• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.694-699
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• 2010

Background: In addition to clinical and radiographic findings, a histopathologic examination is important in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. This study evaluated the diagnostic usefulness of a scalene node biopsy in patients with suspected sarcoidosis. Material and Method: We studied 35 patients who underwent scalene node biopsy because of suspicion of sarcoidosis on a chest x-ray and a computerized tomogram between 2001 and 2009, regardless of symptoms. Result We studied 15 men and 20 women whose mean age was $41.51{\pm}11.21$ years (25~64). Three among the 35 were diagnosed with tuberculosis and 27 with sarcoidosis, resulting in a diagnostic yield of 84.4%. The mean lymph node diameter size was 1.3 (${\pm}0.12$) (0.3~3.6 cm) cm. We divided the group of participants according to stage - whether on chest x-ray the lung was affected or not (stage 0, 1 and stage 2, 3). We divided lymph node sizes as well - whether they were larger than 1 cm or smaller than 1 cm. For these subgroups, there were no significant differences in diagnostic yield (p=0.604) (p=0.084). There were no complications or mortality. Conclusion: Scalene node biopsies are simply done under local anesthesia, without major complications. They have a high diagnostic yield regardless of the stages of the disease and lymph node size. We conclude that scalene node biopsy is a good alternative to other biopsy methods in sarcoidosis.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.375-381
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• 2005

Er:YAG laser has been considered a promising alternative to dental drill and many researches indicate that adjustment to variable parameters, including water flow rate, pulse energy and pulse repetition rate, can be made to improve ablation ability and efficiency of the laser. Of these parameters, addition of water spray during irradiation has been thought to ablate dental hard tissue more rapidly and safely. The purpose of this study was to investigate tooth ablation amount by Er:YAG laser irradiation as related to varied water flow rates added and, ultimately to find the most effective water flow rate for ablation. In addition, the temperature change of pulp chamber during irradiation was also monitored on the irradiated and opposite pulpal walls, respectively. An Er:YAG laser with contact mode was employed. Extracted human molars were split into two pieces for ablation experiment. Pulse energies of 200 and 300 mJ with a pulse repetition rate of 20 Hz and 5 water flow rates (1.6, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 10.0 ml/min) were applied. Each irradiation was performed for 3 seconds. According to these parameters, experimental groups were divided into 10 subgroups which consisted of 5 specimens. For temperature experiment, another 5 tooth-specimens were prepared in the manner that pulp chamber was open through access cavity preparation and two temperature-measuring probes were placed respectively on the irradiated and the opposite walls of pulp chamber. From the experiment on ablation amount related to different water flow rates, it was shown that the least water flow rate of 1.6 ml/min ablated more than any other water flow rates (p<0.000). When the irradiation for 3 seconds, combined with the pulse repetition time of 20Hz and the water flow rate of 1.6 ml/min was done to tooth specimen, the temperature rise was not noticeable both on the irradiated and the opposite pulpal walls (less than 3$^{\circ}C$) and there was no significant difference in temperature rise between the two pulse energies, 200 and 300 mJ. From the results of this study, it is suggested that tooth ablation with Er:YAG laser can be done effectively and safely at a energy between 200 and 300 mJ/pulse and a pulse repetition rate of 20 Hz when the lasing is conjugated with the water flow rate of 1.6ml/min.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2000

Purpose : The purpose of the current study was to report the results of curettage and en bloc excision as well as to introduce how to excise the nidus percutaneously with Halo-mill. Material and Methods : Twenty patients(14 men and 6 women) were evaluated, who had operative treatments after diagnosed as osteoid osteoma from March 1990 to January 1998. These patients ranged in age from 7 to 42 years(average: 20.8 years). Locations were 9 femurs, 6 tibias, 2 vertebras, 1 ulna, 1 maxilla and 1 skull. Nine femoral lesions included 5 proximal metaphysis, 2 neck and 2 diaphysis, while 5 tibial lesions included 3 diaphysis, 1 proximal metaphysis and 1 distal metaphysis. We used simple radiography, bone scan, CT and MRI for the accurate diagnosis and localization. As for surgical treatments, while excision and curettage had to need open-exposure of lesion, the percutaneous excision of nidus did not need openexposure : guided Halo-mill into K-wire inserted to nidus under image intensifier. Results : Simple radiography showed that 10 cases had typical nidus and others had only cortical sclerosis. Bone scan was performed at 14 cases and all had hot uptake except one case. We used CT in 10 cases and MRI in 4 cases as diagnostic methods, of which 1 case didn't reveal nidus at CT. Surgical treatment consisted of 6 curettages, 11 excisions, 2 percutaneous excisions with halo-mill and 1 total elbow arthroplasty. We used 7mm sized Halo-mill. During the follow-up period, all patient relieved symptoms and there were no recurrences. All had histologically typical findings except one which had hyperostosis without nidus. Conclusion : Complete removal of the nidus is the most important factor in the treatment. We could excise the nidus percutaneously in 2 cases with the minimal injury to surrounding soft tissues. If we could evaluate the precise location, size of nidus and percutaneous acccesibility, the percutaneous excision of nidus with Halo-mill could be an alternative method as a treatment of osteoid osteoma.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2001

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative success and stability of arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstructions using central one third bone-patellar-tendon bone(BPB) autograft versus quadrupled semitendinos-us(ST) autograft as the medium term review. Materials and Methods : Eighty patients(40 BPBs,40 STs) with isolated ACL injury were available for a mean follow up of 49.4 months(BPB) and 48.8 months(ST). There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age and sex. We compare the final results between two groups with respect to subjective Lysholm score, objective laxity including anterior drawer test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, KT-2000 measurements and International Knee Documentation Committee(IKDC) evaluation system. Results : Postoperatively, positive anterior drawer test was found in $22.5\%\;and\;27.5\%$, positive Lachman test was found in $30.0\%$ and $25.0\%$ and positive pivot shift test was found in $15\%\;and\;20\%$ of the ST and BPB group, respectively(p>0.05). Mean side to side difference of KT-2000 at 20 lbs was 2.2 mm for the ST group and 2.1 mm for the BPB group. There was no significant difference between the two groups about Lysholm score(>0.05). Anterior knee pain was knee common in the BPB group. Eighty-three percent of the patients were nearly normal according to the IKDC grade in both groups. Conclusion : We consider that autogenous semitendinosus tendon is a good alternative subsititute in ACL reconstruction together with the bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.165-174
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• 2009

Background: With the advances of cardiac surgery, the demand for an artificial prosthesis has increased, and this has led to the development and utilization of diverse alternative materials. We conducted this research to improve an artificial prosthesis by examining the changes of the physical qualities, the pressure related tensile strength, the change in elasticity and the thermostability of a xenograft valve (porcine) and pericardium (bovine, porcine) based on the type of fixation liquid we used. Material and Method: The xenograft valves and pericardium were assigned into three groups: the untreated group, the fixed with glutaraldehyde (GA) group and the glutaraldehyde with GA+solvent such as ethanol etc. group. The surgeons carried out each group's physical activities. Each group's uniaxial tension and elasticity was measured and compared. Thermostability testing was conducted and compared between the bovine and porcine pericardium fixed with GA group and the GA+solvent group. Result: On the physical activity test in the surgeon's hand, no significant difference between the groups was sensed on palpation. For suture and tension, the GA+solvent group was slightly firmer than the low GA concentration group. In general, the circumferential uniaxial tension and elasticity of the porcine aortic and pulmonary valves were better in the fixed groups than that in the untreated group. There was no significant difference between the GA and GA+solvent groups (p>0.05). Bovine and porcine pericardium also showed no significant difference between the GA group and the GA+solvent group (p>0.05). When comparing between the groups for each experiment, the elasticity tended to be stronger in most of the higher GA concentration group (porcine pulmonary valve, porcine pericardium). On the thermostability testing of the bovine and porcine pericardium, the GA group and the G+solvent group both had a sudden shrinking point at $80^{\circ}C$ that showed no difference (bovine pericardium: p=0.057, porcine pericardium: p=0.227). Conclusion: When fixing xenograft prosthetic devices with GA, adding a solvent did not cause a loss in pressure-tension, tension-elasticity and thermostability. In addition, more functional solvents or cleansers should be developed for developing better xenografts.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.401-408
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• 2008

Purpose : Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) is currently established therapy as an alternative to surgery. But rarely, complications are reported in some studies. We report early and intermediate term complications associated with transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). Methods : From June 2003 to May 2006, 64 patients underwent transcatheter closure of secundum ASD or patent foramen ovale using the ASO. The ratio of male to female was 1:2.4, the median age was 17 years (range: 2.6-64 years) and their median weight was 47.5 kg (range: 2.6-64 kg). Results : The median diameter of ASD measured with transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography was 15 mm (range: 6-28 mm), the median balloon stretched diameter was 18 mm (range: 6.5-34 mm), and the median size of device was 19.5 mm (range: 6-36 mm), was little difference with balloon stretched diameter. There were 10 cases of complications: arrhythmia (2), device malformation (2), aorta to right atrial fistula (1), hemolytic anemia (1), mitral valve encroachment (1), malposition (1), residual shunt (1), and inferior vena cava perforation (1). Conclusion : Transcatheter closure of ASD using ASO is effective and safe therapy. However, significant complications such as aorta to atrial fistula, atrial erosion, or device embolization can happen, so an appropriate selection of patient and device in relevance to size and anatomy of ASD is important for successful closure.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.242-251
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• 2004

Purpose: Recently, because of the increasing numbers of early gastric cancer patients and improvements in their survivals, greater attention has been directed towards the quality of life and nutritional status of gastric cancer patients after surgery. However, conventional reconstructions, Billroth- I, -II (B-I and B-II) or Roux-en-Y, have proven to have certain limitations, such as a small reservoir, and a malabsorption for iron, fat, calcium, and carotene. To overcome these limitations, we used a jejunal pouch interposition(JPI) after a distal gastrectomy not only to substitute for the small reservoir but also to maintain a physiologic pathway for ingested foods. Materials and Methods: A total of 196 gastric cancer patients who underwent a distal gastrectomy between March 2001 and February 2004 were divided into 3 groups: JPI group (n=100), B-I group (n=29), and B-II group (n=67). We assessed the patient's nutritional status, gastric emptying time, and gastrofiberscopic findings. Results: The percents of body weight loss at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively in the JPI group ($5.14\%,\;3.01\%,\;2.37\%$) were significantly less than those of the conventional B-I ($8.41\%,\;6.69\%,\;5.90\%$) and B-II groups ($7.50\%,\;7.65\%,\;5.86\%$) (P=0.011, 0.000, 0.013). The laboratory findings showed no significant differences between the 3 groups, except for a higher total protein level in the JPI group after 6 months postoperatively. Especially, stage I and II cancers in the JPI group showed much higher total protein levels after 1 year postoperatively. The gastric emptying times in the $\^{99m}$Tc- semisolid scans at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively were 102.5, 83.1, and 58.1 minutes in the JPI group, 95.5, 92.0, and 58.5 minutes in the B-I group, and 53.9, 69.1, and 50.2 minutes in the B-II group, respectively. Also, the symptomatic gastric stasis detected with a gastrofiberscope during the early postoperative period (6 months) was gradually improved. Conclusion: From a nutritional aspect, a jejunal pouch interposition after a distal gastrectomy could be an alternative reconstruction method, especially in stage I and II gastric cancer patients, in spite of the longer operation time and the probable delayed gastric emptying.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.531-536
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• 1994

Background: The intrapleural instillation of tetracycline for pleural sclerosis had been most commonly used in patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion or recurrent pneumothorax for a long time. Unfortunately, at a time of expanding use of this agent, the production of injectable tetracycline hydrochloride used for pleurodesis was discontinued by its sole manufacturer in mid-1991 because the manufacturer was unable to meet US Food and Drug Administration purity standards. So we performed a preliminary study of doxycycline, as a alternative pleural sclerosant on rabbit pleura and compared its efficacy with that of tetracycline. Method: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2 to 3kg(mean 2.6kg) were devided into three groups. In each groups, one tetracycline(20 mg/ml/kg) and two doxycycline solutions(7 mg/ml/kg and 20 mg/ml/kg) instillated into the right pleural space through an 18-gauge angiocath with care to prevent pneumothorax. All rabbits were sacrificed after 28 days. Results: 1) In the group of tetracycline 20 mg/ml/kg(six rabbits), five rabbits showed partial pleural symphysis with several fibrous bands, and one rabbit died on 22th day. 2) In the group of doxycycline 7 mg/ml/kg(six rabbits), three rabbits showed partial pleural symphysis and the other three rabbits showed complete pleural symphysis without necrosis of underlying parenchymal lung tissue. 3) In the group of doxycycline 20 mg/ml/kg(six rabbits), two rabbits showed complete pleural symphysis without lung necrosis, another two rabbits showed complete pleural symphysis with lung necrosis, and the other two rabbits died on 4th and 13th day, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that doxycycline is a highly effective sclerosing agent having stronger pleurodesis effect with that of tetracycline by dose base and its optimal dosage was considered as 7 mg/ml/kg with minimal complications.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2010

Purpose : In evaluation of patients, laboratory results are crucial in determination of a treatment plan. Obtaining venous blood from infants and children is a difficult procedure. Substitution of a capillary blood sample for a venous blood sample has been suggested. However, there are few studies showing mutual correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) results in capillary and venous blood. This study was designed to determine whether the result of the capillary sample is the same as the result of the venous blood sample. Methods : After informed consent, a pair of venous and fingertip capillary blood samples were simultaneously collected from 100 children. The LC-178CRPTM was used for analysis of capillary blood and the Hitachi 7180 automatic hematology analyzer was used for analysis of venous blood. We compared CRP of both venous and capillary blood samples. Results were analyzed by crosstabulation analysis, simple regression analysis and the Bland Altman Plot method. Results : A close correlation (90.63%) was observed between capillary and venous blood analyzed by crosstabulation analysis. CRP results were similar between the two groups and showed a high coefficient correlation ($\beta$=1.3434, $R^2$=0.9888, P<0.0001) when analyzed by a simple regression model. The average value in venous blood was also higher compared to capillary blood. According to Bland Altman Plot analysis, lab results were measured at a 95% confidence interval. Conclusion : CRP results from capillary blood showed close correlation with venous blood sampling. At present, venous blood sampling is the preferred method. However, due to difficulty in venous blood sampling, capillary sampling could be considered as an alternative technique for use with children.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.138-142
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• 2010

Purpose: PTH (parathyroid hormone) level is a useful index for prediction of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. The fast results are required for an early diagnosis of hypocalcemia. In this study, we evaluated the PTH change according to incubation time, and investigated the usefulness of hypocalcemia diagnosis of PTH results in early incubation time. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 131 patients who had taken the PTH test from July to August in 2009. All experiments were used IRMA method. PTH value were evaluated with the correlation between precision (10 times repeat) and recovery rate and at 0.5, 3, 6 and $18{\pm}2$ (below overnight) hours following incubation time. Data analysis was investigated with relationship of the sensitivity, specificity, PPV (positive predictive value) and accuracy. Results: The correlation was time-dependent with levels reaching $R^2$=0.987 at 0.5 hours, $R^2$=0.993 at 3 hours and $R^2$=0.996 at 6 hours compare to overnight levels. The precision (%CV${\pm}$SD) were $15.92{\pm}15.54$ at 0.5 hours, $6.91{\pm}7.38$ at 3 hours, $4.30{\pm}4.69$ at 6 hours and $4.59{\pm}2.59$ at overnight. The recovery rate (%Mean${\pm}$SD) were $96.8{\pm}5.44$ at 0.5 hours, $102.6{\pm}4.35$ at 3 hours, $100.7{\pm}2.56$ at 6 hours and $102.2{\pm}5.98$ at overnight. When 15 pg/ml of overnight density was set up as criteria, we measured the sensitivity, specificity and PPV, accuracy at 0.5, 3, 6 hours. The sensitivity was shown to 97.5% at all times. The specificity was 96.0% at 0.5 hours, 100% at 3 hours and 92.3% at 6 hours for control, respectively. The PPV was 86.6% at 0.5 hours, 100% at 3 hours and 92.8% at 6 hours. The accuracy was shown to 84.7% at 0.5 hours, 97.5% at 3 hours and 90.6% at 6 hours. These data were accompanied by a corresponding PTH value of overnight incubation time, which significantly correlated with early time results. Conclusion: The values of PTH at 3 hours has favorable the rate of concordance of 94.1% and may be useful for prediction of hypocalcemia, and it responses to overnight incubation PTH values. Therefore, This method may be an attractive alternative to proper treatment to stop symptom revelation by giving a calcium agent to the patient.