• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.543-549
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• 2000

Objective : In contrary to ganglion cyst that commonly develops in connective tissue of peripheral joint or tendon, spinal ganglion cysts have been rarely reported. The authors report five cases of spinal ganglion cysts which originated from posterior longitudinal ligament of the lumbar spine. Methods : The authors retrospectively analyzed clinical, radiological, and surgical findings of five cases of spinal ganglion cysts and speculated the pathogenesis of spinal ganglion cyst. Result : Cysts were excised totally and symptoms improved without complications in all cases. Intraoperative findings revealed cysts that were tightly adherent to posterior longitudinal ligament. Conclusion : Five cases of ganglion cyst which caused similar symptoms and signs those of lumbar disc herniations were excised successfully. MRI and operative findings suggested spinal ganglion cyst of posterior longitudinal ligament were closely associated with disc degeneration which imply disc degeneration or herniation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ganglion cyst.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.236-241
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• 1992

Background: As well as fiberoptic bronchoscopy, chest computerized tomographic scan can now differentiate the benign from malignant causes and the obstructive from non-obstructive causes of lung collapse. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of chest CT scan and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome. Method: We reviewed the clinical features, roentgenographic changes, pathologic findings and bronchoscopic findings in 16 patients with middle lobe syndrome who were admitted to Severance Hospital during period of January, 1987 through January, 1992. Results: The male to female ratio was 1:1. The most common symptoms were cough and sputums. Crackle was the most common physical finding. Underlying disease was lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis and endobronchial tuberculosis in 3 each other, benign stenosis in 2, lung abscess, broncholithiasis, bronchial chondroma, pneumonia and nonspecific inflammation in 1 each other. Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of chest computerized tomogram and fiberoptic bronchoscopy was most desirable for the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.134-140
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• 2012

This retrospective study was performed to describe and evaluate ultrasonographic characteristics of splenic disorders and to pursue any relationship with cytologic or histopathologic diagnoses. Medical records were reviewed for patients that had undergone both abdominal ultrasonographic procedures and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or surgical biopsy of splenic lesions or necropsy from January 2002 to July 2011 at Seoul National University Hospital for Animals. Total 124 dogs, 76 cases with FNA and 48 cases with biopsy, were available for this investigation. The age of dogs ranged from 2 to 17 years ($mean{\pm}SD$ = $9.54{\pm}3.34$ years), with the gender distribution of 61 females (26 spayed) and 63 males (40 neutered). In breed distribution, 114 were purebred dogs and 10 were mixed breed dogs. The dogs represented 26 breeds, with 113 dogs categorized into small-sized breeds. The ultrasonographic appearances of splenic disorders could be classified into 10 types including normal appearance, depending on the distribution and echogenicity of splenic lesions as well as the increase in spleen size and diffuse parenchymal changes. Among 124 cases, 44 (35.4%) had hypoechoic nodules/masses with the highest frequency, followed by 23 (18.5%) with multiple small hypoechoic nodules. Of 124 cases, 70 (56.5%) were benign and 54 (43.5%) were malignant lesions at cytologic or histopathologic results. Each ultrasonographic appearance had variable cytologic or histopathologic diagnoses. However, diffuse heterogenicity and diffuse hypoechogenicity were significantly associated with malignancy (p < 0.05), whereas hyperechoic nodules/masses were more often associated with benignity (p < 0.05). Based on our results, it may be considered that the ultrasonographic examination for spleen could be able to provide the least information necessary for benign and malignant lesions in prioritizing differential diagnoses.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.280-289
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• 1997

Background : Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) has been reported to diveres spectrum of chinical presentations and radiologic patterns. The three representative radiologic patterns are followings ; 1) a solitary nodule or mass, 2) a localized consolidation, and 3) multicentric or diffuse disease. While, the localized consolidation and solitary nodular patterns has favorable prognosis, the multicentric of diffuse pattern has worse prognosis regardless of treatment. BAC presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule is often misdiagnosed as other benign disease such as tuberculoma. Therefore it is very important to make proper diagnosis of BAC with solitary nodular pattern, since this pattern of BAC is usually curable with a surgical resection. Methods : We reviewed the clinical and radiologic features of patients with pathologically-proven BAC with solitary nodular pattern from January 1995 to September 1996 at Samsung Medical Center. Results : Total 11 patients were identified. 6 were men and 5 were women. Age ranged from 37 to 69. Median age was 60. Most patients with BAC with solitary nodular pattern were asymptomatic and were detected by incidental radiologic abnormality. The chest radiograph showed poorly defined opacity or nodule and computed tomography showed consolidation, ground glass appearance, internal bubble-like lucencies, air bronchogram, open bronchus sign, spiculated margin or pleural tag in most patients. The initial diagnosis on chest X-ray were pulmonary tuberculosis in 4 patients, benign nodule in 2 patients and malignant nodule in 5 patients. The FDG-positron emission tomogram was performed in eight patients. The FDG-PET revealed suggestive findings of malignancy in only 3 patients. The pathologic diagnosis was obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy in 1 patient, by CT guided percutaneous needle aspiration in 2 patients, and by lung biopsy via video-assited thoracocopy in 8 patients. Lobectomy was performed in all patients and postoperative pathologic staging were $T_1N_0N_0$ in 8 patients and $T_2N_0M_0$ in 3 patients. Conclusion : Patients of BAC presenting with solitary nodular pattern were most often asymptomatic and incidentally detected by radiologic abnormality. The chest X-ray showed poorly defined nodule or opacity and these findings were often regarded as benign lesion. If poorly nodule or opacity does not disappear on follow up chest X-ray, computed tomography should be performed. If consolidation, ground glass appearance, open bronchus sign, air bronchogram, internal bubble like lucency, pleural tag or spiculated margin are found on computed tomography, further diagnostic procedures, including open thoracotomy, should be performed to exclude the possiblity of BAC with solitary nodular pattern.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.481-491
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• 1995

Background: Recently there has been a trend of an increasing incidence of mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis(MTL) in adults. MTL often cause bronchial stenosis or esophago-mediastinal fistula. In spite of effective treatment, it is difficult to cure. Moreover, relapse frequently occurs. Authors analyzed chest CT findings and clinical features of 29 cases with MTL Methods: 29 cases with MTL were retrospectively studied with the clinical and radiologic features from April 1990 to March 1995 Results: 1) A total of 29 cases were studied. 12 cases were male and 17 cases were female. The male to female ratio was 1:1.4 Mean age was 29 years old. The 3rd decade(45%) was the most prevalent age group 2) The most common presenting symptoms and signs were palpable neck masses(62%) followed by cough(59%) and sputum(38%) 3) Except in one case of MTL, all patients had coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis, cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis, endobronchial tuberculosis and tuberculous pleurisy. Among the coexisting tuberculous diseases, Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most common(76%) 4) On simple chest X-ray, mediastinal enlargement was noted in 21 cases(72%), but it was not noted in 8 cases(28%). The most frequently involving site was the paratracheal node in 16 cases(72%). Rt side predominence(73%) was noted 5) Patterns of node appearance on a postcontrast CT scan were classified into 3 types. There were 19 cases(30%) of the Homogenous type, 30 cases(47%) of the Central low density type and 15 cases(23%) of the Peripheral fat obliteration type. The most common type was the central low density type. The most common lymph node size was 1~2 cm(88%) 6) The most frequently involved site was the paratracheal node in 26 cases(89%) by chest CT. Rt side(63%) was predominant 7) 9 cases(43%) had complete therapy and most common treatment duration was 13 - 18 months. 12 cases(57%) had incomplete continuing antituberculous medication and half of the cases had been treated above 19 months. Conclusion: Chest CT findings of MTL showed central low density area and peripheral rim enhancement, so this characteristic findings could differentiate it from other mediastinal diseases and help a diagnosis of tuberculosis. In spite of effective antituberculous medication, it is difficult to cure. Moreover, relapse frequently occurs. Further studies will be needed of the clinical features and the treatment of MTL.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.186-196
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• 2004

Purpose: Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory liver disease with unknown cause that is characterized by liver histology, circulating autoantibodies and increased levels of immunoglobulin G. Only sporadic reports are available on autoimmune hepatitis in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, biochemical, and histological features, and the long-term outcome of autoimmune hepatitis in Korean children. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 14 children diagnosed as having autoimmune hepatitis at Seoul National University Children's Hospital from 1990 to 2004, and analyzed clinical, biochemical, and histological features, and clinical outcomes. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 9 years and 11 of the 14 children were female. Six children presented with acute hepatitis-like manifestations. Jaundice and fatigue were the most common symptoms. Other autoimmune diseases accompanied in 6 children. Anti-nuclear antibody was detected in 13 patients and anti-smooth muscle antibody was positive in 8. All 14 patients were type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. The main histologic findings were interface hepatitis, rosette formation, and cirrhosis. Clinical and biochemical features were improved in six patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. Eight patients were treated with corticosteroid alone or in combination with azathioprine and five of them are in biochemical remission. Conclusion: Autoimmune hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease, which has a favorable long-term outcome if it is diagnosed and treated promptly. Therefore, autoimmune hepatitis should be suspected in children with chronic hepatitis of unknown etiology, especially in female patients who show hypergammaglobulinemia or some clinical features of autoimmune disease.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.456-463
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• 2005

Purpose: we often find variable degrees of FDG uptake and patterns in stomach, which can make difficult to distinguish physiologic uptake from pathologic uptake on FDG PET. The purpose of this study was to find out the significant findings of stomach on FDG PET. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight patients who underwent both FDG PET and endoscopy within one week from Jun. 2003, to Aug. 2004 were included in this study. We reviewed 38 patients (18 for medical check up, 15 for work up of other malignancies, and 5 for the evaluation of stomach lesion). Their mean age was 56 years old (range:$32{\sim}79$), men and women were 28 and 10, respectively. Two nuclear physicians evaluated five parameters on FDG PET findings of stomach with a consensus: 1) visual grades 2) maximum SUV (max.SUV) 3) focal 4) diffuse and S) asymmetric patterns. We correlated the lesions of FDG PET findings of stomach with those of endoscopy. We considered more than equivocal findings on FDG PET as positive. Results: The six of 38 patients were proven as malignant lesions by endoscopic biopsy and others were inflammatory lesions (ulcer in 3, chronic atrophic gastritis in 12, uncommon forms of gastritis in 5), non-inflammatory lesions (n=3), and normal stomach (n=9). By the visual analysis, malignant lesions had higher FDG uptake than the others. The max.SUV of malignant lesions was $7.95{\pm}4.83$ which was significantly higher than the other benign lesions ($2.9{\pm}0.69$ in ulcer, $3.08{\pm}1.2$ in chronic atrophic gastritis, $3.2{\pm}1.49$ in uncommon forms of gastritis (p=0.044)). In the appearance of stomach on FDG PET, malignant lesions were shown focal (5 of 6) and benign inflammatory lesions were shown diffuse (9 of 20) and asymmetric (14 of 20). Benign lesions and normal stomach were shown variable degrees of uptake and patterns. Some cases of benign inflammatory lesions such as ulcer and gastritis were shown focal and mimicked cancerous lesion (4 of 15). Conclusion: Gastric malignant lesions had higher FDG uptake and focal pattern. However, benign inflammatory lesions had moderate degrees of uptake and diffuse and asymmetric patterns rather than focal. It is difficult to differentiate between benign lesions including normal.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.713-721
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• 2008

Purpose : This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of severe meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) which required mechanical ventilation over 48 h and to delineate the progress of respiratory failure and radiographic findings in severe MAS. Methods : Twelve infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital diagnosed with severe MAS from January 2004 to July 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. Results : The presence of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is the only independently significant risk factor for a longer hospital stay and longer duration of mechanical ventilation. Surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) was not randomized but only performed in infants with radiographic findings for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In the presence of radiographic findings for RDS, the duration of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation was significantly longer. PPHN developed in 8 infants (75%). The PPHN group had a significantly longer duration of mechanical ventilation. All infants who received SRT showed radiographic improvement within 12 h, but there was no significant change in the severity score during the same period. Infants without the PPHN complications showed significant decrease in the severity score within 12 h after SRT, whereas infants with PPHN complications did not. Conclusion : The clinical course of severe MAS differed significantly depending on the development of PPHN. SRT conferred radiographic improvement in infants who showed radiographic findings for RDS, but did not influence the clinical course of MAS significantly.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.190-199
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• 2003

Purpose: The aim of this study was to find out a clinically appliable method to insert a biodegradable solid material containing holmium-166-chitosan complex into the surgical field, and to evaluate the histological changes in the normal tissues after ${\beta}$ -ray irradiation from holmium-166 according to the dose, period and type of tissues. Materials and Methods: 3.0 mCi, 50 ${\mu}l$ of the liquid state $^{166}$Ho-chitosan complex was attached to the absorbable gelatin sponge. The radiation activity measured by dose caliberator was 1.5 mCi. These $^{166}$Ho-chitosan complex containing absorbable gelatin sponges were inserted into the thigh muscles and over the femur bones of the Wistar rats. The cases were evaluated at 2 weeks after insertion, and 4, 6 weeks with respect to the histological changes of the soft tissues and bone, the depth of the tissue necrosis, and the changes of the $^{166}$Ho-chitosan complex containing absorbable gelatin sponges. Results: At 2 weeks, the muscles showed coagulation necrosis, degenerating myocytes, regenerating myocytes, intermuscular edema, and inflammatory cells. The necrosis depth was 3.3 mm. In the bones, there was no osteocyte in the lacuna of cortex (empty lacuna), marrow fibrosis, inflammation. The necrosis depth was 2.9 mm. At 4 weeks, in the muscle, calcification and increased fibrosis with necrosis depth by 3.3 mm were the additional findings. In the bone, marrow fibrosis with necrosis depth by 3.3 mm were detected. At 6 weeks, soft tissue shrinkage, increased fibrosis and granulation tissue formation, and nearly resolving inflammatory reaction were the findings. Conclusion: The local application of the $^{166}$Ho-chitosan complex attached to biodegradable gelatin material with surgery in the laboratory animals resulted in no mortality and morbidity, and satisfactory tissue necrosis. Holmium-166 can be applied to the treatment of the malignant tumor patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.26-35
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• 1994

Background: Bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma today needs further studies as an early diagnosis will drastically improve the chances of cure. Methods: Twenty-four cases of bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma for the period of 5 years were studied in terms of incidence, age, sex, underlying diseases, symptoms, radiographic findings, methods of diagnosis, clinical and pathologic staging, methods of treatment, and survival retrospectively. Results: No correlation was found between patients' age, sex and underlying diseases. Most common symptoms were cough(62.5%), chest pain(29.2%), and sputum(29.2%). Of the 24 cases, 13 patients(54.2%) had solitary nodule, 6 patients(25%) had multiple nodules. At the time of diagnosis, 3 patients(12.5%) had the stage I diseases, 3 patients(12.5%) had the stage II diseases, 4 patients(16.7%) had the stage IIIa diseases, 3 patients(12.5%) had the stage IIIb diseases, and 11 patients(45.8%) had the stage IV diseases. 14 cases(58.3%) were found inoperable at the time of admission; they all died within 17 months. In 7 cases with stage I, II, IIIa diseases curative resection were attempted, in 1 case with stage IV disease wedge resection for palliative management was performed, and in 4 cases patients were still alive at the time of conclusion of this study. Conclusion: We conclude that early diagnosis of disease will increase operability and improve chances of survival and that aggressive diagnostic workup for suspicious pulmonary infiltrate is essential as early operation offers the best chances of cure.