Current Status of Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping of Hematolymphoid Neoplasms in Korea

Background@#Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of hematolymphoid neoplasms (FCIHLN) is essential for diagnosis, classification, and minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring. FCI-HLN is typically performed using in-house protocols, raising the need for standardization. Therefore, we surveyed the current status of FCI-HLN in Korea to obtain fundamental data for quality improvement and standardization. @*Methods@#Eight university hospitals actively conducting FCI-HLN participated in our survey.We analyzed responses to a questionnaire that included inquiries regarding test items, reagent antibodies (RAs), fluorophores, sample amounts (SAs), reagent antibody amounts (RAAs), acquisition cell number (ACN), isotype control (IC) usage, positiveegative criteria, and reporting. @*Results@#Most hospitals used acute HLN, chronic HLN, plasma cell neoplasm (PCN), and MRD panels. The numbers of RAs were heterogeneous, with a maximum of 32, 26, 12, 14, and 10 antibodies used for acute HLN, chronic HLN, PCN, ALL-MRD, and multiple myeloma-MRD, respectively. The number of fluorophores ranged from 4 to 10. RAs, SAs, RAAs, and ACN were diverse. Most hospitals used a positive criterion of 20%, whereas one used 10% for acute and chronic HLN panels. Five hospitals used ICs for the negative criterion. Positiveegative assignments, percentages, and general opinions were commonly reported. In MRD reporting, the limit of detection and lower limit of quantification were included. @*Conclusions@#This is the first comprehensive study on the current status of FCI-HLN in Korea, confirming the high heterogeneity and complexity of FCI-HLN practices. Standardization of FCI-HLN is urgently needed. The findings provide a reference for establishing standard FCI-HLN guidelines.

A Comparison of Results in Older, Middle-aged, and Younger Patients after Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Minimum 10-Year Follow-up

Background@#Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is commonly performed to prevent decreased knee function and restore stability in middle-aged and even older patients. However, few studies have compared the long-term clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction between older, younger, and middle-aged patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction in older patients with those in younger and middle-aged patients. @*Methods@#A total of 352 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction between January 2003 and March 2008 were retrospectively reviewed and classified into three groups (group A: 246 [age, 20–29 years], group B: 72 [age, 40–49 years], group C: 34 [age, 50–65 years]). The mean follow-up period was 14.2 ± 1.6 years. Clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between groups. @*Results@#The differences in the range of motion, clinical scores, and stability tests were not statistically significant among the three groups. The difference in the graft failure rate among the three groups was significant (group A: 16 [6.5%], group B: 7 [9.7%], group C: 6 [17.6%]; p = 0.040). In particular, when compared between the two groups, there was a significant difference between group A and group C (p = 0.036). The 10-year survival rates were 93.5%, 90.3%, and 82.4% for groups A, B, and C, respectively (p = 0.048). @*Conclusions@#Although graft failure rates were higher in older patients than younger and middle-aged patients, clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction in older patients were comparable to those of younger and middle-aged patients in terms of the range of motion, clinical scores, and stability tests at a minimum follow-up of 10 years.

Feasibility of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Brain Arteriovenous Malformations According to Nidus Type

Objective@#: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is an effective and noninvasive treatment for high-risk arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Since differences in GKRS outcomes by nidus type are unknown, this study evaluated GKRS feasibility and safety in patients with brain AVMs. @*Methods@#: This single-center retrospective study included patients with AVM who underwent GKRS between 2008 and 2021. Patients were divided into compact- and diffuse-type groups according to nidus characteristics. We excluded patients who performed GKRS and did not follow-up evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging or digital subtraction angiography within 36 months from the study. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to characterize associations of nidus type with obliteration rate and GKRS-related complications. @*Results@#: We enrolled 154 patients (mean age, 32.14±17.17 years; mean post-GKRS follow-up, 52.10±33.67 months) of whom 131 (85.1%) had compact- and 23 (14.9%) diffuse-type nidus AVMs. Of all AVMs, 89 (57.8%) were unruptured, and 65 (42.2%) had ruptured. The mean Spetzler-Martin AVM grades were 2.03±0.95 and 3.39±1.23 for the compact- and diffuse-type groups, respectively (p<0.001). During the follow-up period, AVM-related hemorrhages occurred in four individuals (2.6%), three of whom had compact nidi. Substantial radiation-induced changes and cyst formation were observed in 21 (13.6%) and one patient (0.6%), respectively. The AVM complete obliteration rate was 46.1% across both groups. Post-GKRS complication and complete obliteration rates were not significantly different between nidus types. For diffuse-type nidus AVMs, larger AVM size and volume (p<0.001), lower radiation dose (p<0.001), eloquent area location (p=0.015), and higher Spetzler-Martin grade (p<0.001) were observed. @*Conclusion@#: GKRS is a safe and feasible treatment for brain AVMs characterized by both diffuse- and compact-type nidi.

Diagnostic tests of HIV infection and AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection presents a major global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 39.0 million people have HIV, as of 2022, with 1.3 million new infections annually. In Korea, the first HIV cases were reported in 1985, and the number of cases has increased continuously since 1988. In 2022, 1,066 cases were newly diagnosed, increasing the total number of cases to approximately 15,880.Current Concepts: Diagnostics play a crucial role in the management of HIV, for early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Approval of the first HIV antibody test in 1985 by the US Food and Drug Administration marked a notable advance in the ability to diagnose HIV infection. The screening test for HIV infection typically consists of a two-step approach, in which a fourth-generation combination HIV-1/2 immunoassay is followed by a confirmatory Western blot. Despite its high accuracy for chronic infections, the window period and the early-stage of HIV infections are problematic, and populations with low HIV prevalence show a low positive predictive value. A false positive result can occur from blood transfusions, vaccinations, and autoantibodies. Novel diagnostic tools, such as nucleic acid testing for viral RNA/DNA and antigen testing for p24 antigen have reduced the window period, allowing for earlier detection and differentiation between HIV-1 and HIV-2. Pointof-care tests are beneficial in resource-limited settings although their lower sensitivity and specificity require additional confirmatory follow-up testing.Discussion and Conclusion: In this review, we provide a historical perspective on the evolution of HIV diagnostics (serological and molecular) and describe the roles of conventional and point-of-care testing within the laboratory diagnostic network.

The Effect of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Intake on UVB- Induced Skin Damage in Hairless Mice

The skin, the largest organ in the body, undergoes age-related changes influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The primary external factor is photoaging which causes hyperpigmentation, uneven skin surface, deep wrinkles, and markedly enlarged capillaries. In the human dermis, it decreases fibroblast function, resulting in a lack of collagen structure and also decreases keratinocyte function, which compromises the strength of the protective barrier. In this study, we found that treatment with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) had no toxicity to skin fibroblasts and GABA enhanced their migration ability, which can accelerate skin wound healing. UVB radiation was found to significantly induce the production of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), but treatment with GABA resulted in the inhibition of MMP-1 production. We also investigated the enhancement of filaggrin and aquaporin 3 in keratinocytes after treatment with GABA, showing that GABA can effectively improve skin moisturization. In vivo experiments showed that oral administration of GABA significantly improved skin wrinkles and epidermal thickness. After the intake of GABA, there was a significant decrease observed in the increase of skin thickness measured by calipers and erythema. Additionally, the decrease in skin moisture and elasticity in hairless mice exposed to UVB radiation was also significantly restored. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of GABA as functional food material for improving skin aging and moisturizing.

Transfusion thresholds: the need for a patient-centered approach in hematologic disorders that require chronic transfusion therapy

Transfusion is an essential life-sustaining treatment for many patients. However, unnecessary transfusion has been reported to be related to worse patient outcomes. Further, owing to the recent pandemic, blood supply has been more challenging to maintain. Many studies have been conducted to elucidate the optimal transfusion threshold for many clinical conditions, and most suggested that a restrictive transfusion strategy has advantages over a liberal transfusion strategy. Hematologic disorders, which require chronic transfusion in many cases, have not been the main subjects of such studies, and only little evidence is available regarding the optimal transfusion threshold in these patients.According to several recent studies, a liberal transfusion strategy is preferable for patients with hematologic disorders due to their quality of life. A patient-centered approach is needed for proper management of hematologic disorders.

Associations of Polyp Characteristics in Children and Adolescents Presenting with Less Than Five Colorectal Polyps: A Full Colonoscopy Is Still Required

Background/Aims@#A full colonoscopy is currently required in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps, because of their potential of neoplastic transformation and complications such as intussusception. We aimed to analyze the associations of polyp characteristics in children and adolescents with colorectal polyps. Based on these findings, we also aimed to reevaluate the necessity of conducting a full colonoscopy. @*Methods@#Pediatric patients <18 years of age who had undergone a colonoscopic polypectomy and those with <5 colorectal polyps were included in this multicenter, retrospective study. Baseline clinicodemographics, colonoscopic and histologic findings were investigated. @*Results@#A total of 91 patients were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that polyp size was the only factor associated with the presence of any polyps located proximal to the splenic flexure (odds ratio [OR], 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28 to 4.28; p=0.007). Furthermore, polyp location proximal to the splenic flexure and sessile morphology were associated with the presence of any adenomatous polyp (OR, 8.51; 95% CI, 1.43 to 68.65; p=0.023; OR, 18.41; 95% CI, 3.45 to 173.81; p=0.002, respectively). @*Conclusions@#In children and adolescents presenting with <5 colorectal polyps, polyp size and the presence of any adenomatous polyp were positively associated with polyp location proximal to the splenic flexure. This finding supports the necessity of a full colonoscopic exam in pediatric patients with colorectal polyps for the detection of polyps before the occurrence of complications such as intussusception or neoplastic transformation.

A prospective multicenter clinical study on the efficiency of detachable ball- and spring-retained implant prosthesis

PURPOSE@#This prospective clinical study was conducted to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the freely detachable zirconia ball- and spring-retained implant prosthesis (BSRP) through a comparative analysis of screw- and cement-retained implant prosthesis (SCRP). @*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A multi-center, randomized, prospective clinical study evaluating the clinical usefulness of the detachable zirconia ball- and spring-retained implant prostheses was conducted. Sixty-four implant prostheses in 64 patients were examined. Periodic observational studies were conducted at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months after delivery of the implant prosthesis. Factors such as implant success rate, marginal bone resorption, periodontal pocket depth, plaque and bleeding index, and prosthetic complications were evaluated, respectively. @*RESULTS@#During the 1-year observation period, all implants survived without functional problems and clinical mobility, showing a 100% implant success rate. Marginal bone resorption was significantly higher in the SCRP group than in the BSRP group only at the time of implant prosthesis delivery (P = .043). In all observation periods, periodontal pocket depth was slightly higher in the BSRP group than in the SCRP group, but there was no significant difference (P > .05). The modified plaque index (mPI) scores of both groups were moderate. Higher ratio of a score 2 in modified sulcus bleeding index (mBI) was observed in the BSRP group in the 6- and 12-months observation. @*CONCLUSION@#Within the limitations of this study, the newly developed zirconia ball- and spring-retained implant prosthesis could be considered as an applicable and predictable treatment method along with the existing screw- and cement-retained prosthesis.

Comparison of fit and trueness of zirconia crowns fabricated by different combinations of open CAD-CAM systems

PURPOSE@#. This study aims to clinically compare the fitness and trueness of zirconia crowns fabricated by different combinations of open CAD-CAM systems. @*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#. Total of 40 patients were enrolled in this study, and 9 different zirconia crowns were prepared per patient. Each crown was made through the cross-application of 3 different design software (EZIS VR, 3Shape Dental System, Exocad) with 3 different processing devices (Aegis HM, Trione Z, Motion 2). The marginal gap, absolute marginal discrepancy, internal gap(axial, line angle, occlusal) by a silicone replica technique were measured to compare the fit of the crown. The scanned inner and outer surfaces of the crowns were compared to CAD data using 3D metrology software to evaluate trueness. @*RESULTS@#. There were significant differences in the marginal gap, absolute marginal discrepancy, axial and line angle internal gap among the groups (P .05). @*CONCLUSION@#. All 9 groups showed clinically acceptable level of marginal gaps ranging from 74.26 to 112.20 μm in terms of fit comparison. In the comparison of trueness, no significant difference within each group was spotted. Within the limitation of this study, open CAD-CAM systems used in this study can be assembled properly to fabricate zirconia crown. [J Adv Prosthodont 2023;15:155-70]

Evaluation of laboratory diagnostic tests for light-chain clonality and bone marrow findings in AL amyloidosis

Background@#Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is the most common form of systemic amyloidosis. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of laboratory tests for light-chain clonality and bone marrow (BM) findings in AL amyloidosis. @*Methods@#We retrospectively enrolled patients newly diagnosed with AL amyloidosis on pathological examination who underwent a BM biopsy. Laboratory test data for light-chain clonality were collected and compared. Amyloid deposits were identified with H&E, Congo red, and PAS stains. @*Results@#We reviewed 98 patients with AL amyloidosis. Light chain clonality (λ, 64 cases; κ, 34 cases) was detected by serum immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) (63.3%), urine IFE (70.8%), serum protein electrophoresis (PEP) (44.9%), urine PEP (44.8%), serum free light chain (SFLC) ratio (79.5%), and BM immunohistochemistry (IHC) (85.7%). Flow cytometric (FCM) assay identified aberrant BM plasma cells in 92.9% of cases. BM amyloid deposits were identified in 35 of the 98 cases (35.7%); 71.4% (25/35) were Congo red-positive, and 100.0% (35/35) were PAS-positive. @*Conclusion@#Laboratory tests for detecting light-chain clonality in AL amyloidosis in order of sensitivity include FCM assay for aberrant plasma cells, IHC for light chains on BM biopsy or clot section, SFLC ratio, and serum and urine IFE. Congo red staining of BM samples remains an important tool for identifying amyloid deposits in BM. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining can be useful in diagnosing some cases of Congo red-negative amyloidosis.

Validation of High-sensitivity Flow Cytometry for Reliable Immune Cell Analysis in Real-world Laboratory Settings

The adoption of high-sensitivity flow cytometry (HSFC) in routine laboratory settings has been slow owing to concerns regarding the reliability and reproducibility of results. Validation is an essential prerequisite for conducting assays, and implementing the CLSI guidelines has been confusing, primarily because many aspects are not yet established. We aimed to validate an HSFC protocol for detecting follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in a real-world laboratory environment. The analytical validity of the Tfh cell panel was ensured through rigorous testing, including evaluations of precision, stability, carryover, and sensitivity, following the CLSI H62 guidelines. We found that Tfh cells, present in very small numbers in the blood, could be sufficiently detected through HSFC, and concerns about the reliability and reproducibility of the results in real-world laboratories could be solved through systematic validation. Establishing the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) is a critical step in HSFC evaluations. By selecting an appropriate sample, for example, collecting residual cells from CD4 isolation in our experiment and using them as low-level samples, the LLOQ could be accurately established. The strategic validation of flow cytometry panels can facilitate the adoption of HSFC in clinical laboratories, even with limited resources.

Secreotory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Regulates Bone Formation via RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 in Rat Periodontitis and MC3T3-E1 Preosteoblast / 치위생과학회지

Background@#Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) protects tissues from proteases and promotes cell proliferation andhealing. SLPI also reduces periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine expression in rat periodontal tissues and osteoblasts. However, little is known of the role of SLPI in the expression of osteoclast regulatory factors from osteoblasts, which are crucial for the interaction between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of SLPI on the regulation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in LPS-treated alveolar bone and osteoblasts. @*Methods@#Periodontitis was induced in rats using LPS. After each LPS injection, SLPI was injected into the same area. Immu-nohistochemical analysis was performed with antibodies against SLPI, RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 in the periodontal tissue. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the expression levels of SLPI, RANKL, OPG, and Runx2 in LPS- and SLPI/LPS-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. SLPI/LPS-treated MC3T3-E1 cells were also stained with Alizarin Red S. @*Results@#Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression levels of SLPI, OPG, and Runx2 were higher while that of RANKLwas lower in the LPS/SLPI group relative to those in the LPS group. The mRNA and protein expression of SLPI, OPG, and Runx2 was higher in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells, and RANKL expression was lower. During differentiation, OPG and Runx2 protein levels were higher whereas RANKL levels were lower in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 cells on days 0, 4, 7, and 10. In addition, mineralization and matrix deposition were higher in SLPI/LPS/MC3T3-E1 than in LPS/MC3T3-E1 on days 7 and 10. SLPI decreased RANKL expression in LPS-treated alveolar bone and osteoblasts but increased the expression of OPG and Runx2. @*Conclusion@#SLPI can be considered as a regulatory molecule that indirectly regulates osteoclast activation via osteoblasts andpromotes osteoblast differentiation.

An Analysis of the Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Transgender and Intersex Populations in Korea: A Retrospective Study Using HIRA Database

Background@#Transgender and intersex populations have long remained under-documented in South Korea, largely due to the absence of comprehensive epidemiological data. With increasing societal acknowledgment, there's an urgent need to understand the demographics and health challenges faced by these communities. @*Methods@#This retrospective, large-scale data study included people who received the F64 codes from the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service between January 2007 and December 2021. Demographics, gender-affirmative treatments, and psychiatric related medications were examined. @*Results@#Between 2007 and 2021, 8,602 patients were diagnosed with “gender identity disorder” and 45 with “intersex.” A steadily increasing annual prevalence was observed, peaking at 986 cases in 2021. The majority (79.8%) were aged between 10 and 30. Nearly half (53.2%) exhibited mental and behavioral disorders. Two-thirds had been prescribed anxiolytics or sedatives either before or after diagnosis. Merely 12.1% received hormone therapy covered by health insurance. @*Conclusion@#This is the first large-scale study highlighting the demographics and clinical characteristics of the transgender and intersex populations in Korea. The study reveals a consistent growth of these communities over the past 15 years, with a significant proportion under 30 years of age facing mental and behavioral challenges. Findings underscore the need for targeted healthcare interventions, early psychological support, and comprehensive insurance coverage tailored to the specific needs of these individuals in Korea.

Mini-implant with additional retentive structure by using digital method / 대한치과보철학회지

Mini-implant has been reported as an alternative method to conventional diameter implants in the treatment of mandibular anterior region with narrow ridge. However, one-piece type mini-implant showed biological and technical complications, such as peri-implantitis by residual cement and prosthetic detachment. Recently, one-piece type mini-implant with additional retentive structure has been introduced to increase the retention and stability of the mini-implant. The mini-implant is based on spreading the upper retentive structure with a spreader and connected it with the inner surface of the zirconia prosthesis. In two cases, we tried to reduce these complications through the mini-implant on the narrow mandibular anterior region, and it was possible to reduce the overall treatment period through a digital system. In this case report, restoration using the digital mini-implant system showed improvement of patient satisfaction on the aspect of function and esthetic in the narrow mandibular anterior region.

The relationship between poor sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and smoking status according to sex and age: an analysis of the 2018 Korean Community Health Survey / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Multiple studies have found that cigarette smokers are more likely to experience sleep disturbances than non-smokers. This study aimed to examine various associations between smoking and sleep quality according to sex and age, which have yet to be sufficiently examined in prior studies. @*METHODS@#Data analysis was conducted using a nationally representative sample of 224,986 Korean adults who participated in the 2018 Korea Community Health Survey. Sleep quality, as the dependent variable, was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), with PSQI scores indicating either good (≤4 points) or poor (>5 points) sleep quality. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed considering socio-demographic factors, health behaviors, comorbidities, and psychological factors as covariates. @*RESULTS@#The overall weighted prevalence of poor sleep quality was 39.4% (95% confidence interval, 39.1 to 39.7). In the multivariate model that excluded psychological factors, poor sleep quality positively correlated to smoking for both sexes and all age groups except for male aged ≥65 years. However, in the full model that included psychological factors, statistically significant odds ratios (approximately 1.5) for poor sleep quality according to smoking status were only observed for female under 65 years of age. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The relationship between poor sleep quality and smoking status differed according to sex and age. In order to improve the quality of sleep, it is necessary to intervene smoking cessation along with solving psychological problems, especially female in middle age and younger.

Evaluation and management of platelet transfusion refractoriness

Platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR), in which platelet counts do not increase after transfusion, occurs in many patients receiving platelet transfusions. PTR is a clinical condition that can harm patients. The causes of PTR can be divided into two types: immune and non-immune. Most cases of PTR are non-immune. Among immune causes, the most common is human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. PTR caused by anti-HLA antibodies is usually managed by transfusing HLA-matched platelets. Therefore, it is important, especially for hemato-oncologists who frequently perform transfusion, to accurately diagnose whether the cause of platelet transfusion failure is alloimmune or non-immunological when determining the treatment direction for the patient. In this review, we discuss the definitions, causes, countermeasures, and prevention methods of PTR.

Case Report of Anti-f(ce) Antibody Identified Simultaneously with Anti-M Antibody in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis / 대한수혈학회지

The Rh blood group system has C, D, E, c, and e as the main antigens, but ce(f) has been reported as a compound antigen. Anti-f(ce) is an unexpected antibody (Ab) against the ce(f) compound antigen. This paper reports a case with anti-f(ce) and anti-M Abs in a patient with liver cirrhosis. A 47-year-old male patient was repeatedly admitted to hospital due to recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. He showed disorientation and was admitted. A packed red blood cells (pRBCs) transfusion was required, and Ab identification test identified anti-f(ce) and anti-M Abs. Anti-f(ce) Ab can cause fetal neonatal hemolytic disease and a clinically serious hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR), and anti-M Ab can cause a HTR when it reacts at 37℃. RBCs with Rh haplotype of CDe and negative for M antigen were transfused to the patient. There was no HTR. The possibility of an anti-f(ce) Ab was not considered when an unexpected Ab screening/identification test was performed. It was simply reported as an ‘unknown alloantibody’. Therefore, laboratory physicians should consider Abs to the Rh compound antigen when Abs to Rh antigens are identified, and efforts should be made to identify them to gain basic knowledge about Abs against Rh compound antigens.

Prostate-Specific Antigen Variation as a Predictor of Prostate Cancer in Patients With Prostate-Specific Antigen ≤20 ng/mL Who Underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Prostate Biopsy

Purpose@#We investigated the role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) variation as a predictor of prostate cancer in patients who underwent prebiopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). @*Materials and Methods@#The clinicopathological data of 266 patients with PSA ≤20 ng/mL who underwent prebiopsy MRI and prostate biopsy between September 2019 and February 2021 were included. PSA variation was defined as the difference in PSA values taken when a prostate biopsy was recommended and performed (median 20 days). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curves (AUCs) for predicting prostate cancer were analyzed through 4 models that considered conventional clinical variables and PSA variation. @*Results@#Of the 258 patients, 166 (64.3%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer. The prostate cancer (+) group had a lower median PSA variation (-0.09 mg/mL vs. -0.27 ng/mL, p=0.006) and higher proportion of patients with PSA variation within -0.54 to 0.05 ng/mL (40 ng/mL [range, 24.1%] vs. 9 ng/mL [9.8%], p=0.002) than the prostate cancer (-) group. There was no significant difference in the duration between the 2 PSA measurements. When PSA variation and conventional variables, such as age, PSA density, prostate biopsy history, number of target lesions, were considered, the highest AUC value was 0.870. In a subgroup analysis of patients with PSA ≤10 ng/mL, the highest AUC value was 0.860 when PSA variation and conventional variables were considered. @*Conclusions@#A large PSA variation within 1 month was a negative predictor of prostate cancer among patients who underwent prebiopsy MRI.

Arrested Pneumatization of the Sphenoid Sinus in the Skull Base

We report 2 cases of arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus, a normal variant commonly misdiagnosed as a serious condition of the skull base. A 65-year-old man visited a local clinic for regular checkups. Brain CT showed a non-expansile lesion of the soft tissue with a well-defined sclerotic margin in the clivus but without destruction or mass effect on the surrounding bony structures. Subsequent brain MRI revealed that the lesion within the clivus was a high-signal lesion on the T2-weighted image, containing a low-signal round mass seen on a high-intensity signal on the T1-weighted image without contrast enhancement. Thus, the lesion was considered to contain internal fat. A 70-year-old woman diagnosed with a tumor in the greater sphenoid bone visited our hospital. Her brain CT revealed a non-expansile lesion of mixed density and a well-demarcated lesion and internal curvilinear calcification in the left greater wing of the sphenoid bone. The margin was osteosclerotic and the adjacent bony structure was intact. Her brain MRI showed that the lesion within the greater sphenoid bone had multiple low-signal lesions within a high-signal lesion on the T2-weighted image, suggesting internal fat contents. The lesions were diagnosed as arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus and no further examination or treatment was performed. Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus should be considered in the presence of non-expansile lesion with an osteosclerotic boundary and internal fat component in the skull base.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders Mimicking Multiple Brain Tumors

We report a rare case of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), mimicking multiple brain tumors. A 53-year-old woman presented with weakness and paresthesia in her right arm and leg. Upon admission, brain MRI showed about 10 multiple brain tumors, which had to be differentiated from multiple brain metastases, lymphoma, and high-grade glioma in both hemispheres. No primary cancer was found in the chest-abdomen-pelvis CT. Subsequent spine MRI revealed multifocal cord signal change involving C2-T7, suggesting myelitis. A decrease in visual acuity was noted when taking a medical history, and optic neuritis was diagnosed upon ophthalmologic examination. With clinical and radiological appearances, multiple brain and spinal cord lesions have been diagnosed as NMOSD.Steroid and immunosuppressive drugs were administered. We should consider the possibility of an autoimmune disease, such as NMOSD, involving the optic nerve, spinal cord, and central nervous system when multiple hemispheric tumefactive lesions are observed.