Analysis of Tumor Size between Imaging of Preoperative Ultrasound, MRI and Pathologic Measurements in Early Breast Carcinoma

Purpose@#Preoperative tumor size is associated with clinical stage, treatment plan and even survival rate of patient. We investigated the accuracy of tumor size estimation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US) findings, comparing these with pathologic tumor size in the diagnosis of early breast carcinoma. @*Methods@#Between 2011 and 2016, 136 patients with early breast cancer were analyzed and their tumor size on US and MRI findings were compared with their pathologic tumor size retrospectively. The background parenchymal enhancement of MRI was categorized as minimal, mild, moderate, and extreme. The patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, had positive resection margins, underwent excisional biopsy for cancer diagnosis, and had non-mass lesions on MRI scans, were excluded. @*Results@#In all, 83.1% of the cases showed concordance between MRI findings and pathologic tumor size within 0.5cm. MRI overestimated the findings by 10.3% and underestimated them by 6.6%; 78.7% showed concordance between US findings and pathologic tumor size within 0.5cm. US overestimated the findings by 5.9% and underestimated them by 15.4%. The tumor size on MRI (r=0.87) showed a stronger correlation to the pathologic tumor size than that on US (r=0.64) in early breast cancer patients. US had a tendency to underestimate the tumor size. The degree of breast parenchyma did not affect the accuracy of the measurement of preoperative tumor size. @*Conclusion@#MRI is relatively more accurate than US for assessing preoperative tumor size in breast cancer patients. US tends to underestimate tumor size.

Long-term Treatment with Anti-platelet Agents for Collagen-induced Arthritis Improves Radiological Findings

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the long-term effect of anti-platelet treatment on the radiological progression of collagen-induced arthritis in rats. METHODS: Female Lewis rats with collagen-induced arthritis were divided into three experimental groups: saline, aspirin monotherapy (n = 12), and aspirin–clopidogrel dual therapy (n = 12). Drugs were administered daily and continued up to 70 days after the induction of arthritis. The clinical arthritis index (weight, morphology score, and paw thickness) and radiological scores were evaluated. RESULTS: The clinical arthritis index peaked on day 20, while the radiological scores peaked on day 35. No intergroup difference was observed in the clinical arthritis index throughout the experiment. The aspirin–clopidogrel dual therapy group had a significantly higher mean radiological score than the other groups (p = 0.045) on day 35. Further treatments resulted in significantly improved radiological findings in the aspirin monotherapy and aspirin–clopidogrel dual therapy groups on day 70 but no significant improvement in the saline group. CONCLUSION: Anti-platelet agent treatment improved radiological findings on day 70. These observations emphasize the importance of a future long-term study of the effects of anti-platelet agent treatment on arthritis.

Effect of Intravenous Infusion of G-CSF-Mobilized Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells on Upper Extremity Function in Cerebral Palsy Children

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intravenous infusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (mPBMC) mobilized by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Fifty-seven children with CP were enrolled. Ten patients were excluded due to follow-up loss. In total, 47 patients (30 males and 17 females) were analyzed. All patients' parents provided signed consent before the start of the study. After administration of G-CSF for 5 days, mPBMC was collected and cryopreserved. Patients were randomized into two groups 1 month later. Twenty-two patients were administered mPBMC and 25 patients received normal saline as placebo. Six months later, the two groups were switched, and administered mPBMC and placebo, respectively. Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used to evaluate upper motor function. RESULTS: All subdomain and total scores of QUEST were significantly improved after mPBMC and placebo infusion, without significant differences between mPBMC and placebo groups. A month after G-CSF, all subdomain and total scores of QUEST were improved. The level of MACS remained unchanged in both mPBMC and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, intravenously infused mPBMC showed no significant effect on upper extremity function in children with CP, as compared to placebo. The effect of mPBMC was likely masked by the effect of G-CSF, which was used in both groups and/or G-CSF itself might have other neurotrophic potentials in children with CP.

A Case of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura with Exacerbation after Incomplete Remission of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange / 대한수혈학회지

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood disorder with a mortality rate of over 90% without prompt treatment. It is caused by congenital, idiopathic, or secondary diseases; idiopathic TTP is mainly associated with deficiency of ADAMTS13, a von Willebrand factor cleaving protease or ADAMTS13 inhibitors. The long-term survival rate of TTP has improved since the introduction of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), and the therapeutic aims have also been established. However, deciding on the end-point and appropriate treatment method requires careful assessment of clinical conditions of patients. The present study reports a case of a 33-year-old male patient with reduced ADAMTS13 activity and ADAMTS13 inhibitor, who developed symptoms after an early termination of TPE with improved symptoms, which finally improved with retreatment and additionally corticosteroid. We report our case with relevant literature review on TPE in TTP with this case.

The Usefulness of Platelet-derived Microparticle as Biomarker of Antiplatelet Therapy in Kawasaki Disease

Little is known about platelet dynamics and the effect of antiplatelet therapy in Kawasaki disease (KD). This study sought to define platelet activation dynamics in KD patients by assaying platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs). We measured plasma PDMPs levels in 46 patients with KD using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood samples were collected before, at 2–5 days, and 9–15 days after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion, 2 months and 4–5 months after the onset of KD. We measured PDMP levels in 23 febrile and 10 afebrile control patients. In the acute phase of KD patients, PDMP levels increased significantly after IVIG treatment (12.04 ± 5.58 nmol before IVIG infusion vs. 19.81 ± 13.21 nmol at 2–5 days after IVIG infusion, P = 0.006). PDMP levels were negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with procalcitonin levels in the acute phase of KD. No significant difference was found in PDMP levels between KD patients with and without coronary artery lesion (CAL). Elevated PDMP levels after IVIG therapy significantly decreased below the pre-IVIG level in subacute phase (19.81 ± 13.21 nmol at 2–5 days after IVIG infusion vs. 8.33 ± 2.02 nmol at 9–15 days after IVIG infusion, P < 0.001), and PDMP levels stayed below the pre-IVIG level in the convalescent phase, during which antiplatelet therapy was given. However, PDMP levels rebounded after discontinuing aspirin in 17 patients. In conclusion, enhanced platelet activation was noted before treatment of KD and peaked immediately after IVIG treatment. Recurrent rising of PDMP levels was observed after discontinuing aspirin, although there were no significant differences between the PDMP levels at 2 months after the onset of KD and those at 4–5 months after the onset of the disease.

An Outbreak of Mumps Meningitis Among Adolescents / 대한소아신경학회지

PURPOSE: We report sharp rise of incidence of mumps meningitis at our institute and describe the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and complications. METHODS: This is a retrospective study involving 34 patients with mumps meningitis at Eulji University Hospital from July 2012 to June 2014. They were diagnosed by definite parotid gland swelling and leukocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study. RESULTS: Nineteen (55.9%) of the 34 patients with mumps meningitis were confirmed as positive by the mumps virus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody in serum or CSF and the remaining 15 patients (44.1%) were classified as probable cases. We identified 31 boys and 3 girls clearly showing male predominance. The median age of the patients was 15.8 years and all patients were in the middle school and high school age group. Sixteen patients (47.1%) had unilateral mumps and 29 patients (85.3%) were diagnosed with meningitis after parotid swelling. Six patients (17.6%) were accompanied by testicular involvement and one (2.9%) showed hearing loss. The positivity of mumps virus specific IgM was 17 of 34 (50.0%) in serum and 4 of 34 (11.8%) in CSF. The total duration of illness including hospitalization was 5 to 21 days, median being 11 days. There was no serious neurologic deficit but 5 of 34 (14.7%) complained dizziness after discharge. It caused delay in back-to-work. CONCLUSION: It is worthy to notice that recent outbreak of mumps among adolescents are more complicated. We need to be more aggressive about prevention of mumps outbreak which bring on substantial socioeconomic loss.

Results of Absorbable Mesh Insertion and Patient Satisfaction in Breast-Conserving Surgery

PURPOSE: Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is a standard treatment for breast cancer. Occasionally, patients may be dissatisfied with the breast shape due to deformity after BCS. To ensure satisfactory cosmetic results, a procedure with absorbable mesh after BCS was introduced in 2005. The purpose of this study was to identify the safety and effectiveness of this procedure. METHODS: From November 2013 to December 2015, patients who underwent BCS for a malignant breast mass at Jeonju Presbyterian Medical Center were reviewed, and 63 patients were included in this study. Based on data collected from medical records and telephone interviews, the subjects were divided into two groups as follows and retrospectively compared and analyzed: BCS with absorbable mesh (n=31) and BCS without absorbable mesh (n=32). Patient data included age, body mass index, underlying disease, tumor location and size, specimen size, operative time, axillary dissection based on frozen biopsy results, postoperative wound infection, postoperative radiotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and follow-up period. To compare patient satisfaction between the two groups, a brief questionnaire consisting of four items was administered. RESULTS: Infection occurred in six patients (19.4%) in the absorbable mesh group and one (3.1%) in the BCS only group; however, the difference was not significant (p=0.053). Overall satisfaction, postoperative pain and postoperative motion limitation between the two groups were also not statistically significantly different. However, patients who underwent BCS with absorbable mesh insertion were better satisfied with the breast shape than those who underwent BCS without mesh from 1 year after operation (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: BCS with absorbable mesh is a simple and easy method to improve patient satisfaction for breast shape.

Clinical Experience with a Hybrid Procedure Using the Adherent Clot Catheter for Salvage of Thrombosed Hemodialysis Access: A Comparison with the Standard Fogarty Balloon Catheter

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two different catheters in hybrid surgery for salvage of thrombosed hemodialysis accesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hybrid salvage procedure (surgical thrombectomy followed by endovascular angioplasty) of the thrombosed hemodialysis access, was performed using adherent clot (AC) catheter in 140 cases and Fogarty balloon catheter in 68 cases. Procedure-related outcomes such as the clot removal status, clinical success, complications, and primary patency rates were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The proportion of cases with good clot removal scores in the AC catheter and Fogarty balloon catheter groups was 77.9% and 91.2%, respectively (P=0.018). Clinical success was achieved in 90.7% of the cases in the AC catheter group and in 98.5% of the cases in the balloon catheter group (P=0.035). The mean patency rates of the two groups were 50.7% and 63.2% at 3 months, 40.7% and 47.1% at 6 months, and 17.9% and 19.1% at 12 months. The complication rates (12.1% and 5.9%) and primary patency rates between the two catheters were not statistically different (P=0.328). On the analysis of the patency rate on access type of autologous (P=0.169) and prothetic graft (P=0.423), there was no significant difference between the two catheter groups. CONCLUSION: In terms of clot removal and clinical success, the AC catheter did not demonstrate better outcomes than the Fogarty balloon catheter. However, primary patency was not related to the type of catheter. Adherent clot catheter can be a useful alternative to Fogarty balloon catheter for thrombosed hemodialysis access.

Association between Adipokines and Coronary Artery Lesions in Children with Kawasaki Disease

Body fat is an important source of adipokine, which is associated with energy balance and inflammatory and immune responses. However, the role of adipokines in coronary artery complications in Kawasaki disease (KD) has not yet been fully explained. We investigated whether serum adipokine level can be a useful marker for patients with KD who are at higher risk of developing coronary artery lesion (CAL). We measured adipokine levels and other inflammatory parameters in 40 patients with KD, 32 febrile controls, and 15 afebrile controls. Interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and other laboratory parameters were also measured before and after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, and in the convalescent phase. At admission, the serum resistin levels in KD children were significantly higher than those in controls (177.56 ng/mL in KD children, 76.48 ng/mL in febrile controls, and 17.95 ng/mL in afebrile controls). In patients with KD, resistin levels were significantly associated with decreased hemoglobin levels (P=0.049) and increased IL-6 levels (P=0.014). The serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher and body mass index was significantly lower in the group of KD with CALs than those without CALs (228.26 ng/mL vs. 39.18 ng/mL and 15.09 vs. 16.60, respectively). In conclusion, resistin is significantly elevated in KD patients, although it has no prognostic value of predicting coronary artery lesion in the acute stage.

Role of Citrullinated Fibrinogen Peptides in the Activation of CD4 T Cells from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study was conducted to determine whether CD4 T cell responses to citrullinated fibrinogen occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially in HLA-DR4-positive subjects. Whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients and control subjects were stimulated with citrullinated fibrinogen peptides, and T-cell production of proliferation and proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A), were measured. In addition, CD4 T cells from RA patients were stimulated with the citrullinated fibrinogen peptide, Fib-alpha R84Cit, identified as a DRB1*0401-restricted T cell epitope in HLA-DR4 transgenic mice, and the degree of T cell activation was examined similarly. No proliferative responses to the citrullinated fibrinogen peptides were observed in whole PBMCs or CD4 T cells from RA patients. Furthermore, no increased production of IFN-gamma or IL-17A was found in whole PBMCs or CD4 T cells stimulated with the citrullinated fibrinogen peptides, although these cells responded to recall antigen, a mixture of tetanus toxoid, purified protein derivative (PPD) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Candida albicans. The results of this study indicate that anti-citrulline immunity in RA patients may be mediated by fibrinogen because there is no evidence of CD4 T cell-mediated immune responses to citrullinated fibrinogen peptides.

Long-Term Stability of Selected Serum Biomarkers in Leftover Samples / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of long-term-stored leftover blood samples, and to evaluate the long-term stability of selected serum biomarkers such as proteins, enzymes, electrolytes, and tumour markers. METHODS: Stored blood samples were transferred to our biobank after being used to conduct tests for routine medical examinations in one health care institution, and were preserved at or below -70degrees C for 4 years. We analysed 24 biomarkers whose levels had been reported 4 years ago and tested them using the same analyser, reagents, and methods by utilizing an ADVIA Centaur Immunoassay System (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, USA) or an ADVIA 2400 Chemistry System (Siemens, USA). RESULTS: A total of 15 out of the 24 tested biomarkers showed significant differences in paired Student t-tests (P0.975). Two biomarkers, creatinine and rheumatoid arthritis factor, showed no significant differences but were poorly correlated with previously analysed data. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen, and insulin levels were discordant according to their reference ranges. A total of 3 biomarkers, C-reactive protein, cancer antigen 125, and HBV surface antibody, showed no significant differences and good correlations without discordant data. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that long-term storage for more than 4 years can result in a considerable bias for variable biomarkers. Only 3 of the 24 biomarkers evaluated were found to be stable biomarkers. Long-term storage of leftover samples is not recommended for most chemical analyses.

Traumatic Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation Presenting With Dysphagia as the Chief Complaint: A Case Report

We report a patient with traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation who presented with dysphagia as the chief complaint. A 59-year-old man complained of swallowing difficulty for 2 months after trauma to the neck. On physical examination, there was atrophy of the right sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles, and the tongue was deviated to the right. In a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, penetration and aspiration were not seen, food residue remained in the right vallecula and pyriform sinus, and there was decreased motion of the soft palate, pharynx and larynx. Electromyography confirmed a right spinal accessory nerve lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed atlanto-occipital dislocation. Dysphagia in atlanto-occipital dislocation is induced by medullary compression and lower cranial nerve injury. Therefore, in survivors who are diagnosed with atlanto-occipital dislocation, any neurological symptoms should be carefully evaluated.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules Performed by Surgeon / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: The ability to apply radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has provided for a greater diversity of approaches for treatment of benign thyroid nodules. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of RFA performed by a surgeon. METHODS: From January 2009 to November 2010, a total of 47 benign thyroid nodules were treated with RFA performed by one surgeon. Nodular patterns were divided into mainly cystic, mixed, and mainly solid (soft solid, hard solid) nodules, and ultrasonography was performed for assessment of the volume-reduction radio (VRR) of each nodule. Follow-up ultrasonography was performed three to 19 months after ablation. And complication was observed. One session of RFA was performed. RESULTS: The median volume before ablation was 7.8 cm³ (range 1.3~43.2 cm³). After ablation, the median volume was 0.9 cm³ (range 0.0-21.6 cm³) and VRR was 81.5±17.3%. RFA in mainly cystic nodules resulted in significant decreases in VRR (93.7±5.0%, P=0.009). It was the largest among the nodular types. VRR was 81.4±13.1% in mixed nodules, 77.2±19.2% in mainly solid nodules, 85.9±11.0% in soft solid nodules, and 54.2±17.3% in hard solid nodules 95.7% of nodules (45 nodules) showed more than 50% reduction, while the two remaining nodules, which were hard solid nodules, showed less than 50% reduction. Complications included pain, voice change, nausea, and transient voice change. CONCLUSION: Results of this study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of RFA performed by a surgeon for reducing nodule volume.

Analysis of Factors Which Reduce Operation Time in Performance of Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

PURPOSE: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a rapidly evolving technique which bridges traditional laparoscopic surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). We previously published a study comparing single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SPLC) and three port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TPLC). We concluded that age, sex, diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), length of hospital stay, and mobilization between SPLC and TPLC produced no effect on the surgical requirements or outcomes between the two techniques. However, there were significant differences in operating time and pain scale. Thus, in this study we aimed to analyze those factors which reduced operating time. METHODS: This retrospective medical record review enrolled 49 patients who had received SPLC at Presbyterian Medical Center from April 2009 to November 2010. Patient age, sex, BMI, length of hospital stay, operating time, pathological reports, and incidents of iatrogenic gallbladder (GB) perforation and complications were assessed and analyzed. For determining those factors which necessitated long operating times, we assessed the operating times relative to incidents of iatrogenic GB perforation, pathologic report results, surgeon experience and patient BMI. RESULTS: The ratio of men to women in the study population was 1 : 6. The average patient age was 46 years (range of 21 to 93 years). The average BMI was 24.1 (range of 18.5 to 31.5). The mean duration of hospital stay was 5.12 days (range of 2 to 15 days). The average operating time was 118 minutes (range of 75 minutes to 185 minutes). The pathologic report assessments revealed cases of acute calculous cholecystitis (n=4, 8.2%), chronic calculous cholecystitis (n=37, 76.1%) and GB polyp (n=8, 16.3%). Iatrogenic perforation of the GB occurred in 5 cases. Minor complications such as surgical site infection and umbilical skin burn occurred in 6 cases. Longer operating times were required in the GB perforation cases than in the non-perforation cases (155+/-21.21 minutes versus 113.9+/-30.71 minutes, p=0.008). Of the cases of acute and chronic calculous cholecystitis and GB polyp, those including acute calculous cholecystitits required the longest operation times. The average operating time for the first 25 cases was 134.6+/-33.16 minutes and the average operating time for the remainder was 100.8+/-20.41 minutes (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in operating time between the BMI>24 and BMI<24 groups (125.9+/-35.17 minutes versus 111.2+/-27.65 minutes, respectively, p=0.112). CONCLUSION: We found 3 factors related to a reduction in operation time: (i) avoidance of iatrogenic perforation of the GB, (ii) application of treatment to case of chronic calculous cholecystitis and GB polyp, and (iii) accumulation of case experience by the attending surgeon.

The Comparative Analysis between Surgical Thrombectomy and Hybrid Treatment in Salvage Operation / 대한혈관외과학회지

PURPOSE: Salvage operation is performed to improve the functional deficit of vascular access. This study is planned to evaluate the utility of the hybrid surgery through a comparative analysis between the results of surgical thrombectomy and those of hybrid surgery, combining surgical methods and endovascular treatments. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2008, surgical thrombectomy had been done to 55 patients, whereas hybrid surgery had been done to 111 patients from January 2009 to December 2011. We have done a comparative analysis on the patency rate after the salvage operation for each group, retrospectively. Medical records were reviewed for patient information and radiographic data was used for checking the stenosis site in the hybrid surgery group. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, including age, gender, diabetes status, hypertension, and vascular access site or type. The primary patency rate was significantly higher in arteriovenous fistulas (65%) compared with arteriovenous grafts group (55%), at 12 months (P<0.01). At one year after the salvage operation, the secondary patency rate was higher in the hybrid surgery group compared to the surgical thrombectomy group (43.8% vs. 23.7%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study shows that hybrid surgery combining surgical methods and endovascular treatments can be more useful for the salvaging of thrombosed vascular access than performing only surgical thrombectomy.

Effects of the Off-Loading Brace on the Activation of Femoral Muscles: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE: To provide the off-loading knee brace was designed relief for the pain associated with osteoarthritis by reduce loads on the degenerative compartment of the knee. This study examined the effects of the off-loading knee brace on activation of femoral muscles during squatting, slow and fast walking exercise in healthy young individuals. METHOD: Ten healthy male subjects without a history of knee pain were recruited. Each subject was asked to do squatting, slow and fast walking exercises with a brace secured to the dominant leg. The same exercises were repeated without the brace. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) data was collected from the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles from the dominant side of the leg. All dynamic root mean squre (RMS) values of sEMG were standardized to static RMS values of the maximal isometric contraction and expressed as a percentage of maximal activity. RESULTS: We found that VMO activity was significantly decreased with application of the off-loading knee brace during squatting and fast walking exercise. However there were no significant differences in VMO activity with application of the off-loading knee brace during slow walking exercise. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the external moment of the brace which effectively stabilized the patella in the movement in which the knee joints become relatively unstable. The brace could be useful in the short term, but for long-term use, weakening of the VMO is predicted. Therefore the program of selective muscular strength strengthening for the VMO should be emphasized.

Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Clinicopathological Features According to Histologic Subgroup / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: The follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) is difficult to diagnose due to pathologic features. There is also debate on the optimal extent of surgery. We separated FVPTC into two groups and compared the clinical features in an attempt to apply the treatment. METHODS: All 40 patients with FVPTC who were diagnosed between 1990 and 2009 were reviewed and separated into two groups, an encapsulated group and an infiltrative group, based on whether a capsule was formed or infiltration occurred. These two different subtypes of FVPTC were compared on the traits of sensitivity of diagnosis and clinicopathologic features. RESULTS: After review by a pathologist, 21 of 40 patients (55%) were found to have encapsulated tumors, and 18 patients (45%) had infiltrative tumors. There was no difference in age, sex, or size. Patients with encapsulated FVPTC had a significantly lower rate of lymph node metastasis (4.5%), multicentric tumors (18.2%), and thyroid capsular invasion (9.1%) compared with the infiltrative tumor group (50%, 50% and 50%, P<0.05). There was no difference in FNA sensitivity between the two groups, but the sensitivity to frozen biopsy was higher in the infiltrative group. There was no recurrence in the encapsulated group, but 4 patients (22.2%) experienced recurrence in the infiltrative group. CONCLUSION: FVPTC can be separated into two subgroups by histologic features, and there are some clinicopathologic differences between the two groups. Patients who had encapsulated FVPTC had a lower rate of lymph node metastasis, multicentric tumors, and thyroid capsular invasion. They also showed a lower rate of recurrence than the infiltrative group. It is suggested that the encapsulated group can be treated with limited surgery and the infiltrative group needs aggressive treatment.

Early Experience of Single Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy & Comparisons of Single Port and Three Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a standard procedure for cholelithiasis. However, with the advance of minimal invasive surgery, much research has recently been performed into single port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS).1 The aim of this study is to evaluate single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SPLC) in comparison to the classical method (three port laparoscopic cholecystectomy, TPLC) through our initial experience. METHODS: This study was performed retrospectively by a review of medical charts and phone calls to patients. We checked for chronic calculous cholecystitis or cholesterol polyps in 56 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy between April 2009 and February 2010. We divided into two groups the patients who had undergone SPLC and TPLC. We then checked the sex, age, hospital day, operating time, mobilization time, pain scale, cosmetic satisfaction, surgical wound infection and BMI for each patient. RESULTS: Cosmetic satisfaction with SPLC was higher than with the classical method, but this was not significant. Hospital day and mobilization time of SPLC were shorter, but this was also not significant. There was no difference in patient age, hospital day, mobilization and BMI between SPLC and TPLC. The operating time and pain scale with TPLC were less than with SPLC. CONCLUSION: SPLC has the benefit of cosmetic satisfaction and relatively fewer complications. However, the operating time and pain scale of SPLC are higher than those of TPLC. Therefore, SPLC requires much concentration and effort from the surgeon to compensate for its deficiencies.

Development of a Questionnaire to Investigate the Level of Awareness of Allergic Rhinitis / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE: Despite the increasing prevalence of allergic rhinitis, there are difficulties in early diagnosis and proper treatment due to lack of education and misunderstanding of the disease. Development of efficient education materials based on the level of awareness of allergic rhinitis is required. Therefore, this study was aimed to develop a questionnaire for investigating the level of awareness of allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Questions related to the level of awareness of allergic rhinitis were prepared on the basis of the literature, professional advice and inquiries from patients and caregivers. These items were categorized into 4 areas: (1) basic knowledge, (2) symptoms, (3) diagnosis and environmental management and (4) treatment. Through the eight preliminary survey on 38 adults, a questionnaire of 60 items was developed. The results were analyzed by using SPSS 12.0. RESULTS: A tool for investigating the level of awareness was completed, which was composed of 20 items with an internal reliability of 0.67. According to the results of the survey with 60 items, the areas of basic knowledge, symptoms and environmental management of allergic rhinitis showed high awareness. The items regarding the association between allergic rhinitis and asthma, necessity of regular checkup, awareness of maintenance treatment, importance of treatment with intranasal steroids, and the influence of treatment on immunity, growth and development of patient showed low awareness. CONCLUSION: A reliable tool was developed for investigating the level of awareness of allergic rhinitis. It may be useful in developing educational materials to optimize its educational effect on allergic rhinitis.

Mirizzi Syndrome-Diagnostic Dilemma for Surgeons

Mirizzi syndrome refers to a gallstone impacted in the gallbladder neck and this exerts pressure on the adjacent common hepatic duct, which produces inflammatory stricture and eventual penetration of its lumen. Making the preoperative diagnosis of Mirrizzi syndrome is very important. But if it cannot be diagnosed before an operation, intraoperative recognition is also important for surgeons. We experienced two patients who were diagnosed with this syndrome at the time of operation.