Comparison of Iohexol-380 and Iohexol-350 for Coronary CT Angiography: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind Phase 3 Trial

OBJECTIVE: This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of contrast agents iohexol-380 and iohexol-350 for coronary CT angiography in healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Volunteers were randomized to receive 420 mgI/kg of either iohexol-350 or iohexol-380 using a flow rate of 4 mL/sec. All adverse events were recorded. Two blinded readers independently reviewed the CT images and conflicting results were resolved by a third reader. Luminal attenuations (ascending aorta, left main coronary artery, and left ventricle) in Hounsfield units (HUs) and image quality on a 4-point scale were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 225 subjects were given contrast media (115 with iohexol-380 and 110 with iohexol-350). There was no difference in number of adverse drug reactions between groups: 75 events in 56 (48.7%) of 115 subjects in the iohexol-380 group vs. 74 events in 51 (46.4%) of 110 subjects in the iohexol-350 group (p = 0.690). No severe adverse drug reactions were recorded. Neither group showed an increase in serum creatinine. Significant differences in mean density between the groups was found in the ascending aorta: 375.8 ± 71.4 HU with iohexol-380 vs. 356.3 ± 61.5 HU with iohexol-350 (p = 0.030). No significant differences in image quality scores between both groups were observed for all three anatomic evaluations (all, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Iohexol-380 provides improved enhancement of the ascending aorta and similar attenuation of the coronary arteries without any increase in adverse drug reactions, as compared with iohexol-350 using an identical amount of total iodine.

Successful Treatment of Bleeding Duodenal Varix by Percutaneous Transsplenic Embolization / 대한소화기학회지

Variceal bleeding occurs primarily in the esophagus or stomach in patients with liver cirrhosis, but can also occur rarely in the duodenum. Duodenal variceal bleeding has a high mortality and poor prognosis due to heavy blood flow originating from the portal vein (PV) and the technical difficulty of hemostatic procedures. Treatments including endoscopic sclerotherapy, endoscopic ligations, endoscopic clipping and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt have been tried, with only moderate and variable success. A percutaneous transsplenic approach offers another way of accessing the PV. Here we report a case of successfully treated duodenal variceal bleeding by percutaneous transsplenic embolization.

A Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosed by Initial Presentation of Digital Gangrene / 대한내과학회지

Although digital gangrene is an uncommon clinical feature, it may lead to serious complications, such as amputation. Therefore, it requires prompt evaluation and treatment. Digital gangrene is often seen in systemic sclerosis, but is rare in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In SLE, digital gangrene results from vasculitis, vasospasm, and thromboembolism. Here, we report a 15-year-old male SLE patient who initially presented with digital gangrene, and present a review of the relevant literature.

Coronary to Bronchial Artery Fistula Causing Massive Hemoptysis in Patients with Longstanding Pulmonary Tuberculosis

We report on three cases of longstanding pulmonary tuberculosis patients with coronary to bronchial artery fistula (CBF) who presented with recurrent massive hemoptysis. The first and second patients died because of decreased functional pulmonary volume plus massive hemoptysis and cannulation failure of CBF due to hypovolemic vasospasm, respectively. When recurrent hemoptysis occurs despite successful embolization treatment, CBF should be considered as a potential bleeding source. Moreover, a coronary angiography should be performed, especially in patients with longstanding cardiopulmonary disease such as pulmonary tuberculosis.

Interventional Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis / 한양의대학술지

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that affects hundreds of thousands of patients each year and treated with anticoagulation therapy alone to stop propagation and embolization of venous thrombus but not remove it. Extensive clinical research over the last 40 years has improved the techniques to remove the thrombus from the affected veins and reduce the likelihood of developing post-thrombotic syndrome. These endovascular treatments includes catheter-directed thrombolysis and recently pharmacomechanical thrombectomy to rapidly fragment, lyse, and remove the thrombus from the affected veins resulting in short treatment time, and improved the quality of life of the patients. This article provides an overview of the interventions available for treating DVT.

Cavo-caval intervention stent insertion after deceased-donor liver transplantation using side-to-side piggyback technique: report of a case

Liver transplantation with preservation of the recipient vena cava (piggyback technique) has been performed as an alternative to the conventional method. Outflow disturbance or obstruction of the vena cava in the early period after liver transplantation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We used side-to-side cavo-caval anastomosis (modified piggyback technique) in a deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT) for venous outflow reconstruction. On postoperative day 9, the patient developed abdominal discomfort, and abnormal liver function showing serum total bilirubin of 6.2 mg/dl and serum AST/ALT of 297/597 IU/L. Doppler ultrasound showed mono-phasic wave forms of the hepatic vein. Computed tomography showed focal narrowing of 9.5 mmx12 mm in diameter at the cavo-caval anastomosis site. Liver biopsy was showed that there was no evidence of acute allograft rejection. Direct venogram showed stenosis of the cavo-caval anastomosis with a pressure gradient of 12 mmHg. An interventional stent was inserted in the stenotic site of the inferior vena cava, and the pressure gradient decreased to 2 mmHg. He was discharged from hospital on postoperative day 23 without any other complications. Herein we report a case of deceased-donor liver transplantation using the modified piggyback technique, who received an inferior vena cava stent due to stricture of the reconstructed orifice of the vena cava.

A Case of Abdominal Aortic Pseudoaneurysm That Was Treated with Inserting an Endovascular Stent Graft in a Patient with Behcet's Disease / 대한류마티스학회지

Behcet's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of an unknown etiology, and it is characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcerations, eye lesions skin lesions, and other involvement such as gastrointestinal ulcerations and lesions of the central nervous system and major vessels. The vascular lesions include deep vein thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis, arterial aneurysm and arterial occlusion. Aortic aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication, but it is one of the most common causes of death in Behcet's disease. We report here on a case of a 43 year old female with Behcet's disease that was complicated by an abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm, and this was all successfully treated with percutaneous endovascular stent graft insertion, steroid pulse therapy and azathioprine.

The Value of Sonographic Evaluation of the Appendix in Patient with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Correlation with CT, clinical, and Pathological Findings

PURPOSE: To assess the sonographic evaluation of the appendix in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) using CT, clinical, and pathological comparisons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a three-year period, 51 patients with PID underwent appendix US and abdomino-pelvic CT. The findings of appendix on US were classified into three categories (normal appendix, normal appendix with inflamed periappendiceal fat, and acute appendicitis). Based on the CT analysis, the condition of the appendix was classified into five categories, namely ('normal, 'probably normal', 'equivocal CT findings for diagnosis of appendicitis', 'probable appendicitis', 'definite appendicitis'). The CT and US results were then correlate with clinical and pathological findings. RESULTS: Of 21 patients with definite or probable appendicitis as shown by CT analysis, US demonstrated normal appendix in 10 patients (48%), normal appendix with inflamed periappendiceal fat in 10 patients (48%), and primary appendicitis in the remaining patient (4%). Of 25 patients with normal or probably normal appendix as shown by CT analysis, US demonstrated normal appendix in 24 patients (96%), and primary appendicitis in the remaining patient (4%). The two patients with primary appendicitis, as shown by US, underwent appendectomy and pathological studies revealed primary appendicitis. CONCLUSION: A sonographic evaluation of the appendix in patients with PID improved the diagnostic accuracy for primary appendicitis.

The Occurrence of a Pseudoaneurysm of the Hepatic Artery within the Thrombosed Portal Vein of a Patient with Chronic Pancreatitis: A Case Report

A pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon but important life threatening complication of chronic pancreatitis. The arteries most commonly affected by a pseudoaneurysm are (in decreasing percent occurrence), the splenic (40%), gastroduodenal (30%), pancreaticoduodenal (20%), gastric (5%), hepatic (2%), and others (superior mesenteric, jejunal, ileocecal, and aorta) (1-3%). Thrombosis of the splenic or portal vein is another important complication of chronic pancreatitis. In this case report, we present a rare complication in the form of a right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm which developed within the thrombosed right portal vein of a 35-year-old woman afflicted with chronic pancreatitis.

Percutaneous Needle Aspiration Biopsy (PCNA) of Pulmonary Lesions: Evaluation of a Reaspiration or a Rebiopsy (second PCNA)

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the reaspiration or rebiopsy of pulmonary lesions (second PCNA) in cases where the pathologic results are inconclusive upon initial percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy (PCNA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 364 PCNA cases (350 initial PCNA, 14 second PCNA) were performed under CT or fluoroscopy guidance for all the 350 patients enrolled. The procedure was performed by either using an automated biopsy gun with a 20-G needle (298 cases) or a 20-G aspiration needle (66 cases). The pathologic agreement rates between the initial and second PCNA, as well as the causes for a second PCNA, were evaluated. Finally the type and rate of complication were also evaluated. RESULTS: The second PCNA rate was 4.0% (14/350). The causes for a second PCNA, following the initial PCNA included unexpected pathologic results (n = 7) and inconclusive pathologic results (n = 7). Of the seven cases which had unexpected pathologic results from their initial PCNAs, five had similar pathologic results after a second PCNA. Also, of the seven cases of inconclusive pathologic results, such as atypical cells, the scanty cellularity or necrosis upon an initial PCNA, six cases revealed a malignancy on a second PCNA. The overall complication rate, including both the initial and second PCNAs was 14.0% (51/364). CONCLUSION: A second PCNA was performed to help resolve the exact diagnosis for a pulmonary lesion in cases of inconclusive pathologic results upon an initial PCNA.

Cardiac Spindle Cell Hemangioma: A Case Report

Spindle cell hemangioma is an uncommon vascular lesion histologically resembling a cavernous hemangioma and Kaposi's sarcoma with a predilection for the extremities. There are no radiologic reports concerning cardiac spindle cell hemangioma in the current literature. We report here a case of cardiac spindle cell hemangioma.

Enlarged coronary-bronchial artery anastomosis in cystic bronchiectasis: A case report / 대한내과학회지

Anastomoses between a coronary artery and bronchial or mediastinal arteries have been described since the 19th century. Although coronary-to-bronchial artery communication has been well described, it remains an unusual finding. We report one adult case of abnormally enlarged two coronary-to-bronchial artery communications in a severe cystic bronchiectasis patient. In this case, the bronchial arteries were also supplied from the multiple systemic arteries (the internal mammary, subclavian, inferior phrenic and intercostal arteries) because of severe cystic bronchiectasis. We treated the patient by embolization of the bronchial artery with the abnormal anastomoses and then by surgical resection of the cystic bronchiectatic lung lesion. To date, the patient remains free of symptoms.

Killian-Jamieson Diverticulum Mimicking a Thyroid Nodule on Ultrasonography: A Case Report

Thyroid ultrasonography is widely used for diagnosis and cytologic evaluation of thyroid nodules. We encountered a case of Killian-Jamieson diverticulum, which was differentiated from a thyroid nodule using ultrasonography.

A case of splenic infarction developed during acute pancreatitis combined with celiac artery stenosis / 대한내과학회지

Prevalence of splenic infarction developed during acute pancreatitis is extremely rare. However, we recently experienced a case of 42-year-old woman who developed splenic infarction during acute alcoholic pancreatitis. There were sustained subjective symptoms and no resolution of image despite of conservative management, so we performed angiography to confirm whether vascular lesion existed or not. We found the significant celiac artery stenosis due to compression by median arcuate ligament and no visible thrombus. We report an unusual case of splenic infarction developed during acute recurrent pancreatitis possibly related with celiac artery stenosis.

Treatment of Systemic Arterial Supply to Lower Lobe of Left Lung (Operation vs. Embolotherapy): Comparison of Two Cases and Literature Review / 대한흉부외과학회지

Systemic arterialization of lung with/without sequestration (Sequestration/Anomalous Origin of Left Pulmonary Artery, AOLPA) is a rare form of congenital anomalous systemic arterial supply to the lungs. In this anomaly, the arterial supply of one or more arteries of the basal segments of the lower lobe derives from an aberrant vessel arising from the aorta. We report two adult cases of systemic arterialization of normal basal segments of left lower lobe lung with/without sequestration. The one (AOLPA) was treated by left lower basal segmentectomy and the other (Sequestration) by therapeutic angiographic embolization. Based on the favorable follow-up result in our patients, although lobectomy (segmentectomy) is the basic treatment modality, embolotherapy could also be a mode of treatment that could be selectively applied to elderly, infirm patients or high risk patients with poor pulmonary function.

Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Popliteal Artery as Demonstrated by MDCT Angiography: A Case Report

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery is rare condition, but it is an important cause of peripheral vascular insufficiency in young men. Conventional angiography or MR imaging has traditionally been considered as the study of choice to diagnose this disease. We experienced a case of cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery that was diagnosed by 16-slice MDCT angiography, and this imaging modality displayed an accurate diagnostic capability for this disease.

Evaluation of the Appendix Base Location in Acute Appendicitis Using Sonography and its Clinical Significance

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the location of appendiceal base using sonography in acute appendicitis and the usefulness of the appendiceal base marking in deciding the incision site of appendectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed appendix sonography in 813 patients and 381 patients were diagnosed as acute appendicitis. During sonography, we marked the base of the appendix on the skin of the patients' abdomen. After appendiceal base marking, we measured the distance from McBurney's point to the appendiceal base. The marking was used as the guide for incision site for appendectomy by the surgeon. Among 381 patients, we excluded 78 patients due to nonvisualization of the cecoappendiceal junction (n = 6), pregnancy appendicitis (n = 2), false positive appendicitis (n = 3) and no reply from the surgeon (n = 67). So we investigated 303 patients prospectively. After operation, we asked the surgeon whether the appendiceal base marking was helpful for appendectomy or not. RESULTS: The base of the appendix at McBurney's point were 31%, lying within 2 cm from McBurney's point were 20%, within 5 cm were 28%, more than 5 cm were 21%. For the usefulness of appendiceal base marking, 95% showed good correlation with marking and surgical incision, and 5% revealed poor correlation. CONCLUSION: The base of the appendix was located in diverse areas of the abdomen, although most frequent in the McBurney's point and within 2 cm from the McBurney's point. Appendiceal base marking on the skin of the abdomen after diagnosis of acute appendicitis could be an useful method to guide the surgeon for decision of surgical incision site.

Pituitary Adenoma with Extensive Calcifications Mimicking Craniopharyngioma: A Case Report

A 27 year old man presented with complaints of headache and visual disturbance, first noted six months earlier. Simple radiographs of skull sellar widening and calcification. Brain CT revealed a 3 X3 X4 cm-sized sellar suprasellar mass with heavy calcification. T1-weighted MR images showed that the signal intensity of the mass was slightly lower than that of the gray matter, while T2-weighted images showed heterogeneous high signal intensity with central low-signal-intensity foci, suggesting calcification After contrast infusion, enhancement was irregular. Surgery revealed a 4 X5 cm sized, well-demarcated, lobulated mass adhering to the meninges. Papillary-type pituitary adenoma was histologically confirmed. We report the CT and MR findings of atypical pituitary adenoma with extensive internal calcification mimicking craniopharyngioma.

Brain MRI Findings of Neuropsychiatric Lupus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the brain MRI findings in patients with neuropsychiatric lupus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 26 patients (M:F=2:24; aged 9 -48 years) in whom the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus was clinically or pathologically proven and in whom neuropsychiatric lupus was also clinically diagnosed, the findings of brain MRI were retrospectively evaluated. MR images were analyzed with regard to the distribution, location, size and number of lesions due to cerebral ischemia or infarction, the presence of cerebral atrophy, and the extent and degree of brain parenchymal and intravascular enhancement. RESULTS: The most common MRI findings were lesions due to cerebral ischemia or infarction occurring in 18 patients (69%), and located within deep periventricular white matter (n=10), subcortical white matter (n=8), the cerebral cortex (n=7), basal ganglia (n=7), or brain stem or cerebellum (n=2). The lesions were single (n=3) or multiple (n=15), and in 17 patients were less than 1 cm in diameter in regions other than the cerebral cortex. In six of these patients, lesions of 1 -4 cm in diameter in this region were combined, and one occurred in the cerebral cortex only. Cerebral atrophy was seen in 16 patients (62%), in ten of whom there was no past history of treatment with steroids for more than six months. In 15 patients (58%), contrast-enhanced MR image revealed diffuse enhancement of the basal ganglia or intravascular enhancement. In no case were MRI findings normal. CONCLUSION: The primary manifestations of neuropsychiatric lupus are multifocal ischemia or infarctions in the cerebral cortex, and subcortical and deep white matter, and the cerebral atrophy. Contrast-enhanced MR images also demonstrated diffuse enhancement of the basal ganglia and intravascular enhancement, both thought to be related to the congestion due to the stagnation of cerebral blood flow.

Brain MRI Findings of Neuropsychiatric Lupus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the brain MRI findings in patients with neuropsychiatric lupus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 26 patients (M:F=2:24; aged 9 -48 years) in whom the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus was clinically or pathologically proven and in whom neuropsychiatric lupus was also clinically diagnosed, the findings of brain MRI were retrospectively evaluated. MR images were analyzed with regard to the distribution, location, size and number of lesions due to cerebral ischemia or infarction, the presence of cerebral atrophy, and the extent and degree of brain parenchymal and intravascular enhancement. RESULTS: The most common MRI findings were lesions due to cerebral ischemia or infarction occurring in 18 patients (69%), and located within deep periventricular white matter (n=10), subcortical white matter (n=8), the cerebral cortex (n=7), basal ganglia (n=7), or brain stem or cerebellum (n=2). The lesions were single (n=3) or multiple (n=15), and in 17 patients were less than 1 cm in diameter in regions other than the cerebral cortex. In six of these patients, lesions of 1 -4 cm in diameter in this region were combined, and one occurred in the cerebral cortex only. Cerebral atrophy was seen in 16 patients (62%), in ten of whom there was no past history of treatment with steroids for more than six months. In 15 patients (58%), contrast-enhanced MR image revealed diffuse enhancement of the basal ganglia or intravascular enhancement. In no case were MRI findings normal. CONCLUSION: The primary manifestations of neuropsychiatric lupus are multifocal ischemia or infarctions in the cerebral cortex, and subcortical and deep white matter, and the cerebral atrophy. Contrast-enhanced MR images also demonstrated diffuse enhancement of the basal ganglia and intravascular enhancement, both thought to be related to the congestion due to the stagnation of cerebral blood flow.