Advanced Daily Prediction Model for National Suicide Numbers with Social Media Data

OBJECTIVE: Suicide is a significant public health concern worldwide. Social media data have a potential role in identifying high suicide risk individuals and also in predicting suicide rate at the population level. In this study, we report an advanced daily suicide prediction model using social media data combined with economic/meteorological variables along with observed suicide data lagged by 1 week. METHODS: The social media data were drawn from weblog posts. We examined a total of 10,035 social media keywords for suicide prediction. We made predictions of national suicide numbers 7 days in advance daily for 2 years, based on a daily moving 5-year prediction modeling period. RESULTS: Our model predicted the likely range of daily national suicide numbers with 82.9% accuracy. Among the social media variables, words denoting economic issues and mood status showed high predictive strength. Observed number of suicides one week previously, recent celebrity suicide, and day of week followed by stock index, consumer price index, and sunlight duration 7 days before the target date were notable predictors along with the social media variables. CONCLUSION: These results strengthen the case for social media data to supplement classical social/economic/climatic data in forecasting national suicide events.

Gender-Specific Influence of Education in Cognitive Subdomains in Mild Cognitive Impairment : A Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea Study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to find the sex differences of the way how educational attainment influence on cognitive function in the mild cognitive impairment patients. METHODS: A total of 1,704 patients were recruited from a large hospital-based multi-center cohort. Cognitive subdomains were evaluated using the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery-Dementia version. We employed multiple linear regression analysis to compare the score of cognitive subdomains between the groups with high versus low educational attainment based on the high school graduate. Interaction between educational attainment and sex was also included in the analysis RESULTS: High and low educational attainment group had 41.2% and 58.8% of patients in the study population. In the multiple regression analysis, score of all cognitive subdomains were significantly higher in the high educational attainment group. The score of attention, language, and visuospatial function were also significantly affected by interaction between educational attainment and sex. CONCLUSION: In the female patients, educational attainment showed higher influence on the attention, language, and visuospatial function score.

Dacryocystocele on prenatal ultrasonography: diagnosis and postnatal outcomes

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of dacryocystoceles detected by prenatal ultrasonography (US) and their postnatal outcomes and to determine the factors associated with the postnatal persistence of dacryocystoceles at birth. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the prenatal US database at our institution for the period between January 2012 and December 2013. The medical records of women who had fetuses diagnosed with dacryocystocel larger than 5 mm were reviewed for maternal age, gestational age (GA) at detection, size and side of the dacryocystoceles, delivery, and postnatal information, such as GA at delivery, delivery mode, and gender of the neonate. RESULTS: A total of 49 singletons were diagnosed with a dacryocystocele on prenatal US, yielding an overall incidence of 0.43%. The incidence of dacryocystoceles was the highest at the GA of 27 weeks and decreased toward term. Of the 49 fetuses including three of undeter mined gender, 25 (54%) were female. The mean GA at first detection was 31.2 weeks. The dacryocystocele was unilateral in 29 cases, with a mean maximum diameter of 7 mm. Spontaneous resolution at birth was documented in 35 out of 46 neonates (76%), including six with prenatal resolution. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that GA at delivery was a significant predictor of the postnatal persistence of dacryocystoceles (P=0.045). CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of prenatal dacryocystoceles was 0.43%; the incidence was higher in the early third trimester and decreased thereafter. Prenatal dacryocystoceles resolved in 76% of the patients at birth, and the GA at delivery was a significant predictor of postnatal persistence.

Pregnancy-associated pulmonary embolism during the peripartum period: An 8-year experience at a single center

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence, timing of onset, risk factors, and mortality rate of pregnancy-associated pulmonary embolism (PAPE). METHODS: We analyzed PAPE cases that occurred between January 2005 and December 2012 at Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center. Those cases that were not confirmed by computed tomography scan or were confirmed as amniotic fuid embolisms were excluded. We analyzed various risk factors such as previous surgery, mode of delivery, maternal age, and obesity in PAPE. RESULTS: There were 57,092 deliveries over 8 years. Of them, 13 cases (0.023%) were diagnosed with PAPE. All cases occurred in the postpartum period after cesarean delivery. There were no cases of PAPE after vaginal deliveries. Of the total cases, 10 cases (76.9%) were diagnosed in the early postpartum period within 48 hours. Eight cases (61.5%) had a history of previous surgery. There were 3 cases (23.1%) of multiple pregnancy and 3 cases (23.1%) of preterm delivery. No cases had a history of venous thromboembolism. Among 13 cases, 10 cases improved with only anticoagulation, 2 cases received surgical thrombectomy, and one case was maternal death. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that the incidence of PAPE was very low (0.023%) and occurred mainly in the postpartum period after cesarean section. However, its maternal mortality rate was significantly high (7.7%). Therefore, we suggest that immediate diagnosis and prompt treatment should be prioritized for improvement of PAPE patients' survival rate.

Ultrasonography of Gynecologic Causes of Acute Pelvic Pain

Acute pelvic pain is one of the most common complaints of woman presenting in the emergency department. When gynecologic disorders are suspected, ultrasonography (US) is the modality of choice, enabling rapid diagnosis and decision making with regard to appropriate management. Frequent gynecologic etiologies include a large or enlarging simple ovarian cyst, hemorrhagic ovarian cyst or rupture of an ovarian cyst, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian torsion. Endometriosis, uterine leiomyoma, and peritoneal inclusion cyst can also present as acute pelvic pain. Gynecologic disorders that cause acute pelvic pain frequently show characteristic ultrasonographic findings that enable specific diagnosis. In this review, the authors review ultrasonographic findings of gynecologic causes of acute pelvic pain.

Serotonergic Dysfunction in Patients with Bipolar Disorder Assessed by the Loudness Dependence of the Auditory Evoked Potential

OBJECTIVE: The loudness dependence of the auditory evoked potential (LDAEP) is suggested to be a marker of serotonin system function. This study explored the LDAEP of multiple mood statuses (depression, mania, and euthymia) and its clinical implication in bipolar disorder patients. METHODS: A total of 89 subjects, comprising 35 patients with bipolar disorder, 32 patients with schizophrenia, and 22 healthy controls were evaluated. The bipolar disorder cases comprised 10 depressed patients, 15 patients with mania, and 10 euthymic patients. The N1/P2 peak-to-peak amplitudes were measured at 5 stimulus intensities, and the LDAEP was calculated as the slope of the linear regression. Both cortical and source LDAEP values were calculated. RESULTS: LDAEP varied according to mood statuses, and was significantly stronger in cases of euthymia, depression, and mania. Cortical LDAEP was significantly stronger in patients with bipolar euthymia compared with schizophrenia, stronger in bipolar depression than in schizophrenia, stronger in healthy controls than in schizophrenia patients, and stronger in healthy controls than in patients with bipolar mania. Source LDAEP was significantly stronger in patients with bipolar euthymia, bipolar depression, and bipolar mania compared with schizophrenia, stronger in bipolar euthymia than in bipolar mania. Psychotic features weakened the source LDAEP relative to nonpsychotic features. The severity of the depressive symptom was negatively correlated with source LDAEP. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the serotonin activity of patients with bipolar disorder may vary according to mood status. A longitudinal follow-up study should be pursued using drug-naive subjects.

Central Lumpectomy with Resection of the Nipple-areolar Complex for Retroareolar or Central Breast Cancers

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of central lumpectomy for breast conservation including nipple-areolar resection and postoperative radiation therapy in patients with central breast cancers. METHODS: 19 patients with central breast cancers, aged 39 to 72 years, operated on from May 2004 to March 2010 were identified. Recurrence, survival, and cosmesis were analyzed. Treatment was undertaken as complete excision of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC), followed by external radiation to the whole breast and tumor bed. The mean follow-up period was 37.9 (1 to 71) months. RESULTS: At pathology, 13 had invasive ductal carcinoma; 5 had ductal carcinoma in situ. 1 had neuroendocrine cancer. Only 1 had atypical ductal hyperplasia at resection margin; the remaining 18 were free margins. The mean tumor size was 1.6 cm (range, 0.8~4 cm) and the distance from the nipple was 0~1 cm. 37.5% had positive axillary nodes. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given for 12 patients, followed by radiation therapy. All 15 patients, who were hormone receptor positive, were given tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. With a mean follow up of 37.9 months, all 19 patients are alive and free of disease. Cosmetic results ranged from good to excellent in 18 (94.7%) patients, as judged by both the patients and the surgeons. CONCLUSION: Although this study needs further evaluation and long-term follow up, subareolar or central breast cancers can be successfully treated with breast conserving therapy using nipple-areolar resection and postoperative radiation therapy, along with acceptable cosmesis.

Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of a Uterine Fusion Anomaly Associated with Neonates with Unilateral, Ectopic, Multicystic, Dysplastic Kidney

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to reinforce the necessity of careful ultrasonographic evaluation of the uterus to detect uterine fusion anomaly in female neonates who were detected as having a unilateral, ectopic, multicystic, dysplastic kidney (MCDK) on fetal US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We detected eight unilateral ectopic MCDK on fetal US of second trimester and neonatal ultrasonography between October 2003 and February 2009; neonatal US were taken at 2 to 10 days after birth for the initial evaluation of MCDK. Uterine fusion anomaly, vaginal obstruction and other associated urogenital anomalies were evaluated by neonatal US. RESULTS: Four of eight female neonates with unilateral ectopic MCDK showed a double uterus on neonatal US. They all showed hemivaginal fluid collection. Obstruction of the hemivagina and vaginal septum were depicted in two cases. A perivaginal cyst was seen in three cases, and in two cases the cyst was connected with the vaginal cavity. An ipsilateral perivaginal tubular structure was seen in one case, which was indicative of a ureteral remnant. There was no associated anomaly in the contralateral kidney except for a tiny cortical cyst in one case. CONCLUSION: The careful ultrasonographic evaluation of the uterus is important in female neonates who showed the ectopic MCDK on fetal US. In addition, it may help to detect the fusion anomaly that is otherwise difficult to detect on fetal US and to devise a treatment plan to prevent upcoming complications.

Efficacy of Transcervical Fallopian Tube Catheterization in Infertility Patients with Fallopian Tube Occlusion / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the significance and efficacy of trans-cervical fallopian tube catheterization (TFTC) in diagnosis and optimal treatment modality for tubal blockage. METHODS: The retrospective study was performed in those underwent TFTC from January 2005 to December 2009. A total of 342 fallopian tubes in 215 patients which showed tubal blockage in hysterosalpingography (HSG), were subjected to TFTC. Recanalization rate (RR) was compared according to portion of tubal blockage; proximal, isthmic and distal portion and blockage type; tapering, concave, and convex type. RESULTS: In total, RR was 72.5% (248/342 tube). According to the portion of tubal blockage, RR was 83.8% in proximal, 45.6% in isthmic and 100% in distal portion. RR was 92.3% in tapering, 80.2% in concave and 25.5% in convex type, respectively. There were 98 pregnancies in 156 patients after successful recanalization, which shows 62.7% pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION: TFTC were capable of recanalizing tubal blockage in 248 of 342 tubes in 156 of 215 patients (72.5%). The RR was increased with proximal portion and tapering type tubal blockage.

Effects of Hysteroscopic Septotomy on Pregnancy in Patients with History of Infertility or Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influences of uterine septum and their elimination on the reproductive outcomes in women who have history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and/or infertility. METHODS: The medical records of reproductive outcomes in patients who have had history of RSA and infertility who were diagnosed with uterine septum only by hysterosalpingogram (HSG) between January 2008 and December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The subjects who have had severe male factor, tubal factors, other uterine factors, endocrine abnormalities, peritoneal factors, and abnormal karyotyping among both partners were excluded. In 27 patients, confirmation of diagnosis by laparoscopy and elimination of uterine septum by trans-vaginal hysteroscopy was done. Seventeen patients were strongly suspected to uterine septum on HSG but tried to get pregnancy without any other procedure for evaluation and management of uterine anomaly. Age matched 42 patients who have history of RSA and/or infertility and diagnosed to normal HSG finding at same period were randomly selected as control. The medical records of reproductive outcomes were analyzed and compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean time of observation after diagnosis was 21.8 months (10 to 32). 55.6% (15/27) of patients in patients who received trans-vaginal hysteroscopic uterine septotomy were success to get pregnancies and was significantly higher than that of 17 patients who did not receive proper management (23.5%, 4/17, p<0.05). In control population, 40.5% (17/42) were success to pregnancies and the differences were not statistically significant compared to both two study groups. The live birth rate which was excluded pregnancy loss by abnormal fetal karyotyping and congenital anomaly were 75% (9/12) in treated septated uterus group and 84.6% (11/13) in control group each which have no statistically significant different. In patients with septated uterus who did not receive proper management showed lower delivery rate (50%, 2/4) than that of other groups but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: According to present data, women with a uterine septum have an increased chance of successful pregnancy with improved obstetric outcome after proper management of the uterine cavity. And these results were showed in patients with no regard to their reproductive history. But, in case of failed to receive proper management, uterine septum can affect not only pregnancy ongoing but successful pregnancy too.

Breast Cancer Screening: A Medical Audit of the Screening Mammography Performed at One Institution for 10 Years / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Screening for breast cancer has constantly been increasing since the benefit of screening for breast cancers was established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of annual breast cancer screening at one institution for 10 years by conducting a medical audit. METHODS: From March 1995 to July 2004, we performed 110,588 annual clinical examinations and mammographies on 58,024 women, who wanted to undergo breast cancer screening. Two hundred fourteen breast cancers were detected during screening, and one hundred sixty one of these patients were operated on. We then compared these results with the ideal rates for medical audits. RESULTS: Of the 110,588 cases that were screened, the recall rate for further examination was 12.1% (n=13,423). The biopsy rate was 1.01% (n=1,116). Two hundred fourteen breast cancers were detected for a detection rate of 0.19%. The percent of stage 0 cancer among all the cancer was 23.6%, stage I was 40.4%, stage IIa was 19.9%, stage IIb and IIIa were a combined 6.2%, stage IIIc was 3.1%, and stage IV was 0.6%. The positive predictive value (PPV) based on the abnormal findings on the screening examinations was 1.6% (PPV1). The PPV when a biopsy or surgical consultation was recommended was 15.1% (PPV2). The percent of tumor found as stage 0 or I was 64% (103/161). The tumor found as minimal cancer (stage 0 or tumor lesser than 1 cm) was 38.5% (62/161). There were 38 cases of axillary lymph node metastasis (23.6%). The number of cases of cancers found per 1,000 cases was 1.7. The prevalence of cancer found per 1,000 first examinations was 2.3. The incidental cancer found per 1,000 follow-up examinations was 1.2. The recall rate for further evaluation was 12.1%. These results were compatible with the ideal rates for medical audits, except for the recall rate, the PPV1, the PPV2, and the cancers found per 1,000 cases. CONCLUSION: On the base of these results, breast cancer screening was properly performed in this institution. Breast cancer screening using a clinical examination and a mammography is effective for the early detection of breast cancer.

A Case of Gastric Cancer Initially Presenting with Polydipsia

Metastatic brain tumors from gastric cancer are extremely rare. A 61-year-old Korean woman, initially presenting with polydipsia and polyuria, was found to have metastatic lesions in the brain by MRI. We performed several diagnostic procedures to determine the origin of the brain metastases. She was revealed to have a soft tissue mass of the right adrenal gland and fungating ulcers in the stomach. Histologic studies of both the adrenal gland mass and gastric tissues revealed malignant tumors composed of anaplastic cells. Based on the electron microscopy study, the malignant tumor of the right adrenal gland was a metastatic lesion from the anaplastic carcinoma of stomach. Therefore, the malignant tumors of the brain were assumed to have originated from the gastric cancer. This case report is presented to make clinicians aware of the possibility that diabetes insipidus (polydipsia) may present as an initial manifestation of brain metastases.

Complications Arising in Twin Pregnancy: Findings of Prenatal Ultrasonography

Multifetal gestations are high-risk pregnancies involving higher perinatal morbidity and mortality, and are subject to unique complications including twin oligohydramnios-polyhydramnios sequence, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, acardiac twins, conjoined twins, co-twin demise, and heterotopic pregnancies. The purpose of this study is to describe the prenatal ultrasonographic and pathologic findings of these complications.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) of the Breast; Clinico-pathological Analysis, Expression of Molecular Markers, and Correlations between Known Prognostic Factors

PURPOSE: The improved availability of breast cancer screening, including mammography, has dramatically increased the detection rate of DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). However, there has been controversy regarding the clinico-pathological characteristics and optimal management of DCIS. This analysis was conducted in order to evaluate the clinico- pathological findings of DCIS, and any possible correlations between the known prognostic factors. METHODS: We analyzed 58 consecutive cases of DCIS, from 1990 to 1995, including data on the annual proportion of DCIS to total breast cancer cases, the clinico-pathological characteristics and the expressions of ER, PR, c-erbB-2 and p53. The median length of follow-up was 98.5 months. RESULTS: The proportion of DCIS was 8.8%, with progressive increases from 1990 to 1995. The mean age at diagnosis was 47.1 years, with the peak of prevalence seen in women aged 40~49 years. The most common presentation was a palpable breast mass in 28 (48.3%) cases, but 18 (31%) patients were asymptomatic. The mammographic findings demonstrated calcification in 75% and mass density in 59.6%. There was only 1 (1.8%) case of a bilateral lesion, and 5 (8.6%) of multifocal or multicentric lesions. Axillary lymph nodes were positive in 5.5% of the patients who underwent an axillary dissection. Breast conserving operations were performed in 8 (13.8%) cases. The frequencies of ER, PR, c-erbB-2 and p53, positivity, by immunohistochemistry were 52, 50, 55.1 and 30.6%, respectively. c-erbB- 2 immunoreactivity was found more often in DCIS with larger size, higher nuclear grade and negative ER and PR (P= 0.011, P=0.001, P=0.002, and P=0.006, respectively). There was a significant association between higher nuclear grade and negative ER and PR, and comedotype (P=0.001, P= 0.000, and 0.008, respectively). Although an invasive ductal carcinoma had developed in 5.4% of the contralateral breasts, there were no cases of systemic relapse, or disease-specific mortality, at the last follow-up.

Frequency of Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis in Women Having Knee Joint Pain / 대한류마티스학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was done to evaluate the frequency and to examine the difference of radiographic findings between patellofemoral joint (PFJ) and tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) in radiographic change of knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: 347 Korean women (694 knees) who visited our clinic with knee joint pain took anteroposterior (AP) weight bearing view of TFJ, lateral and skyline view of PFJ of the knees from Jan. to Dec. in 1999. Radiographs were read for features of OA using Kellgren-Lawrence. The difference of frequency in two joint's radiographic changes of OA was examined using chi-square and Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Radiographic knee OA was correlated with patient's age (r=0.482, P<0.001) and with body mass index (r=0.123, p<0.001). Frequency of radiographic OA using lateral view of PFJ was 38.8%, using AP view of TFJ was 28% and skyline view of PFJ was 23.1% (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results show that lateral view of PFJ with AP view of TFJ increase the frequency of radiographic knee OA, but skyline view of PFJ doesn't contribute to increase the frequency of radiographic knee OA.

Efficacy of Diagnostic Laparoscopy for TFTC (Transcervical Fallopian Tube Catheterization) in Tubal Infertility Patients / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether diagnostic laparoscopy before transcervical fallopian tube catheterization (TFTC) would improve tubal recanalization rate and pregnancy rate in patients with bilateral proximal tubal blockage in hysterosalpingogram (HSG). METHODS: The retrospective study was performed in those underwent TFTC from January 1998 to December 2001. A total of 50 patients with bilateral proximal tubal blockage in HSG were subjected to TFTC sequentially using repeated HSG (rHSG), selective salpingography (SS) followed by tubal catheterization (TFTC). Each procedure was terminated once patency had been achieved without proceding to the next technique. In Group A patients (n=35, 64 tubes), diagnostic laparoscopy was performed before TFTC was taken to exclude the tube combined with peritubal adhesion or distal tubal pathology. In Group B, patients (n=15, 26 tubes) were performed TFTC without diagnostic laparoscopy. RESULTS: There were significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate (45.7% vs 15.4%, p=0.034) but no differences were found in recanalization rate (75.0% vs 73.1%) and complication rate (8.6% vs 13.3%). Although there is no signficant difference, more tubes were canalized by SS, which means tubal obstruction rather than occlusion, in Group A (25.0% vs 5.3%, p=0.069). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic laparoscopy would be effective in the selection of tube for the relatively inexpensive and less invasive TFTC or patients in need of assisted reproductive technologies. With the tubes without combined peritubal adhesion or distal tubal pathology, pregnancy rate was significantly increased.

Efficacy of Diagnostic Laparoscopy for TFTC (Transcervical Fallopian Tube Catheterization) in Tubal Infertility Patients / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether diagnostic laparoscopy before transcervical fallopian tube catheterization (TFTC) would improve tubal recanalization rate and pregnancy rate in patients with bilateral proximal tubal blockage in hysterosalpingogram (HSG). METHODS: The retrospective study was performed in those underwent TFTC from January 1998 to December 2001. A total of 50 patients with bilateral proximal tubal blockage in HSG were subjected to TFTC sequentially using repeated HSG (rHSG), selective salpingography (SS) followed by tubal catheterization (TFTC). Each procedure was terminated once patency had been achieved without proceding to the next technique. In Group A patients (n=35, 64 tubes), diagnostic laparoscopy was performed before TFTC was taken to exclude the tube combined with peritubal adhesion or distal tubal pathology. In Group B, patients (n=15, 26 tubes) were performed TFTC without diagnostic laparoscopy. RESULTS: There were significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate (45.7% vs 15.4%, p=0.034) but no differences were found in recanalization rate (75.0% vs 73.1%) and complication rate (8.6% vs 13.3%). Although there is no signficant difference, more tubes were canalized by SS, which means tubal obstruction rather than occlusion, in Group A (25.0% vs 5.3%, p=0.069). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic laparoscopy would be effective in the selection of tube for the relatively inexpensive and less invasive TFTC or patients in need of assisted reproductive technologies. With the tubes without combined peritubal adhesion or distal tubal pathology, pregnancy rate was significantly increased.

Interval Breast Cancers: Comparisons with Screen Detected Cancers

PURPOSE: Although the screening with a mammography has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality, it has limitations relating to its sensitivity and efficacy. Interval cancers are those that become symptomatic, and are detected between screening examinations. The success of a screening program in reducing the rate of mortality due to breast cancer relies on keeping the number of interval cancers at a minimum. This study was performed to review the mammographic features of interval cancers, and to compare their clinicopathological factors with those cancers detected by screening. METHODS: Of the 881 women who had operations for breast cancer performed between 1995 and 1999, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records and mammograms of 57 who received at least a mammogram before the diagnosis of their breast cancer. These patients were divided into an interval cancer group, who had symptoms, and a screen detected cancer group, who had not. The factors compared included the clinical, radiographic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features. RESULTS: Interval cancers were more likely to have masses, than microcalcifications, in their mammographic features, and were more likely to be invasive and at a higher stage according to their histopathological features. The false negative rate was 48% for the screen detected cancers, and 35% for the interval cancers (P=0.414). HRT users had the higher false negative rate of 51.6% than the 26.9% for the nonuser (P=0.103). CONCLUSION: The interval cancers were found to be different from the screen detected cancers in terms of their radiological and pathological features. The standardization of screen interval, and additional magnification mammography, or ultrasonography may contribute to reduce false negative rates of mammography.

Correlation between Bone Mineral Density and Knee Osteoarthritis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To examine the correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and radiographic changes in knee osteoarthritis (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: BMD of the lumbar spine and hip was measured, using dual x-ray energy absorptiometry, in 297 Korean women who visited our clinic with knee joint pain; anteroposterior weight bearing X-ray of the knees was also taken. Radiographic OA was defined as a Kellgren-Lawrence score of >or=2. The relationship between BMD and the radiographic changes of OA was examined using correlation and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean BMD was lower in subjects with knee OA (n=136) than in non OA subjects (n=161): Mean BMD in the lumbar spine, OA group was 0.863 +/-0.154 g/cm2 and in the non OA group 0.896 +/-0.131 g/cm2, and there was no significant correlation between the BMD of the spine and radiographic knee OA (r=-0.087, p=0.134). Mean BMD in the hip, OA group was 0.610 +/-0.135 g/cm2 and in the non OA group was 0.662+/-0.105 g/cm2, and the difference between the two groups was significant (r=-0.227, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Hip BMD and radiographic knee OA were found to be negatively correlated, although the mechanism remains unclear. This result differs from that of a western study and further study is needed.

Characteristics of Breast Cancer in Women Undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. Cancers in women who undergo HRT are often less advanced, and a lower mortality has been reported in those who use HRT vice nonusers. We sought to explain this by a comparison of indicators of tumor aggressiveness in patients who received HRT with those in patients who did not. METHODS: A population-based cohort of 370 postmenopausal women with breast cancer were interviewed for the use, type, and duration of HRT. Clinical variables and indicators of tumor aggressiveness (nuclear grade, hormone receptors, c-erb B2 overexpression, tumor size, lymph node) were analyzed. RESULTS: Breast tumors from 268 HRT patients were smaller (P=0.001), had less involved axillary lymph nodes (P=0.0), and had a lower overexpression of c-erb B2 (P=0.047) than the tumors from 102 non-recipients. These differences persisted after adjustments for age at diagnosis and screening with mammography by multiple logistic regression. No significant differences were observed in estrogen (ER) or progesterone receptor content (PR) or, nuclear grade. Neither the type of HRT (estrogen versus combination of estrogen and progesterone), nor the duration of HRT was not associated with the tumor size or with the involvement of lymph nodes. The use of HRT was significantly associated with a longer metastasis free survival in women with breast cancer (P=0.028), but was not associated with longer overall survival. The use of HRT was not significantly associated with longer overall survival or with a longer metastasis free survival after adjustment for T-stage, N-stage, age at diagnosis or screening mammography. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that breast cancer in women who receive HRT is biologically less aggressive than those without previous HRT. This may at least partly explain why breast cancer in HRT users has a more favorable clinical course.