PURPOSE: To evaluate morphologic characteristics of the microcalcifications on mammography that were confirmed pathologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five cases of microcalcifications on mammography (fifteen cases of benign lesion, thirty cases of maiignancy) were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The number of microcalcifications within 1 cm2 were more than 5 in 22 cases (73%) of 30 malignancy and less than 5 in 11 cases (73%) of 15 benignity. The heterogeneity of microcalcifications were seen in 26 cases of malignancy (87%) and the homogeneity of microcaicifications were 11 cases of benignity (73%). The morphologic characteristics of the microcalcifications were linear-V shape in 9 cases (30%), punctate shape in 8 cases (27%), fine stippled shape in 7 cases (23%), and round dot shape in 6 cases (20%) of malignancy and, round dot shape in 11 cases (73%), punctate shape in 2 cases (13%), and linear-V shape in 2 cases (13%) of benignity. CONCLUSION: Numerous irregular microcalcifications that are heterogenous in size and morphology were strong indicators of malignancy.
Mammography ; Population Characteristics ; Retrospective Studies

Adenoid basal carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a rare neoplasm that accounts for less than 1% of cervical adenocarcinomas. Though it has been confused with adenoid cystic carcinoma, it is now distinctly recognized by better prognosis and different histologic and immunohistochemical findings. We have experienced a case of adenoid basal carcinoma associated with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix in a 52-year-old woman. The tumor was composed of small, round to oval nests of basaloid cells with peripheral palisading. Some of the nests showed central cystic spaces, or cribriform pattern, and central squamous differentiation with cytological atypia. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma was located adjacent to the adenoid basal carcinoma without any transition between these two lesions. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells disclosed positive staining for cytokeratin, but negative reaction for CEA, EMA, and S-100 protein.
Female ; Humans

The Laugier-Hunziker syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by macular hyperpigmentation of the lips and buccal mucosa associated with melanonychia. Onset is usually in adult life and no consistent systemic associations have been reported. Here we report a 39-year-old wonam with a longitudinal pigmented band on a finger and pigmented macules on the lip. We suggest that this is the first report in Korea and the syndrome is presumably more common than recognized.
Adult ; Fingers ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation ; Korea ; Lip ; Mouth Mucosa

No abstract available.
Gastroschisis*

No abstract available.
Gastroschisis* ; Hernia, Umbilical*

Background: Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder that involves the loss of muscle mass and function. Handgrip strength (HGS) is the most commonly used tool to assess muscle strength to diagnose sarcopenia. HGS is also associated with various diseases and health outcomes. Thus, we aimed this study to examine the HGS status in Korean adults and relevant factors of HGS. Methods: Data was obtained from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a population-based nationwide survey. The estimated mean value of HGS was calculated in each age group. The mean HGS in men and women aged over 40 was compared according to the household income level, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Results: A total of 16,708 participants were included in this study. The mean HGS showed a maximum value in the 30s for both men and women, and then tended to decrease with increasing age. When analyzed for people aged 40 or older, the mean HGS was significantly higher in the current or past smoker, drinker, and aerobic exercise groups in both men and women. The mean HGS was lower in the group with comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and bone diseases. Conclusion Our study found that the mean HGS was significantly different between those with and without underlying chronic diseases. In groups with relevant comorbidities, close monitoring for the development of sarcopenia and taking preventive measures such as exercise and nutritional support may be recommended.

Background: Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder that involves the loss of muscle mass and function. Handgrip strength (HGS) is the most commonly used tool to assess muscle strength to diagnose sarcopenia. HGS is also associated with various diseases and health outcomes. Thus, we aimed this study to examine the HGS status in Korean adults and relevant factors of HGS. Methods: Data was obtained from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a population-based nationwide survey. The estimated mean value of HGS was calculated in each age group. The mean HGS in men and women aged over 40 was compared according to the household income level, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Results: A total of 16,708 participants were included in this study. The mean HGS showed a maximum value in the 30s for both men and women, and then tended to decrease with increasing age. When analyzed for people aged 40 or older, the mean HGS was significantly higher in the current or past smoker, drinker, and aerobic exercise groups in both men and women. The mean HGS was lower in the group with comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and bone diseases. Conclusion Our study found that the mean HGS was significantly different between those with and without underlying chronic diseases. In groups with relevant comorbidities, close monitoring for the development of sarcopenia and taking preventive measures such as exercise and nutritional support may be recommended.

PURPOSE: Unstable bladder has been known to be one of the reasons for the genesis and persistance of primary vesicoureteral reflux(VUR) in children. And treatment of unstable bladder by anticholinergic agent may contribute to the resolution of primary VUR. We evaluated the effect of an anticholinergic agent(oxybutynin) on the resolution of primary VUR in children with different toilet training and voiding functions. METHODS: 152 children with persistant primary VUR after one year of follow up were randomly assigned to the oxybutynin group(n=59, oxybutynin 0.2 mg/kg twice daily) and the control group(n=93, no oxybutynin) at Ewha Womans University Mok-Dong Hospital from October 1996 to April 2002. The resolution rate of the VUR and the difference according to the status of toilet training and voiding dysfunction were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done by the Chi-square test and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: VUR was resolved in 49.2%, improved in 20.3% and not changed in 30.5% in the oxybutynin group(n=59) which was not significantly different to 45.2%, 16.1%, 38.7% in the control group(n=93), respectively. In the non-toilet trained young children, VUR was resolved in 50.0%, improved in 23.5% and not changed in 26.5% in the oxybutynin group(n=34) which was not significantly different to 44.2%, 19.2%, 36.6% in the control group(n=52), respectively. In the toilet trained older children, VUR was resolved in 48.0%, improved in 16.0% and not changed in 36.0% in the oxybutynin group(n=25) which was not significantly different to 46.3%, 12.2%, 41.5% in the control group(n=41), respectively. In the toilet trained older children with no voiding dysfunction, VUR was resolved in 33.3%, improved in 11.1% and not changed in 55.6% in the oxybutynin group(n=9) which was not significantly different to 53.6 %, 10.7%, 35.7% in the control group(n=28), respectively. In the toilet trained older children with voiding dysfunction, VUR was resolved in 56.3%, improved in 18.7% and not changed in 25.0% in the oxybutynin group(n=16), which looked higher than 30.7%, 15.4%, 53.9% in the control group(n=13), respectively, but these were not significantly different either. CONCLUSION: Oxybutynin was not effective in the resolution of primary VUR in non-toilet trained young children and toilet trained older children. Oxybutynin showed slightly higher tendency of reflux resolution in toilet-trained older children with voiding dysfunction but the difference was not statistically significant. Judicious use of oxybutynin is required in selected older children with VUR and voiding dysfunction.
Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Toilet Training ; Urinary Bladder ; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux*

PURPOSE: Unstable bladder has been known to be one of the reasons for the genesis and persistance of primary vesicoureteral reflux(VUR) in children. And treatment of unstable bladder by anticholinergic agent may contribute to the resolution of primary VUR. We evaluated the effect of an anticholinergic agent(oxybutynin) on the resolution of primary VUR in children with different toilet training and voiding functions. METHODS: 152 children with persistant primary VUR after one year of follow up were randomly assigned to the oxybutynin group(n=59, oxybutynin 0.2 mg/kg twice daily) and the control group(n=93, no oxybutynin) at Ewha Womans University Mok-Dong Hospital from October 1996 to April 2002. The resolution rate of the VUR and the difference according to the status of toilet training and voiding dysfunction were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done by the Chi-square test and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: VUR was resolved in 49.2%, improved in 20.3% and not changed in 30.5% in the oxybutynin group(n=59) which was not significantly different to 45.2%, 16.1%, 38.7% in the control group(n=93), respectively. In the non-toilet trained young children, VUR was resolved in 50.0%, improved in 23.5% and not changed in 26.5% in the oxybutynin group(n=34) which was not significantly different to 44.2%, 19.2%, 36.6% in the control group(n=52), respectively. In the toilet trained older children, VUR was resolved in 48.0%, improved in 16.0% and not changed in 36.0% in the oxybutynin group(n=25) which was not significantly different to 46.3%, 12.2%, 41.5% in the control group(n=41), respectively. In the toilet trained older children with no voiding dysfunction, VUR was resolved in 33.3%, improved in 11.1% and not changed in 55.6% in the oxybutynin group(n=9) which was not significantly different to 53.6 %, 10.7%, 35.7% in the control group(n=28), respectively. In the toilet trained older children with voiding dysfunction, VUR was resolved in 56.3%, improved in 18.7% and not changed in 25.0% in the oxybutynin group(n=16), which looked higher than 30.7%, 15.4%, 53.9% in the control group(n=13), respectively, but these were not significantly different either. CONCLUSION: Oxybutynin was not effective in the resolution of primary VUR in non-toilet trained young children and toilet trained older children. Oxybutynin showed slightly higher tendency of reflux resolution in toilet-trained older children with voiding dysfunction but the difference was not statistically significant. Judicious use of oxybutynin is required in selected older children with VUR and voiding dysfunction.
Child ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Toilet Training ; Urinary Bladder ; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux*

Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, nonirritating gas with many practical uses. In particular, because it can displace oxygen from the environment, it is used as a fire extinguisher. We describe an incident that occurred as a result of malfunction of a carbon dioxide-based fire extinguishing system in our hospital. Twelve casualties reached our emergency department. Symptoms of exposure included nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, vomiting, chest discomfort, and seizure. Results of initial arterial blood gas analysis showed acidosis in five patients. A new pneumonic infiltration at the left. upper lung field was observed in one patient, while sinus tachycardia in electrocardiography (ECG) was observed in another patient. Oxygen was initially supplied to all casualties, until symptoms of intoxication had disappeared. Three patients were admitted to the hospital, but were discharged without complication. Despite occurrence of massive casualties, with significant symptoms due to unintentional exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide, patients' symptoms were relieved by supportive care.
Acidosis ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Carbon ; Carbon Dioxide ; Dizziness ; Electrocardiography ; Emergencies ; Fire Extinguishing Systems ; Fires ; Humans ; Lung ; Mass Casualty Incidents ; Nausea ; Oxygen ; Seizures ; Tachycardia, Sinus ; Thorax ; Unconsciousness ; Vomiting