• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.189-197
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• 2021

Objective: Muscle depletion in patients undergoing liver transplantation affects the recipients' prognosis and therefore cannot be overlooked. We aimed to evaluate whether changes in muscle and fat mass during the preoperative period are associated with prognosis after deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Materials and Methods: This study included 72 patients who underwent DDLT and serial computed tomography (CT) scans. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated using the muscle and fat area in CT performed 1 year prior to surgery (1 yr Pre-LT), just before surgery (Pre-LT), and after transplantation (Post-LT). Simple aspects of serial changes in muscle and fat mass were analyzed during three measurement time points. The rate of preoperative changes in body composition parameters were calculated (preoperative ΔSMI [%] = [SMI at Pre-LT - SMI at 1 yr Pre-LT] / SMI at Pre-LT x 100; preoperative ΔFMI [%] = [FMI at Pre-LT - FMI at 1 yr Pre-LT] / FMI at Pre-LT x 100) and assessed for correlation with patient survival. Results: SMI significantly decreased during the preoperative period (mean preoperative ΔSMI, -13.04%, p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, preoperative ΔSMI (p = 0.016) and model for end-stage liver disease score (p = 0.011) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The mean survival time for patients with a threshold decrease in the preoperative ΔSMI (≤ -30%) was significantly shorter than for other patients (p = 0.007). Preoperative ΔFMI was not a prognostic factor but FMI increased during the postoperative period (p = 0.009) in all patients. Conclusion: A large reduction in preoperative SMI was significantly associated with reduced survival after DDLT. Therefore, changes in muscle mass during the preoperative period can be considered as a prognostic factor for survival after DDLT.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.336-346
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• 2005

Experts of Sasang Constitution Medicine of Traditional Korean Medicine have classified stroke patients with four types of Sasang constitutions in their clinical practice and some types of Sasang constitutions have been regarded as risk factors of stroke, but this is uncertain because there were no evidences by large scale of prospective studies. The purpose of this was to study the association between strokes and Sasang constitutions. Case-control study has been conducted to the patients admitted to the research hospitals. The patients were confirmed stroke by brain MRI or CT scans and recruited from May 2003 to August 2005. The subjects who met the requirement of inclusion and exclusion criteria were 108 patients as the cases and 107 as healthy controls. Data collection has been performed by the trained specialists majoring neurologists through interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory testes. No statistical significance was obtained between the strokes and Sasang constitutions, yet Taeumin, and Soyangin types showed a trend of increase in the incidence of strokes as compared with Soeumin. To acquire more concrete data on this theme, we need further and large scale of prospective researches.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 2006

Desmoplastic ameloblastoma is a rare histologic variant of ameloblastoma. It shows important differences in anatomic distribution, histologic appearance, and radiographic findings compared with the general type of ameloblastoma. It is histologically characterized by an abundance of densely collagenous stroma and radiographically a mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesion. We present three cases of desmoplastic ameloblastoma. All the patients complained on buccal swelling with or without pain and the sites of occurrence were the anterior and the premolar region. Plain radiographs showed mixed radiopaque-radiolucent lesion with ill-defined or diffuse sclerotic margin and no external root resorption. Additionally, CT scans revealetl buccal expansion and relatively well-defined margin of the lesions. The clinical and radiographic features of the presented cases were compared with those of the desmoplastic ameloblastoma in the previous literatures.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3949-3953
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• 2013

Aim: To investigate the effectiveness and adverse effects of gemcitabine by fixed-dose rate infusion plus oxaliplatin (GEMOX regimen) as second-line therapy for advanced ovarian cancer. Methods: 64 patients with advanced ovarian cancer were divided into an experimental group (44 cases) and a control group (20 cases). The experimental group was treated with continuous intravenous infusion of gemcitabine at 1000 $mg/m^2$ with a fixed-dose rate of 10 $mg/m^2/min$, on days 1 and 8 and oxaliplatin at 100 $mg/m^2$ on day 1, IVGTT, repeated every 3 weeks. The control group was treated with intravenous infusion of gemcitabine at 1000 $mg/m^2$ within 30 min on days 1 and and oxaliplatin at 100 $mg/m^2$ on day 1, IVGTT, again repeated every 3 weeks. CT scans or MRI were used for review every 1-2 cycles. Results: The effective rate in the experimental group was significantly high than control group (43.2% vs 35.0%; P < 0.05), with no obvious difference of hematologic or non-hematologic toxicity between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: GEMOX regimen is very effective to treat advanced ovarian cancer, with low toxicity, good tolerance and improved life quality in patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.424-430
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• 2015

Background Reconstruction of combined orbital floor and medial wall fractures with a comminuted inferomedial strut (IMS) is challenging and requires careful practice. We present our surgical strategy and postoperative outcomes. Methods We divided 74 patients who underwent the reconstruction of the orbital floor and medial wall concomitantly into a comminuted IMS group (41 patients) and non-comminuted IMS group (33 patients). In the comminuted IMS group, we first reconstructed the floor stably and then the medial wall by using separate implant pieces. In the non-comminuted IMS group, we reconstructed the floor and the medial wall with a single large implant. Results In the follow-up of 6 to 65 months, most patients with diplopia improved in the first-week except one, who eventually improved at 1 year. All patients with an EOM limitation improved during the first month of follow-up. Enophthalmos (displacement, 2 mm) was observed in two patients. The orbit volume measured on the CT scans was statistically significantly restored in both groups. No complications related to the surgery were observed. Conclusions We recommend the reconstruction of orbit walls in the comminuted IMS group by using the following surgical strategy: usage of multiple pieces of rigid implants instead of one large implant, sequential repair first of the floor and then of the medial wall, and a focus on the reconstruction of key areas. Our strategy of step-by-step reconstruction has the benefits of easy repair, less surgical trauma, and minimal stress to the surgeon.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.281-285
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• 2009

Paragonimiasis typically results from the consumption of raw or improperly cooked crustacea, especially crabs and crayfish. Although previously endemic in Korea, the prevalence of this disease decreased in the early 1970s because of educational campaigns and fewer intermediate hosts as a result of ecological changes. Recently, we were presented with a family where all members were infected with Paragonimus after ingestion of Kejang (= drunken crab). The mother was hospitalized for general myalgia and weakness first, followed by the father, who was hospitalized for dyspnea 2 month later. After the parents were diagnosed with paragonimiasis, we recommended their daughter to visit our hospital for a checkup, because they all had eaten freshwater crabs soaked in soybean sauce. She complained of generalized myalgia, fever, and pleuritic pain, and was also diagnosed with paragonimiasis. Peripheral blood of the 3 patients revealed hypereosinophilia, and computed tomography (CT) scans of their chests showed pleural effusion. The results of antibody tests by ELISA were positive for paragonimiasis. We report here the case series of familial paragonimiasis in a modern urban city, rather than in a typical endemic area.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.134-140
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• 2010

Synovial condromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is characterized by the presence of loose bodies (joint mices). It can be confused with temporomandibular disorder clinically, and be with chondrosarcoma histologically. The purpose of this clinical report was to review the clinical, radiological, arthroscopic findings, histological feature and the results of surgical treatment of TMJ synovial chondromatosis. Four patients presented with pain of TMJ and limited mouth opening. The dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a characteristic morphologic changes and displacement of the meniscus with limited translation of the condyle head. Bone scans showed progressive resorptive changes with hot-uptake of the radioisotope. The synovial loose bodies in the joint spaces were removed and sent to pathology for diagnosis as the synovial chondromatosis. The follow-up examination with computed tomography (CT) and MRI revealed no evidence of recurrence and good in function until postoperative 18 months. Diagnostically, the distension of the lateral capsule and fluid findings in the joint on the MRI are very suggestive tool for this synovial chondromatosis, but they are not always detected on the preoperative MRI. Arthroscopic approaches are very useful to inspect the joint spaces and to remove the loose bodies without interruption of the whole synovial membranes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.320-324
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• 2012

Objective : The purposes of this study are to investigate the factors that may be related to ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in patients with cerebellar hematoma and the effect of severe fourth ventricular hemorrhage, causing obstructive hydrocephalus on subsequent VP shunt performance. Methods : This study included 31 patients with spontaneous cerebellar hematoma and concomitant fourth ventricular hemorrhage, who did not undergo a surgical evacuation of hematoma. We divided this population into two groups; the VP shunt group, and the non-VP shunt group. The demographic data, radiologic findings, and clinical factors were compared in each group. The location of the hematoma (whether occupying the cerebellar hemisphere or the vermis) and the degree of the fourth ventricular obstruction were graded respectively. The intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) score was used to assess the IVH severity. Results : Ten out of 31 patients underwent VP shunt operations. The midline location of cerebellar hematoma, the grade of fourth ventricle obstruction, and IVH severity were significantly correlated with that of VP shunt operation (p=0.015, p=0.013, p=0.028). The significant variables into a logistic regression multivariate model resulted in statistical significance for the location of cerebellar hemorrhage [p=0.05; odds ratio (OR), 8.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00 to 67.0], the grade of fourth ventricle obstruction (p=0.044; OR, 19.26; 95% CI, 1.07 to 346.6). Conclusion : The location of the cerebellar hematoma on CT scans and the degree of fourth ventricle obstruction by IVH were useful signs for the selection of VP shunt operation in patients with spontaneous cerebellar hematoma and concomitant acute hydrocephalus.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2541-2546
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• 2014

Background: Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC) is rarer than extrahepatic gastrointestinal neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). It is difficult to make a correct diagnosis and poses a challenge for management. Materials and Methods: Ten PHNEC patients were admitted to our hospital from June 2006 to June 2011. Laboratory tests and imaging scans were performed for diagnosis and exclusion of extrahepatic NEC. All patients were AFP - and CA199-. Seven patients had solid tumors with cystic changes on ultrasonography, CT and/or MRI. For the initial treatment, four patients received combined-therapy and six monotherapy. Considering overall treatment, six patients received combined-therapy and four patients monotherapy. Staging criteria of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC, AJCC 7th edition) were used to differentiate the stage of all patients: 3 patients were stage I, 2 stageII, 4 patients stageIII and 1 stageIV. All patients were followed up and clinical data were gathered. Results: The median follow-up duration was 38.5 months. The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 6-year disease-free survival was 80.0%, 46.2% and 46.2% and 0% respectively. The overall survival rates were 100%, 67.1%, 67.1% and 33.6% respectively. Patients in early-stages (I/II) had similar disease-free and overall survival as those in advanced-stages (III/IV). Patients with monotherapy had significant shorter disease-free and overall survival than the patients with combination-therapy. Conclusions: PHNEC has a unique specificity during its occurrence and development. The staging criteria of PHC might not be suitable for the PHENT. More convenient and effective features need to be found in imaging and laboratory detection. Surgical resection, TACE, chemotherapy and radiofrequency ablation should be performed in combination and actively for patients with PHNEC or recurrence to get the best effectiveness; they might extend the disease-free and overall survival.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.131-136
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• 2015

Objective : To investigate the incidence of corpus callosum injury (CCI) in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) using brain MRI. We also performed a review of the clinical characteristics associated with this injury. Methods : A total of 356 patients in the study were diagnosed with TBI, with 94 patients classified as having mild TBI. We included patients with mild TBI for further evaluation if they had normal findings via brain computed tomography (CT) scans and also underwent brain MRI in the acute phase following trauma. As assessed by brain MRI, CCI was defined as a high-signal lesion in T2 sagittal images and a corresponding low-signal lesion as determined by axial gradient echo (GRE) imaging. Based on these criteria, we divided patients into two groups for further analysis : Group I (TBI patients with CCI) and Group II (TBI patients without CCI). Results : A total of 56 patients were enrolled in this study (including 16 patients in Group I and 40 patients in Group II). Analysis of clinical symptoms revealed a significant difference in headache severity between groups. Over 50% of patients in Group I experienced prolonged neurological symptoms including dizziness and gait disturbance and were more common in Group I than Group II (dizziness : 37 and 12% in Groups I and II, respectively; gait disturbance : 12 and 0% in Groups I and II, respectively). Conclusion : The incidence of CCI in patients with mild TBI was approximately 29%. We suggest that brain MRI is a useful method to reveal the cause of persistent symptoms and predict clinical prognosis.