A case of pathologic splenic rupture as the initial manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia M2

A pathologic splenic rupture refers to a rupture without trauma. A splenic rupture as the initial manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia is extremely rare. In this study, we described a rare case of acute myeloid leukemia presenting principally as an acute abdomen due to a pathologic splenic rupture in a 35-year old male patient. We can assert that a pathologic splenic rupture in hematologic diseases is a potentially life-threatening complication, which necessitates immediate operative intervention. Any such patient complaining about left upper abdominal tenderness should be closely observed, and further diagnostic investigations (ultrasonograph of the abdomen, abdominal CT scan) should be initiated in order to rule out a splenic rupture. The oncologist should be aware of this rare initial presentation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M2, as the condition generally necessitates a prompt splenectomy.

BaTiO3 doped Na0.5K0.5NbO3 thin films deposited by using eclipse shutter enhanced pulsed laser deposition method

We have investigated structural, electrical, and electro-mechanical properties of lead-free piezoelectric BaTiO3 doped Na0.5K0.5NbO3 (BTO-NKN) thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) methods. BTO-NKN thin films have been deposited on La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSCO) bottom electrodes with LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates. X-ray diffraction data have shown that all the BTO-NKN and bottom electrodes are highly oriented with their c-axes normal to the substrates. In order to improve the morphology of BTO-NKN thin films, we have located an eclipse shutter between a target and a substrate. Root-mean-square roughness was changed from 91 nm to 21 nm with eclipse shutter enhanced PLD (E-PLD) method. Furthermore, the enhanced surface morphology leads to the improvement in electrical or electro-mechanical properties mainly due to increased density. Typical capacitance and d33 values of a BTO-NKN film deposited by E-PLD method are 1000 pF and 30 pmN, respectively.

Patterns of hearing loss after microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to analyse audiological data after microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS), and to compare the data with hearing before surgery.

METHODS

Auditory functions were studied before and after surgery in 698 patients who underwent an MVD of the intracranial portion of the facial nerve for HFS. The results were expressed as the average of pure tone audiometry (PTA) and speech discrimination score (SDS).

RESULTS

668 patients (95.7%) had no hearing loss immediately after surgery (group 1). 17 patients (2.4%) had a postoperative decrease in PTA exceeding 15 dB and a decrease in SDS which was proportional to the postoperative PTA thresholds (group 2). Eight patients (1.2%) had poor SDS that appeared to be out of proportion to the degree of hearing loss depicted by the postoperative PTA thresholds, suggesting retrocochlear or cochlear nerve pathology (group 3). Five patients (0.7%) had total deafness after surgery (group 4). In group 2, 12 patients (70.6%) returned to their preoperative hearing capacity. However, among the eight patients in group 3 and five in group 4, only two (25%) and none (0%) have returned to their preoperative hearing status, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this large study, permanent hearing loss occurred in 16 patients (2.2%). Patients with a mild hearing loss with a good SDS (cochlear type) demonstrated much better prognosis than those with poor SDS (retrocochlear type) or total deafness. In addition, total deafness after surgery had no chance of recovery to preoperative hearing capacity.

Primary penile diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated by local excision followed by rituximab-containing chemotherapy

Primary penile lymphoma is rarely observed in cases of extranodal malignant lymphoma. Owing principally to its rarity, no definite treatment modality has been established. We report the case of a 42-year-old man who presented with hematuria and a painless palpable mass on the penis which had persisted for 2 months. A 1.5 x 1.4 cm round mass was detected in the shaft of the penis. Histopathological examination of the excisional biopsy revealed CD20+ diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The patient was classified as having a stage I(AE) lymphoma. Because radiation often causes considerable early morbidity and later loss of function of the penis, 6 cycles of combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) with rituximab were administered at 3-week intervals. After treatment, the patient showed a complete response and has maintained this status for the past 7 months. Multiple options, such as surgical amputation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are available for treatment of this condition. However, in order to minimize treatment-related morbidity and to maintain quality of life after treatment, combination chemotherapy including rituximab could be considered the treatment of choice after local excision.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the small intestine: presentation, prognostic factors and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

Malignant small intestine tumor accounts for 0.1-0.3% of all malignancies. Although primary adenocarcinoma is the most common histologic subtype, there is no report of the clinical characteristics and natural history in the Asian population.

METHODS

We conducted retrospective analysis for the patients with the small intestine adenocarcinoma to explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis. All patients with adenocarcinoma of small intestine diagnosed between March 1997 and March 2007 in the Catholic Medical Center in Korea were identified through the cancer registry. The medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, treatment and outcome data.

RESULTS

Data on 53 patients were available. Twenty-six patients (49.0%) underwent curative resection and 13 patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Fifteen patients received palliative chemotherapy. Median of overall survival of all patients was 12 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.5-15.1 months). Three-year survival and relapse-free survival rates after curative resection was 66.1 and 50.8%, respectively. Median survival of patients received palliative chemotherapy was 8.0 months (95% CI: 3.5-12.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of primary adenocarcinoma of small intestine was poor, especially in cases where curative resection could not to be performed. Further study on the methods for early detection and effective systemic chemotherapy should be investigated.

Annihilation of photochemical reactivity of photo-alignment layer

The gas-polymer and liquid-polymer interfacial reactions of photosensitive polyimide can annihilate photo-reactive carbon-carbon double bonds, which remain after photo-alignment process. The annihilation processes dramatically affect voltage holding ratio and reorientation of photo-active functional groups. Photochemical dimerizations were identified using UV-visible and FT-IR spectroscopy. Polyimide films containing cinnamate groups were irradiated by linear polarized ultra violet (LPUV) light. Schadt et al. claims that the photo-alignment results from the anisotropy depletion of the cinnamate side chains as a consequence of the (2+2) cycloaddition reactions. The photo-aligned polyimide induces the orientation of nematic liquid crystals perpendicular to the polarization axis. However, the un-reacted photo-sensitive functional groups generate problems such as image sticking and reduced contrast ratio. Voltage holding ratio and photo-fading observed from photo-alignment layer can be dramatically improved by annihilation process of remnant photoreactive groups.

Persistent organochlorine residues in estuarine and marine sediments from Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong Bay, and Ba Lat Estuary, Vietnam

To assess the organochlorine contamination in the northeast coastal environment of Vietnam, a total of 41 surface sediments were collected from Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong Bay, and Ba Lat estuary, and analyzed for their organochlorine content. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) were widely distributed in the Vietnamese coastal environment. Among the OCs measured, DDT compounds predominated with concentrations ranging from 0.31 to 274 ng g(-1). The overall contamination level of DDTs in coastal sediments from northern Vietnam is comparable with those from other Asian countries. However, concentrations exceeding 100 ng g(-1) are comparable with high concentrations reported from India and China, the largest DDT consumers in the world. The overall concentrations of PCBs, HCHs, and chlordanes in surface sediments were in the ranges of 0.04-18.71 ng g(-1), not detected (n.d.) - 1.00 ng g(-1), and n.d. - 0.75 ng g(-1), respectively. Ha Long Bay and Hai Phong Bay were relatively more contaminated with DDTs and PCBs than other regions, respectively. In contrast, the distribution of HCHs was relatively homogeneous. OCs contamination in the coastal environment of Vietnam is closely related to shipping and industrial activities. The levels of DDT compounds in harbors and industrial areas exceeded their sediment quality guideline values suggested by Environment Canada [CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment), 2002. Canadian sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. In: Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines. Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Winnipeg, MB] and Australian and New Zealand [ANZECC and ARMCANZ, 2000. National water quality management strategy. Paper No. 4, Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality, vol. 1, The Guidelines. Australia. Document: http://www.deh.gov.au/water/quality/nwqms/volume1.html], indicating that adverse effects may occur to marine species in that areas.

ACE I/D polymorphism in Korean patients with ischemic stroke and silent brain infarction

OBJECTIVES

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism may play a role in stroke and silent brain infarction (SBI) susceptibility, but the results among the populations studied to date have not been consistent. Thus, we investigated the association between ACE genotypes and ischemic stroke and SBI in Korean patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

DNA samples from 237 stroke patients, 264 SBI patients and 234 age-matched controls were amplified using polymerase chain reaction to detect the ACE ins/del (I/D) polymorphism. Genotype was determined by the presence of a 490-bp band (I allele) or a 190-bp band (D allele) in agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Odds ratios of the I/D and D/D genotypes and the overall (I/D + D/D) for the I/I genotype were significantly different between stroke patients and normal controls. However, there was no significant difference between patients with SBI and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first report of a significant association between ACE polymorphism and ischemic stroke in the Asian population. Although no consistent associations have been found between ACE polymorphism and stroke in the populations studied to date, the ACE polymorphism may be a genetic determinant of ischemic stroke, at least in Korean patients.

Circulating stromal cell derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha) is predictive of distant metastasis in gastric carcinoma

This study was conducted to investigate the value of the pretreatment circulating stromal cell derived factor-1alpha(SDF-1alpha) in patients with gastric carcinoma. We measured SDF-1alpha serum concentrations and evaluated the relationship between serum SDF-1alpha and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and clinical factors in 107 gastric cancer patients. Serum levels of SDF-1alpha and VEGF levels were higher in gastric cancer patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Serum SDF-1alpha levels were higher in metastatic patients than non-metastatic patients (p < 0.001). SDF-1alpha levels were correlated with the presence of distant metastases (r = 0.528; p < 0.001) and correlated with VEGF levels (r = 0.789; p < 0.001). SDF-1alpha might serve as a possible marker for predicting or monitoring distant metastasis in gastric carcinoma.

Significance of GLUT1 expression in adenocarcinoma and adenoma of the ampulla of Vater

The expression of glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1) in malignant tumors is increased due to the higher metabolic needs of the proliferating cell populations. Aberrant GLUT1 expression is exhibited in a wide spectrum of epithelial malignancies and their precursors, which occur with low frequency and intensity; aberrant GLUT1 expression does not occur in normal epithelial cells. The expression of GLUT1 in tumors of the ampulla of Vater was evaluated on immunohistochemistry, and the relationships of GLUT1 expression to histological parameters and p53 expression were analyzed. Twenty-one (58.3%) of 36 adenocarcinomas and three (17.6%) of 17 adenomas had GLUT1 immunoreactivity. None of the regenerating or normal epithelia had any immunoreactivity. No significant relationships were found between GLUT1 expression and histological parameters or p53 expression. It was found that histological subtypes originated from different epithelium were strongly related to different macroscopic types. In the ampulla of Vater, GLUT1 expression was associated with malignant change, and might be a useful marker of malignancy.

Fabrication of one-dimensional devices by a combination of AC dielectrophoresis and electrochemical deposition

We demonstrate a hybrid process for fabricating one-dimensional wire devices. The process is a combination of an alignment procedure using dielectrophoresis and subsequent contact metal formation utilizing electrochemical deposition with non-toxic organic-based Au electrolytes. Several devices have been successfully made from GaN nanowires or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using our hybrid technique. We demonstrate that rapid thermal annealing improves the ohmic characteristics by five orders of magnitude in the case of the GaN devices and ∼300% in the case of the MWCNT devices. One of the reasons for this improvement is enhanced gold wetting due to the reduction of grain size at the annealing temperature.

Inhibition of VEGF blocks TGF-beta1 production through a PI3K/Akt signalling pathway

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mediator of airway inflammation and remodelling in asthma. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) plays pivotal roles in diverse biological processes, including tissue remodelling and repair in a number of chronic lung diseases. However, there are few studies elucidating the interactions between VEGF and TGF-beta(1) in allergic airway disease. A murine model of allergic airway disease was used to define the mechanism by which VEGF induces subepithelial fibrosis and to investigate a potential relationship between VEGF and TGF-beta(1) and the mechanisms by which VEGF signalling regulates TGF-beta(1) expression in allergic airway disease. The ovalbumin (OVA)-inhaled murine model revealed the following typical pathophysiological features of allergic airway disease in the lungs: increased numbers of inflammatory cells of the airways, airway hyperresponsiveness, increased peribronchial fibrosis, and increased levels of VEGF and TGF-beta(1). Administration of VEGF inhibitors reduced the pathophysiological signs of allergic airway disease and decreased the increased TGF-beta(1) levels and peribronchial fibrosis, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity after OVA inhalation. In addition, the increased TGF-beta(1) levels and collagen deposition after OVA inhalation were decreased by administration of PI3K inhibitors. These results suggest that inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor attenuates peribronchial fibrosis, at least when mediated by regulation of transforming growth factor-beta(1) expression through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway in a murine model of allergic airway disease.

Unusual presentation of large B cell lymphoma- bone and stomach- treated with autologous transplantation

Extranodal presentation of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBL) is frequently observed in the gastrointestinal tract, CNS, bone, testes and liver. However, the simultaneous detection of multiple extranodal involvement at presentation is quite an uncommon occurrence. In this study, we report on a patient with an uncommon presentation of DLBL, and he had symptoms of left knee joint pain and hematemesis, characterized by bone and stomach involvement. Computed tomography and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scanning revealed a rapid, extensive spread to the bones and soft tissues. Subsequent histopathological examination verified the bony and gastric CD20-positive DLBL localization. We diagnosed this case as DLBL of stage IV with an international prognostic index of 3, and classified him into the high intermediate risk group. This patient was treated via chemotherapy with an R-CHOP regimen. After achieving a partial response, the patient received autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The patient attained partial remission, as shown on the FDG-PET scan, and he displayed improvement of his left femur pain.

Spinal epidural hemangiomas: various types of MR imaging features with histopathologic correlation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Because of the high vascularization of hemangiomas, preoperative misinterpretation may result in unexpected intraoperative hemorrhage and incomplete resection, which results in the persistence of clinical symptoms or recurrence. Our purpose was to analyze various MR imaging features of a spinal epidural hemangioma with histopathologic correlation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After searching through the pathology data bases in 3 hospitals, we included 14 patients (9 male and 5 female; mean age, 38 years; age range, 2-62 years) with spinal epidural hemangiomas confirmed by surgical resection after MR imaging. Three radiologists reviewed the MR imaging in consensus and categorized the features into subtypes on the basis of histopathologic findings.

RESULTS

We categorized the MR imaging features as follows: type A for a cystlike mass with T1 hyperintensity (2 cases, arteriovenous type with an organized hematoma), type B for a cystlike mass with T1 isointensity (3 cases, venous type), type C for a solid hypervascular mass (7 cases, cavernous type), and type D for an epidural hematoma (2 cases, cavernous type with hematoma). Types A and B had frequent single segmental involvement (4/5), whereas types C and D had multisegmental involvement in all. Regardless of MR types, lobular contour (8/14) and a rim of low T2 signal intensity (8/14) of the mass were common. T1 hyperintensity of the mass was occasionally seen (5/14).

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal epidural hemangiomas can have various MR imaging features according to their different histopathologic backgrounds. In addition to common features such as solid hypervascularity, lobular contour, and a rim of low T2 signal intensity, T1 hyperintensity or multisegmental involvement may also be a clue in the differential diagnosis of a spinal epidural hemangioma.

Clinical characteristics of primary peritoneal carcinoma

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to determine the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of women with a primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective clinical study was conducted to evaluate 22 women diagnosed with a PPC from 1993 to 2007 at the Hospitals of The Catholic University of Korea. Diagnoses were based on the Gynecologic Oncology Group criteria and clinical data. We collected patient clinicopathological data including age, presenting symptoms, pretreatment CA-125 values (U/ml), clinical stage (based on the FIGO stage), performance status (using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale), whether cytoreductive surgery was optimal or not, types of chemotherapy and response to treatment. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and response to treatment, time to treatment failure and overall survival.

RESULTS

The median overall survival of all patients was 23.1 months. The estimated 3-year survival rate was 29% (SE, 13%). The response rate to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy was 79% and the median time to treatment failure was 9.9 months (95% confidence interval, 1.38~18.4 months). By univariate and multivariate analysis, performance status was the only significant factor associated with overall survival (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

We evaluated the clinical characteristics and treatment response of patients with a primary peritoneal carcinoma. Our results showed that it is possible to achieve long-term survival in patients with PPC. A further clinical study is to need to establish clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes.

Autologous stem cell transplantation using a modified TAM conditioning regimen for clinically aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

PURPOSE

High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) have been used for the treatment of clinically aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, the superiority of specific conditioning regimens has not yet been established. The present study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of a conditioning regimen involving fractionated total body irradiation (TBI), and the use of Ara-C and melphalan (TAM) for clinically aggressive NHL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2002 and December 2004, 31 patients with aggressive NHL received fractionated TBI with a dose of 12 Gy over 3 days, and were administered 9 g/m(2) Ara-C and 100 mg/m(2) melphalan followed by autologous peripheral blood stem Cell Transplantation at the Catholic Hematopoietic Stem cell transplantation Center Korea. Patients that responded to first line chemotherapy and achieved complete remission (CR), or were in a first sensitive relapse were defined as having less advanced disease, while the other patients were defined as having more advanced disease.

RESULTS

Objective responses were obtained in 24 of 31 patients (77.4%), comprising complete remission in 19 patients (61.3%) and partial remission in 5 (16.1%) patients. The median follow-up time was 28 months (range 1 approximately 62 months). At 3 years, the overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 62.3% and 47.3%, respectively. Patients with less advanced disease and more advanced disease showed 3-year EFS rates of 73.3% and 22.5 %, respectively (p=0.006). Early (within the first 100 days) treatment-related mortality occurred in 3 (9.7%) patients. Of the 31 total patients, 15 (48.4%) developed grade 3 mucositis, 22 (70.9%) developed neutropenic fever, and two (6.5%) developed interstitial pneumonia syndrome>grade 3.

CONCLUSION

The modified TAM conditioning regimen and ASCT appear to be a feasible treatment regimen for clinically aggressive NHL, particularly for patients with less advanced disease.

Dependence of particle volume fraction on sound velocity and attenuation of EPDM composites

The sound velocity and the attenuation coefficient of EPDM (Ethylene-propylene Diene Monomer) composites incorporated with Silicon Carbide particles (SiCp's) of various volume fractions (0-40%) were experimentally and theoretically investigated. For the experiment a through-transmission technique was used. For the theoretical prediction, some mechanical property models such as Reuss model and Coherent Potential Approximation (CPA) model etc. were employed. The experimental results showed that the sound velocity decreased with the increase of the SiCp volume fraction up to 30% and then increased with the 40 vol% specimen. The attenuation coefficient was increased with the increasing SiCp volume fractions. The modified Reuss model with a longitudinal elastic modulus predicted most well the experimental sound velocity and elastic modulus results.

Distribution and characteristics of PAHs in sediments from the marine environment of Korea

To assess the contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the marine environment of Korea, 117 sediment samples along the coast were collected and analyzed. This study provides perspectives on concentration ranges and on geographic distributions of PAHs. Sum of 16 PAHs concentrations are in the range of 8.80-18500 ng/g dry weight. Industrialized and urbanized region showed high level of PAHs contamination. When compared with nationwide monitoring results of USA and UK, concentration of total PAHs are in the order of UK>US>this study. Major PAHs sources inferred from diagnostic indices and statistical approach were both pyrogenic and petrogenic. In coastal and offshore sediments of Korea, 7.76% sites had a mean PAH ERL quotient >1.0, indicating the potential to cause adverse effects in sensitive species. Youngil Bay was recognized as highly contaminated with PAHs, and recommended to be managed with special plan.

Photodetection of basal cell carcinoma using methyl 5-aminolaevulinate-induced protoporphyrin IX based on fluorescence image analysis

BACKGROUND

The preferential accumulation of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in neoplastic cells supports its potential use in the photodetection of porphyrin fluorescence in tumour cells. Hence, epithelial tumours, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), might be visualized using the fluorescence of selectively accumulated ALA-induced PpIX.

AIM

In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of PpIX fluorescence images using fluorescence image analysis (FIA) to define the lateral border between the tumour and tumour-free areas of facial BCC.

METHODS

FIA was used to define the lateral border between the tumour and tumour-free areas on red fluorescence images induced by the topical application of methyl 5-aminolaevulinate (MAL) ointment. According to the FIA results, 50 tissue samples, obtained from 10 patients with BCC, were divided into three categories: tumour area (n = 10), suspected tumour area (n = 20) and suspected tumour-free area (n = 20). These tissue samples were evaluated by histopathological examination. The FIA tool marked out the PpIX fluorescence image for defining the lateral border between the BCC tumour and tumour-free areas.

RESULTS

The rate of tumour detection from BCC lesions using PpIX fluorescence with the FIA tool showed a sensitivity of 94.1% and specificity of 82.6%.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that MAL-induced PpIX fluorescence imaging using FIA is quite sensitive and specific for detecting tumour and occult tumour in facial BCC lesions. This method of presurgical in vivo imaging is therefore proposed as a useful tool for defining the lateral border between BCC tumour and tumour-free areas.

Comparison of the temporary diagnostic relief of transforaminal epidural steroid injection approaches: conventional versus posterolateral technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Conventional transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) has several problems. The purpose of this study was to compare the temporary diagnostic relief and advantages of TFESI performed using the conventional and posterolateral approaches.

METHODS

From August to December 2004, 187 patients received TFESI for lumbar radicular pain. A total of 108 patients (65 women, 43 men; mean age, 56 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In essence, the needle target point was the "safe triangle," but if there was a possibility that the needle could penetrate the nerve root or that the injectate could contact spinal nerve, posterolateral TFESI was used as an alternative. Image analyses of needle positions and chart reviews were performed. Logistic regression analysis and t test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 108 patients, 75 (69.4%) showed an improvement at 2 weeks after TFESI. In 46 patients (42.6%), the needle was located in the posterolateral epidural space, and 33 (71.7%) of those experienced pain relief. Of the 62 patients in whom the needle was located in the anterior epidural position, 42 (68%) experienced pain relief. There was a significant reduction in pain sense for the posterolateral approach (P < .05). However, no statistical difference was found between the 2 approaches and temporary diagnostic relief, and no correlation was found between the other variables tested and temporary diagnostic relief (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the posterolateral approach is an alternative method for TFESI in cases where needle tip positioning in the anterior epidural space is difficult.

Nationwide monitoring of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in sediments from coastal environment of Korea

To assess the organochlorine contamination in the Korean marine environment, a nationwide monitoring study was conducted. A total of 138 surface sediments, covering the whole Korean coast, were collected and analyzed. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) were widely distributed in the Korean coastal environment, with PCB and DDT contamination being particularly prevalent. The overall concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, CHLs, and HCB in surface sediments were in the range of 0.088-199ngg(-1) (median value: 1.56ngg(-1)), 0.006-135ngg(-1) (0.68ngg(-1)), not detected (ND)-5.46ngg(-1) (0.32ngg(-1)), ND-3.26ngg(-1) (0.14ngg(-1)), and ND-2.59ngg(-1) (0.05ngg(-1)), respectively. The southeastern coast was found to be highly contaminated. Overall contamination status of Korean coastal sediments with regard to OCs is lower than that of USA. With the exception of highly industrialized sites, Korean coastal areas in general showed similar OC concentrations to those of other Asian countries. There was a significant correlation between distributions of most organochlorine contaminants with each other. OC contamination is closely related to shipping and industrial activities. Of the 7 sites categorized as highly polluted, 4 are in a harbor zone. Adverse effects to benthic communities are expected at the levels of OC contamination observed from harbor and industrial areas.