Purpose: To investigate the outcomes of brolucizumab reinjection after intraocular inflammation (IOI) development. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients with brolucizumab injections from April 2021 to January 2024. Patients who developed IOI after brolucizumab were included and categorized into subgroups depending on reinjection, discontinuation, and further IOI development. Results: A total of 472 eyes of 432 patients received brolucizumab injections. Thirty-eight cases developed IOI at least once, and 25 continued brolucizumab. Sixteen cases had no more IOI events, and nine experienced a second or more IOI events. Among the nine cases, three maintained brolucizumab injections despite IOI recurrence. The incidence of IOI was 8.1% based on the number of eyes (38 of 472 eyes) and 2.0% based on the number of brolucizumab injections (50 of 2,468 injections). The incidence of occlusive retinal vasculitis was 0.2% (1 of 472 eyes). The recurrence rate was 23.7% (9 of 38 eyes). The average number of injections between the first brolucizumab injection and the injection date on which IOI first developed was 2.15 times in the no-reinjection group, 3.44 times in the no-IOI-recurrence group, and 2.0 times in the second-IOI-episode group. Time to IOI occurrence in cases with first IOI episode was 18.60 ± 16.73 days, with 15 cases developing IOI within 1 week. Conclusions This study elucidates the real-world incidence of brolucizumab associated IOIs, with a description of information related to reinjections after the IOI episodes. A comprehensive understanding of brolucizumab reinjection is essential for its optimal utilization.

Background and Objectives: Various distinct types of tumors can develop in the auricles; however, those have not been thoroughly studied clinically. The aim of the study is to assess the clinical nature of auricular tumors.Subjects and Method We retrospectively reviewed medical records and pathological findings in patients with auricular tumors who underwent surgical interventions at a single institution from January 2011 to October 2023. Cases in which the location of the tumor could be identified and pathological results were confirmed were included. We analyzed age, sex, tumor location and size, tumor occurrence period and causes, recurrence, and pathological results. Results: A total of 98 auricular tumors were included in the study. Auricular tumors were most commonly found on the lobule (32.3%), followed by the helix (30.1%) and the posterior auricle (15.1%). The most prevalent pathological type of auricular tumors was an epidermal cyst (45.2%), followed by keloid (21.5%). A single case of squamous cell carcinoma was reported. Eight tumors recurred following surgical resection, with five cases of keloid, two cases of epidermal cyst, and one case of squamous cell carcinoma, with an average recurrence interval of 6.1 months. Conclusion The present study assessed the largest number of auricular tumors collected in a single institution. Tumors with diverse clinical characteristics can develop in the auricle, and cosmetic considerations must be taken into account before undergoing surgical treatment. The findings of the present study could provide proper approaches to the auricular tumors.

Purpose: To investigate the outcomes of brolucizumab reinjection after intraocular inflammation (IOI) development. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients with brolucizumab injections from April 2021 to January 2024. Patients who developed IOI after brolucizumab were included and categorized into subgroups depending on reinjection, discontinuation, and further IOI development. Results: A total of 472 eyes of 432 patients received brolucizumab injections. Thirty-eight cases developed IOI at least once, and 25 continued brolucizumab. Sixteen cases had no more IOI events, and nine experienced a second or more IOI events. Among the nine cases, three maintained brolucizumab injections despite IOI recurrence. The incidence of IOI was 8.1% based on the number of eyes (38 of 472 eyes) and 2.0% based on the number of brolucizumab injections (50 of 2,468 injections). The incidence of occlusive retinal vasculitis was 0.2% (1 of 472 eyes). The recurrence rate was 23.7% (9 of 38 eyes). The average number of injections between the first brolucizumab injection and the injection date on which IOI first developed was 2.15 times in the no-reinjection group, 3.44 times in the no-IOI-recurrence group, and 2.0 times in the second-IOI-episode group. Time to IOI occurrence in cases with first IOI episode was 18.60 ± 16.73 days, with 15 cases developing IOI within 1 week. Conclusions This study elucidates the real-world incidence of brolucizumab associated IOIs, with a description of information related to reinjections after the IOI episodes. A comprehensive understanding of brolucizumab reinjection is essential for its optimal utilization.

Background and Objectives: Various distinct types of tumors can develop in the auricles; however, those have not been thoroughly studied clinically. The aim of the study is to assess the clinical nature of auricular tumors.Subjects and Method We retrospectively reviewed medical records and pathological findings in patients with auricular tumors who underwent surgical interventions at a single institution from January 2011 to October 2023. Cases in which the location of the tumor could be identified and pathological results were confirmed were included. We analyzed age, sex, tumor location and size, tumor occurrence period and causes, recurrence, and pathological results. Results: A total of 98 auricular tumors were included in the study. Auricular tumors were most commonly found on the lobule (32.3%), followed by the helix (30.1%) and the posterior auricle (15.1%). The most prevalent pathological type of auricular tumors was an epidermal cyst (45.2%), followed by keloid (21.5%). A single case of squamous cell carcinoma was reported. Eight tumors recurred following surgical resection, with five cases of keloid, two cases of epidermal cyst, and one case of squamous cell carcinoma, with an average recurrence interval of 6.1 months. Conclusion The present study assessed the largest number of auricular tumors collected in a single institution. Tumors with diverse clinical characteristics can develop in the auricle, and cosmetic considerations must be taken into account before undergoing surgical treatment. The findings of the present study could provide proper approaches to the auricular tumors.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Background and Objectives: Among various emerging catheter-based treatments for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), the spacer device can reduce the regurgitation orifice without manipulating the valve leaflet. However, its clinical application has been hampered by traumatic anchoring to the myocardium and the coaxial alignment of the balloon resulting in insufficient TR reduction. This study aimed to evaluate the early-stage safety, technical feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of the novel atraumatic vertical spacer in patients with isolated severe TR. Methods: All procedures were guided by fluoroscopy and transthoracic echocardiography.The maximum device placement time with an inflated balloon was 24 hours. Changes in the amount of TR, right ventricular function, and patient hemodynamics were measured during balloon deployment. Results: A total of 7 patients (median age 74), underwent successful device implantation without procedure-related complications. During balloon inflation (median 25 minutes), there were no symptoms or signs indicative of TR intolerance. TR was reduced by 1 grade or greater in all patients, with 2 patients exhibiting a reduction of 3 grades, from torrential TR to a moderate degree. Mild TR after balloon inflation was achieved in 3 patients with baseline severe TR. The TR reduction observed during initial balloon deployment was sustained during the subsequent balloon maintenance period. Conclusions The Pivot-balloon procedure was safe, technically feasible, and effective in reducing TR in patients with severe TR. No periprocedural complications or adverse cardiovascular events were reported during device placement with TR reduction observed in all patients. However, longer-term follow-up is needed to confirm safety and treatment effect.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an intervention combining warm therapy (via a thermoelectric-element tourniquet) and a distraction-based approach (via an augmented reality-based app known as TWINKLE) on pain, stress, and satisfaction during intravenous catheterization in adults. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in South Korea with 93 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the experimental group (TWINKLE app with warm therapy), the comparison group (warm therapy only), and the control group (no treatment). Participants’ pain, stress, and satisfaction, as well as practitioner satisfaction, were measured after the intervention. Results: Pain scores differed significantly among the three groups (F = 5.68, p = .005), with the experimental group showing significantly lower scores than the control group (p = .003). Stress levels were also significantly lower in the experimental group than in the other groups (F = 9.42, p < .001). Participant satisfaction was highest in the experimental group (F = 17.65, p < .001), while nurse satisfaction was significantly higher in the comparison group than in the experimental and control groups (F = 67.91, p < .001), suggesting that the additional distraction intervention may have increased nurses’ workload. Conclusion Combining digital distraction with warm therapy using a thermoelectric-element tourniquet effectively reduces pain and stress while improving patient satisfaction during intravenous catheterization. Further research is needed to optimize this approach, with a particular focus on targeting digital distraction interventions to patients with higher levels of procedural anxiety and finding ways to minimize practitioner workload.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an intervention combining warm therapy (via a thermoelectric-element tourniquet) and a distraction-based approach (via an augmented reality-based app known as TWINKLE) on pain, stress, and satisfaction during intravenous catheterization in adults. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in South Korea with 93 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the experimental group (TWINKLE app with warm therapy), the comparison group (warm therapy only), and the control group (no treatment). Participants’ pain, stress, and satisfaction, as well as practitioner satisfaction, were measured after the intervention. Results: Pain scores differed significantly among the three groups (F = 5.68, p = .005), with the experimental group showing significantly lower scores than the control group (p = .003). Stress levels were also significantly lower in the experimental group than in the other groups (F = 9.42, p < .001). Participant satisfaction was highest in the experimental group (F = 17.65, p < .001), while nurse satisfaction was significantly higher in the comparison group than in the experimental and control groups (F = 67.91, p < .001), suggesting that the additional distraction intervention may have increased nurses’ workload. Conclusion Combining digital distraction with warm therapy using a thermoelectric-element tourniquet effectively reduces pain and stress while improving patient satisfaction during intravenous catheterization. Further research is needed to optimize this approach, with a particular focus on targeting digital distraction interventions to patients with higher levels of procedural anxiety and finding ways to minimize practitioner workload.