1.Primary Cholangiocarcinoma of the Liver Presenting as a Complicated Hepatic Cyst: A Diagnostic Challenge
Chang Won HA ; Sang Deok SHIN ; Myung Ji GOH ; Byeong Geun SONG ; Wonseok KANG ; Dong Hyun SINN ; Geum-Youn GWAK ; Yong-Han PAIK ; Moon Seok CHOI ; Joon Hyeok LEE
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology 2025;85(1):83-88
Primary cholangiocarcinoma is a rare bile duct epithelial neoplasm that can present with atypical clinical manifestations, complicating its diagnosis. A 62-year-old male showed symptoms suggestive of a complicated hepatic cyst that was later identified as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The patient presented with abdominal discomfort without fever. Imaging revealed a large cystic lesion in the liver. Despite the initial treatment for a presumed abscess, a biopsy confirmed cholangiocarcinoma. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing between benign complicated hepatic cysts and malignancies, particularly when typical markers of infection are absent. Early biopsy and vigilant assessments are crucial in such presentations to avoid a delayed diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.
2.Miliary Tuberculosis Initially Presenting as an Isolated Hepatic Abscess
Chang Won HA ; Sang Deok SHIN ; Myung Ji GOH ; Byeong Geun SONG ; Wonseok KANG ; Dong Hyun SINN ; Geum-Youn GWAK ; Yong-Han PAIK ; Moon Seok CHOI ; Joon Hyeok LEE
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology 2025;85(1):78-82
Hepatic tuberculosis, typically associated with miliary tuberculosis, can occasionally present as localized liver lesions. This case report describes a 77-year-old male presenting with persistent abdominal pain and fever, following an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for bile duct sludge removal. Subsequent computed tomography revealed focal liver lesions. Despite initial treatment with antibiotics for a suspected inflammatory liver abscess, his condition did not improve. A liver biopsy was performed, revealing caseous granulomas, and the tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction result was positive. The patient was diagnosed with primary hepatic tuberculosis, which later disseminated. Oral anti-tuberculosis therapy was initiated and is currently being closely monitored. This case emphasizes the importance of considering hepatic tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of liver lesions, particularly in cases involving cholestatic liver function tests, and persistent symptoms unresponsive to conventional antibiotics.
4.Coexisting Macular Hole and Uveal Melanoma: A Case Series and Literature Review
Yeji KIM ; So Hyun YU ; Yong Joon KIM ; Eun Young CHOI ; Sung Chul LEE ; Christopher Seungkyu LEE
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;39(2):170-180
Purpose:
To report five cases of macular hole (MH) coexisting with uveal melanoma (UM) and review the literature.
Methods:
Seventeen patients (5 new and 12 from previous reports) with coexisting MH and UM were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether the MH was diagnosed before or after tumor treatment. The clinical features, pathogenesis, management options, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.
Results:
Of 505 patients with UM in our institution, 5 (1.0%) had a concurrent MH in the ipsilateral eye. The 17 patients reviewed had a mean age of 63.9 years at the time of MH diagnosis. Of 16 patients with available data on sex, 11 (64.7%) were female. There were no major differences in the demographic or clinical data of the groups. Of the 15 known tumor locations, 6 (35.3%) were juxtapapillary or macular. In patients who developed MH after UM treatment, the durations from tumor treatment (radiotherapy or transpupillary thermotherapy) to MH diagnosis were 3 to 56 months (median, 8.5 months). MH surgery was performed in nine eyes, and hole closure was achieved in seven eyes with postoperative data. The mean visual acuity showed a tendency of improvement after surgery. No intraocular or extraocular tumor dissemination associated with surgery was observed.
Conclusions
MH is observed in approximately 1% of patients with UM, either before or after tumor treatment. Of patients with coexisting MH and UM, MH surgery appears to be safe and effective in those with stable tumors and visual potential.
5.Deep Learning-Accelerated Non-Contrast Abbreviated Liver MRI for Detecting Malignant Focal Hepatic Lesions: Dual-Center Validation
So Hyun PARK ; Moon Hyung CHOI ; Bohyun KIM ; Hyun-Soo LEE ; Sungjin YOON ; Young Joon LEE ; Dominik NICKEL ; Thomas BENKERT
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):333-345
Objective:
To compare a deep learning (DL)-accelerated non-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI DL) protocol with standard AMRI (AMRI STD) of the liver in terms of image quality and malignant focal lesion detection.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study included 155 consecutive patients (110 male; mean age 62.4 ± 11 years) from two sites who underwent standard liver MRI and additional AMRIDL sequences, specifically DL-accelerated single-shot fast-spin echo (SSFSE DL) and DL-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIDL). Additional MRI phantom experiments assessed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Three reviewers evaluated AMRIDL and AMRI STD protocols for image quality using a five-point Likert scale and identified malignant hepatic lesions. Image quality scores and per-lesion sensitivities were compared between AMRIDL and AMRI STD using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, respectively.
Results:
Phantom experiments demonstrated comparable SNR and higher CNR for SSFSE DL compared to SSFSE STD, with similar ADC values for DWIDL and DWI STD. Among the 155 patients, 130 (83.9%) had chronic liver disease or a history of intra- or extrahepatic malignancy. Of 104 malignant focal lesions in 64 patients, 58 (55.8%) were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 38 (36.5%) were metastases, four (3.8%) were cholangiocarcinomas, and four (3.8%) were lymphomas. The pooled per-lesion sensitivity across three readers was 97.6% for AMRIDL, comparable to 97.6% for AMRI STD. Compared with AMRI STD, AMRIDL demonstrated superior image quality regarding structural sharpness, artifacts, and noise (all P < 0.001) and reduced the average scan time by approximately 50% (2 min 29 sec vs. 4 min 11 sec). In patients with chronic liver disease, AMRIDL achieved a 96.6% per-lesion sensitivity for HCC detection, similar to 96.5% for AMRI STD (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The AMRIDL protocol offers comparable sensitivity for detecting malignant focal lesions, including HCC while significantly enhancing image quality and reducing scan time by approximately 50% compared to AMRI STD.
6.Primary Cholangiocarcinoma of the Liver Presenting as a Complicated Hepatic Cyst: A Diagnostic Challenge
Chang Won HA ; Sang Deok SHIN ; Myung Ji GOH ; Byeong Geun SONG ; Wonseok KANG ; Dong Hyun SINN ; Geum-Youn GWAK ; Yong-Han PAIK ; Moon Seok CHOI ; Joon Hyeok LEE
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology 2025;85(1):83-88
Primary cholangiocarcinoma is a rare bile duct epithelial neoplasm that can present with atypical clinical manifestations, complicating its diagnosis. A 62-year-old male showed symptoms suggestive of a complicated hepatic cyst that was later identified as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The patient presented with abdominal discomfort without fever. Imaging revealed a large cystic lesion in the liver. Despite the initial treatment for a presumed abscess, a biopsy confirmed cholangiocarcinoma. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing between benign complicated hepatic cysts and malignancies, particularly when typical markers of infection are absent. Early biopsy and vigilant assessments are crucial in such presentations to avoid a delayed diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment.
7.Miliary Tuberculosis Initially Presenting as an Isolated Hepatic Abscess
Chang Won HA ; Sang Deok SHIN ; Myung Ji GOH ; Byeong Geun SONG ; Wonseok KANG ; Dong Hyun SINN ; Geum-Youn GWAK ; Yong-Han PAIK ; Moon Seok CHOI ; Joon Hyeok LEE
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology 2025;85(1):78-82
Hepatic tuberculosis, typically associated with miliary tuberculosis, can occasionally present as localized liver lesions. This case report describes a 77-year-old male presenting with persistent abdominal pain and fever, following an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for bile duct sludge removal. Subsequent computed tomography revealed focal liver lesions. Despite initial treatment with antibiotics for a suspected inflammatory liver abscess, his condition did not improve. A liver biopsy was performed, revealing caseous granulomas, and the tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction result was positive. The patient was diagnosed with primary hepatic tuberculosis, which later disseminated. Oral anti-tuberculosis therapy was initiated and is currently being closely monitored. This case emphasizes the importance of considering hepatic tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of liver lesions, particularly in cases involving cholestatic liver function tests, and persistent symptoms unresponsive to conventional antibiotics.
8.Coexisting Macular Hole and Uveal Melanoma: A Case Series and Literature Review
Yeji KIM ; So Hyun YU ; Yong Joon KIM ; Eun Young CHOI ; Sung Chul LEE ; Christopher Seungkyu LEE
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;39(2):170-180
Purpose:
To report five cases of macular hole (MH) coexisting with uveal melanoma (UM) and review the literature.
Methods:
Seventeen patients (5 new and 12 from previous reports) with coexisting MH and UM were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether the MH was diagnosed before or after tumor treatment. The clinical features, pathogenesis, management options, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.
Results:
Of 505 patients with UM in our institution, 5 (1.0%) had a concurrent MH in the ipsilateral eye. The 17 patients reviewed had a mean age of 63.9 years at the time of MH diagnosis. Of 16 patients with available data on sex, 11 (64.7%) were female. There were no major differences in the demographic or clinical data of the groups. Of the 15 known tumor locations, 6 (35.3%) were juxtapapillary or macular. In patients who developed MH after UM treatment, the durations from tumor treatment (radiotherapy or transpupillary thermotherapy) to MH diagnosis were 3 to 56 months (median, 8.5 months). MH surgery was performed in nine eyes, and hole closure was achieved in seven eyes with postoperative data. The mean visual acuity showed a tendency of improvement after surgery. No intraocular or extraocular tumor dissemination associated with surgery was observed.
Conclusions
MH is observed in approximately 1% of patients with UM, either before or after tumor treatment. Of patients with coexisting MH and UM, MH surgery appears to be safe and effective in those with stable tumors and visual potential.
9.Deep Learning-Accelerated Non-Contrast Abbreviated Liver MRI for Detecting Malignant Focal Hepatic Lesions: Dual-Center Validation
So Hyun PARK ; Moon Hyung CHOI ; Bohyun KIM ; Hyun-Soo LEE ; Sungjin YOON ; Young Joon LEE ; Dominik NICKEL ; Thomas BENKERT
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):333-345
Objective:
To compare a deep learning (DL)-accelerated non-enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI DL) protocol with standard AMRI (AMRI STD) of the liver in terms of image quality and malignant focal lesion detection.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study included 155 consecutive patients (110 male; mean age 62.4 ± 11 years) from two sites who underwent standard liver MRI and additional AMRIDL sequences, specifically DL-accelerated single-shot fast-spin echo (SSFSE DL) and DL-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (DWIDL). Additional MRI phantom experiments assessed signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Three reviewers evaluated AMRIDL and AMRI STD protocols for image quality using a five-point Likert scale and identified malignant hepatic lesions. Image quality scores and per-lesion sensitivities were compared between AMRIDL and AMRI STD using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, respectively.
Results:
Phantom experiments demonstrated comparable SNR and higher CNR for SSFSE DL compared to SSFSE STD, with similar ADC values for DWIDL and DWI STD. Among the 155 patients, 130 (83.9%) had chronic liver disease or a history of intra- or extrahepatic malignancy. Of 104 malignant focal lesions in 64 patients, 58 (55.8%) were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 38 (36.5%) were metastases, four (3.8%) were cholangiocarcinomas, and four (3.8%) were lymphomas. The pooled per-lesion sensitivity across three readers was 97.6% for AMRIDL, comparable to 97.6% for AMRI STD. Compared with AMRI STD, AMRIDL demonstrated superior image quality regarding structural sharpness, artifacts, and noise (all P < 0.001) and reduced the average scan time by approximately 50% (2 min 29 sec vs. 4 min 11 sec). In patients with chronic liver disease, AMRIDL achieved a 96.6% per-lesion sensitivity for HCC detection, similar to 96.5% for AMRI STD (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The AMRIDL protocol offers comparable sensitivity for detecting malignant focal lesions, including HCC while significantly enhancing image quality and reducing scan time by approximately 50% compared to AMRI STD.
10.A New Agenda for Optimizing Roles and Infrastructure in a Mental Health Service Model for South Korea
Eunsoo KIM ; Hyeon-Ah LEE ; Yu-Ri LEE ; In Suk LEE ; Kyoung-Sae NA ; Seung-Hee AHN ; Chul-Hyun CHO ; Hwoyeon SEO ; Soo Bong JUNG ; Sung Joon CHO ; Hwa-Young LEE
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):26-39
Objective:
As the demand for community mental health services continues to grow, the need for well-equipped and organized services has become apparent. This study aimed to optimize the roles and infrastructure of mental health services, by establishing, among other initiatives, standardized operating models.
Methods:
The study was conducted in multiple phases from May 12, 2021, to December 29, 2021. Stakeholders within South Korea and metropolitan mental health welfare centers were targeted, but addiction management support centers, including officials, patients, and their families, were integrated as well. A literature review and survey, focus group interviews, a Delphi survey, and expert consultation contributed to comprehensive revisions and improvements of the mental health service model.
Results:
The proposed model for community mental health welfare centers emphasizes the expansion of personnel and infrastructure, with a focus on severe mental illnesses and suicide prevention. The model for metropolitan mental health welfare centers delineates essential tasks in areas such as project planning and establishment, community research, and education about severe mental illnesses. The establishment of a 24-hour emergency intervention center was a crucial feature. In the integrated addiction support center model, the need to promote addiction management is defined as an essential task and the establishment of national governance for addiction policies is recommended.
Conclusion
This study proposed standard operating models for three types of mental health service centers. To meet the increasing need for community care, robust mental health service delivery systems are of primary importance.

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