1.Myiasis Associated with Frostbite-Induced Tissue Necrosis: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Consideration during Postmortem Inspection
Tae Mo KANG ; Kyungmin LEE ; Wooyoung JANG ; Geom Su PARK ; Young CHO ; Kwang Soo KO ; Jinhyuk CHOI ; Seong Hwan PARK
Korean Journal of Legal Medicine 2026;50(1):26-30
Myiasis, a parasitic infestation caused by dipteran larvae in living humans or animals, is rarely encountered postmortem. Here, we report a case of myiasis identified during postmortem inspection in a 40-year-old man with a 10-year history of untreated schizophrenia. During the winter between late 2022 and early 2023, the decedent walked outdoors barefoot and sustained frostbite and was advised to undergo limb amputation at a university hospital in March 2024. He died at home in late May 2024. At the scene, the body showed displaceable livor mortis and absence of rigor mortis, suggesting a short postmortem interval. Severe necrosis was present below the knees, and numerous third-instar larvae without postfeeding stage were observed within the necrotic tissue, suggesting myiasis development at the frostbite sites. Species identification via larval sampling was not possible; thus, photographic analysis was attempted. The larva at the most advanced developmental stage was most likely a third-instar Lucilia sericata, the most common species causing myiasis in Korea. Assuming a skin temperature of 34°C under blanket coverage, the estimated post-oviposition interval ranged from 38.9–71.7 hours. Considering the estimated postmortem interval, the oviposition may have occurred antemortem. Since myiasis can indicate neglect or contribute to death, forensic pathologist should assess whether the postmortem interval aligns with the developmental stage of the larvae. For accurate forensic entomological analysis, adequate sampling of larvae is essential during postmortem inspections.
2.A pilot study on microbial dynamics in drainage fluid during trauma recovery
Hyun-Hee HONG ; Tae-Hwan KIM ; Dowan KIM ; Jungchul KIM ; Younggoun JO ; Yunchul PARK ; Euisung JEONG ; Naa LEE ; Hyunseok ROH ; Hyunseok JANG ; Su-Man KIM
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(5):347-358
Purpose:
Drainage fluid may serve as a biologically informative indicator of immune and infectious status during postsurgical recovery after trauma. However, microbiome shifts in drainage fluid associated with clinical resilience have not yet been characterized. This study aimed to investigate microbial dynamics in drainage fluid across the intensive care unit (ICU) and ward recovery phases in Korean trauma patients.
Methods:
A total of 25 drainage and 10 stool samples were collected from 10 trauma patients who underwent abdominal surgery at a regional trauma center. Microbial composition was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing.Alpha and beta diversity were compared between sample types and recovery stages. Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify recovery-associated taxa while adjusting for clinical variables, and predicted metabolic pathways were assessed using PICRUSt2.
Results:
Drainage fluid harbored distinct microbial communities independent of the intestinal microbiota. Shared taxa between drainage and stool increased significantly in patients with bowel injury, suggesting microbial translocation.Seven genera and 5 species showed significantly decreased abundance during the ward stage, with Modestobacter and Blastococcus tunisiensis demonstrating the highest discriminative ability between recovery stages (area under the curve = 0.721). Predicted metabolic pathways related to fatty acid degradation, amino acid degradation, and pro-inflammatory processes were more active during the ICU stage.
Conclusion
These findings provide preliminary evidence that drainage fluid microbiome profiles may reflect recovery dynamics following trauma, supporting its potential utility for microbiome-based monitoring and biomarker discovery in trauma surgery.
3.Delayed Retroperitoneal Hematoma Following Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy: A Case Report of a Rare Complication
Jun-Yong CHA ; Yun-Young PARK ; Jin-Uk KIM ; Jun-Ho LEE ; Seong-Hwan MUN ; Gun AHN ; Il-Tae JANG
The Nerve 2026;12(1):36-40
Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat discogenic back pain and offers an alternative to surgical intervention in selected patients. Although it is generally considered safe, rare but significant complications can occur and may be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms overlap with those of other spinal conditions. We describe the case of a 69-year-old woman who presented with severe lower back and left buttock pain that was unresponsive to conservative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed disc bulging with a high-intensity zone at the L4–5 and L5–S1 levels. IDET was performed at the L4–5 level, resulting in initial pain relief. However, the patient returned 7 days later with recurrent pain. Despite undergoing percutaneous epidural neuroplasty at the left L5–S1 level, a medial branch block, and a piriformis muscle block, her symptoms persisted. Further evaluation with spinal computed tomography revealed a retroperitoneal hematoma near the left psoas muscle. Referred pain from the hematoma mimicked discogenic pain, resulting in delayed diagnosis and unnecessary interventions. The patient remained hemodynamically stable and gradually improved with conservative management alone. This case highlights retroperitoneal hematoma as a rare complication of IDET and emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely diagnosis in patients with persistent or worsening symptoms after spinal procedures. Clinicians should consider non-discogenic sources of pain when treatment outcomes deviate from expected patterns.
4.Detection and prognostic stratification of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in left bundle branch block using an artificial intelligence–enabled electrocardiography
Soo Youn LEE ; Ah‑Hyun YOO ; Sora KANG ; Jong‑Hwan JANG ; Yong‑Yeon JO ; Jeong Min SON ; Min Sung LEE ; Ga In HAN ; Joon‑myoung KWON ; Hak Seung LEE ; Kyung‑Hee KIM
Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging 2026;34(1):4-
Background:
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) significantly increases the risk of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) due to cardiac dyssynchrony. Although artificial intelligence–enabled electrocardiography (AI-ECG) mod‑ els show promise in detecting LVSD, their performance in LBBB patients remains underexplored. We hypothesized that an AI-ECG model clinically validated for detecting LVSD would accurately detect LVSD and predict future clinical outcomes in LBBB patients.
Methods:
In this retrospective multicenter study, 5,689 expert-validated LBBB ECGs collected from 2,813 patients between 2016 and 2024 were analyzed using a previously developed and validated AI-ECG model. LVSD was defined as an ejection fraction of ≤ 40%. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating char‑ acteristic curve (AUROC), the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), sensitivity, and specificity. Patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on a threshold that achieved 90% sensitivity. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare clinical outcomes.
Results:
Among the 2,813 LBBB patients (mean age, 70.7 years; male sex, 43.7%), hypertension and a history of heart failure were common. The AiTiALVSD model showed strong diagnostic performance for LVSD (AUROC, 0.930 [95% CI, 0.924–0.937]; AUPRC, 0.913 [95% CI, 0.902–0.923]; sensitivity, 0.979; specificity, 0.473). During the mean follow-up of 4.1 years, high-risk patients had significantly higher hazards than low-risk patients for all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.87; 95% CI, 1.53–2.28), implantable cardioverter defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation (adjusted HR, 15.2; 95% CI, 7.51–30.77), and cardiovascular hospitalization (adjusted HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96–1.28).
Conclusions
AiTiALVSD effectively detects LVSD and stratifies long-term cardiovascular risk in LBBB patients, support‑ ing its clinical utility for early detection and patient management.
5.The Efficacy of Intranasal Insulin in the Treatment of Post-Viral Persistent Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review
Do Hyun KIM ; David W. JANG ; Se Hwan HWANG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(2):120-128
Objectives:
. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal insulin in treating persistent and refractory olfactory dysfunction following viral infections.
Methods:
. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, covering all articles indexed up to July 2025. Studies were included if they evaluated changes in olfactory scores in patients receiving intranasal insulin, either compared with a control group (placebo or no treatment) or between pre- and post-treatment measurements. Secondary outcomes included serum glucose and insulin levels and the proportion of patients achieving significant olfactory recovery.
Results:
. Eight studies including 457 participants were reviewed. Intranasal insulin was generally associated with improvement in olfactory scores. Delivery via absorbable materials may enhance both threshold and discrimination outcomes, whereas self-administration demonstrated minimal benefit. Several studies also reported higher rates of substantial olfactory recovery with absorbable material-based delivery. Combination therapy with intranasal insulin and budesonide was suggested to further improve threshold scores. Overall, treatment was well tolerated, with no major changes in serum glucose levels, although one study documented a mild hypoglycemic event.
Conclusion
. Current evidence suggests that intranasal insulin, particularly when delivered using absorbable materials, may offer therapeutic benefit for persistent post-viral olfactory dysfunction. Corticosteroid coadministration may also provide additional improvements. These findings remain preliminary and require confirmation in larger, well-controlled studies.
6.Usefulness of the ID-Migraine Screening Tool for Diagnosing Migraines in Patients With Headache and Facial Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Do Hyun KIM ; David W. JANG ; Se Hwan HWANG
Journal of Rhinology 2026;33(1):1-10
Background and Objectives:
A substantial proportion of patients presenting with sinus headaches are ultimately diagnosed with migraines. The ID-Migraine tool has been developed to aid in identifying migraine patients in primary care settings. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of validation studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the ID-Migraine tool.
Methods:
Data were extracted regarding true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives, along with study characteristics. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool.
Results:
In total, 30 studies involving 9,942 participants were included in the final analysis. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio for the ID-Migraine tool was 13.84. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.846. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.865 and 0.702, respectively, while the negative predictive value was 0.791 and the positive predictive value was 0.799.
Conclusion
The ID-Migraine screening tool is highly accurate and user-friendly for identifying migraines among patients presenting with sinus headaches. By employing this tool, unnecessary diagnostic tests or treatments can be minimized, and patients can be promptly referred to appropriate specialists.
7.A Study of Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Korean Adults: Analysis Based on the Data From the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Eun-Su CHO ; Young-Myo JAE ; Sae-Heon JANG ; Kyoung-Hwan LEE ; Kyoung-Beom KIM
Journal of the Korean Society of Biological Therapies in Psychiatry 2026;32(1):76-84
Objectives:
This study examined factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Korean adults.
Methods:
Using data from 5,620 participants in the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, obesity was defined as body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 and HRQoL assessed by the health-related quality of life instrument with 8 items (HINT-8). Complex survey weights were applied.
Results:
General linear and multiple regression analyses showed that among women, obesity was significantly associated with lower HINT-8 scores (B=-0.008, p=0.032), while no association was found in men. Age, household income, education, perceived stress, and smoking were also significantly related to HRQoL in both sexes.
Conclusions
HRQoL in Korean adults is influenced by obesity, socioeconomic status, and mental health indicators. The adverse effect of obesity observed only in women highlights the need for sex-specific public health strategies and the relevance of culturally adapted tools such as the HINT-8.
8.Behavioral characterization of olfactory, auditory, and motor deficits in 5×FAD mice
Hyewon JANG ; Sueun LEE ; Yeongjun KIM ; Jeongmin LEE ; Jong-Choon KIM ; Joong-Sun KIM ; Jong-Hwan PARK ; Jinwook KIM ; Yeonghoon SON ; Changjong MOON
Journal of Veterinary Science 2026;27(3):e35-
Objective:
To characterize age-related motor, olfactory, and auditory changes in 5×FAD mice and assess associated AD pathologies and neuroinflammation in relevant brain regions.
Methods:
5×FAD and control mice were tested at 3, 6, and 12 months. Locomotor activity and motor coordination were assessed using the open field and rotarod tests, respectively. Olfactory and auditory performance were evaluated using the buried food test and the acoustic startle response test, respectively. Amyloid-β pathology and glial activation were examined in relevant nervous system components using western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses.
Results:
5×FAD mice showed no differences in open-field locomotion at any age, but exhibited a significantly greater passive clinging duration at 12 months compared to wild-type controls (p < 0.001). In the buried food test, olfactory latency was significantly prolonged in 5×FAD mice at 6 months (p = 0.035) and 12 months (p < 0.001). Acoustic startle amplitude was significantly reduced at 6 months (p = 0.030) and 12 months (p = 0.007). Amyloid-β and p-Tau accumulation and glial activation were elevated in the olfactory bulb and auditory cortex in an age-dependent manner.
Conclusions
and Relevance: This study provides an age-related behavioral and pathological characterization of olfactory and auditory impairments in the 5×FAD mouse model, with motor measures included as complementary assessments. Our findings broaden the spectrum of functional deficits associated with the AD pathology in this model.
9.An adjustment of fraction of inspired oxygen using the oxygen reserve index during one-lung ventilation in pediatric patients: a prospective, randomized controlled trial
Jung-Bin PARK ; Pyoyoon KANG ; Sang-Hwan JI ; Young-Eun JANG ; Eun-Hee KIM ; Jin-Tae KIM ; Hee-Soo KIM ; Ji-Hyun LEE
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology 2026;79(2):224-232
Background:
One-lung ventilation (OLV) during thoracic surgery frequently requires approximately 100% oxygen, imposing the risk of hyperoxemia. This study aimed to assess whether oxygen reserve index (ORI)-guided fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) adjustment can reduce the incidence of hyperoxemia in children undergoing lung resection.
Methods:
This prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled children aged < 7 years scheduled for thoracoscopic lung resection. The participants were randomly assigned to either a conventional group (FiO2 adjusted based on arterial blood gas analysis [ABGA]) or an ORI group (FiO2 titrated to maintain an ORI target of 0.15). ABGA was performed 10 and 30 min after the start of OLV (T1 and T2). The primary outcome was the incidence of hyperoxemia 30 min after OLV (T2).
Results:
Data from 64 children (31 conventional, 33 ORI groups) were analyzed. The incidence rate of hyperoxemia at T2 was similar between the conventional and ORI groups (54.8% vs. 60.6%, P = 0.801). However, partial pressure of arterial oxygen at T1 was significantly lower in the ORI group than in the conventional group (214.6 ± 65.5 mmHg vs. 268.8 ± 92.7 mmHg, P = 0.014). The ORI group demonstrated a lower time-weighted average FiO2 during OLV (0.79 ± 0.12 vs. 0.87 ± 0.09, P = 0.004). The ORI group required more rescue interventions than the conventional group and experienced fewer episodes of hypoxia.
Conclusions
ORI-guided FiO2 adjustment does not significantly reduce the incidence of hyperoxemia in children undergoing OLV but reduces time-weighted FiO2 and hypoxic events.
10.18F-FDOPA PET/CT in Oncology: Procedural Guideline by the KoreanSociety of Nuclear Medicine
Yong-Jin PARK ; Joon Ho CHOI ; Hyunjong LEE ; Seung Hwan MOON ; Inki LEE ; Joohee LEE ; Jang YOO ; Joon Young CHOI ;
Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;59(1):41-49
This guideline outlines the use of 3,4-dihydroxy-6- 18F-fluoro-L-phenylalanine positron emission tomography / computed tomography for the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine tumors, brain tumors, and other tumorous conditions. It provides detailed recommendations on patient preparation, imaging procedures, and result interpretation. Based on inter-national standards and adapted to local clinical practices, the guideline emphasizes safety, quality control, and the effec-tive application of 3,4-dihydroxy-6- 18F-fluoro-L-phenylalanine positron emission tomography / computed tomography for various tumors such as insulinomas, pheochromocytomas, and medullary thyroid carcinoma. It also addresses the use of premedication with carbidopa, fasting protocols, and optimal imaging techniques. The aim is to assist nuclear medicine professionals in delivering precise diagnoses, improving patient outcomes, and accommodating evolving medical knowl-edge and technology. This comprehensive document serves as a practical resource to enhance the accuracy, quality, and safety of 3,4-dihydroxy-6- 18F-fluoro-L-phenylalanine positron emission tomography / computed tomography in oncology.

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