BACKGROUND: To present our experience on orbital and periorbital tissue changes after proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) in patients with intraocular tumors, apart from treatment outcomes and disease control. METHODS: Medical records of 6 patients with intraocular tumors who had been treated with PBRT and referred to oculoplasty clinics of two medical centers (Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center) from October 2007 to September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The types of adverse effects associated with PBRT, their management, and progression were analyzed. In anophthalmic patients who eventually underwent enucleation after PBRT due to disease progression, orbital volume (OV) was assessed from magnetic resonance (MR) images using the Pinnacle3 program. RESULTS: Among the six patients with PBRT history, three had uveal melanoma, and three children had retinoblastoma. Two eyes were treated with PBRT only, while the other four eyes ultimately underwent enucleation. Two eyes with PBRT only suffered from radiation dermatitis and intractable epiphora due to canaliculitis or punctal obstruction. All four anophthalmic patients showed severe enophthalmic features with periorbital hollowness. OV analysis showed that the difference between both orbits was less than 0.1 cm before enucleation, but increased to more than 2 cm3 after enucleation. CONCLUSION: PBRT for intraocular tumors can induce various orbital and periorbital tissue changes. More specifically, when enucleation is performed after PBRT due to disease progression, significant enophthalmos and OV decrease can develop and can cause poor facial cosmesis as treatment sequelae.
Canaliculitis ; Child ; Dermatitis ; Disease Progression ; Enophthalmos ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases ; Medical Records ; Melanoma ; Orbit ; Protons* ; Retinoblastoma ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul

The Second Meeting of the National Control Laboratories for Vaccines and Biologicals in the Western Pacific, was jointly organized by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the Republic of Korea, and by the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific. In the National Lot Release Systems session countries including Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Republic of Korea, all shared information on their current Lot Release Systems, including current practices and developments in risk-based official lot release of vaccines. In the session on Quality Control of Blood Products, experts from the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control shared quality control and research results for; blood coagulation factor VIII products, and the measurement of procoagulant activity in immunoglobulin products. Representatives from Japan proposed a regional collaborative study to test aggregated immunoglobulin free from complement activity. A cell-based Japanese encephalitis vaccine potency assay was proposed by representatives from Korea and they also called for voluntary participation of other National Control Laboratories in a collaborative study, on the first Korean Gloydius anti-venom standard. Participants agreed in general to continue communicating, and coordinate presentation of the study results.
Blood Coagulation Factors ; Canada ; China ; Complement System Proteins ; Encephalitis, Japanese ; Factor VIII ; Immunoglobulins ; Japan ; Korea ; Malaysia ; Quality Control ; Republic of Korea ; Vaccine Potency ; Vaccines* ; Vietnam ; World Health Organization

Synthetic cannabinoids are one of most abused new psychoactive substances. The recreational use of abused drug has aroused serious concerns about the consequences of these drugs on infection. However, the effects of synthetic cannabinoid on resistance to tetanus toxin are not fully understood yet. In the present study, we aimed to determine if the administration of synthetic cannabinoids increase the susceptibility to tetanus toxin-induced motor behavioral deficit and functional changes in cerebellar neurons in mice. Furthermore, we measured T lymphocytes marker levels, such as CD8 and CD4 which against tetanus toxin. JWH-210 administration decreased expression levels of T cell activators including cluster of differentiation (CD) 3ε, CD3γ, CD74p31, and CD74p41. In addition, we demonstrated that JWH-210 induced motor impairment and decrement of vesicle-associated membrane proteins 2 levels in the cerebellum of mice treated with tetanus toxin. Furthermore, cerebellar glutamatergic neuronal homeostasis was hampered by JWH-210 administration, as evidenced by increased glutamate concentration levels in the cerebellum. These results suggest that JWH-210 may increase the vulnerability to tetanus toxin via the regulation of immune function.
Animals ; Cannabinoids ; Cerebellar Diseases* ; Cerebellum ; Glutamic Acid ; Homeostasis ; Immunosuppression* ; Mice* ; Neurons ; R-SNARE Proteins ; T-Lymphocytes ; Tetanus ; Tetanus Toxin

PURPOSE: The incidence and clinical correlation of MALT1 translocation and chromosomal numerical aberrations in Korean patients with ocular adnexal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma have not yet been reported. We investigated the incidence and clinicopathologic relationship of these chromosomal aberrations in ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas in a Korean population. METHODS: Thirty ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas were investigated for the t(11;18) API2-MALT1, t(14;18) IgH-MALT1 translocations and chromosomes 3 and 18 aneuploidies using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Patient medical records were reviewed retrospectively for information on demographics and clinical characteristics, including treatment response. RESULTS: The MALT1 gene rearrangement was found in one out of 30 cases. The t(14;18) IgH-MALT1 translocation was demonstrated in only one case (3.3%), and the t(11;18) API2-MALT1 translocation was not found in any of the cases. Trisomy 3 was observed in three ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas (10.0%), and five cases showed trisomy 18 (16.7%). Translocation positive cases also showed trisomy 18. One case of tumor relapse showed trisomy 18 only in the recurrent biopsies. There were no statistically significant correlations between chromosomal aberrations and clinical characteristics and treatment responses. CONCLUSIONS: Translocations involving the MALT1 gene are not common in Korean ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas. The t(14;18) translocation was detected in only one out of 30 cases, and the t(11;18) translocation was not found at all. Furthermore, the chromosomal aberrations found in this study had no prognostic implications.
Adult ; Aged ; *Chromosome Aberrations ; *Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18/*genetics ; Eye Neoplasms/diagnosis/epidemiology/*genetics ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Incidence ; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone/diagnosis/epidemiology/*genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Translocation, Genetic ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical results of lower eyelid retraction using autologous ear cartilage graft. METHODS: Fifty patients (54 eyes) who received surgical correction of lower eyelid retraction by lower eyelid retractors and conjunctiva recession from the tarsal plate with autologous ear cartilage grafts from March 2002 to July 2010 were evaluated. Medical records were reviewed and clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The use of prosthesis due to anophthalmos or microphthalmos (22 eyes) was the most common cause of lower eyelid retraction. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 16.6 months (1-98 months). Lower eyelid retraction was successfully corrected in 52 of 54 eyes. Postoperatively, 2 cases of corneal erosions, 1 case of conjunctival erosion, and 2 pyogenic granulomas developed. Corneal and conjunctival erosions resolved with conservative management and granulation tissues were removed by excision. CONCLUSIONS: Correction of lower eyelid retraction using autologous ear cartilage graft is an excellent surgical procedure with low complication rates for eyelid retraction of various etiologies.
Anophthalmos ; Conjunctiva ; Ear ; Ear Cartilage ; Eye ; Eyelids ; Follow-Up Studies ; Granulation Tissue ; Granuloma, Pyogenic ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Microphthalmos ; Postoperative Complications ; Prostheses and Implants ; Transplants

PURPOSE: To report a case of periorbital infantile capillary hemangioma treated with propranolol. CASE SUMMARY: A 6-month-old girl visited our clinic for a mass on the right upper eyelid, which had been present since birth. A dome-shaped, red-purple colored mass occupying almost the entire right upper eyelid was observed, and overlying branch-shaped telangiectases were also detected. The visual axis of the right eye was partially obscured, due to the ptotic eyelid, and her ability to fix and follow was poor in the right eye. The patient was diagnosed with infantile capillary hemagioma. Because amblyopia in her right eye was suspected, treatment with propranolol was initiated. After 2.5 months of propranolol treatment, the hemangioma decreased in size and volume dramatically, changed from red-purple to light red color, and softened. The ptosis of the right upper eyelid improved, as well as the ability of the right eye to fix and follow. No significant adverse effects (e.g. hypotension, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, bronchospasm, or elevated liver enzymes) were observed, except transient QTc prolongation during cotreatment with ibuprofen, due to an upper respiratory infection. CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol should be considered as a treatment option for periorbital infantile capillary hemangioma. Further clinical studies are required to establish the optimal guidelines and long-term outcome.
Amblyopia ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Bradycardia ; Bronchial Spasm ; Capillaries ; Eye ; Eyelids ; Hemangioma ; Hemangioma, Capillary ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; Hypotension ; Ibuprofen ; Infant ; Light ; Liver ; Parturition ; Propranolol ; Telangiectasis

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of medulloepithelioma originating from the retina. CASE SUMMARY: A nine-year-old boy visited our clinic with conjunctival injection and decreased visual acuity in the left eye, which had developed two month previously. Slit lamp examination revealed a distorted pupil and an anteriorly protruding ciliary body displacing the peripheral iris toward the cornea on the inferonasal side. Funduscopic examination showed total retinal detachment accompanied by an inferior hypervascular mass. The examination of the right eye was unremarkable. On computer tomography imaging, a calcified mass was identified behind the iris of the left globe in the inferomedial aspect, and ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a medium to high echogenic tumor with an uneven oval cystic cavity in the ciliary body. At the follow-up examination, the size of the mass was increased, so we performed enucleation of the left eye. Pathology demonstrated that the retrolental mass abutting the lens had arisen from the retina. Histological examination revealed that the tumor had originated from the retina and extended into the ciliary body, and most of the tumor was composed of hyaline cartilage with calicification. Tumor cells were identified in the periphery, forming elongated tubules and cord-like structures that were immunohistochemically positive for vimentin, neuron-specific enolase, and CD56 compatible with a teratoid medulloepithelioma. The patient was followed up for eight months without any metastasis in the orbit or elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS: Medulloepithelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric orbital mass accompanied by calcification.
Ciliary Body ; Cornea ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Eye ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hyaline Cartilage ; Iris ; Microscopy, Acoustic ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive ; Orbit ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; Pupil ; Retina ; Retinal Detachment ; Vimentin ; Visual Acuity

PURPOSE: To compare electroretinogram (ERG) waveforms acquired using an ERG-jet electrode and a Burian-Allen electrode. METHODS: ERGs were recorded with an ERG-jet electrode and a Burian-Allen electrode from both eyes of 29 volunteers. Three consecutive recordings were obtained with both electrodes from the left eye of another 6 volunteers. Peak-to-trough amplitudes and peak implicit times were compared between both eyes, and between the 2 types of electrodes. Interpersonal and intrapersonal variation were also compared. RESULTS: The differences in amplitude and implicit time between the right and left eyes were not influenced by the type of electrode. The amplitude of the ERG acquired using the Burian-Allen electrode, however, showed significant differences between both eyes, contrary to the amplitude acquired using the ERG-jet electrode. ERG recordings obtained using the ERG-jet electrode generally showed higher amplitude, shorter implicit time, and less interpersonal and intrapersonal variation than ERG recordings obtained using the Burian-Allen electrode. CONCLUSIONS: In this application, the ERG-jet ERG electrode appeared to be superior to the Burian-Allen electrode in terms of both usefulness and consistency.
Electrodes ; Eye

Occult bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract is a major cause of iron deficiency anemia. Even with endoscopic evaluation of the upper and the lower gastrointestinal tract in these patients, in 30~50% of the cases, the cause of bleeding still remains undiscovered. Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a novel method of evaluating the small bowel mucosa by using a small capsule equipped with a camera and transmission device. Complications of WCE include impaction within the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes requiring surgical removal. The authors report a case of capsule impaction in the small bowel in a patient evaluated for anemia due to occult gastrointestinal tract bleeding. The patient is a 19 year-old female with a history of anemia since age 4. The stool guaiac test was positive, but upper and lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy showed no abnormalities, so WCE was done. A short segment of circular ulcers with lumen narrowing were seen in the distal jejunum. Seven days after ingestion of the capsule, the patient denied passage of the capsule. Small bowel enteroclysis was performed, and the capsule was seen along with a segment of lumen narrowing distal to the site of retention. Surgery was done, and upon laparoscopic examination, the entire bowel appeared normal. Retrieval of the capsule was done along with a resection of an 8 cm segment of the small bowel. Three linear ulcers were seen in the resected bowel specimen. Pathology revealed no evidence of Crohn's disease or tuberculosis. The patient is still on iron supplements, but her hemoglobin level remains stable at 11~12 g/dl.
Anemia ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Capsule Endoscopy* ; Crohn Disease ; Eating ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Guaiac ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Iron ; Jejunum ; Lower Gastrointestinal Tract ; Mucous Membrane ; Pathology ; Tuberculosis ; Ulcer ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: Preoperative concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) therapy may allow higher rates of tumor resectability and sphincter-saving procedures. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has become increasingly common in the management of selected patients with early rectal cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of selected patients with distal rectal cancer treated with TEM after CCRT. METHODS: Between June 2000 and August 2004, 7 patients with clinically T2 or T3 rectal cancer underwent TEM after CCRT. Pretreatment and preoperative clinical stages were estimated by using endorectal ultrasound or computed tomography and digital rectal exam. CCRT was performed with radiation therapy of 4,500 cGy/25 fractions over 5 weeks with 5-FU based chemosensitization. TEM was performed 4~7 weeks following the completion of therapy. RESULTS: The mean age was 54.9 (35~70) years and the median follow-up period was 23.0 (5~57) months. The lesions were located between 2 to 6 cm above the anal verge (median 3.0 cm). Pre- treatment T staging was estimated as T3 in 1 case and T2 in 6 cases, and post-treatment T staging was estimated as complete remission (CR) in 2 cases, T1 in 3 cases, and T2 in 2 patients. Pathologic evaluation revealed tumor downstaging in 6 patients, including 3 patients (42.9%) with CR. In all cases, there was no tumor on the resection margin. There have been no recurrences during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: TEM after CCRT therapy appears to be an effective alternative treatment to radical resection for highly selected patients with T2 and T3 distal rectal cancer.
Fluorouracil ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Microsurgery* ; Rectal Neoplasms* ; Recurrence ; Ultrasonography