasion or tumors located at body or tail of pancreas were more likely to demonstrate shorter PFS.
Bile Ducts ; Disease Progression ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Joints ; Liver ; Lymph Nodes ; Methods ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive ; Neuroendocrine Tumors* ; Pancreas ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Tail

Splenic lymphangioma is a very rare benign condition, and it is classified as one of the cystic proliferations of the spleen. This is considered to result from developmental malformation of the lymphatic system. Splenic lymphangioma is usually seen in children and it is often found incidentally. Herein, we report on an unusual case of splenic lymphangioma in an adult. A 66-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain. On esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the gastric fundus was externally compressed by an extrinsic mass. Computed tomography revealed multiple cystic masses in the spleen. Laparoscopic splenectomy was then performed. The histology revealed multiple splenic lymphangiomas. This case showed an unusual presentation of splenic lymphangioma as gastric extrinsic compression, and this should be examined by imaging studies.
Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Female ; Gastric Fundus ; Humans ; Lymphangioma ; Lymphatic System ; Spleen ; Splenectomy

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the improvement of symptoms and diagnosis using selective nerve root block (SNRB) for radiating pain after spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2012 to October 2013, 112 patients with failed back surgery syndrome (41 male and 71 female, with the mean age of 62.4 years and range of 35 to 78 years), who were admitted and underwent SNRB, were included. All patients were followed-up for more than 12 months. Three groups were classified: Group 1 included patients with no improvement or aggravation of symptoms, group 2 included those with improvement of radiating pain, and group 3 included those with recurrence of radiating. RESULTS: Among the 112 patients, there were 15 patients in group 1, 59 patients in group 2, and 38 patients in group 3. Laminectomy was the highest surgical procedure, inducing failed back surgery syndrome. In group 2, the occurrence of failed back surgery syndrome was higher in case that radiating pain was complained more than 1 year before the first surgery. There is statistically significant symptom improvement in accordance with the visual analogue scale and Korean version of Oswestry disability index on every group after SNRB (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is considered that SNRB is expected to improve the symptoms and to find the cause of symptoms as a diagnostic value even after spine surgery.
Diagnosis ; Failed Back Surgery Syndrome* ; Female ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Male ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Spine

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect and usefulness of cervical selective nerve root block in advance for the patients who was scheduled for operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2001 to December 2008, 28 cases were selected from the patients, who underwent selective nerve root block before operation. The mean follow-up period was 30.4 months and the mean age was 59.2 years. The patients were divided into the operation group and the only cervical nerve root block group. The groups were compared for age, gender, the contraction period and the, solidity of the disc. The groups were radiologically evaluated for the existence of cervical spondylosis and the neural compression rate. The clinical results were analyzed using the neck disability index (NDI) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: Among the 28 cases that were scheduled for operation, 18 cases did not proceed to operation and 10 cases among them were treated with additional conservative treatment. The average VAS score for the operation group and the cervical nerve root block group was 8.3 and 7.7 at the preoperative state and the preinjection state, respectively. After surgical treatment and cervical nerve root block, the scores were 3.2 and 3.6, respectively. The NDI for the operation group was 40.6 at the preoperative state and this decreased to 11.2 at the last follow up. The NDI for the cervical nerve root block group was 38.4 at the preinjection state and this decreased to 13.6 at the last follow up. The mean contraction period was 3.2 months and the mean age was 51.9 years for the operative group. The mean contraction period was 14.82 months and the mean age was 55.9 years for the root block group. There was no difference of clinical outcomes between the operative group and the cervical nerve root block group. The operation group's mean age was younger and the duration of symptom was shorter than those of the cervical nerve root block group. CONCLUSION: Cervical nerve root block is considered to be an effective treatment for patients with cervical disc herniation with radiating pain and who are scheduled for an operation.
Contracts ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Neck ; Nerve Block ; Spondylosis

Most tumors affecting the extrahepatic bile duct are adenocarcinomas; the other histologic types occur only rarely. We herein report the extremely rare case of signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) originating from the extrahepatic bile duct. A 55-year-old man was hospitalized for jaundice and pruritus. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography suggested the presence of distal extrahepatic bile-duct cancer. He underwent a pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. A histologic study confirmed a signet ring cell neoplasm of the distal common bile duct. Because the upper resection margin was invaded by the tumor, he received postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and four cycles of chemotherapy. The patient has survived with no evidence of recurrence for 2 years. This is the second case of primary SRCC of the distal extrahepatic bile duct reported in the literature; further reports of cases are warranted to determine the nature of SRCC in the extrahepatic bile duct.
Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic ; Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Common Bile Duct ; Humans ; Jaundice ; Middle Aged ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Positron-Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography ; Pruritus ; Pylorus ; Recurrence