• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.75 no.3
• /
• pp.111-115
• /
• 2013

Although the relationship between malignancy risk with systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been inconclusive, there are some previous studies for a positive correlation. Most patients with SSc have some degree of lung parenchymal involvement in the form of interstitial thickening and fibrosis. Interstitial lung disease is the most common pulmonary manifestation of SSc. Interstitial lung disease following chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin [FOLFOX]) is an uncommon life-threatening complication and it is induced by oxaliplatin. We report a case of multiple cancers in a patient with SSc and aggravated interstitial lung disease by chemotherapy.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.136-145
• /
• 1997

We are report on three cases of typical clinical characterstics and treatment response in neuroleptic maligant syndrome(NMS), and reviewed the literatures of NMS. NMS was first recognized as a life-threatening complication of dopamine receptor antagonists, and defined as a catatonic-like states associated with fever, obtundation, muscle rigidity, and unstable vital sign in patients taking neuroleptic agents. Concepts of NMS have changed because medications other than classic neuroleptic drugs have been implicated as triggering agents and syndromes identical to NMS have been observed in other conditions. The important neurochemical features are probably functional dopamine deficiency and ensuing hyperactivity of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission in the basal ganglia and hypothalamus. Recognition of NMS and early discontinuation of neuroleptics are the most important step in its management. Supportive care includes management of hyperthermia and fluid replacement. Controversial therapeutic measures include the application of dopamine receptor agonists, excitatory amino acid antagonists, or dantrolene. Psychiatric patients with a history on NMS and psychotic relapse necessitating antipsycotics do not commonly redevelop NMS.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.171-175
• /
• 2011

Implant placement on the anterior mandible is considered a common and safe surgical procedure. However, severe hemorrhage can occur if branches of the sublingual artery, which run through the lingual cortical plate of the mandible, are damaged. Excessive hemorrhage caused by injury to the sublingual artery can result in life-threatening problems such as airway obstruction. A 54-year old male patient without any generalized systemic conditions was referred due to active bleeding after implant placement in the anterior mandible. Gauze compression with surgicel and bosimin were performed and hemostasis was achieved. The patient was discharged after 3 days without any supplementary bleeding.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.686-690
• /
• 2006

Cardiac tamponade with pleural and pericardial effusion is a rare but life-threatening complication of umbilical venous catheterization in the newborn. It requires a timely diagnosis and urgent treatment, such as pericardiocentesis, to save lives of affected patients. Recently, we experienced a 7 day-old, very low birth weight infant, who developed a cardiac tamponade with pleural and pericardial effusions complicated by umbilical venous catheterization. The patient was successfully treated with pleural and pericardial drainages. Here, we report this case with a review of literature, since there has been no such previous case reported in Korea.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.238-243
• /
• 2006

Nephrotic syndrome in childhood is known to be associated with a hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic complications, among which cerebral venous thrombosis is a very rare and serious one, with only a few isolated reports in the literature. A 9-year-old boy with known nephrotic syndrome was admitted due to a relapse with massive proteinuria and generalized edema. He complained of a prolonged frontal headache. The enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed a high signal in the region of the superior sagittal sinus and right transverse sinus consistent with a thrombus. He was managed with steroids, cyclosporine and warfarin. His headache subsided 2 weeks later and proteinuria resolved 1 month later. An MRI 2 months later was normal. We describe this case and review the literature to emphasize the importance of recognizing this potentially life threatening complication and initiating anticoagulation therapy.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.17
• /
• pp.117-125
• /
• 2001

Envenoming by Russells viper causes a broad spectrum of renal impairment. Renal failure is an important complication in patients bitten by Russells viper. Experimental work in animals and in vitro has elucidated pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to life threatening complications and have suggested possibilities for therapeutic intervention. The evidence in experimental animals regarding mechanisms of venom action in relation to changes in either extrarenal or intrarenal factors is presented. The cardiovascular system and renal hemodynamics are affected by venom. Reductions of renal function including renal hemodynamics are associated directly with changes in general circulation during envenomation. Possible endogenous mechanisms for releasing the hormone inducing renal vasoconstriction after envenomation are evident. Hormonal factor such as the catecholamine, prostaglandin and renin angiotensin systems induce these changes. Direct nephrotoxicity of venom action is studied in the isolated per-fused kidney. Characteristic polarization of the cell membrane, changes of mitochondrial activity and Na-K ATPase in renal tubular cells are observed. Changes in renal function and the cardiovascular system are observed of ter envenomation and are reversed by the administration of Russells viper antivenom (purified equine immunoglobulin, $Fab_2$ fragment). The neutralizing effects are more efficient when the intravenous injection of antivenom is given within 30 min after the envenomation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.130-133
• /
• 2016

The rupture of an internal mammary artery (IMA) aneurysm in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF-1) is a rare but life-threatening complication requiring emergency management. A 50-year-old man with NF-1 was transferred to the emergency department of Kyungpook National University Hospital, where an IMA aneurysmal rupture and hemothorax were diagnosed and drained. The IMA aneurysmal rupture and hemothorax were successfully repaired by staged management combining endovascular treatment and subsequent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The patient required cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation, the staged management of coil embolization, and a subsequent VATS procedure. This staged approach may be an effective therapeutic strategy in cases of IMA aneurysmal rupture.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.272-275
• /
• 2015

Pelvic bone fracture with unstable vital signs is a life-threatening condition demanding proper diagnosis and immediate treatment. Unlike long bones, the pelvic bone is a three dimensional structure with complex holes and grooves for vessels and nerves. Because of this complexity, a pelvic bone fracture can lead to complicated and serious bleeding. We report a case of a fifty-year-old male suffering from a pelvic bone fracture due to a fall. An imaging study showed fractures of both the superior and the inferior ramus of the pubic bone, with contrast extravasation underneath them, resulting in a large preperitoneal hematoma. He was sent for angiography, which revealed a hemorrhage from a branch of the left obturator artery. Embolization was done with a glue and lipiodol mixture. The patient recovered without complication, and was discharged at four weeks after admission.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.140-145
• /
• 2014

This article reports a case of spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) following a thawed embryo transfer cycle. OHSS, a potentially life-threatening condition, is an iatrogenic complication of controlled ovarian stimulation; therefore, it is very important to prevent and treat OHSS during treatment with ovulation-inducing agents. Despite our efforts to prevent OHSS, in this case, severe spontaneous OHSS occurred, which resulted in uncontrolled preterm labor and a preterm delivery and also persisted for 6 weeks after delivery. Freezing all embryos cannot entirely prevent the development of OHSS because OHSS can occur spontaneously. Although spontaneous OHSS remains a rare event, females with a history of OHSS may have an elevated risk for spontaneous OHSS. We suggest closely monitoring cases of pregnancy following thawed embryo transfer for early diagnosis of spontaneous OHSS and the use of conservative management.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.71 no.4
• /
• pp.291-295
• /
• 2011

Varicella, more commonly known as chickenpox, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is a common benign childhood illness. In adults, Varicella is uncommon but is more severely associated with complications including pneumonia, hepatitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, encephalitis and myocarditis. A serious and life-threatening complication is the development of varicella-zoster virus pneumonia (VZVP). Although VZVP is well described in immunocompromised hosts, it is rarely seen in immunocompetent adults. The VZVP in healthy adults is more prevalent in cigarette smokers and during pregnancy. However, reports of VZVP in healthy adults are scarce in Korea. The authors report here a case of VZVP in an immunocompetent adult and present a literature review.