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Objective@#To evaluate the completeness of the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in a general radiology journal using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. @*Materials and Methods@#Twenty-four articles (systematic review and meta-analysis, n = 18; systematic review only, n = 6) published between August 2009 and September 2021 in the Korean Journal of Radiology were analyzed. Completeness of the reporting of main texts and abstracts were evaluated using the PRISMA 2020 statement. For each item in the statement, the proportion of studies that met the guidelines’ recommendation was calculated and items that were satisfied by fewer than 80% of the studies were identified. The review process was conducted by two independent reviewers. @*Results@#Of the 42 items (including sub-items) in the PRISMA 2020 statement for main text, 24 were satisfied by fewer than 80% of the included articles. The 24 items were grouped into eight domains: 1) assessment of the eligibility of potential articles, 2) assessment of the risk of bias, 3) synthesis of results, 4) additional analysis of study heterogeneity, 5) assessment of non-reporting bias, 6) assessment of the certainty of evidence, 7) provision of limitations of the study, and 8) additional information, such as protocol registration. Of the 12 items in the abstract checklists, eight were incorporated in fewer than 80% of the included publications. @*Conclusion@#Several items included in the PRISMA 2020 checklist were overlooked in systematic review and meta-analysis articles published in the Korean Journal of Radiology. Based on these results, we suggest a double-check list for improving the quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Authors and reviewers should familiarize themselves with the PRISMA 2020 statement and check whether the recommended items are fully satisfied prior to publication.
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and reliable assessment and precise detection are important for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Artificial intelligence (AI) using brain MRI applied to the study of neurodegenerative diseases could promote early diagnosis and optimal decisions for treatment plans. MRI-based AI software have been developed and studied worldwide. Representatively, there are MRI-based volumetry and segmentation software. In this review, we present the development process of brain volumetry analysis software in neurodegenerative diseases, currently used and developed AI software for neurodegenerative disease in the Republic of Korea, probable uses of AI in the future, and AI software limitations.
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Over two hundred twenty-eight million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the world have been reported until the 21st of September 2021 after the first rise in December 2019. The virus caused the disease called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Over 4 million deaths blame COVID-19 during the last one year and 8 months in the world. Currently, four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are mainly focused by pandemic studies with limited experiments to translate the infectivity and pathogenicity of each variant. The SARS-CoV-2 α, β, γ, and δ variant of concern was originated from United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil/Japan, and India, respectively. The classification of SARS-CoV-2 variant is based on the mutation in spike (S) gene on the envelop of SARS-CoV-2. This review describes four SARS-CoV-2 α, β, γ, and δ variants of concern including SARS-CoV-2 ε, ζ, η, ι, κ, and B.1.617.3 variants of interest and alert. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 δ variant prevails over different countries that have 3 unique mutation sites: E156del/R158G in the N-terminal domain and T478K in a crucial receptor binding domain. A particular mutation in the functional domain of the S gene is probably associated with the infectivity and pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 variant.
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Recently, a new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (B.1.1.529) Omicron variant originated from South Africa in the middle of November 2021. SARS-CoV-2 is also called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) since SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19. Several studies already suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant would be the fastest transmissible variant compared to the previous 10 SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, interest, and alert. Few clinical studies reported the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant but there is insufficient time to perform actual experiments to prove it, since the spread is so fast. We analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, which revealed a very high rate of mutation at amino acid residues that interact with angiostatin-converting enzyme 2. The mutation rate of COVID-19 is faster than what we prepared vaccine program, antibody therapy, lockdown, and quarantine against COVID-19 so far. Thus, it is necessary to find better strategies to overcome the current crisis of COVID-19 pandemic.
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The diagnostic and treatment methods of multiple myeloma (MM) have been rapidly evolving owing to advances in imaging techniques and new therapeutic agents. Imaging has begun to play an important role in the management of MM, and international guidelines are frequently updated. Since the publication of 2015 International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria for the diagnosis of MM, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or low-dose whole-body computed tomography (CT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT have entered the mainstream as diagnostic and treatment response assessment tools. The 2019 IMWG guidelines also provide imaging recommendations for various clinical settings. Accordingly, radiologists have become a key component of MM management. In this review, we provide an overview of updates in the MM field with an emphasis on imaging modalities.
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The diagnostic and treatment methods of multiple myeloma (MM) have been rapidly evolving owing to advances in imaging techniques and new therapeutic agents. Imaging has begun to play an important role in the management of MM, and international guidelines are frequently updated. Since the publication of 2015 International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria for the diagnosis of MM, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or low-dose whole-body computed tomography (CT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT have entered the mainstream as diagnostic and treatment response assessment tools. The 2019 IMWG guidelines also provide imaging recommendations for various clinical settings. Accordingly, radiologists have become a key component of MM management. In this review, we provide an overview of updates in the MM field with an emphasis on imaging modalities.
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In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the rate of refractory donor site seroma, defined as seroma that persists for at least 3 months postoperatively, as the number of breast reconstructions using a latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap has increased. Various factors have been proposed to be related, including smoking, obesity, flap mass, and body weight, and several studies have been conducted to explore treatment methods. Typically, surgical treatment, such as capsulectomy, has been considered for refractory seroma, but in this case report, we describe positive outcomes achieved by using Abnobaviscum to treat three female patients who developed a donor site seroma at least 3 months after breast reconstruction using an LD flap.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Body Weight , Breast , Mammaplasty , Myocutaneous Flap , Obesity , Seroma , Smoke , Smoking , Superficial Back Muscles , Tissue DonorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To report a minimally invasive treatment option using percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with adjuvant treatment for metastatic thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spinal tumors. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of charts of patients with spinal metastases. All were older than 18 years of age and were considered to have more than 3 months of life expectancy. The patients had single or two level lesions, and compression fracture or impending fracture. Exclusion criterion was metastasis showing severe epidural compression with definite neurological symptoms. Usually spinal segments from one level above to below pathology were stabilized. Visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain assessment and Frankel scale for neurological deficit were used, while pre- and post-operative performance status was evaluated using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). RESULTS: Twelve patients (nine men, three women; median age 54.29 years) underwent surgery. All patients presented with back pain with/without radicular pain. There were no early complications and perioperative mortalities. Following surgery, a significant difference between average pre- and post-operative VAS scores was found (p=0.003). Overall, 91.8% of patients (11/12) experienced improvement in their ECOG score post-operatively. The mean ambulation time was 196.9 days [95% confidence interval (CI), 86.2-307.6 days; median, 97 days]. During follow-up, nine patients died and the mean overall survival time in enrolled twelve patients was 249.9 days (95% CI, 145.3-354.4 days; median, 176 days). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive treatment using percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with adjuvant treatment is a good alternative treatment option for potential instability of the thoraco-lumbar and lumbar spinal metastasis.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Back Pain , Follow-Up Studies , Fractures, Compression , Life Expectancy , Mortality , Neoplasm Metastasis , Pain Measurement , Pathology , Retrospective Studies , Spine , Visual Analog Scale , WalkingABSTRACT
Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by plerocercoid tapeworm larvae of the genus Spirometra. While initially asymptomatic, the migrating larvae initially appear as subcutaneous nodules, which can be mistaken for cancer because all parts of the body can be affected, including the abdominal cavity, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, central nervous system, and even the breasts. Therefore, we report here a case of sparganosis that was differentially diagnosed from recurrence of breast cancer.
Subject(s)
Abdominal Cavity , Breast Neoplasms , Breast , Central Nervous System , Cestoda , Gastrointestinal Tract , Larva , Musculoskeletal System , Recurrence , Sparganosis , SpirometraABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is a biomechanically and anatomically complex region that has traditionally posed problems for surgical access. In this retrospective study, we describe our clinical experiences of the treatment of metastatic spinal tumors at the CTJ and the results. METHODS: From June 2006 to December 2011, 23 patients who underwent surgery for spinal tumors involving the CTJ were enrolled in our study. All of the patients were operated on through the posterior approach, and extent of resection was classified as radical, debulking, and simple neural decompression. Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) was also considered. Visual analog scale score for pain assessment and Medical Research Council (MRC) grade for motor weakness were used, while pre- and post-operative performance status was evaluated using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). RESULTS: Almost all of the patients were operated using palliative surgical methods (91.3%, 21/23). Ten complications following surgery occurred and revision was performed in four patients. Of the 23 patients of this study, 22 showed significant pain relief according to their visual analogue scale scores. Concerning the aspect of neurological and functional recovery, mean MRC grade and ECOG score was significantly improved after surgery (p<0.05). In terms of survival, radiation therapy had a significant role. Median overall survival was 124 days after surgery, and the adjuvant-RT group (median 214 days) had longer survival times than prior-RT (63 days) group. CONCLUSION: Although surgical procedure in CTJ may be difficult, we expect good clinical results by adopting a palliative posterior surgical method with appropriate preoperative preparation and postoperative treatment.
Subject(s)
Humans , Decompression , Pain Measurement , Retrospective Studies , Visual Analog ScaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Melanoma is a malignant neoplasm originating from melanocytes. It has been recently suggested that syndecan-2 may contribute to the aggressive phenotype and metastatic potential of melanoma in cell line studies. However, there is no quantitative analysis of syndecan-2 expression using human melanoma tissue. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the specific expression of syndecan-2 in human melanoma tissue. METHODS: A total of 35 sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were investigated for syndecan-2 expression using immunohistochemical staining. Also, a total of 6 tissues and two kinds of cell lines were analyzed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining of 23 cases of melanoma tissue was done, and in 5 cases (21.7%), strong expression of syndecan-2 was seen. Also, syndecan-2 was detected in human melanoma tissue and MNT-1 melanoma cells by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. CONCLUSION: We suggest that syndecan-2 expression is increased in melanoma compared to nevus. The results of this study may help to explain the clinical features of melanoma and syndecan-2.
Subject(s)
Humans , Blotting, Western , Cell Line , Melanocytes , Melanoma , Nevus , Nevus, Pigmented , Phenotype , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Syndecan-2ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Bone metastasis in breast cancer patients are usually assessed by conventional Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate whole-body bone scan, which has a high sensitivity but a poor specificity. However, positron emission tomography with 18F-2-deoxyglucose (FDG-PET) can offer superior spatial resolution and improved specificity. FDG-PET/CT can offer more information to assess bone metastasis than PET alone, by giving a anatomical information of non-enhanced CT image. We attempted to evaluate the usefulness of FDG-PET/CT for detecting bone metastasis in breast cancer and to compare FDG-PET/CT results with bone scan findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 157 women patients (range: 28~78 years old, mean+/-SD=49.5+/-8.5) with biopsy-proven breast cancer who underwent bone scan and FDG-PET/CT within 1 week interval. The final diagnosis of bone metastasis was established by histopathological findings, radiological correlation, or clinical follow-up. Bone scan was acquired over 4 hours after administration of 740 MBq Tc-99m MDP. Bone scan image was interpreted as normal, low, intermediate or high probability for osseous metastasis. FDG PET/CT was performed after 6 hours fasting. 370 MBq F-18 FDG was administered intravenously 1 hour before imaging. PET data was obtained by 3D mode and CT data, used as transmission correction database, was acquired during shallow respiration. PET images were evaluated by visual interpretation, and quantification of FDG accumulation in bone lesion was performed by maximal SUV(SUVmax) and relative SUV(SUVrel). RESULTS: Six patients(4.4%) showed metastatic bone lesions. Four(66.6%) of 6 patients with osseous metastasis was detected by bone scan and all 6 patients(100%) were detected by PET/CT. A total of 135 bone lesions found on either FDG-PET or bone scan were consist of 108 osseous metastatic lesion and 27 benign bone lesions. Osseous metastatic lesion had higher SUVmax and SUVrel compared to benign bone lesion(4.79+/-3.32 vs 1.45+/-0.44, p=0.000, 3.08+/-2.85 vs 0.30+/-0.43, p=0.000). Among 108 osseous metastatic lesions, 76 lesions showed as abnormal uptake on bone scan, and 76 lesions also showed as increased FDG uptake on PET/CT scan. There was good agreement between FDG uptake and abnormal bone scan finding (Kendall tau-b: 0.689, p=0.000). Lesion showed increased bone tracer uptake had higher SUVmax and SUVrel compared to lesion showed no abnormal bone scan finding (6.03+/-3.12 vs 1.09+/-1.49, p=0.000, 4.76+/-3.31 vs 1.29+/-0.92, p=0.000). The order of frequency of osseous metastatic site was vertebra, pelvis, rib, skull, sternum, scapula, femur, clavicle, and humerus. Metastatic lesion on skull had highest SUVmax and metastatic lesion on rib had highest SUVrel. Osteosclerotic metastatic lesion had lowest SUVmax and SUVrel. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that FDG-PET/CT is more sensitive to detect breast cancer patients with osseous metastasis. CT scan must be reviewed cautiously skeleton with bone window, because osteosclerotic metastatic lesion did not showed abnormal FDG accumulation frequently.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Breast Neoplasms , Breast , Clavicle , Diagnosis , Fasting , Femur , Follow-Up Studies , Humerus , Neoplasm Metastasis , Nuclear Medicine , Pelvis , Positron-Emission Tomography , Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography , Respiration , Ribs , Scapula , Sensitivity and Specificity , Skeleton , Skull , Spine , Sternum , Technetium Tc 99m Medronate , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Retrobulbar hematoma is one of the major complications following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Symptoms and physical findings include temporary blindness, ophthalmoplegia, mydriasis, ptosis, proptosis and eyelid ecchymosis. Recently, we experienced a rare case of the left Horner's syndrome with compressive optic neuropathy resulting from bilateral delayed retrobulbar hematoma after ESS. There is no literature about the Horner's syndrome as a complication of ESS at present. We hereby present this case with an emphasis on the importance of prevention, identification and management of retrobulbar hematoma.
Subject(s)
Blindness , Ecchymosis , Exophthalmos , Eyelids , Hematoma , Horner Syndrome , Mydriasis , Ophthalmoplegia , Optic Nerve DiseasesABSTRACT
Infectious mononucleosis is most commonly caused by Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) and is a self-limited but occasionally life-threatening. Its peculiar characteristics are sore throat, cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Recently, the age of primary EBV infection is becoming late in Korea due to socioeconomic development. So the authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of infectious mononucleosis. The results of clinical and laboratory findings suggest that infectious mononucleosis should be considered as a cause of pharyngotonsillitis and the assessment of viral capsid antigen(VCA) IgM is necessary for the diagnosis of this disease.
Subject(s)
Capsid , Diagnosis , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections , Immunoglobulin M , Infectious Mononucleosis , Korea , Lymphatic Diseases , Pharyngitis , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The number of facial bone fractures are steadily increasing because of increment of traffic volume and expansion of social activity. Also the forms of the fractures show to be more complicated due to increase of traffic vehicles. Facial region has an important role in human aesthetic and functional aspects. Therefore, it it very important to diagnose accurately and treat promptly and appropriately the fracture, to minimize deformity and functional disturbance in the face and enable the patient to socialize normally. OBJECTIVE: Our objective of this study is to elucidate general characteristics of clinical aspect in the facial bone fractures by analyzing the cases with facial bone fractures who diagnosed and treated at Nam Kwang Hospital for recent 2 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 115 patients among 200 patients with facial bone fractures, excluding 85 patients who had only nasal bone fractures, diagnosed and treated at Nam Kwang Hospital from Jan. 1995 to Dec. 1996. The records of the cases were examined and analyzed according to sex and age distribution, cause of injury, symptoms and signs, associated injuries, frequency and treatment modality in each region, and complications. Results and CONCLUSIONS: The results were as follows; 1) Ninty cases(78.3%) were male and the peak age group was third decade(33.0%). 2) The most common cause of injury was motor vehicle accident(53.0%). 3) The most common symptoms and signs were pain, tenderness and edema(100%). 4) The most common associated injury was soft tissue injury(58.3%). 5) Single facial bone fracture was more common(68.7%) and among them, mandibular fracture was the most common. 6) The incidences of anatomical locations of facial bone fracture were mandible(45.2%), zygoma(39.1%), maxilla(17.4%) and frontal bone(14.8%), in order of frequency. 7) In zygomatic fractures, arch fracture was the most common(46.7%). 8) In maxillary fractures, complete Le Fort fracture type I was the most common(20.0%). 9) In orbital fractures, pure blow-out fracture was the most common(52.9%). 10) In mandibular fractures, symphysis and parasymphysis were the most common anatomical site(48.1%). 11) The cases treated with surgical approach were 70.4%. 12) The most common complication was infraorbital nerve dysfunction(6.1%).