Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is the most common cause of euvolemic hypo-osmotic hyponatremia. There are several etiologies of SIADH including neuroendocrine tumor, pulmonary disease, infection, trauma, and medications. Here, we report a case of SIADH associated with a schwannoma involving the mediastinum in a 75-year-old woman who presented with nausea, vomiting, and general weakness. Laboratory testing showed hypo-osmolar hyponatremia, with a serum sodium level of 102mmol/L, serum osmolality of 221mOsm/kg, urine osmolality of 382mOsm/kg, urine sodium of 55 mmol/L, and plasma antidiuretic hormone (ADH) of 4.40 pg/mL. Chest computed tomography identified a 1.5-cm-sized solid enhancing nodule in the right lower paratracheal area. A biopsy specimen was obtained by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, which was diagnosed on pathology as a schwannoma. The hyponatremia was completely resolved after schwannoma resection and plasma ADH level decreased from 4.40 pg/mL to 0.86 pg/mL. This case highlights the importance of suspecting and identifying the underlying cause of SIADH when faced with refractory or recurrent hyponatremia, and that on possibility is mediastinal schwannoma
Aged ; Biopsy ; Female ; Humans ; Hyponatremia ; Inappropriate ADH Syndrome ; Lung Diseases ; Mediastinum ; Nausea ; Neurilemmoma* ; Neuroendocrine Tumors ; Osmolar Concentration ; Pathology ; Plasma ; Sodium ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Thorax ; Vomiting

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) are mobilized by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), which causes several side effects in allogeneic donors. We report on side effects of G-CSF administration and determine which side effects could be used in predicting the amount of harvested CD34+ cells. METHODS: Data from the first PBSC collections of 155 healthy donors between 2007 and 2010 were analyzed. Side effects were assessed using adverse event inventory, which was graded from 1 (mild) to 3 (severe) or 4 (disabling). RESULTS: G-CSF administration caused an elevation of WBC counts (mean 44,834/microL) and 86% of them were neutrophils. The mean mononuclear cells in apheresis products was 6.6x10(8)/kg and mean CD34+ cells was 6.0x10(6)/kg. Bone pain was reported by 151 healthy donors (97%) and severe bone pain was related to more CD34+ cells in apheresis products (P=0.041): 39 for grade 1 (5.1x10(6) CD34+cells/kg), 86 for grade 2 (6.0x10(6)), and 26 for grade 3 (7.1x10(6)). In addition, the percentage of collecting more than 5.0x10(6) CD34+cells/kg during the first leukapheresis showed correlation with the severity of bone pain. CONCLUSION: Bone pain was the most common side effect of G-CSF mobilization and more CD34+ cells were harvested in cases of severe bone pain.
Blood Component Removal ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization* ; Humans ; Leukapheresis ; Neutrophils ; Stem Cells* ; Tissue Donors

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been established as one of the effective therapeutic methods in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. A coronary artery stent is the most promising device in PCI, however in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a major problem to be overcome. METHODS: Follow-up coronary angiograms (CAG) three times after stenting were performed in 107 out of 3,816 stented patients at Chonnam National University Hospital between August 1992 and July 2004. The patients were divided into four groups: forty eight patients (Group I: 58.7+/-9.5 years, 35 Males) had no incident ISR on three follow-up CAG. Fourteen patients had three times of ISR and underwent four PCIs (Group II : 54.5+/-9.51 years, 12 Males), 15 had two times of ISR and underwent three PCIs (Group III : 53.9+/-5.9 years, 11 males), 30 had one time of ISR and underwent two PCIs (Group IV : 59.6+/-9.5 years, 27 males). Each group was analysed according to clinical characteristics, coronary angiographic findings, and therapeutic modalities for ISR. RESULTS: There was no differences in clinical diagnosis, lesion location, multi-vessel lesion and TIMI flow. Risk factors for atherosclerosis were not different except for diabetes mellitus. The incidence of diabetes mellitus was more common in Group II than in Group I (Group I: 22%, Group II: 57%, Group III: 46%, Group IV: 20%, Group I vs. Group II: p =0.023). Stent length and diameter were not different among four groups. CONCLUSION: The only predictor of recurrent coronary stent restenosis more than three times is diabetes mellitus.
Atherosclerosis ; Coronary Disease ; Coronary Vessels ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Jeollanam-do ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Risk Factors ; Stents*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The inhibition of coronary restenosis with an Abciximab (ReoPro(R))-coated stent has previously been reported by us. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with ReoPro-coated stents. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A prospective randomized trial was conducted to compare two types of stent for the revascularization in 63 patients [Group I (ReoPro(r)-coated stent):n=32, 53.7+/-11.8 years, 27 male, and Group II (control stent):n=31, 55.4+/-12.1 years, 27 male] with AMI. The primary effective end points were major adverse coronary events (MACE):cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization (TLR), in-stent restenosis and late lumen loss at the 1 year clinical and angiographic follow-ups. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics and diameters of stenosis and the minimal luminal diameters were no different between the two groups. There was one myocardial infarction and revascularization during the hospital stay in group II. Follow-up coronary angiograms were performed in 71.9 (23/32) and 77.4% (24/31) of groups I and II, respectively. The diameter of stenosis and late loss were significantly lower in group I than group II (19.4+/-5.1 vs. 34.8+/-5.9%, p=0.013;and 0.39+/-0.26 vs. 0.89+/-0.45 mm;p=0.008, respectively). However, the restenosis rates were no different between the two groups (21.7 vs. 37.5%, p=0.341). One year clinical follow-ups were possible in 98.4% (62/63), and there were two AMI found in group II, but none in group I. The TLR rates and total MACE of group I were relatively lower compared with group II [12.9 (4/31) vs. 29.0% (9/31);p=0.122 and 12.9 (4/31) vs. 35.5% (11/31), p=0.038, respectively]. CONCLUSION: The ReoPro(R)-coated stent was safe, with no stent thrombosis, and effective in patients with AMI.
Blood Platelets* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Coronary Restenosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glycoproteins* ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Phenobarbital ; Prospective Studies ; Stents* ; Thrombosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Laterally spreading tumors (LST) were growthed along the colonic wall. These tumors were high malignant potential compared to colon polyp. We analyzed clinicopathological characteristics of these tumors. METHODS: From June 1996 to June 2001, twenty nine patients were diagnosed by colonoscopy. These lesions were classificated macroscopic (granular type and nongranular type) and microscopic findings. RESULTS: 20 male and 9 female were enrolled (mean age, 68.1). Among the LST, 41.4% were 20~30 mm in diameter, and 7% were larger than 30 mm. According to macroscopic findings granular types were 72.4% (21/29) and nongranular types were 27.6% (8/29). In macroscopic findings, tubular types were 48.4% (14/29), malignant changes were 31.3% (9/29). Tumor size was only significant factor in malignant potential of LST (p=0.004). Endoscopic mucosal resection was performed in 72.4% (21/29), operation in 8 (27.6%). Rate of submucosal invasion in LST was 3.4% (1/29, sm1). Recurrent rate of endoscopic treatment group was 9.5% (2/21). CONCLUSIONS: Most of LST were good indication for endoscopic treatment, but larger tumor size and irregular surface of tumor were suspected to be submucosal invasion. Therefore these lesions were performed other procedures as endoscopic ultrasound or computerized tomography for invasion depth.
Colon ; Colonoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Polyps ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia pneumoniae is one of common causes in upper and lower respiratory infections. Isolating C. pneumoniae from clinical specimens is very difficult due to the characteristics of the organism. Recently, we succeeded in isolating C. pneumoniae from a Korean patient, who suffered from acute pharyngitis. This is the first isolate from a clinical specimen in Korea. METHOD: We attained a nasopharyngeal swab from a 22-year-old female patient, and inoculated it on a monolayer of the Hep-2 cell line. After 8 passages, we found the inclusion bodies of C. pneumoniae by an immunofluorescence(IF) test. The species-specific monoclonal antibody IF staining and species-specific PCR were done to confirm the species of the isolate, and electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology. RESULT: The isolate was confirmed to be C. pneumoniae by species-specific IF and PCR, and the strain was named LKK-1. The shape of the elementary body was round and with a narrow periplasmic space, as shown by electron microscopy, which is similar to the Japanese strain, but not the Western strain. CONCLUSION: We succeeded in isolating C. pneumoniae from a 22-year-old patient with acute pharyngitis, which is the first isolate in Korea. In the future, this Korean strain will be useful to the study of C. pneumoniae.
Female ; Humans

BACKGROUND: Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) play key roles during T cell-dependent humoral immune responses by allowing antigen-specific B cells to survive, proliferate, and differentiate within the FDC networks of secondary follicles, i.e., germinal centers (GC). METHODS: A novel monoclonal antibody, 3C8, was generated by immunizing with an FDC line HK, in order to understand the molecular signals involved in the FDC-B cell interactions in the microenvironment of the GC. RESULTS: The 3C8 antibody did not bind to mononuclear cells, including T cells, B cells, and monocytes. Murine L929 and human skin fibroblasts exhibited no or little reactivity to 3C8. However, 3C8 specifically recognized HK cells by flowcytometry. Furthermore, the antigen recognized by 3C8 was restricted to the GC of the human tonsil. Dendritic networks of the GC were intensely stained by 3C8, but cells out side the GC were not. CONCLUSION: Our result s suggest that the antigen 3C8 may play some unique role on FDCs during the GC reactions.
B-Lymphocytes ; Cell Communication ; Dendritic Cells, Follicular* ; Fibroblasts ; Germinal Center ; Humans ; Immunity, Humoral ; Monocytes ; Palatine Tonsil ; Skin ; T-Lymphocytes

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterial false-positive cultures have rarely been recognized in Korea, even though the rate of false-positive cultures of Mycobaterium tuberculosis has ranged from 0.4% to 4.0%. We estimated the false-positive rates by the review of medical records from whom mycobacterial cultures were requested, retrospeaively, after a bout of false-positive cultures was discovered in specimens treated in a single day. METHODS: Of the total 2,245 specimens, including 337 positive cultures of mycobacteria, during the period of January and June 1999, seventy-two specimens that showed colonies less than or equal to 5 colonies were reviewed, and classified as tuberculosis-likely group, tuberculosis-unlikely group and unclassifiable group by the clinical and radiological evidences, anti-tuberculosis therapy, and microbiological results. RESULTS: Tuberculosis-unlikely group was 21 specimens from 20 patients, and unclassifiable group was five specimens from four patients. So, the false-positive rates were estimated as 0.9- 1.1% of total cultures and 6.2-7.7% of positive cultures, according to excluding or including the unclassifiable group. CONCLUSION: Care should be taken for lowering false-positive mycobacterial cultures. Especially when a culture turned out to be positive with low colony isolates, more careful interpretations should be preceded before reporting the results by the review of medical records and communication with physician in charge.
Humans ; Incidence* ; Korea ; Medical Records ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis* ; Mycobacterium* ; Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection occurs throughout the world and causes various gastroduodenal diseases in all age groups. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies among countries and races. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in healthy people in Korea. METHODS: From March 1998 to October 1998, 5,732 asymptomatic subjects responded to the self-assessment questionnaires from 54 hospitals were enrolled. Serum level of anti-H. pylori IgG was measured by ELISA test. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 46.6% and showed no significant difference between male (47.2%) and female (45.9%). According to the geographic areas, the highly prevalent provinces were Kangwon (53.4%), Cheju (52.9%) and Jeonra provinces (50.6%), while Seoul (41.9%) was the lowest prevalent area. The seroprevalence increased with age and was the highest at 40's (78.5%). The characteristic feature of this study was that the infection rate increased steeply in three age groups (10-12, 16-19 years old and 30's). In Seoul, there was no different prevalence rate among the districts studied. CONCLUSION: The nation-wide seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in Korea is higher than that of the developed countries. We hope that this study provides the landmark for the study of H. pylori infection in Korea.
Continental Population Groups ; Developed Countries ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Gangwon-do ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Hope ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Jeju-do ; Korea* ; Male ; Prevalence ; Self-Assessment ; Seoul ; Seroepidemiologic Studies* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The variceal bleeding has high rebleeding rate, and mortality rate was higher in gastrix varix. Managements of variceal bleeding were included such as drugs, endoscopic procedures, surgical management and radiological intervention. Recently histoacryl(R) injection method has been introduced. We have compared the effects of the endoscopic ligation and Histoacryl(R) injection therapy (HAI) in patient with gastric variceal bleeding. METHODS: We analyzed the effects of hemostasis, complications, rebleeding rates, and survival rates in gastric varix bleeding of 22 patients with Histoacryl(R) injection therapy and 20 patients with endoscopic ligation therapy, from January 1995 to March 1999. RESULTS: There were no difference in the complication rate between the 2 stretigies (12/14). Most common complication was chest pain in EVL group, but fever was common in HAI group. Also early and post rebleeding rates were not different in both groups. The main cause of death during follow up period was rebleeding in both groups. The survival rates were 65.0% in EVL group and 77.0% in HAI group (p>0.05, duration: 23+/-2, 28+/-4 month), and there was no difference in mortlity rate (p=0.77). CONCLUSIONS: There were no difference in the hemostatic effect, complications, rebleeding rate and survival rate in EVL group and HAI group. However, evaluation of larger numbers of patients and prospective studies were needed to define the effectiveness and complications of these therapies.
Cause of Death ; Chest Pain ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices* ; Fever ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage* ; Hemostasis ; Humans ; Ligation* ; Mortality ; Survival Rate ; Varicose Veins