PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and clinical features of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Korea. METHODS: Web-based (www.armd-nova.or.kr) registration was conducted for AMD patients aged 50 or more who were newly diagnosed by retinal specialists in Korea from August 20, 2005 to August 20, 2006. Patient data including ophthalmologic examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiogram and/or indocyanin green angiogram (ICG), past medical history, behavioral habit, combined systemic diseases were up-loaded. RESULTS: Among finally enrolled 1,141 newly diagnosed AMD patients, 690 patients (60.5%) were male and 451 patients (39.5%) were female. The average age of AMD patients was 69.7+/-8.0. Early AMD was observed in 190 patients and 951 patients had late AMD. Classic choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) was observed in 18.6% of exudative AMD patients and 63.4 % had occult CNVM. Subfoveal CNVM was observed in 80.4% of the patients with CNVM. Among the 580 exudative AMD eyes that performed indocyanin green angiography (ICG), 184 eyes (31.7%) had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and 36 eyes (6.2%) showed retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). Age, male gender, smoking, diabetes and hypertension significantly increased the risk of the AMD among Koreans. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the low rate of participation by retinal specialists, definite incidence of AMD was not obtainable. However, the estimated 1-year AMD incidence in the Pusan area of Korea is at least 0.4%. In contrast to Western people, 31.7% of exudative AMD cases were revealed to be PCV and 6.2% were revealed to be RAP. This discrepancy between ethnic groups should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment modality selection of Korean AMD patients.
Aged ; Angiography ; Choroid ; Ethnic Groups ; Eye ; Female ; Fluorescein ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Korea ; Macular Degeneration ; Male ; Membranes ; Photography ; Retinaldehyde ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Specialization

BACKGROUND: The emergence of multi-drug resistant Gram-positive cocci, such as MRSA, VRE, and VRSA, necessitated to develop new antibiotics, which could replace the glycopeptide. As a result, a new antibiotics named linezolid was developed. Linezolid is different line of oxazolidinones with a good oral bioavailability, compared to other antibiotics. Since appropriate oral antibiotics are not presently available for MRSA, which is a major cause of nosocomial and community acquired infections, the introduction of linezolid will have favorable effect on treatment of infections such as pneumonia or skin infections. In this study, we investigated the antibiotic effect of linezolid on MRSA and VRE isolated from patients who were treated in Korea University Guro Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: By using broth microdilution and agar dilution method we measured minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with sixty S. aureus, forty three Enterococcus spp., and twenty five S. pneumoniae isolates from patients who were diagnosed as skin, soft tissue, respiratory, and urinary infections in Korea University Guro Hospital from January, 1998 to December, 2002. RESULTS: All of S. aureus used in this study were MRSA, and MIC90 of linezolid was below 2 microgram/ml (MIC ranged between 1-2 microgram/ml). All of Enterococcus spp. were VRE, and had MIC90 of 2 microgram/ml (MIC ranged between 1 to 4 microgram/ml). One of the VRE showed intermediate susceptibility with MIC of 4 microgram/ml. However, none was resistant with MIC breakpoint above 8 microgram/ml. All of S. pneumoniae were resistant to penicillin, but they were susceptible to linezolid with MIC90 of 1 microgram/ml(MIC range 0.5-1 microgram/ml). CONCLUSION: In conclusions, linezolid has an excellent in vitro antibiotic effect on multi-drug resistant Gram-positive cocci, such as MRSA, PRSP, and VRE.
Agar ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biological Availability ; Community-Acquired Infections ; Enterococcus ; Gram-Positive Cocci ; Humans ; Korea ; Linezolid ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Oxazolidinones ; Penicillins ; Pneumonia ; Skin

BACKGROUND: The emergence of multi-drug resistant Gram-positive cocci, such as MRSA, VRE, and VRSA, necessitated to develop new antibiotics, which could replace the glycopeptide. As a result, a new antibiotics named linezolid was developed. Linezolid is different line of oxazolidinones with a good oral bioavailability, compared to other antibiotics. Since appropriate oral antibiotics are not presently available for MRSA, which is a major cause of nosocomial and community acquired infections, the introduction of linezolid will have favorable effect on treatment of infections such as pneumonia or skin infections. In this study, we investigated the antibiotic effect of linezolid on MRSA and VRE isolated from patients who were treated in Korea University Guro Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: By using broth microdilution and agar dilution method we measured minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with sixty S. aureus, forty three Enterococcus spp., and twenty five S. pneumoniae isolates from patients who were diagnosed as skin, soft tissue, respiratory, and urinary infections in Korea University Guro Hospital from January, 1998 to December, 2002. RESULTS: All of S. aureus used in this study were MRSA, and MIC90 of linezolid was below 2 microgram/ml (MIC ranged between 1-2 microgram/ml). All of Enterococcus spp. were VRE, and had MIC90 of 2 microgram/ml (MIC ranged between 1 to 4 microgram/ml). One of the VRE showed intermediate susceptibility with MIC of 4 microgram/ml. However, none was resistant with MIC breakpoint above 8 microgram/ml. All of S. pneumoniae were resistant to penicillin, but they were susceptible to linezolid with MIC90 of 1 microgram/ml(MIC range 0.5-1 microgram/ml). CONCLUSION: In conclusions, linezolid has an excellent in vitro antibiotic effect on multi-drug resistant Gram-positive cocci, such as MRSA, PRSP, and VRE.
Agar ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biological Availability ; Community-Acquired Infections ; Enterococcus ; Gram-Positive Cocci ; Humans ; Korea ; Linezolid ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Oxazolidinones ; Penicillins ; Pneumonia ; Skin

We report successful application of dual tracheobronchial stent to the diffuse tracheal stenosis. An one-month-old boy was transferred to the emergency room due to tachypnea and respiratory difficulty with CO2 retention. Preoperative computed tomography revealed pulmonary artery sling with diffuse tracheal stenosis. We found that the diameter of the both main bronchus was less than 3mm and the trachea was a complete ring. We divided the left pulmonary artery and implanted it to the main pulmonary artery under cardiopulmonary bypass. After that, tracheoplasty was performed with autologous pericardium. However, after the initial measures, CO2 retention and respiratory difficulty persisted due to the granulation tissue and dynamic obstruction of the airway ensued by the overlying pericardial flap. Therefore, we decided to apply a single tracheal stent. After the insertion of tracheal stent, residual stenosis of the both main bronchus opening continued to cause respiratory difficulty. Finally we applied dual tracheobronchial stent and resolved the airway obstruction.
Airway Obstruction ; Bronchi ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Granulation Tissue ; Humans ; Male ; Pericardium ; Pulmonary Artery ; Stents* ; Tachypnea ; Trachea ; Tracheal Stenosis

Uterine myomas are the most common benign tumor of the female genital organ. Uterine artery embolization is well reported of primary treatment of uterine myoma. A 29 year-old nulliparous woman was diagnosed as uterine myoma by ultrasonogram. We embolize both uterine artery after treatment with GnRH analog and then we experience a case of improvement of menorrhagia, with reduction in uterine myoma size. So we report that case with a brief review.
Adult ; Female ; Genitalia ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; Humans ; Leiomyoma* ; Menorrhagia ; Ultrasonography ; Uterine Artery Embolization* ; Uterine Artery*

Uterine myomas are the most common benign tumor of the female genital organ. Uterine artery embolization is well reported of primary treatment of uterine myoma. A 29 year-old nulliparous woman was diagnosed as uterine myoma by ultrasonogram. We embolize both uterine artery after treatment with GnRH analog and then we experience a case of improvement of menorrhagia, with reduction in uterine myoma size. So we report that case with a brief review.
Adult ; Female ; Genitalia ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; Humans ; Leiomyoma* ; Menorrhagia ; Ultrasonography ; Uterine Artery Embolization* ; Uterine Artery*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pharyngoesophageal musculature plays an important role in swallowing, and prevents aspiration and supraesophageal reflux. These muscles are closed during the resting state and opens with swallowing to allow the passage of food. In this study, the histochemical characteristics of the upper esophageal sphincter muscles in human were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Muscle samples from the inferior pharyngeal constrictor, cricopharyngeus, upper esophageal muscle and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle were obtained from the healthy portion of nine laryngectomized specimen. We used the H&E staining for identifying the gross anatomy of these muscles, and the myofibrillar ATPase staining and the NADH-TR staining for differentiating the muscle fiber type. RESULTS: Analysis of the muscle fiber types of the upper esophageal sphincter muscle revealed a predominance of type I in the cricopharyngeus (78.9%) and the upper esophageal muscle (85.2%), and type II in the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (80%). In the SCM muscle, the percentage of each fiber type was almost the same. The proportion of oxidative fibers within these muscles correlated well to that of the type I fibers. CONCLUSION: The distribution of the type I fibers tended to be higher in the upper esophageal muscle than in the inferior pharyngeal constrictor. These findings about fiber types represents well the physiological features of each muscle, i.e. the inferior pharyngeal constrictors are capable of short rapid contraction and the upper esophageal muscles are capable of slow rhythmic movement.
Adenosine Triphosphatases ; Deglutition ; Esophageal Sphincter, Upper* ; Histocytochemistry ; Humans* ; Muscles ; Pharyngeal Muscles

Renal oncocytomas account for approximately 5% of renal parenchymal tumors. Usually it has unilateral solitary oncocytic nodule, but bilateral multifocal renal oncocytomasis is rare. The term renal oncocytoma should be used to characterize a well-differentiated renal epithelial tumor with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm that has benign behavior and favourable progress. Also, multiple oncocytoma distributed diffusely in both kidneys is termed renal oncocytomatosis Because of the benign nature, multicentricity, possible bilaterality and absence of pathognomonic radiographic features, renal oncocytomas should be considered in differential diagnosis of solid masses, especially renal cell carcinoma. We report a patient with bilaleral multifocal renal oncocytomatosis, who had progressive renal failure. Renal oncocytomatosis was diagnosed pathologically after bilateral nephrectomy.
Adenoma, Oxyphilic ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; Cytoplasm ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Kidney ; Kidney Failure, Chronic* ; Nephrectomy ; Renal Insufficiency

PURPOSE: To evaluate imaging findings and lung density changes after 95% oxygen inhalation in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 rats were divided into three groups on the basis of inhalation time: group I(n=6) inhaled 95 % oxygen for 24 hours, and group II(n=6) for 48 hours, group III(n=6) for 60 hours. A control group(n=6) inhaled room air(21% oxygen). Chest radiograph and high resolution computed tomography were performed, and pathologic and imaging findings were compared. RESULTS: Chest radiograph showed abnormality only in group III. High resolution CT, however, revealed abnormal findings in all three groups : diffuse ground glass opacity in groups I, II and III, additional focal patchy consolidation at the peripheral portion in group II, and diffuse consolidation in group III. Lung density was sig-nificantly higher in group I than in controls(p <0.05), while density in group II was not significantly different from that in group I(p >0.05). In group III, density was significantly higher than in group II. The lung density changes seen in all groups showed a bilateral diffuse increased pattern. but, in group III, changes were more severe in the central, peripheral and posterior portion of the lower lung. Ground glass opacity and focal patchy consolidaton seen on HRCT were found on pathologic examination to be due to alveolar cell hyperplasia and septal thickening. Consolidation was caused by alveolar edema and hemorrage. Pathologic lesions were randomly distributed in both lungs. CONCLUSION: One HRCT images, rat exposed to hyperoxia showed ground glass opacity, patchy consolidation and diffuse consolidation. Depending on exposure time, the pathologic findings also indicated increased lung density and a bilateral, diffuse distribution pattern, as well as alveolar cell hyperplasia and septal thickening, alveolar edema and hemorrage. HRCT may be more helpful than simple X-rays for the early detection of pulmonary oxygen toxicity.
Animals ; Edema ; Glass ; Hyperoxia ; Hyperplasia ; Inhalation ; Lung* ; Oxygen* ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Rats*

The authors reviewed medical records of 219 patients who were admitted due to the hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage(HICH) between January 1993 and December 1994. The relationship between the patient's age and sex, Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS) on the admission, location and volume of intracerebral hematoma, Graeb score, ventriculocranial ratio(VCR) and the maximum transverse diameter of fourth ventricle were analyzed. The neurological outcome for survivors was determined two years after admission. Forty normal brain scans were obtained to determine the normal range of VCR and the maximum transverse diameter of fourth ventricle. From reviewing the cases, the authors found; the most common age group of HICH was 7th and 8th decades with slight male preponderance(1:0.75); VCR of the lateral ventricle and maximum transverse diameter of the 4th ventricle were 0.16 and 1.14 cm in 40 normal brain scans, respectively; basal ganglia(42%) and thalamus(29.2%) were the most common sites of HICH hemorrhage in 219 patients followed by subcortex(13.7%), pons(7.3%) and cerebellum(4.6%); the fourth ventricular dilation(>1.35cm in diameter) and increased VCR(>0.24) were the most significant predictors for poor outcome.
Brain ; Coma ; Fourth Ventricle ; Hematoma ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intracranial Hemorrhage, Hypertensive* ; Lateral Ventricles ; Male ; Medical Records ; Reference Values ; Survivors