Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) within the scrotum is a rare malignant genitourinary tumor in adults. Due to its rarity, a consensus on a clear approach to diagnosis and treatment guidelines has not yet been reached. We present a case of a paratesticular LMS in a 64-yearold man with a painless swelling of the right scrotum. Scrotal ultrasound and pelvic MRI were performed and revealed an extratesticular mass with a heterogeneous appearance.The patient underwent a right radical orchiectomy, and the mass was confirmed to be LMS, originating from the right spermatic cord. Preoperative diagnosis of LMS is challenging since it has overlapping clinical and imaging features with other sarcomas. MRI is a valuable imaging modality for the definitive characterization of the tumor. To provide timely and appropriate treatment, the correlation of the patient’s clinical information and imaging findings is necessary.

Background: Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) is a common disorder of the lateral knee. Previous research has reported that the iliotibial band (ITB) thickness (ITBT) is correlated with ITBFS, and ITBT has been considered to be a key morphologic parameter of ITBFS. However, the thickness is different from inflammatory hypertrophy. Thus, we made the ITB cross-sectional area (ITBCSA) a new morphological parameter to assess ITBFS. Methods: Forty-three patients with ITBFS group and from 43 normal group who underwent T1W magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled. The ITBCSA was measured as the cross-sectional area of the ITB that was most hypertrophied in the magnetic resonance axial images. The ITBT was measured as the thickest site of ITB. Results: The mean ITBCSA was 25.24 ± 6.59 mm 2 in the normal group and 38.75 ± 9.11 mm 2 in the ITBFS group. The mean ITBT was 1.94 ± 0.41 mm in the normal group and 2.62 ± 0.46 mm in the ITBFS group. Patients in ITBFS group had significantly higher ITBCSA (P < 0.001) and ITBT (P < 0.001) than the normal group. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the best cut-off value of the ITBT was 2.29 mm, with 76.7% sensitivity, 79.1% specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) 0.88. The optimal cut-off score of the ITBCSA was 30.66 mm 2 , with 79.1% sensitivity, 79.1% specificity, and AUC 0.87. Conclusions ITBCSA is a new and sensitive morphological parameter for diagnosing ITBFS, and may even be more accurate than ITBT.

Background: Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) is a common disorder of the lateral knee. Previous research has reported that the iliotibial band (ITB) thickness (ITBT) is correlated with ITBFS, and ITBT has been considered to be a key morphologic parameter of ITBFS. However, the thickness is different from inflammatory hypertrophy. Thus, we made the ITB cross-sectional area (ITBCSA) a new morphological parameter to assess ITBFS. Methods: Forty-three patients with ITBFS group and from 43 normal group who underwent T1W magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled. The ITBCSA was measured as the cross-sectional area of the ITB that was most hypertrophied in the magnetic resonance axial images. The ITBT was measured as the thickest site of ITB. Results: The mean ITBCSA was 25.24 ± 6.59 mm 2 in the normal group and 38.75 ± 9.11 mm 2 in the ITBFS group. The mean ITBT was 1.94 ± 0.41 mm in the normal group and 2.62 ± 0.46 mm in the ITBFS group. Patients in ITBFS group had significantly higher ITBCSA (P < 0.001) and ITBT (P < 0.001) than the normal group. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the best cut-off value of the ITBT was 2.29 mm, with 76.7% sensitivity, 79.1% specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) 0.88. The optimal cut-off score of the ITBCSA was 30.66 mm 2 , with 79.1% sensitivity, 79.1% specificity, and AUC 0.87. Conclusions ITBCSA is a new and sensitive morphological parameter for diagnosing ITBFS, and may even be more accurate than ITBT.

Background: Thickened coracohumeral ligament (CHL) is one of the important morphological changes of frozen shoulder (FS). Previous research reported that coracohumeral ligament thickness (CHLT) is correlated with anterior glenohumeral instability, rotator interval and eventually FS. However, thickness may change depending on the cutting angle, and measurement point. To reduce measurement mistakes, we devised a new imaging criteria, called the coracohumeral ligament area (CHLA). Methods: CHL data were collected and analyzed from 52 patients with FS, and from 51 control subjects (no evidence of FS). Shoulder magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all subjects. We investigated the CHLT and CHLA at the maximal thickened view of the CHL using our picture archiving and communications system. The CHLA was measured as the whole area of the CHL including the most hypertrophied part of the MR images on the oblique sagittal plane. The CHLT was measured at the thickest point of the CHL. Results: The average CHLA was 40.88 ± 12.53 mm2 in the control group and 67.47 ± 19.88 mm2 in the FS group. The mean CHLT was 2.84 ± 0.67 mm in the control group and 4.01 ± 1.11 mm in the FS group. FS patients had significantly higher CHLA (P < 0.01) and CHLT (P < 0.01) than the control group. The receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that the most suitable cut-off score of the CHLA was 50.01 mm2, with 76.9% sensitivity, 76.5% specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87. The most suitable cut-off value of the CHLT was 3.30 mm, with 71.2% sensitivity, 70.6% specificity, and AUC of 0.81. Conclusion The significantly positive correlation between the CHLA, CHLT and FS was found. We also demonstrate that the CHLA has statistically equivalent power to CHLT. Thus, for diagnosis of FS, the treating physician can refer to CHLA as well as CHLT.

OBJECTIVECheongseoikki-tang (CIT, Korean), also called Qingshu Yiqi decoction () and Seisho-ekki-to (Japanese), is well known as an effective traditional combination of herbs for treating cardiovascular diseases. This study was to research its effects on bone marrow-derived mast cell (BMMC)-mediated allergy and inflammation mechanisms.

METHODSIn this study, the biological effect of Cheongseoikki-tang ethanol extract (CITE) was evaluated, focusing on its effects on the production of allergic mediators by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187)-stimulated BMMCs. These allergic mediators included interleukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), and β-hexosaminidase (β-hex).

RESULTSOur data revealed that CITE inhibited the production of IL-6, PGD2, LTC4, and β-hex induced by PMA plus A23187 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that CITE has the potential for use in the treatment of allergy.

Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Bone Marrow Cells ; pathology ; Calcimycin ; pharmacology ; Cell Degranulation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hypersensitivity ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Interleukin-6 ; secretion ; Leukotriene C4 ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mast Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Prostaglandin D2 ; biosynthesis ; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate ; pharmacology ; beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases ; metabolism

No abstract available.
Cor Triatriatum ; Echocardiography ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Magnetics ; Magnets

No abstract available.
Angiography ; Coronary Sinus ; Coronary Vessels

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been introduced to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy due to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. But each study reported conflicting result and treatment regimen has not been clearly established. We experienced a case of 28-year-old woman with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with severely depressed cardiac function. Its onset time was obvious within 1 month. Despite of conservative treatment of heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest was developed. We tried IVIG therapy, and her symptoms and cardiac function were improved after IVIG treatment.
Adult ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated* ; Death, Sudden, Cardiac ; Female ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous*

No abstract available.
Acellular Dermis* ; Animals ; Dogs* ; Transplants*

Foreign bodies of the upper gastrointestinal tract are usually discovered in children, persons with esophageal disease, prisoners with a purpose of secondary gain, and mentally disturbed or disabled individuals. In adults, accidentally or intentionally ingested foreign bodies such as dentures, coins, corks, toothbrush, needles, and nails are reported. To our knowledge, there has been one case of gastric bezoar caused by glue ingestion that was removed by surgical operation in Korea. However, there has been no case report of esophageal foreign body caused by glue ingestion neither in Korea nor elsewhere. We report a case of a man with a history of chronic glue inhalation, who ingested glue with suicidal intent, that was solidified from the upper esophagus to the stomach. It was successfully removed by therapeutic endoscopy.
Adhesives* ; Adult ; Bezoars ; Child ; Dentures ; Eating* ; Endoscopy ; Esophageal Diseases ; Esophagus ; Foreign Bodies* ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Intention ; Korea ; Needles ; Numismatics ; Prisoners ; Prisons ; Stomach ; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract