Objective: Dysphagia is a common clinical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. It is sub-classified into oropharyngeal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the mouth and pharynx, and esophageal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the esophageal body and esophagogastric junction. Dysphagia can have a significant negative impact one’s physical health and quality of life as its severity increases. Therefore, proper assessment and management of dysphagia are critical for improving swallowing function and preventing complications. Thus a guideline was developed to provide evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management in patients with dysphagia. Methods: Nineteen key questions on dysphagia were developed. These questions dealt with various aspects of problems related to dysphagia, including assessment, management, and complications. A literature search for relevant articles was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and one domestic database of KoreaMed, until April 2021. The level of evidence and recommendation grade were established according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Results: Early screening and assessment of videofluoroscopic swallowing were recommended for assessing the presence of dysphagia. Therapeutic methods, such as tongue and pharyngeal muscle strengthening exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation with swallowing therapy, were effective in improving swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Nutritional intervention and an oral care program were also recommended. Conclusion This guideline presents recommendations for the assessment and management of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, including rehabilitative strategies.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) via transradial access (TRA) compared with transfemoral access (TFA). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 53 consecutive men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who underwent PAE between September 2018 and September 2021. Thirty-one patients (mean age ± standard deviation:70.6 ± 8.4 years) were treated with TFA, including 14 patients treated before adopting TRA. Since December 2019, TRA has also been attempted with the procedure’s selection criteria of patent carpal circulation and a height ≤ 172 cm, with 22 patients treated via TRA (69.1 ± 9.6 years). Parameters of technical success (defined as successful bilateral embolization), clinical success (defined as LUTS improvement), procedural time, radiation dose, and adverse events were compared between the two groups using the Fisher’s exact test, independent sample t test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, or Mann-Whitney test. Results: All patients received at least one-side PAE. Technical success of PAE was achieved in most patients (TRA, 21/22; TFA, 30/31; p > 0.999). No technical problem-related conversion from TRA to TFA occurred. The clinical success rate was 85% (11/13) in patients with TRA, and 89% (16/18) in patients with TFA for follow-up > 2 weeks post-PAE (median, 3 months) (p > 0.999). The median procedure time was similar in both groups (TRA, 81 minutes vs. TFA, 94 minutes; p = 0.570). No significant dose differences were found between the TRA and TFA groups in the dose-area product (median Gycm2 , 95 [range, 44–255] for TRA and 84 [34–255] for TFA; p = 0.678) or cumulative air kerma (median mGy, 609 [236–1584] for TRA and 634 [217–1594] for TFA; p = 0.551). No major adverse events occurred in either of the groups. Conclusion PAE via TRA is a safe and feasible method comparable to conventional TFA. It can be safely implemented by selecting patients with patent carpal circulation and adequate height.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction involving various internal organs. Flare-ups after recovery from the initial presentation of DRESS are caused by relapse of drug-induced T-cell-mediated reactions. However, the specific underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we report a case of a 60-year-old man with allopurinol-induced DRESS who suffered recurrent episodes of generalized rash with eosinophilia, which mimicked immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Analysis of immunological profiles revealed that the percentages of T lymphocytes and regulatory T cells in the patient with DRESS were higher than those in healthy controls. In addition, there was a notable change in the subtype of monocytes in the patient with DRESS; the percentage of nonclassical monocytes increased, whereas that of classical monocytes decreased. Upon viral infection, nonclassical monocytes exhibited strong pro-inflammatory properties that skewed the immune response toward a Th2 profile, which was associated with persistent flare-ups of DRESS. Taken together, the results increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of DRESS as they suggest that expansion of nonclassical monocytes and Th2 cells drives disease pathogenesis.
Allopurinol ; Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome ; Eosinophilia ; Exanthema ; Herpesviridae ; Humans ; Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome ; Middle Aged ; Monocytes ; Recurrence ; T-Lymphocytes ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; Th2 Cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is valuable to evaluate the innervation status of the laryngeal muscles and the prognosis of vocal fold paralysis (VFP). However, there is a lack of agreement on quantitative interpretation of LEMG. The aim of this study is to measure the motor unit action potentials (MUAP) quantitatively in order to find cut-off values of amplitude, duration, phase for unilateral vocal fold paralysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Retrospective chart review was performed for the unilateral VFP patients who underwent LEMG from March 2016 to May 2018. Patient's demography, cause of VFP, vocal cord mobility, and LEMG finding were analyzed. The difference between normal and paralyzed vocal folds and cut-off values of duration, amplitude, and phase in MUAP were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were enrolled in this study. Paralyzed vocal fold had significantly longer duration (p=0.021), lower amplitude (p=0.000), and smaller phase (p=0.012) than the normal. The cut-off values of duration, amplitude, and phase in MUAP for unilateral VFP were 5.15 ms, 68.35 µV, and 1.85 respectively. CONCLUSION: An analysis of MUAP successfully provided quantitative differences between normal and paralyzed vocal folds. But, additional research is needed to get more available cut-off value which is helpful to evaluate the status of laryngeal innervations.
Action Potentials ; Demography ; Electromyography ; Humans ; Laryngeal Muscles ; Methods ; Paralysis ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Vocal Cord Paralysis ; Vocal Cords

PURPOSE: Differences in definitions of the condition, relevant triggers, and the geographical locations of study centers, cause estimates of the prevalence of anaphylaxis to vary. Recent epidemiological data indicate that the incidence of anaphylaxis is rising. METHODS: To investigate the causes and clinical features of anaphylaxis in Korean adults, factors associated with the severity of the condition, and serious outcomes, a retrospective medical record review was performed on adult patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis between 2007 and 2011 in 15 University Hospitals of South Korea. RESULTS: A total of 1,806 cases (52% male, age 16-86 years) were reported. Cutaneous symptoms (84.0%), combined with respiratory (53.9%) and/or cardiovascular (55.4%) symptoms, were the most frequent presentations. Using a recognized grading system, 1,776 cases could be classified as either mild, 340; moderate, 690; or severe, 746. Although eliciting factors varied significantly by age, gender, and regional and seasonal factors, drugs (46.5%; including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and radiocontrast media) were the most common cause of anaphylaxis, followed by foods (24.2%), insect stings (16.4%), exercise (5.9%), and unknown etiology (7.0%). All of age, multi-organ involvement, a history of allergic disease, and drug-induced anaphylaxis, were significant predictors of serious outcomes requiring hospital admission or prolongation of hospital stay. Epinephrine auto-injectors were prescribed for 7.4% of reported cases. CONCLUSIONS: The principal causes of anaphylaxis in Korean adults were drugs, food, and insect stings. Drug-associated anaphylaxis, a history of allergic disease, multi-organ involvement, and older age, were identified as predictors of serious outcomes.
Adult* ; Anaphylaxis* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Epidemiology ; Epinephrine ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Incidence ; Insect Bites and Stings ; Korea ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Medical Records ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies* ; Seasons

PURPOSE: To investigate whether causes of anaphylaxis vary according to regions and seasons in Korean adults. METHODS: Based on previous retrospective studies of anaphylaxis between 2007 and 2011 at the 15 university hospitals. Regions were classified into 4 groups: region I, Seoul; region II, Gyeonggi; region III, Chungcheong; and region IV, Chonnam and Busan. The cases induced by 5 major allergens including drugs, food, bee sting, radiocontrast media, and exercise, were analyzed in the present study. RESULTS: Among a total of 1,661 cases reported (53% male, 45.9+/-16.0 years), 367 (22.2%), 706 (42.5%), 319 (19.2%), and 269 cases (16.2%) were enrolled in regions I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Of the 5 major allergens, drugs (37.3%) were the most frequently reported, followed by food (25.7%), bee sting (17.9%), radiocontrast media (12.9%), and exercise (6.2%). There was no significant difference in the total occurrence of anaphylaxis in 4 seasons (374 in spring, 460 in summer, 460 in autumn, and 367 in winter). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that drug-induced anaphylaxis was significantly associated with the winter season (odds ratio [OR] 1.0 vs. OR 0.597, P<0.05 for spring; OR 1.0 vs. OR 0.481, P<0.01 for summer; OR 1.0 vs. OR 0.653, P<0.05 for autumn). Food-associated anaphylaxis was mainly reported in region I, whereas the frequency of insect sting was relatively higher in regions II, III, and IV than in region I. Older age and female gender were significantly associated with drug-induced anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: Specific causative allergens of anaphylaxis in adults may vary according to age, gender, region, and season in Korea.
Adult* ; Allergens ; Anaphylaxis* ; Bees ; Bites and Stings ; Busan ; Contrast Media ; Female ; Geographic Locations ; Gyeonggi-do ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Insect Bites and Stings ; Jeollanam-do ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons* ; Seoul

Meningiomas, one of the most common neoplasms of the central nervous system, may be encountered incidentally during autopsy. Most of these tumors, however, are benign and hence, are not considered as the chief cause of death. Further, sudden unexpected death caused by meningioma is very unusual. Moreover, the diagnosis of an incidental meningioma as the cause of sudden death may sometimes be difficult. In the present report, we describe an autopsy case of a sudden, unexpected death due to a large olfactory groove meningioma accompanied by severe cerebral edema and tonsillar herniation.
Autopsy ; Brain Edema ; Brain Neoplasms ; Cause of Death ; Central Nervous System ; Death, Sudden ; Diagnosis ; Encephalocele ; Meningioma*

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The diagnosis for cystic neoplasm of pancreas is based on the morphologic criteria through imaging studies, but the pre- and postoperative diagnoses are often inconsistent. This study aims at the analysis of clinical characteristics and the results of surgical treatments. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 93 patients who have undergone surgery for pancreatic cystic diseases in our hospital from January 2001 to February 2013. Among them, 69 patients were confirmed as cystic neoplasms based on pathologic findings. Their clinical manifestations, diagnostic accuracy, surgical method and complications, pathologic findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Serous cystic neoplasm was the most common (n=22), followed by mucinous cystic neoplasm (n=18), intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (n=11), solid pseudopapillary tumor (n=9), neuroendocrine tumor (n=7), and cystic lymphangioma (n=2). The most common clinical symptom is abdominal pains (49.3%). Preoperative imaging studies were consistent with pathological findings in 72% of patients. Cystic fluid CEA levels of 400 ng/ml or more were reliable to detect mucin secreting tumors. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed for 13 cases and the remaining 54 patients were treated with left-side pancreatectomy. Malignancy was found in 9 cases (13%) of mucin secreting tumors; 5 cases (27.8%) in mucinous cystic neoplasm and 4 cases (36.4%) in intraductal papillary mucinous tumor. Two of these survived without recurrences during the follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS: Exact treatment protocols for cystic neoplasm of pancreas are not decided because tumors are found with atypical forms. Surgical management is suggested for resectable tumors because a good prognosis can be expected with proper surgery if precancerous lesions are suspected at the time of discovery.
Abdominal Pain ; Clinical Protocols ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphangioma, Cystic ; Mucins ; Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous ; Neuroendocrine Tumors ; Pancreas ; Pancreatectomy ; Pancreatic Cyst ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

No abstract available.
Echocardiography ; Heart

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to analyze, compare, and assess the indications, incidences, and types of chromosomal abnormalities in the amniotic fluid, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and abortus and to compare these with those previously reported. METHODS: The study subjects included 1,995 cases of amniocentesis and 169 cases of abortus, 20 cases of CVS, 21 cases of cord blood, and 2 cases of cardiac-puncture fluid in the last ten years (June 1999 to May 2009). RESULTS: Among the indications, the maternal serum and triple/quad markers testing positive emerged the highest (57.5%). Other factors those were found were an advanced maternal age (over35) (19.5%) and abnormal ultrasonography findings (8.2%). The frequency of chromosomal abnormality in the amniotic fluid was 4.5%, wherein the numerical abnormality was 3.1% and the structural abnormality was 1.4%. Among the numerical abnormalities, trisomy of chromosome 21 emerged the highest (1.4%). The frequency of the chromosomal abnormality of CVS and abortus was 39.1%, the numerical abnormality was 23.7%, and the order of frequency for trisomy was obtained chromosomes 16, 22, and 21. In the sex ratio of the normal chromosomes, it was 1.1%, but it resulted in 0.5% in CVS. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this chromosomal study on amniotic fluid, CVS, and abortus could serve as useful data regarding the prenatal genetic abnormalities of fetuses and for genetic consultation.
Amniocentesis ; Amniotic Fluid ; Chorionic Villi Sampling ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Cytogenetics ; Female ; Fetal Blood ; Fetus ; Incidence ; Maternal Age ; Pregnancy ; Sex Ratio ; Trisomy