Objective: Fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (FGPSF) and its further development, robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (RAPSF), are minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) techniques. FGPSF is a standard technique at our hospital, and RAPSF incorporating artificial intelligence has been performed at our hospital since October 2021. This study compared these 2 techniques and analyzed their differences, accuracy, and clinical outcomes based on our experiences. Methods: This study conducted a detailed analysis of screw accuracy and the clinical outcomes of 2 MISS techniques, FGPSF, and RAPSF. Screw accuracy was evaluated using the Gertzbein and Robbins scale, categorizing placements into grades A–E, with grades A and B considered clinically acceptable. Accuracy was assessed using postoperative computed tomography images for FGPSF and intraoperative O-arm scan images for RAPSF. Clinical outcomes were compared by examining parameters, such as hospitalization duration, C-reactive protein (CRP) normalization period, estimated blood loss (EBL), and preoperative/postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Screw-related complications were reviewed. Independent image evaluations by nonparticipating spine specialists ensured objective and reliable assessments. Results: Both FGPSF and RAPSF demonstrated high rates of clinically acceptable screw placement, with minimal breaches that required no repositioning. The clinically acceptable rates of FGPSF and RAPSF were similar (99.17% and 99.19%, respectively). Both groups also demonstrated similar clinical outcomes. The CRP normalization period, EBL, and ΔVAS (preoperative—postoperative) scores revealed no statistically significant differences between FGPSF and RAPSF. Neither group experienced screw-related complications; however, the RAPSF group exhibited a statistically significant shorter hospital stay than the FGPSF group. Conclusion This study compared the accuracy and clinical outcomes of FGPSF and RAPSF. Both methods demonstrated no significant differences in accuracy or clinical outcomes. Spine surgeons selected between the 2 methods based on individual patient needs, and additional research is required to fully understand the practical advantages of each technique in the clinical field.

Differential diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis from other pulmonary fungal infections including mucormycosis is important because the treatment is pathogen-dependent. Clinically, invasive aspergillosis is often discriminated from other mold infections on the basis of typical histopathologic features in the biopsy specimen. However, biopsy alone is not always complete because different fungal species can display similar histopathologic features. Surrogate markers or molecular-based assays can be useful when the results of conventional diagnostic modalities are conflicting. Here, we present a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis histologically mimicking mucormycosis, which was confirmed by fungal polymerase chain reaction.
Aspergillosis ; Biomarkers ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fungi ; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis* ; Lung Diseases, Fungal ; Mucormycosis* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a newly recognized condition characterized by fibroinflammatory lesions with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, storiform-type fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis. The pathogenesis is not fully understood but multiple immune-mediated mechanisms are believed to contribute. This rare disease can involve various organs and pleural involvement is even rarer. We report a case of IgG4-related disease involving pleura. A 66-year-old man presented with cough and sputum production for a week. Chest radiography revealed consolidation and a pleural mass at right hemithorax. Treatment with antibiotics resolved the consolidation and respiratory symptoms disappeared, but the pleural mass was unchanged. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed. Histopathology revealed dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and storiform fibrosis with numerous IgG4-bearing plasma cells. The serum IgG4 level was also elevated. Further examination ruled out the involvement of any other organ. The patient was discharged without further treatment and there is no evidence of recurrence to date.
Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Autoimmune Diseases ; Cough ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulins* ; Phlebitis ; Plasma Cells ; Pleura ; Pleural Neoplasms ; Radiography ; Rare Diseases ; Recurrence ; Sputum ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Thorax

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a program applying participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) methods for the management of cardiovascular disease risk factors and to assess its effectiveness in the workplace. METHODS: The cardiovascular disease risk factors of 817 workers in the workplace were assessed, and periodic health examination was conducted. Sixty-four workers (7.8%) were selected as a moderate-risk group and high risk group, and performed the participatory approach program for cardiovascular disease preventive management. RESULTS: The sixty-four workers who participated in the participatory approach program made a total of 246 action plans, 3.8 action plans per person and 115 action plans were achieved after three months, so that 46.7% of action plans have been achieved. In the intervention group that participated in the program, the rate of smoking decreased from 36.2% to 8.6% and systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased from 140.0+/-9.4 mmHg to 134.2+/-12.3 mmHg and from 92.6+/-7.1 mmHg to 80.0+/-9.8 mmHg respectfully. In addition, risk factor score also decreased by 0.3, whereas the control group who did not participate in the program also showed a significant reduction in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Regular exercise increased from 8.5% to 16.0%. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the effectiveness of the participatory approach program for the management of cardiovascular disease risk factors, the need to continues implementing programs and analysis of the long-term effects are required.
Blood Pressure ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Humans ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking

No Abstract Available.
Animals ; Base Sequence* ; Cattle* ; Serotyping*

Wegener's granulomatosis is a necrotizing and granulomatous vasculitis which involves upper and lower respiratory tract, kidney and skin. The patient who have the protracted Wegener's granulomatosis live a long peroid without major organ imvolvement, In mild cases, the progression is slow and may not need systemic cyclophosphamide treatment. Some cases, however, demonstrate renal involvement and may result in renal failure and death if adequate treatment is not provided. We experienced a case of protracted Wegener's granulomatosis that was a new concept and has not been reported !n Korea. The diagnosis was confirmed by clinical finding and histopathologic features of tiasue biopsy. This case represents a protracted Wegener's granulomatosis with paranasal sinusitis, rhinitis and skin purpura and progress to a gener alized form with kidney involvement after 6years. Treatment with oral cyclophosphamide, steroid and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprime result improvement of skin, nasal symptom and labratory parameters.
Biopsy ; Cyclophosphamide ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Kidney ; Korea ; Purpura ; Renal Insufficiency ; Respiratory System ; Rhinitis ; Sinusitis ; Skin ; Vasculitis ; Wegener Granulomatosis