Thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic results on repeat fine-needle aspiration biopsy: which nodules should be considered for repeat biopsy or surgery rather than follow-up?

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess the clinicopathologic and ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic results on repeat ultrasonography (US)-guided fineneedle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) according to size and the number of suspicious findings and to determine the proper management of nodules with consecutive nondiagnostic results. METHODS: This retrospective study included 297 nodules with nondiagnostic results on repeat FNAB that were evaluated by US over the course of at least 12 months of follow-up, a follow-up biopsy, or an operation. We compared clinical and US variables between benign and malignant nodules in thyroid nodules with repeat nondiagnostic results. RESULTS: The comparison of benign and malignant nodules with repeat nondiagnostic results revealed that age, marked hypoechogenicity, irregular or microlobulated margins, microcalcifications, and nonparallel shape were significantly associated with malignancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis in malignant nodules revealed that microcalcifications and irregular or microlobulated margins were independently associated with malignancy. Among them, only irregular or microlobulated margins were independently significant as a predictor of malignancy in repeatedly nondiagnostic nodules measuring >10 mm. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the best cutoff value for the "number of suspicious findings" between benign and malignant nodules was three in nodules of all sizes, three in nodules measuring ≤10 mm, and two in nodules measuring >10 mm. CONCLUSION: Irregular or microlobulated margins may be the most frequent US features in repeatedly nondiagnostic nodules >10 mm. The presence of "two or more suspicious findings" can be used as the cutoff for distinguishing benign and malignant nodules.

Development and Evaluation of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Education Materials for Middle-aged Korean-Chinese Female Workers: Applying Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT-P)

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the quality (understandability and actionability) of health education materials for Korean-Chinese (KC) female migrant workers, using Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT-P). METHODS: Educational needs assessment was conducted with 3 focus groups with 20 KC women and a focus group with 4 community stakeholders. The quality of the educational materials was evaluated by 3 experts and a community stakeholder, followed by a survey with 15 KC women using 17 items for understandability and 7 items for actionability by means of a Korean version PEMAT-P. RESULTS: The health educational calendar consists of 12 subjects out of 9 topics related to healthy lifestyles for preventing cardiovascular diseases. The overall mean understandability score was 98.8% and the overall mean actionability was 100%. CONCLUSION: Involvement of KC women and community stakeholders in the development of educational materials was found to be an effective strategy for increasing understandability and actionability of educational materials for KC female migrant workers. This study also demonstrates the PEMAT-P is a useful evaluation tool, emphasizing the actionability of educational materials.

Comparison of Intracorneal Inlay for Presbyopia Correction: Hydrogel and Small-Aperture Inlays with a Six- Months Follow-Up

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of corneal reshaping and small-aperture inlays and compare the clinical results. METHODS: From February 2014 to November 2014, 22 corneal reshaping inlays were inserted at Asan Medical Center and from October 2012 to March 2013, 26 small-aperture inlay surgeries were performed: 6 eyes at Asan Medical Center and 20 eyes at Samsung Medical Center. The preoperative and postoperative parameters were reviewed retrospectively and included monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA; log MAR), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA; log MAR), refraction and corneal curvature based on automated refractor keratometry, reading distance and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: In the hydrogel inlay group, preoperative mean monocular UNVA was 0.83 +/- 0.05 and monocular UDVA 0.07 +/- 0.03. At 6 months, mean monocular UNVA was 0.23 +/- 0.05 and UDVA 0.05 +/- 0.02. The most preferred mean reading distance in the hydrogel inlay group was 39.38 +/- 3.18 cm. In the small-aperture inlay group, preoperative mean monocular UNVA was 0.4 +/- 0.06 and monocular uncorrected visual acuity 0.27 +/- 0.04. At 6 months, mean monocular UNVA was 0.11 +/- 0.02 and UDVA 0.09 +/- 0.05 and the most preferred mean reading distance was 44.23 +/- 5.17 cm. Although 85% of patients in the corneal reshaping inlay group were satisfied or very satisfied, only 20% of patients in the small-aperture inlay group were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Both inlays are considered good options for correcting presbyopia. However, postoperative satisfaction score was higher and less glare symptoms were reported in the hydrogel inlay group.

Thyroid nodules with Bethesda System IV Cytology: Can Ultrasonography Differentiate Malignancy from Benign?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify clinical and imaging parameters that can be used in differentiation of benign versus malignancy of preoperative FNA diagnosis of Bethesda system IV nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed clinical, ultrasonographic, and CT findings of 28 thyroid nodules with Bethesda system IV cytology on FNA, which were proven as follicular or Hurthle cell neoplasms on surgical pathology. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences according to age, sex, and ultrasonographic parameters, including echogenicity, margin, calcification, shape, cystic component, and degree of vascularity and enhancement on CT were observed between benign and malignant follicular neoplasms. Only the lesion size was significantly different (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The size of follicular neoplasm is predictive of malignancy. If a thyroid nodule with the Bethesda IV cytology is larger than 24.5 mm, there will be a greater probability of malignancy.

Effects of Cyclosporine 0.05% Ophthalmic Emulsion to Improve Reduction of Tear Production after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of cyclosporine 0.05% in reduced tear production sign and dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery. METHODS: This hospital-based prospective randomized trial included 43 patients of 83 eyes who underwent phacoemulsification. Tear break-up time, Schirmer's test, corneal and conjunctival stain, and ocular surface disease index were performed for all patients at preoperative 1 day, and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months postoperatively. Group 1 received carboxymethylcellulose 0.5%, group 2 received twice-daily cyclosporine 0.05%, and group 3 did not receive any additional eye drops. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups in outcome measures. Two months after cataract surgery, the cyclosporine group showed improved tear break-up time, Schirmer's test I, and corneal and conjunctival staining. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclosporine 0.05% therapy reduced dry eye signs and symptoms after cataract surgery.

Sequential Correction for Large Exotropia: A Case of Iatrogenic Exotropia Developed after Excision of Medial Rectus Muscle During Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

PURPOSE: To report a case of iatrogenic exotropia caused by accidental excision of medial rectus muscle during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which was successfully corrected by sequential surgical intervention (superior and inferior rectus muscle transposition followed by lateral rectus muscle recession). CASE SUMMARY: Forty one year old male patient visited our clinic with large exotropia of the right eye developed after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) which was performed one year ago. At the initial visit in our clinic, there was a large exotropia (95 PD) of the right eye and transection of the medial rectus muscle was observed at the orbital MRI. In order to correct this large iatrogenic exotropia, sequential surgery was planned. Initially, full-tendon transposition of the right superior and inferior rectus muscle was performed which reduced the deviation to 35 PD. Six weeks after the initial surgery, 7 mm right lateral rectus muscle recession was additionally performed, which resulted in exotropia of 10 PD. Diplopia was also improved and the patient was esthetically satisfied with the result. CONCLUSIONS: Even in a case of iatrogenic exotropia following one year after an accidental excision of medial rectus muscle during intranasal sinus surgery, sequential surgery such as transposition of superior and inferior rectus muscle followed by lateral rectus muscle recession can result in satisfying cosmetic and functional improvement.