Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign tumor originating from the neural crest cells. It occurs most commonly in the retroperitoneum and posterior mediastinum and is often found in the neck or pelvis. It may be detected incidentally or detected by pressure effects on the adjacent structures due to its slow growth. However, some functional tumors may secrete catecholamines and present with some clinical symptoms. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We describe here a case of a retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma which was removed completely by surgery. We review the literature and discuss the clinical features of a ganglioneuroma.
Catecholamines ; Ganglioneuroma ; Mediastinum ; Neck ; Neural Crest ; Pelvis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in patients with Cushing syndrome. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In most reports, vertebral fractures in Cushing syndrome have been found to be related to osteoporosis. However, few studies have analyzed the clinical risk factors for OVFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with Cushing syndrome who visited the orthopaedic department complaining of back pain were included in this study. Standing lateral X-rays were performed to evaluate the presence of vertebral fractures, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients with Cushing syndrome with back pain, 8 (25%) were diagnosed with OVFs using morphometric criteria. The average weight and body mass index of the vertebral fracture group (VF group) were significantly higher than the values observed in the non-vertebral fracture group (non-VF group) (p=0.004, p=0.018). Lumbar BMD was significantly lower in the VF group (p=0.006). A risk factor for OVFs in Cushing syndrome was osteoporosis (odds ratio=18.56, 95% confidence interval=1.72-200.21, p=0.016) regardless of gender, obesity, menopause, or urine free cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS: OVFs in Cushing syndrome have been associated with overweight, and overweight is an indicator of compliance in the treatment of Cushing syndrome. Therefore, weight reduction and the prevention of osteoporosis should be emphasized in patients with Cushing syndrome to prevent OVFs.
Back Pain ; Body Mass Index ; Bone Density ; Compliance ; Cushing Syndrome* ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Menopause ; Obesity ; Osteoporosis ; Overweight ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Weight Loss

PURPOSE: Hip fractures in hemodialysis patients are accompanied by high rates of complications and morbidities. Previous studies have mainly reported on nonunion and avascular necrosis of femoral neck fractures in this patient group. In this study the complication and clinical results of hemodialysis patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral intramedullary nailing have been investigated through comparison with patients with normal kidney function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients were included; the hemodialysis group (n=17) and the control group with normal kidney function (n=30). The medical history and clinical findings including preoperative and postoperative blood examinations, radiological examinations and ambulatory status (measured using the Koval score). The rate of complications and morbidities were also investigated and compared. RESULTS: Preoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit was lower but a significant increase in partial thromboplastin time was observed in the hemodialysis group. The amount of bleeding/transfusions were higher and operative time was longer in the hemodialysis group. Upon radiologic examination, there was no significant difference in rate of unstable fracture and nonunion between the two groups. However the postoperative Koval score was significantly worse and the odds ratio of inability to walk after surgery was 13.5 times higher in the hemodialysis group. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in radiological results, but the risk of inability to walk after surgery was 13.5 times higher in the hemodialysis group. Hemodialysis patients have more morbidities and are hemodynamically unstable therefore require special attention. Accurate reduction and firm fixation is required and attentive postoperative rehabilitation is needed.
Femoral Neck Fractures ; Femur ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Kidney ; Necrosis ; Odds Ratio ; Operative Time ; Partial Thromboplastin Time ; Rehabilitation ; Renal Dialysis*

PURPOSE: To compare three, motion-resistant, T1-weighted MR sequences on the hepatobiliary phase for gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 79 patients underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced, 3T liver MR imaging. Fifty-nine were examined using a standard protocol, and 20 were examined using a motion-resistant protocol. During the hepatocyte-specific phase, three MR sequences were acquired: 1) gradient recalled echo (GRE) with controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA); 2) radial GRE with the interleaved angle-bisection scheme (ILAB); and 3) radial GRE with golden-angle scheme (GA). Two readers independently assessed images with motion artifacts, streaking artifacts, liver-edge sharpness, hepatic vessel clarity, lesion conspicuity, and overall image quality, using a 5-point scale. The images were assessed by measurement of liver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and tumor-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The results were compared, using repeated post-hoc, paired t-tests with Bonferroni correction and the Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: In the qualitative analysis of cooperative patients, the results for CAIPIRINHA had significantly higher ratings for streak artifacts, liver-edge sharpness, hepatic vessel clarity, and overall image quality as compared to, radial GRE, (P < 0.016). In the imaging of uncooperative patients, higher scores were recorded for ILAB and GA with respect to all of the qualitative assessments, except for streak artifact, compared with CAIPIRINHA (P < 0.016). However, no significant differences were found between ILAB and GA. For quantitative analysis in uncooperative patients, the mean liver SNR and lesion-to-liver CNR with radial GRE were significantly higher than those of CAIPIRINHA (P < 0.016). CONCLUSION: In uncooperative patients, the use of the radial GRE sequence can improve the image quality compared to GRE imaging with CAIPIRINHA, despite the data acquisition methods used. The GRE imaging with CAIPIRINHA is applicable for patients without breath-holding difficulties.
Acceleration ; Artifacts ; Humans ; Liver* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio

PURPOSE: To compare three, motion-resistant, T1-weighted MR sequences on the hepatobiliary phase for gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging of the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 79 patients underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced, 3T liver MR imaging. Fifty-nine were examined using a standard protocol, and 20 were examined using a motion-resistant protocol. During the hepatocyte-specific phase, three MR sequences were acquired: 1) gradient recalled echo (GRE) with controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA); 2) radial GRE with the interleaved angle-bisection scheme (ILAB); and 3) radial GRE with golden-angle scheme (GA). Two readers independently assessed images with motion artifacts, streaking artifacts, liver-edge sharpness, hepatic vessel clarity, lesion conspicuity, and overall image quality, using a 5-point scale. The images were assessed by measurement of liver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and tumor-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The results were compared, using repeated post-hoc, paired t-tests with Bonferroni correction and the Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: In the qualitative analysis of cooperative patients, the results for CAIPIRINHA had significantly higher ratings for streak artifacts, liver-edge sharpness, hepatic vessel clarity, and overall image quality as compared to, radial GRE, (P < 0.016). In the imaging of uncooperative patients, higher scores were recorded for ILAB and GA with respect to all of the qualitative assessments, except for streak artifact, compared with CAIPIRINHA (P < 0.016). However, no significant differences were found between ILAB and GA. For quantitative analysis in uncooperative patients, the mean liver SNR and lesion-to-liver CNR with radial GRE were significantly higher than those of CAIPIRINHA (P < 0.016). CONCLUSION: In uncooperative patients, the use of the radial GRE sequence can improve the image quality compared to GRE imaging with CAIPIRINHA, despite the data acquisition methods used. The GRE imaging with CAIPIRINHA is applicable for patients without breath-holding difficulties.
Acceleration ; Artifacts ; Humans ; Liver* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Retrospective Studies ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio

A pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus strain was isolated from a pig farm in Korea in December 2009. The strain was propagated in and isolated from both the Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line and embryonated eggs. The partial and complete sequences of the strain were identical to those of A/California/04/2009, with >99% sequence similarity in the HA, NA, M, NS, NP, PA, PB1, and PB2 genes. The isolated strain was inactivated and used to prepare a swine influenza vaccine. This trial vaccine, containing the new isolate that has high sequence similarity with the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus, resulted in seroconversion in Guinea pigs and piglets. This strain could therefore be a potential vaccine candidate for swine influenza control in commercial farms.
Agriculture ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Eggs ; Guinea Pigs ; Influenza Vaccines ; Influenza, Human* ; Kidney ; Korea* ; Orthomyxoviridae* ; Ovum ; Pandemics* ; Seroconversion ; Swine

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of T1 slope on degree of degeneration in patients with cervical disc degeneration. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The T1 slope is well known parameter that may be very useful in evaluating sagittal balance. There are no reports on the analysis of the relationship between T1 slope and cervical disc degeneration. We hypothesized that T1 slope has an effect on the degree of cervical degeneration. METHODS: Sixty patients who had cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in our orthopedic clinic were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to T1 slope. Radiologic parameters obtained from radiography and cervical spine MRI were compared between low T1 slope group (< or =25) and high T1 slope group (>25). RESULTS: Among low T1 slope group, average degeneration grade of each cervical segment was 2.65 in C2-3, 2.50 in C3-4, 2.62 in C4-5, 3.23 in C5-6, and 2.81 in C6-7. And that of high T1 group was 2.35 in C2-3, 2.32 in C3-4, 2.59 in C4-5, 2.79 in C5-6, and 2.32 in C6-7. Grade of degeneration of low T1 group was significantly higher, as compared with high T1 group in C5-6 (p=0.028) and C6-7 (p=0.009). Percentage of high grade degeneration of more than grand III was 65.4% in low T1 group and 32.4% in high T1 group (p=0.018). Risk of high grade degeneration of C6-7 was significantly higher in low T1 group (odds ratio, 5.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.665-19.057; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low T1 slope had higher grade of degeneration regardless of age and gender. Low T1 slope is a potential risk factor of cervical spondylosis especially in the C6-7 cervical segment.
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Orthopedics ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Spine ; Spondylosis

A girl (age, 12 years 11 months) consulted the pediatric endocrinology clinic because of a rapidly growing right breast mass over 13 cm observed during the preceding 3 months. A surgical excision was performed, and the mass was diagnosed as a giant juvenile fibroadenoma. Giant juvenile fibroadenomas are rare, usually occurring between 10 and 18 years of age, and characterized by massive and rapid enlargement of an encapsulated mass. The etiology is believed to be an end-organ hypersensitivity to normal levels of estrogen. We report a case of giant juvenile fibroadenoma and present a review of the diagnostic workup and management of a large breast tumor during adolescence.
Adolescent ; Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Endocrinology ; Estrogens ; Female ; Fibroadenoma* ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity

PURPOSE: To construct new Korean reference curves for birth weight by sex and gestational age using contemporary Korean birth weight data and to compare them with the Lubchenco and the 2010 United States (US) intrauterine growth curves. METHODS: Data of 2,336,727 newborns by the Korean Statistical Information Service (2008-2012) were used. Smoothed percentile curves were created by the Lambda Mu Sigma method using subsample of singleton. The new Korean reference curves were compared with the Lubchenco and the 2010 US intrauterine growth curves. RESULTS: Reference of the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentiles birth weight by gestational age were made using 2,249,804 (male, 1,159,070) singleton newborns with gestational age 23-43 weeks. Separate birth weight curves were constructed for male and female. The Korean reference curves are similar to the 2010 US intrauterine growth curves. However, the cutoff values for small for gestational age (<10th percentile) of the new Korean curves differed from those of the Lubchenco curves for each gestational age. The Lubchenco curves underestimated the percentage of infants who were born small for gestational age. CONCLUSION: The new Korean reference curves for birth weight show a different pattern from the Lubchenco curves, which were made from white neonates more than 60 years ago. Further research on short-term and long-term health outcomes of small for gestational age babies based on the new Korean reference data is needed.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Birth Weight* ; Female ; Gestational Age* ; Growth Charts ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Information Services* ; Male ; United States

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to estimate the trend in age at menarche in the Korean female and evaluate the relationship between age at menarche and adult body mass index (BMI), which is a indicator of later-life health. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample (self-reported age at menarche and measured height and weight) of 11,065 females aged 15 and older. Data were obtained from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV, 2007-2009). RESULTS: We found a statistically significant decline in age at menarche in successive birth groups, indicating a 0.726 year decrease per decade. The age at menarche in 1990-1994 year birth group was 12.60 years, which showed a significant decreased from 3.11 years in the 1980-1984 birth group. We also found a significant negative association between age at menarche and current BMI. A one-year decrease in age at menarche was associated with mean BMI increase of 0.109 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.069 to 0.150) after adjustment for age. In multivariate logistic regression, the odds ratios of obesity in females with early menarche (<12 years) was 1.845 fold (95% CI, 1.441 to 2.361). CONCLUSION: We found that age at menarche is still falling in the Korean female. We also found that early menarche is a risk factor for obesity in adults.
Adult ; Aged ; Body Mass Index ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Menarche ; Nutrition Surveys ; Obesity ; Odds Ratio ; Parturition ; Risk Factors