• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.53-57
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• 2013

There is no established treatment for esophageal carcinoma with metastasis. For the metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, chemotherapy or best supportive care according to patient's performance status are accepted as an available treatment. We report a case of complete remission after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with metastatic lesion in 5th thoracic vertebrae. A 57-year-old man with ongoing dysphagia and weight loss was admitted to our hospital. On the endoscopic and radiologic imaging evaluation,the patient was diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus with solitary metastatic lesion in 5th thoracic vertebrae. The patient was treated with combination chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin) and concurrent radiotherapy for two months to relieve dysphagia. Because metastatic lesion in thoracic vertebrae was located near the primary esophageal tumor, the metastatic lesion could be included within the radiation field. After concurrent chemoradiotherapy, consecutive 4 cycles of chemotherapy had been carried out. Primary esophageal tumor with metastatic lymph nodes and metastatic lesion in 5th thoracic vertebrae disappeared on follow up computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT). Follow up endoscopic biopsy revealed no remnant malignant cells at previous primary cancer lesion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2019

Objective : Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare anatomical variant of the origin of the right subclavian artery. ARSA is defined as the right subclavian artery originating as the final branch of the aortic arch. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and the anatomy of ARSA evaluated with computed tomography (CT) angiography. Methods : CT angiography was performed in 3460 patients between March 1, 2014 and November 30, 2015 and the results were analyzed. The origin of the ARSA, course of the vessel, possible inadvertent ARSA puncture site during subclavian vein catheterization, Kommerell diverticula, and associated vascular anomalies were evaluated. We used the literature to review the clinical importance of ARSA. Results : Seventeen in 3460 patients had ARSA. All ARSAs in 17 patients originated from the posterior aspect of the aortic arch and traveled along a retroesophageal course to the right thoracic outlet. All 17 ARSAs were located in the anterior portion from first to fourth thoracic vertebral bodies and were located near the right subclavian vein at the medial third of the clavicle. Only one of 17 patients presented with dysphagia. Conclusion : It is important to be aware ARSA before surgical approaches to upper thoracic vertebrae in order to avoid complications and effect proper treatment. In patients with a known ARSA, a right transradial approach for aortography or cerebral angiography should be changed to a left radial artery or transfemoral approach.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.11.1-11.5
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• 2024

A 4-month-old intact male Sapsaree dog was referred due to a history of postprandial regurgitation following consumption of solid food. Thoracic radiography revealed focal leftward displacement of the thoracic trachea at T1 to T4 vertebrae levels. Barium contrast radiography revealed focal dilation of the cranial thoracic esophagus at the heart base level. Persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) with an aberrant left subclavian artery branching from the patent ductus arteriosus was diagnosed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). Although barium contrast radiography can presumptive diagnose PRAA, CTA should be considered for identifying additional vascular anomalies, specific types, and surgical planning.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.1320-1323
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• 2001

SAPHO syndrome is an acronym for an increasingly recognized syndrome of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. Most of the previously reported case are from Japan and Europe. The authors report a case of SAPHO syndrome in Korean female who presented with extrasternal neurologic symptoms. A 60-year-old female with thoracic and right chest wall pain presented with the sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis, and recurrent aseptic osteitis. Previously, she had hystrectomy and thyroidectomy due to uterine malignancy 25 years ago. Also, she started to take medications for palm and sole pustulosis 7 days prior to admission. Through evaluation of clinical, radiological, serological studies, studies was done along with bone needle biopsy for the biological reassessment. The hyperostosis was found in the pedicles of thoracic 8, 9, 10 vertebrae and sternoclavicular joint. Radio-isotope bone scan showed an accumulation of tracer in thoracic vertebra. The bone biopsy from these site showed increased osseous turnover, thickening of trabeculae accompanied by mild acculuation of granulation tissue and round cell infiltration, compatible with mild chronic inflammation with marrow fibrosis. The patient showed good response to conservative management. The authors report a case of SAPHO syndrome with thoracic radiculopathy. It is considered that SAPHO syndrome is related to spondyloarthropathy, and appears to have benign disease process with good prognosis.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.65-70
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the intertester reliability and validity of four nonradiologic measurements of thoracic spine rotation in healthy adults. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 male and 20 female university students aged between 19 and 26. To measure thoracic rotation, a goniometer, a bubble inclinometer, a dual inclinometer, and a smartphone application-clinometer were used. The measurement was performed twice for each device and the same measurement was performed by two examiners. The measurements were performed in the lumbar locked position. The arm in the direction of rotation was taken back and placed onto the back of the lumbar region. With right and left trunk rotation, the head was rotated together but remained in the center line so that the axial rotation was maintained. Both examiners performed the measuring procedures and directly handled the measuring instrument. All measurement results were recorded by the recorder. Results: The range of motion (ROM) of thoracic rotation in lumbar locked position for all four devices was 47 degrees. The intra-rater reliability estimates ranged from 0.738 to 0.906 (p<0.05). The inter-rater reliability estimates ranged from 0.736 to 0.853 (p<0.05). The goniometer, bubble inclinometer, dual inclinometer, and smartphone clinometer showed high validity (p<0.05). This result indicates that all four devices may be used by the same examiner and by other examiners obtaining follow-up measurement. Conclusions: The use of the goniometer, bubble inclinometer, dual inclinometer, and smartphone clinometer for measurements in the lumbar locked posture are reliable and valid nonradiologic measures of thoracic rotational ROM in healthy adults.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.96-98
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• 2012

Fractures of isolated spinous processes of cervical and thoracic vertebrae are called as Clay shoveler's fracture. Such fractures related to sports activities are quite rare. In this report, a case of 27-year-old male with isolated spinous process fracture of C7 during golf swing is reported. The patient was prescribed on muscle relaxant and analgesic therapy. Cervical immobilization was maintained for four weeks with a cervical collar. The patient gradually recovered and was asymptomatic. He started playing golf twice a week after 5 months from the onset of pain.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.289-296
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• 1996

A case of schistosomus reflexes in Korean native female calf was observed macroscopically and radiographically. The results were summarized as follows. 1. The abdominal visceral organs were exposed. 2. The vertebral column bent laterally to the left, and the sacrum approached to the cranium by reflected caudal lumber vertebrae, presenting S-shaped lateral twisting of the vertebrae. 3. The right ribs reflected laterally and dorso-cranially from the 7th rib to 13th rib. The left ribs bent caudally from 8th rib to 13th rib. 4. The length of rudimentary 6th right rib was one half of normal size and the 7th right rib was one third. 5. The sternum was bifid split from the fourth sternebra through the xyphoid cartilage. 6. The diaphragm was intact and thoracic cavity was reduced in size. The lung and heart severely deformed in shape and size. 7. The liver markedly deformed in shape and thickness. 8. The pelvic cavity was reduced in size by compression laterally to the left. 9. The uterus horn, ovary, urinary bladder, and urethra were severely deformed in the shape and position.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.313-315
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• 2010

Osteochondromas are common, benign tumors in the long bones, but osteochondromas are rare in the vertebrae. Most vertebral osteochondromas arise from the cervical or upper thoracic spine. However, lumbar osteochondromas have rarely been reported. In this report, a rare case of a lumbar osteochondroma arising from the spondylolytic L3 lamina in a 57-year-old woman is presented. She also had a ruptured disc and lumbar canal stenosis at L4-5-S1. The osteochondroma was completely removed and a posterior lumbar interbody fusion and instrumentation were performed. Considering the rarity of osteochondromas in the lumbar vertebrae, especially the L3 vertebra, it is possible that the pre-existing lumbar spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis was one of the factors affecting the occurrence or progression of the osteochondroma.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.30-35
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• 2011

Objective : Morphometric data for the sympathetic ganglia (SG) of the upper thoracic spine was investigated to identify the exact location of the SG in order to reduce normal tissue injury in the thoracic cavity during thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Methods : In 46 specimens from 23 formalin-fixed adult cadavers, the authors measured the shortest distance from the medial margin of the T1, T2 and T3 SG to the most prominent point and medial margin of the corresponding rib heads, and to the lateral margin of the longus colli muscle. In addition, the distance between the most prominent point of the rib head and the lateral margin of longus colli muscle and the width of each SG were measured. Results : The shortest distance from the medial margin of the SG to the prominent point of corresponding rib head was on average 1.9 mm on T1, 4.2 mm, and 4.1 mm on T2, T3. The distance from the medial margin of the SG to the medial margin of the corresponding rib head was 4.2 mm on T1, 5.9 mm, and 6.3 mm on T2, T3. The mean distance from the medial margin of the SG to the lateral margin of the longus colli muscle was 6.7 mm on T1, 8.8 mm, 9.9 and mm on T2, T3. The mean distance between the prominent point of the rib head and the lateral margin of the longus colli muscle was 4.8 mm on T1, 4.6 mm, and 5.9 mm on T2, T3. The mean width of SG was 6.1 mm on T1, 4.1 mm, and 3.1 mm on T2, T3. Conclusion : We present morphometric data to assist in surgical planning and the localization of the upper thoracic SG during thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.597-603
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• 2017

Objective : Several surgical methods have been reported for treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the thoracic spine. Despite rapid innovation of instruments and techniques for spinal surgery, the postoperative outcomes are not always favorable. This article reports a minimally invasive anterior decompression technique without instrumented fusion, which was modified from the conventional procedure. The authors present 2 cases of huge beak-type OPLL. Patients underwent minimally invasive anterior decompression without fusion. This method created a space on the ventral side of the OPLL without violating global thoracic spinal stability. Via this space, the OPLL and anterior lateral side of the dural sac can be seen and manipulated directly. Then, total removal of the OPLL was accomplished. No orthosis was needed. In this article, we share our key technique and concepts for treatment of huge thoracic OPLL. Methods : Case 1. 51-year-old female was referred to our hospital with right lower limb radiating pain and paresis. Thoracic OPLL at T6-7 had been identified at our hospital, and conservative treatment had been tried without success. Case 2. This 54-year-old female with a 6-month history of progressive gait disturbance and bilateral lower extremity radiating pain (right>left) was admitted to our institute. She also had hypoesthesia in both lower legs. Her symptoms had been gradually progressing. Computed tomography scans showed massive OPLL at the T9-10 level. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracolumbar spine demonstrated ventral bony masses with severe anterior compression of the spinal cord at the same level. Results : We used this surgical method in 2 patients with a huge beaked-type OPLL in the thoracic level. Complete removal of the OPLL via anterior decompression without instrumented fusion was accomplished. The 1st case had no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and the 2nd case had 1 intraoperative complication (dural tear) and no postoperative complications. There were no residual symptoms of the lower extremities. Conclusion : This surgical technique allows the surgeon to safely and effectively perform minimally invasive anterior decompression without instrumented fusion via a transthoracic approach for thoracic OPLL. It can be applied at the mid and lower level of the thoracic spine and could become a standard procedure for treatment of huge beak-type thoracic OPLL.