• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.324-336
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• 2020

Cardiovascular calcifications can occur in various cardiovascular diseases and can serve as a biomarker for cardiovascular event prediction. Advances in CT have enabled evaluation of calcifications in cardiovascular structures not only on ECG-gated CT but also on non-ECG-gated CT. Therefore, many studies have been conducted on the clinical relevance of cardiovascular calcifications in patients. In this study, we divided cardiovascular calcifications into three classes, i.e., coronary artery, thoracic aorta, and cardiac valve calcifications, which are closely associated with cardiovascular events. Further, we briefly described pericardial calcifications, which can be found incidentally. Since the start of lung cancer screening in Korea in the second half of 2019, the number of non-enhanced, non-ECG-gated, low-dose chest CT has been increasing, and the number of incidentally found cardiovascular calcifications has also been increasing. Therefore, understanding the relevance of cardiovascular calcifications on non-enhanced, non-ECG-gated, low-dose chest CT and their proper reporting are important for radiologists.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.10
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• pp.693-707
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Inherited arrhythmia (IA) is a more common cause of sudden cardiac death in Asian population, but little is known about the genetic background of Asian IA probands. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and analyze the genetic underpinnings of IA in a Korean cohort. Methods: This study was conducted in a multicenter cohort of the Korean IA Registry from 2014 to 2017. Genetic testing was performed using a next-generation sequencing panel including 174 causative genes of cardiovascular disease. Results: Among the 265 IA probands, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) and Brugada Syndrome (BrS) was the most prevalent diseases (96 and 95 cases respectively), followed by long QT syndrome (LQTS, n=54). Two-hundred-sixteen probands underwent genetic testing, and 69 probands (31.9%) were detected with genetic variant, with yield of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant as 6.4%. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in genotype positive probands (54.7±11.3 vs. 59.3±9.2%, p=0.005). IVF probands showed highest yield of positive genotype (54.0%), followed by LQTS (23.8%), and BrS (19.5%). Conclusions: There were significant differences in clinical characteristics and genetic yields among BrS, LQTS, and IVF. Genetic testing did not provide better yield for BrS and LQTS. On the other hand, in IVF, genetic testing using multiple gene panel might enable the molecular diagnosis of concealed genotype, which may alter future clinical diagnosis and management strategies.

• Journal of the Institute of Convergence Signal Processing
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.205-212
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• 2023

Among cardiac diseases, arrhythmias can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, and heart failure if left untreated, so continuous and accurate ECG monitoring is crucial for clinical care. However, the accurate interpretation of electrocardiogram (ECG) data is entirely dependent on medical doctors, which requires additional time and cost. Therefore, this paper proposes an arrhythmia recognition module for the purpose of developing a medical platform through the analysis of abnormal pulse waveforms based on Lifelogs. The proposed method is to convert ECG data into image format instead of time series data, apply visual pattern recognition technology, and then detect arrhythmia using CNN model. In order to validate the arrhythmia classification of the CNN model by image type conversion of ECG data proposed in this paper, the MIT-BIH arrhythmia dataset was used, and the result showed an accuracy of 97%.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.210-222
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• 2000

Background: Endothelin(ET) is the most potent vasoconstrictor and bronchoconstrictor. The plasma ET-1 level is elevated in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism(APTE). This finding suggest that ET-1 may be an important mediator in the cardiopulmonary derangement of APTE. But whether ET-1 is a pathogenic mediator or a simple marker of APTE is not known. The role of ET-1 in the pathogenesis of cardiopulmonary dysfunction in APTE(delete) was investigated through an evaluation of the effects of $ET_A$-receptor antagonist on APTE. The increase in local levels of preproET-1 mRNA and ET-1 peptide in the embolized lung was also demonstrated. Methods: In a canine autologous blood clot pulmonary embolism model, $ET_A$-receptor antagonist(10 mg/kg intravenously, n=6) was administered one hour after the onset of the embolism. Hemodynamic measurements, blood gas tensions and plasma levels of ET-1 immunoreactivity in this treatment group were compared with those in the control group(n=5). After the experiment., preproET-1 mRNA expression(using Northern blot analysis) and the distribution of ET-1(by immunohistochemical analysis) in the lung tissues were examined. Results: The increases in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance of the treatment group were less than those of the control group. Decrease in cardiac output was also less in the treatment group. Complications such as systemic arterial hypotension and hypoxemia did not occur with the administration of $ET_A$-receptor antagonist The plasma level of ET-1 like(ED: what does 'like' mean?) immunoreactivity was increased after embolization in both groups but was significantly higher in the treatment group. The preproET-1 mRNA and ET-1 peptide expressions were increased in the embolized lung. Conclusion: ET-1 synthesis increases with embolization in the lung and may plays play an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary derangement of APTE. Furthermore, $ET_A$-receptor antagonist attenuates cardiopulmonary alterations seen in APTE, suggesting a potential benefit of this therapy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.10 s.255
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• pp.699-704
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• 2005

Background: Coronary artery fistula is rare congenital anomaly, which account for $0.27\~0.40\%$ of all congenital heart diseases. We report the clinical observations of 45 patients with coronary artery fistula. Material and Method: We reviewed all patients presented with or without symptoms of coronary artery fistula between 1987 and 2004. Age ranged from 1 to 83 years. Twenty-six patients were female. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presenting symptoms. Twelve patients were in group A (asymptomatic) and 33 patients in group B (symptomatic). The most common clinical presentation in group B was angina (18) followed by dyspnea (7), atypical chest pain (5), syncope (1), fatigue (1), and palpitation (1). Twenty-five patients were associated with other cardiac diseases, which were atrial septal defect (4), coronary artery occlusive disease (6), hypertension (12), and valvular heart disease (2). Result: Patients were followed-up for a mean period of $64.8\pm62.7$ months. There was no complication related to coronary artery fistula during the follow-up period in both group. There was no mortality related to coronary artery fistula. Conclusion: In symptomatic patients, early surgical treatment is recommended considering the low perioperative morbidity. In asymptomatic patients receiving medical treatment, close follow up may be necessary.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.490-494
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• 2003

Purpose : We'd like to determine the incidence of congenital heart disease and arrhythmia in elementary school children in Busan, and to provide adequate prevention and treatment. Methods : A total of 23,802(male 12,909, female 10,893) 1st grade elementary school children living in Busan were studied. All children were 7-8 years old. We obtained their medical history by questionnaire and checked elecrocardiography(ECG). Subsequent screening tests including a 2nd ECG, chest X-ray, phonocardiogram and CBC for the students who had abnormal findings at the first screening test. The third screening test was done for students who had cardiac murmurs or abnormal ECG findings in the second screening test by echocardiogram, treadmill test and 24-hour Holter monitoring. Results : Among 23,802 children participants, 605(2.54%) had abnormal ECG findings at the first screening test. Q wave abnormality(0.58%) was observed most frequently, and complete right bundle branch block(RBBB)(0.26%), sinus tachycardia(0.24%), right axis deviation(0.22%) and ventricular premature contraction(VPC)(0.21%) followed in order. Four hundred and twenty four children participated in the second ECG screening test. Two hundred and two children(47.6%) had an abnormality such as sinus tachycardia(18.8%), VPC(17.8%), or complete RBBB(17.3%). After completing the third examination including echocardiogram, we couldn't find the students with ventricular tachycardia (VT) or SVT at the third arrhythmia screening test. Conclusion : A high incidence of arrhythmia was found in the 1st grade elementary school children in Busan despite their healthy appearances, although fatal heart diseases were not noted. Early diagnosis, adequate preventative measures and treatment will prevent and decrease the frequency of emergent situations like syncope and sudden death.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.537-545
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• 1994

Background: In 1987, the British Thoracic Society (BTS) subjected an extensive list of patient variables to statistical analysis in a prospective study of prognosis in 453 adults with community-acquired pneumonia and, subsequently published guidelines for management of severe community acquired pneumonia. It was hoped that those at risk of dying from community acquired pneumonia could be easily identified and treated appropriately, thereby reducing mortality. To date, severe community acquired pneumonia has not been well studied in Korea. Therefore, we studied retrospectively 10 patients dying of severe community acquired pneumonia in Dongsan Hospital to see clinical manifestations of dying of severe community-acquired pneumonia. Methods: Between July 1987 and july 1993, 498 patients were admitted to Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital with community acquired pneumonia, and 77 of them received intensive care. Of the 77 patients, 10 patients died. We reviewed medical records of these patients. Results: 1) The mean age of the patients was 56.2 years(range, 25 to 75 years). There were 7 men and 3 women. Seven patients(70%) were older than 60years of age. 2) The clinical features on admission were as follows: tachypnca, hypoxemia, mental change, cyanosis, leukopenia, leukocytosis, azotemia, hypotension, hypoalbuminemia in order of frequency. Three patients had one abnormal physical finding, 3 patients had 2, 2 patients had 3, and 2 patients had none of these abnormal physical findings. All patients had at least one of the abnormal laboratory findings. 3) A potential bacterial pathogen was isolated in sputum culture from 2 patients. One was E.coli, the other Enterobacter species. Sputum stain were positive in eight cases (G(+)cocci in six, G(+) cocci and G(-)bacilli in two). 4) Features of respiratory failure were the main reasons for ICU transfer, but two patients were transferred only following a cardiac or respiratory arrest in the general ward. 5) The mean of 2.7 different antibiotics were given to the patients. The aminoglycoside and first generation cephalosporin were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics, followed by the third generation cephalosporin and vancomycin. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics combination was a 1st generation cephalosporin plus an aminoglycoside. 6) Seven patients death(70%) occured after admission within the first five days, and a mean duration of hospitaliztion was 11.2 days. Conclusion: As the results show most death occured within the first five days after admission and aged patients; consequently, an aggressive intensive treatment should be provided early to the patients with severe community acquired pneumonia, and we should pay more attention to the aged patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.645-653
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• 1999

Introduction : Although myocardial ischemia tends to occur more frequently than can he documented in ventilated patients, it has not been well studied on the factors related to the occurrence of the ischemia. Methods : To investigate the related factors to ischemia development, a prospective study was done in 95 cases with consecutive 73 patients who had received mechanical ventilation(MV) in MICU. In addition to 24 h holter monitoring, echocardiogram, electrolytes, cardiac enzymes, hemodynamic, and gas exchange measurements were done within 24 h after initiation of MV in 69 cases. The measurements were repeated at weaning period in 26 cases. The ischemia was defined by the ST segment changes; up-sloping depression more than 1.5 mm or down-sloping or horizontal depression more than 1.0 mm from isoelectric baseline for 80 ms following J point. Results : Twelve patients(12.6% in 95 cases) developed ischemia in total. The incidence of ischemia development showed an increased tendency in the initial 24 hr after MV (15.9%) and in patients with left-sided heart failure found by echocardiogram (18.2%) compared with that of the weaning period (3.8%) and patients without heart failure (10.9%) (P=0.12, P=0.09, in each). There were no differences in APACHE III score, baseline ECG findings, electrolytes abnormalities, use of inotropics or bronchodilators, presence of sepsis or shock, mode of ventilation, and survival rate according to the development of ischemia. Maximal heart rates and mean arterial pressure also were not different between patients with ($137.2{\pm}30.9/min$, $82.5{\pm}15.9$ mm Hg) and without ischemia ($l29.5{\pm}29.7/min$, $83.8{\pm}17.6$ mm Hg). Conclusion : Although the incidence of myocardial ischemia was 12.6% in total, there were no clinically predictable factors to the development of ischemia during mechanical ventilation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.255-261
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• 1991

Frequently patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have lowered arterial oxygen saturation in daytime. During sleep, they are apt to experience additional hypoxemia. These episode of nocturnal hypoxemia are usually associated with periods of relative hypoventilation. Noctunal hypoxemia may be associated with cardiac arrhythmia and with acute increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and may be implicated in the development of chronic pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale. We selected 14 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 9 with emphysema dominant type and 5 with chronic bronchitis dominant type, to examine the frequency and severity of nocturnal hypoxemia and the effect of oxygen in prevention of nocturnal hypoxemia. The results were as follows; 1) On PFT, FVC, $FEV_1$, and $FEV_1$/FVC showed no significant difference between the emphysema dominant type (pink puffers, PP) and the chronic bronchitis dominant type (blue bloaters, BB). But DLCO/VA for the PP group was $45.7{\pm}15.1%$ which was significantly different from BB group, $82.4{\pm}5.6%$. 2) The daytime arterial oxygen saturation ($SaO_2$) and the lowest $SaO_2$, during sleep for the BB group were significantly lower than for the PP group. 3) The hypoxemic episodes during sleep were more frequent in BB group and the duration of hypoxemic episode was longer in BB group. 4) In both group studied, although there was a tendency for a lower L-$SaO_2$ (the lowest $SaO_2$, during sleep), an increase in hypoxemic episodes and duration as the daytime $SaO_2$, fell lower, the only parameter which showed significant correlation was daytime $SaO_2$, and the frequency of hypoxemic episodes in the PP group (r=-0.68, P<0.05). 5) In PP group, with oxygen supplementation, L-$SaO_2$, during sleep showed significant increase, and there was a tendency for the frequency of hypoxemic episodes and duration to fall but it was not significant. 6) In BB group, oxygen supplementation significantly increased the L-$SaO_2$ during sleep and also significantly decreased the frequency and duration of hypoxemic episode. From these results, we can see that oxygen supplementation during sleep can prevent the decrease in $SaO_2$ to some extent and that this effect of oxygen can be seen more prominently in the BB group.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.501-508
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• 1993

Background: Sleep apnea syndrome is a common disorder which is estimated to affect about 1~4% of adult male population. And if untreated, sleep apnea can cause significant sequelae, such as hypertension, nocturnal cardiac arrhythmia, daytime hypersomnolence, and cognitive impairment. Various kinds of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been developed. Among them nasal CPAP, first introduced by Sullivan et al in 1981, has received widespread interest and acclaim as a treatment of OSA, and is currently recommended as first-line treatment for OSA. We evaluated the effect of nasal CPAP in OSA and the side effects of nasal CPAP hindering patients from using nasal CPAP. Methods: We performed sleep studies in 20 OSA patients at 2 consecutive nights; baseline night at first day and CPAP night at second day. We compared apnea index, lowest oxygen concentration during apnea, maximal apnea time, and total apnea duration per total sleep time before and after CPAP. We also evaluated the side effects of CPAP with inquiry to the patients. Results: 1) Apnea index was significantly decreased after CPAP in 17 out of 20 OSA patients (85%) and increased in 3 patients (15%). 2) Average apnea index was significantly decreased after CPAP ($34.1{\pm}18.9/h{\rightarrow}15.4{\pm}10.3/h$, p<0.01). 3) Total apnea duration per total sleep time was also significantly decreased after CPAP ($28.5{\pm}16.0%{\rightarrow}11.9{\pm}9.3%$, p<0.05). 4) The lowest oxygen satuation and maximal apnea time were not significantly changed after CPAP. 5) The most frequent side effect of nasal CPAP was mask discomfort (80%), and the next was drying of nasal passages (65%). Conclusion: Nasal CPAP is an effective treatment for OSA. Futher studies should be concentrated on long term follow up of nasal CPAP for its therapeutic effects and the study of methods to enhance patients' compliance.