We evaluated the renal function could be estimated by the visual analysis of the perfusion images of Tc-99m DTPA renal scan. Renal scan, creatinine clearance(CCr) and serum creatinine(s-Cr) were obtained in 105 patients. Intensity of renal activity(RA) at 6 sec perfusion image after the first visualization of abdominal aortic activity(A or A) was considered as the parameter for estimating renal function. Intensity of RA was scored from grade(Gr.) 1 to 3(Gr. 1: RAsplenic activity(SA), Gr. 2: RA A or A, Gr. 3: RA60 mL/min. The P.P.V. of Gr. 2 RA was 92% for s-Cr from 1.5 to less than 3.5mg/dL and 83% for CCr value from 20 to less than 60mL/min. The P.P.V. of Gr. 3 RA was 95% for s-Cr3.5mg/dL and 95% for CCr<20mL/min. As the intensity of RA of perfusion images decreased, renal function more decreased. We could detect renal dysfunction by visual analysis of perfusion images of renal scan.
Creatinine ; Humans ; Pentetic Acid* ; Perfusion*

This article reports the case of a woman who developed a pure motor paraplegia following epidural analgesia. 80mg of Depomedrol and 2ml of 1% lidocaine were injected epidurally for relief of back pain. Within one day the patient complained of severe pain in both lower extremities and the left lower extremity rapidly became paraplegic. Myelography showed no obstruction and compression. The paraplegia was permanent in the left lower extermity. We note a number of potential etiologies and analyze their possible mechanism of action.
Analgesia, Epidural* ; Back Pain ; Female ; Humans ; Lidocaine ; Lower Extremity ; Myelography ; Paraplegia*

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of port catheter placement following a biliary stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed 14 mongrel dogs as test subject. and after the puncture of their gall bladders using sonographic guidance, a 10-mm in diameter metallic stent was placed at the common duct. In 12 dogs, a 6.3 F port catheter was placed into the duodenum through the common duct and a port was secured at the subcutaneous space following stent placement. As a control group, an 8.5 F drain tube was placed into the gallbladder without port catheter placement in the remaining two dogs. Irrigation of the bile duct was performed every week by injection of saline into the port, and the port catheter was replaced three weeks later in two dogs. Information relating to the success of the procedure, complications and the five-week follow-up cholangiographic findings were obtained. RESULTS: Placement of a biliary stent and a port catheter was technically successful in 13 (93%) dogs, while stent migration (n=3), gallbladder rupture (n=1) and death (n=5) due to subcutaneous abscess and peritonitis also occurred. The follow-up was achieved in eight dogs (seven dogs with a port catheter placement and one dog with a drain tube placement). Irrigation of the bile duct and port catheter replacement were successfully achieved without any complications. Cholangiograms obtained five weeks after stent placement showed diffuse biliary dilation with granulation tissue formation. However, focal biliary stricture was seen in one dog with stent placement alone. CONCLUSION: Placement of a port catheter following biliary stent placement seems to be feasible. However, further investigation is necessary to reduce the current complications.
Abscess ; Animals ; Bile Ducts ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dogs* ; Duodenum ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gallbladder ; Granulation Tissue ; Peritonitis ; Punctures ; Rupture ; Stents* ; Ultrasonography ; Urinary Bladder ; Vascular Access Devices*

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) frequently occurs in adolescents because of accelerated physical growth in boys and girls. This was aimed at assessing the prevalence of iron deficiency and IDA in apparently healthy Korean adolescents according to the gender and age. METHODS: Apparently healthy students(M: F=1: 1.2) aged 11 to 24 years were included in this study and blood samples were obtained from April to May, 2000. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell indices, serum ferritin, iron and total iron-binding capacity were measured. RESULTS: In males, the prevalence of iron deficiency was 15.7% in the 11~12 years group, 16.1% in the 13~14 years group, 9.9% in the 15~16 years group, and 6.4% in the 17~18 years group. In females, the prevalence of iron deficiency was 26.8% in 11~12 years group, 27.9% in the 13~14 years group, 38.8% in the 15~16 years group, 36.0% in the 17~18 years group, 30.9% in the 19~24 years group. The prevalence of IDA in males was 3.6% in 11~12 years, 2.1% in 13~14 years group, 1.9% in 15~16 years group, and 0.6% in 17~18 years group. The prevalence of IDA in females was 4.2% in 11~12 years, 9.7% 13~14 years, 20.4% in 15~16 years, 16.2% in 17~18 years group, and 12.4% in 19~24 years group. CONCLUSION: As the prevalence of iron deficiency and IDA were substantially greater than expected, studies of iron state in adolescent girls, especially middle to high school age, should be undertaken to assess iron deficiency.
Adolescent* ; Anemia ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Erythrocytes ; Female ; Ferritins ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Incheon* ; Iron* ; Male ; Prevalence