1.Association of Breast Tissue Composition on Preoperative Automated Breast Ultrasound With Accuracy of Cancer Multiplicity Evaluation and Recurrence-Free Survival in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Myoung Kyoung KIM ; Haejung KIM ; Sun-Young BAEK ; Eun Young KO ; Boo-Kyung HAN ; Eun Sook KO ; Jeongmin LEE ; Nami CHOI ; Jin CHUNG ; Ji Soo CHOI
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):97-110
Objective:
To investigate whether breast tissue composition on preoperative automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is associated with the accuracy of cancer multiplicity evaluation and postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective analysis included women with early-stage breast cancer (clinical Tis, T1–2/N0) who underwent ABUS and digital mammography (DM) between October 2019 and April 2021. Tissue composition on ABUS was assessed using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System background echotexture (BE) (homogeneous-fat, homogeneous-fibroglandular, or heterogeneous). In a subgroup of patients with mammographically dense breasts, the glandular tissue component (GTC) on ABUS were further stratified into high (moderate or marked) or low (minimal or mild).Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with accurate cancer multiplicity categorization (unifocal, multifocal/multicentric, or bilateral) using ABUS + DM, and with RFS, respectively.
Results:
Among 409 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 50.2 ± 8.7 years), ABUS combined with DM yielded accurate cancer multiplicity categorization in 368 patients (90.0%). Neither BE nor GTC on ABUS affected the accuracy of categorization when ABUS was combined with DM. Over a median postoperative follow-up of 3.5 years, 11 recurrences occurred. Heterogeneous BE on ABUS (hazard ratio [HR] 11.24 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.82–44.92]; P = 0.001), BRCA mutation (HR 15.94 [2.47–102.97]; P = 0.004), and pathologic index cancer size (HR per 1-cm increase 1.91 [1.13–3.23];P = 0.02) was independently associated with RFS. In patients with dense breasts, heterogeneous BE (HR 14.17 [95% CI:2.69–74.60]; P = 0.002) and high GTC (HR 10.32 [2.35–45.28]; P = 0.002) on ABUS, BRCA mutation (HR 24.34 [2.75– 215.06]; P = 0.004), and pathologic cancer size (HR per 1-cm increase 2.62 [1.50–4.59]; P = 0.001) was independently associated with RFS.
Conclusion
In patients with early-stage breast cancer, heterogeneous BE and high GTC on preoperative ABUS, along with larger cancer size and BRCA mutation, was associated with worse RFS. However, BE and GTC did not affect cancer multiplicity evaluation when ABUS was used in combination with DM.
2.Impact of adding preoperative magnetic resonance imaging to ultrasonography on male breast cancer survival: a matched analysis with female breast cancer
Jeongmin LEE ; Ka Eun KIM ; Myoung Kyoung KIM ; Haejung KIM ; Eun Sook KO ; Eun Young KO ; Boo-Kyung HAN ; Ji Soo CHOI
Ultrasonography 2025;44(1):72-82
Purpose:
The study investigated whether incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside ultrasonography (US) in the preoperative evaluation is associated with differing survival outcomes between male and female breast cancer patients in a matched analysis. Additionally, clinicopathological prognostic factors were analyzed.
Methods:
Between January 2005 and December 2020, 93 male and 28,191 female patients who underwent breast surgery were screened. Exact matching analysis was conducted for age, pathologic T and N stages, and molecular subtypes. The clinicopathological characteristics and preoperative imaging methods of the matched cohorts were reviewed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors.
Results:
A total of 328 breast cancer patients (61 men and 267 women) were included in the matched analysis. Male patients had worse DFS (10-year DFS, 70.6% vs. 89.2%; P=0.001) and OS (10-year OS, 64.4% vs. 96.3%; P<0.001) than female patients. The pathologic index cancer size (hazard ratio [HR], 2.013; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.063 to 3.810; P=0.032) was associated with worse DFS, whereas there were no significant factors associated with OS. Adding MRI to US for preoperative evaluation was not associated with DFS (HR, 1.117; 95% CI, 0.223 to 5.583; P=0.893) or OS (HR, 1.529; 95% CI, 0.300 to 7.781; P=0.609) in male patients.
Conclusion
Adding breast MRI to US in the preoperative evaluation was not associated with survival outcomes in male breast cancer patients, and the pathologic index cancer size was associated with worse DFS.
3.Impact of adding preoperative magnetic resonance imaging to ultrasonography on male breast cancer survival: a matched analysis with female breast cancer
Jeongmin LEE ; Ka Eun KIM ; Myoung Kyoung KIM ; Haejung KIM ; Eun Sook KO ; Eun Young KO ; Boo-Kyung HAN ; Ji Soo CHOI
Ultrasonography 2025;44(1):72-82
Purpose:
The study investigated whether incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside ultrasonography (US) in the preoperative evaluation is associated with differing survival outcomes between male and female breast cancer patients in a matched analysis. Additionally, clinicopathological prognostic factors were analyzed.
Methods:
Between January 2005 and December 2020, 93 male and 28,191 female patients who underwent breast surgery were screened. Exact matching analysis was conducted for age, pathologic T and N stages, and molecular subtypes. The clinicopathological characteristics and preoperative imaging methods of the matched cohorts were reviewed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors.
Results:
A total of 328 breast cancer patients (61 men and 267 women) were included in the matched analysis. Male patients had worse DFS (10-year DFS, 70.6% vs. 89.2%; P=0.001) and OS (10-year OS, 64.4% vs. 96.3%; P<0.001) than female patients. The pathologic index cancer size (hazard ratio [HR], 2.013; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.063 to 3.810; P=0.032) was associated with worse DFS, whereas there were no significant factors associated with OS. Adding MRI to US for preoperative evaluation was not associated with DFS (HR, 1.117; 95% CI, 0.223 to 5.583; P=0.893) or OS (HR, 1.529; 95% CI, 0.300 to 7.781; P=0.609) in male patients.
Conclusion
Adding breast MRI to US in the preoperative evaluation was not associated with survival outcomes in male breast cancer patients, and the pathologic index cancer size was associated with worse DFS.
4.Impact of adding preoperative magnetic resonance imaging to ultrasonography on male breast cancer survival: a matched analysis with female breast cancer
Jeongmin LEE ; Ka Eun KIM ; Myoung Kyoung KIM ; Haejung KIM ; Eun Sook KO ; Eun Young KO ; Boo-Kyung HAN ; Ji Soo CHOI
Ultrasonography 2025;44(1):72-82
Purpose:
The study investigated whether incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside ultrasonography (US) in the preoperative evaluation is associated with differing survival outcomes between male and female breast cancer patients in a matched analysis. Additionally, clinicopathological prognostic factors were analyzed.
Methods:
Between January 2005 and December 2020, 93 male and 28,191 female patients who underwent breast surgery were screened. Exact matching analysis was conducted for age, pathologic T and N stages, and molecular subtypes. The clinicopathological characteristics and preoperative imaging methods of the matched cohorts were reviewed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors.
Results:
A total of 328 breast cancer patients (61 men and 267 women) were included in the matched analysis. Male patients had worse DFS (10-year DFS, 70.6% vs. 89.2%; P=0.001) and OS (10-year OS, 64.4% vs. 96.3%; P<0.001) than female patients. The pathologic index cancer size (hazard ratio [HR], 2.013; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.063 to 3.810; P=0.032) was associated with worse DFS, whereas there were no significant factors associated with OS. Adding MRI to US for preoperative evaluation was not associated with DFS (HR, 1.117; 95% CI, 0.223 to 5.583; P=0.893) or OS (HR, 1.529; 95% CI, 0.300 to 7.781; P=0.609) in male patients.
Conclusion
Adding breast MRI to US in the preoperative evaluation was not associated with survival outcomes in male breast cancer patients, and the pathologic index cancer size was associated with worse DFS.
5.Impact of adding preoperative magnetic resonance imaging to ultrasonography on male breast cancer survival: a matched analysis with female breast cancer
Jeongmin LEE ; Ka Eun KIM ; Myoung Kyoung KIM ; Haejung KIM ; Eun Sook KO ; Eun Young KO ; Boo-Kyung HAN ; Ji Soo CHOI
Ultrasonography 2025;44(1):72-82
Purpose:
The study investigated whether incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside ultrasonography (US) in the preoperative evaluation is associated with differing survival outcomes between male and female breast cancer patients in a matched analysis. Additionally, clinicopathological prognostic factors were analyzed.
Methods:
Between January 2005 and December 2020, 93 male and 28,191 female patients who underwent breast surgery were screened. Exact matching analysis was conducted for age, pathologic T and N stages, and molecular subtypes. The clinicopathological characteristics and preoperative imaging methods of the matched cohorts were reviewed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors.
Results:
A total of 328 breast cancer patients (61 men and 267 women) were included in the matched analysis. Male patients had worse DFS (10-year DFS, 70.6% vs. 89.2%; P=0.001) and OS (10-year OS, 64.4% vs. 96.3%; P<0.001) than female patients. The pathologic index cancer size (hazard ratio [HR], 2.013; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.063 to 3.810; P=0.032) was associated with worse DFS, whereas there were no significant factors associated with OS. Adding MRI to US for preoperative evaluation was not associated with DFS (HR, 1.117; 95% CI, 0.223 to 5.583; P=0.893) or OS (HR, 1.529; 95% CI, 0.300 to 7.781; P=0.609) in male patients.
Conclusion
Adding breast MRI to US in the preoperative evaluation was not associated with survival outcomes in male breast cancer patients, and the pathologic index cancer size was associated with worse DFS.
6.Impact of adding preoperative magnetic resonance imaging to ultrasonography on male breast cancer survival: a matched analysis with female breast cancer
Jeongmin LEE ; Ka Eun KIM ; Myoung Kyoung KIM ; Haejung KIM ; Eun Sook KO ; Eun Young KO ; Boo-Kyung HAN ; Ji Soo CHOI
Ultrasonography 2025;44(1):72-82
Purpose:
The study investigated whether incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside ultrasonography (US) in the preoperative evaluation is associated with differing survival outcomes between male and female breast cancer patients in a matched analysis. Additionally, clinicopathological prognostic factors were analyzed.
Methods:
Between January 2005 and December 2020, 93 male and 28,191 female patients who underwent breast surgery were screened. Exact matching analysis was conducted for age, pathologic T and N stages, and molecular subtypes. The clinicopathological characteristics and preoperative imaging methods of the matched cohorts were reviewed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors.
Results:
A total of 328 breast cancer patients (61 men and 267 women) were included in the matched analysis. Male patients had worse DFS (10-year DFS, 70.6% vs. 89.2%; P=0.001) and OS (10-year OS, 64.4% vs. 96.3%; P<0.001) than female patients. The pathologic index cancer size (hazard ratio [HR], 2.013; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.063 to 3.810; P=0.032) was associated with worse DFS, whereas there were no significant factors associated with OS. Adding MRI to US for preoperative evaluation was not associated with DFS (HR, 1.117; 95% CI, 0.223 to 5.583; P=0.893) or OS (HR, 1.529; 95% CI, 0.300 to 7.781; P=0.609) in male patients.
Conclusion
Adding breast MRI to US in the preoperative evaluation was not associated with survival outcomes in male breast cancer patients, and the pathologic index cancer size was associated with worse DFS.
7.Impact of Grit, Teamwork, Organizational Communication Competence, Perception of Patient Safety Culture on Patient Safety Nursing Activities in Integrated Nursing Care Units
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration 2025;31(3):237-248
This study examined factors influencing patient safety nursing activities in integrated nursing care units. Methods: A survey was conducted with 134 nurses from hospitals (100~300 beds) in Busan using self-administered questionnaires (August 17–September 15, 2024). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The mean score for patient safety nursing activities was 4.31±0.55. Positive correlations were found with grit, teamwork, communication, and patient safety culture awareness. The predictor variables explained 46.0% of the variance in patient safety nursing activities. Significant factors included communication (β=.31, p=.032) and leadership (β=.29, p=.035) within teamwork, incident reporting frequency (β=.24, p<.001) within patient safety culture awareness, and experience in patient safety education (β=.17, p=.018). Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the importance of enhancing teamwork, particularly in leadership and communication, and creating a safety culture that promotes incident reporting and education to strengthen patient safety nursing practices. Improving patient safety training, developing systematic evaluation and feedback mechanisms, and establishing structured support systems through campaigns and workshops will boost staff involvement and elevate the quality of patient safety practices.
8.The Parathyroid Gland:An Overall Review of the Hidden Organ for Radiologists
Suho KIM ; Jung Hee SHIN ; Soo Yeon HAHN ; Haejung KIM ; Myoung Kyoung KIM
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2024;85(2):327-344
Parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands that regulate calcium metabolism by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH). These are located at the back of the thyroid gland. Typically, four glands comprise the parathyroid glands, although their numbers may vary among individuals.Parathyroid diseases are related to parathyroid gland dysfunction and can be caused by problems with the parathyroid gland itself or abnormal serum calcium levels arising from renal disease. In recent years, as comprehensive health checkups have become more common, abnormal serum calcium levels are often found incidentally in blood tests, after which several additional tests, including a PTH test, ultrasonography (US), technetium-99m sestamibi parathyroid scan, single-photon-emission CT (SPECT)/CT, four-dimensional CT (4D-CT), and PET/CT, are performed for further evaluation. However, the parathyroid gland remains an organ less familiar to radiologists. Therefore, the normal anatomy, pathophysiology, imaging, and clinical findings of the parathyroid gland and its associated diseases are discussed here.
9.Participation experience in self-care program for type 2 diabetes: A mixed-methods study
Mihwan KIM ; Haejung LEE ; Gaeun PARK ; Ah Reum KHANG
Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2024;26(1):31-42
This study aimed to explore the participation experiences of patients with type 2 diabetes in an Automated Personalized Self-Care program, assess the changes in self-care behavior and glycemic control, and evaluate the stages of change and readiness to change using the transtheoretical model (TTM). Methods: We examined 16 patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in a diabetes self-care program using a mobile application. Purposive sampling continued until data saturation. Using a mixed method study, we analyzed the participants’ characteristics, self-care behavior, stage of change, and readiness to change quantitatively and analyzed the qualitative data using Elo and Kyngas’s content analysis method. Results: The compliance group (CG) showed improved self-care behavior and glycemic control. In the CG, the proportion of participants in the action stage was higher in the exercise and diet domains and lower in the blood glucose testing and medication domains than in the non-compliance group (NCG). Readiness to change, motivation for health behaviors, and social motivation were higher in the CG, whereas personal motivation was higher in the NCG. In this qualitative study, three categories and 11 subcategories were identified. The findings suggest the CG regarded their experience in the program more frequently as positive, whereas the NCG perceived greater barriers to using the mobile application in the program. Conclusion: Based on the differences identified between the CG and NCG, TTM-based strategies are needed to facilitate the progression of NCG to the action stage.
10.The Parathyroid Gland:An Overall Review of the Hidden Organ for Radiologists
Suho KIM ; Jung Hee SHIN ; Soo Yeon HAHN ; Haejung KIM ; Myoung Kyoung KIM
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2024;85(2):327-344
Parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands that regulate calcium metabolism by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH). These are located at the back of the thyroid gland. Typically, four glands comprise the parathyroid glands, although their numbers may vary among individuals.Parathyroid diseases are related to parathyroid gland dysfunction and can be caused by problems with the parathyroid gland itself or abnormal serum calcium levels arising from renal disease. In recent years, as comprehensive health checkups have become more common, abnormal serum calcium levels are often found incidentally in blood tests, after which several additional tests, including a PTH test, ultrasonography (US), technetium-99m sestamibi parathyroid scan, single-photon-emission CT (SPECT)/CT, four-dimensional CT (4D-CT), and PET/CT, are performed for further evaluation. However, the parathyroid gland remains an organ less familiar to radiologists. Therefore, the normal anatomy, pathophysiology, imaging, and clinical findings of the parathyroid gland and its associated diseases are discussed here.

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