Analysis of Characteristics and Steroid Effects in Olfactory Dysfunction Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Olfactory dysfunction is a common sensory disorder, but there are currently no standard diagnostics or therapeutic methods. We analyzed the effects of systemic steroid therapy in patients with olfactory dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We analyzed patients who visited our ENT department with olfactory dysfunction for 3 years. We reviewed their charts and classified the patients according to age, sex, etiology of olfactory dysfunction, degrees of olfactory dysfunction and the effect of systemic steroid therapy. RESULTS: The mean age was 44.3 years old and there were 50 males and 55 females; 55 patients had inflammatory disease and 50 patients had non-inflammatory disease. The distribution of degrees of olfactory disorder according to cause was not significantly different (p=0.120). In 105 patients, 20% experienced improvements after systemic steroid therapy, and the response of systemic steroid therapy was better among patients with inflammatory causes. In cases of inflammatory disease, there was a larger amount of severe hyposmia patients, and their response to systemic steroid therapy was significant (p=0.015). Patients with mild and moderate hyposmia were more responsive to systemic steroid therapy than patients with severe hyposmia (p=0.382). CONCLUSION: In cases of hyposmia due to inflammatory disease, systemic steroid therapy with proper operative management may increase therapeutic effects.

A Pilot Randomized Comparative Study of Two Diathermy Power Settings for Monopolar Microdissection and Bipolar Hemostasis during Tonsillectomy / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Optimal electrical power required for diathermy during tonsillectomy has not been determined. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate and compare surgical outcomes of using diathermy power settings at 15 watts (W) and 25W for monopolar microdissection and bipolar hemostasis during tonsillectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: This prospective, single-center, single-blind, randomized study was conducted on 92 patients who underwent 15W or 25W monopolar microdissection and bipolar hemostasis for tonsillectomy. Operation times, post-operative pain severities, and rates of hemorrhage were compared between the 15W and 25W groups. RESULTS: The 92 patients were randomized equally into two study groups. The mean operation duration for the 15W group was significantly longer than in the 25W group (18.5±6.11 versus 13.4±6.04 minutes, p<0.01). The rate of minimal hemorrhage (defined as an episode of bleeding not significant enough for hospital visitation) for the 15W group was significantly higher than for the 25W group (41.3% versus 20.5%, p<0.05). No significant intergroup difference was observed between the rates of primary or secondary hemorrhage or postoperative pain scores. CONCLUSION: Twenty-five watt monopolar microdissection and bipolar hemostasis for tonsillectomy had a shorter mean operation time and a lower post-operative minimal hemorrhage rate than 15W monopolar microdissection and bipolar hemostasis.

A Case of Rhinosporidiosis of the Nasal Cavity / 대한이비인후과학회지

Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, which is endemic to South India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa. It is primarily an infection of the nose. Although involvement of other parts of body has occasionally been reported, it rarely presents as a disseminated disease. We describe a case of nasal rhinosporidiosis in Korea and discuss its clinical manifestations and management.

Follow-up results of acute portal and splenic vein thrombosis with or without anticoagulation therapy after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery

PURPOSE: Acute portal and splenic vein thrombosis (APSVT) after hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) surgery is a rare but serious complication and a treatment strategy has not been well established. To assess the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation therapy for treating APSVT after HBP surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-control study of 82 patients who were diagnosed with APSVT within 4 weeks after HBP surgery from October 2002 to November 2012 at a single institute. We assigned patients to the anticoagulation group (n = 32) or nonanticoagulation group (n = 50) and compared patient characteristics, complications, and the recanalization rate of APSVT between these two groups. RESULTS: APSVT was diagnosed a mean of 8.6 +/- 4.8 days after HBP surgery. Patients' characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. There were no bleeding complications related to anticoagulation therapy. The 1-year cumulative recanalization rate of anticoagulation group and nonanticoagulation group were 71.4% and 34.1%, respectively, which is statistically significant (log-rank test, P = 0.0001). In Cox regression model for multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with the recanalization rate of APSVT after HBP surgery were anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.003; hazard ration [HR], 2.364; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.341-4.168), the absence of a vein reconstruction procedure (P = 0.027; HR, 2.557; 95% CI, 1.111-5.885), and operation type (liver resection rather than pancreatic resection; P = 0.005, HR, 2.350; 95% CI, 1.286-4.296). CONCLUSION: Anticoagulation therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with APSVT after HBP surgery. Further prospective studies of larger patient populations are necessary to confirm our findings.

Low molecular-weight heparin for thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery: an experience from one Korean institute

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) and adverse effects of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in order to launch a prospective clinical trial in Korea. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 108 consecutive patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of thromboprophylaxis: group A, LMWH combined with intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC); group B, IPC alone. The postoperative outcomes of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Symptomatic VTE was observed in only 1 patient (0.9%) from group B. Postoperative bleeding was more common in group A than in group B (10.9% vs. 7.5%), although the difference was not significant (P = 0.055). Most bleeding episodes were minor and managed conservatively without intervention. Only a high body mass index was associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative bleeding (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.43; P = 0.051). CONCLUSION: A 40 mg of enoxaparin sodium is a safe and feasible dose for prevention of VTE. With the results of this study, we are planning a prospective randomized clinical trial to investigate the clinical efficacy of LMWH thromboprophylaxis in gastric cancer patients in Korea.

Unusual Presentation of a Metastatic Tumor to the Temporal Bone: Severe Otalgia and Facial Paralysis

Metastatic temporal bone tumors are rare diseases and they are usually clinically asymptomatic, so it is difficult to diagnose them. Breasts are the most common sites of temporal bone metastasis. Tumors of lung, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, prostate gland, larynx and thyroid gland are the other sites. The pathogenesis of the temporal bone is most commonly related to the hematogenous route. We present the case of a 78-year-old man with facial paralysis combined with severe otalgia. This patient was initially diagnosed with Bell's palsy. However, based on the radiologic findings, the patient was diagnosed with lung cancer with temporal bone metastasis.

Vestibular Paroxysmia in a 7-Year-Old Child / 대한평형의학회지

Neurovascular cross-compression of the eighth cranial nerve is characterized by brief attacks of vertigo, unilateral audiologic symptoms such as tinnitus, ear fullness and hearing disturbance and relatively rare disease, in particular, in children. We report a 7-year-old female patient who presented with recurrent spontaneous vertigo, lasting 15 seconds and occuring up to 40 times per day and often associated with physical activity. Her symptoms were developed by hyperventilation. Associated aural symptoms are not founded. Magnetic resonance image showed the eighth cranial nerve compression caused by the vascular loop. She was treated with oxcarbazepine and showed improving symptoms. Therefore we report our clinical experience with a brief review of literature.

Acute Dose-Related Differential Effects of Methylphenidate on Murine Cystometric Parameters / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Methylphenidate is the most widely used central nervous system stimulant in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, few studies have assessed its effects on voiding. Various doses of methylphenidate were investigated for their effects on cystometric parameters in conscious mice. METHODS: Ten male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20 and 23 g, were used in this study. To compare the acute drug responses before and after the oral medication was administered in the awake condition, we injected the solution through a catheter inserted into the stomach. Methylphenidate (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg) in an injection volume of 0.05 mL was administered. RESULTS: Four mice that received high doses of methylphenidate (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) showed no voiding contraction, with urine leakage. Six mice that received a low dose of methylphenidate (1.25 mg/kg) showed typical micturition cycles before and after administration. The micturition pressure decreased and bladder capacity increased without an increased residual volume after administration. CONCLUSIONS: Methylphenidate has differential, dose-dependent effects on the function of the lower urinary tract, due to the dependent relationship between the brain and lower urinary tract. Especially at higher doses, this drug may interfere with normal micturition. Therefore, more detailed clinical or experimental studies are warranted in the future.

Refractive Changes after Removal of Anterior IOLs in Temporary Piggyback IOL Implantation for Congenital Cataracts

PURPOSE: To assess the refractive change and prediction error after temporary intraocular lens (IOL) removal in temporary polypseudophakic eyes using IOL power calculation formulas and Gills' formula. METHODS: Four consecutive patients (7 eyes) who underwent temporary IOL explantation were enrolled. Postoperative refractions calculated using IOL power calculation formulas (SRK-II, SRK-T, Hoffer-Q, Holladay, and the modified Gills' formula for residual myopia and residual hyperopia) were compared to the manifest spherical equivalents checked at 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean ages of temporary piggyback IOL implantation and IOL removal were 6.71 +/- 3.68 months (range, 3 to 12 months) and 51.14 +/- 18.38 months (range, 29 to 74 months), respectively. The average refractive error was -13.11 +/- 3.10 diopters (D) just before IOL removal, and improved to -1.99 +/- 1.04 D after surgery. SRK-T showed the best prediction error of 1.17 +/- 1.00 D. The modified Gills' formula for myopia yielded a relatively good result of 1.47 +/- 1.27 D, with only the variable being axial length. CONCLUSIONS: Formulas to predict refractive change after temporary IOL removal in pediatric polypseudophakia were not as accurate as those used for single IOL implantation in adult eyes. Nonetheless, this study will be helpful in predicting postoperative refraction after temporary IOL removal.

Refractive Changes after Removal of Anterior IOLs in Temporary Piggyback IOL Implantation for Congenital Cataracts

PURPOSE: To assess the refractive change and prediction error after temporary intraocular lens (IOL) removal in temporary polypseudophakic eyes using IOL power calculation formulas and Gills' formula. METHODS: Four consecutive patients (7 eyes) who underwent temporary IOL explantation were enrolled. Postoperative refractions calculated using IOL power calculation formulas (SRK-II, SRK-T, Hoffer-Q, Holladay, and the modified Gills' formula for residual myopia and residual hyperopia) were compared to the manifest spherical equivalents checked at 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean ages of temporary piggyback IOL implantation and IOL removal were 6.71 +/- 3.68 months (range, 3 to 12 months) and 51.14 +/- 18.38 months (range, 29 to 74 months), respectively. The average refractive error was -13.11 +/- 3.10 diopters (D) just before IOL removal, and improved to -1.99 +/- 1.04 D after surgery. SRK-T showed the best prediction error of 1.17 +/- 1.00 D. The modified Gills' formula for myopia yielded a relatively good result of 1.47 +/- 1.27 D, with only the variable being axial length. CONCLUSIONS: Formulas to predict refractive change after temporary IOL removal in pediatric polypseudophakia were not as accurate as those used for single IOL implantation in adult eyes. Nonetheless, this study will be helpful in predicting postoperative refraction after temporary IOL removal.

Surgical Outcomes and Complications after Occipito-Cervical Fusion Using the Screw-Rod System in Craniocervical Instability

OBJECTIVE: Although there is no consensus on the ideal treatment of the craniocervical instability, biomechanical stabilization and bone fusion can be induced through occipito-cervical fusion (OCF). The authors conducted this study to evaluate efficacy of OCF, as well as to explore methods in reducing complications. METHODS: A total of 16 cases with craniocervical instability underwent OCF since the year 2002. The mean age of the patients was 51.5 years with a mean follow-up period of 34.9 months. The subjects were compared using lateral X-ray taken before the operation, after the operation, and during last follow-up. The Nurick score was used to assess neurological function pre and postoperatively. RESULTS: All patients showed improvements in myelopathic symptoms after the operation. The mean preoperative Nurick score was 3.1. At the end of follow-up after surgery, the mean Nurick score was 2.0. After surgery, most patients' posterior occipito-cervical angle entered the normal range as the pre operation angle decresed from 121 to 114 degree. There were three cases with complications, such as, vertebral artery injury, occipital screw failure and wound infection. In two cases with cerebral palsy, occipital screw failures occurred. But, reoperation was performed in one case. CONCLUSION: OCF is an effective method in treating craniocervical instability. However, the complication rate can be quite high when performing OCF in patients with cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis. Much precaution should be taken when performing this procedure on high risk patients.

Impact of Treatment With Statins on Prostate-Specific Antigen and Prostate Volume in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: We investigated the impact on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume (PV) of statin medication for 1 year in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 791 patients in whom BPH was diagnosed. For analysis, the patients were divided into four groups according to their medications: group A, alpha-blocker; group B, alpha-blocker+statin; group C, alpha-blocker+dutasteride; group D, alpha-blockers+statin+dutasteride. To investigate changes in serum PSA, PV, and total cholesterol, we analyzed the data at the time of initial treatment and after 1 year of medication. RESULTS: After 1 year, group A showed a 1.3% increase in PSA and a 1.0% increase in PV. Group B showed a 4.3% decrease in PSA and a 1.8% decrease in PV. The difference in PV reduction between groups A and B was statistically significant (p<0.001). Group C showed a 49.1% reduction in PSA and a 22.9% reduction in PV. Group D showed a 51.6% reduction in PSA and a 24.5% reduction in PV. The difference in PV reduction between groups C and D was not statistically significant (p=0.762). By use of a multivariate logistic regression model, we found that the probability of PV reduction after 1 year was more than 14.8 times in statin users than in statin nonusers (95% confidence interval, 5.8% to 37.6%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Statin administration reduced PSA and PV in BPH patients. This finding may imply the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms and prevention of cardiovascular disease and chemoprevention of prostate cancer with statin treatment.

Development of Bell's Palsy after Influenza Vaccination / 대한이비인후과학회지

Bell's palsy, also known as idiopathic facial palsy, is one of the most common causes of peripheral facial nerve palsy. Many studies of the cause and treatment of Bell's palsy have been performed, but the results are still controversial. Clinical cases of other forms of cranial nerve paralysis after influenza vaccination have also been reported. We herein report a review of literature and a case of a 95-year-old female patient who developed left facial paralysis following influenza vaccination.

A Case of Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody-Positive Rheumatoid Arthritis Following Peginterferon Alpha-2A and Ribavirin Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C / 대한내과학회지

Combination therapy with pegylated interferon (IFN) and ribavirin is the mainstay of treatment for chronic hepatitis C. An important side effect of IFN is the induction of an autoimmune disease such as autoimmune thyroid disease or, rarely, rheumatoid arthritis. However, the introduction of pegylated formulations of IFN can minimize the risk of autoimmune induction by reducing immunogenicity. Detection of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies can help distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from hepatitis C-related arthritis. Here, we report the first Korean case of a 48-year-old female who developed anti-CCP antibody-positive rheumatoid arthritis following peginterferon alpha-2a therapy for hepatitis C.

The Comparative Study of Microsurgical Cerebral Aneurysm Clip Implants; Titanium Clip vs. Stainless Steel Clip

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comparative study between two groups of populations, titanium (T) group versus stainless steel (S) group, who were clipped with titanium and stainless steel materials, respectively, the incidence of regrowth from the original aneurysms, the clip slippage, and post-clipping seizure attack were analyzed. The patients were followed more than 5 years after microsurgical cerebral aneurysms clipping. METHODS: Data from 1986 through 2008 were extensively reviewed on a consecutive series of 3,770 patients who referred for ruptured/unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Forty-seven patients in the S group and 48 in the T group who met inclusion criteria, were selected for this study. RESULTS: The incidence of regrowth were noted that two out of total 47 patients (4.3%) in the S group, and none in the T group. The clip slippage was not observed in both groups. And there was no statistical difference (p = 0.242) in terms of regrowth between two groups. Seven out of 47 cases (14.9%) developed post-clipping seizure in the S group. On the other hand, two (4.2%) of 48 patients presented the symptom in the T group. Also, there was no significant difference (p = 0.091) between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The metallic types of clip employed for the microsurgical cerebral aneurysm clipping does not have any significant clinical outcome differences in this study.

Wilms' Tumor in a Horseshoe Kidney

The incidence of horseshoe kidney is about 1 in 400 cases. The presence of Wilms' tumor with a horseshoe kidney is unusual, and the occurrence of Wilms' tumor in a horseshoe kidney is estimated at 0.4 to 0.9% of all Wilms' tumors. We report the case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with a stage IV Wilms' tumor in a horseshoe kidney. The patient was treated with preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. This case illustrates the role of preoperative chemotherapy for preserving renal function and aims to highlight the multimodality treatment of Wilms' tumor.

Tumor Establishment Features of Orthotopic Murine Bladder Cancer Models

PURPOSE: Animal tumor models are important for the evaluation of novel therapeutic modalities. Since the initial report of an orthotopic bladder tumor model, several modifications have been proposed to improve the tumor take rate. Here we compared the HCl-pretreated and electrocauterization-pretreated orthotopic murine bladder tumor models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MBT-2 murine bladder cancer cells were transurethrally implanted in the bladder of syngeneic C3H/He mice. The mice were divided into three groups according to pretreatment methods (electrocautery, HCl, and control group) and were subjected to pretreatment before instillation of MBT-2 tumor cells into the bladder. Mice were sacrificed on day 21, and bladders were harvested, weighed, and examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The tumor take rate of the control, electrocautery, and HCl groups was 0%, 54%, and 100%, respectively. The tumor take rate of the HCl group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.01) and the electrocautery group (p=0.01). Pathologic reports revealed that all established bladder tumors were high-grade papillary urothelial carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: The HCl pretreatment model was a preferable murine bladder tumor model for evaluating further therapeutic interventions.

Innovative In Vitro Chemo-Hormonal Drug Therapy for Refractory Thyroid Carcinomas

More than 95% of the thyroid carcinomas are well differentiated types showing favorable prognosis. However, only a few therapeutic options are available to treat the patients with undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas, especially with refractory thyroid carcinomas that are not amenable to surgery or radioiodine ablation. We investigated the anticancer effects of 20 chemotherapy and hormonal therapy drugs on 8 thyroid carcinoma cell lines. In vitro chemosensitivity was tested using the adenosine-triphosphate-based chemotherapy response assay (ATP-CRA). The tumor inhibition rate (TIR; or cell death rate) or half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was analyzed to interpret the results. Of the 12 chemotherapy drugs, etoposide (178.9 index value in follicular carcinoma cell line) and vincristine (211.7 in Hurthle cell carcinoma cell line) were the most active drugs showing the highest chemosensitivity, and of the 8 additional drugs, trichostatin A (0.03 microg/mL IC50 in follicular carcinoma cell line) showed favorable outcome having the anticancer effect. In our study, the result of etoposide and vincristine show evidence as active anticancer drugs in thyroid carcinoma cell lines and trichostatin A seems be the next promising drug. These drugs may become an innovative therapy for refractory thyroid carcinomas in near future.

A Case of Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Diagnosed by Repeated Abdominal Pain with Eosinophilic Ascites and Cystitis / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a relatively uncommondisease of unknown etiology and pathogensis. It is characterized by massive tissue eosinophilia, that can involve any layers of the gastrointestinal tract wall. The gastrointestinal signs and symptoms usually reflect the layer which is most severly affected. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis can be rarely accompanied by extraintestinal involvement. We report a case of a 19-year-old male with repeated epigastric and low abdominal pain. An abdominal computed tomography showed diffused wall thickeningof esophagus, small bowel and bladder with ascites. Esosinophilic infiltration was shown by multiple biopsies of the esophagus, duodenum on esophagogastroduodenoscopy and peritoneal fluid analysis. The patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis, accompanied by esosinophilic ascites and cystitis and was treated with corticosteroid and ketotifen. Abdominal pain was improved dramatically.

The preventative effect of ramosetron on postoperative nausea and vomiting after total thyroidectomy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) frequently develops in patients undergoing thyroidectomy, and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) has been reported to reduce the incidence of PONV. The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of ramosetron on PONV in women following total thyroidectomy under TIVA. METHODS: One hundred and thirty women scheduled for thyroidectomy were allocated to either a control group (n = 65) or a ramosetron group (n = 65). Propofol in combination with remifentanil was used for TIVA in all patients. 2 ml of either intravenous saline (control group) or 0.3 mg of ramosetron (ramosetron group) were administered at the end of the surgery. Fentanyl-based patient-controlled analgesia was implemented for 48 h after surgery in all patients. The incidences and severities of PONV, pain scores, administrations of rescue antiemetics, and the side effects of the antiemetics were documented during the first 48 h after surgery. RESULTS: The incidences of complete response (no PONV, no rescue) in the control and ramosetron groups were 71% and 88%, respectively, during the first 6 h (P = 0.029), 85% and 94% during the next 6 to 24 h period (P = 0.155), and 97% and 95% during the last 24 to 48 h period (P = 1.00). During the first 6 h, the severity of nausea and the use of rescue antiemetic medication were significantly lower in the ramosetron group. CONCLUSIONS: Ramosetron was found to be effective at reducing the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea in women that underwent total thyroidectomy with propofol-based TIVA, especially during the first 6 hours postoperatively.