아세틸 콜린 유발 검사시 허혈성 심전도 변화와 흉통의 발생이 내피세포 기능장애에 미치는 영향

최철웅(Cheol Ung Choi),나승운(Seung-Woon Rha),김선원(Sun Won Kim),나진오(Jin Oh Na),임홍의(Hong Euy Lim),김진원(Jin Won Kim),김응주(Eung Ju Kim),한성우(Seong Woo Han),박창규(Chang Gyu Park),서홍석(Hong Seog Seo),오동주(Dong Joo Oh) 대한임상노인의학회 2010 대한임상노인의학회지 Vol.11 No.4

연구배경: 아세틸 콜린 유발 검사시 발생하는 흉통과 허혈성 심전도 변화가 아세틸 콜린에 의해 발생하는 관상동맥의 내피세포 기능에 어떤 영향을 주는지 알아보고자 했다. 방법: 흉통으로 내원하여 관상동맥 조영술과 아세틸 콜린 유발검사를 시행받은 1,085명의 환자를 대상으로 하였다. 아세틸 콜린 유발 검사를 하는 동안 허혈성 심전도 변화 및 흉통의 발생 유무에 따른 관상동맥 내피세포 기능의 특징을 비교하였다. 결과: 539명의 환자에서 아세틸 콜린 검사시 내피세포 기능 장애가 발생 하였다. 허혈성 심전도 변화가 있었던 그룹이 심전도 변화가 없었던 그룹보다 흉통이 더 많았고(78.1% vs. 60.8%, P=0.007), 관상동맥 조영술상 다발성 관상동맥 경련이 빈번하였고(59.4% vs. 40.6%, P=0.004), 관상동맥의 경련 정도도 더 심하였다(64.1% vs. 46.5%, P=0.006). 흉통이 있었던 그룹이 흉통이 없었던 그룹보다 허혈성 심전도 변화의 빈도가 더 높았다(14.7% vs. 7.5%, P=0.007). 또한 흉통이 있었던 그룹이 관상동맥 경련이 다발성으로 발생하는 경우가 많았고 (50.7% vs. 29.5%, P<0.001), 미만성으로 발생하는 경우가 많았고(87.1% vs. 75%, P<0.001), 관상동맥의 경련의 정도도 더 심하였다(51.6% vs. 43.5%, P=0.041). 결론: 아세틸 콜린 유발검사시 발생하는 허혈성 심전도 변화와 흉통은 관상동맥 경련의 정도와 경련이 발생하는 관상동맥 개수와 연관이 있다. Background: ECG changes and chest pain during acetylcholine (Ach) provocation tests may constitute important clinical parameters for Ach-induced endothelial dysfunction. We investigated the association between ischemic ECG changes and chest pain during the Ach-provocation test and angiographic characteristics of Ach-induced endothelial dysfunction. Methods: A total of 1,085 patients with anginal symptoms underwent diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG) and Ach-provocation tests. We compared angiographic characteristics of Ach-induced endothelial dysfunction according to the presence of ECG change and chest pain. Results: A total of 539 patients experienced Ach-induced endothelial dysfunction. Patients who experienced ECG change group suffered more frequent chest pain (78.1% vs. 60.8%, P=0.007), angiographically more frequent multiple coronary artery spasm (59.4% vs. 40.6%, P=0.004), and more severe coronary artery spasm (64.1% vs. 46.5%, P=0.006) than patients without ECG change. However, there was no difference in the length of endothelial dysfunction between the groups. The incidence of ischemic ECG changes in patients with chest pain was higher than in patients without chest pain (14.7% vs. 7.5%, P=0.007). Patients who experienced chest pain more often experienced multiple (50.7% vs. 29.5%, P<0.001), diffuse (87.1% vs. 75%, P<0.001), and severe coronary artery spasm (51.6% vs. 43.5%, P=0.041) than patients without chest pain. Conclusion: Ischemic ECG changes and chest pain during the Ach-provocation test are associated with multi-vessel involvement and severe coronary artery spasm. Chest pain is associated with the length of endothelial dysfunction, but ischemic ECG change is not.

An Electrochemical Enzyme Immunochip Based on Capacitance Measurement for the Detection of IgG

Yi, Seung-Jae,Choi, Ji-Hye,Kim, Hwa-Jung,Chang, Seung-Cheol,Park, Deog-Su,Kim, Kyung-Chun,Chang, Chulhun L. Korean Chemical Society 2011 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.32 No.4

This study describes the development of an electrochemical array immunochip for the detection of IgG. Interdigitated immunochip platforms were fabricated by sputtering gold on a glass wafer by using MEMS process and then were coated with Eudragit S100, an enteric polymer, forming an insulating layer over the working area of immunochips. The breakdown of the polymer layer was exemplified by the catalytic action of urease which, in the presence of urea, caused an alkaline pH change. This subsequently caused an increase of the double layer capacitance of the underlying electrode. Used in conjunction with a competitive immunoassay format, this allowed the ratio of initial to final electrode capacitance to be directly linked with the concentration of analyte, i.e. IgG. Responses to IgG could be detected at IgG concentration as low as $250\;ngmL^{-1}$ and showed good linearity up to IgG concentration as high as $20\;{\mu}gmL^{-1}$.

조기 천장골염의 자기공명영상 소견

김태환 ( Tae Hwan Kim ),전재범 ( Jae Bum Jun ),심승철 ( Seung Cheol Shim ),장대국 ( Dae Kook Chang ),고회관 ( Hee Kwan Koh ),정성수 ( Sung Soo Jung ),이인홍 ( In Hong Lee ),배상철 ( Sang Cheol Bae ),유대현 ( Dae Hyun Yoo ),전의용 대한류마티스학회 1998 대한류마티스학회지 Vol.5 No.2

Objective: The early detection of sacroiliitis on X-ray is important to diagnose spondyloarthropathy(SpA). The conventional radiography, bone scan, and computer tomogram have the problems of sensitivity, specificity, and side effects. We examined sacroiliitis using MR imaging in patients who had inflammatory back pain, but no definite changes in conventional radiogrphy. Other radiologic techniques were compared in detection of early sacroillitis. Methods: Twenty six patients with SpA were examined. The MRI findings of both sacroiliac joints were evaluated in every patients, such as pannus, periarticular osteitis and fat accumulation, subchondral sclerosis, and joint space changes(irregularity, ankylosis). Also we analyzed the changes of sacroiliac joints in sacroiliitis. Results: The predominant sites of involvement were upper aspect and iliac surface of sacroiliac joint in subchondral sclerosis, lower and iliac in pannus, periarticular fat accumulation, and iliac in periarticular osteitis. The MPGR images were superior to spin echo images in evaluation of joint space changes(irregularity, and ankylosis). Conclusions: Sacroiliitis is initiated in iliac side and lower portion of sacroiliac joints. MRI can detect early changes of sacroiliitis in patients with no conventional radiographic changes. MRI seems to be needed in patients with inflammatory back pain.

정신분열병에 대한 리스페리돈의 효과 및 안정성

이민수,김용구,김영훈,연병길,오병훈,윤도준,윤진상,이철,정희연,강병조,김광수,김동언,김명정,김상훈,김희철,나철,노승호,민경준,박기창,박두병,백기청,백인호,손봉기,손진욱,양병환,양창국,우행원,이정호,이종범,이홍식,임기영,전태연,정영조,정영철,정인과,정인원,지익성,채정호,한상익,한선호,한진희,서광윤 大韓神經精神醫學會 1998 신경정신의학 Vol.37 No.1

연구목적 : 본 시험의 목적은 임상시험 시작전에 연구자들을 대상으로 PANSS Workshop을 통하여 PANSS, ESRS에 대한 국내에서의 표준화 작업을 구축하고 새로운 정신병 치료제인 리스페리돈의 효과와 안정성을 재확인하여 리스페리돈 사용에 대한 적정화를 이루는데 있다. 연구방법 : 1996년 4월부터 1996년 9월까지 국내 39개 대학병원 정신과에 입원중인 혹은 증상이 악화되어 입원하는 정신분열병 환자 377명을 대상으로 다시설 개방 연구를 시행하였다. 1주일간의 약물 배설기간을 가진후, 리스페리돈을 8주간 투여하였고, 기준점, 1주, 2주, 4주, 그리고 8주후에 평가되었다. 용량은 제1일에는 리스페리돈 1mg씩 1일 2회, 제2일에는 2mg씩 1일 2회, 제3∼7일에는 3mg씩 1일 2회 투여하였다. 이후 환자의 임상상태에 따라 임의로 증량할 수 있으며, 최대 일일 16mg을 초과하지 않도록 하였다. 추체외로 증상을 조절하기 위한 투약을 허용하였다. 임상증상 및 부작용의 평가는 PANSS(Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), CGI(Clinical Global Impression) 그리고 ESRS(Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale)을 사용하였다. 연구결과 : 377명중 343명(91%)이 8주간의 연구를 완결하였다. 치료 종결시점인 8주후 PANSS 총점수가 20% 이상 호전된 경우를 약물 반응군으로 정의할때, 약물반응군은 81.3%였다. 리스페리돈에 반응하는 예측인자로는 발병연령, 이전의 입원 횟수, 유병기간이 관련 있었다. 리스페리돈은 1주후부터 PANSS양성, 음성, 및 일반정신병리 점수상에 유의한 호전을 보여 효과가 빨랐다. CGI의 경우도 기준점에 비해 1주후부터 유의한 감소를 나타내었다. ESRS의 경우, 파킨슨 평가점수는 기준점과 비교해 투여 1주, 2주, 4주후 유의하게 증가되었다가 8주후 기준점과 차이가 없었다. Dystonia 평가점수는 1주후만 유의한 증가를 보였으며, dyskinesia 평가점수는 유의한 차이가 없었다. 혈압, 맥박수의 생명징후 및 일반 혈액학 검사, 생화학적 검사, 심전도 검사에서 유의한 변화는 없었다. 결 론 : 이상의 다시설 개방 임상 연구를 통해 리스페리돈은 정신분열병 환자에서 양성증상뿐만 아니라 음성증상 및 전반적인 증상에도 효과적인 것으로 사료된다. 보다 명확한 평가를 위해서는 다른 항정신병약물과의 이중맹검 연구가 필요할 것으로 생각되며, 또한 장기적 치료에 대한 평가도 함께 이루어져야 하겠다. Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of risperidone in the treatment of Korean schizophrenic patients. Method : This multicenter open study included 377 schizophrenic patients drawn from 39 university hospitals. After a wash-out period of 1 week, the schizophrenic patients were treated with risperidone for 8 weeks and evaluated at 5 points ; at baseline, and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. The dose was increased from 2mg/day(1mg twice daily) to 6mg/day(3mg twice daily) during the first week and adjusted to a maximum of 16mg/day over the next 7 weeks according to the patient's clinical response. Medication to control extrapyramidal symptoms was permitted. The psychiatric and neurological status of the patients was assessed by PANSS, CGI, and ESRS scales. Results : 343(91%) of 377 patients completed the 8-week trial period. Clinical improvement, as defined by a 20% or more reduction in total PANSS score at end point, was shown by 81.3% of patients. The predictors of response to risperidone were associated older age, shorter duration of illness, fewer previous hospitalization. Risperidone had rapid onset of action ; a significant decrease of the total PANSS and three PANSS factor(positive, negative, general), and CGI was already noticed at the end of first week. For the ESRS, parkinsonism rating scores were significantly increased until week 4 comparing with baseline. Dystonia rating scores were significantly increased until week 1, and dyskinesia rating scores were not significantly changed during the study. Laboratory parameters including vital sign, EKG, hematological, and biochemical values showed no significant changes during the trial. Conclusions : This study suggests that risperidone is generally safe and effective against both the positive and negative symptoms in our group of patients.

슬관절 굴근과 신근 기능의 평가를 통한 배구선수의 운동 특성 연구

장명재,김승환,김민철 경희대학교 체육과학연구소 2001 體育學論文集 Vol.29 No.-

This test has been completed for the 16 players of K-volleyball team. First we have checked the test results of the Peak Torque, Average power, total work capacity at the knee joint, which can be effected to the Jump, Landing, and the capability of the game performance. Following as this result, we entered the test of the repetition/5times/1set under the two kinds of speed (60˚/sec and 120˚/sec) at the knee flexors and extensors by using the Rehabilitation and testing system(Model No.770 CYBEX NORM), which is from the Isokinetic contraction, and this is for enforcing the maximum strength, power, and Muscle Endurance. From the results, we think that it would be help for volleyball player to increase the activity for the game, if he has the difference prime mover of Jump and Landing following as the attack formation, and apply more the rapid training than the slow speed. It also helps for him, if he applies the low speed training as the Endurance Training. One more thing we want to describe is not sticking at the specific training, but suggesting the Train Mode, which is to fix for him with the comfortable.

요추 추간판 절제술 후 발생한 화농성 척추염에 대한 Chuinard & Peterson 골 이식술을 이용한 전방 유합술 및 경피적 후관절 나사못 고정술

장상범,이상호,이승철,신송우,김원중 대한척추신경외과학회 2004 Neurospine Vol.1 No.1

Objective: To describe the surgical techniques and the preliminary results of anterior fusion with Chuinard & Peterson bone graft and posterior percutaneous facet screw fixation for pyogenic spondylitis following lumbar discectomy. Methods: From April to October 2003, five consecutive patients underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion with Chuinard & Peterson bone graft and posterior percutaneous facet screw fixation for the treatment of pyogenic spondylitis that developed after primary lumbar disc surgery. There were three males and two females. The mean age was 49.8 years(range, 28-75 years). Three patients had persistent inflammation with neurologic deterioration and two had severe back pain despite of less invasive interventions. The mean interval from the primary operation to fusion was 3.3 months(range, 1.5~7 months). All patients were allowed to ambulate immediate postoperatively with a lumbar orthosis, which was kept for three months. Intravenous and oral antibiotics were continued until hematologic profiles normalized. All patients were followed up clinically and radiologically. Results: The mean operating time, blood loss, and post-operative hospital stay were 210 mins, 890 ml, and 27 days, respectively. Four patients showed a solid fusion at 3 monthes and one patient showed fusion at 4 monthes postoperatively. M patients showed remission of infection and significant clinical improvement of back pain. Conclusions: Anterior fusion using Chuinard & Peterson bone graft and posterior facet screw fixation may be employed for postoperative pyogenic spondylitis without prolonged cast immobilization or risk of persistent infection caused by instrumentation.

치수제거후 흰쥐 삼차신경절에서 VIP 면역반응세포의 변화: 공초점레이저주사현미경적 연구

김흥중,김승재,박주철,박주철,이상호 대한소아치과학회 2001 大韓小兒齒科學會誌 Vol.28 No.1

말초신경 손상에 의한 VIP의 변화를 연구하기 위해 흰쥐 하악대구치 치수제거 후 삼차신경 절에서 VIP의 분포 및 반응강도를 공초점레이저주사현미경을 이용하여 관찰하였다. 체중 200g내외의 Sprague-Dawley계 흰쥐를 대조군과 하악대구치 치수제거 후 14일군으로 분리하여 희생시켰다. 1차 항체로 rabbit anti-VIP, 2차 항체로 fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC) conjugated anti-rabbit IgG를 사용하여 면역형광염색을 시행한 후 공초점레이저주사현미경으로 관찰하여 다음과 같은 결론을 얻었다. 1.삼차신경절 하악부위에서 VIP 양성반응세포의 비율은 대조군에서 7.40%를, 실험군에서는 28.42%를 보였다. 대조군에 비해 실험군에서 양성반응세포의 증가를 보였다. 2.삼차신경절 하악부위에서 VIP 면역반응세포체에 대한 상대성 형광강도는 대조군에서 87.78을, 실험군에서는 138.65를 보였다. 대조군과 비교하였을 때 실험군에서 상대성 형광강도의 증가를 보였다. 3.실험군의 광연속절편(1㎛) 관찰에서 VIP 면역반응세포는 9개의 절편 대부분에서 강하게 나타났다. 축삭의 면역반응을 살펴보면, 대조군의 축삭에서는 약한 반응을 보였으며, 실험군의 축삭에서는 강한 면역반응을 보였다. 또한 양성반응 세포체의 크기는 20∼25㎛의 중간 크기의 세포체에서 강한 면역반응을 보였다. 위의 결과로 보아 치수제거 후에 삼차신경절 하악부위에서 VIP면역반응세포의 증가와 함께 상대성 형광강도가 높아졌음을 알 수 있었다. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution and fluorescence intensity of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactive(VIP-IR) cells in rat trigeminal ganglion following pulp extirpation of rat mandibular molar. The animals were divided into control group(n=6) and experimental group(n=6). The experimental animals were sacrificed at 14 days after pulp extirpation. The trigeminal ganglion was removed and immersed in the 4% paraformaldehyde in 0.1M phosphate buffer. Serial frozen sections about 20㎛ in thickness were cut with a cryostat The immunofluorescence staining was performed. The rabbit anti-VIP(1:8,000) was used as primary antibody and fluorescene isothiocynate(FITC) cojugated anti-rabbit IgG(1:80) as secondary antibody. The slides were observed under confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM). Unprocessed optical sections were obtained and stored on a optical disk. Color pictures were printed by a video copy processor. The results were as follows ; 1. The positive ratio of VIP-IR cells in mandibular part of trigeminal ganglion were 7.40% in control group and 28.42% in experimental group(14 days affter pulp extirpation). 2. The relative fluorescence intensity of VIP-IR cells in mandibular part of trigeminal ganglion were 87.78 in control group and 138.65 in experimental group. The relative fluorescence intensity of experimental group was 58% higher than that of control group. 3. In optical serial section analysis of VIP-IR cells of experimental group, most of the 9 section showed high fluorescence intensity. At high magnification, axons of the experimental group displayed greater VIP-IR than in the control group, and the positive cells were mainly of medium size. The result indicate that number and fluorescence intensity of VTP-IR cells were increased in the mandibular part of trigeminal ganglion following pulp extirpation of mandibular molar, and it suggests that VIP could play a role in processing of nociception.

Nuclear Factor I-C 결손 생쥐에서 상아모세포의 형태학적 특징

고승백,이창섭,이난영,이상호,김흥중,박주철 大韓小兒齒科學會 2006 大韓小兒齒科學會誌 Vol.33 No.2

NFI-C K/O 생쥐에서는 상아모세포의 분화과정에 이상이 초래되어 상아질 형성에 이상이 생기고 치근 형성이 불완전하게 이루어지는 것으로 알려져 있으나 이에 대한 명확한 기전은 잘 알려져 있지 않다. 상아모세포가 분화하여 정상적으로 상아질을 형성하기 위해서 핵과 세포질이 극성을 띠고 잘 조직화되어야 하며, 이 과정에서 다양한 세포사이 결합장치들이 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 NFI-C K/O 생쥐에서 상아질 형성에 이상이 생기는 것이 상아포세포의 형태학적 변화와 세포사이 결합장치들이 기능을 하지 못한 결과에서 기인한 것인지 알아보기 위하여, NFI-C K/O 생쥐에서 발생한 비정상적인 상아모세포들을 광학 및 투과 전자현미경을 이용하여 형태학적으로 관찰하고, Zo-1과 occludin의 발현을 면역조직화학적으로 관찰하여 세포사이 결합장치들의 분포를 확인하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. 광학현미경 소견에서 NFI-C K/O 생쥐의 전치부 상아모세포는 세포 극성이 상실되고, 여러 층으로 배열되어 있었으며 상아질에 많은 세포들이 함입된 것과 같은 비정상적인 상아질의 소견을 나타냈다. 반면에 NFI-C K/O 생쥐의 구치부 상아모세포는 치관부에서는 잘 조직화된 소견을 보였으나 치근 형성 부위에서는 세포 배열이 불규칙해지고 세포 극성이 상실되었다. 2. 투과 전자현미경 소견에서 NFI-C K/O 생쥐 전치부의 비정상적인 상아모세포는 둥근 형태로 세포 사이 간격이 넓으며 폐쇄연접과 같은 세포사이 결합장치들이 전혀 관찰되지 않았다. 3. Zo-1의 면역조직화학적 염색에서 NFI-C K/O 생쥐의 전치부 법랑모세포의 근위부와 원위부에서 ZO-1이 강하게 발현되었으나 비정상적인 상아모세포에서는 ZO-1의 발현을 관찰할 수 없었다. 4. Occludin의 면역조직화학적 염색에서 정상 생쥐의 전치부 상아모세포에서는 occludin의 발현이 관찰되었으나 NFI-C K/O 생쥐의 비정상적인 상아모세포에서는 occludin의 발현이 관찰되지 않았다. 이상의 결과를 종합하여 볼 때 NFI-C의 결손은 상아모세포의 분화 이상을 초래하고 비정상적으로 상아질을 형성하는 과정에 세포사이 결합장치의 상실과 같은 형태학적인 변화의 중요한 요소로 작용하는 것으로 생각된다. NFO-C null mice demonstrated aberrant odntoblast differentiation and thus abnormal dentin formation while other tissues/organs in the body, including ameloblasts, appear to be unaffected and normal. However, little is known about the mechanism of NFI-C function in odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation. Odontoblasts are tall, highly polarized cells that are responsible for formation and maintenance of the predentin and dentin. An indication of their polarity is the acquisition of specialized intercellular junctions. As predontoblasts differentiate into odontoblasts, they are joined and attached at the apical end by well developed terminal webs of cytoskeletal actins, and associated tight as well as adherent njunctions. In this study, in order to investigate if disruption of the NFI-C gene interferes with formation of a specific or other structural proteins of the intercellular junctions, we examined morphological charcteristic of the aberrant odontoblast in NFI-C null mice using light and electron microscope. In addition, we determined the expression of major structural proteins of intercellular junctions, ZO-1 and occludin, during the differentiation of odontoblasts using immunohitochemistry. The results were as follows: 1. In light microscopy, abnormal odontoblasts of incisors of the NFI-C null mice were round in shape, lost their polarity, and trapped in osteodentin-like mineralized tissue. Mutant molars have relatively normal crowns, but short and abnormal differentiating adontoblasts in root formation area. 2. Electron microscopy of abnormal odontoblasts revealed the dissociation of the round osteoblast-like cells, the loss of their cellular polarity, and the absence of an intercellular junctional complex known as the tight junctions. 3. A mutant incisor showed labeling for ZO-1 at the proximal and distal ends of secreting ameloblasts, while staining for ZO-1 was not observed in the abnormal odontoblasts. 4. A normal incisor showed immunoreactivity for occludin in the differentiating odontoblasts. However, staining for occludin was not observed in the abnormal odntoblasts of mutant incisor. These results suggest that NFI-C gene causes dissociation of odontoblast and thus abberant odontoblast differentiation and abnormal dentin formation by interfering with the formation of intercellular junctions.

액체배양에 의한 Monascus rubber의 적색 색소 생산을 위한 최적 배양 조건에 관한 연구

서승교,이창호,우철주 한국식품저장유통학회 ( 구 한국농산물저장유통학회 ) 2004 한국식품저장유통학회지 Vol.11 No.1

Monascus rubber KCTC 6122를 이용하여 액체 배양을 통한 실험균의 적색 색소의 생산을 위한 배양 조건의 최적화에 관한 결과는 다음과 같다. 실험 균주가 생산하는 적색 색소의 최적 배양 조건은 탄소원으로 rice powder 4% 첨가, 질소원으로 NaNO₃ 0.2%, 인산염으로 Na₂HPO₄의 농도가 0.3%, MgSO₄의 농도가 0.15%일 때 가장 높은 적색 색소 생성을 나타내었다. 배양 온도는 30℃, 초기 pH가 6.5, 진탕속도를 150 rpm, 배양 시간 8일 일 때 적색 색소의 생성능이 흡광도 70.29로 가장 우수하였다. The optimum cultural conditions for production of red pigment from Monascus rubber KCTC 6122 is liquid culture were studied. Monascus rubber KCTC 6122 was shown to give the maximum production of red pigment in the medium containing 4% rice powder, 0.2% NaNO₃, 03% NaHPO₄and 0.15% MgSO₄. The optimum culture conditions, temperature, initial pH and shaking speed were 30℃, 6.5 and 150 rpm, respectively. The red pigment production reached a maximum level at 8days of cultivation.

치성감염에 의해 발생된 후측인두부 및 종격동 농양

이승호,정종철,김건중,정주성,유선열,박문성,김창룡 大韓顎顔面成形再建外科學會 1996 Maxillofacial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Vol.18 No.4

Odontogenic infections are usually locally confined, self-limiting processes. However, under certain circumstances, they may break through the bony, muscular, and mucosal barriers and spread into contiguous fascial spaces or planes far from the initial site of involvement, resulting in severn life-threatening complications, such as retropharyngeal spread, suppurative mediastinal extension, airway obstruction, pleuropulmonary suppuration, and hematogenous dissemination to distant organs. The mortality arte for mediastinitis from odontogenic infection ranges from 40% to 60%. Therefore rapid evalution and treatment is essential with a combination of life support, antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention. Recently, we experienced three cases of retropharyngeal and mediastinal abscesses secondary to odonogenic infections. In all patients, early diagnosis was possible by CT scanning and physical examination. The prognosis was good in all patients by using urgent aggressive surgical and antibiotic therapy.