1.Multicenter evaluation of the PASS score as a negative predictive tool and the impact of inter-observer variability in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma risk stratification
Sungyeon JUNG ; Hye-Ri SHIN ; Su-Jin SHIN ; Hee Young NA ; Soon-Won HONG ; So Yeon PARK ; Chan Kwon JUNG ; Kyeong Cheon JUNG ; Young Lyun OH ; Jae-Kyung WON
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(2):202-213
The Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS) is widely used for risk stratification in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), but its clinical utility is limited by inter-observer variability of its parameters and inconsistent predictive performance. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of 1,518 patients with PPGL from five tertiary referral centers in Korea. Prognostic utility of PASS system was assessed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Inter-observer variability was inferred by comparing area under the ROC curve (AUCs) across institutions. Simplified PASS systems were developed based on multivariable analysis of key histopathological parameters. Results: The PASS system was a significant predictor of adverse events and recurrence-free survival. Although the PASS system demonstrated only modest discriminative ability (AUC, 0.673), it showed a high negative predictive value (NPV, 0.885), supporting its usefulness as a screening tool for benign behavior. However, there was significant inter-institutional variability in PASS performance (AUC; range, 0.513 to 0.727; p < .05). The 3-factor Simple PASS, which incorporates necrosis, spindling, and mitotic figures, exhibited less inter-observer variation. The 4-factor Simple PASS, which adds vascular invasion to the 3-factor model, also showed reduced inter-observer variability and improved AUC and NPV compared to the original PASS system. Conclusions: In this multicenter cohort, the PASS system demonstrated high NPV and screening potential, but significant inter-observer variability remains a challenge. Simplification of the PASS system and enhanced pathologist training may improve reproducibility and clinical utility in PPGL risk stratification.
2.Korean colorectal cancer screening guidelines for asymptomatic, average-risk adults: the 2025 revision
EunKyo KANG ; Jae Myung CHA ; Seo Young KANG ; Kiheon LEE ; Su Young KIM ; Younghoon KIM ; An Na SEO ; Hyo-Jin KANG ; Jong Keon JANG ; Kwang-Pil KO ; Aesun SHIN ; Dae Kyung SOHN ; Youngki HONG ; Eun-Jung CHO ; Minje HAN ; Soo Young KIM ; Hyeon Ji LEE ; Chang Kyun CHOI ; Mina SUH
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2026;69(3):268-280
Purpose:
To develop the 2025 update to the Korean colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines by systematically evaluating recent evidence, integrating domestic data, and addressing changes since the 2015 guideline revision, thereby providing an evidence-based standard for clinicians and policymakers.
Methods:
A multidisciplinary committee developed the guidelines using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The process included formulation of three key questions addressing screening efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, and optimal screening age and interval. A systematic review of international guidelines and primary literature was conducted, yielding 327 eligible studies. In addition, a utility-based analysis using a Markov model was performed to determine optimal screening ages and intervals.
Results:
The evidence synthesis identified high-certainty evidence supporting the use of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for reducing CRC mortality and moderate-certainty evidence for colonoscopy. Evidence for computed tomographic colonography (CTC) and stool DNA testing was rated as very low certainty. Based on the evidence review and cost-utility analysis, the committee conditionally recommends CRC screening for asymptomatic, average-risk adults aged 45–74 years using either colonoscopy every 10 years or FIT every 1–2 years. CTC and stool DNA testing were not recommended owing to insufficient evidence.
Conclusion
The 2025 Korean Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening present updated, evidence-based recommendations tailored to the domestic healthcare context. By conditionally endorsing both colonoscopy and FIT for individuals aged 45–74 years, these guidelines aim to improve population-level screening effectiveness and reduce the burden of CRC in South Korea.
3.Process of developing basic veterinary clinical performance guidelines based on common clinical manifestations in Korea
Kichang LEE ; Heungshik S. LEE ; Yong Jun KIM ; Incheol PARK ; Kangmoon SEO ; Seong Mok JEONG ; Kyu-Woan CHO ; Jin Young CHUNG ; Dongbin LEE ; Chun-Sik BAE ; Sung-Lim LEE ; Ki-Jeong NA ; Sooyoung CHOI ; Inseong JEONG ; Pan Dong RYU ; Sang-Soep NAHM
Journal of Veterinary Science 2026;27(2):e24-
Objective:
To explain process of developing basic veterinary clinical performance guidelines, based on frequently observable clinical manifestations, thereby supporting competencybased veterinary education in Korea.
Methods:
A structured review of learning outcomes established by Korean Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (KAVMC) was conducted by a planning committee including veterinary educators, practitioners, and advisory members. Owner-oriented descriptions were used to frame each performance task, and each was mapped to corresponding learning outcomes. These tasks were aligned with learning outcomes recommended by the KAVMC to support the development of communication, clinical reasoning, and performance-related competencies among veterinary students, thereby enhancing day-one clinical readiness.
Results:
In total, 63 clinical manifestations for a guidebook format that can be used for clinical education were identified and categorized by organ systems that are described in language understandable to animal owners.
Conclusions
and Relevance: The basic veterinary clinical performance guidelines based on common clinical manifestations would serve as a vital component in veterinary education to reinforce core graduation competencies.
4.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part II. Follow-up Surveillance after Initial Treatment 2026
Eun Kyung LEE ; Seung Heon KANG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Mijin KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Sohyun PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Young-Ik SON ; Young Shin SONG ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Jong-Hyuk AHN ; Hwa Young AHN ; So Won OH ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Won Sang YOO ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Jeongmin LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Ki-Wook CHUNG ; Ari CHONG ; Jin Hyang JUNG ; Sun Wook CHO ; Yoon Young CHO ; Chae Moon HONG ; Young Joo PARK ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):1-40
In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.
5.Erratum: A Multicenter Retrospective Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Elderly Korean Patients Aged 65 Years and Older with Chronic Pruritus
Yu Jin LEE ; Byeol HAN ; Chan Ho NA ; Jun Ho KWAK ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Jua LEE ; Ji Young AHN ; Hoeun GWAG ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Seung Soo LEE ; Tae Young HAN
Korean Journal of Dermatology 2026;64(1):46-46
6.Primary Cutaneous CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorders in South Korea: A Nationwide, Multi-Center, Retrospective, Clinical, and Prognostic Study
Woo Jin LEE ; Sook Jung YUN ; Joon Min JUNG ; Joo Yeon KO ; Kwang Ho KIM ; Dong Hyun KIM ; Myung Hwa KIM ; You Chan KIM ; Jung Eun KIM ; Chan-Ho NA ; Je-Ho MUN ; Jong Bin PARK ; Ji-Hye PARK ; Hai-Jin PARK ; Dong Hoon SHIN ; Jeonghyun SHIN ; Sang Ho OH ; Seok-Kweon YUN ; Dongyoun LEE ; Seok-Jong LEE ; Seung Ho LEE ; Young Bok LEE ; Soyun CHO ; Sooyeon CHOI ; Jae Eun CHOI ; Mi Woo LEE ; On behalf of The Korean Society of Dermatopathology
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(2):75-85
Background:
Primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders (pcCD30-LPDs) are a diseases with various clinical and prognostic characteristics.
Objective:
Increasing our knowledge of the clinical characteristics of pcCD30-LPDs and identifying potential prognostic variables in an Asian population.
Methods:
Clinicopathological features and survival data of pcCD30-LPD cases obtained from 22 hospitals in South Korea were examined.
Results:
A total of 413 cases of pcCD30-LPDs (lymphomatoid papulosis [LYP], n=237; primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma [C-ALCL], n=176) were included. Ninety percent of LYP patients and roughly 50% of C-ALCL patients presented with multiple skin lesions. Both LYP and C-ALCL affected the lower limbs most frequently. Multiplicity and advanced T stage of LYP lesions were associated with a chronic course longer than 6 months. Clinical morphology with patch lesions and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase were significantly associated with LPDs during follow-up in LYP patients. Extracutaneous involvement of C-ALCL occurred in 13.2% of patients. Lesions larger than 5 cm and increased serum lactate dehydrogenase were associated with a poor prognosis in C-ALCL. The survival of patients with C-ALCL was unaffected by the anatomical locations of skin lesions or other pathological factors.
Conclusion
The multiplicity or size of skin lesions was associated with a chronic course of LYP and survival among patients with C-ALCL.
7.Therapeutic Effects of Intravitreal Methotrexate Injection for Intraocular Lymphoma Diagnosed Using Immunocytochemical Staining
Yong Jin NA ; Kun Young KWON ; Kook Young KIM ; Young Suk CHANG ; Jung Tae KIM
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(2):101-113
Purpose:
This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections in patients diagnosed with intraocular lymphoma via vitrectomy and immunocytochemical staining.
Methods:
In a retrospective analysis of medical records, we reviewed data from four patients (six eyes) diagnosed with intraocular lymphoma cytologically after undergoing vitrectomy at our hospital between December 2021 and December 2023. Each case was followed for a minimum of 6 months after treatment, with comparisons made between pre- and post-treatment observations
Results:
The mean age of the patients was 63.5 ± 9.8 years, with an average interval of 29.3 ± 32.0 months from initial symptom onset to intraocular lymphoma diagnosis. Diagnosis was confirmed through cytological and immunocytochemical analysis of vitreous specimens, identifying diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in four eyes and atypical lymphoid cells in two eyes. On average, 14.0 ± 1.7 intravitreal MTX injections were administered per eye. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.18 ± 0.90 pre-treatment to 0.37 ± 0.70 post-treatment. Ophthalmic complications included toxic keratopathy in three eyes and retinal hemorrhage in one eye. Additionally, nasal cavity lymphoma was diagnosed in two patients.
Conclusions
Diagnostic vitrectomy combined with cytology and immunocytochemical staining is essential for the early diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma and differentiation from inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis. Intravitreal MTX injections can induce clinical remission in intraocular lymphoma cases.
9.Study on the Necessity and Methodology for Enhancing Outpatient and Clinical Education in the Department of Radiology
Soo Buem CHO ; Jiwoon SEO ; Young Hwan KIM ; You Me KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Jieun ROH ; Kyung-Hyun DO ; Jung Hwan BAEK ; Hye Shin AHN ; Min Woo LEE ; Seunghyun LEE ; Seung Eun JUNG ; Woo Kyoung JEONG ; Hye Doo JEONG ; Bum Sang CHO ; Hwan Jun JAE ; Seon Hyeong CHOI ; Saebeom HUR ; Su Jin HONG ; Sung Il HWANG ; Auh Whan PARK ; Ji-hoon KIM
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology 2025;86(1):199-200
10.The Effects of Nicotine on Re-endothelialization, Inflammation, and Neoatherosclerosis After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation in a Porcine Model
Seok OH ; Ju Han KIM ; Saleem AHMAD ; Yu Jeong JIN ; Mi Hyang NA ; Munki KIM ; Jeong Ha KIM ; Dae Sung PARK ; Dae Young HYUN ; Kyung Hoon CHO ; Min Chul KIM ; Doo Sun SIM ; Young Joon HONG ; Seung-won LEE ; Youngkeun AHN ; Myung Ho JEONG
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(1):50-64
Background and Objectives:
Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.Nicotine, a crucial constituent of tobacco, contributes to atherosclerosis development and progression. However, evidence of the association between nicotine and neointima formation is limited. We aimed to evaluate whether nicotine enhances neointimal hyperplasia in the native epicardial coronary arteries of pigs after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES).
Methods:
After coronary angiography (CAG) and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), we implanted 20 DES into 20 pigs allocated to 2 groups: no-nicotine (n=10) and nicotine (n=10) groups. Post-PCI CAG and QCA were performed immediately. Follow-up CAG, QCA, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histopathological analyses were performed 2 months post-PCI.
Results:
Despite intergroup similarities in the baseline QCA findings, OCT analysis showed that the nicotine group had a smaller mean stent and lumen areas, a larger mean neointimal area, greater percent area stenosis, and higher peri-strut fibrin and inflammation scores than the no-nicotine group. In immunofluorescence analysis, the nicotine group displayed higher expression of CD68 and α-smooth muscle actin but lower CD31 expression than the no-nicotine group.
Conclusions
Nicotine inhibited re-endothelialization and promoted inflammation and NIH after PCI with DES in a porcine model.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail