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Background@#Angiosarcoma (AS) and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) are rare malignant and borderline malignant vascular tumors that may first present to a dermatologist. There are few Korean studies that particularly focus on their survival due to low incidence. @*Objective@#To investigate the survival and prognostic factors among patients with AS and KS, in addition to their clinical features. @*Methods@#Between 2000∼2021, medical records of 26 AS and 26 KS patients at a single center were analyzed retrospectively. Additionally, we calculated the disease specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) of two diseases. @*Results@#The mean age of patients with AS was 72.9 years and 67.3 years for KS. The most common tumor location was the scalp in patients with AS (80.8%) and the foot (65.4%) in those with KS. In patients with AS, 1-year DSS and OS rates were 36.0% and 34.6%, respectively. Five-year DSS and OS rates were 24.0% and 20.2%, respectively. In patients with KS, the 1-year DSS and OS rates were 96.2% and 84.6%, respectively. The 5-year DSS and OS were 91.6% and 58.0%, respectively. Patients who were older or had larger lesions than average had decreased DSS and OS in AS. Among the patients with KS, immunosuppressed status, including human immunodeficiency virus infection, showed reduced OS. @*Conclusion@#Apart from confirming grave survival of AS and favorable survival of KS, patient’s age and size of lesion affect survival outcomes in patients with AS. Otherwise, immunosuppressed status affects survival outcomes in patients with KS.
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Background@#Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy can be challenging in some patients for medical or oncological reasons. Delayed two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction is a reliable option for these patients. However, data regarding surgical techniques, outcomes, and complication rates are limited. This study reports our experience using the two-stage tissue expander/implant procedure for delayed breast reconstruction. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 32 patients (34 breasts) who underwent delayed two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction at our institution from January 2018 to July 2022. We summarized the techniques used in the procedure and evaluated the 1-year postoperative outcomes and complication rates. @*Results@#The mean time from mastectomy to expander insertion was 210±25 days, and 8.2±2.3 additional expansions were required prior to the implant insertion. The mean time of tissue expansion was 187±15 days, and the mean volume of expansion was 495±31 mL. No major complications occurred that required reoperation, and the patients were highly satisfied with the surgical results. @*Conclusions@#Although delayed two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction resulted in satisfactory outcomes, consensus regarding the operative technique is still needed. Two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction is a safe and effective option for delayed breast reconstruction.
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The face is one of the most important parts of the body. Untreated facial fractures can result in deformities that can be harmful to patients. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a rapidly evolving technology that has recently been widely applied in the medical field as it can potentially improve patient treatment. Although 3D printing technology is mostly used for craniofacial surgery, some studies have proved that it can be used to treat nasoethmoid orbital fractures. In this study, a patient-customized plate was constructed using a 3D printer and applied in a simulated surgery for the treatment of nasoethmoid orbital fracture.
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Background@#In addition to vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are subject to continuous shear stress because of blood circulation. The angiogenic properties of VSMCs in extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may exceed those of normal blood vessels if the body responds more sensitively to mechanical stimuli. This study was performed to investigate the hypothesis that rapid angiogenesis may be achieved by mechanical shear stress. @*Methods@#VSMCs were obtained from six patients who had AVMs and six normal controls. The target genes were set to angiopoietin-2 (AGP2), aquaporin-1 (AQP1), and transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1). Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR were implemented to identify the expression levels for target genes. Immunofluorescence was also conducted. @*Results@#Under the shear stress condition, mean relative quantity values of AGP2, AQP1, and TGFBR1 in AVM tissues were 1.927±0.528, 1.291±0.031, and 2.284±1.461 when compared with neutral conditions. The expression levels of all three genes in AVMs were higher than those in normal tissue except for AQP1 under shear stress conditions. Immunofluorescence also revealed increased staining of shear stress-induced genes in the normal tissue and in AVM tissue. @*Conclusions@#Shear stress made the VSMCs of AVMs more sensitive. Although the pathogenesis of AVMs remains unclear, our study showed that biomechanical stimulation imposed by shear stress may aggravate angiogenesis in AVMs.
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Background@#Venous malformations (VMs) are the most common type of vascular malformations. Intramuscular venous malformations (IMVMs) are lesions involving the muscles, excluding intramuscular hemangiomas. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between patients with IMVMs who were treated with sclerotherapy and those who were treated with surgical excision. @*Methods@#Of 492 patients with VMs treated between July 2011 and August 2020 at a single medical center for vascular anomalies, 63 patients diagnosed with IMVM were retrospectively reviewed. Pain, movement limitations, swelling, and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated subjectively, while radiological outcomes were assessed by qualified radiologists at the center. Complication rates were also evaluated, and radiological and clinical examinations were used to determine which treatment group (sclerotherapy or surgical excision) exhibited greater improvement. @*Results@#Although there were no significant differences in pain (P=0.471), swelling (P=0.322), or the occurrence of complications (P=0.206) between the two treatment groups, the surgical treatment group exhibited significantly better outcomes with regard to movement limitations (P=0.010), QOL (P=0.013), and radiological outcomes (P=0.017). Moreover, both duplex ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed greater improvements in clinical outcomes in the surgical excision group than in the sclerotherapy group. @*Conclusions@#Although several studies have examined IMVM treatment methods, no clear guidelines for treatment selection have been developed. Based on the results of this study, surgical excision is strongly encouraged for the treatment of IMVMs.
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The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, and AI models are increasingly applied in the medical field, especially in medical imaging, pathology, natural language processing, and biosignal analysis. On the basis of these advances, telemedicine, which allows people to receive medical services outside of hospitals or clinics, is also developing in many countries. The mechanisms of deep learning used in medical AI include convolutional neural networks, residual neural networks, and generative adversarial networks. Herein, we investigate the possibility of using these AI methods in the field of craniofacial surgery, with potential applications including craniofacial trauma, congenital anomalies, and cosmetic surgery.
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Background@#Oral propranolol has recently been introduced as a successful treatment for infantile hemangioma (IH).Though, there are limited reports on this treatment including large number of Korean patients with IH covering a long-term powder and solution formulation period. @*Objective@#We investigated the effectiveness and side effects of two different formulations of oral propranolol treatment in patients with IH at a Korean tertiary university hospital. @*Methods@#From June 2011 to October 2019, 375 patients were treated with powder- or solution-type oral propranolol starting at 1 mg/kg/day and increasing up to 3 mg/kg/day. Drug effectiveness was evaluated on four scales through sequential photographs by two dermatologists. Side effects were recorded on a medical chart. @*Results@#Overall, the mean improvement scale was 2.61±0.73 at 3 months after treatment initiation. The scale was higher for solution-type than for powder-type oral propranolol at the 3-month follow-up (2.71±0.79 vs. 2.54±0.67, p＜0.05). The patients’ mean duration of treatment was 8.56±5.85 months, which was shorter for solution-type than for powder-type oral propranolol (6.0 vs. 10.69 months, p＜0.05). Among the total number of patients, 22 reported mild side effects, including loose stools and noticeable sleep disturbance, and few serious side effects such as grunting, while two patients required medical intervention. @*Conclusion@#The patients in our study were effectively treated for IH with oral propranolol without significant side effects and had a shorter treatment duration with solution-type oral propranolol than with powder-type oral propranolol.
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In the 1980s, vascular anomalies were divided into two major subgroups—vascular tumors and vascular malformations—based on the functional framework. This concept has been fundamental to the management of vascular anomalies and expanded and refined by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. Vascular malformations are further sub-divided into several types; however, there are many cases with insufficient information about the disease.Current Concepts: Several instances have shown that the diagnosis of vascular malformations can be achieved after a careful evaluation of patient history and examination. However, recently developed imaging technology has been of great help in the diagnosis. Doppler ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan, and angiography are valuable tools for diagnostic and therapeutic planning. Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies have also provided more accurate and safer diagnoses and appropriate treatment. Recently, an improved method of managing vascular malformations has emerged, based on a multidisciplinary approach, which is very useful for increasing the treatment efficacy. The development of gene research has enabled the investigation of disease-related genes and the development of new medications.Discussion and Conclusion: Accurate diagnosis of vascular malformations is one of the most crucial factors in determining treatment plan and prognosis, based on which it would be possible to achieve effective results through appropriate management and a multidisciplinary team approach.
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Background@#Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is a high-blood-flow lesion with connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed, is difficult to manage. The ear is the second most common site of extracranial AVM. However, studies regarding the management of this condition remain lacking. The purpose of this study was to share managing experiences in our center and to investigate the treatment effect through a retrospective analysis of cases. @*Methods@#Among 265 patients with AVM treated in our vascular anomalies center between January 2008 and January 2021, 10 patients with auricular AVM were included in the study to investigate the lesion distribution, clinical stage, and treatment methods by performing a retrospective evaluation. @*Results@#Among 10 patients, five patients had AVMs distributed in the upper half of the ear, one patient in the lower half of the ear, and four patients in whole ear, respectively. Seven patients had Schobinger stage II, and three had stage III. One patient received surgical treatment only, four patients received sclerotherapy only, and five patients received both surgical treatment and sclerotherapy. The posttreatment status was checked as controlled in two patients, improved in seven patients, persistent in one patient. There were no worsening patients. @*Conclusion@#Auricular AVM is a disease that is difficult to manage by one specific department, thus requiring a collaborative management effort from multidisciplinary team.
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Background@#The use of acellular dermal matrix in implant-based breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy has attracted attention in recent years because it yields good outcomes. Herein, we analyzed the usefulness of meshed SurgiMend in direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. @*Methods@#In this retrospective single-center analysis, 44 one-stage breast reconstructions using SurgiMend were performed in 42 patients from May 2016 to December 2017. The implant was inserted into the subpectoral plane and SurgiMend was applied to the inferolateral part that lacked tissues to wrap the silicone implant. In 19 patients (20 breasts), fenestration was performed with SurgiMend, while in the remaining 23 patients (24 breasts), SurgiMend that was meshed at a ratio of 1:1.5 was used. We analyzed the frequency of complications. Patient satisfaction was compared and analyzed using a five-item questionnaire (shape, texture, symmetry, pain, and overall outcome). @*Results@#The average age of the patients was 43.2 years, and their mean body mass index was 21.1 kg/m2. The average follow-up period was 24.0 months. In the control (fenestrated SurgiMend) and experimental (meshed SurgiMend) groups, major seroma occurred in five of the 20 breasts (25.0%) and two of the 24 breasts (8.3%), respectively. Minor complications were resolved with conservative treatment. The patient satisfaction score for shape, texture, symmetry, pain, and overall satisfaction was 4.3, 4.1, 4.7, 4.5, and 4.4, respectively. @*Conclusions@#Applying meshed SurgiMend in DTI breast reconstruction is a useful surgical technique.
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Background@#Oral propranolol has recently been introduced as a successful treatment for infantile hemangioma (IH).Though, there are limited reports on this treatment including large number of Korean patients with IH covering a long-term powder and solution formulation period. @*Objective@#We investigated the effectiveness and side effects of two different formulations of oral propranolol treatment in patients with IH at a Korean tertiary university hospital. @*Methods@#From June 2011 to October 2019, 375 patients were treated with powder- or solution-type oral propranolol starting at 1 mg/kg/day and increasing up to 3 mg/kg/day. Drug effectiveness was evaluated on four scales through sequential photographs by two dermatologists. Side effects were recorded on a medical chart. @*Results@#Overall, the mean improvement scale was 2.61±0.73 at 3 months after treatment initiation. The scale was higher for solution-type than for powder-type oral propranolol at the 3-month follow-up (2.71±0.79 vs. 2.54±0.67, p＜0.05). The patients’ mean duration of treatment was 8.56±5.85 months, which was shorter for solution-type than for powder-type oral propranolol (6.0 vs. 10.69 months, p＜0.05). Among the total number of patients, 22 reported mild side effects, including loose stools and noticeable sleep disturbance, and few serious side effects such as grunting, while two patients required medical intervention. @*Conclusion@#The patients in our study were effectively treated for IH with oral propranolol without significant side effects and had a shorter treatment duration with solution-type oral propranolol than with powder-type oral propranolol.
ABSTRACT
In the 1980s, vascular anomalies were divided into two major subgroups—vascular tumors and vascular malformations—based on the functional framework. This concept has been fundamental to the management of vascular anomalies and expanded and refined by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. Vascular malformations are further sub-divided into several types; however, there are many cases with insufficient information about the disease.Current Concepts: Several instances have shown that the diagnosis of vascular malformations can be achieved after a careful evaluation of patient history and examination. However, recently developed imaging technology has been of great help in the diagnosis. Doppler ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan, and angiography are valuable tools for diagnostic and therapeutic planning. Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies have also provided more accurate and safer diagnoses and appropriate treatment. Recently, an improved method of managing vascular malformations has emerged, based on a multidisciplinary approach, which is very useful for increasing the treatment efficacy. The development of gene research has enabled the investigation of disease-related genes and the development of new medications.Discussion and Conclusion: Accurate diagnosis of vascular malformations is one of the most crucial factors in determining treatment plan and prognosis, based on which it would be possible to achieve effective results through appropriate management and a multidisciplinary team approach.
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Background@#Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is a high-blood-flow lesion with connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed, is difficult to manage. The ear is the second most common site of extracranial AVM. However, studies regarding the management of this condition remain lacking. The purpose of this study was to share managing experiences in our center and to investigate the treatment effect through a retrospective analysis of cases. @*Methods@#Among 265 patients with AVM treated in our vascular anomalies center between January 2008 and January 2021, 10 patients with auricular AVM were included in the study to investigate the lesion distribution, clinical stage, and treatment methods by performing a retrospective evaluation. @*Results@#Among 10 patients, five patients had AVMs distributed in the upper half of the ear, one patient in the lower half of the ear, and four patients in whole ear, respectively. Seven patients had Schobinger stage II, and three had stage III. One patient received surgical treatment only, four patients received sclerotherapy only, and five patients received both surgical treatment and sclerotherapy. The posttreatment status was checked as controlled in two patients, improved in seven patients, persistent in one patient. There were no worsening patients. @*Conclusion@#Auricular AVM is a disease that is difficult to manage by one specific department, thus requiring a collaborative management effort from multidisciplinary team.
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Background@#The use of acellular dermal matrix in implant-based breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy has attracted attention in recent years because it yields good outcomes. Herein, we analyzed the usefulness of meshed SurgiMend in direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. @*Methods@#In this retrospective single-center analysis, 44 one-stage breast reconstructions using SurgiMend were performed in 42 patients from May 2016 to December 2017. The implant was inserted into the subpectoral plane and SurgiMend was applied to the inferolateral part that lacked tissues to wrap the silicone implant. In 19 patients (20 breasts), fenestration was performed with SurgiMend, while in the remaining 23 patients (24 breasts), SurgiMend that was meshed at a ratio of 1:1.5 was used. We analyzed the frequency of complications. Patient satisfaction was compared and analyzed using a five-item questionnaire (shape, texture, symmetry, pain, and overall outcome). @*Results@#The average age of the patients was 43.2 years, and their mean body mass index was 21.1 kg/m2. The average follow-up period was 24.0 months. In the control (fenestrated SurgiMend) and experimental (meshed SurgiMend) groups, major seroma occurred in five of the 20 breasts (25.0%) and two of the 24 breasts (8.3%), respectively. Minor complications were resolved with conservative treatment. The patient satisfaction score for shape, texture, symmetry, pain, and overall satisfaction was 4.3, 4.1, 4.7, 4.5, and 4.4, respectively. @*Conclusions@#Applying meshed SurgiMend in DTI breast reconstruction is a useful surgical technique.
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Vascular anomalies are congenital localized abnormalities that result from improper development and maintenance of the vasculature. The lesions of vascular anomalies vary in location, type, and clinical severity of the phenotype, and the current treatment options are often unsatisfactory. Most vascular anomalies are sporadic, but patterns of inheritance have been noted in some cases, making genetic analysis relevant. Developments in the field of genomics, including next-generation sequencing, have provided novel insights into the genetic and molecular pathophysiological mechanisms underlying vascular anomalies. These insights may pave the way for new approaches to molecular diagnosis and potential disease-specific therapies. This article provides an introduction to genetic testing for vascular anomalies and presents a brief summary of the etiology and genetics of vascular anomalies.
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Background@#Microtia with constricted features is characterized by a short helical length of variable severity, upper antihelical or scaphal deficiency, and a downfolded upper ear. No consensus has been reached regarding the most appropriate surgical method for this condition. In this study, we aimed to introduce a simple and safe surgical method for the correction or reconstruction of upper helix ear deformities. @*Methods@#Between February 2011 and June 2014, eight patients with microtia with constricted upper helix ear deformity underwent reconstruction of the ear deformity. The upper ear helical framework was constructed by carving and curving the eighth rib cartilage harvested from the ipsilateral chest wall, covering this cartilage with a superficial temporal fascial flap, and adjusting the skin graft to align with the ear contour. To evaluate their satisfaction, patients were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding ear shape, symmetry, position, color, and overall outcome scored on a 5-point scale at 12 months postoperatively. @*Results@#None of the patients experienced severe complications in the reconstructed ear. The preoperative and postoperative vertical ear length ratios were 0.88 and 1.02, respectively. And the mean patient satisfaction scores for shape, symmetry, position, color, and overall outcome were 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 4.4, and 4.6 out of 5 points, respectively. All patients expressed a high level of satisfaction at 12 months postoperatively. @*Conclusions@#Our technique provides a good alternative method for the reconstruction of moderate constricted upper helix ear deformities in patients who meet the surgical indications with satisfactory outcomes and few complications.
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Sinus pericranii is a rare vascular anomaly characterized by abnormal venous communication betweenthe inner and outer regions of the cranial cavity. Here, we report a case of sinus pericraniiand venous malformations in the right periorbital region of a 2-year-old girl. Radiologic findingsshowed venous malformations in the right parietal region communicating with the superior sagittalsinus in the intracranial region. There were notable improvements following surgical resectionfor the abnormal venous lesions and several sclerotherapies. Presence of a bluish and pulsatingmass on the scalp, which showed bruit on auscultation, may indicate sinus pericranii, whichshould be included in the differential diagnosis.
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Rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma (RICH), a subtype of congenital hemangioma (CH), is fully developed at birth and undergoes rapid involution by 6–14 months of age. Clinically, this vascular lesion differs from both non-involuting CH and infantile hemangiomas. It is important to distinguish between this rare condition and other vascular lesions to ensure appropriate management (active intervention vs. non-intervention). We describe 5 patients diagnosed with RICH based on clinicopathological and/or imaging studies. Three patients showed red-stippled bluish to purplish tense plaques and two showed slightly depressed red-stippled hypopigmented rubbery patches at their initial visit. Spontaneous involution commenced shortly after birth, and complete involution occurred by 16.0±9.9 months of age. Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed for further evaluation. Histopathological examination revealed vascular lobules of various sizes without true arteriovenous microfistulae, and thickened intra- and interlobular vessels were prominent with glucose transporter isoform-1 protein negativity.
Subject(s)
Humans , Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative , Hemangioma , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Parturition , Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation , Ultrasonography, DopplerABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Treatment for venous malformations of the head and neck includes sclerotherapy, surgical resection, or a combination of both. Surgical resection can remove or reduce the volume of vascular lesions; however, surgery can cause postoperative scarring and potential surgical complications. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of surgery for the treatment of venous malformations of the head and neck. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who received surgeries for venous malformations of the head and neck from January 2011 to July 2019 was performed. Using clinical photographs, preoperative and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography, outpatient clinic records, and operation records, the postoperative result and complications were evaluated for each case. RESULTS: Among patients who visited our vascular anomalies clinic, 43 patients (ratio of male to female= 24:19) received surgeries for venous malformations of the head and neck. Twenty-nine patients had undergone surgery only, five patients received sclerotherapy after surgery, and nine patients received surgery after preoperative sclerotherapy. In postoperative evaluations, the result was excellent in 24 patients, good in 18 patients, and poor in one patient. Four patients experienced a recurrence of lesions with lagophthalmos, drooping of the corner of the mouth, partial wound necrosis, and scar widening found in one patient each. CONCLUSION: Because the head and neck region is the most exposed area in the body, more active implementation of surgical treatments with or without sclerotherapy is essential to reduce the functional and cosmetic impairments associated with venous malformations.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Cicatrix , Head , Medical Records , Mouth , Neck , Necrosis , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Sclerotherapy , Surgery, Plastic , Ultrasonography, Doppler , Vascular Malformations , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
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.