BACKGROUND: The verbal fluency test consists of two separate tests of semantic fluency and phonemic fluency. The performance patterns of these tests differ with the type of dementia. We studied the patterns of verbal fluency between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD), and assessed the clinical utility of these tests. METHODS: The 1,475 selected participants comprised 73 normal control subjects, 673 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), 535 AD patients, 42 patients with subcortical vascular mild cognitive impairment (svMCI), and 152 SVaD patients. We analyzed the z-score for the total number of animal items as a semantic fluency index and the z-score of the phonemic total score as a phonemic fluency index. RESULTS: The performance of semantic fluency was lower than that of phonemic fluency in all groups. The SVaD group showed the worst scores and abnormal performances on both tests, while the AD group presented abnormal performance only for semantic fluency. Dividing the patients with dementia according to severity revealed a different pattern between AD and SVaD for the clinical dementia rating (CDR) stage of 0.5. The performance of the AD group declined gradually with CDR. However, the SVaD group performed very poorly in both tests even for very mild dementia (CDR stage of 0.5). The aMCI and svMCI groups exhibited similar performance patterns. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of semantic and phonemic fluency was not clinically useful at the MCI stage, but it could be helpful in differentiating AD and SVaD in the early stage of dementia.
Alzheimer Disease* ; Animals ; Dementia* ; Dementia, Vascular* ; Humans ; Mild Cognitive Impairment ; Semantics ; Task Performance and Analysis*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver stiffness (LS) as assessed by transient elastography (TE) can change longitudinally in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to identify the factors that improve LS. METHODS: Between April 2007 and December 2012, 151 patients with CHB who underwent two TE procedures with an interval of about 2 years were enrolled. Ninety-six of the 151 patients were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues [the antiviral therapy (+) group], while the remaining 55 patients were not [the antiviral therapy (-) group]. The two groups of patients were stratified according to whether they exhibited an improvement or a deterioration in LS during the study period (defined as an LS change of < or =0 or >0 kPa, respectively, over a 1-year period), and their data were compared. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the antiviral therapy (+) and (-) groups with respect to either their clinical characteristics or their initial LS. The observed LS improvement was significantly greater in the antiviral therapy (+) group than in the antiviral therapy (-) group (-3.0 vs. 0.98 kPa, P=0.011). In the antiviral therapy (+) group, the initial LS was higher in the LS improvement group (n=63) than in the LS deterioration group (n=33; 7.9 vs. 4.8 kPa, P<0.001). However, there were no differences in any other clinical characteristic. In the antiviral therapy (-) group, the initial LS was also higher in the LS improvement group (n=29) than in the LS deterioration group (n=26; 8.3 vs. 6.5 kPa, P=0.021), with no differences in any other clinical characteristic. CONCLUSIONS: A higher initial LS was the only factor associated with LS improvement in patients with CHB in this study.
Adult ; Aged ; Alanine Transaminase/blood ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; DNA, Viral/blood ; Elasticity Imaging Techniques ; Female ; Hepatitis B e Antigens/blood ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy/pathology/*ultrasonography ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Middle Aged

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome is caused most frequently by a bronchial carcinoid tumor or by small cell lung cancer. Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare etiology of ectopic ACTH syndrome. We describe a case of Cushing syndrome due to ectopic ACTH production from MTC in a 48-year-old male. He was diagnosed with MTC 14 years ago and underwent total thyroidectomy, cervical lymph node dissection and a series of metastasectomies. MTC was confirmed by the pathological examination of the thyroid and metastatic mediastinal lymph node tissues. Two years after his last surgery, he developed Cushingoid features, such as moon face and central obesity, accompanied by uncontrolled hypertension and new-onset diabetes. The laboratory results were compatible with ectopic ACTH syndrome. A bilateral adrenalectomy improved the clinical and laboratory findings that were associated with Cushing syndrome. This is the first confirmed case of ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by MTC in Korea.
ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic ; Adrenalectomy ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone* ; Carcinoid Tumor ; Cushing Syndrome ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Korea ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Metastasectomy ; Middle Aged ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy

PURPOSE: The use of graft tissue fixation using bioabsorbable interference screws (BISs) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction offers various advantages, but limited pullout strength. Therefore, additional tibial fixation is essential for aggressive rehabilitation. We hypothesized that additional graft tissue fixation using bioabsorbable suture anchors (BSA) would provide sufficient pull-out strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four fresh frozen porcine distal femur and patellar tendon preparations were used. All specimens were divided into three groups based on additional fixation methods: A, isolated BIS; B, BIS and BSA; and C, BIS and post cortical screw. Tensile testing was carried out under an axial load. Ultimate failure load and ultimate failure load after cyclic loading were recorded. RESULTS: The ultimate failure loads after load to failure testing were 166.8 N in group A, 536.4 N in group B, and 438 N in group C; meanwhile, the ultimate failure loads after load to failure testing with cyclic loading were 140 N in group A, 466.5 N in group B, and 400 N in group C. Stiffness after load to failure testing was 16.5 N/mm in group A, 33.5 N/mm in group B, and 40 N/mm in group C. An additional BSA fixation resulted in a significantly higher ultimate failure load and stiffness than isolated BIS fixation, similar to post screw fixation. CONCLUSION: Additional fixation using a BSA provided sufficient pullout strength for ACL reconstruction. The ultimate failure load of the BSA technique was similar to that of post cortical screws.
Animals ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/*methods ; Bone Screws ; *Suture Anchors ; Swine

We introduce a new arthroscopic partial meniscectomy technique using a three portals and a small skin hook retractor to remove unstable inferior leaf in horizontal meniscal tear that involved the anterior portion of the lateral meniscus. The patient is positioned for a standard knee arthroscopy. After careful estimation of the depth and extent of the cleft and stability of the superior and inferior leaves is done through the standard anteromedial portal, a small skin hook retractor is inserted through the standard anterolateral portal to raise the dominant superior leaf of anterior horn, then the unstable inferior leaf is excised with a 90degrees rotary punch and a motorized shaver through the extreme far anteromedial portal. This technique is useful method to remove unstable inferior leaf of anterior horn of lateral meniscus which is difficult to remove with a standard technique.
Animals ; Arthroscopy ; Humans ; Knee ; Menisci, Tibial ; Skin

Peritonitis is a serious problem in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Rarely pneumatosis intestinalis can occur as a complication of this infectious process. Pneumatosis intestinalis is a potential life threatening condition with a challenging management. The mortality of peritoneal dialysis patients with pneumatosis intestinalis secondary to mesenteric ischemia is almost 100%. We describe a rare case of pneumatosis intestinalis in a peritoneal dialysis patient who developed Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis which was initially treated with appropriate antibiotics. Since initial response to therapy was not achieved, an abdominal computerized tomography was done which revealed a pneumatosis intestinalis. A laparotomy was performed and small bowel necrosis was seen. A segmental resection with ileostomy, jejunostomy was done. Though surgical treatment was performed, the patient died in 2 weeks after admission. Pneumocystitis intestinalis in peritoneal dialysis peritonitis is a uncommon complication which requires prompt evaluation to rule out mesenteric ischemia as it carries a high mortality and its management will be surgical.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Humans ; Ileostomy ; Ischemia ; Jejunostomy ; Laparotomy ; Necrosis ; Peritoneal Dialysis ; Peritonitis ; Staphylococcus aureus

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

A 64-year-old man was admitted for gross hematuria. Preoperative study revealed right renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava(IVC) tumor thrombus. Right radical nephrectomy was performed, and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest(DHCA) with retrograde cerebral perfusion(RCP) was used for extraction of tumor thrombus in the IVC. The thrombus originated from the right kidney, which extended the orifice of the gonadal vein in the left renal vein laterally, the hepatic vein superiorly, and 3 cm below the right renal vein inferiorly. The thrombus was removed completely without caval wall injury under DHCA with RCP, and the postoperative course was uneventful. He received immunotherapy with interferon, and followed up without any surgical problem.
Carcinoma, Renal Cell* ; Circulatory Arrest, Deep Hypothermia Induced* ; Gonads ; Hematuria ; Hepatic Veins ; Humans ; Immunotherapy ; Interferons ; Kidney ; Middle Aged ; Nephrectomy ; Renal Veins ; Thrombosis ; Veins ; Vena Cava, Inferior

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of risperidone in the treatment of Korean schizophrenic patients. METHOD: This multicenter open label study included 116 schizophrenic patients drawn from 19 university hospitals. After a wash-out period of 1 week, the patients were treated with risperidone for 56 weeks and evaluated at 8 points:at baseline, and the 8th, 16th, 24th, 32nd, 40th, 48th, 56th weeks of treatment. The dose was started at 2mg of risperidone on day 1, and increased to 4mg on day 2, and 6mg on day 3,7 and adjusted to a maximum of 16mg/day according to the individual's clinical response. The psychiatric and neurological status of the patients was assessed by PANSS, CGI, and ESRS scales. RESULTS: Eighty-seven(75%) of 116 patients completed the 56-week trial of risperidone. Clinical improvement(as defined by a 20% of reduction in total PANSS score at end point) was shown by 92.0% of the patients. The mean dose of risperidone was 5.0mg/day in the 56 week follow-up. PANSS total scores showed significant improvements between consecutive two points at baseline, 8th, 16th, 24th, 32nd, and 48th week of treatment. CGI scores showed significant reductions between consecutive two points at baseline, 8th, 16th, 24th, and 48th week of treatment. Three PANSS factors(positive, negative, general) showed a significant improvement from the 8th week of treatment, and, after then, remained improved in the rest of the study period. ESRS showed no significant change during the 56 week trial. Laboratory parameters showed no significant changes during the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter long-term open study suggests that risperidone is a antipsychotic drug with long term efficacy and safety in the treatment of schizophrenic patients.
Follow-Up Studies* ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Risperidone* ; Schizophrenia* ; Weights and Measures