PURPOSE: To evaluate morphologic characteristics of the microcalcifications on mammography that were confirmed pathologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five cases of microcalcifications on mammography (fifteen cases of benign lesion, thirty cases of maiignancy) were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The number of microcalcifications within 1 cm2 were more than 5 in 22 cases (73%) of 30 malignancy and less than 5 in 11 cases (73%) of 15 benignity. The heterogeneity of microcalcifications were seen in 26 cases of malignancy (87%) and the homogeneity of microcaicifications were 11 cases of benignity (73%). The morphologic characteristics of the microcalcifications were linear-V shape in 9 cases (30%), punctate shape in 8 cases (27%), fine stippled shape in 7 cases (23%), and round dot shape in 6 cases (20%) of malignancy and, round dot shape in 11 cases (73%), punctate shape in 2 cases (13%), and linear-V shape in 2 cases (13%) of benignity. CONCLUSION: Numerous irregular microcalcifications that are heterogenous in size and morphology were strong indicators of malignancy.
Mammography ; Population Characteristics ; Retrospective Studies

Radiofrequency ablation has been frequently performed on intra-hepatic solid tumor, namaly, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic tumor and cholangiocarcinoma, for take the cure. But, the reports of radiofrequency ablation for intrahepatic simple cysts are few. In vitro experiment of animal and in vivo treatment for intrahepatic cysts of human had been reported in rare cases. We report 4 cases of radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic intrahepatic cysts.
Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Catheter Ablation* ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; Humans

PURPOSE: To evaluate, if possible, the radiographic features of tuberculous osteitis in the greater trochanter and ischium, and to determine the cause of the lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the plain radiographic findings of 14 ptients with histologically proven tuberculous osteitis involvingthe greater trochanter and ischium. In each case, the following were analyzed : morphology of bone destruction, including cortical erosion; periosteal reaction ; presence or abscence of calcific shadows in adjacent softtissue. On the basis of an analysis of radiographic features and correlation of the anatomy with adjacent structures we attempted to determine causes. RESULTS: Of the 14 cases evaluated, 12 showed varrious degrees of extrinsic erosion on the outer cortical bone of the greater trochanter and ischium ; in two cases, bone destruction was so severe that the radiographic features of advanced perforated osteomyelitis were simulated. Inaddition to findings of bone destruction, in these twelve cases, the presence of sequestrum or calcific shadows was seen in adjacent soft tissue. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous osteitis in the greater trochanter and ischium showed the characteristic findings of chronic extrinsic erosion. On the basis of these findings we can suggest that the selesions result from an extrinsic pathophysiologic cause such as adjacent bursitis.
Bursitis ; Femur* ; Ischium* ; Osteitis* ; Osteomyelitis

Recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1-34 (rHPTH; 1-34, teriparatide) increases bone mass and increases osteoporotic fracture by stimulating new bone formation. It was approved in the United States for treatment of osteoporosis in men and women, and its effectiveness and safety was proved. Mild hypercalcemia was observed, but persistent and severe hypercalcemia was not observed in the studies of teriparatide. In this case, severe hypercalcemia was developed from patient having gait disturbance who was treated with vitamin D, calcium and teripartide for two months to treat osteoporosis after subtrochanteric fracture. Hypercalcemia was resolved with discontinuation of teriparatide. Severe hypercalcemia is not a common complication of teriparatide and monitoring of serum calcium level is routinely not recommended. But it is necessary to pay close attention to patients who were treated with teriparatide, especially in immobilized patients.
Calcium ; Female ; Gait ; Humans ; Hypercalcemia ; Male ; Osteogenesis ; Osteoporosis ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Teriparatide ; United States ; Vitamin D

Recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1-34 (rHPTH; 1-34, teriparatide) increases bone mass and increases osteoporotic fracture by stimulating new bone formation. It was approved in the United States for treatment of osteoporosis in men and women, and its effectiveness and safety was proved. Mild hypercalcemia was observed, but persistent and severe hypercalcemia was not observed in the studies of teriparatide. In this case, severe hypercalcemia was developed from patient having gait disturbance who was treated with vitamin D, calcium and teripartide for two months to treat osteoporosis after subtrochanteric fracture. Hypercalcemia was resolved with discontinuation of teriparatide. Severe hypercalcemia is not a common complication of teriparatide and monitoring of serum calcium level is routinely not recommended. But it is necessary to pay close attention to patients who were treated with teriparatide, especially in immobilized patients.
Calcium ; Female ; Gait ; Humans ; Hypercalcemia ; Male ; Osteogenesis ; Osteoporosis ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Teriparatide ; United States ; Vitamin D

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is recognized by the innate immune system through Toll like receptors (TLRs) and retinoic acid inducible gene I. These pathways lead to the activation of type I interferons and resistance to infection. In contrast to TLRs, very few studies have examined the role of NOD-like receptors in viral recognition and induction of adaptive immune responses to RSV. Caspase-1 plays an essential role in the immune response via the maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-18. However, the role of caspase-1 in RSV infection in vivo is unknown. We demonstrate that RSV infection induces IL-1beta secretion and that caspase-1 deficiency in bone marrow derived dendritic cells leads to defective IL-1beta production, while normal RSV viral clearance and T cell responses are observed in caspase-1 deficient mice following respiratory infection with RSV. The frequencies of IFN-gamma producing or RSV specific T cells in lungs from caspase-1 deficient mice are not impaired. In addition, we demonstrate that caspase-1 deficient neonatal or young mice also exhibit normal immune responses. Furthermore, we find that IL-1R deficient mice infected with RSV exhibit normal Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) immune responses. Collectively, these results demonstrate that in contrast to TLR pathways, caspase-1 might not play a central role in the induction of Th1 and CTL immune responses to RSV.
Adaptive Immunity* ; Animals ; Bone Marrow ; Cytokines ; Dendritic Cells ; Immune System ; Interferon Type I ; Interleukin-18 ; Lung ; Mice ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses* ; T-Lymphocytes ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; Toll-Like Receptors ; Tretinoin

Primary meningioma of jugular foramen is extremely rare, while paraganglioma or nerve sheath tumor are relatively common in jugular foramen. We reported a case of primary meningioma of jugular foramen. A 79-year-old female who had left tinnitus and hearing loss for three month came to the department of otorhinolaryngology. Temporal bone computed tomography scan showed sclerotic change and slightly irregular margins of left jugular foramen with relatively preservation of bony architecture. Temporal bone magnetic resonance image showed well defined homogeneous enhancing mass in left jugular foramen with extension to carotid space on gadolinium enhanced T1 weighted image. Prominent dural tail was also noted. On T2 weighted image, this mass showed intermediated signal intensity with no vascular signal voids. Meningioma was confirmed by pathology. In this article, we describe a case of primary en plaque meningioma of jugular foramen and review image findings of differential diagnosis.
Aged ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Female ; Gadolinium ; Glomus Jugulare Tumor ; Hearing Loss ; Humans ; Meningioma* ; Neurilemmoma ; Otolaryngology ; Paraganglioma ; Pathology ; Tail ; Temporal Bone ; Tinnitus

Objective: The endothelial inflammatory response plays an important role in atherogenesis by inducing nuclear factor (NF)κB-dependent cell adhesion molecule expression and monocyte recruitment. Here, we screened for natural ligands and investigated the ability of shinjulactone A to inhibit interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced endothelial inflammatory signaling. Methods: The natural compound library included 880 single compounds isolated from medicinal plants by the Korean Medicinal Material Bank. Primary endothelial cells were pretreated with single compounds before stimulation with IL-1β to induce endothelial inflammation. Endothelial inflammation was measured by assaying NFκB activation and monocyte adhesion. The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was evaluated using cell type-specific marker protein expression and morphology. Results: Shinjulactone A was identified as an efficient blocker of IL-1β -induced NFκB activation, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of approximately 1 µM, and monocyte recruitment in endothelial cells. However, it did not affect lipopolysaccharideinduced NFκB activation in macrophages. Compared to Bay 11-782, a well-known NFκB inhibitor that shows considerable cytotoxicity during long-term treatment, shinjulactone A did not affect endothelial cell viability. Furthermore, it also significantly inhibited the EndMT, which is known to promote atherosclerosis and plaque instability. Conclusion We suggest that shinjulactone A may be an effective and safe drug candidate for atherosclerosis because it targets and inhibits both endothelial inflammation and the EndMT, without impairing NFκB-dependent innate immunity in macrophages.

The authors report a rare case of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma in a 49 year-old woman, with a palpable mass in the left lower abdomen. There is a large neoplasm which was soft and movable, looking a pelvic mass. Abdominal and pelvic CT scan showed a 11.0x9.2x7.5 cm-sized lobulated heterogenous enhancing mass with multifocal necrotic portion near the left ovary. Laparotomy and resection of the mass was performed. Microscopic examination revealed 15 mitoses per 10 high power fields. She was diagnosed as primary leiomyosarcoma originated from the left common iliac vein, stage I (IB). The best treatment of these neoplasms is complete surgical excision, and no therapeutic benefit has been derived from chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Though metastases are occasional, local recurrences can be taken into consideration and, after a careful tumoral re-staging, they can be resected once more. Therefore, careful follow-up is necessary on the basis of neoplastic grading, extension and involvement of the adjacent structures.
Abdomen ; Drug Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Iliac Vein ; Laparotomy ; Leiomyosarcoma* ; Middle Aged ; Mitosis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Ovary ; Radiotherapy ; Recurrence ; Retroperitoneal Space ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND: As apheresis platelet concentrates are widely used recently, the risk of transfusion associated infections is increased. Parvovirus B19 causes transfusion associated infections especially in chronic hemolytic anemia, haemophilia or immunosuppressed patients. We evaluated the significance of Parvovirus B19 antigen test to be one of the apheresis platelet donor screening test. METHODS: Three hundred forty eight serum (or plasma) samples from apheresis platelet donors were tested for Parvovirus B19 antigen test which was based on haemagglutination in gel technology. The tubes arranged in special gel cards (DiaMed) were added with 25 microL P antigen positive red cell and 10 microL patient's serum and then centrifuged at room temperature, 85 g for 10 minutes without incubation. The result was read and scored from 0 to 4 positive. Also the antibody screening test was performed for all of the positive samples on the Parvovirus B19 gel card test to exclude false positive reaction due to red cell alloantibody. We investigated directed recipient's disease state for all of positive donors and compared the result of the Parvovirus B19 antigen test with the routine screening test. RESLUTS: Six of the 348 samples were positive for Parvovirus B19 antigen test, the frequency was 1.7%. All of the six positive samples on gel card test reveal negative result by the antibody screening test. All of four directed recipients are immunosuppressed states. If the Parvovirus B19 antigen test was included in routine screening test, the rejection rate is expected to be increased about 1.4%. CONCLUSION: Screening for Parvovirus B 19 in apheresis platelet donors is considered to prevent transfusion mediated viral infection of susceptible recipients including immunocompromised patients.
Anemia, Hemolytic ; Blood Component Removal* ; Blood Platelets* ; Donor Selection ; False Positive Reactions ; Hemophilia A ; Humans ; Humans* ; Immunocompromised Host ; Mass Screening* ; Parvovirus ; Parvovirus B19, Human* ; Tissue Donors*