The purpose of this study was to investigate semitendinosus muscle (ST) behavior during isometric knee flexions. Healthy male subjects were directed to exert ramp isometric knee flexion up to a maximum of eight knee flexion angles (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 degrees). Displacement of the tendinous intersection (TI) in ST was measured using ultrasonographic images. TI moved proximally 15.8±4.9mm by maximum isometric contraction at 0 degrees, and the displacement of TI was significant at over 30% ramp maximum. Maximum knee flexion torque significantly correlated to displacement of TI at every knee angle, and decreased as the flexion angle increased. These results suggested that TI moved proximally in accordance with flexion torque, and demonstrated the unique behavior of ST, that is, the proximal part concentrically contracted, whereas the distal part eccentrically contracted.

Introduction : Although there are various diagnostic tools like computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography, it is sometimes difficult to precisely diagnose cardiac tumors. Early pathological diagnosis is crucial for possible chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in cardiac malignant lymphoma. Objectives : To assess the diagnostic value of pericardial excisional biopsy and cytology of pericardial effusion for the pathological diagnosis of cardiac lymphoma. Methods : Five patients had a clinical diagnosis of cardiac tumor with no pathological diagnosis. The pericardial biopsy and pericardial effusion were obtained without sternotomy through the subxyphoid by a small incision under local anesthesia. Results : All procedures were completed without complications. In 3 cases, the cytology of pericardial effusion yielded a diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. One patient who had a negative cytology result in whom surgical resection was performed for definitive diagnosis and tumor volume reduction was found to have malignant lymphoma. The remaining patient underwent tumor biopsy via a cardiac catheter and benign lymphoma was diagnosed. There were no specific findings in the pericardial excisional biopsy in 3 cases. Conclusion : The analysis of cytology of pericardial effusion obtained through the subxyphoid may be useful for the diagnosis of cardiac malignant lymphoma. Pericardial excisional biopsy may not be necessary for the diagnosis of cardiac malignant lymphoma.

Anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ACAPA) is a rare congenital heart disease. A woman in her 60s was diagnosed as ARCAPA during examination for angina. A magnetic resonance image showed myocardial ischemia in a small area of the right coronary artery (RCA) and left anterior descending artery. Reimplantation of the RCA to the ascending aorta and patch plasty of the pulmonary artery were performed. Repositioning of the RCA orientation was necessary for relief of the kinking. The postoperative course was uneventful. She is now free from angina 15 months after surgery.

Background : Persistent endoleak is a major cause of aneurysmal enlargement or rupture after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Although several reports have described ligation of lumbar arteries and stent graft-conserving aneurysmorrhaphy as useful strategies, treatment for type II endoleak after EVAR is controversial. Objectives : We investigated the early results in 5 patients who underwent ligation of lumbar arteries and stent graft-conserving aneurysmorrhaphy for type II endoleak. Methods : A>10 mm increase in aneurysm diameter after primary EVAR or a maximum diameter>65 mm serve as indications for intervention for type II endoleak. Under general anesthesia, following transperitoneal exposure of the abdominal aorta, the infrarenal aorta was banded using a tape at the proximal landing zone. After the aorta was opened without clamping, the lumbar arteries were ligated, and a stent graft-conserving aneurysmorrhaphy was performed. Results : The mean interval from the primary EVAR was 47±17 months. The mean operation time was 215±76 min. Blood transfusion was necessary in 4 patients (estimated blood loss 1,260±710 ml). No in-hospital deaths were observed, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 26±20 days. One patient developed aspiration pneumonia and 1 developed surgical site infection post-surgery. The diameter of the aneurysm changed from 68±8 to 47±5 mm during hospitalization and decreased further to 36±7 mm at the last follow-up. Conclusions : The early results of ligation of lumbar arteries and stent graft-conserving aneurysmorrhaphy were favorable. Although this strategy could be useful for aneurysmal dilatation secondary to persistent type II endoleak after EVAR, the indications for this approach should be determined following careful evaluation of the patient's status considering the invasiveness of the procedure.