Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is rare and it is characterized by intravascular nodular masses of benign smooth muscle that may extend to variable site such as uterus, pelvic veins, inferior vena cava, right sided heart and eventually lung. We experienced an unusual case of IVL originating from the uterus and extending to the lung parenchyma and treated by combined surgery, so we report it with a brief review of the literatures.
Heart ; Leiomyomatosis* ; Lung* ; Muscle, Smooth ; Uterus ; Veins ; Vena Cava, Inferior

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and convalescence times of urinary tract injury after gynecological surgery, total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), total vaginal hysterectomy (VH), radical hysterectomy (RH), and laparoscopic-assisted radical hysterectomy (LRH). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 109 patients with urinary tract injuries after total hysterectomy from May 1989 to April 2004. During the study period, 18,721 hysterectomies were carried out. RESULTS: The total incidence of urinary tract injury after total hysterectomy was 0.59%, as follows: TAH, 0.55%; LAVH, 0.64%; VH, 0.62%; RH, 0.69%; and LRH, 1.56%. The total incidence of bladder and ureteric injury was, respectively, 0.51 and 0.09%, as follows: TAH, 0.51 and 0.04%; LAVH, 0.57 and 0.07%; VH, 0.62 and 0%; RH, 0.21 and 0.49%; and LRH, 1.79 and 0.89%. There was no significant difference of the incidence of urinary tract injury type of operation with benign findings (P>0.05), but there was significant difference of the incidence of injury between type of operation with benign and malignant findings (P<0.05). The convalescence times were 10.3+/-8.7 days after bladder injury and 44.4+/-16.27 days after ureteric injury diagnosed intraoperatively, but 33.3+/-46.6 days after bladder injury and 69.0+/-16.4 days after ureteric injury diagnosed postoperatively. There was significant difference between both groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, total hysterectomy resulted in 0.59% incidence of urinary tract injury and repair of these injuries was successful in all cases. There was no significant difference for incidence of urinary tract injury between types of operation with benign findings, but there was significant difference between types of operation for benign and malignant findings. The convalescence times for intraoperatively recognized injuries were significantly shorter than those for injuries recognized postoperatively. 109, but significant difference between benign and malignant gynecological operations (P<0.05). Tintraoperatively recognized.
Convalescence ; Female ; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures ; Humans ; Hysterectomy* ; Hysterectomy, Vaginal ; Incidence ; Retrospective Studies ; Ureter ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Tract*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival time of small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. METHODS: The medical records of 19 patients who were diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and whose initial treatment was between October 1996 and December 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinicopathologic characteristics, FIGO stage (classification according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics), tumor size, lymph node metastasis, treatments, and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 48.4 years. The overall survival time was 57.3 months, and 5-year survival rate was 52.6%. Twelve patients were in FIGO stage I or IIa and 7 were in FIGO stages IIb-IV. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining for neuroendocrine marker, chromogranin and synaptophysin, in 17 patients, and negative in 2 patients. Tumor size at diagnosis was under 2 cm in 12 patients and over 2 cm in 7 patients. Disease recurred in 8 patients, and 9 patients died. Through analyzing Overall survival time, FIGO stage and tumor size were significant prognostic factors in small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. CONCLUSION: Our study found FIGO stage and tumor size were significant prognostic factors in small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.
Carcinoma, Small Cell* ; Cervix Uteri* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Gynecology ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Medical Records ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Synaptophysin

BACKGROUND: Depletion of nutritional reserves and significant weight loss can lead to an increased risk of morbidity, reduced chemotherapy response, and shorter survival in patients with cancer. Numerous methodologies are used for the assessment of nutritional status. However, it remains unclear which of these tools is the most appropriate in the setting of cancer chemotherapy. The PINI (prognostic inflammatory nutritional index) is a simple scoring system that has been used to evaluate nutritional status and prognosis in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was designed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status after the palliative chemotherapy and prognosis in advanced metastatic cancer. METHODS: This study included 130 patients with ECOG PS (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status) 1~3 in advanced metastatic cancer following the palliative chemotherapy. ECOG PS, body mass index, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein, albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, protein, lactate dehydrogenase, PINI ratio, and survival time were evaluated. RESULTS: In 130 patients, the median age was 57 years. The ECOG PS was 1 68 patients, 2 43, 3 19. The mean value of PINI was PS 1 16.0+/-47.8, PS 2 55.6+/-106.9, PS 3 106.3+/-141.6. The mean survival was PS 1 144.0+/-71.8, PS 2 68.9+/-41.2, PS 3 32.0+/-6.9 days. In the PS 3 group, the mean values of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher than in the PS 1 group. In the PS 3 group, the mean values of albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin were significantly lower than in the PS 1 group. The survival time was correlated with the ECOG PS (r=-0.602, p<0.001,), PINI (r=-0.318, p<0.001,), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (r=-0.265, p=0.002), C-reactive protein (r=-0.345, p<0.001), albumin (r=0.324, p<0.001), prealbumin (r=0.260, p=0.003) and transferrin (r=0.277, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PINI may be a useful scoring system for the assessment of nutritional status and prognosis in advanced metastatic cancer following palliative chemotherapy, but the ECOG PS is most strong correlation with the survival time.
Body Mass Index ; C-Reactive Protein ; Critical Illness ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Nutrition Assessment ; Nutritional Status* ; Orosomucoid ; Prealbumin ; Prognosis* ; Transferrin ; Weight Loss

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish a quality standard for mammographic equipment in Korea and to eventually improve mammographic quality in clinics and hospitals throughout Korea by educating technicians and clinic personnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the phantom test and on site assessment, we visited 37 sites and examined 43 sets of mammographic equipment. Items that were examined include phantom test, radiation dose measurement, developer assessment, etc. The phantom images were assessed visually and by optical density measurements. For the clinical image assessment, clinical images from 371 sites were examined following the new Korean standard for clinical image evaluation. The items examined include labeling, positioning, contrast, exposure, artifacts, collimation among others. RESULTS: Quality standard of mammographic equipment was satisfied in all equipment during on site visits. Average mean glandular dose was 114.9 mRad. All phantom image test scores were over 10 points (average, 10.8 points). However, optical density measurements were below 1.2 in 9 sets of equipment (20.9%). Clinical image evaluation revealed appropriate image quality in 83.5%, while images from non-radiologist clinics were adequate in 74.6% (91/122), which was the lowest score of any group. Images were satisfactory in 59.0% (219/371) based on evaluation by specialists following the new Korean standard for clinical image evaluation. Satisfactory images had a mean score of 81.7 (1 S.D.=8.9) and unsatisfactory images had a mean score of 61.9 (1 S.D=11). The correlation coefficient between the two observers was 0.93 (p<0.01) in 49 consecutive cases. CONCLUSION: The results of the phantom tests suggest that optical density measurements should be performed as part of a new quality standard for mammographic equipment. The new clinical evaluation criteria that was used in this study can be implemented with some modifications for future mammography quality control by the Korean government.
Artifacts ; Korea ; Mammography ; Quality Control ; Specialization

Multiple pterygium syndrome is an inherited condition characterized by joint pterygium and flexion contracture, in association with other abnormalities such as fetal hydrops, cystic hygroma, club foot, intrauterine growth retardation and hypoplastic lungs. It is usually inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, although X-linked recessive inheritance is also reported. The pathogenesis has been suggested to be early onset fetal akinesia, fragile collagen or generalized edema. Prenatal diagnosis of multiple pterygium syndrome is possible by demonstrating severe limb contractures, absence of fetal limb motion and progressive fetal edema in mid-pregnancy, but in case with a family history of this syndrome, ultrasound studies should be started in the first trimester. We have experienced a multiple pterygium syndrome with a history of recurrent fetal hydrops, so report on the prenatal sonographic findings of this case with brief review of literatures.
Collagen ; Contracture ; Edema ; Extremities ; Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; Foot ; Humans ; Hydrops Fetalis ; Joints ; Lung ; Lymphangioma, Cystic ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Pterygium* ; Ultrasonography ; Wills

PURPOSE: The detection of axillary lymph-node micrometastases in breast-cancer patients by using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) may provide a good guide for postoperative therapy. To evaluate effectiveness of RT-PCR for the detection of micrometastasis, we have compared the results of conventional, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with those of RT-PCR. Breast cancer, Lymph node micrometastases, MUC1, Cytokeratin 19, RT-PCR ] METHODS: We conducted RT-PCR amplifications of MUC1 and cytokeratin (CK) 19 on lymph nodes from 40 breast- cancer patients and conducted IHC staining for cytokeratin. The results of histological examination and cytokeratin IHC staining were compared with the RT-PCR results for the detection of lymph-node micrometastases. RESULTS: Nineteen of 40 cases (47.5%) were lymph-node positive and twenty-one cases (52.5%) were lymph-node negative. Using RT-PCR MUC1 and CK19 expressions were detected in all positive lymph nodes and in 4 (19.0%) and 5 (23.8%), in negative nodes, respectively. Not all positive nodes were stained by IHC (94.7%), and none of the negative lymph nodes were stained by IHC. Thus, IHC staining was ineffective in detecting micrometastases. CONCLUSION: Detection of MUC1 and CK19 by using RT- PCR can be a more accurate and useful method than IHC staining for the detection of axillary lymph-node micrometastases in breast cancer.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Humans ; Keratin-19* ; Keratins* ; Lymph Nodes* ; Neoplasm Micrometastasis* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

PURPOSE: The detection of axillary lymph-node micrometastases in breast-cancer patients by using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) may provide a good guide for postoperative therapy. To evaluate effectiveness of RT-PCR for the detection of micrometastasis, we have compared the results of conventional, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with those of RT-PCR. METHODS: We conducted RT-PCR amplifications of MUC1 and cytokeratin (CK) 19 on lymph nodes from 40 breast- cancer patients and conducted IHC staining for cytokeratin. The results of histological examination and cytokeratin IHC staining were compared with the RT-PCR results for the detection of lymph-node micrometastases. RESULTS: Nineteen of 40 cases (47.5%) were lymph-node positive and twenty-one cases (52.5%) were lymph-node negative. Using RT-PCR MUC1 and CK19 expressions were detected in all positive lymph nodes and in 4 (19.0%) and 5 (23.8%), in negative nodes, respectively. Not all positive nodes were stained by IHC (94.7%), and none of the negative lymph nodes were stained by IHC. Thus, IHC staining was ineffective in detecting micrometastases. CONCLUSION: Detection of MUC1 and CK19 by using RT- PCR can be a more accurate and useful method than IHC staining for the detection of axillary lymph-node micrometastases in breast cancer.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Humans ; Keratin-19* ; Keratins* ; Lymph Nodes* ; Neoplasm Micrometastasis* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

PURPOSE: Within a clinically acceptable time frame, we obtained the high resolution MR images of the human brain, knee, foot and wrist from 3T whole-body MRI system which was equipped with the world first 3T active shield magnet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spin echo (SE) and Fast Spin Echo (FSE) images were obtained from the human brain, knee, foot and wrist of normal subjects using a homemade birdcage and transverse electromagnetic (TEM) resonators operating in quadrature and tuned to 128 MHz. For acquisition of MR images of knee, foot and wrist, we employed a homemade saddle shaped RF coil. Typical common acquisition parameters were as follows: matrix= 512x512, field of view (FOV) = 20 cm, slice thickness = 3 mm, number of excitations (NEX) = 1. For T1-weighted MR images, we used TR= 500 ms, TE = 10 or 17.4 ms. For T2-weighted MR images, we used TR=4000 ms, TE = 108 ms. RESULTS: Signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 3T system was measured 2.7 times greater than that of prevalent 1.5T system. MR images obtained from 3T system revealed numerous small venous structures throughout the image plane and provided reasonable delineation between gray and white matter. CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrate that the MR images from 3T system could provide better diagnostic quality of resolution and sensitivity than those of 1.5T system. The elevated SNR observed in the 3T high field magnetic resonance imaging can be utilized to acquire images with a level of resolution approaching the microscopic structural level under in vivo conditions. These images represent a significant advance in our ability to examine small anatomical features with noninvasive imaging methods.
Brain ; Foot ; Humans ; Knee ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Magnets ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; Wrist

BACKGROUND: In order to evaluate the prevalence of enterovirus and cytomegalovirus infections to terminally failing hearts, the presence of enteroviral RNA and cytomegaloviral DNA was screened in the explanted hearts of transplantation recipients. METHODS: RNA and DNA extractions were performed from explanted failing hearts (N=22) and normal hearts (N=5). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of enterovirus and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cytomegalovirus were performed. In situ RT-PCR and in situ PCR were performed with positive nucleic acids of viruses. RESULTS: The positivity of enterovirus in failing hearts was 4.4% (1/22) and 0% (0/5) in normal hearts in nested RT-PCR. There was no significant difference in positivity of enteroviral RNA between failing and normal hearts. Nuclei of myocardium was stained in dark-violet color with in situ RT-PCR. The positivity of cytomegalovirus in failing hearts was 45% (10/22) and 40% (2/5) in nested PCR. There was no significant difference in positivity of cytomegaloviral DNA between failing and normal hearts. Nuclei of myocardium was stained in dark-violet color with in situ PCR. Positive chambers of cytomegalovirus were in decreasing tendency according to increasing patient's age. CONCLUSION: Enterovirus was very rarely observed in explanted terminally failing hearts and cytomegalovirus was frequently found both in explanted failing hearts and normal. These viruses have little direct causal relationship with the development of heart failure.
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; Cytomegalovirus Infections* ; Cytomegalovirus* ; DNA ; Enterovirus* ; Heart Failure ; Heart* ; Humans* ; Mass Screening* ; Myocardium ; Nucleic Acids ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; RNA