A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Bridging Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Vibegron in Treating Korean Patients With Overactive Bladder / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Purpose@#Vibegron, a novel, potent β3 agonist, has been approved for clinical use in overactive bladder (OAB) treatment in Japan and the Unites States. We performed a bridging study to investigate the efficacy and safety of a daily 50-mg vibegron (code name JLP-2002) dose in Korean patients with OAB. @*Methods@#A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted from September 2020 to August 2021. Adult patients with OAB with a symptom duration of more than 6 months entered a 2-week placebo run-in phase. Eligibility was assessed at the end of this phase and selected patients entered a double-blind treatment phase after 1:1 randomization to either the placebo or vibegron (50 mg) group. The study drug was administered once daily for 12 weeks and follow-up visits were scheduled at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The primary endpoint was the change in mean daily micturition at the end of treatment. The secondary endpoints included changes in OAB symptoms (daily micturition, nocturia, urgency, urgency incontinence, and incontinence episodes, and mean voided volume per micturition) and safety. A constrained longitudinal data model was used for statistical analysis. @*Results@#Patients who took daily vibegron had significant improvements over the placebo group in both primary and secondary endpoints, except for daily nocturia episodes. The proportions of patients with normalized micturition and resolution of urgency incontinence and incontinence episodes were significantly higher in vibegron group than in the placebo. Vibegron also improved the patients’ quality of life with higher satisfaction rates. The incidence of adverse events in the vibegron and placebo groups was similar with no serious, unexpected adverse drug reactions. No abnormality in electrocardiographs was observed as well as no significant increase in postvoid residual volume. @*Conclusions@#Once daily vibegron (50 mg) for 12 weeks was effective, safe, and well-tolerated in Korean patients with OAB.

Association between measurement time of fractional excretion rate of sodium and mid-long term clinical prognosis in acute kidney injury patients

Objective@#Rapid identification of the cause for acute kidney injury (AKI) is very crucial. Among the diagnostic indicators of AKI, the fractional excretion rate of sodium (FENa) is clinically considered the most useful indicator. Numerous studies have reported that rapid identification and treatment of AKI improves the short-term clinical prognosis of AKI patients. However, insufficient studies have reported on the benefits of early assessment of FENa to help improve the mid-long term clinical prognosis of AKI patients. @*Methods@#We analyzed the timing of FENa in AKI patients who were admitted through our hospital emergency department, over a period of 3 years. The experimental groups are divided into the early group, measuring FENa within 3 hours after arrival in the emergency room, and the late group, measuring FENa later than 3 hours after arrival in the emergency room. The prognostic outcomes determined are major adverse kidney events (MAKE), including new dialysis, deterioration of kidney function to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and death, as well as MAKE and AKI recurrence (MAKER). @*Results@#Significant differences were obtained between the early group and late group in time taken to start fluid resuscitation (P=0.001), intermittent hemodialysis (P=0.005), and continuous renal replacement therapy (P=0.016), as well as in the mid-long term clinical prognosis of new dialysis (P=0.018) and deterioration of kidney function to CKD (P=0.004). Differences between early group and late group in MAKE (P<0.001) and MAKER (P<0.001) were also statistically significant. In the mid-long term clinical prognosis of death (P=0.706) and AKI recurrence (P=0.466), no significant differences were obtained between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#Early measurement of FENa (within 3 hours) for AKI patients visiting the emergency room showed better mid-long term clinical prognosis than patients with delayed FENa measurement.

Association between measurement time of fractional excretion rate of sodium and mid-long term clinical prognosis in acute kidney injury patients

Objective@#Rapid identification of the cause for acute kidney injury (AKI) is very crucial. Among the diagnostic indicators of AKI, the fractional excretion rate of sodium (FENa) is clinically considered the most useful indicator. Numerous studies have reported that rapid identification and treatment of AKI improves the short-term clinical prognosis of AKI patients. However, insufficient studies have reported on the benefits of early assessment of FENa to help improve the mid-long term clinical prognosis of AKI patients. @*Methods@#We analyzed the timing of FENa in AKI patients who were admitted through our hospital emergency department, over a period of 3 years. The experimental groups are divided into the early group, measuring FENa within 3 hours after arrival in the emergency room, and the late group, measuring FENa later than 3 hours after arrival in the emergency room. The prognostic outcomes determined are major adverse kidney events (MAKE), including new dialysis, deterioration of kidney function to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and death, as well as MAKE and AKI recurrence (MAKER). @*Results@#Significant differences were obtained between the early group and late group in time taken to start fluid resuscitation (P=0.001), intermittent hemodialysis (P=0.005), and continuous renal replacement therapy (P=0.016), as well as in the mid-long term clinical prognosis of new dialysis (P=0.018) and deterioration of kidney function to CKD (P=0.004). Differences between early group and late group in MAKE (P<0.001) and MAKER (P<0.001) were also statistically significant. In the mid-long term clinical prognosis of death (P=0.706) and AKI recurrence (P=0.466), no significant differences were obtained between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#Early measurement of FENa (within 3 hours) for AKI patients visiting the emergency room showed better mid-long term clinical prognosis than patients with delayed FENa measurement.

Subcutaneous Interleukin-2 Monotherapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma in Korean Patients

Purpose@#This study was a prospective single-arm clinical trial aimed at assessing the efficacy and toxicity of subcutaneous interleukin (IL)-2 monotherapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). @*Materials and Methods@#We enrolled 26 patients with metastatic RCC in this multicenter controlled trial. The patients received subcutaneous injections of recombinant IL-2 (BMI-rh-IL2, an aldesleukin biosimilar, BMIKOREA Co., Ltd.) in 5-week cycles. In the first week, the patients received a subcutaneous IL-2 loading dose of 18×106 IU once on treatment days 1–5, followed by 2 days of rest. In the following 3 weeks, they received a dose of 18×106 IU via subcutaneous injection once on treatment days 1 and 2. Then, the patients received a dose of 9×106 IU via subcutaneous injection once on treatment days 3, 4, and 5, followed by 2 days of rest. The primary end point was the objective response rate; the secondary end points were progressionfree survival (PFS) and safety. @*Results@#Overall, 22 patients were included in the final per-protocol analysis. The objective response and the disease control rates were 13.64% (3 of 22), and 90.9% (20 of 22), respectively. The mean PFS was 5.55 months (95% confidence interval, 2.71–8.4). The proportion of patients who experienced a treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse event was 3.85% (1 of 26). There were no treatment-related deaths. @*Conclusions@#In this study, the subcutaneous IL-2 monotherapy regimen demonstrated efficacy and safety comparable to those reported in previous studies of subcutaneous IL-2 monotherapy and was effective in Korean patients with metastatic RCC.

Outcomes of patients treated with Sengstaken-Blakemore tube for uncontrolled variceal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the mortality, bleeding control rate, and their associated predictors in patients treated with Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB) tube for uncontrolled variceal hemorrhage associated with hemodynamic instability or failure of endoscopic treatment. METHODS: The clinical data of 66 consecutive patients with uncontrolled variceal hemorrhage treated with SB tube at Gyeongsang National University Hospital from October 2010 to October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The overall success rate of initial hemostasis with SB tube was 75.8%, and the independent factors associated with hemostasis were non-intubated state before SB tube (odds ratio, 8.50; p = 0.007) and Child-Pugh score < 11 (odds ratio, 15.65; p = 0.022). Rebleeding rate after successful initial hemostasis with SB tube was 22.0%, and esophageal rupture occurred in 6.1%. Mortality within 30 days was 42.4%, and the related independent factors with mortality were failure of initial hemostasis with SB tube (hazard ratio, 6.24; p < 0.001) and endotracheal intubation before SB tube (hazard ratio, 2.81; p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Since the era of endoscopic band ligation, SB tube might be a beneficial option as a temporary salvage treatment for uncontrolled variceal hemorrhage. However, rescue therapy had a high incidence of fatal complication and rebleeding.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Penile Cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the clinicopathologic characteristics of penile cancer, including patterns of therapy, oncologic results, and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and July 2015, 71 patients at 6 institutions who had undergone penectomy or penile biopsy were enrolled. Their medical records were reviewed to identify the mode of therapy, pathology reports, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate. RESULTS: Clinicopathologic and outcome information was available for 52 male patients (mean age, 64.3 years; mean follow-up, 61.4 months). At presentation, 17 patients were node-positive, and 4 had metastatic disease. Management was partial penectomy in 34 patients, total penectomy in 12 patients, and chemotherapy or radiotherapy in 6 patients. The pathology reports were squamous cell carcinoma in 50 patients and other types of carcinoma in the remaining 2 patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a 5-year CSS rate of 84.0%. In univariate and multivariate analyses, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage and pathologic grade were associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Partial penectomy was the most common treatment of penile lesions. The oncologic outcomes were good, with a 5-year CSS of 84.0%. The AJCC stage and pathologic grade were independent prognostic factors for survival.

Severe Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients on Antithrombotic Therapy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: As the elderly population taking antithrombotic therapy (ATT) increases, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding risk during ATT may likely increase. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics of severe upper GI bleeding (UGIB) during ATT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among patients on ATT at Gyeongsang National University Hospital between March 2005 and February 2010, those with severe UGIB requiring endoscopic hemostasis were selected for the study. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed for clinical variables. RESULTS: Among 59,773 patients taking ATT, 125 (0.21%) developed severe UGIB and comprised 12.8% of the overall endoscopic hemostasis cases (125/978) during the same period. The patients with severe UGIB on ATT were older than the ones not on ATT (68.3 vs. 59.9 years, P<0.001). The common indications for ATT were cardiovascular (60.8%, 76/125) and cerebrovascular diseases (25.6%, 32/125). Fifty-nine patients (47.2%) were taking two or more agents, 36 (28.8%) were on aspirin monotherapy, while 22 (17.6%) were taking warfarin alone. Aspirin was involved in 68.8% (86/125) of severe UGIB. According to ATT type, the incidence of severe UGIB was 0.48% with warfarin, 0.38% with aspirin, and 0.33% with clopidogrel. The main causes of severe UGIB were gastric (78, 62.4%) and duodenal ulcers (15, 12.0%). UGIB recurred in 11 cases (8.8%), but all were successfully controlled with repeated hemostasis and there was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of severe UGIB during ATT was 0.21%. Aspirin was the most common agent leading to severe UGIB, but its incidence was highest with warfarin. Gastric ulcer was the most common focus. Endoscopic hemostasis was effective and safe for UGIB during ATT.

Early monitoring for detection of antituberculous drug-induced hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the time of onset of antituberculous drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ADIH) and related characteristics. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 1,031) treated with first-line antituberculous drugs between February 2009 and January 2013 were enrolled. RESULTS: Of the 1,031 patients, 108 patients (10.5%) developed ADIH a mean of 39.6 +/- 43.7 days after treatment initiation. Twenty-eight patients (25.9%) developed ADIH within 7 days, 73 (67.6%) within 30 days, and the rest after 30 days. The 30-day group. In subgroup analysis, the 40 IU/L (odds ratio [OR], 2.995; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.580 to 5.680; p = 0.001) and presence of anti-hepatitis C virus (OR, 4.204; 95% CI, 1.822 to 9.700, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for development of ADIH. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 70% of the cases of ADIH occurred in the first month of antituberculous treatment, and were associated with continuation of the first-line drug regimen.

A Case of Composite Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Neuroendocrine Carcinoma in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis Caused by Chronic Hepatitis B / 대한소화기학회지

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC) is rare and its origin is not clearly understood. The coexistence of PHNEC and hepaotcellular carcinoma has been reported in only a few cases. We report a rare case of combined PHNEC and hepaotcellular carcinoma in a patient with liver cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B that resulted in aggressive behavior and poor prognosis.

A Korean patient with Guillain-Barré syndrome following acute hepatitis E whose cholestasis resolved with steroid therapy

Autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging pathogen in developed countries, and several cases of acute HEV infection have been reported in South Korea. However, there have been no reports on HEV-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Korea. We recently experienced the case of a 58-year-old Korean male with acute HEV infection after ingesting raw deer meat. Persistent cholestasis was resolved by the administration of prednisolone. At 2.5 months after the clinical presentation of HEV infection, the patient developed weakness of the lower limbs, and was diagnosed with GBS associated with acute hepatitis E. To our knowledge, this is the second report on supportive steroid therapy for persistent cholestasis due to hepatitis E, and the first report of GBS in a Korean patient with acute HEV infection.

A Case of Solid Variant of Serous Cystadenoma Misdiagnosed as a Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Pancreas / 대한내과학회지

Rapid advancements, access to and use of imaging techniques have increased the frequency of identification of pancreatic cystic neoplasms in clinical practice. However, a diagnostic dilemma among pancreatic cystic neoplasms remains. Solid variant serous cystadenoma is extremely rare and difficult to accurately diagnose preoperatively, as they are commonly mistaken for malignant solid tumors of other types. Here, we present a case of a solid variant serous cystadenoma preoperatively misdiagnosed as a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas with a review of the relevant literature.

Anisakiasis: Report of 15 Gastric Cases Caused by Anisakis Type I Larvae and a Brief Review of Korean Anisakiasis Cases

The present study was performed to report 15 anisakiasis cases in Korea and to review the Korean cases reported in the literature. Total 32 Anisakis type I larvae were detected in the stomach of 15 patients by the endoscopy. Single worm was detected from 12 cases, and even 9 larvae were found from 2 cases. Epigastric pain was most commonly manifested in almost all cases, and hemoptysis and hematemesis were seen in 1 case each. Symptom manifestations began at 10-12 hr after eating fish in 73.3% cases. Endoscopy was performed 1-2 days after the symptom onset in most cases. The common conger, Conger myriaster, was the probable infection source in 7 cases. In the review of Korean anisakiasis cases, thus far, total 645 cases have been reported in 64 articles. Anisakis type I larva was the most frequently detected (81.3%). The favorable infection site of larvae was the stomach (82.4%). The common conger was the most probable source of human infections (38.6%). Among the total 404 cases which revealed the age and sex of patients, 185 (45.8%) were males, and the remaining 219 (54.2%) were female patients. The age prevalence was the highest in forties (34.7%). The seasonal prevalence was highest in winter (38.8%). By the present study, 15 cases of gastric anisakiasis are added as Korean cases, and some epidemiological characteristics of Korean anisakiasis were clarified.

Symptom and Differences in Medication Adherence in Method of Administration of Tamsulosin, Finasteride Combination Therapy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: It has been reported in several for factors on the drug compliance of patients, number of drug being taken, symptom, and pharmaceutical dosage form. However, Studies of drug compliance by dosing methodologies of tamsulosin, finasteride combination therapy and symptom relief for benign prostatic hyperplasia has not been performed. Therefore, we studied for symptom and differences in medication adherence in method of administration of tamsulosin, finasteride combination therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The groups were consisted in need of combination therapy of tamsulosin, finasteride on benign prostatic hyperplasia, one had packaged both drugs together (Group A, n=30) and the other were individually packaged both agents (Group B, n=30). International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) were checked on first, 4weeks, and 8weeks. The evaluation was carried out of medicine compliance by checking the number of drugs 4weeks-interval. which was every 4weeks during 8weeks. RESULTS: The properties other than the PSA in both groups, there was no statistically significant differences between patients. In first 4weeks, drug compliance of each Group A and B had tamsulosin 82.6%, 93.3% (p=0.033), finasteride 80.1%, 93.3% (p=0.042), and last 4weeks tamsulosin 80.6%, 93.7% (p=0.013), finasteride 79.5%, 93.7% (p=0.002) were checked. Group C, D had 81.4%, 96.4% (p=0.021) on 4weeks, 80.6%, 97.2% (p=0.011) on 8weeks. CONCLUSIONS: For co-administration of finasteride and tamsulosin are required in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, in order to enhance drug compliance, both tablets have to prescript together in one package to be taken at one time is useful.

Comparison of Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Efficacy of Mirodenalfil 50mg Once Daily and 100mg On-Demand in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction: Multicenter, Randomized

PURPOSE: To Compare the improvement of erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as the efficacy of mirodenalfil 50mg once daily and 100mg on-demand in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study was done with 220 patients who had BPH and ED from June 2013 to October 2014. Out of 220 individuals, 260 met inclusion criteria and 204 finished the research. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 had mirodenafil 50mg once daily and Group 2 had mirodenafil 100mg on-demand. The five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Qmax, and residual urine volume(PVR) were assessed immediately before initiation of treatment (V1) and after four (V2) and twelve weeks of treatment (V3). RESULTS: No difference of IIEF-5, IPSS, Qmax, and PVR between two groups in V1. At V3, both groups had improvements of IPSS and group 1 had better improvements (-5.1+/-4.4 vs. -3.1+/-3.9 p<0.001). And Group 1 had larger improvements than Group 2 in Qmax significantly. No difference in PVR in both groups comparing V1 vs. V2 and V1 vs V3. Group 1 had better improved IIEF-5 than Group 2 (V1 vs. V3: 4.8+/-5.8 vs. 4.4+/-5.1; p=0.032). There was no drop out patients due to cardiovascular problems. CONCLUSIONS: Once daily mirodenafil 50mg was more efficacious in treating both ED and LUTS than on-demand dosing mirodenafil 100mg without any complication of cardiovascular problems.

The Relationship Among Obesity, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction in Korea Men

PURPOSE: Pathogenically, both erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are closely related to vascular problems, and vascular problems are closely associated with obesity. This study evaluated the relationships between obesity, BPH, and ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical history of male patients, aged > or =40 years, evaluated at urology outpatient clinics of 11 university hospitals in Korea with chief complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/BPH and ED were retrospectively evaluated. The correlations of medical history, body mass index (BMI), international prostate symptom score (IPSS), prostate volume, International Index of Erectile Function -5 (IIEF-5), and serum testosterone level were assessed. RESULTS: Body mass index showed significant correlations with IPSS (r=0.087, p=0.003), prostate volume (r=0.384, p<0.001), IIEF (r=-0.072, p=0.015), and serum testosterone concentration (r=-0.303, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index correlates with testosterone concentration, prostate volume, and markers of LUTS and ED in men with the latter conditions.

Primary Non-ampullary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: A Single-center Experience for 15 Years / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Primary non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinomas (PNADAs) comprise or =2 mg/dL (OR, 85.28; 95% CI, 3.77-1,938.79; p=0.005) and distant metastasis (OR, 26.74; 95% CI, 3.13-2,328.14; p=0.003) at the time of diagnosis were independent poor prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage. Presence of distant metastasis was independent prognostic factor of PNADA together with elevated total bilirubin.

Ectopic Opening of the Common Bile Duct into the Duodenal Bulb Accompanied with Cholangitis and Gallbladder Cancer: A Report of Two Cases

An ectopic opening of the common bile duct (CBD) into the duodenal bulb is a very rare congenital anomaly of the biliary system, which may cause recurrent duodenal ulcer or biliary diseases such as choledocholithiasis and cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays a major role in the diagnosis of this anomaly. We report two such cases: one in a 61-year-old man and the other in a 57-year-old man. In the first case, this anomaly caused acute cholangitis with multiple CBD stones, which were successfully treated by ERCP. In the second case, abdominal computed tomography showed pneumobilia, which was further evaluated using ERCP. Besides, this patient was diagnosed with an ectopic opening of the CBD associated with gallbladder cancer. We report these unusual cases and review the relevant medical literature.

A Case of Malignant Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor of the Retroperitoneum with Multiple Metastases / 대한소화기학회지

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are unusual mesenchymal neoplasms composed of histologically and immunohistochemically distinct perivascular epithelioid cells (PECs). Although PEComas have the potential to behave in a malignant fashion, malignant PEComas arising from the retroperitoneum are extremely rare. A 68-year-old woman presented with a painful palpable mass in her left upper abdomen. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a 9 cm sized heterogeneous mass in left para-aortic space and multiple hypervascular nodules in the liver. 18F-fludeoxyglucose-PET/CT showed multifocal hypermetabolic lesions in retroperitoneum, liver, and skeletal bones. Percutaneous needle biopsies were done on the retroperitoneal and hepatic mass. Both specimens were positive for human melanoma black-45 (HMB-45) on histological and immunohistochemical staining which was compatible with PEComas. Herein, we report a rare case of retroperitoneal PEComa with multiple metastases involving liver and bone at initial diagnosis that exhibited aggressive behavior and resulted in a devastating prognosis.

A Case of Echinostoma cinetorchis (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) Infection Diagnosed by Colonoscopy

Human cases of echinostomiasis have been sporadically diagnosed by extracting worms in the endoscopy in Korea and Japan. Most of these were caused by Echinostoma hortense infection. However, in the present study, we detected 2 live worms of Echinostoma cinetorchis in the ascending colon of a Korean man (68-year old) admitted to the Gyeongsang National University Hospital with complaint of intermittent right lower quadrant abdominal pain for 5 days. Under colonoscopy, 1 worm was found attached on the edematous and hyperemic mucosal surface of the proximal ascending colon and the other was detected on the mid-ascending colon. Both worms were removed from the mucosal surface with a grasping forceps, and morphologically identified as E. cinetorchis by the characteristic head crown with total 37 collar spines including 5 end-group ones on both sides, disappearance of testes, and eggs of 108x60 microm with abopercular wrinkles. The infection source of this case seems to be the raw frogs eaten 2 months ago. This is the first case of endoscopy-diagnosed E. cinetorchis infection in Korea.

Predictive Factors of Subepithelial Tumor and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in the Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Subepithelial Lesions / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Differentiating subepithelial tumor (SET) from non-neoplastic gastrointestinal subepithelial lesion (SEL) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) from leiomyoma are very important for proper management. This study was conducted to analyze factors that could predict the presence of SET and GIST in patients with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) SELs. METHODS: A total of 527 patients were diagnosed with UGI SELs endosonographically at Gyeongsang National University Hospital from January 2008 to June 2013. Among these patients, histologic diagnosis was made in 84 patients. Data were collected by retrospectively reviewing the medical records. Variables that could differentiate neoplastic from non-neoplastic SELs and GIST from leiomyoma were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 84 patients with SELs, 64 (76.2%) had SETs including GIST (42.9%) and leiomyoma (19.0%). The patients' mean age (p=0.047), peak age distribution (p=0.047), proportions of patient > or =50 years (p=0.015), and number of proper muscle-originated lesions (p=0.001) were higher in neoplastic than non-neoplastic group. There were no significant differences in gender (p=0.195), size (p=0.266) and echogenicity (p=0.051) of the lesions. Older age (57.7 vs. 47.0 years, p=0.049), age > or =50 years (p=0.016), location in gastric body (p or =50 years, size > or =30 mm, and proper muscle-origin of lesion were independent predictors of SET; however, there were no predictive factors that could differentiate GIST from leiomyoma. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SEL, the possibility of having SET should be considered for patients > or =50 years with UGI SELs > or =30 mm that arise from the proper muscle. Thorough monitoring and aggressive management is warranted for those with gastric muscular SET since factors predictive of GIST are lacking.