We induced apoptosis in normal rats by intramuscular injection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and immunohistochemically evaluated the thymus for the TdT-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labelling on the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 15th and 21st days following the bolus intramuscular injection. The injections of 5-FU induced a greater extent of apoptosis in the thymus. In the thymus, a mild increase in apoptosis was observed 24 hours after injection. The greatest number of apoptotic cells were seen at 72 hours. The size of the thymus decreased and the cortex thinned with hypocellularity. The injection of 5-FU caused massive cell loss in the thymus. Most apoptotic cells were scattered in the cortex and lower levels of apoptosis were also observed in the medulla. After 72 hours, the level of apoptosis returned to the control level. Considering the above results, we think that 5-FU induced toxicity may be related to 5-FU induced apoptosis in normal tissue, especially the thymus.
Animals ; Apoptosis* ; Biotin ; Fluorouracil* ; Injections, Intramuscular* ; Rats* ; Thymus Gland*

No abstract available.
Hematuria* ; Humans

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the liver is uncommon, representing less than 1% of the primary malignant lesions of the liver. We report primary MFH of the liver in a 59-year-old woman. The tumor, measuring 9.0 9.0 6.0 cm, was located in the left lobe of the liver. It showed multiple areas of hemorrhage and necrosis. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of plump spindle cells haphazardly arranged in short fascicle and focal storiform pattern. Multiple bizarre giant cells were also noted. Immunohistochemically, many of the tumor cells were positive for vimentin and alpha1-antitrypsin but negative for epithelial markers. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells showed fibroblastic and histiocytic features.
Female ; Fibroblasts ; Giant Cells ; Hemorrhage ; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous* ; Humans ; Liver* ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Aged ; Necrosis ; Vimentin

No abstract available.

We successfully closed the isolated patent ductusarteriosus(PDA) in 2 female patients using the Rashkind Double-Disc Occlusion system. nonsurgical closure of PDA usin plug was introduced by Porstmann in 1968 through transfemoral artery catheter and using umbrella by Rashkind in 1977 througth venous site. There has been continued improvement and simplification of the equipment as well as in the implantation technique. Nowaday, a multicenter study was conducted to test the safety and effectiveness of this interventioal method in States. Successful closure rate was high but some problems were reported such as embolization, abnormal deployment and residual shunt. Residual shunt was visualized by aortography in our both cases immediately after intervention but continuous murmur could not be heard in both cases. Oxygen step-up disappeared immediately after occluder implantation in both cases. Complete occlusion was expected with thrombus in near future.
Aortography ; Arteries ; Catheters ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent* ; Female ; Humans ; Oxygen ; Thrombosis

Splenic anomalies are commonly associated with anomalies of cardiovascular system and of other organ systems. "Polysplenia" refers to the state in which the bulk of splenic tissue is divided into two and others more equal-sized splenic masses. We experienced a case of Polysplenia associated with complicated cardiovascular anomalies(Situs ambiguus, D-loop, normally related great arteries, interrupted inferior vena cave, bilateral superior vena cava, single atrium, common A-V canal, infundibular stenosis). We have presented this rare case and reviewed brief literatures.
Arteries ; Cardiovascular System ; Vena Cava, Superior

Aneurysms of the coronary arteries are rare. They may be due to atheroselerosis, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, mycotic emboli, syphilis or trauma and occasionally they are congenital. The prognosis appears to be poor and death can occur suddenly from rupture of the aneurysm, peripheral coronary embolism or bacterial endocarditis. Recently surgical treatment has been successful. In a 5 year old patient with ventricular septal defect, two aneurysmal sacs located at the cardiac crux and just posterior to it was proved by coronary angiography and MRI, and successfully excised at operation.
Aneurysm* ; Child, Preschool ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Vessels* ; Embolism ; Endocarditis, Bacterial ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; Prognosis ; Rupture ; Syphilis

No abstract available.

A total of 120 infants, children, and teenagers, who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Severance Hospital from April 1989 to August 1989, were examined by cross-sectional echocardiography. Right and left atrial and ventricular dimensions and areas were measured in the parasternal, apical, and subcostal views. Dimensions of the inferior caval vein, the pulmonary and the aorta were obtained in the parasternal, suprasternal, and subcostal views. The results were as follows : 1) Statistical analysis showed no difference between boys and girls. 2) For all parameters, a positive linear correlation was found with age, height, weight, and body surface area. The best correlation was with body surface area. 3) The correlation was further improved if the logarithmic values of the measurements and body surface area were considered. 4) Measurements by cross-sectional echocardiography are clinically useful, especially in the study of the right-sided cardiac structures that are difficult to evaluate with M-mode echocardiography, but the problems of reproducibility have to be taken into account.
Adolescent ; Aorta ; Body Surface Area ; Child* ; Echocardiography* ; Female ; Humans ; Infant* ; Pediatrics ; Reference Values ; Veins

The congenital diverticulum of ventricle is a rare cardiac malformation arising from the left or right ventricle, the former being more common. Ventricular diverticulum is usually associated with other anomalies including intracardiac, midline thoracic, diaphragmatic and abdominal wall defect. The authors experienced a case of congenital diverticulum of left ventricle in nine month-old female infant. Left Blolock-Taussig shunt operation was done and total correction will be done later. Thereafter we presented a case with brief review of the related literatures.
Abdominal Wall ; Diverticulum* ; Female ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Infant ; Pulmonary Atresia*