Background: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) constitutes 10%–20% of all malignant lymphomas and has a high cure rate (5-year survival, around 90%). Recently, interest has increased concerning preventing secondary complications (secondary cancer, endocrine disorders) in long-term survivors. We aimed to study the epidemiologic features and therapeutic outcomes of HL in children, adolescents, and young adults in Korea. Methods: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of 224 patients aged < 25 years diagnosed with HL at 22 participating institutes in Korea from January 2007 to August 2016. Results: A higher percentage of males was diagnosed at a younger age. Nodular sclerosis histopathological HL subtype was most common, followed by mixed cellularity subtype.Eighty-one (36.2%), 101 (45.1%), and 42 (18.8%) patients were classified into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups, respectively. Doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine was the most common protocol (n = 102, 45.5%). Event-free survival rate was 86.0% ± 2.4%, while five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 96.1% ± 1.4%: 98.7% ± 1.3%, 97.7% ± 1.6%, and 86.5% ± 5.6% in the low, intermediate, and high-risk groups, respectively (P = 0.021). Five-year OS was worse in patients with B-symptoms, stage IV disease, highrisk, splenic involvement, extra-nodal lymphoma, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase level.In multivariate analysis, B-symptoms and extra-nodal involvement were prognostic factors for poor OS. Late complications of endocrine disorders and secondary malignancy were observed in 17 and 6 patients, respectively. Conclusion This is the first study on the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of HL in children, adolescents, and young adults in Korea. Future prospective studies are indicated to develop therapies that minimize treatment toxicity while maximizing cure rates in children, adolescents, and young adults with HL.

In the elderly, myasthenia gravis (MG) can present with bulbar symptoms, which can be clinically difficult to diagnose from other neurological comorbid conditions. We describe a case of a 75-year-old man who had been previously diagnosed with dysphagia associated with medullary infarction but exhibited aggravation of the dysphagia later on due to a superimposed development of bulbar MG. After recovering from his initial swallowing difficulties, the patient suddenly developed ptosis, drooling, and generalized weakness with aggravated dysphagia. Two follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans displayed no new brain lesions. Antibodies to acetylcholine receptor and muscle-specific kinase were negative. Subsequent electrodiagnosis with repetitive nerve stimulation tests revealed unremarkable findings. A diagnosis of bulbar MG could only be established after fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with simultaneous Tensilon application. After application of intravenous pyridostigmine, significant improvement in dysphagia and ptosis were observed both clinically and according to the FEES.
Acetylcholine ; Aged ; Antibodies ; Brain ; Deglutition Disorders ; Deglutition* ; Diagnosis ; Edrophonium* ; Electrodiagnosis ; Fees and Charges ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infarction* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Myasthenia Gravis* ; Phosphotransferases ; Pyridostigmine Bromide ; Sialorrhea ; Stroke

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a prior gastrectomy on the difficulty of subsequent colonoscopy, and to identify the surgical factors related to difficult colonoscopies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a prior gastrectomy who had undergone a colonoscopy between 2011 and 2014 (n=482) were matched (1:6) to patients with no history of gastrectomy (n=2,892). Cecal insertion time, intubation failure, and bowel clearance score were compared between the gastrectomy and control groups, as was a newly generated comprehensive parameter for a difficult/incomplete colonoscopy (cecal intubation failure, cecal insertion time >12.9 minutes, or very poor bowel preparation scale). Surgical factors including surgical approach, extent of gastrectomy, extent of lymph node dissection, and reconstruction type, were analyzed to identify risk factors for colonoscopy performance. RESULTS: A history of gastrectomy was associated with prolonged cecal insertion time (8.7±6.4 vs. 9.7±6.5 minutes; P=0.002), an increased intubation failure rate (0.1% vs. 1.9%; P<0.001), and a poor bowel preparation rate (24.7 vs. 29.0; P=0.047). Age and total gastrectomy (vs. partial gastrectomy) were found to be independent risk factors for increased insertion time, which slowly increased throughout the postoperative duration (0.35 min/yr). Total gastrectomy was the only independent risk factor for the comprehensive parameter of difficult/incomplete colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: History of gastrectomy is related to difficult/incomplete colonoscopy performance, especially in cases of total gastrectomy. In any case, it may be that a pre-operative colonoscopy is desirable in selected patients scheduled for gastrectomy; however, it should be performed by an expert endoscopist each time.
Colonoscopy* ; Gastrectomy* ; Humans ; Intubation ; Lymph Node Excision ; Postoperative Period ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE: The effect of induced hypothermia on severe acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains to be addressed further. We investigated the effect of induced hypothermia on severe acute CO poisoning. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who diagnosed as severe acute CO poisoning in emergency department and underwent induced hypothermia from May 2013 to May 2014. Hospital courses with critical medication and major laboratory results were investigated through the chart review. RESULTS: Among total 227 patients with acute CO poisoning during the period of study, patients with severe acute CO poisoning were 15. All patients underwent induced hypothermia with a temperature goal 33°C. Initial and follow-up levels of S100B protein after induced hypothermia were 0.47 μg/L (interquartile range, 0.11 to 0.71) and 0.10 μg/L (interquartile range, 0.06 to 0.37), respectively (P = 0.01). The mean Glasgow Coma Scales at emergency department admission was 6.87 ± 3.36. Except 1 patient who expired after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Glasgow Coma Scales at 30-day of hospital discharge were 15 in 10 patients (71.4%), 14 in 1 patient (7.1%), 13 in 1 patient (7.1%), and 6 in 2 patients (14.2%). Seven patients (46.7%) developed delayed neurologic sequelae. Four patients showed mild types of delayed neurologic sequelae and 3 showed moderate to severe types of delayed neurologic sequelae. CONCLUSION: Most of patients underwent induced hypothermia had a good recovery from severe acute CO poisoning. Therefore, induced hypothermia may be considered as a possible treatment in severe acute CO poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning* ; Carbon Monoxide* ; Carbon* ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Coma ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypothermia, Induced* ; Poisoning ; Retrospective Studies ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVE: To define the risk factors that influence the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with acute or subacute brain lesions and to determine the usefulness of D-dimer levels for VTE screening of these patients. METHODS: Medical data from January 2012 to December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Mean D-dimer levels in those with VTE versus those without VTE were compared. Factors associated with VTE were analyzed and the odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The D-dimer cutoff value for patients with hemiplegia was defined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Of 117 patients with acute or subacute brain lesions, 65 patients with elevated D-dimer levels (mean, 5.1+/-5.8 mg/L; positive result >0.55 mg/L) were identified. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of VTE was 3.9 times higher in those with urinary tract infections (UTIs) (p=0.0255). The risk of VTE was 4.5 times higher in those who had recently undergone surgery (p=0.0151). Analysis of the ROC showed 3.95 mg/L to be the appropriate D-dimer cutoff value for screening for VTE (area under the curve [AUC], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.8) in patients with acute or subacute brain lesions. This differs greatly from the conventional D-dimer cutoff value of 0.55 mg/L. D-dimer levels less than 3.95 mg/L in the absence of surgery showed a negative predictive value of 95.8% (95% CI, 78.8-99.8). CONCLUSION: Elevated D-dimer levels alone have some value in VTE diagnosis. However, the concomitant presence of UTI or a history of recent surgery significantly increased the risk of VTE in patients with acute or subacute brain lesions. Therefore, a different D-dimer cutoff value should be applied in these cases.
Brain Diseases ; Brain* ; Diagnosis ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Mass Screening ; Odds Ratio ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; ROC Curve ; Urinary Tract Infections ; Venous Thromboembolism* ; Venous Thrombosis

INTRODUCTION: In the lateral window approach for a maxillary sinus bone graft, there has been considerable controversy regarding the placement of a barrier membrane over the osteotomy site. In particular, when there is no damage to the Schneiderian membrane, clinicians should decide whether to use a barrier membrane or not, considering the benefits and costs. This study presents the clinical cases to demonstrate that only repositioning the detached window can lead to satisfactory bony healing of the grafted material without using a barrier membrane in the lateral approach for a maxillary sinus bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five consecutive patients were treated with the same surgical procedures. After performing the antrostomy on the lateral maxillary wall using a round carbide bur and diamond bur, the bony window was detached by a gentle levering action. After confirming no perforation of the Schneiderian membrane, the grafting procedure was carried out the detached window of the lateral maxillary wall was repositioned over the grafted material without using a barrier membrane. A gross examination was carried out at the postoperative 6 month re-entry, and the the preoperative and postoperative dental computed tomography (CT) at re-entry were compared. RESULTS: All the procedures in the 5 patients went on to uneventful healing with no complications associated with the bone graft. Satisfactory bone regeneration without the interference of fibrous tissue on the gap between the repositioned window and lateral wall of the maxillary sinus was observed in the postoperative 6 month re-entry. The CT findings at re-entry revealed the, reconstruction of the external cortical plate including repositioned bony window. In addition, the loss of the discontinuity of the lateral maxillary wall was confirmed. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report showed that the detached window, which was just repositioned on the grafted material, could function as a barrier membrane in the lateral approach for a maxillary sinus bone graft. Therefore additional morphometric and histologic studies will be needed.
Bone Regeneration ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Dental Implants ; Diamond ; Humans ; Maxillary Sinus ; Membranes ; Nasal Mucosa ; Osteotomy ; Transplants

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the changes in tear film and ocular surface after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. METHODS: Forty subjects who showed successful results at three months after endoscopic DCR were investigated. The changes in tear breakup time (BUT), basal secretion test (BST), corneal sensitivity test (CST), tear clearance rate (TCR) and keratoepitheliopathy (KEP) were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.4+/-13.2 years (29~77 years). Preoperative BST and BUT in eyes which underwent DCR were 13.21+/-3.79 mm and 8.20+/-2.30 seconds, respectively. Three months after the operation, the respective values were 9.13+/-3.77 mm (p=0.01) and 6.27+/-2.20 seconds (p=0.03). Preoperative CST, TCR and KEP in eyes which underwent DCR were 57.89+/-4.18 mm, 3.26+/-0.91 and 0.12+/-0.53, respectively. Three months after the operation, the respective values were 57.75+/-3.55 mm (p=0.32), 3.04+/-0.87 (p=0.08) and 0.13+/-0.54 (p=0.08). No changes were observed between the preoperative and postoperative tear parameters in fellow eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in tear film parameters including BST and BUT should be considered in patients who receive endoscopic DCR.
Dacryocystorhinostomy ; Eye ; Humans ; Nasolacrimal Duct ; Tears

The efficacy of tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue (HDCT/ASCR) was investigated in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. Patients over 1 yr of age who were newly diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma from January 2000 to December 2005 were enrolled in The Korean Society of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology registry. All patients who were assigned to receive HDCT/ASCR at diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the efficacy of single or tandem HDCT/ASCR. Seventy and 71 patients were assigned to receive single or tandem HDCT/ASCR at diagnosis. Fifty-seven and 59 patients in the single or tandem HDCT group underwent single or tandem HDCT/ASCR as scheduled. Twenty-four and 38 patients in the single or tandem HDCT group remained event free with a median follow-up of 56 (24-88) months. When the survival rate was analyzed according to intent-to-treat at diagnosis, the probability of the 5-yr event-free survival+/-95% confidence intervals was higher in the tandem HDCT group than in the single HDCT group (51.2+/-12.4% vs. 31.3+/-11.5%, P=0.030). The results of the present study demonstrate that the tandem HDCT/ASCR strategy is significantly better than the single HDCT/ASCR strategy for improved survival in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma patients.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Combined Modality Therapy/mortality ; Drug Therapy/*mortality ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Korea/epidemiology ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Neuroblastoma/*mortality/*therapy ; Prevalence ; Risk Assessment/methods ; Risk Factors ; Stem Cell Transplantation/*mortality ; Survival Analysis ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: Outcome of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) in the consecutive 100 cases with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) was analyzed. METHODS: Data from initial 100 patients treated with GKS in the authors' institute were reviewed retrospectively. Spetzler-Martin grade at diagnosis were I in 18 patients, II in 27, III in 36, IV in 11, and V in 8. Thirty-five patients had experienced previous bleeding, 27 patients presented with seizure, and 31 patients presented with headache. The mean volume of the lesion was 4.3 cm3 (0.1-29.3 cm3). The median radiation dose delivered to the margin was 20.0 Gy (13-32 Gy). Mean follow-up period was 37.5 months (5-63 months). RESULTS: Angiographic follow-up was performed in 48 patients at least 2 years after GKS. Sixteen patients were lost in follow up following 2 years from GKS. Twenty-eight of 48 patients (58%) showed complete obliteration and 20 patients (42%) showed partial obliteration. Seven patients presented with post-GKS hemorrhage. Adverse radiation effect (ARE) was observed at follow-up MRI in 25 of 76 patients, and it was symptomatic in 5 patients. Complete obliteration was confirmed in 24 of 31 (77%) patients with volume less than 4 cm3, meanwhile only 4 of 17 (24%) patients with volume of 4 cm3 or more showed complete obliteration. Complete obliteration rate was 67% with 20 Gy or higher marginal dose, 63% with 15-20 Gy, and 17% with less than 15 Gy. CONCLUSION: GKS can provide high rates of obliteration with acceptable risk of morbidity in a subgroup of small AVMs. However, overall outcome in whole spectrum of AVMs, in which large proportion of cases have unfavorable characteristics for radiosurgery, is much worse. More effective therapeutic strategy needs to be developed for large AVMs that are difficult to be managed with current available treatment modalities.
Arteriovenous Malformations ; Follow-Up Studies ; Headache ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations ; Radiosurgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Seizures