S F Ko

Publications (98)162.09 Total impact

• Article: Interleukin 10 and residual kidney function are associated with risk of vascular calcification in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

  C-T Lee, Y-C Tsai, C-Y Su, H-Y Ng, C-Y Hsu, S-F Ko, T-C Chen, C-C Kuo, C-C Yang, T T-Y Chiou, W-C Lee, Y-K Yang, K-K Lam
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  ABSTRACT: Vascular calcification is a common complication among dialysis patients and its pathogenesis involves a variety of factors. The roles of pro-inflammatory cytokines and residual kidney function (RKF) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with vascular calcification have not been investigated. 157 stable PD patients were enrolled. All patients had plain X-ray film examination including chest (posterior-anterior view, CXR) and pelvis. Vascular calcification was interpreted as calcified deposit over aortic arch and linear calcification of pelvic arteries. Relevant biochemical data, pro-inflammatory markers, and PD-related factors were measured and collected. Vascular calcification prevalence in CXRs was higher than that in pelvis films (38.2% vs. 22.3%, p < 0.05). Patients with vascular calcification in CXR had higher incidence of calcification in pelvis films (p < 0.05). Only a minor portion (14.6%) had two calcification sites. Regression analysis revealed that age, PD duration, body mass index, and RKF were independent factors associated with vascular calcification in CXR. Age, diabetes, IL-10 and RKF were factors associated in pelvis films. Factors independently related to vascular calcification in both films were age, duration, diabetes, IL-10, and RKF. Besides traditional risk factors, IL-10 and RKF were important factors associated with vascular calcification in PD patients.
  Clinical nephrology 05/2011; 75(5):397-402. · 1.17 Impact Factor
• Article: Retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas: imaging findings.

  L-H Lin, S-F Ko, C-C Huang, S-H Ng, J-W Lin, S-M Sheen-Chen
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  ABSTRACT: Ectopic pancreas is relatively uncommon and usually occurs in the stomach or duodenum. Retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas has not previously been documented. We report the case of a 48-year-old man with retroperitoneal ectopic pancreas that imitated bilateral adrenal tumours on ultrasound and MRI. Subsequent CT-guided biopsies confirmed an ectopic pancreas. The lesions remained stable during follow-up for 7 years. In retrospect, the similarity in signal intensities and enhancement pattern between the retroperitoneal masses and the pancreas may have been a clue to the diagnosis of this rare entity.
  The British journal of radiology 12/2009; 82(984):e253-5. · 2.11 Impact Factor
• Article: Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma: prognostic factors investigated by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging.

  G Lin, C-H Toh, R-C Wu, S-F Ko, S-H Ng, W-C Chou, J-H Tseng
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  ABSTRACT: This study was designed to assess the clinical usefulness of imaging for predicting the prognosis of patients with combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC). Between 1999 and 2004, 30 patients with histopathologically proven cHCC-CC underwent computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The imaging data and survival were analysed. Univariate log-rank analysis of imaging findings revealed that tumour necrosis, bile duct invasion, major vascular branch invasion, multiplicity, bilobar distribution, regional lymph node involvement, regional organ invasion, distant metastasis and ascites had adverse influences on overall survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that major vascular branch invasion, regional organ invasion, nodal and distant metastases were independent prognostic factors that adversely affected overall survival rates. Overall cumulative survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 53%, 26% and 12%, respectively. Analysing the survival of our patients by using clinical stages of the newly updated American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification for liver neoplasm based on the imaging findings, we found significant differences between stages I/II and III (p < 0.001) and between stages III and IV (p = 0.040). We conclude CT or MRI can be used to identify the prognostic factors and to estimate the outcomes of patients with cHCC-CC.
  International Journal of Clinical Practice 06/2007; 62(8):1199-205. · 2.41 Impact Factor
• Article: Successful outpatient treatment of renal vein thrombosis by low-molecular weight heparins in 3 patients with nephrotic syndrome.

  C H Wu, S F Ko, C H Lee, B C Cheng, K T Hsu, J B Chen, Y S Chien, C C Yang, M C Huang, F R Chuang
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  ABSTRACT: Renal vein thrombosis (RV Thromb) is a serious complication ofnephrotic syndrome. Anticoagulation is usually recommended as the treatment of choice. This study reports 3 nephrotic patients diagnosed to have RVThromb combined with thromboembolic events. Low-molecular weight heparin (LMWHep) was given subcutaneously every 12 hours following the diagnosis of RVTromb, which continued at the outpatient clinic after an average of 11 in-hospital days. The patients visited the nephrology outpatient clinic every other week and underwent magnetic resonance image (MRI) studies at 6-week intervals for follow-up of patency of the involved renal vein. LMWHep was discontinued when MRI showed this patency. The average outpatient treatment period was 74 days. There was no recurrent RVThromb in the follow-up course of 6 months after discontinuation of LMWHep. Kidney function was preserved, as indicated by image studies and serial renal function tests. LMWHep produced a more predictable anti-coagulant effect, a superior bioavailability, a longer half-life and a dose-independent effect than unfractionated heparin and coumadin. These benefits made the outpatient treatment of RVThromb possible. Our report recommends outpatient treatment of RVThromb by LMWHep because it is feasible, effective and safe.
  Clinical nephrology 07/2006; 65(6):433-40. · 1.17 Impact Factor
• Article: Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma of the parapharyngeal space.

  S-H Ng, S-F Ko, Y-C Cheung, H-F Wong, S-M Jung
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  ABSTRACT: Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES) is rarely found in the head and neck region. We report here a case of EES of the parapharyngeal space in a 53-year-old man who presented with blurred vision, dysphagia, hoarseness and right facial numbness. CT examination showed a large, seemingly well-defined soft tissue mass in the right parapharyngeal space with skull base destruction and intracranial extension. The patient showed poor response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and died 6 months after initial presentation. A review of the literature revealed no previous reports of EES occurring in the parapharyngeal space.
  British Journal of Radiology 01/2005; 77(924):1046-9. · 1.31 Impact Factor
• Article: Paracardiac pleural Castleman disease: radiographic and MR findings.

  S-H Ng, S-F Ko, J-W Lin, Y-L Wan, M-J Hsieh, T-Y Lee
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  ABSTRACT: Castleman disease is a rare benign lymphoid tumour of uncertain aetiology that usually appears as a solitary mediastinal mass. We report a rare case of Castleman disease in the right paracardiac pleural space, occurring in a young woman with non-specific chest discomfort. MRI showed a well-defined, oval mass that was slightly hyperintense on T(1) weighted images, inhomogeneously hyperintense on T(2) and enhanced T(1) weighted images. The patient underwent radical tumour resection and has remained well for 8 years.
  British Journal of Radiology 06/2004; 77(917):433-5. · 1.31 Impact Factor
• Article: Fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy with modified gastropexy and a large-bore balloon-retained catheter in patients with head and neck tumors.

  S C Chan, S F Ko, S H Ng, Y C Cheung, J T C Chang, C T Liao, H M Wang, K W Lui
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  ABSTRACT: To report on fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy (FPG) using a modified gastropexy technique with the insertion of a large-bore balloon-retained gastrostomy catheter in patients with head and neck tumors. Thirty-four patients with head and neck tumors underwent a modified gastropexy with two T-fasteners followed by the insertion of a 14-F ballooon-retained catheter through a peel-away introducer. The success rate and the complications of the procedures were evaluated at 14 days, 30 days, and 60 days. The complications were classified as: major complications that necessitated intensive and/or surgical treatment; minor complications that could be treated conservatively; and tube-related complications manageable by tube exchange. FPG was technically successful in all cases. There were no major complications, two minor complications where superficial stoma infection was controlled by antibiotics, three minor tube-related complications, all three easily managed by catheter replacement via the original tract. FPG with insertion of a large-bore balloon-retained catheter using a modified gastropexy technique is a safe and effective method that creates a feeding access for patients with head and neck tumors and esophageal obstruction. Minor complications can be managed conservatively. FPG may be a good alternative to surgical or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.
  Acta Radiologica 05/2004; 45(2):130-5. · 1.37 Impact Factor
• Article: Infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration combined with cystic adenomatoid malformation: unusual postnatal computed tomographic features

  C.C. Huang, S. F. Ko, M. Y. Chung, C. S. Shieh, M. M. Tiao, C. C. Lui, S. H. Ng
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  ABSTRACT: We present a surgically proven case of infradiaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration combined with cystic adenomatoid malformation. Prenatal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined hyperintense mass with a hypointense septum in the left infradiaphragmatic region. Postdelivery computed tomography (CT) and 3-month follow-up CT showed replacement of intralesional cystic areas by solid content. Such unusual postnatal CT changes, to our knowledge, have not been previously documented.
  Abdominal Imaging 01/2004; 29(4):439-442. · 1.73 Impact Factor
• Article: Percutaneous puncture and pre-operative cyanoacrylate obliteration of a traumatic false aneurysm of an angular artery branch.

  F Huang, Y-L Kuo, S-F Ko, S-H Ng, C-C Lui, S-F Jeng
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  ABSTRACT: We report a case of traumatic false aneurysm developed in the right glabella in a 5-year-old boy 3 weeks after an innocuous fall. Ultrasound, CT and facial arteriography did not reveal the feeding artery. After direct puncture of the glabellar bulge and rapid aspiration of blood, percutaneous contrast agent infusion revealed that the false aneurysm was supplied by the contralateral angular artery. Intralesional obliteration with cyanoacrylate was subsequently performed smoothly. Succeeding excision was easy and the cosmetic outcome was excellent.
  British Journal of Radiology 11/2003; 76(910):746-9. · 1.31 Impact Factor
• Article: Pedunculated malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumour of the diaphragm presenting as recurrent lung infection: ultrasound diagnosis.

  S-F Ko, S-H Ng, T-Y Lee, P-L Sun, S-Y Lee, C-C Hsiao
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  ABSTRACT: We report a rare case of malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumour of the diaphragm in a 12-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis presented clinically and radiographically as recurrent lung infection. Ultrasound revealed a pedunculated diaphragmatic tumour invading the posterior chest wall. This case highlights that this unusual tumour may limit diaphragmatic excursion leading to, and even being masked by, superimposed lung infection. In patients with neurofibromatosis, ultrasound is recommended when chest radiography shows a basal lung opacity.
  British Journal of Radiology 09/2003; 76(908):574-6. · 1.31 Impact Factor
• Article: The high value of high-resolution computed tomography in predicting the activity of pulmonary tuberculosis.

  Y H Wang, A S Lin, Y F Lai, T Y Chao, J W Liu, S F Ko
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  ABSTRACT: A 2500-bed medical centre in southern Taiwan. To study the clinical value of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in predicting the activity of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). HRCTs were performed prospectively in 148 patients whose chest radiographs (CXRs) showed highly suspicious signs of pulmonary TB, predominantly upper lung field infiltration. The HRCT findings, interpreted independently by a pulmonologist and a radiologist, were used to predict the activity of pulmonary TB. Pulmonologist-interpreted and radiologist-interpreted HRCTs showed high sensitivity (both 93%), specificity (83 vs. 88%), accuracy (86 vs. 90%), positive predictive values (76 vs. 83%) and negative predictive values (both 95%). Kappa statistic indicates good inter-reader agreement. HRCT has a high value in predicting the activity of pulmonary TB. It is a useful tool in this regard when a patient with suspected pulmonary TB lacks microbiologic proof, when clinical condition makes invasive diagnosis impossible or when a patient has completed anti-tuberculosis treatment with no compatible unequivocal CXR.
  The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease: the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease 07/2003; 7(6):563-8. · 2.73 Impact Factor
• Article: Successful treatment of mesenteric vasculitis caused by Henoch-Schönlein purpura with methylprednisolone pulse therapy.

  L Wang, F-C Huang, S-F Ko, M-T Cheng
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  ABSTRACT: Although mesenteric vasculitis due to Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is relatively uncommon, it is the most life-threatening manifestation associated with high mortality. We describe a 15-year-old boy with HSP who had massive gastrointestinal bleeding and ileus but delayed onset of the purpuric rash. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed thickening of both small and large intestinal walls, and CT found prominent mesenteric vessels with comb sign and double wall of the bowel. These findings were consistent with mesenteric vasculitis and bowel ischaemia. The ischaemic intestine recovered after methylprednisolone pulse therapy and surgical intervention was avoided. Our report suggests that corticosteroid pulse therapy may help controlling HSP with massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage and ischaemic bowel due to widespread mesenteric vasculitis.
  Clinical Rheumatology 06/2003; 22(2):140-2. · 2.00 Impact Factor
• Article: Primary osteosarcoma of the uterus with peritoneal osteosarcomatosis: CT features.

  J-W Lin, S-F Ko, S-H Ng, H-L Eng, C-C Changchien, C-C Huang
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  ABSTRACT: A 67-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal pain for 1 month. Pelvic ultrasound revealed a calcified uterine mass and ascites. CT showed a heavily calcified uterine tumour, with ascites and disseminated calcified nodules in the peritoneum. Microscopic and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated features typical of osteosarcoma without any epithelial differentiation. Although rare, uterine osteosarcoma with associated peritoneal osteosarcomatosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of an elderly woman with a calcified uterine mass and disseminated peritoneal calcifications.
  British Journal of Radiology 10/2002; 75(897):772-4. · 1.31 Impact Factor
• Article: Small bowel obstruction due to incarcerated sciatic hernia: ultrasound diagnosis.

  P-C Yu, S-F Ko, T-Y Lee, S-H Ng, C-C Huang, Y-L Wan
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  ABSTRACT: A 71-year-old woman presented with vomiting, abdominal pain and vague right gluteal discomfort. Abdominal ultrasound showed ascites and dilated small bowel loops with peristaltic movement, while transgluteal ultrasound revealed entrapped ascites beneath gluteal muscles and an oedematous, immobile bowel loop trapped between the sacrum and iliac bone with barely visible colour Doppler flow suggestive of an incarcerated sciatic hernia. CT demonstrated similar findings and subsequent surgery confirmed the diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pre-operative diagnosis of incarcerated sciatic hernia on ultrasound.
  British Journal of Radiology 05/2002; 75(892):381-3. · 1.31 Impact Factor
• Article: Endoscopic variceal ligation for intractable esophageal variceal bleeding in children with idiopathic extrahepatic portal vein occlusion: report of three cases.

  C C Chou, H H Shih, S F Ko, M M Tiao, F C Huang
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  ABSTRACT: Extrahepatic portal vein occlusion (EPVO) is an important cause of extrahepatic portal hypertension and variceal hemorrhage in children. We report 3 children with a diagnosis of EPVO and intractable esophageal variceal bleeding who underwent scheduled endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and prophylactic propranolol therapy for eradication of esophageal varices. Complete variceal obliteration was achieved in all 3 children following 3-4 treatment sessions. There were no significant complications or gastrointestinal hemorrhage during a follow-up period of 9 to 31 months after variceal eradication. In conclusion, EVL and long-term propranolol prophylaxis is safe and effective in eradicating bleeding esophageal varices in children with EPVO.
  Chang Gung medical journal 12/2001; 24(11):734-40.
• Article: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis with perforation mimicking intussusception.

  F C Huang, S F Ko, S C Huang, S Y Lee
  Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 12/2001; 33(5):613-5. · 2.30 Impact Factor
• Article: Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma during pregnancy.

  K L Hsu, S F Ko, Y F Cheng, C C Huang
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  ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with pregnancy is unusual. A 33-year-old woman presented at 25 weeks' gestation with sudden, severe epigastric pain for 6 hours. Abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple liver tumors with a small amount of ascites. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an unresectable ruptured liver tumor that was treated by packing. Although a biopsy was nondiagnostic, ultrasound-guided needle biopsy 6 days after cesarean delivery at 41 weeks' gestation showed hepatocellular carcinoma, which was treated with transarterial embolization. At 3.5 years posttherapy, both mother and infant are well. Ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma during pregnancy is rare but should be included in the differential diagnosis of sudden, severe epigastric pain.
  Obstetrics and Gynecology 12/2001; 98(5 Pt 2):913-6. · 4.73 Impact Factor
• Article: False aneurysm and mediastinal hematoma: complications of simultaneous transcatheter therapy for coarctation of the aorta and patent ductus arteriosus in an infant.

  C D Liang, S F Ko, M M Tiao
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  ABSTRACT: We report an infant with intractable congestive heart failure caused by coarctation of the aorta, patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, and multiple muscular ventricular septal defects. He had received balloon angioplasty for dilating the aortic coarctation and a Gianturco coil for closing the ductus at a single therapeutic catheterization session at 4 months old. After balloon angioplasty, his heart failure had dramatically resolved. A false aneurysm and mediastinal hematoma were noted on the following day. The hematoma revealed total resolution 10 weeks later. He was asymptomatic throughout 12 months of follow-up.
  The Journal of invasive cardiology 11/2001; 13(10):710-2. · 1.84 Impact Factor
• Article: Different management options for anaphylactoid purpura with intussusception: a case report.

  W C Li, S F Ko, H W Kuo, S C Huang, C D Liang, M M Tiao
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  ABSTRACT: Intussusception is the most common surgical indication of anaphylactoid purpura. About 50% of cases are of the ileo-ileal type. Surgical intervention, rather than radiologic reduction, is preferable for older children suffering from anaphylactoid purpura with intussusception, where a lead point lesion is often found. The authors report a case of anaphylactoid purpura with intussusception with spontaneous reduction, and postulate that subsequent to relieving bowel-wall edema using antihistamine and steroid therapy, the ileo-ileal intussusception may spontaneously reduce.
  Academic Emergency Medicine 11/2001; 8(10):1005-7. · 1.86 Impact Factor
• Article: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of cerebral glioma after irradiation.

  S H Ng, S F Ko, W C Chen, L M Tang, C N Chang, Y Y Wai, Y L Wan
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  ABSTRACT: Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly employed to assess cerebral gliomas after radiotherapy, but it cannot always differentiate tumor regrowth from post-irradiation changes. In this study, we utilized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to evaluate changes in cerebral metabolites in patients with a cerebral glioma after irradiation. Over a period of 3 years, we performed MRS after MRI whenever soft tissue masses were found on magnetic resonance (MR) images. A total of 122 MR spectra of 58 patients was used for analysis. Spectral interpretations were based on integral values of the N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and choline (Cho) compounds relative to phosphocreatine/creatine (Cr). Our MRS study showed that higher Cho/Cr ratios occurred in regrowing gliomas than for stable diseases (range, 0.9 to 9.5 vs. 0.4 to 2.1; mean, 3.0 vs. 1.2). A greater increment in the Cho/Cr ratio between successive studies was also noted in regrowing gliomas than for stable disease (range, 41% to 87% vs. < 32%). No significant differences in NAA/Cr ratios or lactate were found between these 2 groups. None of our patients exhibited abnormal MR spectra in the mirror area of the contralateral brain. MRS provides valuable information about the metabolism of irradiated gliomas and can be used to exclude radiation encephalopathy of the contralateral brain. Cho is the most reliable indicator of a regrowing glioma. A high Cho/Cr ratio or substantial elevation in the Cho/Cr ratio between serial studies increases the likelihood of tumor regrowth. However, lower Cho/Cr ratios were inconclusive for determining if tumor regrowth or a stable process was occurring.
  Chang Gung medical journal 11/2001; 24(11):708-16.