Prevalence and characteristics of isolated nocturnal hypertension in the general population

Background/Aims@#Ascertaining the prevalence of isolated nocturnal hypertension (INHT) in the general population and identifying the characteristics of patients with INHT may be important to determine patients who should receive 24- hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of INHT in the general population. @*Methods@#Of 1,128 participants (aged 20 to 70 years), we analyzed 823 who had valid 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements and were not on antihypertensive drug treatment. @*Results@#The prevalence of INHT in the study was 22.8%. Individuals with INHT had a higher office, 24-hour, and daytime and nighttime ambulatory systolic and diastolic BPs compared to individuals with sustained day-night normotension. INHT was more prevalent in individuals with masked hypertension (MH) than in those with sustained hypertension (59.8% vs. 15.6%, p < 0.001). Among individuals with INHT, 92.6% had MH. Among individuals with office BP-based prehypertension, 34.5% had both INHT and MH. The prevalence of INHT was highest in individuals with office BP-based prehypertension. INHT was an independent determinant of MH after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, 24-hour systolic and diastolic BP, systolic and diastolic BP dipping, and systolic and diastolic BP non-dipping. @*Conclusions@#The present study showed that INHT is not uncommon and is a major determinant of MH. Our findings strongly suggest the use of 24-hour ambulatory BP measurement for individuals within the prehypertension range of office BP owing to the high prevalence of INHT and MH in this population.

Prevalence and characteristics of isolated nocturnal hypertension in the general population

Background/Aims@#Ascertaining the prevalence of isolated nocturnal hypertension (INHT) in the general population and identifying the characteristics of patients with INHT may be important to determine patients who should receive 24- hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of INHT in the general population. @*Methods@#Of 1,128 participants (aged 20 to 70 years), we analyzed 823 who had valid 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements and were not on antihypertensive drug treatment. @*Results@#The prevalence of INHT in the study was 22.8%. Individuals with INHT had a higher office, 24-hour, and daytime and nighttime ambulatory systolic and diastolic BPs compared to individuals with sustained day-night normotension. INHT was more prevalent in individuals with masked hypertension (MH) than in those with sustained hypertension (59.8% vs. 15.6%, p < 0.001). Among individuals with INHT, 92.6% had MH. Among individuals with office BP-based prehypertension, 34.5% had both INHT and MH. The prevalence of INHT was highest in individuals with office BP-based prehypertension. INHT was an independent determinant of MH after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, 24-hour systolic and diastolic BP, systolic and diastolic BP dipping, and systolic and diastolic BP non-dipping. @*Conclusions@#The present study showed that INHT is not uncommon and is a major determinant of MH. Our findings strongly suggest the use of 24-hour ambulatory BP measurement for individuals within the prehypertension range of office BP owing to the high prevalence of INHT and MH in this population.

Impact of Hospital Volume of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) on In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Based on the 2014 Cohort of the Korean Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (K-PCI) Registry

Background and Objectives@#The relationship between the hospital percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) volumes and the in-hospital clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains the subject of debate. This study aimed to determine whether the in-hospital clinical outcomes of patients with AMI in Korea are significantly associated with hospital PCI volumes. @*Methods@#We selected and analyzed 17,121 cases of AMI, that is, 8,839 cases of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 8,282 cases of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, enrolled in the 2014 Korean percutaneous coronary intervention (K-PCI) registry. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to hospital annual PCI volume, that is, to a high-volume group (≥400/year) or a low-volume group (<400/year). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) were defined as composites of death, cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, stroke, and need for urgent PCI during index admission after PCI. @*Results@#Rates of MACCE and non-fatal MI were higher in the low-volume group than in the high-volume group (MACCE: 10.9% vs. 8.6%, p=0.001; non-fatal MI: 4.8% vs. 2.6%, p=0.001, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis showed PCI volume did not independently predict MACCE. @*Conclusions@#Hospital PCI volume was not found to be an independent predictor of in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with AMI included in the 2014 K-PCI registry.

Prevalence of Masked Hypertension: a Population-Based Survey in a Large City by Using 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We estimated the prevalence of hypertension and hypertension subtypes in a large semi-urban city in Korea, using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in a randomly selected sample population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A random sample (aged 20-65 years) from a city with an adult population of approximately 600000 was selected by using a list-assisted random digit dialing method. The 24-hour ABPM and conventional blood pressure measurement (CBPM) of these individuals were obtained. RESULTS: Among the 496 participants, valid 24-hour ABPM and CBPM were obtained from 462 (93%) individuals. The estimated prevalence of hypertension in Goyang was 17.54% by CBPM and 32.70% by 24-hour ABPM (p<0.01). In the age stratified analysis, both CBPM and 24-hour ABPM showed increased prevalence of hypertension with age. The estimated prevalence of masked hypertension was 16.22% and that of white-coat hypertension was 1.08%. Men had a higher prevalence of masked hypertension than women (20.79% vs. 11.86%, p=0.0295). The estimated prevalence of masked hypertension was 17.5%, 20.58%, 24.34%, and 13.29% in the age categories of 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, respectively. The estimated prevalence of masked uncontrolled hypertension was 26.79% in patients with hypertension who were taking antihypertensive medications. CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of hypertension by 24-hour ABPM was higher than that by CBPM, revealing high prevalence of masked hypertension. The high prevalence of masked hypertension supports the adoption of ABPM in the national population survey and clinical practice to improve public health and reduce health care costs.

Endovascular treatment of acute limb ischemia due to thrombotic occlusion of the suprainguinal artery / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a serious condition requiring prompt intervention due to a sudden decrease in limb perfusion threatening limb viability. Treatment of ALI depends on the clinical status of the affected limb and patient comorbidities. Surgical therapy has been the historical standard of care for restoring limb perfusion; however, percutaneous endovascular intervention has been shown to be a promising treatment option in selected patients of ALI at high surgical risk. We report on a case of a 75-year-old man with ALI caused by thrombotic occlusion of the suprainguinal artery, successfully treated with endovascular therapy including stent insertion and thrombus aspiration and catheter-directed urokinase infusion in view of the clinical findings and imaging studies.

Elevation of heart-femoral pulse wave velocity by short-term low sodium diet followed by high sodium diet in hypertensive patients with sodium sensitivity

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We compared changes in heart-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV) in response to low sodium and high sodium diet between individuals with sodium sensitivity (SS) and resistance (SR) to evaluate the influence of sodium intake on arterial stiffness. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Thirty-one hypertensive and 70 normotensive individuals were given 7 days of low sodium dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet (LSD, 100 mmol NaCl/day) followed by 7 days of high sodium DASH diet (HSD, 300 mmol NaCl/day) during 2 weeks of hospitalization. The hfPWV was measured and compared after the LSD and HSD. RESULTS: The hfPWV was significantly elevated from LSD to HSD in individuals with SS (P = 0.001) independently of changes in mean arterial pressure (P = 0.037). Conversely, there was no significant elevation of hfPWV from LSD to HSD in individuals with SR. The percent change in hfPWV from the LSD to the HSD in individuals with SS was higher than that in individuals with SR. Subgroup analysis revealed that individuals with both SS and hypertension showed significant elevation of hfPWV from LSD to HSD upon adjusted analysis using changes of the means arterial pressure (P = 0.040). However, there was no significant elevation of hfPWV in individuals with SS and normotension. CONCLUSION: High sodium intake elevated hfPWV in hypertensive individuals with SS, suggesting that high sodium intake increases aortic stiffness, and may contribute to enhanced cardiovascular risk in hypertensive individuals with SS.

Elevation of heart-femoral pulse wave velocity by short-term low sodium diet followed by high sodium diet in hypertensive patients with sodium sensitivity

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We compared changes in heart-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV) in response to low sodium and high sodium diet between individuals with sodium sensitivity (SS) and resistance (SR) to evaluate the influence of sodium intake on arterial stiffness. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Thirty-one hypertensive and 70 normotensive individuals were given 7 days of low sodium dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet (LSD, 100 mmol NaCl/day) followed by 7 days of high sodium DASH diet (HSD, 300 mmol NaCl/day) during 2 weeks of hospitalization. The hfPWV was measured and compared after the LSD and HSD. RESULTS: The hfPWV was significantly elevated from LSD to HSD in individuals with SS (P = 0.001) independently of changes in mean arterial pressure (P = 0.037). Conversely, there was no significant elevation of hfPWV from LSD to HSD in individuals with SR. The percent change in hfPWV from the LSD to the HSD in individuals with SS was higher than that in individuals with SR. Subgroup analysis revealed that individuals with both SS and hypertension showed significant elevation of hfPWV from LSD to HSD upon adjusted analysis using changes of the means arterial pressure (P = 0.040). However, there was no significant elevation of hfPWV in individuals with SS and normotension. CONCLUSION: High sodium intake elevated hfPWV in hypertensive individuals with SS, suggesting that high sodium intake increases aortic stiffness, and may contribute to enhanced cardiovascular risk in hypertensive individuals with SS.

The usefulness of newly developed R2CHA2DS2-VASc score and comparison with CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in atrial fibrillation patients / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: The decision to administer oral anticoagulation therapy depends on accurate assessment of stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Various stroke risk stratification schemes have been developed to help inform clinical decision making. The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores have been used in estimating the risk of stroke in patients with AF. Recently R2CHA2DS2-VASc score was developed. The objective of the current study is to validate the usefulness of the R2CHA2DS2-VASc score and to compare the accuracy of the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores in predicting a patient's risk of stroke. METHODS: Based on medical records, we conducted a retrospective study of patients hospitalized with AF from March 2011 to July 2013. A total of 448 AF patients were included in this study. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in MedCalc was used for comparison with respective diagnostic values. RESULTS: The patient characteristics showed male predominance (60.9%). Among the 448 AF patients, 131 (29.2%) patients had strokes during the study. A R2CHA2DS2-VASc score of more than 5 is the optimal cut-off value for prediction of stroke. A risk score of three, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of R2CHA2DS2-VASc score (AUC 0.631; 95% confidence interval, 0.585-0.679) was the highest. A significant difference was observed between AUC for R2CHA2DS2-VASc, CHADS2, and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, but no meaningful difference between CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. CONCLUSION: We determined the usefulness of the R2CHA2DS2-VASc score, which showed better association with stroke than the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores.

Glucose-Insulin-Potassium Solution Protects Ventricular Myocytes of Neonatal Rat in an In Vitro Coverslip Ischemia/Reperfusion Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The benefit of high glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solution in clinical applications is controversial. We established a neonatal rat ventricular myocyte (NRVM) in vitro coverslip ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model and investigated the effects of GIK solution on suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulating O-GlcNacylation, which protects cells from ischemic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NRVMs were isolated from postnatal day 3-4 Sprague-Dawley rat pups and grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing high glucose (4.5 g/L), fetal bovine serum, and penicillin/streptomycin. The effects of the GIK solution on ROS production, apoptosis, and expression of O-GlcNAc and O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) were investigated in the coverslip I/R model. RESULTS: Covering the 24-well culture plates for 3 hr with 12 mm diameter coverslips resulted in the appropriate ischemic shock. Glucose and insulin synergistically reduced ROS production, protected NRVM dose-dependently from apoptosis, and altered O-GlcNAc and OGT expression. CONCLUSION: The high GIK solution protected NRVM from I/R injury in vitro by reducing ROS and altering O-GlcNacylation.

High Sodium Intake in Women with Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome and high sodium intake are associated with frequent cardiovascular events. Few studies have estimated sodium intake in subjects with metabolic syndrome by 24-hour urine sodium excretion. We evaluated sodium intake in individuals with metabolic syndrome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants were recruited by random selection and through advertisement. Twenty four-hour urine collection, ambulatory blood pressure measurements, and blood test were performed. Sodium intake was estimated by 24-hour urine sodium excretion. Participants receiving antihypertensive medications were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: Among the 463 participants recruited, subjects with metabolic syndrome had higher levels of 24-hour urine sodium excretion than subjects without metabolic syndrome (p=0.0001). There was a significant relationship between the number of metabolic syndrome factors and 24-hour urine sodium excretion (p=0.001). The proportion of subjects with metabolic syndrome was increased across the tertile groups of 24-hour urine sodium excretion (p<0.0001). The association of high sodium intake and metabolic syndrome was significant only among women. Among the factors related to metabolic syndrome, body mass index had an independent association with 24-hour urine sodium excretion (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Women with metabolic syndrome exhibited significantly higher sodium intake, suggesting that dietary education to reduce sodium consumption should be emphasized for women with metabolic syndrome.

Subclinical Renal Insufficiency Range of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Microalbuminuria Are Independently Associated with Increased Arterial Stiffness in Never Treated Hypertensives

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microalbuminuria (MAU) and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with hypertension. However, in hypertensive patients with normal or minimally reduced eGFR (> or =60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and with normo- or MAU, the value of combined estimation of eGFR and urine microalbumin for the risk assessment has not been widely reported. We evaluated the association between arterial stiffness and the combined estimation of eGFR and urine microalbumin. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects with never treated hypertension and normal or minimally reduced eGFR were evaluated (n=491, 50.1+/-10.4 years). eGFR was calculated by the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was assessed with spot urine. Arterial stiffness was assessed with heart-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV). All subjects were divided into four groups; group 1, eGFR > or =90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (normal eGFR) and normo-albuminuria (NAU); group 2, eGFR 89.9-60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (minimally reduced eGFR) and NAU; group 3, normal eGFR and MAU; group 4, minimally reduced eGFR and MAU. RESULTS: Group 1 had the lowest hfPWV (964.6+/-145.4; group 2, 1013.5+/-168.9; group 3, 1058.2+/-238.0; group 4, 1065.8+/-162.9 cm/sec). Analysis adjusting age, sex, body mass index, heart rate and mean arterial pressure showed significantly lower hfPWV of group 1 compared to group 2 (p=0.032) and 3 (p=0.007). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association of hfPWV with logUACR {beta=0.096, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.974-60.610, p=0.008} and eGFR (beta=-0.069, 95% CI -1.194 - -0.005, p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Minimally reduced eGFR or MAU is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness, indicating greater CVD risk.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Contralateral Iliac and Superficial Femoral Arteries via Graft Vessel in a Patient with FemoroFemoral Bypass Graft

Peripheral arterial disease represents a significant problem, particularly among the elderly population. There has been great progress made in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease in recent years. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has been employed as a method of treatment for patients with a variety of peripheral arterial disease. We report our experience with PTA of contralateral common iliac and superficial femoral arteries via graft vessel in a patient with femorofemoral bypass due to ipsilateral iliac artery occlusion.

Clinical experience with primary cardiac tumors / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In Korea, few studies have examined primary cardiac tumors, which have a reported incidence of 0.0017~0.19% in autopsy series. This study surveyed the status of primary cardiac tumors over the past 7 years in one region. METHODS: A retrospective review examined all patients with primary cardiac tumors, except for confirmed thrombus, using hospital medical records from 2000 to 2006 at six community hospitals. Identified cases undergoing biopsy and surgery were selected for the study. RESULTS: The operative mortality was 7.7%. Of the 71 patients (26 males) with identified primary cardiac tumors, 65 (91.5%) tumors were benign and 6 (8.5%) were malignant. The benign tumors were myxoma (78.9%), rhabdomyoma (4.2%), fibroelastoma (2.8%), fibroma (1.4%), and leiomyoma (1.4%). Two of the myxomas were present at multiple locations. The malignant tumors included sarcomas (67%) and lymphomas (33%). Most of the tumors were located in the left atrium (76%). The majority of patients presented with chest pain and dyspnea. During follow-up for an average of 26.8+/-21.3 months, all but one patient with benign tumors was alive; one myxoma patient died perioperatively (1.5%). Four of the patients with malignant tumors (67%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac myxomas and sarcomas were the most common primary benign and malignant tumors, respectively. Benign tumors had excellent postoperative survival rates, while malignant tumors had high mortality.

The Inflammatory Response and Cardiac Repair After Myocardial Infarction

One of the most important therapeutic targets of current cardiology practice is to determine optimal strategies for the minimization of myocardial necrosis and optimization of cardiac repair following an acute myocardial infarction. Myocardial necrosis after acute myocardial infarction induces complement activation and free radical generation, triggering a cytokine cascade initiated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release. When reperfusion of the infarcted area is initiated, intense inflammation follows. Chemokines, cytokines and the complement system play an important role in recruiting neutrophils in the ischemic and reperfused myocardium. Cytokines promote adhesive interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells, resulting in transmigration of inflammatory cells into the site of injury. The recruited neutrophils have potent cytotoxic effects through the release of proteolytic enzymes, and they interact with adhesion molecules on cardiomyocytes. In spite of the potential injury, reperfusion enhances cardiac repair; this may be related to the inflammatory response. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 is upregulated in reperfused myocardium and can induce monocyte recruitment in the infarcted area. Monocyte subsets play a role in phagocytosis of dead cardiomyocytes and in granulation tissue formation. In addition, the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta plays a crucial role in cardiac repair by suppressing inflammation. Resolution of inflammatory infiltration, containment of inflammation and the reparative response affecting the infarcted area are essential for optimal infarct healing. Here, we review the current literature on the inflammatory response and cardiac repair after myocardial infarction.

Effects of Physical Activity and Aerobic Exercise Capacity on Aortic Stiffness in Patients With Untreated Hypertension

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: High aerobic exercise capacity and sport-related physical activity are reported to be inversely associated with arterial stiffness in healthy young adults. However, it is unknown whether increased physical activity and/or high aerobic exercise capacity attenuate arterial stiffness in patients with untreated hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied subjects with never-treated hypertension {n=84 (55 males); mean age+/-SD, 49+/-7 years; age range, 36-65 years}. We excluded subjects with a history of diabetes, angina, myocardial infarction, major arrhythmia, or cerebrovascular diseases and those who were taking any cardiovascular medications, including lipid-lowering agents. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and heart-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV) were measured before exercise testing was performed. Physical activity was estimated using a modified Baecke questionnaire. Aerobic exercise capacity was measured with maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (maximum oxygen uptake, Vo2max). RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between sport-index and hfPWV (r=-0.404; p0.05). Carotid IMT was not associated with physical activity indices or Vo2max. CONCLUSION: In patients with untreated hypertension, increased sport activity was associated with lower aortic stiffness, but high aerobic exercise capacity was not. These results suggest that regular daily exercise, but not exercise capacity, is an important determinant of aortic stiffness in patients with untreated hypertension.

Pattern of Hypertensive Management and Usefulness of Treatment Guideline in Primary Care

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at finding out how much the rate of the JNC-7 guideline was carried out, and assessed the degree of evidence based clinical practice patterns and the validity of the new guideline by comparatively analyzing primary care practice patterns in hypertensive patients. METHODS: A questionnaire regarding the management of hypertension was conducted by mail between May 15 and July 15, 2005, to 1,008 of the Korean Association of Family Medicine listed in the address book. There were 195 respondents with a response rate of 19.4%. RESULTS: Among the total respondents, 91.1% were aware of the new guideline and had received information mainly through training lectures and seminars. They said that the biggest difference between the new guideline from the previous one was the inclusion of prehypertension (62.3%), and 61.1% were using the new term prehypertension in their practice. The most frequency advice given to patients related to lifestyle modification were in the order of smoking cessation (44.8%), exercise (41.7%) and weight reduction (38.0%). Calcium channel blocker was the most commonly used (60.9%) as the first-line agent. When physicians failed to control blood pressure with the first medication in cases of stage 1 hypertension, 67.7% added other agents. In treating stage 2 hypertension, 59.9% started with a single agent and gradually added other agents. CONCLUSIONS: Family physicians in primary care clinics had a good understanding of the JNC-7 guideline. However, the rate at which they applied it in treatment was low. To effectively apply the guideline in actual treatments, aggressive education of practitioners and improvement on medical system and treatment guidelines are needed.

Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is rare in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We describe a case of an AMI during thrombocytopenia in a patient with chronic ITP. A 47-yr-old woman presented with anterior chest pain and a low platelet count (21,000/microliter) at admission. Urgent coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of proximal right coronary artery and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed successfully. This case suggests that primary PCI may be a therapeutic option for an AMI in patients with ITP, even though the patient had severe thrombocytopenia.

Bilateral Spontaneous Pneumothorax During Cytotoxic Chemotherapy for Angiosarcoma of the Scalp: A Case Report

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare manifestation of metastatic lung cancers and described in advanced diseases or during cytotoxic chemotherapy which is manifested by sudden onset of dyspnea. The cause or mechanism of spontaneous pneumothorax has been unknown, as well as the association with site of metastases or type of cancers or side effect of chemotherapeutic drugs has been reported rarely. A 68-yr-old man underwent excision of angiosarcoma of the scalp. Chest radiography did not show any evidence of possible metastatic lung lesion at that time. Therefore, systemic doxorubicin and dacarbazine were given. After nineteen days of chemotherapy, he developed a bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax and palpable cervical lymph nodes. Both parietal and visceral pleura were intact and showed no evidence of metastatic and pathologic lesions on thoracoscopic evaluation. The patient managed with bilateral tube thoracostomy and both lungs were expanded. Lymph nodes became unpalpable during three cycles of the paclitaxel and doxorubicin, however, bilateral lung metastases were developed and progressed despite chemotherapy. The patient died due to respiratory failure after five months. This report underlines that spontaneous pneumothorax can occur as the first manifestation of metastatic angiosarcoma even if imaging studies do not show of a metastatic lesion.

A Case of Cardiac Tamponade Caused by Acute Pancreatitis

The accumulation of fluid in the pericardium in an amount sufficient to cause serious obstruction to the inflow of blood to the ventricles results in cardiac tamponade. This complication may be fatal if it is not recognized and treated promptly. We report a case of cardiac tamponade caused by acute pancreatitis, which resolved after catheter drainage.

A Case of Primary Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Presented as Appendicitis

Malignant lymphoma comprise 1~4% of the malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), although primary lymphoma of the appendix is exceedingly rare. Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the appendix reportedly represents 0.015% of all GIT lymphomas. Most cases of primary appendiceal lymphoma have presented with a clinical appearance of acute appendicitis. It is therefore difficult to diagnosis preoperatively. We report a case of primary NHL of the appendix in a 31 year-old female. Appendectomy was performed as a result of the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis, due to the rebound tenderness of McBurney's point and a thickend appendiceal wall seen on abdominal ultrasonography. Microscopic examination demonstrated an atypical large lymphoid cell dispersed in a background of small lymphocytes. There were no invading tumor cells on the resection margin. Immunohistochemical studies revealed the large atypical cells stained with B cell marker (CD20), Bcl-6, Ki-67 and UCHL-1 (CD45R0). The post-operative work- up consisted of a CT scan of the abdomen and thorax, a bone marrow biopsy and a gastrofiberscope. These results were normal. No further treatment was recommended. The patient is now 12 months post-operative and doing well.