Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections mainly involve respiratory tract; however, also can manifestate other symptoms by site involved. Extrapulmonary manifestations of M. pneumoniae infection are rarely known to occur without pneumonia. Herein we report a case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with acute cholestatic hepatitis in the absence of pneumonia. Rhabdomyolysis, skin rash, and initial laboratory results suspicious of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy were also observed in this patient. M. pneumoniae infection was identified by a 4-fold increase in immunoglobulin G antibodies to M. pneumoniae between acute and convalescent sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This is the first pediatric case in Korea of M. pneumoniae infection presenting with acute cholestatic hepatitis in the absence of pneumonia.
Antibodies ; Child ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Exanthema ; Hepatitis* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Korea ; Male ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae* ; Mycoplasma* ; Pneumonia* ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma* ; Respiratory System ; Rhabdomyolysis

Thymic adenocarcinoma is extremely rare. Although its histologic features have been occasionally reported, a lack of description of the cytologic features has hampered the prompt and accurate diagnosis of this condition. Herein, we describe the cytologic findings and histology of four aspiration cytology specimens of thymic adenocarcinoma. The specimens were obtained from primary tumors, metastatic lymph nodes, and pericardial effusions. All four specimens showed three-dimensional glandular clusters with a loss of polarity and nuclear overlapping. One specimen had extensive extracellular mucinous material. Three specimens contained tumor cells with intracytoplasmic vacuoles. While the specimen with extracellular mucin showed relatively mild cytologic atypia, other specimens exhibited more atypical cytologic changes: irregular nuclear membranes, a coarse chromatin pattern, and prominent nucleoli. The cytologic features were correlated with the histologic features in each case of enteric type thymic adenocarcinoma. The differential diagnosis included other thymic carcinomas, yolk sac tumors, and metastatic adenocarcinoma from the lung or colorectum.
Adenocarcinoma* ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle* ; Chromatin ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Endodermal Sinus Tumor ; Lung ; Lymph Nodes ; Mediastinum ; Mucins ; Nuclear Envelope ; Pericardial Effusion ; Thymoma ; Thymus Gland ; Vacuoles

A 50-year-old male visited the outpatient clinic and complained of fever, poor oral intake, and weight loss. A chest X-ray demonstrated streaky and fibrotic lesions in both lungs, and chest CT revealed multifocal peribronchial patchy ground-glass opacities with septated cystic lesions in both lungs. Cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed lymphocyte-dominant leukocytosis, and further analysis of lymphocyte subsets showed a predominance of cytotoxic T cells and few T helper cells. Video-assisted wedge resection of the left upper lobe was performed, and the histologic examination was indicative of a Pneumocystis jirovecii infection. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) was orally administered for 3 weeks; however, the patient complained of cough, and the pneumonia was aggravated in the follow-up chest X-ray and chest CT. Molecular studies demonstrated mutations at codons 55 and 57 of the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene, which is associated with the resistance to TMP-SMX. Clindamycin-primaquine was subsequently administered for 3 weeks replacing the TMP-SMX. A follow-up chest X-ray showed that the pneumonia was resolving, and the cough was also alleviated. A positive result of HIV immunoassay and elevated titer of HCV RNA indicated HIV infection as an underlying condition. This case highlights the importance of careful monitoring of patients with P. jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) during the course of treatment, and the molecular study of DHPS mutations. Additionally, altering the anti-PCP drug utilized as treatment must be considered when infection with drug-resistant P. jirovecii is suspected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of TMP-SMX-resistant PCP described in Korea.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/*administration & dosage ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Humans ; Lung/microbiology/radiography ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumocystis jirovecii/*drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; Pneumonia/*drug therapy/immunology/microbiology/radiography ; Sulfamethoxazole/*administration & dosage ; Trimethoprim/*administration & dosage

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of virtual non-contrast (VNC) images reconstructed from contrast-enhanced, dual-energy scans compared with true non-contrast (TNC) images in the assessment of high CT attenuation or calcification of mediastinal lymph nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 112 mediastinal nodes from 45 patients who underwent non-contrast and dual-energy contrast-enhanced scans were analyzed. Node attenuation in TNC and VNC images was compared both objectively, using computed tomography (CT) attenuation, and subjectively, via visual scoring (0, attenuation < or = the aorta; 1, > the aorta; 2, calcification). The relationship among attenuation difference between TNC and VNC images, CT attenuation in TNC images, and net contrast enhancement (NCE) was analyzed. RESULTS: CT attenuation in TNC and VNC images showed moderate agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.612). The mean absolute difference was 7.8 +/- 7.6 Hounsfield unit (HU) (range, 0-36 HU), and the absolute difference was equal to or less than 10 HU in 65.2% of cases (73/112). Visual scores in TNC and VNC images showed fair agreement (kappa value, 0.335). Five of 16 nodes (31.3%) which showed score 1 (n = 15) or 2 (n = 1) in TNC images demonstrated score 1 in VNC images. The TNC-VNC attenuation difference showed a moderate positive correlation with CT attenuation in TNC images (partial correlation coefficient [PCC] adjusted by NCE: 0.455) and a weak negative correlation with NCE (PCC adjusted by CT attenuation in TNC: -0.245). CONCLUSION: VNC images may be useful in the evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes by providing additional information of high CT attenuation of nodes, although it is underestimated compared with TNC images.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Calcinosis/*radiography ; Contrast Media/diagnostic use ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Lymph Nodes/*radiography ; Male ; Mediastinum/*radiography ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods

Angiofibromas commonly arise in the nasopharynx in adolescent male patients. The individual's history and clinical findings can make primarily the preliminary diagnosis of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. Primary extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas are very rare, and clinical characteristics do not confirm to that of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. Therefore, they can present diagnostic challenges. We present a case of extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma arsing from the ethmoid sinus of a 72-year-old man who had been followed up for recurrent epistaxis and nasal stuffiness.The tumor was successfully removed by endoscopic resection and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis. In a 3 year follow up, the patient is free from relapse.
Adolescent ; Aged* ; Angiofibroma* ; Diagnosis ; Epistaxis ; Ethmoid Sinus* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Nasopharynx ; Recurrence

BACKGROUND: The ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is a new laryngeal mask device with a larger cuff and a drainage tube. This study was designed to assess the usefulness and the safety of the PLMA in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to two groups; an endotracheal tube (ETT) group or a PLMA group. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous fentanyl and propofol and maintained with TCI-propofol. Blood pressure, heart rate, peak inspiratory pressure, peripheral O2 saturation (SpO2), end-tidal CO2 tension (PETCO2) and PaCO2 was measured during the operation. The incidence of gastric content regurgitation and gross pulmonary aspiration were evaluated. Postoperatively, SpO2, the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, nausea and vomiting (PONV), and sore throat were evaluated at 30 minutes intervals in post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) and at night. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in intraoperative PIP, SpO2, PETCO2, postoperative SpO2, VAS scores, PONV, and sore throat between the two groups. Gross pulmonary aspiration was not found in either group, but minimal gastric regurgitation occurred in 2 cases of the ETT group and 1 case of the PLMA group. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there were no differences in patient safety and adequate ventilation for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy between the ETT group and PLMA group. Moreover, there were no increases in blood pressure and heart rate in PLMA group during insertion/intubation.
Anesthesia ; Blood Pressure ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic* ; Drainage ; Fentanyl ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Incidence ; Laryngeal Masks* ; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux ; Nausea ; Patient Safety ; Pharyngitis ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ; Propofol ; Ventilation ; Vomiting

Primary lung cancer can metastasize by a direct local extension, hematogenous dessemination, and lymphatic spread. However, it less commonly metastasizes via a transbronchial invasion. A pproximately half of all patients with lung cancer have metastases at the initial presentation. Autopsy data showed that there are an average of 4.8 metastatic sites. The most common sites for metastases include the lymph nodes, liver, adrenal gland, bone, and brain. However, clinically significant metastases isolated in the small bowel seldom occur. Here we report a case of lung cancer with a small bowel metastasis.
Adrenal Glands ; Autopsy ; Brain ; Humans ; Liver ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lung* ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis*

BACKGROUND: Self-assessed health is a crude and simple measure which was used as a summary of an individual's general state of health. In this study, we examined the relationship between comprehensive variables and self-assessed health and identified the major determinants of self-assessed health among community dwelling elderly. METHODS: We performed a study on variables using comprehensive geriatric assessment in 308 elderly people who visited the department of family medicine or the department physical medicine and rehabilitation of 11 university hospitals or general hospitals in Korea from July 1, 1999 through October 31, 1999. The association of self-assessed health and variables was examined by X2-test and multiple linear regression analysis. For dependent variable a question "How would you describe your health now?" was used and the subjects responded from these categories: very good, good, fair, poor, and very poor. The independent variables were sociodemographic characters, health behavior, diseases, physical and social function, family and social support. RESULTS: In the X2-test, self-assessed health was significantly associated with income, exercise, nutrition, number of disease, cardiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, fall, ADLs, IADLs, depression and social support. In the multiple linear regression analysis, majority of the explained variance in self-assessed health was nutrition, cardiac disease and depression. CONCLUSION: Self-assessed health among older adults was influenced by various factors. Based on the results, multidimensional approach needs to be developed to improve health.
Activities of Daily Living ; Adult* ; Aged* ; Depression ; Geriatric Assessment ; Health Behavior ; Heart Diseases ; Hospitals, General ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Korea ; Linear Models ; Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive geriatric assessment is identified as a dynamic process responsive to the changes on health status that occurs over time in the context of extremely increasing trend in the numbers of the elderly people, their office visit, and the medical cost universally. We completed the comprehensive geriatric assessment and applied it to the Korean elderly through the multi-center trials. METHODS: We performed studies variables using questionnaires, with interviewing, physical examination to the number of total 312 elderly people who visited the department of family medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation of the 11 university hospital or general hospital in Korea from July 1, 1999 through October 31, 1999. We, the geriatrician, met and discussed 3 times to complete the comprehensive geriatric assessment through the consensus panel. RESULTS: We found the sex ratio of 312 subjects was 1 to 2 (104 males and 208 females) and the average age was 73.2 years old. The orders of more frequency of self-reported health status of the respondents were hypertension, arthritis, cataract, gastrointestinal disturbance, diabetes mellitus, urinary/fecal incontinence, depression, cerebrovascular accident, anemia, and heart disease. Nearly 15% of those showed depression, 41.6% of those were in the status of socially isolation. We found 43.1% of those showed hypertension, 3.7% isolated systolic hypertension, and 20.2% orthostatic hypotension. Of those, cognitive impairment were measured in 37.1%, gait disturbance 13.0%, and the risk of malnutrition 39.6%. Geriatrician spent 21.1 minutes per person during the process of comprehensive geriatric assessment. CONCLUSION: We realized we could diagnose and intervene effectively certain hidden conditions/diseases, particularly urinary incontinence, falls, visual impairment, hearing impairment, pain, depression, social isolation, cognitive impairment, and orthostatic hypotension, with using the comprehensive geriatric assessment. These results reflected the fact that the comprehensive geriatric assessment might be necessary for the care of the elderly.
Aged* ; Anemia ; Arthritis ; Cataract ; Consensus ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Depression ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Gait ; Geriatric Assessment* ; Hearing Loss ; Heart Diseases ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypotension, Orthostatic ; Korea ; Male ; Malnutrition ; Office Visits ; Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine ; Physical Examination ; Sex Ratio ; Social Isolation ; Stroke ; Urinary Incontinence ; Vision Disorders

Primary testicular carcinoid tumor, occupying 0.23% of testicular neoplasm, is a rare and indolent neoplasm with the potential for distant metastasis. We present two cases of primary pure carcinoid tumor of the testis. Both patients were 36 years old. Physical examination revealed testicular mass with and without tenderness. The preoperative serum levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein were normal and neither patient had carcinoid syndrome. The tumors measured 7.5x6x4 cm and 5.5x5x4 cm in size. Histologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally, the tumors showed typical features of the carcinoid tumor. Case 1 showed extensive tumor necrosis and vascular invasion. DNA flow cytometric analysis showed aneuploidy with DNA index of 1.47 and S+G2M of 14.0% in case 1 and tetraploidy with DNA index of 1.96 and S+G2M of 22.1% in case 2. Both patients have been well without any signs of metastasis after operation for 24 months in case 1 and for 16 months in case 2.
Adult ; Carcinoid Tumor/pathology ; Carcinoid Tumor/metabolism ; Carcinoid Tumor/genetics* ; Case Report ; DNA, Neoplasm/analysis* ; Flow Cytometry/methods* ; Human ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Testicular Neoplasms/pathology ; Testicular Neoplasms/metabolism ; Testicular Neoplasms/genetics*