This study was performed to evaluate the method of quantification of exercise thallium-201(201Tl) myocardial perfusion imaginges(M.P.I.) for the detection of coronary artery disease. Exercise 201 Tl MPI were interpreted objectively, reproducibly, quantitatively and easily by a computer assisted technique-Circumferential profile method. Exercise 201Tl MPI and redistribution images were taken in 32 patients(9 cases of post infarction angina, 13 cases of angina pectoris, 8 cases of atypical chest pain, 1 case of arrhythmial and 1 case of caridac neurosis). The results obtained were as follows: 1) Exercise 201Tl MPI of 3 cases of angina pectoris demonstrated transient perfusion defect in 5 cases, persistent perfusion defect in 2 cases, transient and persistent perfusion defect in 1 cases and no perfusion defect in 5 cases. Exercise 201Tl MPI of 9 case of post-infarction angina revealed persistent perfusion defect in 7 cases and transient and persistent perfusion defect in 2 cases. 201Tl MPI of 8 cases of atypical chest pain showed transient perfusion defect in 1 case and no perfusion defect in 7 cases. There was no perfusion defect in 1 case of arrhythmia and another case of cardiac neurosis. 2) The location of persistent perfusion defects in several views of 201Tl MPI in 9 case of postinfarction angina were consistent with those of infarction area in the electrocardiogram. 3) While visual analysis interpreted three cases to have no perfusion defect and one case to have transient perfusion defect respectively, objective analysis revealed that one of them had transient perfusion defect, another of them had persistent perfusion defect and the other had transient and persistent perfusion defect. 201Tl MPI of three cases could be done easily by circumferential profile method, which were difficult to interprete by subjective visual analysis. The results indicate that Exercise 201Tl MPI interpreted by circumferential profile analysis would be an objective, quantitative and noninvasive method for the detection of ischemic change and location in coronary artery disease.
Angina Pectoris ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Chest Pain ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Electrocardiography ; Infarction ; Myocardial Ischemia* ; Neurocirculatory Asthenia ; Perfusion

This study was done to investigate the effect volume overloading of right ventricle(RV) on the left ventricular(LV) volume and function in patients with isolated secundum type atrial septal defect(ASD) and to determine the hemodynamic indices affecting the postoperative reduction of RV size. Pre and postoperative echocardiogram and equilibrium radionuclide cardiac angiogram were analyzed in 39 patients of isolated secundum type ASD, who had their diagnosis confirmed by right heart catheterization and were operated at Seoul National University Hospital from January 1982 to July 1984. The ratio fo RV end-diastolic dimension to LV end-diastolic dimension(RVED/LVED), ratio of LV pre-ejection period and LV ejection time(PEP/LVET), ejection fraction(E.F.), fractional shortening(F.S.) mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening(mVcf), peak ejection rate(PER) and peak filling rate(PFR) were measured in 24 normal control subjects and 39 patients with ASD before and after operation. The results obtained were as follows : 1) The postop. reduction of RV size could be correlated with age at operation, but showed no correlation with the degree of QP/Qs, main pulmonary arterial systolic, diastolic, mean pressure, RVEDP and previous RV size. 2) The ratio of postop. RVED/LVED(0.58+/-0.15) was significantly decreased, compared with the ratio of preop(0.96+/-0.28)(P<0.005)(Mean+/-1 S.D.). In preop and postop. status of ASD, the ratio of RVED/LVED was significantly larger than that of normal control subject(0.30+/-0.09)(P<0.005). 3) The ratio of preop PEP/LVET(0.33+/-0.02) was significantly decreased, compared with ratio of preop PEP/LVET(0.39+/-0.04)(P<0.005). There was significant difference between the ratio of preop. PEP/LVET and ratio of normal control subjects(0.33+/-0.05)(P<0.005), but no significant difference between the ratio of postop. PEP/LVET and ratio of normal control subjects(P>0.1). 4) There was no significant difference in LV systolic contractile functional indices between ASD group and normal control subjects and between pre and postop. status of ASD patients : LVEF was 63.5+/-6.1(%) in preop., 63.0+/-5.7(%) in postop and 62.4+/-6.6(%) in normal control subjects. F.S. was 27.3+/-5.7(%) in preop., 28.2+/-3.1(%) in postop. and 28.7+/-4.5(%) in normal control subjects. mVcf was 0.81+/-0.11(Cire/sec) in preop., 0.80+/-0.10(Circ/sec) in postop. and 0.82+/-0.14(Circ/sec) in normal control subjects. PER was 2.82+/-0.61(EDV/sec) in preop., 2.84+/-0.56(EDV/sec) in postop. and 2.84+/-0.45(EDV/sec) in normal control subjects. 5) The postop. PFR 3.34+/-0.46(EDV/sec) was significantly increased, compared with preop. PFR 2.51+/-0.46(EDV/sec)(P<0.005). There was significant difference between preop. PFR and normal control PFR 3.29+/-0.66(EDV/sec)(P<0.005), but no significant difference between postop. PFR and normal control PFR(P>0.1). 6) The postop. RVEF(51.4+/-6.3%) was significantly decreased, compared with preop. RVEF(54.5+/-9.9%)(P<0.005). Pre and postop. RVEF of ASD patient were significantly lower than RVEF of normal control group(60.3+/-3.1%)(P<0.01, P<0.005). The results indicate that postop. reduction of RV size could be correlated with age at operation. The effect of RV volume overloading on LV could not change systolic contractile functional indices, but diastolic filling index. There is many evidences suggesting that RV filling influences LV diastolic function which are occured by means of left ward shift of the interventricular septum and indirectly by linkage of filling of the two ventricules by common enclosure in the pericardium(underfilled LV volume and decreased LV compliance). Mildly diminished overall LV performance as shown by systolic time intervals appears to be related to the volume overload of the RV and to the concomitantly diminished volume of LV rather than to any myocardial contractility. LV systolic time inverval was non-invasive and sensitive index in assessing overall LV performance independent to LV geometric configuration and abnormal motion of regional ventricular wall.
Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Diagnosis ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial* ; Heart Ventricles* ; Hemodynamics* ; Humans ; Seoul ; Systole ; Ventricular Function, Left*

In order to determine the value of induction chemotherapy (CT) for inoperable head and neck cancer, the authors conducted a retrospective study. Fifty-five patients were treated with CT and radiotherapy(RT)(CT + RT group). This group was compared with a group of 54 patients treated RT alone (RT alone group). The CT regimen used were CF (cis-platine + 5-FU), CVB(cyclophos-phamide + vincristine + bleomycin), CAP (cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + prednisolone) or PVBM(cis-platine + vincristine + bleomycin + methotrexate). Toxicity from induction chemotherapy was minimal, and toxicity was limited primarily to nausea and vomiting, mucositis and myelosuppression. The complete response (CR) rate to CT was 14.5% and the partial response (PR) rate was 47.3% for an overall major response rate of 61.8%. The major response rate at the completion of loco-regional therapy was 87.3% (48/55) with 32 CR (58.2%) and 16 PR (29.1%) for CT-RT group and 81.5% (44/55) with 27 CR(50.0%) and 17 PR (31.5%) for RT alone group (p=0.57). Median follow-up of CT-RT group was 17 months and 11 months for RT alone group. Median survival was 36 months for CT-RT group and 24 monts for RT alone group (p=0.3). The overall survival rate at 2 years, 3years and 5 years, respectively was 60.9%, 48.6% and 42.5% for CT-RT guoup, and 54.9%, 49.9% for RT alone group (p=0.33). Comparision between patients in both groups, stratified by overall stage, T and N stage, site, and pathology, all failed to show any significant difference in survival rates. We conclude that this retrospective study failed to demonstrate an advantage for induction chemotherapy in inoperable head and neck cancer.
Bleomycin ; Doxorubicin ; Follow-Up Studies ; Head and Neck Neoplasms* ; Head* ; Humans ; Induction Chemotherapy ; Mucositis ; Nausea ; Pathology ; Radiotherapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Vincristine ; Vomiting

Prosthetic valve endocarditis(PVE) is not infrequent and one of the serious complications of cardiac valve replacement despite advances in antimicrobial therapy, diagnostic techniquens and surgical procedures. Although the incidence of PVE may be declining, the absolute number of cases of this infection is increasing. In patients with a prosthetic valve, fever, a regurgitant heart murmur, peripheral manifestations of infective endocarditis and postitive blood cultures, the diagnosis of PVE is evident. We have reviewed our experience with 13 patients with PVE from October 1976 through August 1983. During this period valve replacements were performed in 686 patients, with an infection rate of 1.9%. PVE currently accounts for approximately 14% of the total number of cases of infective endocarditis seen at Seoul national University Hospital. PVE occurred more often after multiple valve replacement than after replacement of single valve alone. Blood cultures were positive in 69% cases of PVE. Systemic emboli could be seen in 54% of patients with PVE and overall mortality was about 23%.
Diagnosis ; Endocarditis* ; Fever ; Heart Murmurs ; Heart Valves ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mortality ; Seoul

Carcinoid tumor of stomach continue to interest clinician because of the rarity and difficulty in diagnosis clioically with infrequent classical carcinoid syndrome. Recently, we experienced a case of gastric carcinoid with hemetemesis and melena. We feel that this case is an instructive example of the fascinating variety of entities which can result in massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. So we present this case with s review of relevant literatures.
Carcinoid Tumor* ; Diagnosis ; Hemorrhage* ; Melena ; Stomach

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis shows high surgical mortality and morbidity rates, especially for aortic endocarditis. This study attempts to investigate the clinical characteristics and operative results of isolated aortic endocarditis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From July 1990 to May 2005, 25 patients with isolated aortic endocarditis (Group I, male : female=18 : 7, mean age 43.2+/-18.6 years) and 23 patients with isolated mitral endocarditis (Group II, male : female=10 : 13, mean age 43.2+/-17.1 years) underwent surgical treatment in our hospital. All the patients had native endocarditis and 7 patients showed a bicuspid aortic valve in Group I. Two patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis and one patientsdeveloped mitral endocarditis after a mitral valvuloplasty in Group II. Positive blood cultures were obtained from 11 (44.0%) patients in Group I, and 10 (43.3%) patients in Group II. The preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction for each group was 60.8+/-8.7% and 62.1+/-8.1% (p=0.945), respectively. There was moderate to severe aortic regurgitation in 18 patients and vegetations were detected in 17 patients in Group I. There was moderate to severe mitral regurgitation in 19 patients and vegetations were found in 18 patients in Group II. One patient had a ventricular septal defect and another patient underwent a Maze operation with microwaves due to atrial fibrillation. We performed echocardiography before discharge and each year during follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 37.2+/-23.5 (range 9~123) months. RESULT: Postoperative complications included three cases of low cardiac output in Group I and one case each of re-surgery because of bleeding and low cardiac output in Group II. One patient died from an intra-cranial hemorrhage on the first day after surgery in Group I, but there were no early deaths in Group II. The 1, 3-, and 5-year valve related event free rates were 92.0%, 88.0%, and 88.0% for Group I patients, and 91.3%, 76.0%, and 76.0% for Group II patients, respectively. The 1, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 96.0% for Group I patients, and 100%, 84.9%, and 84.9% for Group II patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acceptable surgical results and mid-term clinical results for aortic endocarditis were seen.
Aortic Valve ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Bicuspid ; Cardiac Output, Low ; Echocardiography ; Endocarditis* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Male ; Microwaves ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; Stroke Volume ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency obliteration and endovenous laser therapy of the greater saphenous vein have recently been introduced as alternative, minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. The 7 Fr. VNUS ClosureFAST(R) radiofrequency obliteration system was introduced in Gwang-Ju Veterans hospital. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and complications of radiofrequency obliteration using the 7 Fr. VNUS ClosureFAST(R) system. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between May 2, 2007 and May 31, 2008, we performed radiofrequency obliteration on 90 patients. The number of males was 67 and their mean age was 57.9+/-11.0 (range: 23~78) years old. The patients underwent follow up exams at 3 weeks after the procedures and then every 3 months. The effects of treatment and the complications were reviewed. RESULT: The postoperative complications were ecchymosis (94.4%), pain (27.8%), paresthesia (25.6%), bullous formation (8.9%), edema (6.7%) and phlebitis (2.2%). One patient showed good blood flow after 3 weeks and one patient showed good blood flow after 3 months. The one-year success rate of radiofrequency obliteration in varicose veins was 97.6%. CONCLUSION: Our data showed acceptable operative results and short-term clinical results for treating varicose veins with radio frequency obliteration. Long-term follow-up and comparison of radio frequency obliteration with high ligation and stripping, previous radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser therapy are needed in the future.
Ecchymosis ; Edema ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitals, Veterans ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Ligation ; Male ; Paresthesia ; Phlebitis ; Postoperative Complications ; Saphenous Vein ; Varicose Veins ; Veins

BACKGROUND: There has been no consensus on the best way to prevent hypotension during epidural anesthesia. We undertook the present study to evaluate the effect of ephedrine infusion along with fluid preloading in prevention of hypotension. METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were divided into 4 groups. The Group 1 and 2 were preloaded with 1000 ml lactated Ringer's solution(LR), Group 3 with 200 ml LR, and Group 4 with 500 ml of colloid(10% pentastarch) solution. In the group 1, normal saline was infused at 12 ml/min after bupivacaine injection into epidural space. In the Group 2, 3, and 4, ephedrine(mixed in normal saline) was infused after beginning of anesthesia at 1 mg/min. RESULTS: Systolic arterial pressure after epidural blockade was significantly lower in preloading of only LR(Group 1) than those with ephedrine infusion groups(Group 2, 3, and 4). In all groups the heart rate was not changed significantly during the course of the study. The central venous pressure increased after fluid preloading in all groups, but the magnitude of increase was relatively small in Group 3. Hypotension occurred in 45% of the patients who received only LR(Group 1) vs 10% of those who received pentastarch(Group 4)(p<0.05). The incidence of hypotension(20%) was same in Group 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of ephedrine could be an alternative method to prevent hypotension during epidural anesthesia. Similar incidence of hypotension in Groups 2 and 3 challenges our perception of the value of crystalloid preload.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Epidural* ; Arterial Pressure ; Bupivacaine ; Central Venous Pressure ; Consensus ; Ephedrine* ; Epidural Space ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypotension* ; Hysterectomy ; Incidence

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is a common type of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumor. Depending on the patient's age, compliance and health status, and the level of suspicion of malignancy, tumors < or =3 cm in size are typically monitored annually by endoscopic ultrasonography. The examination interval can be extended if no size change is noted on consecutive examinations. We report here on a 44-year-old female who presented with abdominal discomfort and displayed no size change of her gastrointestinal stromal tumor on three consecutive endoscopies over a 44-month interval. The patient was diagnosed with malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor on the basis of the evident ulceration seen on esophagogastroduodenoscopy and the inhomogenous echo noted on the endoscopic ultrasonography and the pathologic findings by gastric wedge resection.
Adult ; Compliance ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Endosonography ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; Humans ; Ulcer

Ischemic colitis is generally considered a disease of the elderly. The causes of ischemic colitis include low-flow states due to cardiac dysfunction or hypovolemia and certain medications including estrogen. Here we report a case of ischemic colitis in a 26-year-old woman. She had no specific medical history except taking oral-contraceptives for a long time. The mechanism of estrogen-induced ischemic colitis is not clearly understood. But we recommend that oral-contraceptives should be considered as a cause of ischemic colitis in young women.
Adult ; Aged ; Colitis, Ischemic ; Contraceptives, Oral ; Estrogens ; Female ; Humans ; Hypovolemia