Suk Keun Hong

Takayasu arteritis in Korea: Clinical and angiographic features

SummaryClinical and angiographic features of Takayasu arteritis were investigated in 129 Korean patients. This disease affects females more frequently than males, in a ratio of 6.6 to 1. Of the total number of patients, 51 were in the third decade, 27 in the fourth decade, and 23 in the second decade. Common clinical symptoms were headache (60%), exertional dyspnea (42%), dizziness (36%), and malaise or weakness (34%). Takayasu arteritis affected the abdominal aorta (46%) and descending thoracic aorta (37%) more frequently than the ascending aorta (1%) and aortic arch (2%) According to Uenos classification based on aortographic findings, the 129 patients were divided into type I (37), type II (25), and type III (67). Among the 48 patients who had coronary angiography, 11 (23%) showed coronary arterial involvement. Because the clinical features are determined by the extent and severity of the specific artery involved in the occlusive phase of the disease, total aortography including coronary angiography is very important in the initial evaluation of Takayasu arteritis.

Pulmonary Hemorrhage After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Abciximab Therapy

Abciximab has a key role in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention; however, an increased risk of bleeding complications is well recognized. We report a case of serious pulmonary hemorrhage after use of abciximab therapy. A definitive indication and treatment guideline should be available to minimize serious bleeding complications. Additionally, respiratory symptoms should be monitored closely for early detection of serious pulmonary hemorrhage in patients receiving abciximab therapy during percutaneous coronary intervention.

A Case of Scimiter Syndrome (Adult Form)

The scimitar syndrome, a rare complex anomaly, is defined as an anomalous right pulmonary venous drainage, partial or complete, to the inferior vena cava. The shape of the Turkish curved sword (scimitar) has provided the name of this syndrome. Additional characteristics of this syndrome such as hypoplasia of the right lung and of the right pulmonary arterial tree, anomalous arterial supply of the right lung from the aorta, dextrocardia and bronchial anomalies are common. Recently we experienced a case of scimitar syndrome (adult form) in a 19-year-old woman patient, so we report the case with a brief review of the literature.