Functional Aspects of the Obesity Paradox in Patients with Severe Coronavirus Disease-2019: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Results of studies investigating the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have been conflicting. @*Methods@#This multicenter, retrospective observational study, conducted between January 2020 and August 2021, evaluated the impact of obesity on outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 in a Korean national cohort. A total of 1,114 patients were enrolled from 22 tertiary referral hospitals or university-affiliated hospitals, of whom 1,099 were included in the analysis, excluding 15 with unavailable height and weight information. The effect(s) of BMI on patients with severe COVID-19 were analyzed. @*Results@#According to the World Health Organization BMI classification, 59 patients were underweight, 541 were normal, 389 were overweight, and 110 were obese. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 15.3%, and there was no significant difference according to BMI. Univariate Cox analysis revealed that BMI was associated with 28-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.96; p=0.045), but not in the multivariate analysis. Additionally, patients were divided into two groups based on BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and underwent propensity score matching analysis, in which the two groups exhibited no significant difference in mortality at 28 days. The median (interquartile range) clinical frailty scale score at discharge was higher in nonobese patients (3 [3 to 5] vs. 4 [3 to 6], p<0.001). The proportion of frail patients at discharge was significantly higher in the nonobese group (28.1% vs. 46.8%, p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The obesity paradox was not evident in this cohort of patients with severe COVID-19. However, functional outcomes at discharge were better in the obese group.

The Natural Course of Endobronchial Inflammatory Polyps as a Complication after Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration / 결핵및호흡기질환

We presented a case of unusual endobronchial inflammatory polyps as a complication following endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in a patient with tuberculous lymphadenitis. EBUS-TBNA of the right hilar lymph node was performed in a 29-year-old, previously healthy man. The patient was confirmed with tuberculous lymphadenitis and received antituberculosis medication over the course of 6 months. Chest computed tomography, after 6 months of antituberculosis therapy following the EBUS-TBNA showed nodular bronchial wall thickening of the right main bronchus. Histological and microbiological examinations revealed inflammatory polyps. After 7 months, the inflammatory polyps regressed almost completely without need for removal.

Intractable Hemifacial Spasm Treated by Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment

Hemifacial spasm is defined as unilateral, involuntary, irregular twitching of all or parts of the muscles innervated by facial nerves. Here, we present a case of recurrent hemifacial spasm after microvascular decompression (MVD) treated with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment with good results. A 35-year-old woman suffered from recurrent hemifacial spasm after MVD that was refractory to medical treatment and botulinum toxin injections. We attempted a left facial nerve block twice. Then, we applied PRF at a maximum temperature of 42degrees C for 120 sec. Some response was observed, so we applied PRF two additional times. The frequency of twitch decreased from 3-4 Hz to < 0.5 Hz, and subjective severity on a visual analogue scale also decreased from 10/10 to 2-3/10. PRF treatment might be an effective medical treatment for refractory hemifacial spasm and has fewer complications and is less invasive compared with those of surgery.

Fluoroscope guided epidural needle insertioin in midthoracic region: clinical evaluation of Nagaro's method / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: In the midthoracic region, a fluroscope guided epidural block has been proposed by using a pedicle as a landmark to show the height of the interlaminar space (Nagaro's method). However, clinical implication of this method was not fully evaluated. We studied the clinical usefulness of a fluoroscope guided thoracic epidural block in the midthoracic region. METHODS: Twenty four patients were scheduled to receive an epidural block at the T6-7 intervertebral space. The patients were placed in the prone position. The needle entry point was located at the junction between midline of the pedicle paralleled to the midline of the T7 vertebral body (VB) and the lower border of T7 VB on anteroposterior view of the fluoroscope. The needle touched and walked up the lamina, and the interlaminar space (ILS) was sought near the midline of the VB at the height of the pedicle. RESULTS: The authors could not insert an epidural needle at T6-7 ILS in two patients and it was instead inserted at T5-6 ILS. However, other patients showed easy insertion at T6-7 ILS. The mean inward and upward angulations were 25degrees and 55degrees respectively. The mean actual depth and calculated depth from skin to thoracic epidural space were 5.1 cm and 6.1 cm respectively. Significant correlation between actual needle depth and body weight, podendal index (kg/m) or calculated needle depth was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The fluorposcope guided epidural block by Nagaro's method was useful in the midthoracic region. However, further study for the caudal shift of needle entry point may be needed.

Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis Using Scoring System: Compared with the Alvarado Score

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the usefulness of a new scoring system in diagnosing acute appendicitis which expresses the patient's symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory findings more clearly and objectively. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with 314 patients who were hospitalized with suspicion of acute appendicitis. After analyzing the symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory findings, 10 meaningful variables were selected, each of which were scored separately. The diagnostic value of the new scoring system was evaluated, and analyzed in comparison to the preexisting Alvarado score. RESULTS: Ten variables including vomiting, migration pain, fever, Dunphy's sign, Rovsing's sign, tenderness, rebound tenderness, increased white blood cell counts, increased neutrophil proportion, and increased CRP levels were associated with acute appendicitis. The new scoring system is developed by applying 1 point for each variable, with a total score of 10 points. In the new scoring system, a score above 5 points had sensitivity of 0.75, specificity of 0.73, positive predictive value of 0.92, and diagnostic accuracy of 0.71. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.80, which is larger than 0.72 of the preexisting Alvarado score, and thus has a higher diagnostic accuracy. As acute appendicitis progresses, the average score tends to become significantly higher (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The new scoring system, which objectively reflects the clinical variables of the patient's symptoms, physical examination and laboratory findings, will be useful in accurately diagnosing acute appendicitis and in quickly deciding a therapeutic policy in patients with right lower abdominal pain.

A cavernous Hemangioma After a Removal of a Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis in Mid-foot (A Case Report) / 대한족부족관절학회지

Hemangioma are not rare tumors. They can be found in almost any of the vascular structures of the body. Hemangiomas involving the deep structures of the extremities may produce extremely difficult therapeutic problems for the orthopedic surgeon. Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative disorder that affects synovium, tendon sheath and bursa. Although the condition can present in any joint, knee joint is the most commonly affected site and only 2.5% of cases occur in foot and ankle joint. We have experienced a patient who has of foot and report an optimal method of surgical treatment. Authors report the result of hemangioma in mid-foot which arise from removal of a pigmented villonodular synovitis that has low out break rate of benign tumor in mid-foot with literature review.

Minimally Invasive Reduction and Pin Fixation Treatment for Displaced Intraarticular Calcaneal Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the minimally invasive posterior approach for the surgical treatment of intraarticular fracture of calcaneus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to October 2008, we studied retrospectively 45 patients, 56 cases who were treated with minimally invasive reduction and pin fixation treatment for displaced intraarticular calcaneal fracture and were followed up for more than 1 year. The clinical results were evaluated with Creighton-Nebraska score and AOFAS score, circle draw test after 1 year. We checked simple AP, lateral, axial and Broden's view preoperatively and 1 year after surgery, and compared Bohler angle and Gissane angle. RESULTS: By Creighton-Nebraska score, Sanders type 1 was 81, type 2 was 75, type 3 was 69, type 4 was 61. By AOFAS score, Sanders type 1 was 88, type 2 was 82, type 3 was 78, type 4 was 63. And by circle draw test, type 1 was 8.8 cm, type 2 was 8.5 cm, type 3 was 8 cm, type 4 was 6.6 cm. Preoperative Bohler angle and Gissane angle were 7.2degrees, 98degrees, and it increased to 21.2degrees, 116degrees after postoperative 1 year. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive reduction and pin fixation treatment for displaced intraarticular calcaneal fracture was considered to be an effective treatment modality.

Sterile Abscess at the Heel Pad: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Heel abscesses present as heel pain that progressively worsens, with associated tenderness and fullness a the heel pad. To our knowledge, there are fews reports in the literature describing a spontaneous heel pad abscess. A 48-years old woman presented spontaneously with pain, erythema, edema and increased warmth to this right foot. She has no underlying disease and steroid injection history. A radiologic examination was suggestive of an abscess. Follow incision and drainage, cultures that were taken during the surgical procedure did not produce any organism. The patient was discharged home and recovered from the abscess without recurrence or further surgical intervention.

Effectiveness of Suppressive Therapy with Levothyroxine in Benign Thyroid Nodules / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of suppressive therapy with Levothyroxine in benign thyroid nodule is controversial. The favorable response varies between 9-68%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Levothyroxine suppressive therapy on benign thyroid nodules in comparison with untreated patients. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A total 98 patients diagnosed with benign thyroid nodules by high resolution ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology from January 2001 to June 2007 was evaluated retrospectively. The case group included 55 patients who received Levothyroxine suppressive therapy for longer than 6 months with documentation of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression level. The control group included 43 patients who were followed up without any treatment. We measured TSH, free T4, and thyroid nodule volume by ultrasound every 6 months. RESULTS: In 13 patients (23.6%) of the case group, nodule volume decreased more than 50% after the Levothyroxine suppressive therapy. In 10 (23.2%) of the control group, nodule volume decreased more than 50 % after the follow-up of 6 months. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The change of nodule volume was not related to the TSH suppression level, the number of nodule or the type of nodule. CONCLUSION: We concluded that Levothyroxine suppressive therapy was not effective in volume reduction of benign thyroid nodules.

Arthroscope-guided Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Lateral Malleolar Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: In this study, we introduced an newly developed technique of operation for fracture of lateral malleolus of the ankle. We treated the fracture by close reduction and internal fixation using arthroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2006 to June 2007, we had treated 23 cases of lateral malleolar fracture (SER type) by closed reduction and internal fixation with arthroscopy and followed them up more six month. Operation time, union time, clinical and functional result were evaluated. RESULTS: After the final follow-up, all the fractures were healed with satisfactory bony union. The subjective result was excellent in 15 cases (65%), good in 8 cases (35%), the objective result was excellent in 13 cases (57%), good in 10 cases (43%), and the roentgenographic result was excellent in 17 cases (74%), good in 6 cases (26%). CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and internal fixation with arthroscopy technique is an effective treatment method in treating lateral malleolar fracture of the ankle since it offers advantages including corrective anatomical reduction and minimizing complication associated with injury of soft tissue.

Hematological Features of Coagulopathy and the Efficacy of Antivenin Therapy for a Korean Snakebite

PURPOSE: Snake venom induced coagulopathy is a major cause of both morbidity and mortality among affected patients. The effects of venomous factors to coagulation cascade and fibrinolysis were verified by analyzing the hematological data and clinical features of envenomed patients, and the efficacy of blood products transfusion and antivenin against a Korean snakebite clarified. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 57 patients, admitted to the Department of Surgery of Chuncheon Sacred Hospital, between July 2002 and October 2005. According to the guidelines for assessing the severity of North American envenomination, the patients were divided into three groups according to severity, and the clinical course, DIC profile and usages of blood products and antivenin then analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients in the severe group (26.3%), 9 (60.0%) developed severe coagulation abnormalities, similar to DIC. No substantial bleeding or thrombic event manifested. All the patients with initial hypofibrinogenemia (33.3%) and unmeasured PT/aPTT during the 2nd to 4th hospital days (46.7%) progressed to severe coagulopathy. On average, these patients received transfusions of 18.4 +/- 6.1 pints of FFP and 14.4 +/- 14.9 pints of platelet product. The average amounts of antivenin applied were 1.2 +/- 0.4, 1.7 +/- 0.5 and 2.8 +/- 0.8 vials for the Minimal, Moderate and Severe groups, respectively. There was no death due to a Korean snakebite during this period. CONCLUSION: Korean snake venom is assumed to be a complex mixture of anticoagulant, platelet active and fibrinolytic venom. The discrepancy between abnormal coagulopathy and the clinical course explains venom induced DIC-like syndrome. Hypofibrinogenemia is the most reasonable predictor of DIC-like syndrome. Abrupt prolongation of PT/aPTT during the 2nd to 4th hospital days must weigh against thrombocytopenia. An early antivenin injection, along with the proper use of blood products, could improve the clinical course of envenomed patients.

An Ileal Duplication in a 12-year-old Girl which was Resected by Laparoscopy-assisted Surgery

Gastrointestinal duplication is a rare congenital anomaly which can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. The most common site is the mesenteric border of the terminal ileum. Intestinal duplication usually becomes symptomatic early in life with the severity of symptoms depending on the location and type of mucosal lining. Ectopic gastric mucosa is an associated possibility. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is the most serious complication, which can cause severe anemia and shock. Another complication, although rare, is carcinoma in a duplicate cyst. We experienced an unusual case of a 12-years-old girl who presented with intermittent abdominal pain and hematochezia. There was no abnormality on Meckel's scan. Abdominal CT revealed a cystic mass in the pelvic cavity and subsequent transabdominal ultrasound showed the double-layered wall of the duplication. We performed laparoscopy-assisted, segmental resection of the ileum. The patient was discharged without any complication on the 7th postoperative day.

A Clinical and Hematological Analysis of the Traumatic Splenectomy

PURPOSE: The spleen is the organ most frequently injured by abdominal trauma; often by penetrating wounds to the left lower chest, flank and upper abdomen. A total splenectomy is considered the standard method of treating a splenic injury in the case of multiple organ injuries, a hemodynamically unstable condition and severe splenic injury. During the 5 years, between May 2001 and October 2005 55 splenectomy cases were performed at our clinic. This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical and hematological analysis of a splenectomy undertaken due to trauma (39 cases), with the exception of hematological diseases (16 cases). METHODS: We analyzed the clinical manifestations, intraabdominal blood loss, the total amount of transfusion, postoperative complications, and the distribution of platelet counts after a splenectomy, average time to reach maximal platelet counts and return normal platelet counts, and the periods of aspirin medication in 39 traumatic splenectomy cases. RESULTS: The male to female ratio was 2.3 : 1, with the most frequently injured age group being those in their third decade. The most common cause of injury was traffic accident (76.9%). There were 24 (61.5%) cases of associated injury, with the most frequents associated injury being a rib fracture (17 cases). The most common type of splenic injury was Type IV (59%). The average amount of intraabdominal blood loss and amount of transfused blood were 1,850 and 2,700 ml, respectively. The postoperative complication rate was 33.3% (13 cases), with pulmonary complications the most common (8 cases). Thrombocytosis occurred in 33 case 84.6%. After a splenectomy, the first increasing platelet count was noted after an average of 6.7+/-2.0 days, with the maximal count reached after an average of 10.8+/-2.8 days. The platelet count gradually returned to normal levels after an average of 36.1+/-20.0 days. Aspirin was medicated from a minimum of 9 to a maximum of 39 days, with an average of 23.3 days. CONCLUSION: Men in thier twenties were the most commonly injured group. Grade IV splenic injuries were the most common type requiring surgery. The average time to reach postoperative maximal platelet counts was 10.8 days. The patients where the platelet count increased above 750,000/ mm3 were treated with aspirin; there were no complications. Therefore, it is advisable to start patients on aspirin medication of aspirin, and follow up thier needs as out-patients with regular CBC workups.

Iatrogenic or Traumatic Pseudoaneurysms of Peripheral Artery: 2 Cases Report

Pseudoaneurysm can occur as the result of penetrating trauma, infection and as the sequelae of radiologic intervention. Acupuncture is widely used in oriental countries such as China, Japan and Korea. In western countries acupuncture therapy is used to treat musculoskeletal symptoms such as sprain or strain. Some complications have been reported after acupuncture therapy. Vascular trauma after orthopedic surgery is relatively rare, but it is a significant complicaiton that increases the morbidity and mortality. We had experienced two different cases of pseudoaneurysms that occurred after acupuncture and orthopedic surgery respectively and the patients were treated successfully with interventional and surgical procedures.

Iatrogenic or Traumatic Pseudoaneurysms of Peripheral Artery: 2 Cases Report

Pseudoaneurysm can occur as the result of penetrating trauma, infection and as the sequelae of radiologic intervention. Acupuncture is widely used in oriental countries such as China, Japan and Korea. In western countries acupuncture therapy is used to treat musculoskeletal symptoms such as sprain or strain. Some complications have been reported after acupuncture therapy. Vascular trauma after orthopedic surgery is relatively rare, but it is a significant complicaiton that increases the morbidity and mortality. We had experienced two different cases of pseudoaneurysms that occurred after acupuncture and orthopedic surgery respectively and the patients were treated successfully with interventional and surgical procedures.

Radiologic Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the advance in serum chemical analyses, the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism has become more common, and patients without signs or symptoms attributable to the disease have increased. We performed this study to obtain further understanding and more supporting ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study of 19 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who were treated by surgery from march 1999 to June 2005 was performed. RESULTS: Preoperative localization was performed with computerized tomography, ultrasonography and 99m Tc-sestamibi scan. A 99m Tc-sestamibi scan has an accuracy of 84% and ultrasonography has an accuracy of 67% for parathyroid tumors. Combination of ultrasonography and 99m Tc-sestamibi scan had the accuracy of 93%. All patients were treated by surgery. After surgery, serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels returned rapidly to normal. Parathyroid carcinomas were firm in consistency and adhered to the surrounding tissue and thyroid gland. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonogram and 99m Tc-sestamibi scan was effective for preoperative localization of tumor. If parathyroid carcinoma is suspected, the mass with potential local invasion or regional metastasis should be removed with en bloc resection.

Colonoscopic Diagnosis of Appendiceal Intussusception: A Case Report

Intussusception of the appendix is an uncommon condition and the diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively. Intussusception of the appendix may mimic a neoplastic lesion. Colonoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosis of the appendiceal intussusception. A 17-yr-old female admitted with repeated abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and febrile sensation. We diagnosed as appendiceal intussusception by colonoscopy, which showed a polypoid tumor (about 1.5 cm) in the cecum. This sessile polypoid mass looks like foreskin or glans. We present colonoscopic finding of appendiceal intussusception and review the literature.

Morgagni Hernia

The cause of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is unknown. However, it is believed to result from a failure of pleuroperitoneal canal closure in a developing embryo. Congenital herniation of the anteromedial, retrosternal diaphragm is known as Morgagni hernia. We experienced a case of Morgagni hernia in an eighty three-year-old female who was admitted complaining of right upper abdominal pain. The Morgagni hernia was found incidentally by abdominal CT, Chest PA and right lateral view during the work up. A reduction of the transverse colon and greater omentum, and a cholecystectomy were performed. The size of the opening was 5x6 cm. The patient was discharged without complications.

Pattern and Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cervical lymph node metastasis develops in approximately 30% to 80% of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. In papillary thyroid carcinoma, lymph node metastasis at presentation do not seem to adversely affect survival, but do increase the risk of loco-regional recurrence. The management of cervical metastasis in thyroid papillary carcinoma ranges from selective removal to a formal comprehensive neck dissection. In this study, we analyzed the pattern of cervical lymph node metastasis and the impact of prognostic variables in oder to plan how to manage the cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The clinical records and pathological reports of 114 patients who underwent surgery for thyroid papillary carcinoma at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hanyang university from 1996 to 2002 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Cervical nodal metastasis was found in 57 (50.0%) patients. Occult metastasis was found in 26 (22.8%) patients. Cervical lymph node metastasis was most frequently noted in the level VI (38.6%). The size of primary tumor and extrathyroidal invasion were associated with cervical metastasis. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, it might be suggested that elective central neck dissection is needed for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma which is larger than 35mm or has extrathyriodal extension.

Clinical Expriences of Circumferential Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy

PURPOSE: Conventional hemorrhoidectomy is inevitably painful as a result of an anodermal wound. Circumferential stapled hemorrhoidectomy may be associated with less postoperative pain than conventional hemorrhoidectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a circumferential stapled hemorrhoidectomy, which uses PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids), offers any advantage over the conventional hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical results of hemorrhoidectomy of 122 patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids. There were two categories of patients: those receiving a circumferential stapled hemorrhoidectomy (n=50) and those receiving a conventional hemorrhoidectomy (n=72). The majority of cases were carried out under spinal anesthesia. The operation time, hospital stay, pain score, complications, and the number of days before returning to normal activity were recorded. A follow up was done using a questionnaire or through a telephone interview two weeks and six weeks after the operation. RESULTS: The mean distance from the dentate line to the completion line of stapling was 1.3+/-0.1 cm. There were two cases of the incomplete doughnut. The circumferential stapled hemorrhoidectomy took less time to perform (20.5+/-4.5 vs. 24.3+/-7.1 min). The mean visual analogue pain score (0~10) on the 2nd day and two weeks after operation was lower in the stapled group (4.1 and 1.5 vs. 6.1 and 3.1)(P<0.05). The stapled group had a shorter duration of hospital stay (4.1 days vs. 5.3 days)(P<0.05) and had a faster recovery to normal activity (7.6 days vs. 13.6 days)(P<0.05). Circumferential stapled hemorrhoidectomy controlled the symptoms of prolapse, pain, and bleeding in all patients. There were 2 cases of urinary retention in both groups, respectively, but there were no postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSION: Even though long term follow up is required, no major complications were observed in our series. The results of our experience for circumferential stapled hemorrhoidectomy appear encouraging. We assume that circumferential stapled hemorrhoidectomy is a safer and faster technique which can replace conventional hemorrhoidectomy techniques.