• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.805-812
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• 1998

Background: Among the variety of opportunistic infections, pneumonia comprises the major morbidity in immunocompromised patients. Pneumocystis carnii pneumonia (PCP) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia are common infectious illness of immunocompromised hosts. Although there are many reports regarding to the co-infection of PCP and CMV diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid examination, the effects of CMV co-infection on the outcome of PCP is still controversial. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the effects of CMV detected by BAL fluid examination on the clinical course of PCP in the immunocompromised patients other than human immunodeficiency virus infection. Method: Ten patients with PCP were enrolled and retrospective analysis of their medical records were done. HIV infected persons were excluded. The PCP was diagnosed by BAL fluid examination with Calcofluor-White staining. CMV was detected in BAL fluid by Shell-vial culture system. Chest radiographic findings were reviewed. We used Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test for statistical analysis of data. Results: The underlying disorders of patients were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n=1), renal transplantation (n=4), necrotizing vasculitis (n=l), systemic lupus erythematosus (n=1), brain tumor (n=1), chronic myelogenous leukemia (n=1), unidentified (n=1). There were no difference in clinical course, APACHE III score, arterial blood gas analysis, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, serum albumin concentration, chest radiographic findings and mortality between patients with PCP alone (n=4) and those with CMV co-infection (n=6). Univariate analysis regarding to the factors that associated with mortality of PCP were revealed that the application of mechanical ventilation (p=0.028), the level of APACHE III score (p=0.018) and serum albumin concentration (p=0.048) were related to the mortality of patients with PCP. Conclusion: The clinical course of PCP patients co-infected by CMV were not different from PCP only patients. Instead, accompanied respiratory failure, high APACHE III score and poor nutritional status were associated with poor outcome of PCP.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.210-214
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• 2008

Chemical pneumonitis is an occupational lung disease that's caused by the inhalation of chemical substances. Its severity depends on the characteristics of the substances, the exposure time and the susceptibility of the patients. Hydrogen sulfide is not only emitted naturally, but it also frequently found in industrial settings where it is either used as a reactant or it is a by-product of manufacturing or industrial processes. Inhalation of hydrogen sulfide causes various respiratory reactions from cough to acute respiratory failure, depending on the severity. Two pharmaceutical factory workers were admitted after being rescued from a waste water disposal site that contained hydrogen sulfide. In spite that they recovered their consciousness, they had excessive cough and mild dyspnea. The simple chest radiographs and high resolution computed tomography showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates, and hypoxemia was present. They were diagnosed as suffering from chemical pneumonitis caused by hydrogen sulfide. After conservative management that included oxygen therapy, their symptoms, hypoxemia and radiographic abnormalities were improved.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.154-164
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• 2007

Background: Irinotecan hydrochloride, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, is effective against small-cell lung cancer. Irinotecan also can act as a potential radiation sensitizer along with cisplatin. To evaluate efficacy and toxicity of irinotecan plus cisplatin (IP) with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy, we conducted a phase II study of IP followed by concurrent IP plus hyperfractionated thoracic radiotherapy in patients with previously untreated limited-stage small-cell lung cancer. Methods: Twenty-four patients with previously untreated small-cell lung cancer were enrolled onto the study since November 2004. Irinotecan $60mg/m^2$ was administered intravenously on days 1 and 8 in combination with cisplatin $60mg/m^2$ on day1 every 21 days. From the first day of third cycle, twice-daily thoracic irradiation (total 45 Gy) was given. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was given to the patients who showed complete remission after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Restaging was done after second and sixth cycle with chest CT and/or bronchosocpy. Results: Up to November 2004, 19 patients were assessable. The median follow-up time was 12.5 months. A total of 99 cycles (median 5.2 cycles per patient) were administered. The actual dose intensity values were cisplatin $19.6mg/m^2$/week and irinotecan $38.2mg/m^2$/week. Among the 19 patients, the objective response rate was 95% (19 patients), with 9 patients (47%) having a complete response (CR). The major grade 3/4 hematological toxicities were neutropenia (35% of cycles), anemia (7% of cycles), thrombocytopenia (7% of cycles). Febrile neutropenia was 4% of cycles. The predominant grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicities was diarrhea (5% of cycles). Toxicities was not significantly different with concurrent administration of irinotecan and cisplatin with radiotherapy, except grade 3/4 radiation esophagitis (10% of patients). No treatment-related deaths were observed. The 1-year and 2-year survival rate of eligible patients was 89% (16/18) and 47% (9/18), respectively. Conclusion: Three-week schedule of irinotecan plus cisplatin followed by concurrent IP plus hyperfractionated thoracic radiotherapy is an effective treatment for limited disease small-cell lung cancer, with acceptable toxicity.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.752-759
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• 1995

Background: Bronchial asthma is characterized by noctunal dyspnea, cough and wheezing because of airway hyperresponsiveness to nonspecific stimuli. These symptoms and signs are also observed in patients with congestive heart failure. Therefore, this is so called "cardiac asthma". There are lots of experimental and clinical datas to suggest that airway dysfunctions occur in acute and chronic congestive heart failure. However, it is still controversial whether bronchial hyperresponsiveness is present in patients with congestive heart failure. To assess whether bronchial hyperresponsiveness is present in patients with congestive heart failure and to demonstrate the relationship between bronchial responsiveness and vascular pressure, we performed methacholine provocation test in 11 patients with mitral valvular heart disease. Methods: All patients were in the New York Heart Association functional class II and treated continuously with digoxin and/or dichlozid and/or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor except one patient. All patients were undergone right and left side heart catheterization for hemodynamic measurements. A 20 percent fall of peak expiratory flow rate were considered as positive response to methacholine provocation test. Results: 1) Only one patient who has normal pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, cardiac index was positive in methacholine provocation test. 2) Their mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were $21.72{\pm}9.70mmHg$, $15.45{\pm}8.69mmHg$ respectively which were significantly higher. Conclusion: It is speculated that in stable congestive heart failure patients, bronchial responsiveness as assessed by methacholine provocation test may not be increased.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1256-1262
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• 1997

Background : Leukocyte-endothelial adhesion molecules have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin are cell surface adhesion molecule on vascular endothelial cells. They are up-regulated by inflammatory cytokines and regulate the adhesion and migration of leukocytes across the endothelium. Tuberculosis, a granulomatous disorder is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The clinical manifestations of tuberculosis are dependent on the cellular immune response to tubercule bacilli. Circulating adhesion molecules are probably formed by cleavage and release into the circulation of the extracellular domain of the membrane bound form. The elevated levels of circulating adhesion molecules have been reported in numerous disease state. To evaluate their role as markers of disease activity in tuberculosis, we measured a sE-selectin, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels in the serum with severities of mild, moderate and far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods : The control and test groups were divided as follows. Group I : control(n=5), Group II : patients with mild pulmonary tuberculosis(n=12), Group III : pateints with moderate pulmonary tuberculosis(n=20), Group IV : patients with far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis(n=19). Serum sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were measured by ELISA kit Results : Serum soluble adhesion molecules are elevated in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, Circulating ICAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with moderate and far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis when compared with control group. When compared with control group, serum sVCAM-1 levels showed significant elevation in patients with mild, moderate and far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis. Serum sE-selectin levels were significantly elevated in patients with far advanced pulmonary tuberculosis when compared with control group. Conclusion : These results suggest that sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin may be invloved in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. And, particularly, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 may be useful markers of the disease activity.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.5
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• pp.456-462
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• 2006

Background: Differential diagnosis is very important in patients with pleural effusions. A few studies on the etiologies of massive pleural effusions have been reported, but these were conducted in different decades and locations. In the present study, the etiologic spectrum of massive pleural effusions in Korea, were evaluated through an investigation at one university hospital. Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were performed in patients having undergone thoracentesis between July 2002 and July 2005. Pleural effusions were deemed to be massive if they occurred in two thirds or more of one hemithorax. The etiologies of massive pleural effusions, pleural fluid findings, serum laboratory findings, and sputum and pleural fluid cytologies were compared. Results: Of 298 pleural effusions cases, 41 (13.8%) had massive pleural effusions. The most frequent causes of massive pleural effusions were malignancy (19; 46.3%) followed by tuberculosis (15; 36.6%), parapneumonic effusion (4; 9.8%) and transudate (3; 7.3%). Compared with massive benign effusions, patients with massive malignant pleural effusions were more likely to have lower adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, a higher amylase level and higher RBC count in their pleural fluids. Also, compared with non-tuberculosis effusions, patients with massive tuberculous pleural effusions were more likely to have lower RBC and neutrophil counts, but a higher lymphocyte count, adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and protein level. Conclusion: The most common etiologies of massive pleural effusions in Korea are malignancy and tuberculosis. A high ADA content favors a tuberculous condition, while bloody effusions with a relatively lower ADA content. favors malignancy. The proportion of tuberculosis in massive pleural effusions was higher than in previous reports.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1983.05a
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• pp.11.2-11
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• 1983

Vocal nodules and polyps are much more frequent in singers, public speakers, teachers and actors. Voice trauma and voice misuse, at times associated with mild inflammatory reaction, appear to be important in their etiology. It is generally agreed that vocal cord nodules and polyps are inflammatory in nature and they arise in the subepithelial layer of loose connective tissue of the vocal cord. Since the junction of anterior and middle thirds of the membranous cord and has the greatest amplitude of vibration. This is the site of predilection for vocal cord nodules. The author performed laryngomicrosurgery for 70 cases of vocal nodules and polyps at Ewha Womans University Hospital during the period of 5 years. The result obtained were as follows ; 1) Surgical excision is not necessarily the best approach because vocal nodules in the early stages will resolve with the simplest voice therapy. 2) In children, surgery is rarely indicated because most nodules in children regress during adolescence. 3) For patients who use their voices professionally, voice therapy is indicated for three months. 4) If after three month of conservative treatment the cord lesion does not improve and the patient it still dissatisfied with his voice, laryngomicrosurgery can then be considered. 5) The small cuffed endotracheal tube in the interarytenoid space helps to keep the cords immobile and in an abducted position. 6) Removal of the nodule shoule be started by gentle retraction posteriorly and as soon as a tear appears anterior to the nodule. 7) On occasion it is preferable to start the dissection with a siccle knife while the nodule is held on the stretch. 8) Voice rest should be maintained for a week following which the free edges of the cords are usually healed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.29-39
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• 2004

Background : The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to mediastinal tumors and cysts have changed over the past three decades. This report summarizes our forty-two years of experience with these tumors. Methods : This study retrospectively reviewed 479 patients with primary mediastinal tumors and cysts that were diagnosed and managed over the past 17-year period (1985~2002) and compared them to the report of the previous 25-year result (1960~1985) in Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital in Seoul, Korea. Results : During the 17 years, there were 479 cases of pathologically proven mediastinal tumors and cysts. Thymoma (38.2%) was the most common mediastinal tumor and has increased noticeably during recent years. The gender ratio showed a male predominance (1.3:1) and the age distributions were even over all the age groups. The most common sites of the tumor and the proportion(28.6%) of malignant tumors were the same as that previously reported. A diagnosis of a tumor in asymptomatic patients was possible in 174 cases (36.3%), which was higher that reported previously. The diagnostic yield of a fine needle aspiration biopsy was 68.6% in the total tumors and 80.9% in the malignant tumors. A surgical resection was the most frequently chosen treatment modality and was performed in 405 cases (84.6%). The complete resection rate was 91.1%, which is higher than the previous result of 78.8%. Conclusion : These results showed that the prevalence of mediastinal tumors and cysts, particularly thymoma, increased. A fine needle aspiration biopsy was a valuable preoperative differential diagnostic method for malignant tumors. The surgical and complete resection rate increased remarkably possibly due to the better applicable chest CT scans, the more frequent health check-up provided by the regular health promotion program for all people as a health insurance policy, and the improved diagnostic techniques in the pathologic, radiological, and clinical fields.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2000

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic role of $^{99m}Tc$-Tetrofosmin in detection of breast cancer and compared with that of $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI. Material and Methods: Forty-eight patients with a clinically palpable mass or abnormal mammographic or ultrasonographic findings had $^{99m}Tc-MIBI\;and\;^{99m}Tc$-Tetrofosmin scintimammographies after intravenous injection of 925 MBq of radiopharmaceuticals. The scintimammographs were correlated with histopathologic findings. Results: Thirty-three patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and 15 patients with benign breast diseases. The numbers of true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative cases of $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI scintimammography were 29, 10, 5, and 4 respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI scintimammographies were 87.8%, 66.7%, 85.3%, and 71.4% respectively. The numbers of true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative cases of $^{99m}Tc$-Tetrofosmin were 31,10, 5, and 2 respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of $^{99m}Tc$-Tetrofosmin were 93.9%, 66.7%, 86.1%, and 73.3% respectively. One patient was false negative in both $^{99m}Tc-MIBI\;and\;^{99m}Tc$-Tetrofosmin acintimammographies and its size was 0.5 cm. Conclusion: $^{99m}Tc-Tetrofosmin\;and\;^{99m}Tc-MIBI$ were non-invasive and useful in detection of breast cancer and $^{99m}Tc$-Tetrofosmin was comparable to the $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI in detection of primary breast cancer.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.27-32
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• 2003

To evaluate usefulness of a functional tracheobronchial phantom for interventional procedure. The functional phantom was made as a actual size with human normal anatomy used silicone and a paper clay mold. A tracheobronchial-shape clay mold was placed inside a square box and liquid silicone was poured. After the silicone was formed, the clay was removed. We measured film density and tracheobronchial angle at the human, animal and phantom, respectively. The film density of trachea part were 0.76(${\pm}0.011$) in human, 0.97(${\pm}0.015$) in animal, 0.45(${\pm}0.016$) in phantom. The tracheobronchial bifurcation part measured 0.51(${\pm}0.006$) in human, 0.65(${\pm}0.005$) in animal, 0.65(${\pm}0.008$) in phantom. The right bronchus part measured 0.14(${\pm}0.008$) in human, 0.59(${\pm}0.014$) in animal and 0.04(${\pm}0.007$) in phantom. The left bronchus were 0.54(${\pm}0.004$) in human, 0.54(${\pm}0.008$) in animal and 0.08(${\pm}0.008$) in phantom. At the stent part were 0.54(${\pm}0.004$) in human, 0.59(${\pm}0.011$) in animal and 0.04(${\pm}0.007$) in phantom, respectively. The tracheobronchial angle of the left bronchus site were $42.6({\pm}2.07)^{\circ}$ in human, $43.4({\pm}2.40)^{\circ}$ in animal and $35({\pm}2.00)^{\circ}$ in phantom, respectively. The right bronchus site were $32.8({\pm}2.77)^{\circ}$ in human, $34.6({\pm}1.94)^{\circ}$ in animal and $50.2({\pm}1.30)^{\circ}$ in phantom, respectively. The phantom was useful for in-vitro testing of tracheobronchial interventional procedure, since it was easy to reproduce.