• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.889-895
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• 2010

This study compared the effects of craniocervical flexion exercise with conservative cervical flexion exercise in workers with chronic neck pain. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: control (n=20) and experimental group (n=20), respectively. The conservative exercise for the control group consisted of cervical flexion exercise, whereas the experimental group performed a craniocervical flexion exercise. To compare the two groups, the visual analogue scale (VAS) for a pain, neck disability index (NDI) for a neck disability scale, and cross sectional area (CSA) of longus colli muscle using ultrasound image were assessed on pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 2 weeks follow-up. 2-way repeated ANOVA was used with Bonferroni post-hoc test. (1) There were significant main effects (within and between groups) (p<0.05) and interaction effect (p<0.05) in VAS. Post-hoc test revealed that there were significant differences in all pair-wise comparisons. (2) There were significant main effects (within and between groups) (p<0.05) and interaction effect (p<0.05) in NDI. Post-hoc test revealed that there were significant differences between pre-intervention and post-intervention, pre-intervention and 2 weeks follow-up. (3) There were significant main effects (within and between groups) (p<0.05) and interaction effect (p<0.05) in CSA of longus colli muscle. Post-hoc test revealed that there were significant differences in all pair-wise comparisons. The findings indicate that craniocervical flexion exercise are more effective for improving pain, neck disability, and CSA of longus colli muscle than cervical flexion exercise in workers with chronic neck pain.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.650-657
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• 2023

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is gaining attention as a treatment method for cholecystitis. However, only a few studies have assessed the outcomes of permanent stenting with EUS-GBD. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of permanent stenting using EUS-GBD. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study. The criteria for EUS-GBD at our institution are a high risk for surgery, inability to perform surgery owing to poor performance status, and inability to obtain consent for emergency surgery. EUS-GBD was performed using a 7-Fr double-pigtail plastic stent with a dilating device. The primary outcomes were the recurrence-free rate of cholecystitis and the late-stage complication-avoidance rate. Secondary outcomes were technical success, clinical success, and procedural adverse events. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in the analysis. The median follow-up period was 168 (range, 10-1,238) days. The recurrence-free and late-stage complication-avoidance rates during the follow-up period were 95% (38 cases) and 90% (36 cases), respectively. There were only two cases of cholecystitis recurrence during the study period. Conclusions: EUS-GBD using double-pigtail plastic stent was safe and effective with few complications, even in the long term, in patients with acute cholecystitis.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2008

After the introduction of ultrasound enabling a detailed view of both neonatal hip instability and morphology, two different streams have developed: one arguing that neonatal hip instability is the major pathology warranting treatment, the other including acetabular dysplasia as an important feature. Graf's method including the acetabular dysplasia led to higher treatment and follow-up rate than that based upon neonatal hip instability only. Recent report suggested that improved examination techniques and a better understanding of the findings have enabled a more tailored approach, and no differences in treatment rates exist due to different ultrasound techniques. I'd like to emphasize that enough experiences and the understanding enabling standardized examination and high repeatbility is more important than the choice of different techniques. Here the mothods and meanings of different techniques of ultrasound and its usefulness in the diagnosis and treatment of DDH is discussed.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.572-581
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• 2020

Objective: To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 67 PHPT patients (22 men, 45 women; mean age, 56.0 ± 16.3 years; range, 18-83 years) from January 2015 to December 2018. The laboratory data, including the serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, were evaluated before MWA and again 2 hours, 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months after. Results: Complete ablation was achieved with all 72 hyperplastic parathyroid glands found on the 67 patients enrolled, 64 of whom were treated in one session and 3 were treated over two sessions. The technical success rate was 100%. The median follow-up time was 13.6 months (range, 10.0-31.1 months). The clinical success rate was 89.4%. The volume reduction rate was 79.4% at 6 months. Compared to pre-MWA, the serum iPTH, calcium, phosphorus, and ALP levels had significantly improved 6 months post-MWA (iPTH, 157.3 pg/mL vs. 39.2 pg/mL; calcium, 2.75 ± 0.25 mmol/L vs. 2.34 ± 0.15 mmol/L; phosphorus, 0.86 ± 0.20 mmol/L vs. 1.12 ± 0.22 mmol/L; ALP, 79 U/L vs. 54 U/L, respectively; all, p < 0.01). Hoarseness was a major complication in 4 patients (6.0%), but it improved spontaneously within 2-3 months. Conclusion: MWA is safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of PHPT.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.289-300
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• 2024

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the outcomes of ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT). Materials and Methods: Patients with THPT underwent RFA between September 2017 and January 2022. Laboratory parameters, including serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, were monitored for 48 months after RFA and compared with the levels at baseline. Complications related to RFA and changes in hyperparathyroidism-related clinical symptoms were recorded before and after RFA. Results: A total of 42 patients with THPT were recruited for this study. Ultimately, 36 patients with renal failure and 2 patients who underwent successful renal transplantation (male:female, 17:21; median age, 54.5 years) were enrolled. The follow-up time was 21.5 ± 19.0 months in the 36 patients with renal failure. In these 36 patients, iPTH levels were significantly decreased to 261.1 pg/mL at 48 months compared with the baseline value of 1284.9 pg/mL (P = 0.012). Persistent hyperparathyroidism, defined as iPTH levels maintained at > 585.0 pg/mL for 6 months after treatment, occurred in 4.0% of patients (1/25). Recurrent hyperparathyroidism, defined as iPTH levels > 585.0 pg/mL after 6 months, were 4.0% (1/25) and 0.0% (0/9) at 6 months and 4 years after treatment, respectively. In two patients with THPT after successful renal transplantation, iPTH decreased from the baseline value of 242.5 and 115.9 pg/mL to 171.0 and 62.0 pg/mL at 6 months after treatment. All complications resolved within 6 months of ablation without medical intervention, except in 10.5% (4/38) patients with permanent hypocalcemia. The overall symptom recovery rate was 58.8% (10/17). The severity scores for bone pain, arthralgia, and itchy skin associated with hyperparathyroidism improved after treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: US-guided RFA is an effective and safe alternative to surgery in the treatment of patients with TPTH and improves hyperparathyroidism-related clinical symptoms.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.145-151
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• 1998

Purpose : DMSA renal scan is known as a valuable method for evaluating acute pyelonephritis and renal scar in patients with febrile urinary tract infection or vesicoureteral reflux. We made this study, to determine the most effective use of DMSA renal scan. Methods : 155 children were admitted to the Pediatric Department of Yonsei University, Severance hospital with the symptom of urinary tract infection from January, 1992 to June, 1995. DMSA scan, renal ultrasound and VCUG were performed. One consisted of 29 patients with the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis without vesicoureteral reflux and the otherconsistedofllpatientswithvesicoureteralreflux. Results : The follow-up DMSA scans at mean $0.99{\pm}0.46$ months after the initial DMSA scans were performed in the 29 children with acute pyetonephritis. 21($72.4\%$) of 29 children showed normal DMSA scans. 8 children with abnormal DMSA scans had follow-up DMSA scans at 2.5 months after the initial scans and 6 of 8 children showed normal DMSA scans. Only 12($41.4\%$) of 29 children showed abnormal renal ultrasound. The data about DMSA scans in 32 children with vesicoureteral reflux showed that there were abnormal DMSA scans in Grade $I;25.0\%$, Grade $II;44.5\%$, Grade $III;64.3\%$, Grade $IV;92.9\%$ and Grade $V;100.0\%$. There was a significant difference in that 36 renal unit ($68.0\%$) on DMSA renal scan and 26 renal units ($49.1\%$) on renal ultrasound showed abnormal finding(P<0.05). Conclusion : DMSA renal scan is more useful than renal ultrasound for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis. It is considered that if the initial DMSA scan is abnormal, a follow-up DMSA scan must be performed after 10weeks (8-12weeks) and the change in DMSA scan evaluated.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.387-393
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• 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a modified surgical procedure for the treatment of varicose veins. Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on lower extremities with symptomatic great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence that underwent stripping from the groin to the knee, with preservation of the superficial epigastric vein (SEV), between January 2015 and April 2022. Follow-up assessments were performed using Doppler ultrasound, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: The study included 179 limbs from 120 patients (47 men and 73 women). The mean patient age was 56.5 years (range, 20-78 years), and the distribution of preoperative Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology clinical classes was 8% C0-C1, 88% C2, and 4% C3-C6. The preoperative diameter of the saphenofemoral confluence averaged 6.9 mm (range, 2.7-15.8 mm). After a mean postoperative follow-up period of 24 months, evidence of neovascularization around the stump of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) was observed in 2 limbs (1.1%). Additionally, varicose vein recurrence was found in 1 limb (0.6%) and was associated with an incompetent thigh perforator. At postoperative follow-up, both VCSS and AVVQ scores were significantly lower than the preoperative scores. Conclusion: Modified surgical treatment of GSV incompetence, involving preservation of the SEV and stripping of a short segment up to the knee, demonstrated favorable clinical results in terms of postoperative complication rate, neovascularization rate around the SFJ stump, varicose vein recurrence rate, and improvement in lower extremity symptoms.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.195-207
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• 2023

Background: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block and intra-articular injection (IAI) of steroid-bupivacaine in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: After randomization, patients received either a PENG block or IAI under ultrasound-guidance. Clinical evaluations were recorded at baseline, day 1, and weeks 1, 4, and 8 post-intervention. The numerical rating scale (NRS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Harris Hip Scale (HHS) scores, pain medication use determined by a quantitative analgesic questionnaire, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results: Sixty patients were included in this study. NRS scores improved significantly for both groups during the follow-up compared to pretreatment (P < 0.001), with better pain scores for the PENG group (P < 0.001) at day 1 with larger effect size (Cohen's d = 4.62), and IAI group at 4 (Cohen's d = 5.15) and 8 (Cohen's d = 4.33) weeks (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in pain medication consumption (P = 0.499) and patient satisfaction (P = 0.138) between groups. Patients in the IAI group experienced significant improvement in HHS (Cohen's d = 2.16, P = 0.007) and WOMAC (Cohen's d = 1.02, P = 0.036) scores at 8 weeks compared to the PENG group. Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided PENG block provides effective pain relief which improves functionality and quality of life in hip OA patients up to 2 months. The PENG block can be considered an easy, safe, and useful alternative treatment modality for hip OA.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2002.08a
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• pp.717-720
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• 2002

The present study is to evaluate the performances of flow velocity and wall shear stress in the stenosed coronary artery using human in vivo hemodynamic Parameters and computer simulation. Initial and follow-up coronary angiographics in the patients with angulated coronary stenosis are performed. Follow-up coronary angiogram demonstrated significant difference in the percent of diameter in the stenosed coronary between two groups ($Group\;1:\;40.3{\%},\;Group\;2:\;25.5{\%}$). Flow-velocity wave obtained from in vivo intracoronary Doppler ultrasound data is used for the boundary condition for the computer simulation. Spatial and temporal variations of flow velocity vector and recirculation area are drawn throughout the selected segment of coronary models. The WSS of pre- and post-intracoronary stenting are calculated from three-dimensional computer simulation. Then negative shear stresses area on 3D simulation we noted on the inner wall of the post-stenotic area before stenting. The negative WSS is disappeared after stenting. High spatial and temporal WSS before stenting fell into within physiologic WSS after stenting. This finding was prominent in Model 2. The present study suggest that hemodynamic forces exerted by pulsatile coronary circulation termed WSS might affect on the evolution of atherosclerosis within the angulated vascular curvature. The local recirculation area which has low or negative WSS, might lead to progression of atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.49-58
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• 2009

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate whether Doppler ultrasound device is applicable for the evaluation of facial palsy patients. Methods : A total of 25 patients participated in the first assessment and 22 of them finished a follow-up assessment one week later. An assessment comprised of a Minimax-Doppler-K device examination on bilateral acupoints $ST_5$, $SI_{19}$, $ST_2$, and $BL_1$, House-Brackmann grading, and subjective symptom questionnaire. Measurement reliability was assessed and clinically meaningful variations of Doppler measurement values were explored. Results : Doppler ultrasound examination revealed a significant difference of some measurement values between values of the symptom side and the contralateral side, between groups of severe paralysis and moderate paralysis, and between groups of short duration(0-3 weeks) and long duration (3 weeks-5 months) by non-parametric analyses (p<0.05). Several re-examination values showed a significant correlation with the first examination values by Spearman's correlation tests (p<0.05). Conclusions : This study revealed several possibilities for the clinical application of this device. Further validity tests and device improvements for a user's convenience would be helpful for its practical application.