Echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is rare in Korea and is primarily imported from endemic areas. We report a case of a 37-year-old Korean man with multiple large hepatic cysts, initially diagnosed as simple cysts at a local clinic in 2018. The patient had lived in Oman, an endemic area, for several months in 2016. Upon referral to a tertiary hospital in 2023, due to progressive cyst enlargement, liver magnetic resonance imaging revealed three large cysts with a water lily sign. Serum IgG against Echinococcus was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After diagnosis of echinococcosis, treatment with albendazole and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) was performed.Microscopic and molecular analysis of cyst aspirates confirmed Echinococcus granulosus infection. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a reduction in cyst size, yet the emergence of a new right pleural effusion and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung necessitated the continuation of albendazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough travel history, imaging findings, and the effectiveness of PAIR combined with albendazole in treating imported echinococcosis.

Background: A nationwide Rehabilitation at Home Care Pilot Program for patients undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgeries has been ongoing since 2020. The program was designed to improve clinical outcomes through early mobilization and rehabilitation after discharge. This study aimed to analyze the interim data to assess its effectiveness and suggest improvements, particularly for older patients who are more vulnerable compared to younger patients. Methods: We analyzed the data of 872 patients from seven hospitals. Patients were divided into an older-age group (OG; ≥60 years) and younger-age group (YG; <60 years). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain were the main outcomes. Results: Participants were categorized into OG (n=801) and YG (n=71). The most common surgeries were knee joint replacement (63.7%) in OG and hip joint replacement in YG (77.5%). It took more days to enroll in the pilot program in OG (4.4 days) than YG (3.2 days). OG showed less improvement in BBS than YG for all surgeries (23.3 vs. 31.9) and hip joint surgery (19.8 vs. 33.5). In patients with hip joint replacement in OG, those with a higher number of comorbidities (≥3) showed less BBS improvement than those with fewer comorbidities (<3). In the pain domain, NRS scores decreased in both groups. Conclusion The postoperative rehabilitation education program appeared to be effective in improving physical function and reducing pain severity, though the improvement was less obvious in older patients who may require a more comprehensive approach compared to younger patients.

Background: A nationwide Rehabilitation at Home Care Pilot Program for patients undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgeries has been ongoing since 2020. The program was designed to improve clinical outcomes through early mobilization and rehabilitation after discharge. This study aimed to analyze the interim data to assess its effectiveness and suggest improvements, particularly for older patients who are more vulnerable compared to younger patients. Methods: We analyzed the data of 872 patients from seven hospitals. Patients were divided into an older-age group (OG; ≥60 years) and younger-age group (YG; <60 years). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain were the main outcomes. Results: Participants were categorized into OG (n=801) and YG (n=71). The most common surgeries were knee joint replacement (63.7%) in OG and hip joint replacement in YG (77.5%). It took more days to enroll in the pilot program in OG (4.4 days) than YG (3.2 days). OG showed less improvement in BBS than YG for all surgeries (23.3 vs. 31.9) and hip joint surgery (19.8 vs. 33.5). In patients with hip joint replacement in OG, those with a higher number of comorbidities (≥3) showed less BBS improvement than those with fewer comorbidities (<3). In the pain domain, NRS scores decreased in both groups. Conclusion The postoperative rehabilitation education program appeared to be effective in improving physical function and reducing pain severity, though the improvement was less obvious in older patients who may require a more comprehensive approach compared to younger patients.

Echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is rare in Korea and is primarily imported from endemic areas. We report a case of a 37-year-old Korean man with multiple large hepatic cysts, initially diagnosed as simple cysts at a local clinic in 2018. The patient had lived in Oman, an endemic area, for several months in 2016. Upon referral to a tertiary hospital in 2023, due to progressive cyst enlargement, liver magnetic resonance imaging revealed three large cysts with a water lily sign. Serum IgG against Echinococcus was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After diagnosis of echinococcosis, treatment with albendazole and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) was performed.Microscopic and molecular analysis of cyst aspirates confirmed Echinococcus granulosus infection. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a reduction in cyst size, yet the emergence of a new right pleural effusion and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung necessitated the continuation of albendazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough travel history, imaging findings, and the effectiveness of PAIR combined with albendazole in treating imported echinococcosis.

Echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is rare in Korea and is primarily imported from endemic areas. We report a case of a 37-year-old Korean man with multiple large hepatic cysts, initially diagnosed as simple cysts at a local clinic in 2018. The patient had lived in Oman, an endemic area, for several months in 2016. Upon referral to a tertiary hospital in 2023, due to progressive cyst enlargement, liver magnetic resonance imaging revealed three large cysts with a water lily sign. Serum IgG against Echinococcus was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After diagnosis of echinococcosis, treatment with albendazole and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) was performed.Microscopic and molecular analysis of cyst aspirates confirmed Echinococcus granulosus infection. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a reduction in cyst size, yet the emergence of a new right pleural effusion and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung necessitated the continuation of albendazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough travel history, imaging findings, and the effectiveness of PAIR combined with albendazole in treating imported echinococcosis.

Echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is rare in Korea and is primarily imported from endemic areas. We report a case of a 37-year-old Korean man with multiple large hepatic cysts, initially diagnosed as simple cysts at a local clinic in 2018. The patient had lived in Oman, an endemic area, for several months in 2016. Upon referral to a tertiary hospital in 2023, due to progressive cyst enlargement, liver magnetic resonance imaging revealed three large cysts with a water lily sign. Serum IgG against Echinococcus was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After diagnosis of echinococcosis, treatment with albendazole and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) was performed.Microscopic and molecular analysis of cyst aspirates confirmed Echinococcus granulosus infection. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a reduction in cyst size, yet the emergence of a new right pleural effusion and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung necessitated the continuation of albendazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough travel history, imaging findings, and the effectiveness of PAIR combined with albendazole in treating imported echinococcosis.

Background: A nationwide Rehabilitation at Home Care Pilot Program for patients undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgeries has been ongoing since 2020. The program was designed to improve clinical outcomes through early mobilization and rehabilitation after discharge. This study aimed to analyze the interim data to assess its effectiveness and suggest improvements, particularly for older patients who are more vulnerable compared to younger patients. Methods: We analyzed the data of 872 patients from seven hospitals. Patients were divided into an older-age group (OG; ≥60 years) and younger-age group (YG; <60 years). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain were the main outcomes. Results: Participants were categorized into OG (n=801) and YG (n=71). The most common surgeries were knee joint replacement (63.7%) in OG and hip joint replacement in YG (77.5%). It took more days to enroll in the pilot program in OG (4.4 days) than YG (3.2 days). OG showed less improvement in BBS than YG for all surgeries (23.3 vs. 31.9) and hip joint surgery (19.8 vs. 33.5). In patients with hip joint replacement in OG, those with a higher number of comorbidities (≥3) showed less BBS improvement than those with fewer comorbidities (<3). In the pain domain, NRS scores decreased in both groups. Conclusion The postoperative rehabilitation education program appeared to be effective in improving physical function and reducing pain severity, though the improvement was less obvious in older patients who may require a more comprehensive approach compared to younger patients.

Purpose: To report a case of pharmacological treatment of a macular hole in a vitrectomized eye.Case summary: A 42-year-old woman who had undergone vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in her right eye one year prior presented with decreased visual acuity in that eye. Fundus examination revealed an epiretinal membrane, subretinal fluid, and cystoid macular edema (CME) in the right eye. Blood tests and fluorescein angiography showed no other abnormalities. After initiating oral prednisolone 40 mg, the CME improved, and the steroid dose was gradually tapered. However, two months later, a full-thickness macular hole and recurrent CME were observed, leading to re-administration of oral prednisolone (40 mg). One month later, CME worsened, and there was no improvement in the macular hole; thus, surgical intervention was planned. However, one week later, preoperative examination showed resolution of both the full-thickness macular hole and CME, and surgery was canceled. Oral prednisolone was gradually tapered. Over a one-year follow-up period, the macular hole remained closed without recurrence. Conclusions We report a case of macular hole closure following pharmacological management in a vitrectomized eye. In cases of macular hole with concurrent CME in vitrectomized eyes, pharmacological management of the edema and observation for potential hole closure may be considered prior to surgical intervention.

Background: Infraorbital nerve dysfunction frequently occurs after maxillary fractures. This study aimed to determine whether maxillary fractures involving the infraorbital foramen affect the recovery of infraorbital nerve function. Methods: In this prospective study, 60 patients who received treatment for unilateral maxillary fractures between January 2020 and December 2022 were analyzed, with a follow-up period of over 1 year. Computed tomography scans were employed to categorize the fractures into three types according to the location of the fracture line relative to the infraorbital foramen. Sensory changes in four predetermined areas, supplied by the infraorbital nerve, were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively using the two-point discrimination test and the monofilament test. Results: Paresthesia was observed in all patients with maxillary fractures. In the majority of instances, sensory deficits resolved spontaneously within 1 year. However, in patients whose fracture lines encroached upon the infraorbital foramen, the severity of paralysis was greater, and the rates of recovery were slower. Conclusion The degree of infraorbital nerve function after a maxillary fracture was influenced by the involvement of the infraorbital foramen. Therefore, in the management of patients with maxillary fractures, computed tomography scans can serve as a predictive tool for the potential severity of paresthesia and the anticipated recovery rate.

Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1E (CACNA1E) are associated with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).Subjects and Method Eighty-one Korean SSNHL patients and 455 healthy subjects were selected from a single tertiary hospital. Human genomic DNA extracted from the peripheral blood samples and five exon regions of SNPs in CACNA1E were genotyped by direct sequencing. Results: In rs357737760, the A/T genotype was present with significantly higher frequency among the SSNHL patients than the T/T (p=0.0003) genotype. In rs34488539, the C/T genotype was present with significantly higher frequency among SSNHL patients than the C/C genotype (p=0.0003). In rs4652678, the C/T genotype was present with significantly higher frequency among the SSNHL patients than the T/T genotype (codominant model, p=0.0079) (dominant model, p=0.0027) (overdominant model, p=0.0021). In rs199930, the C/T genotype was present with significantly higher frequency among the SSNHL patients than the C/C genotype (codominant model, p=0.0081) (dominant model, p=0.0028) (overdominant model, p=0.0022). In rs704326, the A/A genotype was present with significantly lower frequency among the SSNHL patients than the G/G genotype (codominant model, p=0.0003) (recessive model, p=0.0001). Conclusion We found rs35737760, rs344488539, rs4652678 and rs199930 SNPs of CACNA1E to be highly associated with SSNHL. Only rs704326 SNP of CACNA1E is found with low association with SSNHL.