Background: The existing clinical subtype classification of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) does not adequately reflect tumor invasiveness or its relationship with histologic patterns. Objective: To suggest the upgrading classification of clinical subtype of BCC and evaluate its correlation with histologic subtypes and tumor invasiveness. Methods: This study enrolled 422 patients with 425 biopsy-proven BCC lesions. All of the patients were treated by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at our hospital from January 2018 to October 2021. All BCCs were categorized according to upgrading clinical subtype classification we suggest: Basic subtypes (including nodular [N], papular [P], superficial-elevated [SE]/-flat [SF]/-depressed [SD] and infiltrative [I] subtype) and combined subtype. We conducted a retrospective study through medical record, clinical photographs, pathologic slide and MMS sheets. Results: The most common in basic subtypes was SE (23.1%), followed by N (22.1%) and I (12.0%) subtype. Nodulo-infiltrative (N-I) (8.7%) was the most common in combined subtype.In N, P, SE and SF subtype (non-aggressive group), the rate of tumor with pigmentation (63.1%) was high, non-aggressive pattern (91.4%) in histologic subtype was observed much more. In SD, I and combined subtype (aggressive group), pigmentation (24.0%) was relatively rare, aggressive and mixed pattern (74.4%) in histologic subtype was observed more. More wider surgical margin and more MMS stage number were required in aggressive group than non-aggressive group. Conclusion The upgrading classification of BCC clinical subtype can be not only described briefly and concretely for clinical appearance of BCCs but also highly correlated with histologic subtypes and tumor invasiveness.

Background: and Purpose Although blood pressure (BP) elevation is common in acute ischemic stroke, and guidelines recommend reducing systolic BP to <185 mm Hg prior to reperfusion therapy, the safety and efficacy of active BP lowering in the hyperacute phase before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remain uncertain. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective hospital-based registry that included consecutive patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion who underwent EVT between 2016 and 2024. Patients were categorized into the active BP lowering in the emergency department (ED) group or the absence of BP lowering in the ED group based on whether they received intravenous antihypertensive treatment prior to EVT. The primary outcome was the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 months. Propensity score matching and multivariable regression analyses were also performed. Results: Of the 492 included patients, 53 (10.8%) received active BP lowering in the ED. After propensity score matching, patients who underwent active BP lowering showed a worse distribution of 3-month mRS scores compared with those who did not receive BP lowering (adjusted odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18 to 0.80; p=0.013). The active BP lowering group exhibited greater infarct volume growth (adjusted β coefficient, 33.4; 95% CI, 18.2 to 48.7; p<0.001), whereas the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage did not differ between groups. Conclusions Active BP lowering in the ED before EVT was associated with worse functional outcomes and increased infarct growth without a corresponding reduction in the occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. These findings highlight the need for caution in initiating antihypertensive therapy before reperfusion and support further investigations to define optimal pre-EVT BP management.

Background: Barriers to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in South Korea remain incompletely characterized. We analyze a nationwide prospective cohort to determine patient-level features associated with delayed presentation and non-treatment of potential IVT-eligible patients. Methods: We identified consecutive patients with AIS from 01/2011 to 08/2023 from a multicenter and prospective acute stroke registry in Korea. Patients were defined as IVT candidates if they presented within 4.5 hours from the last known well, had no lab evidence of coagulopathy, and had National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 4. Multivariable generalized linear mixed regression models were used to investigate the associations between their characteristics and the IVT candidates or the use of IVT among the candidates. Results: Among 84,103 AIS patients, 41.0% were female, with a mean age of 69 ± 13 years and presentation NIHSS of 4 [interquartile range, 1–8]. Out of these patients, 13,757 (16.4%) were eligible for IVT, of whom 8,179 (59.5%) received IVT. Female sex (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.94) and lower years of education (adjusted RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97 for 0–3 years, compared to ≥ 13 years) were associated with a decreased likelihood of presenting as eligible for IVT after AIS; meanwhile, young age (adjusted RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.24 for ≤ 44 years, compared to 75–84 years) was associated with an increased likelihood of being an IVT candidate. Among those who were eligible for IVT, only age was significantly associated with the use of IVT (adjusted RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03–1.16 for age 65–74 and adjusted RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.90 for ≥ 85 years, respectively). Conclusion Most patients with AIS present outside IVT eligibility in South Korea, and only 60% of eligible patients were ultimately treated. We identified increased age, female sex and lower education as key features on which to focus interventions for improving IVT utilization.

Background: Barriers to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in South Korea remain incompletely characterized. We analyze a nationwide prospective cohort to determine patient-level features associated with delayed presentation and non-treatment of potential IVT-eligible patients. Methods: We identified consecutive patients with AIS from 01/2011 to 08/2023 from a multicenter and prospective acute stroke registry in Korea. Patients were defined as IVT candidates if they presented within 4.5 hours from the last known well, had no lab evidence of coagulopathy, and had National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 4. Multivariable generalized linear mixed regression models were used to investigate the associations between their characteristics and the IVT candidates or the use of IVT among the candidates. Results: Among 84,103 AIS patients, 41.0% were female, with a mean age of 69 ± 13 years and presentation NIHSS of 4 [interquartile range, 1–8]. Out of these patients, 13,757 (16.4%) were eligible for IVT, of whom 8,179 (59.5%) received IVT. Female sex (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.94) and lower years of education (adjusted RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97 for 0–3 years, compared to ≥ 13 years) were associated with a decreased likelihood of presenting as eligible for IVT after AIS; meanwhile, young age (adjusted RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.24 for ≤ 44 years, compared to 75–84 years) was associated with an increased likelihood of being an IVT candidate. Among those who were eligible for IVT, only age was significantly associated with the use of IVT (adjusted RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03–1.16 for age 65–74 and adjusted RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.90 for ≥ 85 years, respectively). Conclusion Most patients with AIS present outside IVT eligibility in South Korea, and only 60% of eligible patients were ultimately treated. We identified increased age, female sex and lower education as key features on which to focus interventions for improving IVT utilization.

Background: Barriers to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in South Korea remain incompletely characterized. We analyze a nationwide prospective cohort to determine patient-level features associated with delayed presentation and non-treatment of potential IVT-eligible patients. Methods: We identified consecutive patients with AIS from 01/2011 to 08/2023 from a multicenter and prospective acute stroke registry in Korea. Patients were defined as IVT candidates if they presented within 4.5 hours from the last known well, had no lab evidence of coagulopathy, and had National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 4. Multivariable generalized linear mixed regression models were used to investigate the associations between their characteristics and the IVT candidates or the use of IVT among the candidates. Results: Among 84,103 AIS patients, 41.0% were female, with a mean age of 69 ± 13 years and presentation NIHSS of 4 [interquartile range, 1–8]. Out of these patients, 13,757 (16.4%) were eligible for IVT, of whom 8,179 (59.5%) received IVT. Female sex (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.94) and lower years of education (adjusted RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97 for 0–3 years, compared to ≥ 13 years) were associated with a decreased likelihood of presenting as eligible for IVT after AIS; meanwhile, young age (adjusted RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.24 for ≤ 44 years, compared to 75–84 years) was associated with an increased likelihood of being an IVT candidate. Among those who were eligible for IVT, only age was significantly associated with the use of IVT (adjusted RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03–1.16 for age 65–74 and adjusted RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.90 for ≥ 85 years, respectively). Conclusion Most patients with AIS present outside IVT eligibility in South Korea, and only 60% of eligible patients were ultimately treated. We identified increased age, female sex and lower education as key features on which to focus interventions for improving IVT utilization.

Background: Barriers to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in South Korea remain incompletely characterized. We analyze a nationwide prospective cohort to determine patient-level features associated with delayed presentation and non-treatment of potential IVT-eligible patients. Methods: We identified consecutive patients with AIS from 01/2011 to 08/2023 from a multicenter and prospective acute stroke registry in Korea. Patients were defined as IVT candidates if they presented within 4.5 hours from the last known well, had no lab evidence of coagulopathy, and had National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 4. Multivariable generalized linear mixed regression models were used to investigate the associations between their characteristics and the IVT candidates or the use of IVT among the candidates. Results: Among 84,103 AIS patients, 41.0% were female, with a mean age of 69 ± 13 years and presentation NIHSS of 4 [interquartile range, 1–8]. Out of these patients, 13,757 (16.4%) were eligible for IVT, of whom 8,179 (59.5%) received IVT. Female sex (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.94) and lower years of education (adjusted RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97 for 0–3 years, compared to ≥ 13 years) were associated with a decreased likelihood of presenting as eligible for IVT after AIS; meanwhile, young age (adjusted RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.24 for ≤ 44 years, compared to 75–84 years) was associated with an increased likelihood of being an IVT candidate. Among those who were eligible for IVT, only age was significantly associated with the use of IVT (adjusted RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03–1.16 for age 65–74 and adjusted RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.90 for ≥ 85 years, respectively). Conclusion Most patients with AIS present outside IVT eligibility in South Korea, and only 60% of eligible patients were ultimately treated. We identified increased age, female sex and lower education as key features on which to focus interventions for improving IVT utilization.

Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption (KVE) is a rare viral infection primarily caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). This condition frequently presents concomitantly with underlying chronic skin disorders, particularly atopic dermatitis (AD). This report describes a rare case of sepsis resulting from KVE in a patient with AD. A 30-year-old male patient with a history of AD presented with painful skin lesions characterized by papulovesicular eruptions, crusts, erythema, and erosions, initially localized to the neck and spreading throughout his body, accompanied by a high fever. Laboratory findings confirmed HSV infection and sepsis. Thus, a diagnosis of KVE compounded by sepsis was established. Systemic acyclovir and antibiotics led to complete recovery within 3 weeks, with resolution of fever and skin manifestations, and general health improvement. Timely recognition and management of KVE are crucial for prevention of adverse outcomes. Both physicians and patients with AD should be made aware of the predisposing factors and risks associated with KVE.

Congenital smooth muscle hamartoma is a benign proliferation of smooth muscles within the dermis. The classic form presents as well-defined, skin-colored, or hyperpigmented plaques associated with hypertrichosis. However, there have been reports of atypical forms, including a follicular spotted appearance, linear atrophic plaques, and morphea-like forms. In such cases, distinguishing congenital smooth muscle hamartomas from other cutaneous diseases can be challenging. Herein, we report on a 16-month-old boy who presented with a hypopigmented patch and hypertrichosis on his back since birth. Histopathological examination revealed mild acanthosis and well-defined smooth muscle bundles haphazardly oriented in the dermis. These bundles stained positively with Masson’s trichrome stain. Based on these findings, a definitive diagnosis of congenital smooth muscle hamartoma was established. In conclusion, an exceptionally rare case of congenital smooth muscle hamartoma with a hypopigmented appearance is reported.

Background: Female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is characterized by diffuse hair thinning in the mid-frontal scalp and increased hair shedding. Although the use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) is increasing significantly in Korea, data on its use are limited. Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of LDOM in Korean patients with FPHL. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study was conducted at Pusan National University Hospital. The study included female patients with pattern hair loss who received treatment with LDOM at 1.25 mg/d for a minimum of 6 months in combination with other treatments. Patients were eligible for LDOM addition if their previous treatments showed a limited response and the previous treatment regimen remained unchanged throughout the evaluation period. Clinical response to treatment was evaluated using the Sinclair hair loss severity scale. Results: The study included 44 females with FPHL. Before treatment, the mean Sinclair scale score was 2.77, which decreased to 2.27 after treatment. By the 3rd month, one patient (2.3%) experienced worsening, while seven patients (15.9%) showed slight improvement. By the 6th month, the treatment response was as follows: stabilization in 30 patients (68.2%), slight improvement in 13 patients (29.5%), and substantial improvement in one patient (2.3%). Adverse effects, predominantly hypertrichosis, were observed in nine patients. All adverse effects improved upon discontinuation of LDOM and no life-threatening adverse effects were observed during the study. Conclusion This study provides evidence that LDOM can be an effective therapeutic option with a good safety profile for FPHL.