Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine whether a combined exercise (EX), including aerobic, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training, reduces fatigue and dyspnea, improves physical fitness, and if increased physical fitness after exercise is associated with attenuating symptoms in young adults with mild long coronavirus disease (COVID) symptoms. Methods: Twenty-eight young adults (aged 23±4 years) with long COVID were randomly assigned to either the EX group (n=14), which underwent aerobic, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training three times per week for 8 weeks, or the control (CON) group (n=14). Symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue were assessed using self-report questionnaires.Cardiorespiratory fitness was directly measured during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, while muscle strength was measured by isokinetic muscle testing. These variables were measured before and after the exercise intervention. Results: Compared to the CON group, the EX group showed improvements in symptoms of fatigue and dyspnea, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak ), and peak torque, with significant interaction effects observed (p＜ 0.05). The EX group exhibited a mean difference of 2.9 mL/kg/min in VO2peak (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8−4.0) and 13.0 Nm (95% CI, 6.1−19.8) in peak torque compared to the CON group (p＜0.05). Improvements in VO2peak were negatively associated with attenuations in both fatigue and dyspnea after the exercise intervention (p＜0.05). Conclusion These findings indicate that EX training can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve physical fitness in young adults with mild long COVID. Structured exercise training may serve as an effective intervention to improve the health of those with long COVID.

Background: s/Aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely employed for managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, local tumor progression (LTP) after treatment remains a significant challenge. This study evaluates the efficacy of saline-perfused bipolar RFA using twin internally cooled-perfusion (TICP) electrodes in managing recurrent HCC post-TACE. Methods: Between September 2017 and January 2019, 100 patients with 105 nodules (mean diameter, 1.6±0.5 cm) were prospectively enrolled. Bipolar RFA with TICP electrodes was performed under ultrasound-computed tomography/magnetic resonance fusion guidance. The primary outcome was the 2-year cumulative incidence of LTP. Results: The technical success and technique efficacy rates were 100% and 97%, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 34.0 months (range, 3-41), the estimated LTP rates were 13.3% at 1 year and 17.7% at 2 years. Progression-free survival rates were 37.8% and 27.7% at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Conclusions Saline-perfused bipolar RFA using TICP electrodes demonstrates promising results for recurrent HCC after TACE, achieving high technical success and effective local tumor control rates.

Objective: : Although Republic of Korea is an advanced country in medical technology with a successful treatment rate for serious diseases, such as cancer, and has improved technology for highly difficult surgery, many excellent medical doctors and physicians are struggling due to the recent unreasonable medical environment. Specialization in brain tumor surgery also faces challenges in Republic of Korea, including low financial incentives, legal threats, and limited career prospects. In response, the Korean Brain Tumor Society (KBTS) formed the Future Strategy Committee to assess these obstacles and propose solutions. Methods: : A survey was conducted among the KBTS members to understand their perceptions and concerns across different career stages. Results: : The findings revealed a decline in interest among chief residents in brain tumor surgery, owing to limited job opportunities and income prospects. Neurosurgical fellows expressed neutral satisfaction but highlighted challenges, such as low patient numbers and income. Faculty members with varying levels of experience echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for improved financial incentives and job stability. Despite these challenges, the respondents expressed dedication to the field and suggested strategies for improvement. Conclusion : The KBTS outlines a vision that focuses on practical excellence, comprehensive research, professional education, responsibilities, and member satisfaction. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among healthcare institutions, professional societies, and policymakers to support brain tumor specialists and enhance patient care.

Objective: : Although Republic of Korea is an advanced country in medical technology with a successful treatment rate for serious diseases, such as cancer, and has improved technology for highly difficult surgery, many excellent medical doctors and physicians are struggling due to the recent unreasonable medical environment. Specialization in brain tumor surgery also faces challenges in Republic of Korea, including low financial incentives, legal threats, and limited career prospects. In response, the Korean Brain Tumor Society (KBTS) formed the Future Strategy Committee to assess these obstacles and propose solutions. Methods: : A survey was conducted among the KBTS members to understand their perceptions and concerns across different career stages. Results: : The findings revealed a decline in interest among chief residents in brain tumor surgery, owing to limited job opportunities and income prospects. Neurosurgical fellows expressed neutral satisfaction but highlighted challenges, such as low patient numbers and income. Faculty members with varying levels of experience echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for improved financial incentives and job stability. Despite these challenges, the respondents expressed dedication to the field and suggested strategies for improvement. Conclusion : The KBTS outlines a vision that focuses on practical excellence, comprehensive research, professional education, responsibilities, and member satisfaction. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts among healthcare institutions, professional societies, and policymakers to support brain tumor specialists and enhance patient care.

We report a rare and diagnostically challenging case of a 39-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of dizziness and headaches, without any focal neurological symptoms. Initial imaging studies suggested a germ cell tumor, and an endoscopic biopsy led to a preliminary diagnosis of a pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation. However, histological evaluation following surgical resection revealed the final diagnosis to be an ectopic pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET), a condition that is exceedingly rare. Ectopic PitNETs are uncommon tumors that develop outside the normal anatomical location of the pituitary gland. Their atypical presentation often leads to misdiagnosis as other intracranial neoplasms. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by ectopic PitNETs and contributes to the limited literature on this rare condition. It underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in patients presenting with atypical intracranial neoplasms.

We report a rare and diagnostically challenging case of a 39-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of dizziness and headaches, without any focal neurological symptoms. Initial imaging studies suggested a germ cell tumor, and an endoscopic biopsy led to a preliminary diagnosis of a pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation. However, histological evaluation following surgical resection revealed the final diagnosis to be an ectopic pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET), a condition that is exceedingly rare. Ectopic PitNETs are uncommon tumors that develop outside the normal anatomical location of the pituitary gland. Their atypical presentation often leads to misdiagnosis as other intracranial neoplasms. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by ectopic PitNETs and contributes to the limited literature on this rare condition. It underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in patients presenting with atypical intracranial neoplasms.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.