Macrostomia is a relatively rare malformation. There have been many surgical methods for the correction of macrostomia. The old method, a simple straight line closure , did not include reconstruction of the orbicularis oris muscle. Postoperatively, a depressed scar and severe contraction on the cheek were found, especially with animation. As a result, many authors have known that reconstruction of the orbicularis oris muscle was very important to avoid a depressed scar for the correction of macrostomia. The tendency toward lateral displacement of the reconstructed commissure has been attributed to linear scar contraction, and Z-plasty is advocated to prevent this deformity. However, we found that the Z-plasty scar may be conspicuous when the patient smiles. So we performed reconstruction of the orbicularis oris muscle to avoid a depressed scar, and straight line closure to avoid a conspicuous scar. In order to prevent linear scar contracture due to straight line closure, we overcorrected the new commissure. We treated 6 cases of macrostomia form May 1, 1996 to April 30, 1999 using straight line closure and reconstruction of the orbicularis oris muscle. Periods of follow-up were from 12 months to 35 months, with an average of 20,2 months. Every patient was analyzed clinically by ordinary scale method and anthropometrically by the ratio of abnormal distances to normal distances between cheilion and crista philtri. In 3 clinical assessments : symmetry of the commissure was excellent: degree of the scar at rest was good: and degree of depression with animation was excellent. The anthropometrical ratio was 1:1.05. Despite the fact that the linear scars were perpendicular to the minimal skin tension lines, the scars were inconspicuous. The muscle repair provided reconstruction to the modiolus and gave a natural appearance to the commissure, however it did not seem to provide sufficient bulkiness around the commissure. The straight line skin closure and repair of the orbicularis oris muscle provide effective functional and aesthetic reconstruction.
Cheek ; Cicatrix ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Contracture ; Depression ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Macrostomia* ; Skin

No abstract available.

Endocrine adrenal tumors are uncommon but clinically significant because they can be managed successfully by surgical therapy. During pregnancy, adrenal tumors can be a cause of death for both mother and baby, unless they diagnoses antenatally and managed properly. To investigate clinical characteristics of endocrine adrenal tumors, we analyzed 26 cases of adrenal tumor diagnosed and managed in Chung Ang Gil Hospital including cases associated with pregnancy and also a rare case of paraganglioma in liver. 1) There were 7 cases of Cushing's syndrome among which two cases were due to Cushing's disease and five cases were due to adrenal adenoma. Six cases were managed successfully by appropriate surgery. Another one case was associated with pregnancy but the patient expired due to sudden development of pulmonary edema and hypotension during preoperative preparation.2) Among 9 cases of primary aldosteronism, 8 cases were aldosterone-producing adenoma(APA) and 1 case was idiopathic hyperaldosteronism(IHA). In differential diagnosis between APA and IHA, diagnostic accuracy of postural study and adrenal CT was 86%, 78% respectively. In each one case of APA and IHA, adrenal venous aldosterone sampling was used for the differential diagnosis. Six cases of APA were managed by appropriate surgery. One patient with APA who refuses surgery and one patient with IHA were placed on spironolactone with good response.3) Among 10 cases of pheochromocytoma, seven cases were from adrenal gland and three cases were paragangliomas including one case originating from liver and two cases from abdominal ganglia. One patient with pheochromocytoma was diagnosed in 1st trimester of pregnancy and she was successfully treated by surgery.We observed 26 cases of endocrine adrenal tumors which were successfully managed except one case. We think that it is important to pay attention to adrenal tumor for early diagnosis particulary when associated with pregnancy. Paraganglioma in liver, although very rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis of space occupying lesion in liver.
Adenoma ; Adrenal Glands ; Aldosterone ; Cause of Death ; Cushing Syndrome ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Early Diagnosis ; Ganglia ; Humans ; Hyperaldosteronism ; Hypotension ; Liver ; Mothers ; Paraganglioma ; Pheochromocytoma ; Pregnancy ; Pulmonary Edema ; Spironolactone

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to complete delivery during daytime through rapid and safe management with oral prostaglandin plus oxytocin, and to reduce the duration of induced labor, hospital stay and dispersion of human power. METHODS: Ninety pregnancies requiring induction of labor between December 1998 and July 1999 were analyzed prospectively. Patients were assigned to receive either oral PGE2 or oral PGE1. In one group, labor induction was performed with 0.5 mg of oral PGE2 (group 1, n=46), was orally taken every one hour since 06:00 AM to 09:00 AM and intravenous oxytocin infusion (The beginning dose was 2 mU/min, the dose increased by 2 mU/30 min) beginning at 09:00 AM, and in the other group (group 2, n=44), 100 microgram of PGE1 was orally taken at 11:00 PM the day before oxytocin infusion was commenced at 07:00 AM. If there was uterine contraction of more than 200 Montevideo units, intravenous oxytocin would not be given. RESULTS: The mean time (+/-standard deviation) to active phase labor (cervical dilatation more than 3 cm and uterine contraction more than 200 Montevideo units) with PGE2 group was 335.16+/-157.89 minutes versus 534.16+/-211.79 minutes with PGE1 group (P<0.001). The mean time from active phase to birth was 182.8+/-93 minutes in group 1 versus 236.4+/-88.8 minutes (P<0.001). These significances were due to the difference of time interval from taking prostaglandins to infusion of oxytocin between the two groups. The time zone of expected delivery was 13:28 PM to 15:48 PM and 10:22 AM to 13:18 PM (Confidence Interval 95%). The induction failure rates were 10.87% versus 9.09%. The induction failure rate was significantly different according to Bishop score (if <4, 15.3% versus if >or= 4, 0%) and the cesarean section rate was also (if < 4, 40.7% versus if >or= 4, 19.4%) in the two groups (P<0.05). There were no clinical or statistical differences in demographic data, clinical characteristics, maternal outcomes and complications, and neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Both may be proper methods of inducing delivery during daytime and begun at outpatient office base.
Alprostadil ; Cesarean Section ; Dilatation ; Dinoprostone* ; Female ; Humans ; Labor, Induced ; Length of Stay ; Outpatients ; Oxytocin* ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; Prostaglandins ; Uterine Contraction

BACKGROUND: PTCA is often unsuccessful in a patient with chronic total occlusion of coronary arteries with success rates varying from 60 to 70%. Success rates are related to the duration of total occlusion, longer occlusions being associated with lower success rates. Chronic total occlusion may be associated with thrombi superimposed on the stenotic lesion. We used an intra-coronary bolus of urokinase followed by a prolonged urokinase infusion in an attempt to lyse the lesion and allow for passage of the PTCA wire during subsequent angioplasty. The purpose of prolonged durokinase infusion was to reduce the clot sufficiently to recanalize the coronary artery and make it more amenable to PTCA. METHODS: Study patients: We were included six patients who developed total occlusion for more than 3 weeks and good collateral channels of Grade 2 or more and previous attempts at angioplaty had failed. Procedures: All patients underwent dual catheter system and incremental dose protocol of intracoronary urokinase infusion. RESULTS: The mean duration of occlusion was calculated to be 65.3+/-2.7 weeks and urokinase dose ranged from 130,000 to 200,000U/hr and treatment lasted 21.7+/-1.4 hours in our study. The prolonged urokinase infusion resulted in reperfusion of the occluded dvessel in 5 of the 6 patients(83%), with or without the complementary balloon inflation. One patient failed to recanalize the occluded vessel because cardiac tamponade was developed during the prolonged urokinase infusion. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the prolonged urokinase infusion in occluded coronary artery appeared to increase the likelihood of successful PTCA in patients with chronic total occlusion of coronary arteries.Also, in carefully selected patients, prolonged urokinase infusion in occluded coronary artery was relatively safe and well tolerated.
Angioplasty ; Cardiac Tamponade ; Catheters ; Coronary Vessels* ; Humans ; Inflation, Economic ; Reperfusion ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator*

To difine the relation between plasma atrial natriuertic peptide (ANP) levels and hemodynamic changes, we measured plasma concentration of atrial natriuertic peptide in 19 patients with heart disease undergoing cardiac catherization and in 15 normal subjects. The following results were obtained; 1) There were significantly increased plasma levels of atrial natriuertic peptide in patients with elevated mean pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. 2) A significant step-up in atrial natriuertic peptide concentration was seen between the femoral venous and right atrial plasma (P<0.01) and between the right atrial and pulmonary arterial plasma (P<0.05). 3) Peripheral venous atrial natriuretic peptide levels were significantly correlated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary wedge pressure (r=0.05, r=0.65, P<0.05). 4) Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels in pulmonary artery were significantly correlated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (P<0.05).
Arterial Pressure ; Heart Diseases* ; Heart* ; Hemodynamics* ; Humans ; Plasma* ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Wedge Pressure

Medial canthoplasty is required to correct congenital anomaly and acquired deformity after trauma, especially nasoethmoid orbital fracture and to correct epicanthal fold. Several medial canthal surgical procedures have been used, but the postoperative results have not always been estimated. Between January 1, 1986 and April 30, 2000, 55 medial canthoplasties were performed in 32 patients. We report the experiences with 55 medial canthoplasties and analyze and compare each methods. The patients who underwent medial canthoplasty were analyzed anthropometrically by the ratio of left to right palpebral fissure dimension, the ratio of postoperative to preoperative palpebral fissure dimension and the ratio of postoperative to preoperative intercanthal distance. And every patient was analyzed clinically by ordinary scale method. Of several singly performed medial canthoplasties, del Campo technique was excellent because the ratio was much improved anthropometrically and the clinical assessments were 'excellent'. Of several singly performed medial canthopexies, transnasal wiring was excellent anthropometrically and clinically. Of simultaneously performed medial canthoplasties, del Campo technique with transnasal wiring were excellent because the ratio was much improved anthropometrically and the clinical assessments were 'excellent'. And the results of simultaneously performed medial canthoplasties group was better than that of singly performed medial canthoplasties group. And so, we concluded that del Campo technique with transnasal wiring for severe cases were recommendable for medial canthoplasty.
Anthropometry ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Humans ; Orbital Fractures

Adequate first web space is essential for web space expansion, thumb abduction, and a wide range of thumb mobility and hand function activities. First web space contracture is caused by burns, trauma, infection, arthritis, ischemia, paralysis, spastic conditions, improper splinting, Dupuytren's contracture, or congenital anomaly. We have treated 18 cases of first web space contracture from Nov. 1, 1996 to Apr. 30, 2000 using 23 various flaps. Four measurements such as maximal abduction angle, maximal abduction distance, radial abduction angle, and palmar abduction angle were examined preoperatively and postoperatively. We have classified first web space contracture as mild, moderate, or severe depending upon the magnitude of contracture and scarring of the first web contents (skin, fascia, muscle and joint capsule). We have performed hree Z-plasty, three double opposing Z-plasty, and two 4 flap Z-plasty in 6 mild contracture. We have performed two Z-plasty and F.T.S.G, two dorsal rectangular flap and F.T.S.G, two F.T.S.G, and two S.T.S.G in 5 moderate contracture. We have performed two distant flaps and five free flaps in 7 severe contracture. Periods of follow-up were from 12 months to 35 months with an average of 15 months. Every patient was analyzed by the ratio of postoperative measurements to preoperative measurements. The mean ratios of mild, moderate, and severe contracture were 1.33, 1.28, and 1.38 respectively. Although first web space contracture was severe, its ratio was more improved than that of mild or moderate contracture because of complete release and abundant soft tissue coverage such as first web space free flap. The proper methods of first web space contracture release in accordance with the classification allowed to achieve excellent results.
Arthritis ; Burns ; Cicatrix ; Classification* ; Contracture* ; Dupuytren Contracture ; Fascia ; Follow-Up Studies ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Hand ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Joints ; Muscle Spasticity ; Paralysis ; Splints ; Thumb

Long COVID has emerged as a global medical challenge, characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance following a coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection. The protracted nature of these symptoms necessitates the development of effective therapeutic approaches to alleviate the burden on individuals’ well-being and the healthcare system at large. While current pharmacological interventions offer limited efficacy, the exploration of alternative strategies becomes imperative. Exercise training has demonstrated promise in ameliorating long COVID symptoms, yet consensus regarding the optimal exercise modalities remains elusive. In light of this, the present review aims to elucidate the impact of exercise on long COVID symptoms and shed light on exercise prescriptions that have exhibited proven efficacy in the treatment and management of this syndrome.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and carotid artery stenosis (CAS). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 106 patients who underwent both optical coherence tomography to determine RNFL and carotid artery sonography within 1 year. The RNFL was divided into four quadrants, and each quadrant’s RNFL thickness and average thickness were compared with the artery endothelial thickness, the presence of plaque, and the degree of CAS. A multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between RNFL and CAS. Results: The presence of carotid artery plaque had a significant association with a decrease in the average RNFL thickness (p = 0.039). There was no statistically significant difference in age or risk factors associated with vascular disease, with the exception of carotid endothelial thickness and the total cholesterol level in the two groups, depending on the presence of total carotid plaque. RNFL thickness was confirmed to be related to age and total cholesterol levels using linear univariate regression analysis. In a multivariable linear regression analysis, with age and total cholesterol levels controlled, the presence of carotid artery plaque was significantly associated with a decrease in average RNFL thickness (p = 0.026). Conclusions Asymptomatic CAS may be associated with a decrease in average RNFL thickness. In patients with decreased RNFL thickness without any ophthalmic diseases, carotid artery examination should be considered.