Primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery is a rare disease and there has been no report of any case originating from the pulmonary valve. Recently we experienced a 62 year-old female patient who had a primary intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary valve with distal metastasis. She was brought to medical attention due to exertional dyspnea facial edema productive coughing and general weakness for 1 month. Chest CT and echocardi-ography suggest an acute pulmonary thromboembolism or tumor. Exploration showed a large polypoid mass arising from the pulmonary leaflets and multiple masses on distal pulmonary arteries. We replaced the pulmonary valve and reconstructed the pulmonary artery. She received radiotherapy 1 month postoperatively and now 4 months after surgery she has begun receiving chemotherapy.
Cough ; Drug Therapy ; Dyspnea ; Edema ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Pulmonary Valve* ; Radiotherapy ; Rare Diseases ; Sarcoma* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: The carcinogenesis of gastric cancer has not been fully elucidated, but several molecular biologic alterations have been found to be related with it. TGF-betaRII mutation, which is one such alteration, has been well documented in gastric cancer, but its expression patterns in cancer and preneoplastic conditions are rarely reported. For that reason, we investigated the roles of TGF-betaI and TGF-betaRII in gastric carcinogenesis by comparing the difference of expression patterns in carcinomas and adenomas of the stomach and intestinal metaplasia by using immunohistochemical staining. METHODS: Twenty-six (26) cases of intestinal metaplasia with chronic atrophic gastritis, 21 cases of the gastric adenoma, and 51 cases of gastric cancers (28 cases of the intestinal type and 23 cases of the diffuse type) were enrolled in this study. All samples were paraffin-embedded and an immunohistochemical staining was performed using the polyclonal antibody to TGF-betaI and TGF-betaRII. Their clinicopathologic features were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In normal gastric tissue and intestinal metaplasia, only the basal portion of the gastric foveola was strongly reactive to TGF-betaRII. In adenomas and well-differentiated intestinal type cancer, all tumor cells were strongly positive to TGF-betaRII, but the tumor cells of poorly differentiated intestinal-type and signet ring cell (diffuse type) cancer showed unresponsive to TGF-betaRII. The TGF-betaI expressions in normal and carcinomatous lesions were similar andshowed a weak positive reaction. TGF-betaI and TGF-betaRII responsive gastric cancer showed less invasive gastric-wall infiltration. In gastric cancer, a significant correlation was present between tumor depth and response to TGF-betaI & TGF-betaRII. CONCLUSION: It is presumed that TGF-betaRII plays an important role in cell differentiation and aggressiveness in gastric cancer and that it may be useful as a prognostic factor.
Adenoma* ; Carcinogenesis ; Cell Differentiation ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Immunohistochemistry ; Metaplasia* ; Precancerous Conditions ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Stomach* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; Transforming Growth Factors*

CD44 is a cell-surface glycoprotein postulated to play a role in tumor cell metastasis. Aberrant expression of the cell adhesion molecule CD44 has been detected in human tumors and the expression of specific isoforms(splice variants) has been shown to be associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in human malignancies. We used variant exon sequence-specific monoclonal antibody to epitope encoded by exon v6 of human variant CD44 to study the expression of CD44 splice variant by immunochemistry in fifty nine samples of human cervical cancer. twenty seven tissue samples of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN) and normal cervix were included in this study. CD44v6 was stained positive in the basal and parabasal layer of normal epithelial cells homogenously but was absent in the stromal cells. The intensity of CD44v6 staining was the strongest in invasive squamous cell carcinoma followed by normal cervical epithelium, CIN, adenocarcinoma. In the malignant samples, heterogeneity in staining intensity among different clusters of tumor cells was observed. Furthermore the intensity of staining was stronger in proportion to stage, depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion(p<0.05), and lymph node metastasis(p=NS). This study suggest that the expression of CD44v6 adhesion molecule may be useful value in predict the high stage, depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis probably.
Adenocarcinoma ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cell Adhesion ; Cervix Uteri ; Epithelial Cells ; Epithelium ; Exons ; Female ; Glycoproteins ; Humans ; Immunochemistry ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Population Characteristics ; Prognosis ; Stromal Cells ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*

PURPOSE: Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a dismal prognostic factor and is frequently encountered during initial exploration in gastric-cancer patients, but there are no effective therapeutic modalities. Thus, we investigated the prognostic factors in gastric-cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and evaluated the usefulness of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy as a treatment modality in such patients. METHODS: From 1992 to 1997 in Korea University Guro Hospital, 105 patients revealed at initial exploration peritoneal carcinomatosis due to gastric cancer. We excluded two patients who died due to postoperative complications and 10 patients who were lost during follow up. Prognostic factors, including IP che motherapy, were analyzed by using univariate and multivariate methods for the remaining 93 cases. RESULTS: The median survival time of the 93 patients was 7.86 months, and the frequency of peritoneal carcinomatosis at initial exploration was 11.6%. On univariate analysis, sex, tumor depth, degree of peritoneal seeding, presence of hepatic metastasis, operative method, and systemic chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors. However, IP chemotherapy was not a significant prognostic factor. On multivariate analysis, only the degree of peritoneal seeding and the presence of hepatic metastasis were significant prognostic factors (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most important prognostic factors in peritoneal carcinomatosis in gastric-cancer patients are the degree of peritoneal seeding and the presence of hepatic metastasis. However, operative resection of the primary tumor may prolong survival and improve the quality of life. Thus, a resection is recommended when possible.
Carcinoma* ; Drug Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Korea ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Postoperative Complications ; Quality of Life ; Stomach Neoplasms*

Lupus profundus is a rare subtype of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which shows a tender subcutaneous nodule or plaque. The face, arm, buttock, trunk and thighs are frequently involved. Lupus profundus can be associated with or without systemic lupus erythematosus. But due to its rarity, it is difficult to diagnosis and there are not many reports regarding its characteristics, including its distribution. In this case, a 13-year-old boy has visited with several violaceous non-tender nodules on Lt. upper thigh with segmental distribution, which follows the Blaschko's line. Through skin biopsy and its immunoflourescent study, we diagnosed lupus profundus. We here report a case of lupus profundus with segmental distribution following the lines of Blaschko's in a child.
Arm ; Biopsy ; Buttocks ; Child ; Humans ; Leg ; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus ; Skin ; Thigh

Adiaspiromycosis is known as an infection that is due to Chrysosporium species which are filamentous soil saprophytes that cause pulmonary infection in rare cases but are classified mainly as a contaminant rather than a pathogen in dermatological areas. Deep fungal infections, commonly by Aspergillosis and Candida, are associated with patients who have an impaired skin barrier or immunosuppression and it takes a long time to identify the pathogen because it is hard to diagnosis it without clinical suspicion. In our case, a 56-year-old female living in a rural area who took immunosuppressants including cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mefetil, and prednisolone due to pemphigus vulgaris presented at our clinic with an erythematous patch with pustular discharges on the left forearm for 2 months. She had been treated with antibiotics under the impression of cellulitis but was not responsive to it. A Chrysosporium species was identified by tissue culture and treatment was successful with an antifungal agent. We here report a case of deep fungal infection caused by Chrysosporium species without pulmonary infiltration which is a rare manifestation.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Aspergillosis ; Candida ; Cellulitis ; Chrysosporium ; Cyclophosphamide ; Female ; Forearm ; Humans ; Immunosuppression ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Middle Aged ; Pemphigus ; Prednisolone ; Skin ; Soil

PURPOSE: The gastrointestinal tract (GI) is the most common site of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), which is increasing in incidence, but the staging and the histologic classification of GI-NHL are still in debate. Furthermore, there is no established optimal treatment modality. Thus, we investigated the clinicohistologic features, the therapeutic modalities, and the prognosis for GI-NHL, as well as the factors affecting it. We also give a review of the literature. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 67 patients who had been diagnosed as having GI-NHL and had been followed up from 1984 to 1999 at Korea University Medical Center Hospital. They were divided into groups according to the site of origin and to various other features, and the survivals of the various groups were compared. The modified Ann Arbor system and the international working formulation (IWF) were adopted for staging and histopathologic classification, respectively. RESULTS: GI-NHL of the stomach, the small bowel, and the colon and rectum occurred in 35 patients (52.2%), 20 patients (29.9%), and 10 patients (14.9%), respectively. In two patients, the entire gastrointestinal tract was diffusely involved. The mean age of patients was 49.7+/-16.2 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 4.2:1. There was an tendency for young and male to have GI-NHL involving the lower gastrointestinal tract. Twenty-three (34.3%) patients was in stage I, 28 (41.8%) in stage II, 7 (10.4%) in stage III, and 9 (13.4%) in stage IV. Eight (11.9%) patients had a low IWF grade, 47 (70.1%) an intermediate grade, and 12 (17.9%) a high grade. The stage and the histologic classification did not vary with the original site. Surgical resection was performed in 50 (74.6%) patients, and chemotherapy was performed in 53 (79.1%) patients. The overall 5-yearsurvival rate of 67 patients was 49.9%, and there was a significant survival difference between the stages (p=0.0023), but not between sites of origin (p=0.9043). The most important factors influencing the survival was the stage; other factors were not significant. CONCLUSION: The stomach was the most common site of GI-NHL. Most GI-NHLs were localized and of intermediate grade. Stage was the most important prognostic factor. However, prospective randomized studies are needed to approve the therapeutic modality.
Academic Medical Centers ; Classification ; Colon ; Drug Therapy ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Lower Gastrointestinal Tract ; Lymphoma* ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Male ; Prognosis ; Rectum ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the MR imaging appearance of the dural ligaments which is connected between the anterior dura mater and the posterior longitudinal ligament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 10 cadavers with formalin fixation, the dural ligaments were evaluated and photographed after removal of the posterior element of the spinal canal. MR studies of 12 patients who had distinct dural ligaments were evaluated. Spin-echo MR images were obtained on a 1. 5T unit. RESULTS: In seven of the ten cadavers, the midline dural ligament was observed; the lateral dural ligament was observed in 3 cadavers. On MR, the dural ligaments were imaged as thin lines of low signal intensity between the anterior dural margin and the posterior longitudinal ligament. Dural ligaments were well-visualized at the level of the lower lumbar spine which had a more prominent anterior epidural space than that of the upper level of the spine. Eight of 12 cases had well developed midline dural ligaments. Two cases showed distinct lateral dural ligaments and the remaining 2 cases had distinct midline and lateral dural ligaments. CONCLUSION: MR images of the dural ligament demonstrate a thin low signal line at the anterior epidural space.
Cadaver* ; Dura Mater ; Epidural Space ; Formaldehyde ; Humans ; Ligaments ; Longitudinal Ligaments ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Spinal Canal ; Spine

PURPOSE: Early gastric cancer is now considered to be a curable disease, and its traditional treatment is a D2 lymphadenectomy. However, the low rate of lymph node metastasis, the recent developments of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery, and concerns for postoperative quality of life have led to less invasive therapeutic options. The D1 lymphadenectomy is one such option, so we investigated its adequacy as a substitute for a D2 lymphadenectomy as a treatment modality for early gastric cancer by comparing the prognoses of the two approaches. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the case histories of 332 patients who had received an operation for early gastric cancer at Korea University Guro Hospital from 1984 to 1997 was performed. These cases were divided into D1 and D2 groups, and the groups were compared on the basis of clinicopathologic features, operative procedures, and 5-year survival rates. RESULTS: The D1 group included 160 cases, and the D2 group had 172 cases. The D2 group included more distal one-third cancer (66.3% vs 51.9%), more submucosal tumors (51.2% vs 38.7%), and more dissected lymph nodes (31.1+/-12.8 vs 23.0+/-11.3) than the D1 group (p<0.05). The overall 5-year survival rate for the early gastric-cancer patients was 95.5%. The 5-year survival rate of the D1 group was 96.6%, and that of the D2 group was 94.1%, but this difference was not significant (p>0.05). When the tumor depth was considered, the 5-year survival rates of the D1 and the D2 groups were not significantly different for mucosal and submucosal tumors (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: A D2 lymphadenec tomy for early gastric cancer can harvest more lymph nodes, but it has no survival benefit over a D1 lymphadenectomy. The result of this retrospective study suggests that a D1 lymphadenectomy may be used as a replacement for a D2 lymphadectomy in early gastric-cancer surgery, although prospective randomized studies are needed.
Humans ; Korea ; Laparoscopy ; Lymph Node Excision* ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis* ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVE: In the human body the embryo initially gmws in the fallopian tube which is maintained in an 3-8% O2 concentration environment, and various substances such as growth factors and antioxidants present in tbe tubal fluid assists in maintaining a healthy environment for embryo development. But in IVF programs embryo cultures are conducted in incubators with 21.9% O2 and 5% CO2 condition, and such high oxygen concentrations have been reported to increase the production of oxygen free radicals within the embryo and is detrimental to the growth and development of the embryo. The objective of this study, therefore, is to determine the culture conditions which will decrease oxygen free radical production and thereby minimize the injury to the embryo. METHODS: Six to eight week old ICR strain mice embryos were cultured in 5% or 21.9% O2 conditions and in culture media to which inaement concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD) had been and the H2O2 concentration within the embryo, embryo developmental rate, and degree of fragmentation of the embryos was investigated. RESULTS: The control gmup embryos which were cultured in 21.9% O2 condition without addition of SOD showed developmental arrest at the 2-cell stage or fragmentation, while those cultured in 21.9% O2 condition with addition of SOD showed development to the blastocyst stage with deaeased fragmentation. In particular, the blastulation and fragmentation rates were the lowest in the group to which 500 IU/ml of SOD was added, but in the 5% O2 enviranment group many embryos reached the blastocyst stage and with no difference in frapnentation with or without addition of SOD. The HO relative intensity (120.5+/-20.2) within the embryos cultured in 21.9% O2 environment without SOD was significantly higher than that (56.8+/-10.8) of group with SOD (p<0.05). As showing that in the 5% O2 environment group without SOD it was 43.8+/-7.8 and in the group with SOD it was 37.3+/-5.4, the H2O2 concentration within embryos cultured in 5% 02 condition was significantly lower those that of 21,9% 02 environment regardless of SOD addition (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The optimal oxygen concentration in incubator for mice embryo cultures is that which is similar to the 5% 0 concentration in vivo. When 20% 02 incubators are routinely used, the addition of SOD to the culture media will decrease the H2O2 concentration within the embryos with subsequent improvement in development. The optimal concentration which should be used is thought to be 500 IU/ml. It is suggested that the use of the above method in human IVF-ET programs will lead to improved embryo quality and enhanced pregnancy rates.
Animals ; Antioxidants ; Blastocyst ; Culture Media ; Embryonic Development ; Embryonic Structures* ; Fallopian Tubes ; Female ; Free Radicals ; Growth and Development ; Human Body ; Humans ; Incubators ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Mice* ; Oxygen* ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Superoxide Dismutase* ; Superoxides*