Search

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the frequency and management protocols for malignant tumors among cases referred for aeromedical consultation. Methods: The research analyzed data collected from aeromedical consultations conducted between January 2014 and December 2022. Parameters examined included demographic information such as sex, age, flight crew classification, and diagnosis. Results: Out of the cases reviewed, 31 patients were diagnosed with malignant tumors, with an average age at diagnosis of 38.5 years, and a male predominance of 26 cases. The most commonly diagnosed malignancies were thyroid cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer. During the initial aeromedical consultation, 22 cases were temporarily grounded while 8 received waivers. Conclusion: Given the potential rise in malignant tumor incidence among flight crews due to advancements in medical technology facilitating early detection, it is imperative to emphasize regular check-ups and carefully evaluate aeromedical suitability for flying.

Pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) syndrome refers to the condition in which the pudendal nerve is entrapped or compressed. Reported cases of PNE associated with ganglion cysts are rare. Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is defined as compression of the sciatic or pudendal nerve due to a non-discogenic pelvic lesion. We report a case of PNE caused by compression from ganglion cysts and treated with steroid injection; we discuss this case in the context of DGS. A 77-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of tingling and burning sensations in the left buttock and perineal area. Ultrasonography showed ganglion cystic lesions at the subgluteal space. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cystic lesions along the pudendal nerve from below the piriformis to the Alcock’s canal and a full-thickness tear of the proximal hamstring tendon. Aspiration of the cysts did not yield any material. We then injected steroid into the cysts, which resolved her symptoms. Steroid injection into a ganglion cyst should be considered as a treatment option for PNE caused by ganglion cysts.

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver. They are generally asymptomatic, but giant hemangiomas can lead to abdominal discomfort, bleeding, or obstructive symptoms. Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a rare but life-threatening complication of hemangioma, characterized by consumptive coagulopathy with large vascular tumors. More than 80% of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome cases occur within the first year of life. However, there are few reports of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome with giant hepatic hemangioma in adults and, as far as we know, no reports of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome with hepatic hemangioma treated with first line medical treatment only. The most important treatment for this syndrome is removal of the large vascular tumor. However, surgical treatment entails risk of bleeding, and the patient’s condition can mitigate against surgery. We herein present a case of unresectable giant hepatic hemangioma with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. The patient was a 60-year-old woman who complained of hematochezia, ecchymosis, and abdominal distension. She refused all surgical management and was therefore treated with systemic glucocorticoids and beta-blockers. After two weeks of steroid therapy, she responded partially to the treatment. Her laboratory findings and hematochezia improved. She was discharged on hospital day 33 and observed without signs of bleeding for three months. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2016;67:220-223)