A Case of Interstitial Pneumonia in Patients with Psoriasis Treated with Methotrexate / 대한피부과학회지

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly employed in the management of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. We report the case of a 73-year-old man who presented with a persistent cough lasting for 1 month. He had an 11-year history of psoriasis and had received MTX (10.0 mg/wk) over the past 21 months. High-resolution chest computed tomography revealed diffuse ground-glass opacities and bronchiectasis affecting both lung fields. Based on clinical and radiological assessments, the patient was diagnosed with MTX-induced interstitial pneumonia. Notably, significant clinical and radiological improvement was observed 1 month after the discontinuation of MTX and corticosteroid administration. Although some reports have demonstrated lung toxicity in patients receiving high-dose MTX therapy, cases of adverse pulmonary effects following low-dose treatment in patients with psoriasis are rare.This case report underscores the rarity of interstitial pneumonia in a patient with psoriasis undergoing MTX treatment in Korea.

Deep Learning-Based Assessment of Functional Liver Capacity Using Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Hepatobiliary Phase MRI

Objective@#We aimed to develop and test a deep learning algorithm (DLA) for fully automated measurement of the volume and signal intensity (SI) of the liver and spleen using gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase (HBP)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate the clinical utility of DLA-assisted assessment of functional liver capacity. @*Materials and Methods@#The DLA was developed using HBP-MRI data from 1014 patients. Using an independent test dataset (110 internal and 90 external MRI data), the segmentation performance of the DLA was measured using the Dice similarity score (DSS), and the agreement between the DLA and the ground truth for the volume and SI measurements was assessed with a Bland-Altman 95% limit of agreement (LOA). In 276 separate patients (male:female, 191:85; mean age ± standard deviation, 40 ± 15 years) who underwent hepatic resection, we evaluated the correlations between various DLA-based MRI indices, including liver volume normalized by body surface area (LV BSA), liver-to-spleen SI ratio (LSSR), MRI parameter-adjusted LSSR (aLSSR), LSSR x LV BSA, and aLSSR x LV BSA, and the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes (ICG-R15), and determined the diagnostic performance of the DLA-based MRI indices to detect ICG-R15 ≥ 20%. @*Results@#In the test dataset, the mean DSS was 0.977 for liver segmentation and 0.946 for spleen segmentation. The BlandAltman 95% LOAs were 0.08% ± 3.70% for the liver volume, 0.20% ± 7.89% for the spleen volume, -0.02% ± 1.28% for the liver SI, and -0.01% ± 1.70% for the spleen SI. Among DLA-based MRI indices, aLSSR x LV BSA showed the strongest correlation with ICG-R15 (r = -0.54, p < 0.001), with area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.932 (95% confidence interval, 0.895–0.959) to diagnose ICG-R15 ≥ 20%. @*Conclusion@#Our DLA can accurately measure the volume and SI of the liver and spleen and may be useful for assessing functional liver capacity using gadoxetic acid-enhanced HBP-MRI.

Accuracy of the ultrasound attenuation coefficient for the evaluation of hepatic steatosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Purpose@#The accurate detection and quantification of hepatic steatosis using a noninvasive method are important for the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the accuracy of the ultrasound-measured attenuation coefficient (AC) in the evaluation of hepatic steatosis. @*Methods@#The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for prospective studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of AC for assessing hepatic steatosis. The meta-analytic pooled sensitivity and specificity of AC for any grade of steatosis (S≥1) and advanced steatosis (S≥2) were estimated using a bivariate random-effects model. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to investigate the causes of heterogeneity among studies. @*Results@#Thirteen studies including 1,509 patients were identified. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of AC for S≥1 were 76% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73% to 80%; I2=43%) and 84% (95% CI, 77% to 89%; I2=74%), respectively, while for S≥2 they were 87% (95% CI, 83% to 91%; I2=0%) and 79% (95% CI, 75% to 83%; I2=59%), respectively. Study heterogeneity was associated with body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of steatosis or significant fibrosis. @*Conclusion@#AC can be clinically useful for assessing hepatic steatosis, with good overall diagnostic performance. The data reported in the published literature differed according to BMI and the prevalence of steatosis or significant fibrosis, and careful interpretation with consideration of these factors might be needed.

Impact of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System on Research Studies of Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using MRI

Objective@#Since its introduction in 2011, the CT/MRI diagnostic Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) has been updated in 2014, 2017, and 2018. We evaluated the impact of CT/MRI diagnostic LI-RADS on liver MRI research methodology for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). @*Materials and Methods@#The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for original articles reporting the diagnostic performance of liver MRI for HCC between 2011 and 2019. The MRI techniques, image analysis methods, and diagnostic criteria for HCC used in each study were investigated. The studies were classified into three groups according to the year of publication (2011–2013, 2014–2016, and 2017–2019). We compared the percentage of studies adopting MRI techniques recommended by LI-RADS, image analysis methods in accordance with the lexicon defined in LI-RADS, and diagnostic criteria endorsed by LI-RADS. We compared the pooled sensitivity and specificity between studies that used the LI-RADS and those that did not. @*Results@#This systematic review included 179 studies. The percentages of studies using imaging techniques recommended by LI-RADS were 77.8% for 2011–2013, 85.7% for 2014–2016, and 84.2% for 2017–2019, with no significant difference (p = 0.951). After the introduction of LI-RADS, the percentages of studies following the LI-RADS lexicon were 0.0%, 18.4%, and 56.6% in the respective periods (p < 0.001), while the percentages of studies using the LI-RADS diagnostic imaging criteria were 0.0%, 22.9%, and 60.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). Studies that did not use the LI-RADS and those that used the LIRADS version 2018 showed no significant difference in sensitivity and specificity (86.3% vs. 77.7%, p = 0.102 and 91.4% vs. 89.9%, p = 0.770, respectively), with some difference in heterogeneity (I2 = 94.3% vs. 86.7% in sensitivity and I2 = 86.6% vs. 53.2% in specificity). @*Conclusion@#LI-RADS imparted significant changes in the image analysis methods and diagnostic criteria used in liver MRI research for the diagnosis of HCC.

Quality of life changes in elderly patients after gastrectomy: perspective of an aged Asian society in the 2010s

Purpose@#The study aimed to investigate how elderly gastric cancer patients do postoperatively in terms of quality of life (QoL) compared to younger patients. We also investigated how the QoL of elderly gastric cancer patients has changed over the last decade in the aging population. @*Methods@#We included 113 elderly (≥70 years) and 202 younger patients, who underwent distal gastrectomy for stage I gastric cancer during the 2010s. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaires were used to assess preoperative and postoperative (3-month/1-year) QoL. The baseline QoL and postoperative QoL changes were compared. The elderly patients were further grouped into the early- and late-2010s groups, based on the year of surgery, and their QoL and clinical data were compared. @*Results@#The baseline QoL was significantly different on some scales (physical/role functionings, and pain/dyspnea/ dysphagia) in favor of younger patients. The postoperative QoL changes were not different with the exception of emotional functioning (1-year postoperatively) in favor of younger patients. Compared to the early-2010s group, comorbidities were more frequent, and the proportion of stage IA cancer was higher in the late-2010s group. There were no QoL differences with the exception of insomnia and financial difficulties (3-months postoperatively) in favor of the late-2010s group. @*Conclusion@#Despite baseline QoL differences, elderly gastric cancer patients did as well as younger patients in terms of postoperative QoL changes. More elderly gastric cancer patients with comorbidities are undergoing gastrectomies nowadays and it does not cause them a significant QoL disadvantage.

Radiologic Evaluation and Structured Reporting Form for Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer: 2019 Consensus Recommendations from the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology

Radiologic imaging is important for evaluating extrahepatic bile duct (EHD) cancers; it is used for staging tumors and evaluating the suitability of surgical resection, as surgery may be contraindicated in some cases regardless of tumor stage. However, the published general recommendations for EHD cancer and recommendations guided by the perspectives of radiologists are limited.The Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology (KSAR) study group for EHD cancer developed key questions and corresponding recommendations for the radiologic evaluation of EHD cancer and organized them into 4 sections: nomenclature and definition, imaging technique, cancer evaluation, and tumor response. A structured reporting form was also developed to allow the progressive accumulation of standardized data, which will facilitate multicenter studies and contribute more evidence for the development of recommendations.

Diagnostic performance of ultrasonography-guided core-needle biopsy according to MRI LI-RADS diagnostic categories

Purpose@#According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines, biopsy is a diagnostic option for focal hepatic lesions depending on the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) category. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography-guided core-needle biopsy (CNB) according to LI-RADS categories. @*Methods@#A total of 145 High-risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by CNB for a focal hepatic lesion preoperatively were retrospectively enrolled. Focal hepatic lesions on MRI were evaluated according to LI-RADS version 2018. Pathologic results were categorized into HCC, non-HCC malignancies, and benignity. The categorization was defined as correct when the CNB pathology and surgical pathology reports were identical. Nondiagnostic results were defined as inadequate CNB pathology findings for a specific diagnosis. The proportion of correct categorizations was calculated for each LI-RADS category, excluding nondiagnostic results. @*Results@#After excluding 16 nondiagnostic results, 131 lesions were analyzed (45 LR-5, 24 LR-4, 4 LR-3, and 58 LR-M). All LR-5 lesions were HCC, and CNB correctly categorized 97.8% (44/45) of LR-5 lesions. CNB correctly categorized all 24 LR-4 lesions, 16.7% (4/24) of which were non-HCC malignancies. All LR-M lesions were malignant, and 62.1% (36/58) were non-HCC malignancies. CNB correctly categorized 93.1% (54/58) of LR-M lesions, and 12.5% (3/24) of lesions with CNB results of HCC were confirmed as non-HCC malignancies. @*Conclusion@#In agreement with AASLD guidelines, CNB could be helpful for LR-4 lesions, but is unnecessary for LR-5 lesions. In LR-M lesions, CNB results of HCC did not exclude non-HCC malignancy.

Liver-to-Spleen Volume Ratio Automatically Measured on CT Predicts Decompensation in Patients with B Viral Compensated Cirrhosis

Objective@#Although the liver-to-spleen volume ratio (LSVR) based on CT reflects portal hypertension, its prognostic role in cirrhotic patients has not been proven. We evaluated the utility of LSVR, automatically measured from CT images using a deep learning algorithm, as a predictor of hepatic decompensation and transplantation-free survival in patients with hepatitis B viral (HBV)-compensated cirrhosis. @*Materials and Methods@#A deep learning algorithm was used to measure the LSVR in a cohort of 1027 consecutive patients (mean age, 50.5 years; 675 male and 352 female) with HBV-compensated cirrhosis who underwent liver CT (2007–2010).Associations of LSVR with hepatic decompensation and transplantation-free survival were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards and competing risk analyses, accounting for either the Child-Pugh score (CPS) or Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and other variables. The risk of the liver-related events was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Aalen-Johansen estimator. @*Results@#After adjustment for either CPS or MELD and other variables, LSVR was identified as a significant independent predictor of hepatic decompensation (hazard ratio for LSVR increase by 1, 0.71 and 0.68 for CPS and MELD models, respectively; p < 0.001) and transplantation-free survival (hazard ratio for LSVR increase by 1, 0.8 and 0.77, respectively; p < 0.001). Patients with an LSVR of < 2.9 (n = 381) had significantly higher 3-year risks of hepatic decompensation (16.7% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001) and liver-related death or transplantation (10.0% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001) than those with an LSVR ≥ 2.9 (n = 646). When patients were stratified according to CPS (Child-Pugh A vs. B–C) and MELD (< 10 vs. ≥ 10), an LSVR of < 2.9 was still associated with a higher risk of liver-related events than an LSVR of ≥ 2.9 for all Child-Pugh (p ≤ 0.045) and MELD (p ≤ 0.009) stratifications. @*Conclusion@#The LSVR measured on CT can predict hepatic decompensation and transplantation-free survival in patients with HBV-compensated cirrhosis.

Pancreatic Cancer in a Young Male in His Twenties / 대한내과학회지

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. The risk of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age. Pancreatic cancer is seen mostly in the elderly; patients under the age of 30 years are rare. Known risk factors for pancreatic cancer include genetic mutations, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus. We report a case of pancreatic cancer in a 27-year-old man without the PRSS1 mutation. Chronic pancreatitis and smoking may have contributed to the development of pancreatic cancer in this patient. We also conducted a literature review on early onset pancreatic cancer.

Advantages of Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy over Total Gastrectomy in the Quality of Life of Long-Term Gastric Cancer Survivors

Purpose@#This study evaluated differences and shifting patterns in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of 5-year gastric cancer survivors after either a distal subtotal gastrectomy (DSG) or total gastrectomy (TG). @*Materials and Methods@#We analyzed the prospectively collected HRQoL data of 528 patients who survived 5 years without recurrence using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire and the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-Stomach module according to the type of surgery. The purpose was to identify the proportion of patients with deteriorating HRQoL and to assess the clinical significance of these changes. @*Results@#Deteriorating HRQoL was prevalent in both groups, including a large proportion of the DSG group. Decreased overall health status and scores on several function scales were less in the DSG group, while increases on the symptom scales were higher in the TG group. For most of the scales, gaps in HRQoL during the early postoperative period did not merge within the 5 years. Scores on the diarrhea and body image scales revealed “moderate changes” in both groups. @*Conclusions@#During the 5-year period after surgery, the TG group suffered from inferior HRQoL compared to the DSG group. However, a large proportion of the DSG group also suffered HRQoL deterioration. In general, the TG group experienced more HRQoL decline, with diarrhea and body image being the major concerns for both groups. To improve HRQoL after gastrectomy, patients must be better informed about post-gastrectomy symptoms. These symptoms must be vigorously investigated, and medical interventions should be available parallel to nutritional support. Favorable evidence of function-preserving gastrectomy should be established and disseminated to improve the HRQoL of early gastric cancer patients.

Deep Learning Algorithm for Automated Segmentationand Volume Measurement of the Liver and Spleen UsingPortal Venous Phase Computed Tomography Images

Objective@#Measurement of the liver and spleen volumes has clinical implications. Although computed tomography (CT)volumetry is considered to be the most reliable noninvasive method for liver and spleen volume measurement, it has limitedapplication in clinical practice due to its time-consuming segmentation process. We aimed to develop and validate a deeplearning algorithm (DLA) for fully automated liver and spleen segmentation using portal venous phase CT images in variousliver conditions. @*Materials and Methods@#A DLA for liver and spleen segmentation was trained using a development dataset of portal venousCT images from 813 patients. Performance of the DLA was evaluated in two separate test datasets: dataset-1 which included150 CT examinations in patients with various liver conditions (i.e., healthy liver, fatty liver, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis,and post-hepatectomy) and dataset-2 which included 50 pairs of CT examinations performed at ours and other institutions.The performance of the DLA was evaluated using the dice similarity score (DSS) for segmentation and Bland-Altman 95%limits of agreement (LOA) for measurement of the volumetric indices, which was compared with that of ground truth manualsegmentation. @*Results@#In test dataset-1, the DLA achieved a mean DSS of 0.973 and 0.974 for liver and spleen segmentation, respectively,with no significant difference in DSS across different liver conditions (p = 0.60 and 0.26 for the liver and spleen, respectively).For the measurement of volumetric indices, the Bland-Altman 95% LOA was -0.17 ± 3.07% for liver volume and -0.56 ± 3.78%for spleen volume. In test dataset-2, DLA performance using CT images obtained at outside institutions and our institutionwas comparable for liver (DSS, 0.982 vs. 0.983; p = 0.28) and spleen (DSS, 0.969 vs. 0.968; p = 0.41) segmentation. @*Conclusion@#The DLA enabled highly accurate segmentation and volume measurement of the liver and spleen using portalvenous phase CT images of patients with various liver conditions.

Information-Stressors and Cancer Patients’ Quality of Life: Responses to Deviant Information-Stressors Due to Pre-Postoperative Stage Discordance / 전남의대학술지

This study assessed preoperative quality of life (QoL) of gastric cancer patients exposed to inconsistent illness information by pre-post-operative stage discordance. The impact of information-stressors on patients’ QoL was investigated to determine information processing as a potential target for QoL management. Early-stage gastric cancer (EsGC) and late-stage gastric cancer (LsGC) groups based on their final stage were categorized by the consistency of preoperative staging information that was being shared. Those with consistent preoperative staging information were rated as EsGC (n=1,420) and LsGC (n=153) controls. EsGC and LsGC patients with misdirected information about their LsGC and EsGC were categorized as EsGC/iLsGC (n=32) and LsGC/iEsGC (n=55), respectively. Preoperative QoL data was obtained using EORTC QLQ-C30 and -STO22. QoL outcomes of EsGC/iLsGC and LsGC/iEsGC were compared with those of the EsGC and LsGC controls. QoL outcomes of the EsGC/iLsGC group matched that of EsGC control, but were significantly better than those of LsGC control on multiple scales including global health status/QoL, physical/role/social-functioning, and ten symptom scales/items. On the other hand, QoL outcomes of LsGC/iEsGC group were significantly better than those of LsGC control on multiple scales (global health status/ QoL, physical/role-functioning, and nine symptom scales/items) while they roughly matched with those of EsGC control. Intensified information-stressors did not exacerbate QoL beyond the influence of the patients’ medical condition, while de-intensified information-stressor improved QoL. Fear of negatively impacting QoL should not prevent the sharing of stressful illness information. As the de-intensified information- stressor improves QoL, information processing is recommended as a potential target for QoL management in cancer patients.

Radiomics and Deep Learning: Hepatic Applications

Radiomics and deep learning have recently gained attention in the imaging assessment of various liver diseases. Recent research has demonstrated the potential utility of radiomics and deep learning in staging liver fibroses, detecting portal hypertension, characterizing focal hepatic lesions, prognosticating malignant hepatic tumors, and segmenting the liver and liver tumors. In this review, we outline the basic technical aspects of radiomics and deep learning and summarize recent investigations of the application of these techniques in liver disease.

Development and Validation of a Simple Index Based on Non-Enhanced CT and Clinical Factors for Prediction of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

OBJECTIVE: A widely applicable, non-invasive screening method for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is needed. We aimed to develop and validate an index combining computed tomography (CT) and routine clinical data for screening for NAFLD in a large cohort of adults with pathologically proven NAFLD.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 2218 living liver donors who had undergone liver biopsy and CT within a span of 3 days. Donors were randomized 2:1 into development and test cohorts. CT(L-S) was measured by subtracting splenic attenuation from hepatic attenuation on non-enhanced CT. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of the development cohort was utilized to develop a clinical-CT index predicting pathologically proven NAFLD. The diagnostic performance was evaluated by analyzing the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The cutoffs for the clinical-CT index were determined for 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity in the development cohort, and their diagnostic performance was evaluated in the test cohort.RESULTS: The clinical-CT index included CT(L-S), body mass index, and aspartate transaminase and triglyceride concentrations. In the test cohort, the clinical-CT index (AUC, 0.81) outperformed CT(L-S) (0.74; p < 0.001) and clinical indices (0.73–0.75; p < 0.001) in diagnosing NAFLD. A cutoff of ≥ 46 had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 41%, whereas a cutoff of ≥ 56.5 had a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 89%.CONCLUSION: The clinical-CT index is more accurate than CT(L-S) and clinical indices alone for the diagnosis of NAFLD and may be clinically useful in screening for NAFLD.

Characterizing Computed Tomography-Detected Arterial Hyperenhancing-Only Lesions in Patients at Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Can Non-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Be Used for Sequential Imaging?

OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a sequential imaging study for characterizing computed tomography (CT)-detected arterial-enhancing nodules that do not washout in patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 134 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 56.8 ± 10.0 years) with 151 arterial enhancing-only nodules measuring up to 2 cm during multiphasic CT that were subsequently evaluated using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in treatment-naïve at-risk patients from three tertiary referral centers were included. Tentative diagnostic criteria for HCC and hepatic malignancy were defined as the presence of one of eight MRI features favoring HCC in combinations of the following sequences: T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), T1-weighted dual gradient-echo in-phase and out-of-phase imaging (Dual-GRE), and hepatobiliary phase imaging (HBP). Typical hemangiomas and arterioportal shunts were excluded from the analysis. Diagnostic performance for HCC and hepatic malignancy was calculated and compared between the abbreviated MRI and full-sequence gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI.RESULTS: Of 151 nodules (mean size, 1.2 cm) 68 HCCs and 83 non-HCC benignities and malignancies were included. The combination of T2WI, DWI, and Dual-GRE showed per-lesion sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 88.2%, 90.4%, and 89.4%, respectively, comparable to those of full-sequence MRI. Applying the same sequence combination to diagnose hepatic malignancy had per-lesion sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 86.8%, 97.3%, and 92.1%. In nodules < 1 cm, adding HBP increased sensitivity by up to 13% without compromising the specificity or accuracy.CONCLUSION: The non-contrast MRI protocol comprising T2WI, DWI, and Dual-GRE showed reasonable and comparable performance to full-sequence MRI for discriminating HCC and primary liver malignancies in CT-detected indeterminate arterial enhancing-only nodules in at-risk patients, and can be potentially used for sequential imaging in place of a full-sequence MRI. In nodules < 1 cm, HBP may still be needed to preserve sensitivity.

Chronological changes in quality of life and body composition after gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer

Purpose@#We evaluated the changes in body composition (BC) and quality of life (QoL) in patients who underwent gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. @*Methods@#BC data using segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and QoL data from the EORTC (European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer) gathered via QLQ-C30 and QLQ-STO22 questionnaires were obtained from 300 patients preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. In total, 114 patients underwent total gastrectomy (TG group) and 186 underwent distal gastrectomy (DG group). @*Results@#According to BC analysis, at 3 years postoperatively, the average body weight (P = 0.002), protein mass (P = 0.028), body fat mass (P = 0.009), skeletal muscle mass (P = 0.037), and visceral fat area (P = 0.012) was significantly decreased in the TG group than in the DG group compared to the preoperative. In the QLQ-C30, physical functioning (P = 0.001), role functioning (P = 0.013), and fatigue (P = 0.005) showed significantly worse QoL in the TG group than in the DG group at 2 and 3 years postoperatively. In the QLQ-STO22, pain (P = 0.001), reflux symptoms (P = 0.009), eating restrictions (P = 0.001), anxiety (P = 0.008), taste (P = 0.011), and body image (P = 0.014) showed greater continuous deterioration postoperatively in the TG group than in the DG group. @*Conclusion@#Persistent deterioration of BC and QoL is a serious concern following total gastrectomy. Long-term management of BC is required after gastrectomy and efforts should be made to improve the QoL in patients as soon as possible, postoperatively.

Chronological changes in quality of life and body composition after gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer

Purpose@#We evaluated the changes in body composition (BC) and quality of life (QoL) in patients who underwent gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. @*Methods@#BC data using segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and QoL data from the EORTC (European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer) gathered via QLQ-C30 and QLQ-STO22 questionnaires were obtained from 300 patients preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. In total, 114 patients underwent total gastrectomy (TG group) and 186 underwent distal gastrectomy (DG group). @*Results@#According to BC analysis, at 3 years postoperatively, the average body weight (P = 0.002), protein mass (P = 0.028), body fat mass (P = 0.009), skeletal muscle mass (P = 0.037), and visceral fat area (P = 0.012) was significantly decreased in the TG group than in the DG group compared to the preoperative. In the QLQ-C30, physical functioning (P = 0.001), role functioning (P = 0.013), and fatigue (P = 0.005) showed significantly worse QoL in the TG group than in the DG group at 2 and 3 years postoperatively. In the QLQ-STO22, pain (P = 0.001), reflux symptoms (P = 0.009), eating restrictions (P = 0.001), anxiety (P = 0.008), taste (P = 0.011), and body image (P = 0.014) showed greater continuous deterioration postoperatively in the TG group than in the DG group. @*Conclusion@#Persistent deterioration of BC and QoL is a serious concern following total gastrectomy. Long-term management of BC is required after gastrectomy and efforts should be made to improve the QoL in patients as soon as possible, postoperatively.

Ansa Pancreatica-Type Anatomic Variation of the Pancreatic Duct in Patients with Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis and Chronic Localized Pancreatitis

Ansa pancreatic is a rare variation of pancreas duct. Ansa pancreatica is characterized by focal accessory duct atrophy and an additional curved duct linking main and accessory ducts replacing atrophied duct. Ansa pancreatica is considered as a predisposing factor of recurrent pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be localized in pancreas head and uncinate process, because pancreas head and uncinate process might be drained through the additional hooked duct of ansa pancreatica. We reports three cases of localized chronic or recurrent pancreatitis cases with underlying ansa pancreatica type anatomic variation.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Prediction of Early Complications after Gastrectomy in Elderly Patients with Gastric Cancer: the Phase Angle Measured Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

PURPOSE: Phase angle obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provides a relatively precise assessment of the nutritional status of elderly patients. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of phase angle as a risk factor for complications after gastrectomy in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 210 elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer between August 2016 and August 2017. The phase angle cutoff value was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis according to sex. A retrospective analysis regarding the correlation between early postoperative complications and well-known risk factors, including the phase angle, was performed. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of two or more comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 3.675) and hypoalbuminemia (OR, 4.059) were independent risk factors for overall complications, and female sex (OR, 2.993) was independent risk factor for severe complications. A low phase angle (OR, 2.901 and 4.348, respectively) and total gastrectomy (OR, 4.718 and 3.473, respectively) were independent risk factors for both overall and severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that preoperative low phase angle predicts the risk of overall and severe complications. Our findings suggest that BIA should be performed to assess the risk of postoperative complications in elderly patients with gastric cancer.

Impact of Body Mass Index on the Quality of Life after Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the impact of postoperative body mass index (BMI) shifts on the quality of life (QoL) following total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: QoL data collected from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and QLQ-STO22 questionnaires were obtained from 417 patients preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. Patients were divided into two groups based on changes in BMI: group 1 comprised patientswhose BMIrange category dropped, and group 2 included patients who maintained or rose to a higher category compared to their preoperative BMI category. RESULTS: There were 276 patients in group 1 and 141 in group 2. QoLs with respect to the global health status and functional scales were not significantly different between the groups 1 year after surgery. However, there were significantly greater decreases in QoL in group 1 due to gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting (p=0.008), appetite loss (p=0.001), and constipation (p=0.038). Of the QLQ-STO22 parameters, dysphagia (p=0.013), pain (p=0.012), reflux symptoms (p=0.017), eating restrictions (p=0.007), taste (p=0.009), and body image (p=0.009) were associated with significantly worse QoL in group 1 than in group 2 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients have significantly different QoLs depending on the BMI shift after total gastrectomy. Efforts to reduce the gap in QoL should include intensive nutritional support and restoration of dietary behaviors. Appropriate clinical and institutional approaches, plus active medical interventions, are required for maintaining patients’ BMIs after surgery.