• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권7호
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• pp.1132-1141
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• 2021

Objective: To investigate changes in the median nerve, retinaculum, and carpal tunnel on ultrasound after successful endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Materials and Methods: This prospective study involved 37 wrists in 35 patients (5 male, 30 female; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 56.9 ± 6.7 years) with primary carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). An in-house developed scoring system (0-3) was used to gauge the clinical improvement after ECTR. Ultrasound was performed before ECTR, and at 1, 3, and 12 months post-ECTR. Changes in the median nerve, flexor retinaculum, and carpal tunnel morphology on ultrasound after ECTR were analyzed. Ultrasound parameters for different clinical improvement groups were compared. Results: All patients improved clinically after ECTR. The average clinical improvement score ± SD at 12 months post-ECTR was 2.2 ± 0.7. The median nerve cross-sectional area proximal and distal to the tunnel decreased at all time intervals post-ECTR but remained swollen compared to normal values. Serial changes in the median nerve caliber and retinacular bowing after ECTR were more pronounced at the tunnel outlet than at the tunnel inlet. The flexor retinaculum had reformed in 25 (68%) of 37 wrists after 12 months. Conclusion: Postoperative changes in median nerve and retinaculum parameters were most pronounced at the tunnel outlet. Even in patients with clinical improvement after ECTR, nearly all ultrasound parameters remain abnormal at one year post-ECTR. These ultrasound parameters should not necessarily be relied upon to diagnose persistent CTS after ECTR.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권7호
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• pp.1124-1131
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• 2021

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of CT-guided microcoil localization of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) for guiding video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Materials and Methods: Between June 2016 and October 2019, 454 consecutive patients with 501 SPNs who received CT-guided microcoil localization before VATS in our institution were enrolled. The diameter of the nodules was 0.93 ± 0.49 cm, and the shortest distance from the nodules to the pleura was 1.41 ± 0.95 cm. The distal end of the microcoil was placed less than 1 cm away from the nodule, and the proximal end was placed outside the visceral pleura. VATS was performed under the guidance of implanted microcoils without the aid of intraoperative fluoroscopy. Results: All 501 nodules were marked with microcoils. The time required for microcoil localization was 12.8 ± 5.2 minutes. Microcoil localization-related complications occurred in 179 cases (39.4%). None of the complications required treatment. A total of 463 nodules were successfully resected under the guidance of implanted microcoils. VATS revealed 38 patients with dislocated microcoils, of which 28 underwent wedge resection (21 cases under the guidance of the bleeding points of pleural puncture, 7 cases through palpation), 5 underwent direct lobectomy, and the remaining 5 underwent a conversion to thoracotomy. In 4 cases, a portion of the microcoil remained in the lung parenchyma. Conclusion: CT-guided microcoil localization of SPNs is safe and reliable. Marking the nodule and pleura simultaneously with microcoils can effectively guide the resection of SPNs using VATS without the aid of intraoperative fluoroscopy.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.6.1-6.16
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the elemental analysis and microhardness of a bioactive material (Activa) and marginal tooth structure after storage in different media. Materials and Methods: Fifteen teeth received cervical restorations with occlusal enamel and gingival dentin margins using the tested material bonded with a universal adhesive, 5 of them on the 4 axial surfaces and the other 10 on only the 2 proximal surfaces. The first 5 teeth were sectioned into 4 restorations each, then stored in 4 different media; deionized water, Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS), Tris buffer, and saliva. The storage period for deionized water was 24 hours while it was 3 months for the other media. Each part was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis for different substrates/distances and the wt% of calcium, phosphorus, silica, and fluoride were calculated. The other 10 teeth were sectioned across the restoration, stored in either Tris buffer or saliva for 24 hours or 3 months, and were evaluated for microhardness of different substrates/areas. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. Results: Enamel and dentin interfaces in the DPBS group exhibited a significant increase in calcium and phosphorus wt%. Both silica and fluoride significantly increased in tooth structure up to a distance of 75 ㎛ in the 3-month-media groups than the immediate group. Storage media did not affect the microhardness values. Conclusions: SEM-EDS analysis suggests an ion movement between Activa and tooth structure through a universal adhesive while stored in DPBS.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제81권1호
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• pp.81-100
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• 2020

말초신경병증의 진단을 위해 MR neurography의 사용이 점차 증가하고 있다. 고대조도와 고해상도로 말초신경을 직접 영상화한 MR 영상을 MR neurography라고 하고, 지방억제 T2 강조영상과 확산강조영상이 흔히 사용되는 시퀀스이다. 작은 직경, 복잡한 해부학적 구조를 가진 말초신경을 합리적 시간 안에 영상화하기 위해서 최신의 isotropic 3차원 기법, 다양한 고속영상기법, post-processing 영상 기법 등이 사용된다. 이런 발전들로 인해 MR neurography가 유용하게 사용되지만 항상 적절한 MR neurography 영상을 얻을 수 있는 것은 아니다. 적절한 MR neurography 영상을 얻기 위해 영상의학과 의사가 고려해야 할 다음의 몇 가지 쟁점들이 있다. 이에는 적절한 표준 프로토콜의 선책, 지방억제 기법의 선택, 해상도와 field of view와 slice thickness 간의 상호 관계의 이해, 적절한 post-processing 영상 기법의 적용, 2차원 영상획득 기법과 3차원 영상획득 기법의 장단점, 근위부 말초신경과 말단부 말초신경의 T2 대조도의 차이, 말초신경에 인접한 정맥이 MR neurography에 미치는 영향, 확산강조영상에서 기하학적 왜곡의 발생과 적절한 b value의 선택 등이다. 이런 쟁점들을 잘 이해하는 것이 경험이 적은 영상의학과 의사가 적절한 MR neurography 영상을 얻고, 말초신경병증을 정확히 평가하는 데 많은 도움이 될 것이다.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.220-230
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• 2024

Purpose: Prevention of pancreas-related complications after gastric cancer surgery is critical. Polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh reduces postoperative pancreatic fistula formation following pancreatic resection. However, the clinical efficacy of PGA mesh in gastric cancer surgery has not been adequately investigated. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study compared the short-term outcomes between two groups: patients who underwent minimally invasive R0 gastrectomy for gastric cancer with the use of a PGA mesh (PGA group) and those without the use of a PGA mesh (non-PGA group) at the Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo, between January 2019 and May 2023. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for the possible confounding factors. Results: A total of 834 patients were initially included, of whom 614 (307 in each group) remained after PSM. The amylase levels in the drained abdominal fluid on postoperative days 1 and 3 were similar between the PGA and non-PGA groups. The PGA group had a significantly lower incidence of pancreas-related complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 than that in the non-PGA group (6.8% vs. 2.9%, P=0.025). In subgroup analyses, the odds ratio for pancreas-related complications appeared to be better in the PGA group than in the non-PGA group in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification score of 2 or 3, those operated via a laparoscopic approach, and those undergoing procedures other than proximal gastrectomy. Conclusions: The use of PGA mesh significantly reduced pancreas-related complications after minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer and might thus benefit patients at risk of such complications.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.132-140
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• 2024

Background: This study aimed to identify exact anatomical landmarks and ideal injection volumes for safe adductor canal blocks (ACB). Methods: Fifty thighs from 25 embalmed adult Korean cadavers were used. The measurement baseline was the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the midpoint of the patellar base. All target points were measured perpendicular to the baseline. The relevant cadaveric structures were observed using ultrasound (US) and confirmed in living individuals. US-guided dye injection was performed to determine the ideal volume. Results: The apex of the femoral triangle was 25.3 ± 2.2 cm distal to the ASIS on the baseline and 5.3 ± 1.0 cm perpendicular to that point. The midpoint of the superior border of the vasto-adductor membrane (VAM) was 27.4 ± 2.0 cm distal to the ASIS on the baseline and 5.0 ± 1.1 cm perpendicular to that point. The VAM had a trapezoidal shape and was connected as an aponeurosis between the medial edge of the vastus medialis muscle and lateral edge of the adductor magnus muscle. The nerve to the vastus medialis penetrated the muscle proximal to the superior border of the VAM in 70% of specimens. The VAM appeared on US as a hyperechoic area connecting the vastus medialis and adductor magnus muscles between the sartorius muscle and femoral artery. Conclusions: Confirming the crucial landmark, the VAM, is beneficial when performing ACB. It is advisable to insert the needle obliquely below the superior VAM border, and a 5 mL injection is considered sufficient.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.209-216
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastrojejunostomy is a minimally invasive method for the management of gastric outlet obstruction. Conventionally, a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is used to create an anastomosis. However, LAMS is expensive and not widely available. In this report, we described a tubular fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (T-FCSEMS) for this purpose. Methods: Twenty-one patients (15 men [71.4%]; median age, 66 years; range, 40-87 years) were included in this study. A total of 19 malignant (12 pancreatic, 6 gastric, and 1 metastatic rectal cancer) and 2 benign cases were observed. The proximal jejunum was punctured with a 19 G needle. The stomach and jejunum walls were dilated with a 6 F cystotome, and a 20×80 mm polytetrafluoroethylene T-FCSEMS (Hilzo) was deployed. Oral feeding was initiated after 12 to 18 hours and solid foods after 48 hours. Results: The median procedure time was 33 minutes (range, 23-55 minutes). After two weeks, 19 patients tolerated oral feeding. In patients with malignancy, the median survival time was 118 days (range, 41-194 days). No serious complications or deaths occurred. All patients with malignancy tolerated oral food intake until they expired. Conclusions: T-FCSEMS is safe and effective. This stent should be considered as an alternative to LAMS for gastric outlet obstruction.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• 제55권4호
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• pp.532-539
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Capsule enteroscopy (CE) and intestinal ultrasonography (IUS) are techniques that are currently used for investigating small-bowel (SB) diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the main imaging findings and the lesion detection rate (LDR) of CE and IUS in different clinical scenarios involving the SB. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent CE and IUS for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), complicated celiac disease (CeD), and suspected or known inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We evaluated the LDR of both techniques. The accuracy of IUS was determined using CE as the reference standard. Results: A total of 159 patients (113 female; mean age, 49±19 years) were enrolled. The LDR was 55% and 33% for CE and IUS (p<0.05), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the LDR of CE was significantly higher than that of IUS in patients with OGIB (62% vs. 14%, p<0.05) and CeD (55% vs. 35%, p<0.05). IUS showed a similar LDR to CE in patients with suspected or known IBD (51% vs. 46%, p=0.83). Conclusions: CE should be preferred in cases of OGIB and CeD, whereas IUS should be considered an early step in the diagnosis and follow-up of IBD even in patients with a proximal SB localization of the disease.

• 한국간담췌외과학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.149-158
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• 2022

Backgrounds/Aims: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the most common procedure for the management of duodenal pathologies. However, it is associated with substantial morbidity and a low risk of mortality. Pancreas-preserving limited duodenal resection (PPLDR) can be performed under specific scenarios. We share our experience with PPLDR and its outcome. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing limited duodenal resection in the form of wedge (sleeve) resection or segmental resection of one or more duodenal segments from March 2016 to March 2021 at a tertiary care center in North India. Results: During the study period, 10 patients (including 9 males) underwent PPLDR. Five of these 10 patients showed primary duodenal or proximal jejunal pathology, while the remaining five had duodenal pathology involving an adjacent organ tumor. Four patients underwent wedge (sleeve) resection, while the remaining six underwent segmental duodenal resection of one or more duodenal segments. Mean hospital stay was 6 days (range, 3-11 days) without 30-day mortality. Morbidity occurred in 4 patients (Grade I-II, n = 3; Grade III, n = 1). All patients were alive and disease-free at the time of last follow-up. The mean follow-up duration was 23 months (range, 2-48 months). Conclusions: PPLDR is a safe and effective alternative for pancreaticoduodenectomy when selected carefully for specific tumor types and location.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제87권3호
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• pp.349-356
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• 2024

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a fatal disease with varying clinical characteristics and imaging. The aim of this study was to define the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes in patients with APE at a university hospital in Thailand. Methods: Patients diagnosed with APE and admitted to our institute between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical characteristics, investigations, and outcomes were recorded. Results: Over the 6-year study period, 369 patients were diagnosed with APE. The mean age was 65 years; 64.2% were female. The most common risk factor for APE was malignancy (46.1%). In-hospital mortality rate was 23.6%. The computed tomography pulmonary artery revealed the most proximal clots largely in segmental pulmonary artery (39.0%), followed by main pulmonary artery (36.3%). This distribution was consistent between survivors and non-survivors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that APE mortality was associated with active malignancy, higher serum creatinine, lower body mass index (BMI), and tachycardia with adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 3.70 (1.59 to 8.58), 3.54 (1.35 to 9.25), 2.91 (1.26 to 6.75), and 2.54 (1.14 to 5.64), respectively. The prediction model was constructed with area under the curve of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.84). Conclusion: The overall mortality rate among APE patients was 23.6%, with APE-related death accounting for 5.1%. APE mortality was associated with active malignancy, higher serum creatinine, lower BMI, and tachycardia.