1.Ultrasound Imaging Features Associated With Neoplastic Gallbladder Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Sunyoung LEE ; Won CHANG ; Yeun-Yoon KIM ; Jin Young PARK ; Sun Kyung JEON ; Jeong Eun LEE ; Jeongin YOO ; Seungchul HAN ; So Hyun PARK ; Jae Hyun KIM ; Hyo Jung PARK ; Hyun-Soo ZHANG ; Jeong Hee YOON
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(4):332-343
Objective:
Although most gallbladder polyps are benign, some neoplastic polyps may be malignant or may serve as precursors to malignancy. Distinguishing neoplastic and non-neoplastic polyps using imaging examinations remains a major challenge.This meta-analysis aimed to identify the ultrasound (US) features that are significantly associated with neoplastic polyps.
Materials and Methods:
The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and KoreaMed databases were searched for articles published up to August 31, 2025. Bivariate random-effects models were used to calculate the meta-analytic pooled diagnostic odds ratios (DORs), sensitivities, and specificities, along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for each US imaging feature in the diagnosis of neoplastic polyps.
Results:
Thirty studies evaluating 8,953 patients, including 1,216 (13.6%) patients with neoplastic polyps, were included.Among the nine evaluated US imaging features, namely, size ≥10 mm, sessile morphology, single polyp, coexisting gallstones, hypoechogenicity, heterogeneous echogenicity, gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT), absence of hyperechoic spot, and vascularity, eight were significantly associated with neoplastic polyps: size ≥10 mm (DOR: 6.23 [95% CI: 1.86– 20.90]), sessile morphology (DOR: 3.54 [1.93–5.97]), single polyp (DOR: 2.21 [1.76–2.74]), coexisting gallstones (DOR:1.86 [1.29–2.60]), hypoechogenicity (DOR: 3.55 [1.47–7.30]), GBWT (DOR: 9.38 [1.47–32.20]), absence of hyperechoic spots (DOR: 4.23 [2.46–6.83]), and vascularity (DOR: 9.72 [5.81–15.30]). Of these, size ≥10 mm demonstrated the highest pooled sensitivity (0.79 [95% CI: 0.68–0.87]), whereas hypoechogenicity showed the highest pooled specificity (0.93 [95% CI: 0.82–0.98]).
Conclusion
Eight US imaging features (size ≥10 mm, sessile morphology, single polyp, coexisting gallstones, hypoechogenicity, GBWT, absence of hyperechoic spots, and vascularity) were significantly associated with the presence of neoplastic polyps.These features may facilitate the management of gallbladder polyps.
2.Diagnostic Performance and Clinical Implications of the “Probable Hepatocellular Carcinoma” Category in the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Guidelines v2022
Jeong Hee YOON ; Jin-Young CHOI ; Young Kon KIM ; Chang Hee LEE ; Jeong Woo KIM ; Won CHANG ; Joon-Il CHOI ; Seung-seob KIM ; Hee Sun PARK ; Eun Sun LEE ; Jeong-Sik YU ; Seong Jin PARK ; Myung-Won YOU ; Myoung-jin JANG ; Beom Jin PARK ; Jeong Min LEE
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(4):318-331
Objective:
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the “probable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)” category in the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) v2022 guidelines.
Materials and Methods:
This multicenter retrospective study included patients at risk of HCC who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI between January 2015 and June 2018; a subgroup of these patients also underwent liver CT. Eligible patients had at least one non-cystic lesion (≥10 mm) with a reference standard. Four radiologists interpreted the images independently and the results were pooled. The performance of “definite HCC” and “probable HCC” together and “probable HCC” alone were compared between v2018 and v2022.
Results:
A total of 2,237 patients (1,666 men; mean age, 59 ± 11 years) with 2,445 lesions were included. In v2022, 1.5% (143/9,780) of the lesions were additionally categorized as “probable HCC” by four reviewers on MRI; among these, 104 lesions were not HCCs. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) or FNH-like nodules constituted 90.4% (94/104) of the false positives. When “definite HCC” and “probable HCC” were combined, v2022 showed higher sensitivity (83.7% [5,670/6,776] vs. 83.1% [5,631/6,776]) but lower specificity (77.1% [2,316/3,004] vs. 80.6% [2,420/3,004]) than v2018 (P < 0.001). For “probable HCC” alone, v2022 showed a lower positive predictive value (PPV) than v2018 (64.1% [373/582] vs. 76.1% [334/439], P < 0.001). In v2022, lesions with non-rim arterial-phase hyperenhancement (APHE) showed a lower PPV than those without APHE (42.3% [91/215] vs. 76.8% [282/367], P < 0.001). In the CT subgroup (n = 1,590), 1.6% (99/6,360) of the lesions were reassessed as “probable HCC,” and its PPV was 83.8% (83/99) in v2022 whereas no lesions were classified as “probable HCC” under v2018.
Conclusion
The revised “probable HCC” category in the KLCA-NCC v2022 aligns with updates in the diagnostic flow, demonstrating acceptable performance on MRI and CT. Notably, FNH or FNH-like nodules can be misclassified as “probable HCC” when MRI is used.
3.Chrysoeriol Exerts Antiplatelet Effects by Regulating cAMP/cGMP and PI3K/MAPK Pathway
Ga Hee LEE ; Jin Pyo LEE ; Akram Abdul WAHAB ; Na Yoon HEO ; Chang Eun PARK ; Dong-Ha LEE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(1):202-212
Chrysoeriol, a flavonoid naturally found in several plants, including Danggui Susan, a traditional herbal medicine, exhibits promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases, primarily through inhibiting platelet activation and aggregation, has attracted significant interest. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antiplatelet effects of chrysoeriol. The compound effectively suppressed collagen-induced platelet aggregation without inducing cytotoxicity. Chrysoeriol elevated intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP), enhanced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP 3R) phosphorylation, and reduced cytosolic calcium (Ca2+ ) mobilization, all of which contributed to its antiplatelet action. Furthermore, chrysoeriol inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK, pathways involved in the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA 2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production. These effects were accompanied by reduced TXA2 production and secretion of dense granules (ATP and serotonin). Chrysoeriol also impaired thrombin-induced clot retraction, further suggesting its capacity to regulate platelet responses and cytoskeletal rearrangements. These findings highlight chrysoeriol’s multi-target mechanisms, including modulation of cyclic nucleotides, kinase pathways, and platelet function, offering potential as a therapeutic agent to prevent thrombotic cardiovascular events.
4.Factors Associated with Functional Outcomes Following Combined Pelvic Ring and Acetabular Fractures: A 2-Year Retrospective Analysis
Yong-Cheol YOON ; Chang-Wug OH ; Sang-Roc HAN ; Hee-June KIM ; Joon-Woo KIM
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2026;18(1):19-29
Background:
Combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures are complex injuries associated with high morbidity. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, limited data are available on the long-term functional outcomes and associated factors. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with functional outcomes in surgically treated patients with combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 25 adult patients who underwent definitive surgical fixation for radiologically confirmed combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures at a Level I trauma center between 2005 and 2021, with a minimum clinical and radiological follow-up of 24 months. Surgical approaches included the Kocher–Langenbeck or modified Stoppa methods, tailored to fracture morphology. Matta–Saucedo and Matta criteria assessed the pelvic ring and acetabular reduction quality, respectively. Functional outcomes at 2 years were evaluated using the Rommens–Hessmann criteria. Neurological recovery was assessed clinically and by electromyography where indicated. The association between the injury characteristics and functional recovery was evaluated using t-tests and Fisher’s exact test.
Results:
The mean patient age was 40.4 years, and 72% were male. Transverse acetabular fractures (58.6%) and anteroposterior compression pelvic ring injuries (64%) were the most common injuries. Anatomic or congruent acetabular reduction (within 2–3 mm) was achieved in 89.6% of fractures and was significantly associated with superior functional outcomes (p = 0.002). Conversely, the pelvic ring reduction quality did not significantly correlate with functional outcomes (p = 0.314). Transverse acetabular fractures (p = 0.046) and initial neurological deficits (p = 0.032) were associated with poorer recovery. Among the patients with neurological injury, 60% achieved partial or full recovery. Overall, bony union occurred in 96% of cases, with a mean time to union of 14.3 weeks. Reported complications included neurological deficits (40%) and infections (8%).
Conclusions
Functional outcomes following the surgical fixation of combined pelvic and acetabular fractures are primarily influenced by the acetabular reduction quality and neurological status at presentation. Transverse fracture patterns are complex and associated with nerve injuries, posing additional challenges. These findings emphasize the importance of precise joint reduction and early neuroassessment. Further multicenter, prospective studies are warranted to optimize the management of these complex injuries.
5.Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP)
Jae Hoon MOON ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Wonjae CHA ; Young Jun CHAI ; Sun Wook CHO ; June Young CHOI ; Sung Yong CHOI ; A Jung CHU ; Eun-Jae CHUNG ; Yul HWANGBO ; Woo-Jin JEONG ; Yuh-Seog JUNG ; Kyungsik KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Su-jin KIM ; Woochul KIM ; Yoo Hyung KIM ; Chang Yoon LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Kyu Eun LEE ; Young Ki LEE ; Hunjong LIM ; Do Joon PARK ; Sue K. PARK ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Junsun RYU ; Jungirl SEOK ; Young Shin SONG ; Ka Hee YI ; Hyeong Won YU ; Eleanor WHITE ; Katerina MASTROCOSTAS ; Roderick J. CLIFTON-BLIGH ; Anthony GLOVER ; Matti L. GILD ; Ji-hoon KIM ; Young Joo PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(2):236-246
Background:
Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making.
Methods:
This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.
6.Anxiety and Depression Are Associated with Poor Long-term Quality of Life in Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis: Results of a 3-Year Longitudinal Study of the MOSAIK Cohort
Shin Ju OH ; Chang Hwan CHOI ; Sung-Ae JUNG ; Geun Am SONG ; Yoon Jae KIM ; Ja Seol KOO ; Sung Jae SHIN ; Geom Seog SEO ; Kang-Moon LEE ; Byung Ik JANG ; Eun Suk JUNG ; Youngdoe KIM ; Chang Kyun LEE
Gut and Liver 2025;19(2):253-264
Background/Aims:
We previously reported that patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) often experience common mental disorders (CMDs) such as anxiety and depression, necessitating immediate psychological interventions within the first 4 weeks of diagnosis. In this 3-year follow-up study of the MOSAIK cohort in Korea, we examined the effects of CMDs at initial diagnosis on clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Methods:
We examined differences in clinical outcomes (evaluated based on clinical response, relapse, hospitalization, and medication use) and HRQoL (assessed using the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire [IBDQ] and Short Form 12 [SF-12]) according to Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores at diagnosis.
Results:
In a study involving 199 UC patients, 47.7% exhibited significant psychological distress (anxiety and/or depression) at diagnosis. Clinical follow-up showed no major differences in outcomes, including remission rates, response rates, or hospitalization rates, between patients with anxiety or depression at diagnosis and patients without anxiety or depression at diagnosis. The HRQoL at the end of follow-up was notably lower in those with baseline CMDs, particularly anxiety, across all domains of the IBDQ and SF-12. Linear mixed-effect models revealed that higher HADS scores, as well as higher Mayo scores, were independently associated with lower IBDQ scores and both summary domains of the SF-12. Additionally, regular attendance at follow-up visits during the study period was also related to improvements in HRQoL (all p<0.05).
Conclusions
While CMDs present at the time of UC diagnosis did not influence long-term clinical outcomes, they persistently impaired HRQoL. Our findings support the routine incorporation of psychological interventions into the long-term management of moderate-to-severe UC.
7.Predicting Mortality and Cirrhosis-Related Complications with MELD3.0: A Multicenter Cohort Analysis
Jihye LIM ; Ji Hoon KIM ; Ahlim LEE ; Ji Won HAN ; Soon Kyu LEE ; Hyun YANG ; Heechul NAM ; Hae Lim LEE ; Do Seon SONG ; Sung Won LEE ; Hee Yeon KIM ; Jung Hyun KWON ; Chang Wook KIM ; U Im CHANG ; Soon Woo NAM ; Seok-Hwan KIM ; Pil Soo SUNG ; Jeong Won JANG ; Si Hyun BAE ; Jong Young CHOI ; Seung Kew YOON ; Myeong Jun SONG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):427-437
Background/Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score.
Methods:
We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score.
Results:
A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.
Conclusions
The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.
8.Atypical features of hepatic veno‑occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after inotuzumab ozogamicin in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Kyung‑Hun SUNG ; Daehun KWAG ; Gi June MIN ; Sung‑Soo PARK ; Silvia PARK ; Sung‑Eun LEE ; Byung‑Sik CHO ; Ki‑Seong EOM ; Yoo‑Jin KIM ; Hee‑Je KIM ; Chang‑Ki MIN ; Seok‑Goo CHO ; Seok LEE ; Jae‑Ho YOON
Blood Research 2025;60():28-
Purpose:
Inotuzumab ozogamicin (INO) has demonstrated a safe bridging role to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL). How‑ ever, hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) is frequently observed. This study aimed to identify significant features of INO-associated VOD/SOS.
Methods:
We reviewed seven cases of hepatic VOD/SOS that developed either during INO salvage or after alloge‑ neic HSCT following INO-induced complete remission (CR). Diagnosis and severity grading of VOD/SOS were based on the revised criteria from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Defibrotide was used to treat severe to very severe cases.
Results:
Four patients developed VOD/SOS during INO salvage therapy (at 21 and 36 days post-INO1, 77 days postINO3, and 21 days post-INO5), while three were diagnosed at 2, 5, and 10 days post-HSCT following INO-induced CR.Doppler ultrasonography revealed preserved portal vein flow (range 10.2–26.0 cm/sec) and normal hepatic artery resistive index (RI, range 0.56–0.74) in all but one patient (RI 0.83). Despite this, all patients presented with massive ascites and progressively elevated total bilirubin levels. All cases were classified as severe to very severe; six were treated with defibrotide and one underwent liver transplantation. Most patients ultimately died owing to VOD/SOS progression.
Conclusion
Post-INO VOD/SOS manifested as two different clinical settings and was characterized by preserved portal vein flow, which complicated diagnosis. Despite timely defibrotide administration, clinical outcomes were poor.These findings emphasize the need for vigilance and potential consideration of prophylactic strategies for prevention of INO-associated VOD/SOS.
9.Long-term Outcome and Related Risk Factors in Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation of High Myopia
Yong Hee KIM ; Chang Ho YOON ; Mee Kum KIM
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2025;39(2):134-144
Purpose:
To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of posterior chamber implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation in high myopia, and the risk factors associated with endothelial cell loss (ECL) or cataract development.
Methods:
Medical records of 66 eyes of 37 patients who underwent ICL implantation for high myopia were retrospectively analyzed with a mean follow-up of 12 years. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive power, and endothelial cell density over time were analyzed with the incidence of cataract and IOP elevation. Risk factors were analyzed for their association with ECL or cataract development.
Results:
At 10 years after surgery, the mean uncorrected visual acuity was 0.06 and the spherical equivalent was –0.90 diopters. By year 10, cataract was present in 13 of 66 eyes (19.7%), whereas glaucoma was found in 1 of 66 eyes (1.5%). Although IOP continuously elevated over time (p < 0.05), it remained within normal limits. The cataract group had a lower vault of ICL and a higher mean age at surgery (p < 0.05). Endothelial cell density remained above 2,000/mm2 in 98.5% of cases, with an average annualized rate of decline of 1.13%. The high annualized rate group (>1.13% loss per year) had a lower mean age than in the low annualized rate group (<1.13% loss per year, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
This indicates that ICL implantation is effective for high myopia, and its main complication is cataract and ECL. It also suggests that ECL and cataract should be regularly monitored although ECL looks stable in long-term follow-up. Age may affect both ECL and cataract, while low-vault ICL may affect cataract.
10.Interpretation, Reporting, Imaging-Based Workups, and Surveillance of Incidentally Detected Gallbladder Polyps and Gallbladder Wall Thickening: 2025 Recommendations From the Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology
Won CHANG ; Sunyoung LEE ; Yeun-Yoon KIM ; Jin Young PARK ; Sun Kyung JEON ; Jeong Eun LEE ; Jeongin YOO ; Seungchul HAN ; So Hyun PARK ; Jae Hyun KIM ; Hyo Jung PARK ; Jeong Hee YOON
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(2):102-134
Incidentally detected gallbladder polyps (GBPs) and gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT) are frequently encountered in clinical practice. However, characterizing GBPs and GBWT in asymptomatic patients can be challenging and may result in overtreatment, including unnecessary follow-ups or surgeries. The Korean Society of Abdominal Radiology (KSAR) Clinical Practice Guideline Committee has developed expert recommendations that focus on standardized imaging interpretation and follow-up strategies for both GBPs and GBWT, with support from the Korean Society of Radiology and KSAR. These guidelines, which address 24 key questions, aim to standardize the approach for the interpretation of imaging findings, reporting, imaging-based workups, and surveillance of incidentally detected GBPs and GBWT. This recommendation promotes evidence-based practice, facilitates communication between radiologists and referring physicians, and reduces unnecessary interventions.

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