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Biomedical subjects

K P Lin

Publications and source records attributed to K P Lin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Myasthenia gravis complicated with hyperthyroidism, thymoma and serological evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report.

A 55-year-old woman with a several-decade history of thyroid goiter is presented here as a case of myasthenia gravis complicated with hyperthyroidism and thymoma with serological evidence of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). She had had right eyelid ptosis since July 1992, with a positive tensilon test. The acetylcholine receptor antibody titer was 4.01 nmol/L. A thyroid function test revealed T3: 162 ngidl, T4: 14.98 micrograms/dl, TSH:0.09 microIU/ml and positive anti-microsomal antibody (1:400). An MRI of the chest showed a thymoma in the left thymus. Other autoantibody screenings include ANA (1:320, speckled pattern) and anti-ds DNA (+) suggesting a serological association with SLE. After three courses of plasmapheresis, she received an extended maximal thymomectomy and a subtotal thyroidectomy. She was then treated with prednisolone, Mestinon, Eltroxin and discharged without complications. The coexistence of myasthenia gravis, hyperthyroidism, thymoma and a serological evidence of SLE have not previously been documented in the literature.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Polyneuropathy associated with acute monoblastic leukemia: a case report.

Polyneuropathy associated with acute myelocytic leukemia is rare. We report a woman aged 34 years with acute monoblastic leukemia and polyneuropathy in hematology remission. The clinical, electrophysiological and pathological findings revealed acute symmetrical sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy that differs from previous reports of three cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Performance on a smell screening test (the MODSIT): a study of 510 predominantly illiterate Chinese subjects.

The 12-item Modular Smell Identification Test (MODSIT) was administered to 239 male and 271 female Chinese subjects whose age ranged from 50 to 92 years (68.3 +/- 10.9) and whose education ranged from 0 to 20 years (2.5 +/- 4.3). Every participant was examined by a physician and was found to be free of dementia, stroke, and Parkinson's disease. Different from the standard procedures, only one-third of each odor pad was used for each subject, the four odor choices were presented orally for the majority of subjects, and they were not forced to make a selection when they could not detect or identify the odor. The average level of performance was 46% correct. The score was negatively associated with age, positively associated with education and with performance on a dementia screening test, and corroborated with subjects' report of smell deterioration in recent years. Nonsmokers and women performed better than smokers and men. The 12-item MODSIT had an internal consistency reliability of 0.73 and a 7-month retest stability of 0.57 with different examiners. The MODSIT is satisfactory for group studies, even when administered with suboptimal procedures such as those used in the present study.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1995

Correction of spillover radioactivities for estimation of the blood time-activity curve from the imaged LV chamber in cardiac dynamic FDG PET studies.

In dynamic cardiac PET FDG studies for measurement of myocardial metabolic rate of glucose (MMRGlc), the plasma FDG time-activity curve (input function) is commonly obtained from the left ventricular (LV) region on the PET images. The input function is contaminated by spillover of radioactivity from the surrounding myocardium and this could cause significant error in the estimated MMRGlc. In this study, we determined the effect of myocardial to blood pool spillover on MMRGlc and developed a method to correct for this spillover of activity. The method is based on a reformulation of the FDG model equation in terms of the spillover contaminated input function that includes both the myocardium to blood pool and blood pool to myocardium spillover fractions as variable parameters (Fmb and Fbm). The reformulated model equation can be used to fit the global myocardial tissue activity curve to estimate Fmb and thus yields a spillover corrected input function. The MMRGlc estimate with the corrected input function was within 95% of the true value (compared to 85% using the uncorrected input function) in a set of computer simulation studies. Dynamic PET FDG data were obtained in eight human studies and blood samples were obtained during the study. As compared to the results with the uncorrected input function, the estimates of k4 by the new method were reduced by 69% into a range consistent with in vitro results. The method is effective in correcting Fmb spillover and leads to more accurate estimates of MMRGlc. The method also allows larger regions of interest (up to 150 mm2) to be drawn over the LV in dynamic PET images, thereby reducing the noise level in the input function.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1995

Intravenous immunoglobulin infusion in multifocal demyelinating motor neuropathy: a case report.

The following report is a case of multifocal demyelinating motor neuropathy (MMN) presenting as a gradual development of asymmetric motor weakness without sensory involvement. Electrophysiological studies showed mainly a conduction block with normal or slightly slow nerve conduction velocity. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and serum protein electrophoresis were normal, but serum IgM anti-GM1 ganglioside antibody was elevated. The patient had a poor response to steroid, plasmapheresis and chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, but significant improvement was noted after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion. MMN is a potentially treatable condition which clinically mimics a motor neuron disease; if treatment with steroid, plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide have failed, IVIG may be effective.

Demyelinating Diseases↗
PubMed1995

Midbrain hemorrhage presenting as bilateral ptosis without hemiplegia: a case report.

A 66-year-old man suddenly developed bilateral ptosis after awaking from a nap. He did not experience nausea, vomiting or headache. In the emergency room, high blood pressure was noted. On examination, his consciousness was clear. Ptosis was present bilaterally and worse on the right side. The pupils promptly constricted to light. He could fully adduct his eyes during conjugate gaze movements, but convergence was impaired in the right eye. There was no diplopia or nystagmus. The assessment of the motor and sensory systems revealed no significant findings. Computed tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a small hematoma in the midbrain. Six months later, ptosis improved; however, the convergence deficit remained.

Blepharoptosis↗
PubMed1994

Sympathetic skin response and R-R interval variation in chronic uremic patients.

Sympathetic skin response (SSR) and R-R interval variation (RRIV) were studied in 36 chronic, nondiabetic uremics to compare with their nerve conduction studies (NCS) and clinical dysautonomia. Abnormal SSR was noted in 5 (13.9%) patients, abnormal RRIV in 14 (38.9%), and abnormal NCS in 26 (72.2%). The patients were classified into three groups: group (GP) 1: "normal," n = 21 (58.3%), normal RRIV and SSR; GP 2: "isolated parasympathetic dysfunction," n = 10 (27.8%), abnormal RRIV and normal SSR; and GP 3: "sympathetic sudomotor dysfunction," n = 5 (13.9%), abnormal SSR. A significant difference in age was found among the three groups (GP 3 > GP 2 > GP 1; P < 0.0001, ANOVA). After controlling the age factor, we still noted a tendency toward increasing NCS disturbances (distal latency and nerve conduction velocity of peroneal nerve; P < 0.05, multiple regression analysis) and frequencies of clinical autonomic symptoms (postural dizziness and impotence; P < 0.05, Mantel-Hanszel test) from GP 1 to GP 3. Patients with abnormal SSR (GP 3) displayed significantly higher frequencies of postural dizziness and impotence, indicating the relationship between an absence of SSR and clinical dysautonomia.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Parkinson's disease in Kin-Hu, Kinmen: a community survey by neurologists.

A door-to-door survey by neurologists in Kin-Hu township, Republic of China, of a sample of the Chinese population of 683 persons aged 50 years and over was performed in August, 1992. A total of 482 subjects (70.6%) completed the study. Kin-Hu, a township of Kinmen, is predominantly rural with agriculture as the main occupation. Six subjects (5 men, 1 woman) were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). Of these six, five were newly diagnosed; one of the five also had dementia. The crude prevalence rate per 1,000 persons over 50 years of age of PD in Kin-Hu was 6.2. The age-specific prevalence rates per 1,000 persons (95% confidence intervals) were 0 for age 50-59, 7.8 (0-22.9) for age 60-69, 17.5 (5.2-29.8) for age 70-79, and 25.4 (10.9-39.9) for age > or = 80. These rates are considerably higher than those reported in the People's Republic of China, and similar to rates found in Western countries. The higher prevalence of PD found in this pilot study suggests that environmental factors may be more important than racial factors in the pathogenesis of PD. If confirmed, the results suggest that epidemiologic studies looking for environmental risk factors might be of value.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of cervical radiculopathy by cervical root stimulation.

For precise evaluation of cervical radiculopathy, cervical root stimulation (CRS), conventional electromyographic (EMG) studies, nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies and F responses were done in 32 patients with clinical symptoms and signs of cervical radiculopathy. While performing CRS, a monopolar needle was inserted into the paraspinal muscles, and the compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) in the biceps, triceps and abductor digiti minimi muscles were recorded. Conventional EMG was abnormal in 18 (56.2%), whereas CRS was abnormal in 25 (78.1%). Among the 25 patients with positive CRS tests, 13 received surgical decompression for cervical root compression caused either by a cervical disc or by foramen narrowing due to spondylosis. Only 10 out of 13 (76.9%) had abnormal conventional EMG findings. CRS provides a sensitive method for making a direct evaluation of proximal root conduction and is a good aid for pre-surgical evaluation of cervical radiculopathy.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1993

Sympathetic skin response and R-R interval variation in Parkinson's disease.

We investigated autonomic function in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) by measuring sympathetic skin response (SSR) and R-R interval variation (RRIV). Sixty-two PD patients and 62 age-matched normal subjects were recruited. Abnormal SSR was noted in nine (14.5%) PD patients, including three in Stage II, three in Stage III, and three in Stage IV, but not in Stage I patients or normal subjects. Four of these nine patients had postural hypotension. Abnormal SSR was correlated with duration of illness and impotence. In PD patients, abnormal SSR may be due to intermediolateral column dysfunction. After logarithmic transformation and age adjustment, 19 (31.6%) of 60 PD patients had abnormal RRIV during rest and deep breathing. Abnormal RRIV was not related to staging or duration of illness. Patients with constipation had significantly lower RRIV, indicating parasympathetic dysfunction. RRIV was not affected by acute or chronic L-dopa treatment. The agreement between RRIV and SSR in PD patients was poor (kappa = -0.07). It appears that abnormal SSR, but not RRIV, may be associated with more autonomic disturbances in PD patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Lack of cervical paraspinal muscle involvement in juvenile distal spinal muscular atrophy: an electromyographic study on 15 cases.

Electromyography (EMG) of the lower cervical paraspinal muscles was performed in 15 young Chinese males with distal spinal muscular atrophy of the upper extremities. The lack of fibrillation and positive sharp waves in all patients, both in early or active and chronic or steady stages, did not correlate with the EMG status in the affected upper extremity on the same side. This finding is in striking contrast with that in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Generalized neuropathy in Taiwan: an etiologic survey.

From July 1988 to June 1989, the etiology was registered of 520 patients with generalized neuropathy in 5 neurological centers in Taiwan. The neuropathy was diabetic in 256 cases (49.23%), alcoholic in 45 (8.65%), inflammatory in 34 (6.53%; including 21 with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, 12 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and 1 with chronic relapsing polyneuropathy), 12 with associated malignancy (2.31%), 9 with dysproteinemia (1.73%), uremic in 22 (4.23%), hereditary motor and sensory in 22 (4.23%), toxic in 14 (2.69%), ischemic in 12 (2.31%), hypothyroidism in 10 (1.92%), nutritional deficiency and malabsorption in 6 (1.15%), chronic liver disease in 4 (0.77%), other diseases in 11 (2.12%) and unclassified in 63 (12.12%). This survey provided a crude etiological picture of generalized neuropathy on this island.

Demyelinating Diseases↗
PubMed1993

Reversible motor neuron disease.

We investigated a 69-year-old male with a clinical syndrome resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis characterized by fasciculation, wasting of the limb muscles and increased deep tendon reflexes in the lower limbs. Electromyographic (EMG) studies showed abundant positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials with decreased recruitment in the limbs and paraspinal muscles. The patient recovered almost completely in approximately 1.5 years, and follow-up EMG studies showed no positive sharp waves or fibrillation potentials in the limb muscles except for some polyphasic motor units in the bilateral intrinsic hand muscles. No known systemic disease, malignancy or heavy metal intoxication was found during the course of his illness. So far, there are only few cases reported with spontaneous remission of motor neuron disease; however, the possibility should always be considered.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Immunosuppressive treatment in lower motor neuron syndrome with autoantibodies against GM1 ganglioside.

We report the results of immunosuppressive treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide in 12 patients with lower motor neuron syndrome and elevated titers of serum autoantibodies to GM1 ganglioside. All patients had lower motor neuron dysfunction including proximal or distal weakness, fasciculation and muscle atrophy, but no upper motor neuron dysfunction such as hyperreflexia, spasticity or Babinski's sign. Electrophysiological studies revealed no evidence of conduction block, but EMG findings of acute or chronic denervation in the limbs were present. Serum biochemistry and immunological studies were negative for M protein. After a 6-month follow-up, despite a fall in antibody titer, there was no significant clinical improvement in any of the patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Relationship between periventricular lucencies on computed tomographic scans and vascular dementia.

We evaluated 48 consecutive patients with periventricular lucencies (PVL) on CT scan of brain to determine the clinical significance of this finding. Twenty-one (43.7%) patients were demented; 27 (56.3%) patients had no dementia but had various other diseases. PVL were frequently associated with hypertension and previous stroke. We used a PVL scoring system to evaluate the degree of PVL. When the score was greater than 3.5, the sensitivity and specificity in separating vascular dementia from other diseases with PVL were 78% and 67% respectively (Kappa = 0.42). We conclude that although mild PVL may be a frequent but non-specific finding in patients with hypertension or previous stroke, moderate and severe PVL should raise the possibility of vascular dementia.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1993

Nerve conduction studies in healthy Chinese: correlation with age, sex, height and skin temperature.

We consecutively collected 68 normal subjects who assented to receive electrophysiological examination in four limbs. There were 50 men and 18 women, with a mean age of 50.8 +/- 17.9 years (range: 15-88) and a mean height of 162.72 +/- 9.05 cm (range: 138-180). Mean skin temperature was 32.75 +/- 1.51 degrees C (range: 29.4-35.6) at wrist and 30.9 +/- 1.1 degrees C (range: 29-33) at lower leg. The mean values with standard deviation of the nerve conduction parameters such as distal latency, nerve conduction velocity, amplitude, duration and area of compound muscle action potential and sensory action potential, minimal latencies of H reflexes and F responses, and their side-to-side differences were presented. Age was negatively correlated with motor nerve conduction velocity (P < 0.05, r = -0.37 to -0.46), amplitude of compound muscle action potential (P < 0.05, r = -0.32 to -0.43) and sensory action potential (P < 0.05, r = -0.33 to -0.65), but not with sensory nerve conduction velocity (P > 0.05). Height was correlated with minimal latencies of H-reflexes and F-responses (P < 0.05, r = 0.45 to 0.76). Gender and temperature were not correlated with any parameters (P > 0.05).

Adolescent↗