The RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tumorigenesis. Previous studies in Vietnam mainly consisted of case reports, with limited data on larger sample sizes. In this study, we investigated RET gene mutations in exons 10, 11, and 16 and analyzed clinicopathological features of a series of Vietnamese MTC patients. Methods: We collected 33 tissue samples from patients with MTC and analyzed RET mutations using the Sanger sequencing method. The relationship between hotspot RET mutations (exons 10, 11, 16) and clinicopathological features were investigated. Results: Among the 33 analyzed cases, 17 tumors (52%) harbored RET mutations in exon 10, 11, or 16. A total of 10 distinct genetic alterations were identified, including eight missense mutations and two short indels. Of these, seven were classified as pathogenic mutations based on previous publications, with p.M918T being the most frequent (4 cases), followed by p.C634R (3 cases) and p.C618R (3 cases). Mutations were significantly associated with specific histological patterns, such as the nested/insular pattern (p=.026), giant cells (p=.007), nuclear pleomorphism (p=.018), stippled chromatin (p=.044), and amyloid deposits (p=.024). No mutations were found in germline analyses, suggesting these were somatic alterations. Conclusions: Our results provided the first comprehensive analysis of RET mutations in Vietnamese MTC patients. The most frequent mutation was p.M918T, followed by p.C634R and p.C618R. Mutations in these three exons were linked to specific histopathological features. Information on mutational profiles of patients with MTC will further aid in the development of targeted therapeutics to ensure effective disease management.

The RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tumorigenesis. Previous studies in Vietnam mainly consisted of case reports, with limited data on larger sample sizes. In this study, we investigated RET gene mutations in exons 10, 11, and 16 and analyzed clinicopathological features of a series of Vietnamese MTC patients. Methods: We collected 33 tissue samples from patients with MTC and analyzed RET mutations using the Sanger sequencing method. The relationship between hotspot RET mutations (exons 10, 11, 16) and clinicopathological features were investigated. Results: Among the 33 analyzed cases, 17 tumors (52%) harbored RET mutations in exon 10, 11, or 16. A total of 10 distinct genetic alterations were identified, including eight missense mutations and two short indels. Of these, seven were classified as pathogenic mutations based on previous publications, with p.M918T being the most frequent (4 cases), followed by p.C634R (3 cases) and p.C618R (3 cases). Mutations were significantly associated with specific histological patterns, such as the nested/insular pattern (p=.026), giant cells (p=.007), nuclear pleomorphism (p=.018), stippled chromatin (p=.044), and amyloid deposits (p=.024). No mutations were found in germline analyses, suggesting these were somatic alterations. Conclusions: Our results provided the first comprehensive analysis of RET mutations in Vietnamese MTC patients. The most frequent mutation was p.M918T, followed by p.C634R and p.C618R. Mutations in these three exons were linked to specific histopathological features. Information on mutational profiles of patients with MTC will further aid in the development of targeted therapeutics to ensure effective disease management.

Background: This study examined the clinical application of the modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) and retroperitoneal extension classification (REC) in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis (AP) among Vietnamese patients. Methods: Data from 115 patients with AP between January 2022 and February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. AP was diagnosed using the revised Atlanta classification (RAC) criteria. All computed tomography images were assessed by two abdominal radiologists with over 10 years of experience. Patients with AP secondary to blunt abdominal trauma were excluded. Results: The mean patient age was 49.8 ± 16.7 years, and the male:female ratio was 2.7:1. Necrotizing AP was observed in 24.3% of cases and extrapancreatic complications in 35.7%. Pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections were noted in 68.7% of cases, including 39.1% with acute peripancreatic fluid collection, 7.8% pseudocyst, 21.7% acute necrotic collection, and 4.3% walled-off necrosis. Based on MCTSI, the rates of mild, moderate, and severe AP were 28.7%, 53.9%, and 17.4%, respectively. Grades I, II, III, IV, and V REC represented 55.7%, 13.0%, 19.1%, 5.2%, and 7.0% of patients, respectively. MCTSI and REC were correlated with RAC in the evaluation of AP severity. Multivariate regression analysis revealed MCTSI to be an independent predictor of severe AP (odds ratio, 2.719; 95% confidence interval, 1.149–6.437; P = 0.023). MCTSI > 7 was the cutoff for predicting severe AP, with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 86.2%, and area under the curve of 0.944 (P < 0.001). Compared to the non-severe group, those with severe AP according to MCTSI had a longer hospitalization period (11 [9.25–16.75] days vs. 9 [6.50–12.00] days), a higher intensive care unit admission rate (30.0% vs. 3.2%), and greater mortality (15.0% vs. 1.1%). Conclusion In the assessment of AP severity, MCTSI and REC were correlated with RAC. MCTSI was an independent predictor of severe AP.

Background: This study examined the clinical application of the modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) and retroperitoneal extension classification (REC) in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis (AP) among Vietnamese patients. Methods: Data from 115 patients with AP between January 2022 and February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. AP was diagnosed using the revised Atlanta classification (RAC) criteria. All computed tomography images were assessed by two abdominal radiologists with over 10 years of experience. Patients with AP secondary to blunt abdominal trauma were excluded. Results: The mean patient age was 49.8 ± 16.7 years, and the male:female ratio was 2.7:1. Necrotizing AP was observed in 24.3% of cases and extrapancreatic complications in 35.7%. Pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections were noted in 68.7% of cases, including 39.1% with acute peripancreatic fluid collection, 7.8% pseudocyst, 21.7% acute necrotic collection, and 4.3% walled-off necrosis. Based on MCTSI, the rates of mild, moderate, and severe AP were 28.7%, 53.9%, and 17.4%, respectively. Grades I, II, III, IV, and V REC represented 55.7%, 13.0%, 19.1%, 5.2%, and 7.0% of patients, respectively. MCTSI and REC were correlated with RAC in the evaluation of AP severity. Multivariate regression analysis revealed MCTSI to be an independent predictor of severe AP (odds ratio, 2.719; 95% confidence interval, 1.149–6.437; P = 0.023). MCTSI > 7 was the cutoff for predicting severe AP, with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 86.2%, and area under the curve of 0.944 (P < 0.001). Compared to the non-severe group, those with severe AP according to MCTSI had a longer hospitalization period (11 [9.25–16.75] days vs. 9 [6.50–12.00] days), a higher intensive care unit admission rate (30.0% vs. 3.2%), and greater mortality (15.0% vs. 1.1%). Conclusion In the assessment of AP severity, MCTSI and REC were correlated with RAC. MCTSI was an independent predictor of severe AP.

The RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tumorigenesis. Previous studies in Vietnam mainly consisted of case reports, with limited data on larger sample sizes. In this study, we investigated RET gene mutations in exons 10, 11, and 16 and analyzed clinicopathological features of a series of Vietnamese MTC patients. Methods: We collected 33 tissue samples from patients with MTC and analyzed RET mutations using the Sanger sequencing method. The relationship between hotspot RET mutations (exons 10, 11, 16) and clinicopathological features were investigated. Results: Among the 33 analyzed cases, 17 tumors (52%) harbored RET mutations in exon 10, 11, or 16. A total of 10 distinct genetic alterations were identified, including eight missense mutations and two short indels. Of these, seven were classified as pathogenic mutations based on previous publications, with p.M918T being the most frequent (4 cases), followed by p.C634R (3 cases) and p.C618R (3 cases). Mutations were significantly associated with specific histological patterns, such as the nested/insular pattern (p=.026), giant cells (p=.007), nuclear pleomorphism (p=.018), stippled chromatin (p=.044), and amyloid deposits (p=.024). No mutations were found in germline analyses, suggesting these were somatic alterations. Conclusions: Our results provided the first comprehensive analysis of RET mutations in Vietnamese MTC patients. The most frequent mutation was p.M918T, followed by p.C634R and p.C618R. Mutations in these three exons were linked to specific histopathological features. Information on mutational profiles of patients with MTC will further aid in the development of targeted therapeutics to ensure effective disease management.

Background: This study examined the clinical application of the modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) and retroperitoneal extension classification (REC) in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis (AP) among Vietnamese patients. Methods: Data from 115 patients with AP between January 2022 and February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. AP was diagnosed using the revised Atlanta classification (RAC) criteria. All computed tomography images were assessed by two abdominal radiologists with over 10 years of experience. Patients with AP secondary to blunt abdominal trauma were excluded. Results: The mean patient age was 49.8 ± 16.7 years, and the male:female ratio was 2.7:1. Necrotizing AP was observed in 24.3% of cases and extrapancreatic complications in 35.7%. Pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections were noted in 68.7% of cases, including 39.1% with acute peripancreatic fluid collection, 7.8% pseudocyst, 21.7% acute necrotic collection, and 4.3% walled-off necrosis. Based on MCTSI, the rates of mild, moderate, and severe AP were 28.7%, 53.9%, and 17.4%, respectively. Grades I, II, III, IV, and V REC represented 55.7%, 13.0%, 19.1%, 5.2%, and 7.0% of patients, respectively. MCTSI and REC were correlated with RAC in the evaluation of AP severity. Multivariate regression analysis revealed MCTSI to be an independent predictor of severe AP (odds ratio, 2.719; 95% confidence interval, 1.149–6.437; P = 0.023). MCTSI > 7 was the cutoff for predicting severe AP, with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 86.2%, and area under the curve of 0.944 (P < 0.001). Compared to the non-severe group, those with severe AP according to MCTSI had a longer hospitalization period (11 [9.25–16.75] days vs. 9 [6.50–12.00] days), a higher intensive care unit admission rate (30.0% vs. 3.2%), and greater mortality (15.0% vs. 1.1%). Conclusion In the assessment of AP severity, MCTSI and REC were correlated with RAC. MCTSI was an independent predictor of severe AP.

A new crinane-type alkaloid, 6-epihydroxypowelline (1), together with six known alkaloids, lycorine (2), 2-O-acetyllycorine (3), deacetylbowdensine (4), 1-epideacetylbowdensine (5), 8-demethyl-3-oxomaritidine (6), and (-)-marithamine (7) were isolated from the whole parts of the Crinum latifolium L. in Vietnam. The structure identification of all compounds was determined by 1D, 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configuration of these compounds was established by the ECD data. In addition, in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities was assessed for all isolated alkaloids. All alkaloids had AChE inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 32.65 ± 2.72 to 212.76 ± 8.30 µM and compound 3 displayed the strongest inhibition of AChE, with IC50 values of 32.65 ± 2.72 µM (in comparison to the reference drug, galanthamine, which had an IC50 of 2.40 ± 0.45 µM).

Background: s/Aims: Hepatolithiasis and choledocholithiasis are frequent pathologies and unfortunately, with the current treatment strategies, the recurrence incidence is still high. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of laparoscopic choledochotomy using cholangioscopy via the percutaneous-choledochal tube for the treatment of hepatolithiasis and choledocholithiasis in Vietnamese patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with hepatolithiasis and/or choledocholithiasis who underwent laparoscopic choledochotomy using intraoperative cholangioscopy via percutaneous-choledochal tube at the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, 108 Military Central Hospital, from June 2017 to March 2020. Results: A total of 84 patients were analyzed. Most patients were females (56.0%) with a median age of 55.56 years. Among them, 41.8% of patients had previous abdominal operations, with 33.4% having choledochotomy. All patients underwent successful laparoscopic common bile duct exploration followed by T-tube drainage without needing to convert to open surgery. Most patients (64.3%) had both intrahepatic and extrahepatic stones. The rate of stones ≥ 10 mm in diameter was 64.3%. Biliary strictures were observed in 19.1% of patients during cholangioscopy. Complete removal of stones was achieved in 54.8% of patients. Intraoperative complications were encountered in two patients, but there was no need to change the strategy. The mean operating time was 121.85 ± 30.47 minutes.The early postoperative complication rate was 9.6%, and all patients were managed conservatively. The residual stones were removed through the T-tube tract by subsequent choledochoscopy in 34/38 patients, so the total success rate was 95.2%. Conclusions Laparoscopic choledochotomy combined with cholangioscopy through the percutaneous-choledochal tube is a safe and effective strategy for hepatolithiasis and/or choledocholithiasis, even in patients with a previous choledochotomy.

Background: The facial artery is an important blood vessel responsible for supplying the anterior face. Understanding the branching patterns of the facial artery plays a crucial role in various medical specialties such as plastic surgery, dermatology, and oncology. This knowledge contributes to improving the success rate of facial reconstruction and aesthetic procedures. However, debate continues regarding the classification of facial artery branching patterns in the existing literature. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive anatomical study, in which we dissected 102 facial arteries from 52 embalmed and formaldehyde-fixed Vietnamese cadavers at the Anatomy Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Results: Our investigation revealed eight distinct termination points and identified 35 combinations of branching patterns, including seven arterial branching patterns. These termination points included the inferior labial artery, superior labial artery, inferior alar artery, lateral nasal artery, angular artery typical, angular artery running along the lower border of the orbicularis oculi muscle, forehead branch, duplex, and short course (hypoplastic). Notably, the branching patterns of the facial artery displayed marked asymmetry between the left and right sides within the same cadaver. Conclusion The considerable variation observed in the branching pattern and termination points of the facial artery makes it challenging to establish a definitive classification system for this vessel. Therefore, it is imperative to develop an anatomical map summarizing the major measurements and geometric features of the facial artery. Surgeons and medical professionals involved in facial surgery and procedures must consider the detailed anatomy and relative positioning of the facial artery to minimize the risk of unexpected complications.

Ethmoid myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare tumor, with only 14 cases reported to date. This report discusses the largest tumor of this type ever recorded in the ethmoid region. The tumor caused extensive damage to facial structures, complicating treatment. The patient’s age and comorbidities increased the risk of intraoperative bleeding, presenting challenges to the complete removal of the tumor and the reconstruction of the damaged structures. To reduce the risk of intraoperative hemorrhage, shorten the surgery time, and manage potential heartrelated complications, arterial embolization was performed using gelatin sponges and coils. Definitive surgery was then carried out using a skin flap and mucosal flap to successfully reconstruct the defect. Postoperative radiotherapy was deemed unnecessary. The patient recovered well, with a satisfactory aesthetic outcome. No recurrence was observed during a 3-year follow-up period.