• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.240-246
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• 1979

A 15-year-old boy having a small VSD was readmitted with clinical manifestations of acute endocarditis and aortic regurgitation one month after open heart surgery. In spite of vigorous treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, high fever persisted. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated just one time among several blood cultures. Progressive pulmonary infarction due to embolization. Progressive congestive heart failure and D.I.C. caused patient`s death. Aspergillus was found in autopsy specimen.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.714-717
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• 1993

Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the heart is a rare lesion. Because of their rarity and acute onset, rapid progression and deterioration of symptom, there have been few cases treated by surgery irradiation and chemotherapy. We have experienced a patient with acute biventricular failure secondary to a rhabdomyosarcoma arising from the left atrium and invading the right atrium.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.200-206
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• 2023

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a significant risk of major adverse cardiac events in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). In this study, we evaluated RV-pulmonary artery (PA) coupling, assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and assessed its prognostic significance, in AHF patients. METHODS: We measured the TAPSE/PASP ratio and analyzed its correlations with other echocardiographic parameters. Additionally, we assessed its prognostic role in AHF patients. RESULTS: A total of 1147 patients were included in the analysis (575 men, aged 70.81 ± 13.56 years). TAPSE/PASP ratio exhibited significant correlations with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction(r = 0.243, p < 0.001), left atrial (LA) diameter(r = -0.320, p < 0.001), left atrial global longitudinal strain (LAGLS, r = 0.496, p < 0.001), mitral E/E' ratio(r = -0.337, p < 0.001), and right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC, r = 0.496, p < 0.001). During the median follow-up duration of 29.0 months, a total of 387 patients (33.7%) died. In the univariate analysis, PASP, TAPSE, and TAPSE/PASP ratio were significant predictors of mortality. After the multivariate analysis, TAPSE/PASP ratio remained a statistically significant parameter for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.453; p = 0.037) after adjusting for other parameters. In the receiver operating curve analysis, the optimal cut-off level of TAPSE/PASP ratio for predicting mortality was 0.33 (area under the curve = 0.576, p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 47%. TAPSE/PASP ratio < 0.33 was associated with an increased risk of mortality after adjusting for other variables (HR, 1.306; p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: In AHF patients, TAPSE/PASP ratio demonstrated significant associations with RVFAC, LA diameter and LAGLS. Moreover, a decreased TAPSE/PASP ratio < 0.33 was identified as a poor prognostic factor for mortality.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.34-41
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• 2020

Purpose: This study evaluated aggressive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) by understanding various exposure routes of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, the risk factors causing acute cardiovascular, and neurological toxicity caused by poisoning. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on the medical records of 417 acute CO poisoning patients who visited the emergency care unit from March 2017 to August 2019. The exposure routes, HBOT performance, age, sex, medical history (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, heart failure), intentionality, loss of consciousness (LOC), intake with alcohol or sedatives, and initial test results (carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), troponin-I, electrocardiography, echocardiography, brain MRI) were examined. Comparative analysis of the clinical information was conducted between the groups that showed acute cardiovascular toxicity and neurological toxicity, and groups that did not. Results: Among 417 patients diagnosed with acute CO poisoning, 201 cases (48.2%) were intentional, and charcoal briquette was the most common route (169 patients (40.5%)). Two hundred sixteen cases (51.8%) were accidental, and fire was the most common route (135 patients (32.4%)). The exposure route was more diverse with accidental poisoning. Three hundred ninety-nine patients were studied for acute cardiovascular toxicity, and 62 patients (15.5%) were confirmed to be positive. The result was statistically significant in intentionality, LOC, combined sedatives, initial COHb, HTN, and IHD. One hundred two patients were studied for acute neurological toxicity, which was observed in 26 patients (25.5%). The result was statistically significant in age and LOC. Conclusion: Active HBOT should be performed to minimize damage to the major organs by identifying the various exposure routes of CO poisoning, risk factors for acute cardiovascular toxicity (intentionality, LOC, combined sedatives, initial COHb, HTN, IHD), and the risk factors for acute neurological toxicity (age, LOC).

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.350-362
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• 1999

Background: Acute Respiratory failure which is developed after extubation in the weaning process from mechanical ventilation is an important cause of weaning failure. Once it was developed, endotracheal reintubation has been done for respiratory support. Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) has been used in the management of acute or chronic respiratory failure, as an alternative to endotracheal intubation, using via nasal or facial mask. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of NIPPV as an alternative method of reintubation in patients who developed acute respiratory failure after extubation. Method: We retrospectively analyzed thirty one patients(eighteen males and thirteen females, mean ages $63\pm13.2$ years) who were developed acute respiratory failure within forty eight hours after extubation, or were extubated unintentionally at medical intensive care unit(MICU) of Asan Medical Center. NIPPV was applied to the patients. Ventilatory mode of NIPPV, level of ventilatory support and inspiratory oxygen concentration were adjusted according to the patient condition and results of blood gas analysis by the attending doctors at MICU. NIPPV was completely weaned when the patients maintained stable clinical condition under 8 $cmH_2O$ of pressure support level. Weaning success was defined as maintenance of stable spontaneous breathing more than forty eight hours after discontinuation of NIPPV. Respiratory rate, heart rate, arterial blood gas analysis, level of pressure support, and level of PEEP were monitored just before extubation, at thirty minutes, six hours, twenty four hours after initiation of NIPPV. They were also measured at just before weaning from NIPPV in success group, and just before reintubation in failure group. Results: NIPPV was successfully applied to thirty-one patients of thirty-two trials and one patient could not tolerated NIPPV longer than thirty minutes. Endotracheal reintubation was successfully obviated in fourteen patients (45%) among them. There was no difference in age, sex, APACHE III score on admission at MICU, duration of intubation, interval from extubation to initiation of NIPPV, baseline heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood gas, and $PaO_2/FiO_2$ between the success and the failure group. Heart rate and respiration rate were significantly decreased with increase $SaO_2$ after thirty minutes of NIPPV in both groups(p<0.05). However, in the patients of failure group, heart rate and respiratory rate were increased again with decrease in $SaO_2$ leading to endotracheal reintubation. The success rate of NIPPV treatment was significantly higher in the patients with COPD compared to other diseases(62% vs 39%) (p=0.007). The causes of failure were deterioration of arterial blood gas without aggravation of underlying disease(n=9), aggravation of undelying disease(n=5), mask intolerance(n=2), and retained airway secretion(n=l). Conclusion: NIPPV would be a useful therapeutic alternative which can avoid reintubation in patient who developed acute respiratory failure after extubation.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.203-206
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• 2012

Treatment for heart failure is directed to reduce atrial volume overload by diuretic agents, to lessen ventricular pressure overload by vasodilatory agents and to increase myocardial performance through inotropic agents. Of those cardiac therapeutics, diuretic agents are the most important to control heart failure in dogs, although long-term use often causes detrimental side-effects such as acute renal failure and electrolyte abnormalities. Thus, this study was designed to find a new diuretic agent from medicinal herbs which has better diuretic effect and less unfavorable complications in dogs. In a preliminary study performed with 5 normal healthy dogs, the extract from Akebia quinata Decaisne showed mild to moderate diuretic effect (0.3-0.5 potency of furosemide 2 mg/kg) and minimal changes in serum chemistry and electrolyte. Although the study population was not large enough and study period was not sufficient enough, this study found a good alternative diuretic agent which can replace or reduce the use of furosemide in dogs with heart failure.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.427-434
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• 2016

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of off-pump coronary bypass grafting over the on-pump technique in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To further reduce the risk of acute kidney injury and the need for renal replacement therapy, even in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, we adopted protocol-based perioperative management for patients with CKD. Methods: From December 2012 to March 2015, 265 patients underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. To analyze renal function in a stable condition, we excluded 12 dialysis-dependent end stage renal failure and 10 emergency or urgent cases. Among the remaining 243 patients, 208 patients had normal kidney function (normal group), and 35 patients had CKD (CKD group). Minimizing contrast exposure, ensuring adequate hydration, using strict drug dosage adjustment, and optimizing hemodynamic status were key elements of the protocol for the CKD group. Results: The risk of acute kidney injury was about ${\times}3$ higher in the CKD group than in the normal group (p=0.01). Estimated glomerular filtration rates and serum creatinine levels deteriorated until the third postoperative day in the CKD group. However, by adopting protocol-based perioperative management, this transient renal dysfunction recovered to preoperative levels by the fifth postoperative day without requiring renal replacement therapy in all cases. Conclusion: Off-pump coronary bypass surgery combined with this protocol-based perioperative management strategy in patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD could mostly be performed without renal replacement therapy.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.217-225
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute heart failure (AHF), diastolic dysfunction, especially pseudonormal (PN) or restrictive filling pattern (RFP) of left ventricle (LV), is considered to be implicated in a poor prognosis. However, prognostic significance of diastolic dysfunction in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) has been rarely investigated in Korea. METHODS: We enrolled 138 patients with IHD presenting as AHF and sinus rhythm during echocardiographic study. Diastolic dysfunction of LV was graded as ${\geq}2$ (group 1) or 1 (group 2) according to usual algorithm using E/A ratio and deceleration time of mitral inflow, E'/A' ratio of tissue Doppler echocardiography and left atrial size. RESULTS: Patients in group 1 showed higher 2-year mortality rate ($36.2%{\pm}6.7%$) than those in group 2 ($13.6%{\pm}4.5%$; p = 0.008). Two-year mortality rate of patient with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% ($26.8%{\pm}6.0%$) was not different from those with LVEF 40%-49% ($28.0%{\pm}8.0%$) or ${\geq}50%$ ($13.7%{\pm}7.4%$; p = 0.442). On univariate analysis, PN or RFP of LV, higher stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class were poor prognostic factors, but LVEF or older age ${\geq}75$ years did not predict 2-year mortality. On multivariate analysis, PN or RFP of LV (hazard ratio [HR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-5.84; p = 0.031), higher stage of CKD (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14-2.17; p = 0.006) and higher NYHA functional class (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.11-2.94; p = 0.017) were still significant prognostic factors for 2-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: PN or RFP of LV was a more useful prognostic factor for long-term mortality than LVEF in patients with IHD presenting as AHF.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.84 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2021

Globally, cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the leading causes of the non-communicable disease burden. Overlapping symptoms such as breathing difficulty and fatigue, with a lack of awareness about COPD among physicians, are key reasons for under-diagnosis and resulting sub-optimal care relative to COPD. Much has been published in the past on the pathogenesis and implications of cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD. However, a comprehensive review of the prevalence and impact of COPD management in commonly encountered cardiac diseases is lacking. The purpose of this study was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the prevalence of COPD in heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and atrial fibrillation. We also discuss the real-life clinical presentation and practical implications of managing COPD in cardiac diseases. We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for studies published 1981-May 2020 reporting the prevalence of COPD in the three specified cardiac diseases. COPD has high prevalence in heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic heart disease. Despite this, COPD remains under-diagnosed and under-managed in the majority of patients with cardiac diseases. The clinical implications of the diagnosis of COPD in cardiac disease includes the recognition of hyperinflation (a treatable trait), implementation of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) prevention strategies, and reducing the risk of overuse of diuretics. The pharmacological agents for the management of COPD have shown a beneficial effect on cardiac functions and mortality. The appropriate management of COPD improves the cardiovascular outcomes by reducing hyperinflation and preventing AECOPD, thus reducing the risk of mortality, improving exercise tolerance, and quality of life.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.242-250
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• 2019

Background: Data on noninvasive ventilation (NIV) use in intensive care units (ICUs) are very limited in South Korea. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed in 20 ICUs of university-affiliated hospitals from June 2017 to February 2018. Adult patients (age>18 years) who were admitted to the ICU and received NIV treatment for acute respiratory failure were included. Results: A total of 156 patients treated with NIV were enrolled (mean age, $71.9{\pm}11.6years$). The most common indications for NIV were acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF, n=89) and post-extubation respiratory failure (n=44). The main device for NIV was an invasive mechanical ventilator with an NIV module (61.5%), and the majority of patients (87.2%) used an oronasal mask. After the exclusion of 32 do-not-resuscitate patients, NIV success rate was 68.5% (85/124); ICU and hospital mortality rates were 8.9% and 15.3%, respectively. However, the success rate was lower in patients with de novo respiratory failure (27.3%) compared to that of patients with AHRF (72.8%) or post-extubation respiratory failure (75.0%). In multivariate analysis, immunocompromised state, de novo respiratory failure, post-NIV (2 hours) respiratory rate, NIV mode (i.e., non-pressure support ventilation mode), and the change of NIV device were significantly associated with a lower success rate of NIV. Conclusion: AHRF and post-extubation respiratory failure were the most common indications for NIV in Korean ICUs. Overall NIV success was achieved in 68.5% of patients, with the lowest rate in patients with de novo respiratory failure.