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Gastric cancer remains a significant global health concern, coercing the need for advancements in imaging techniques for ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potent tool for gastric-cancer imaging, particularly for diagnostic imaging and body morphometry. This review article offers a comprehensive overview of the recent developments and applications of AI in gastric cancer imaging. We investigated the role of AI imaging in gastric cancer diagnosis and staging, showcasing its potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of these crucial aspects of patient management. Additionally, we explored the application of AI body morphometry specifically for assessing the clinical impact of gastrectomy. This aspect of AI utilization holds significant promise for understanding postoperative changes and optimizing patient outcomes. Furthermore, we examine the current state of AI techniques for the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. These prognostic models leverage AI algorithms to predict long-term survival outcomes and assist clinicians in making informed treatment decisions.However, the implementation of AI techniques for gastric cancer imaging has several limitations. As AI continues to evolve, we hope to witness the translation of cutting-edge technologies into routine clinical practice, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes in the fight against gastric cancer.
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Purpose@#Despite scientific evidence regarding laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for advanced gastric cancer treatment, its application in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains uncertain. @*Materials and Methods@#We used the 2019 Korean Gastric Cancer Association nationwide survey database to extract data from 489 patients with primary gastric cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. After propensity score matching analysis, we compared the surgical outcomes of 97 patients who underwent LG and 97 patients who underwent open gastrectomy (OG). We investigated the risk factors for postoperative complications using multivariate analysis. @*Results@#The operative time was significantly shorter in the OG group. Patients in the LG group had significantly less blood loss than those in the OG group. Hospital stay and overall postoperative complications were similar between the two groups. The incidence of Clavien– Dindo grade ≥3 complications in the LG group was comparable with that in the OG group (1.03% vs. 4.12%, P=0.215). No statistically significant difference was observed in the number of harvested lymph nodes between the two groups (38.60 vs. 35.79, P=0.182). Multivariate analysis identified body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.824; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.029–3.234; P=0.040) and extent of resection (OR, 3.154; 95% CI, 1.084–9.174; P=0.035) as independent risk factors for overall postoperative complications. @*Conclusions@#Using a large nationwide multicenter survey database, we demonstrated that LG and OG had comparable short-term outcomes in patients with gastric cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
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Background/Aims@#Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) coinfection may synergistically induce severe inflammatory responses in the stomach tissue, increasing the risk of developing gastric cancer. We aimed to analyze the effect of EBV and HP coinfection on the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of gastric cancer, as well as to evaluate the role of EBV infection in non-gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma (non-GCLS). @*Methods@#Overall, 956 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer between September 2014 and August 2015 were eligible and divided into groups, according to GCLS morphology, EBV infection, and HP infection. Clinicopathologic characteristics and oncologic outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. @*Results@#EBV and HP coinfection was significantly associated with male sex, proximal location, GCLS morphology, and equivocal p53 expression (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that EBV infection alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.362; 95% CI, 0.131 to 0.996; p=0.049) and lower third location (HR, 0.624; 95% CI, 0.413 to 0.943; p=0.025) were inversely correlated with overall survival. During median follow-up period of 72 months, overall survival rate was not significantly different between the EBV and HP coinfection group and others (97.6% vs 86.8%, log-rank p=0.144). In non-GCLS patients (n=920), overall survival rate was not significantly different between the EBV infection group and others (96.9% vs 86.4%, log-rank p=0.126). @*Conclusions@#EBV and HP coinfection is not an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer. EBV infection status, regardless of HP infection, affects the clinicopathologic features of all types of gastric cancer. However, it does not lead to a significant difference in overall survival of nonGCLS patients.
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Background@#Extremely well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (EWDA) is a deceptively bland-looking adenocarcinoma of the stomach. It often causes diagnostic problems, especially in endoscopic biopsy samples. To better recognize this deceptively bland lesion, we carefully reviewed a series of EWDAs treated at our institution. @*Methods@#A total of 55 specimens from 19 patients were obtained. Endoscopic, gross and microscopic features defining EWDA were described and documented. For comparison, hyperplastic polyp specimens were randomly selected and analyzed. @*Results@#Most cases (18 of 19, 94.7%) were advanced gastric cancer (AGC) and primarily located in the body of the stomach (15 of 19, 79.0%). The majority of AGCs were non-ulcerated (11 of 18, 61.1%) with an undermining growth pattern and a relatively small mucosal involvement. Specific histologic features included an irregular glandular shape, an undulating apical cytoplasmic border, disproportionately large glands, a variably distended mucinous cytoplasm. Classical features, such as small infiltrating glands or desmoplastic reactions, were barely observed. Identification of irregularly spaced nuclei and disruption of the foveolar epithelial structure, along with atypical features described above were helpful in making a diagnosis especially in gastric forceps biopsies. @*Conclusions@#Awareness of the histomorphologic characteristics described in this report would lead to timely diagnosis and prevent repeated endoscopic procedures.
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Purpose@#This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of total laparoscopic total gastrectomy without mesentery division (LTG without MD) and conventional total laparoscopic total gastrectomy (CLTG), as well as evaluate the appropriate method for esophagojejunostomy (EJ) reconstruction after total laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed data from 301 consecutive patients who underwent TLTG for upper or middle third gastric cancer between January 2016 and May 2019. After propensity score matching, 95 patients who underwent LTG without MD and 95 who underwent CLTG were assessed. Data on clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes, including operation time, length of postoperative hospital stay, pathological findings, and postoperative complications were analyzed. @*Results@#The LTG without MD group showed a shorter time to first flatus (3.26±0.80 vs.3.62±0.81 days, P=0.003) and a shorter time to soft diet (2.80±2.09 vs. 3.52±2.20 days, P=0.002). The total EJ-related complications in the LTG without MD group were comparable to those in the CLTG group (9.47% vs. 3.16%, P=0.083). EJ-related leakage (6.32% vs. 3.16%, P=0.317) and EJ-related stricture (3.16% vs. 1.05%, P=0.317) rates were not significantly different between the LTG without MD and CLTG groups. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of other early surgical outcomes such as early complications, late complications, hospital stay, and readmission rate. @*Conclusions@#LTG without MD is a safe surgical treatment for upper or middle third gastric cancer. LTG without MD may be an alternative procedure for EJ anastomosis during TLTG.
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Purpose@#Patients who have undergone gastrectomy have unique symptoms that are not appropriately assessed using currently available tools. This study developed and validated a symptom-focused quality of life (QoL) questionnaire for patients who have received gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods Based on a literature review, patient interviews, and expert consultation by the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS), the initial item pool was developed. Two large-scale developmental studies were then sequentially conducted for exploratory factor analyses for content validity and item reduction. The final item pool was validated in a separate cohort of patients and assessed for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and clinical validity. @*Results@#The initial questionnaire consisted of 46-items in 12 domains. Data from 465 patients at 11 institutions, followed by 499 patients at 13 institutions, were used to conduct item reduction and exploratory factor analyses. The final questionnaire (KOQUSS-40) comprised 40 items within 11 domains. Validation of KOQUSS-40 was conducted on 413 patients from 12 hospitals. KOQUSS-40 was found to have good model fit. The mean summary score of the KOQUSS-40 was correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and STO22 (correlation coefficients, 0.821 and 0.778, respectively). The KOQUSS-40 score was also correlated with clinical factors, and had acceptable internal consistency (> 0.7). Test-retest reliability was greater than 0.8. Conclusion The KOQUSS-40 can be used to assess QoL of gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy and allows for a robust comparison of surgical techniques in clinical trials.
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Purpose@#Patients who have undergone gastrectomy have unique symptoms that are not appropriately assessed using currently available tools. This study developed and validated a symptom-focused quality of life (QoL) questionnaire for patients who have received gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods Based on a literature review, patient interviews, and expert consultation by the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS), the initial item pool was developed. Two large-scale developmental studies were then sequentially conducted for exploratory factor analyses for content validity and item reduction. The final item pool was validated in a separate cohort of patients and assessed for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and clinical validity. @*Results@#The initial questionnaire consisted of 46-items in 12 domains. Data from 465 patients at 11 institutions, followed by 499 patients at 13 institutions, were used to conduct item reduction and exploratory factor analyses. The final questionnaire (KOQUSS-40) comprised 40 items within 11 domains. Validation of KOQUSS-40 was conducted on 413 patients from 12 hospitals. KOQUSS-40 was found to have good model fit. The mean summary score of the KOQUSS-40 was correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 and STO22 (correlation coefficients, 0.821 and 0.778, respectively). The KOQUSS-40 score was also correlated with clinical factors, and had acceptable internal consistency (> 0.7). Test-retest reliability was greater than 0.8. Conclusion The KOQUSS-40 can be used to assess QoL of gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy and allows for a robust comparison of surgical techniques in clinical trials.
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Purpose@#The number of bariatric surgeries performed at our tertiary hospital has gradually increased since the national health insurance began to cover their expenses in January of 2019. This study examined the early surgical outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed by experienced gastric cancer surgeons. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed data from 50 patients who underwent LSG between November of 2018 and April of 2020 at the Asan Medical Center by 1 of 5 experienced surgeons each of whom performed approximately 100–300 cases of gastrectomy annually. The age, body mass index (BMI), weight, presence of comorbidities, operation time, hospital stay after surgery, postoperative complications, postoperative excess weight loss (EWL), and resolution of comorbidities were examined. @*Results@#The mean age, BMI, and weight were 37.29±9.77 years, 37.12 kg/m2, and 102.00 kg, respectively. The mean operation time and postoperative length of hospital stay were 109.59±35.88 and 5.06±1.20 days, respectively. Two patients (4.00%) had early postoperative complications and postoperative leakage; bleeding and stenosis were not reported. The EWL after 1 and 6 months of operation was 26.55% and 60.34%, respectively. The resolution of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia after 6 months of operation was 88.89%, 54.54%, and 50.00%, respectively. @*Conclusion@#LSG is safe and effective when performed by an experienced gastric cancer surgeon; however, a long-term follow-up of patients is required.
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Abdominal Muscles , Adipose Tissue , Artificial Intelligence , Dataset , Intra-Abdominal Fat , Learning , Muscle, Skeletal , Muscles , Sarcopenia , Spine , Subcutaneous Fat , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Purpose@#For unresectable or initially metastatic gastric cancer, conversion surgery (CVS), after systemic chemotherapy, has received attention as a treatment strategy. This study evaluated the prognostic value of ypTNM stage and the oncologic outcomes in patients receiving CVS. @*Materials and Methods@#A retrospective review of clinicopathologic findings and oncologic outcomes of 116 patients who underwent CVS with curative intent, after combination chemotherapy, between January 2000 and December 2015, has been reported here. @*Results@#Twenty-six patients (22.4%) underwent combined resection of another organ and 12 patients received para-aortic lymphadenectomy (10.3%). Pathologic complete remission (CR) was confirmed in 11 cases (9.5%). The median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) times were 35.0 and 21.3 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, ypTNM stage was the sole independent prognostic factor for DFS (P=0.042). Tumors invading an adjacent organ or involving distant lymph nodes showed better survival than those with peritoneal seeding or solid organ metastasis (P=0.084). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the 3-year OS rate of patients with pathologic CR and those with CR of the primary tumor but residual node metastasis was 81.8% and 80.0%, respectively. OS was 65.8% for stage 1 patients, 49.8% for those at stage 2, and 36.3% for those at stage 3. @*Conclusions@#The ypTNM staging is a significant prognostic factor in patients who underwent CVS for localized unresectable or stage IV gastric cancers. Patients with locally advanced but unresectable lesions or with tumors with distant nodal metastasis may be good candidates for CVS.
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PURPOSE: The overlap method is one of the most popular procedures for construction of an esophagojejunostomy and its common entry is usually closed with sutures. This study aimed to report long-term complications and surgical outcomes of the overlap method with stapled closure (OMSC), to compare them with those of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG), and to analyze a learning curve.METHODS: Between January 2015 and August 2017, 100 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with OMSC for gastric cancer and the patients' medical records were reviewed. Their clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical outcomes, and long-term complications were investigated and compared with those of the LATG group. A learning curve of OMSC was analyzed using the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average chart.RESULTS: The overall duration of surgery was shorter in the LATG group; however, there was no difference in patients with early gastric cancer. Hospital admission was shorter and the pain scale was lower in the OMSC group. There was no difference in the number of harvested lymph nodes, date of flatus, or incidence of postoperative morbidity. Both groups showed no duodenal stump leakage, anastomosis-related complications, recurrence, or mortality during the follow-up period. Petersen hernia was a notable long-term event following OMSC compared with LATG. At least 27 cases of surgery were required to reach a plateau in terms of surgery duration for OMSC.CONCLUSION: OMSC is a safe option for the treatment of gastric cancer and has favorable long-term results and surgical outcomes. Closure of mesenteric defects and Petersen space should be considered.
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Humans , Flatulence , Follow-Up Studies , Gastrectomy , Hernia , Incidence , Learning Curve , Lymph Nodes , Medical Records , Methods , Mortality , Recurrence , Stomach Neoplasms , SuturesABSTRACT
Recently, sarcopenia has garnered renewed interest. Sarcopenia is a disease characterized by decreased skeletal muscle mass and strength/function, which can impair the quality of life and increase physical disability, adverse metabolic effects, and mortality. Imaging tools for evaluating and diagnosing sarcopenia have developed rapidly. Radiologists should be aware of sarcopenia and its clinical implications. We review current knowledge about sarcopenia, its pathophysiological impact, and advantages and disadvantages of methods for evaluation of sarcopenia focusing on body composition imaging modalities such as whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, CT, and MRI. Controversial issues are discussed, including the lack of consensus and standardization of the disease definition, imaging modality, measurement methods, and diagnostic cutoff points.
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Absorptiometry, Photon , Body Composition , Consensus , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Mortality , Muscle, Skeletal , Quality of Life , SarcopeniaABSTRACT
BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: This multicenter study aims to evaluate the effect and feasibility of anti-reflux surgery compared with medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Patients with GERD who were undergoing medical treatment with proton pump inhibitors for more than 8 weeks and those who were scheduled to undergo anti-reflux surgery were enrolled. Efficacy of pre-operative medical treatment was evaluated retrospectively and effect of anti-reflux surgery was prospectively evaluated at 1 week and 3 months after surgery. Quality of life (QOL) was also investigated before and after surgery. RESULTS: Between February and October 2018, 51 patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for treating GERD at 5 hospitals in Korea. Thirty-four patients (66.7%) showed poor proton pump inhibitor response. At 3 months after surgery, heartburn was completely resolved in 87.9% patients and partially improved in 9.1%. Acid regurgitation was completely resolved in 82.9% and partially improved in 11.4%. Atypical extraesophageal symptoms were completely controlled in 45.5% and partially controlled in 36.4%. GERD-related QOL scores at 1 week after surgery significantly improved compared with pre-operative scores. There was no difference in GERD-related QOL scores between 1 week and 3 months after surgery. General QOL measured with European QOL-5 dimensions and health-related QOL instrument with 8 items significantly improved after anti-reflux surgery. Satisfaction with treatment was significantly higher after surgery than before surgery (72.5% vs 11.8%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Anti-reflux surgery improved GERD symptoms and QOL in patients. Anti-reflux surgery is an effective treatment option compared with medical treatment for GERD patients selected for surgical treatment.
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Humans , Fundoplication , Gastroesophageal Reflux , Heartburn , Korea , Laparoscopy , Prospective Studies , Proton Pump Inhibitors , Proton Pumps , Quality of Life , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Incisional or ventral hernia is a very common multifactorial disease that requires surgery to prevent complications, including pain, discomfort, bowel obstruction, incarceration, and strangulation. To perform herniorrhaphy, it is essential to understand the pathogenesis of hernia, the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal wall, and surgical techniques. Several repair methods are available, including open suture repair, open mesh repair, the component separation technique, and tissue expansion assisted closure. Currently, laparoscopic incisional or ventral hernia repair is commonly used with the major advantage being the lower recurrence and all defects can be addressed at the time of surgery as well as reduced postoperative pain and length of hospital stay. On the other hand, to do it properly, a full understanding and appropriate selection of mesh and management of probable complications, such as seroma, bowel injury, enteric fistula, and recurrence, is essential. Therefore, the surgeon and the techniques used are of paramount importance in the repair of incisional ventral hernias.
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Abdominal Wall , Fistula , Hand , Hernia , Hernia, Ventral , Herniorrhaphy , Incisional Hernia , Length of Stay , Pain, Postoperative , Physiology , Recurrence , Seroma , Sutures , Tissue ExpansionABSTRACT
With the help of the evolution of endoscopic and angiographic intervention, nonsurgical techniques became the procedures of choice for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and role of surgery have been decreased. However, surgical operations are still necessary for controlling bleeding lesions when these maneuvers fail and conventional operations continue to be life-saving in many instances. Laparoscopic surgeries have an advantage of less postoperative pain and wound problem, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stay and been widely used for GI bleeding. An elective laparoscopic resection of the intestine for appropriate indications may be an ideal application of this technique, while emergent use should be tempered by skillful surgeons because most patients are relatively unstable and time-limited. Newly developed technologies will continue to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between gastroenterologists, radiologists, and surgeons by encouraging working in multispecialty teams. This review will address the surgical approach associated with various treatments for GI bleeding according to many kinds of GI bleeding diseases.
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Humans , Cooperative Behavior , Diagnosis , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage , Hemorrhage , Intestines , Laparoscopy , Length of Stay , Pain, Postoperative , Surgeons , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
Herein, we report a 39-year-old female patient presenting with gastric cancer and tuberculous peritonitis. The differential diagnosis between advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis and early gastric cancer with peritoneal tuberculosis (TB), and the treatment of these two diseases, were challenging in this case. Physicians should have a high index of suspicion for peritoneal TB if the patient has a history of this disease, especially in areas with a high incidence of TB, such as South Korea. An early diagnosis is critical for patient management and prognosis. A surgical approach including tissue biopsy or laparoscopic exploration is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
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Adult , Female , Humans , Biopsy , Carcinoma , Diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Early Diagnosis , Incidence , Korea , Peritonitis, Tuberculous , Prognosis , Stomach NeoplasmsABSTRACT
Bariatric surgery is considered to be the most effective treatment modality in maintaining long-term weight reduction and improving obesity-related conditions in patients that are morbidly obese. Since 2003 when the first bariatric surgery was performed in Korea, the annual number of cases has markedly increased. The adjustable gastric banding procedure is known to be less invasive and less destructive than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, and it is unique that the proportion of this procedure is much higher in Korea than in other countries. This phenomenon arises from a misunderstanding that bariatric surgery has an unacceptably high morbidity rate and that it is not superior to nonsurgical treatment to improve obesity and related diseases. To overcome this misunderstanding, it is essential for doctors as well as patients to understand that obesity is a disease entity that requires an intensive treatment and to comprehend that bariatric surgery is a viable treatment for obesity.
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Humans , Bariatric Surgery , Gastrectomy , Gastric Bypass , Korea , Obesity , Weight LossABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture strength of the zirconia ceramic crowns according to tooth position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After 10 metal dies were made for each group, the zirconia ceramic crowns were fabricated using CAD/CAM system (Lava(TM) All-Ceramic System) and each crown was cemented on each metal die with resin cement (Rely X(TM) Unicem). The cemented zirconia ceramic crowns mounted on the testing jig were inclined with 30 degrees to the long axis of the tooth and the universal testing machine was used to measure the fracture strength. RESULTS: 1. The fracture strength of the zirconia ceramic crown in the lower 1st molar (2963 N) had the highest and that in the lower central incisor (1035 N) had the lowest. 2. The fracture strength of zirconia ceramic crown was higher than that of the IPS Empress crowns in all tooth position. 3. The fracture mode of the crowns was similar. Most of fracture lines began at the loading area and extended through proximal surface perpendicular to the long axis of the crowns. 4. There were no significant differences on the fracture strength of the zirconia ceramic crowns according to tooth position except in premolar group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggested that strength of zirconia ceramic crown is satisfactory for clinical use.
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Axis, Cervical Vertebra , Bicuspid , Ceramics , Collodion , Crowns , Incisor , Molar , Resin Cements , Tooth , ZirconiumABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In this paper, we intend to review the postoperative course of patients with a Crohn's anal fistula and/or perianal abscess and determine the relationship between the healing time and Crohn's Disease Acitivity Index (CDAI), the extent of intestinal unflammation, and the types of medical treatment. METHODS: We performed a clinical analysis of the records of 25 Crohn's anal fistula patients (35 operation cases). All patients had undergone operations involving one surgeon at the same hospital between August 1998 and October 2006. We divided the patients into 2 groups (simple vs. complex fistula) and investigated the treatment and clinical course of each group. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 27 years old; the numbers of simple and complex fistulas were 5 (14.3%) and 30 (85.7%), respectively. All simple-group patients healed without recurrence. Moreover, there was no difference in healing time compared with the non-Crohn's patients in the simple-type group (50.4 vs. 45.6 days, P=0.976). However, in the complex group, only 23 cases healed, and the healing time was prolonged significantly compared with that for the non-Crohn's patients in the complex-type group (213 vs. 80 days, P=0.036). The mean healing time was 185.4 days, the number of operations was 1.64, the recurrence rate 32%, and the time to recurrence was about 900 days. Neither CDAI value (mean: 141.6) nor the extent of intestinal inflammation (including rectal inflammation) had any relationship with the healing time (P=0.392, P= 0.911). All patients used azathioprine during treatment, and neither infliximab nor prednisolone medication had any statistically significant effect on the healing time (P=0.73, 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative course of patients in the simple-type group was the same as that for patients with a non-Crohn's anal fistula. On the other hands in the complex-type group, there was frequent recurrence and slow recovery, regardless of the type of operation or medical treatment.
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Adult , Humans , Abscess , Azathioprine , Crohn Disease , Fistula , Hand , Inflammation , Infliximab , Prednisolone , Rectal Fistula , RecurrenceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (patterned baldness) occurs in both sexes showing different clinical features respectively. In men the hait thinning develops at about 20 years of age with a receding anterior hair line. In women it develops at about 30 years of age but the anterior hair liae is kept intact. Recently we have noticed female pattern baldness in young adult females in their early twenties. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory features of female patients with early onset patterned alopecia and to assess their therapeutic results. METHOD: Twenty-five cases of female pattern baldness who sought medical treatment for hair thinning before the age of 25 were examined for their clinical, laboratorial and treatment results. RESULTS: 1. 22.2 years was the average age at which the first medical care was sought and their onset of noticeable hair thinning was on average 18.3 years of age. 2. Aceording to Ludwigs classification, there were 76%(19 cases) with type I alopecia and 24%(6 cases) wit type II. Type III was not found. 3. A family history of patterned alopecia was seen in 56% of the first degree relatives. 4. Associated diseases were as follows: Seborrheic dermatitis(11 cases), hirsutism(9 cases), acne vulgaris(5 cases), menstrual irregularity(5 cases) and one case of each of polycystic ovarian disease, diabetes melitus and pulmonary tuberculosis. 5. Mild to moderate hirsutism was seen in 9(36%) cases in various anatomical locations. The most frequent location was in the linea alba area (6 cases), which was followed by the extremities and upper lip. 6. Serum iron and femtin levels were lower than the normal range in 10 cases(40%) and in 15 cases(60%) respectively, though hemoglobin levels were all normal. 7. Serum total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) levels were increased in 52.1% and 52% patients respectively, compared to the normal range in Korean women. 8. In 12 cases who could be followed up for longer than 3 months, 11(90.2%) cases showed improvement in their hair volume on medical treatment. CONCLUSION: Androgenetic alopecia of females can occur as early as in males. The clinical and laboratory findings of such early female androgenetic alopecia were reported in 25 cases alongside their therapeutic outcomes.