Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of coil embolization of venous segments in patients with Type IIa pelvic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 13 patients (median age, 43 years, range 20–62 years, 7 males) who underwent transvenous coil embolization for Type IIa pelvic AVM (characterized by multiple arterioles shunting to focal venous segments of a single draining vein) without the use of additional liquid embolic agents from March 2017 to February 2023. Treatment outcomes were analyzed based on clinical evaluations, post angiography findings, and follow-up CT. Results: Fourteen procedures were performed on 13 patients. Except in one patient, all treatments were completed in a single session. Transvenous access was employed in 10 procedures, whereas direct puncture was used in four sessions. The embolization procedures used an average of 55.7 ± 58.5 coils (range, 7–238) and lasted an average of 127.3 ± 39.5 minutes.The technical success rate was 92.9% (of 13/14). All patients reported symptom improvement. Follow-up CT scans showed complete occlusion of the AVM without recurrence in ten of the 13 patients. There was one minor adverse event: a small retroperitoneal hemorrhage, likely related to direct puncture, which resolved spontaneously. No other adverse events were observed. Conclusion Coil embolization of the draining vein segment, without the use of additional liquid embolic agents is a safe and effective method for managing Type IIa pelvic AVM.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Background/Aims: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global health, exacerbated metabolic health issues, and altered lifestyle behaviors. This study examined the sex-specific impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the incidence of metabolic syndrome using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Data from the KNHANES VII (2018) and VIII (2019–2021), including 15,499 participants, were analyzed. The study population was stratified by sex, and further subdivisions were conducted based on the timeframe relative to the COVID-19 outbreak. Variables such as age, education level, household income, smoking status, and high-risk drinking were analyzed to assess their influence on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome significantly increased from 28.11% before the outbreak to 29.69% after the outbreak. Both males and females reported significant increases in waist circumference and fasting glucose levels. Age and education level differentially influenced the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between the sex. Smoking was significantly associated with increased prevalence in males, whereas high-risk drinking was associated with increased prevalence in males and decreased prevalence in females. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the prevalence of metabolic syndrome with notable sex-specific differences. These findings highlight the need for sex-specific public health interventions to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on metabolic health.

Background: High-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) is a crucial assessment tool for diagnosing Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome. This study aimed to analyze differences of lung cysts between BHD and other cystic lung diseases. Methods: From January 2020 to December 2022, patients with multiple lung cysts who underwent chest CT at Gangnam Severance Hospital were included. Results: Over a 3-year period (from January 2020 to December 2022), out of 52,823 patients who underwent a chest CT scan, 301 (0.6%) patients with multiple lung cysts were enrolled in this study. Of enrolled patients, 24 (8.0%) were diagnosed with BHD. In patients with BHD, 95.8% exhibited bilateral cysts, and 83.3% showed basal predominance. The cysts’ maximal diameter averaged 32.1 mm (interquartile range, 26.5 to 43.5). Additionally, 95.8% of patients with BHD had diverse cyst sizes and morphologies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that bilateral cysts (odds ratio [OR], 12.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.613 to 274.682; p=0.038), basal predominance (OR, 8.511; 95% CI, 2.252 to 39.392; p=0.002), maximum diameter (OR, 1.053; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.108; p=0.032), and diversity of morphology (OR, 19.513; 95% CI, 2.833 to 398.119; p=0.010) were significant factors associated with BHD diagnosis. A multivariate prediction model for BHD diagnosis demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.83%, a specificity of 81.22%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.951 (95% CI, 0.914 to 0.987). Conclusion Distinguishing features of lung cysts from other cystic lung diseases include bilateral cysts, basal dominance, large size, and irregular shape.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Hip fractures (HFs) are major osteoporotic injuries associated with morbidity, loss of independence, increased mortality, and an increased socioeconomic burden.The total number of HFs is increasing owing to an aging population. While studies have focused on 30-day or 1-year mortality after HF surgery, studies reporting long-term mortality are lacking. Our study bridges this knowledge gap by exploring the relationship between frailty, postoperative complications, and the 5-year mortality after HF surgery.This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with 5-year mortality after HF surgery. The impact of the Hip-Multidimensional Frailty Score (Hip-MFS) and postoperative complications on 5-year mortality was compared. Methods: This retrospective study included 536 individuals aged 65 years and older with HFs who underwent surgery between 2009 and 2014. The Hip-MFS was calculated using the comprehensive geriatric assessment. Patients whose Hip-MFS score above 8 considered as frail. Postoperative complications included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, delirium, pulmonary thromboembolism, and unplanned intensive care unit admission after surgery.The primary outcome was 5-year mortality. Univariate and multivariate cox-regression, Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to assess predictive value of frailty and postoperative complications on 5-year mortality. Results: The mean age was 80.5 ± 7.0 years and 71.3% (n = 382) were women. Overall, 48.3% (n = 259) were diagnosed with femoral neck fractures, and 51.7% (n = 277) were diagnosed with intertrochanteric fractures. A total of 223 (41.6%) patients experienced postoperative complications. The overall mortality rate was 60.4% (n = 324), with 1-year and 5-year mortality rates after HF surgery being 13.8% (n = 74) and 43.8% (n = 235), respectively. In the multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting for clinical and demographic factors, the high-risk Hip-MFS group and the group with postoperative complications had hazard ratios for 5-year survival of 1.513 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.105–2.017; P = 0.010) and 1.470 (95% CI, 1.117–1.936;P = 0.006), respectively. Patients who had postoperative complications with a low Hip-MFS showed better 5-year survival than those without postoperative complications with a high Hip-MFS in the Kaplan–Meier curve (P = 0.013). Conclusion A high Hip-MFS risk and postoperative complications were associated with an increased 5-year mortality rate. In comparison to the occurrence of postoperative complications, the frailty status evaluated using the Hip-MFS had a more significant impact on long-term mortality after HF surgery.

Background: Factors influencing the decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression remain uncertain. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with rapid FEV1 / FVC decline in patients with COPD. Methods: This multi-center observational study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022. Eligible patients were monitored with symptoms, spirometric tests, and treatment patterns over 3 years. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners were defined as the quartile of patients exhibiting the highest annualized percentage decline in FEV1 /FVC. Results: Among 1,725 patients, 435 exhibited rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, with an annual change of −2.5%p (interquartile range, −3.5 to −2.0). Rapid FEV1 /FVC decliners exhibited lower body mass index (BMI), higher smoking rates, elevated post-bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 , higher post-BD FEV1 / FVC, and a lower prevalence of Staging of Airflow Obstruction by Ratio (STAR) stage IV. Rapid FEV1 /FVC decline was not linked to the annual exacerbation rate, but there was an association with symptom deterioration and FEV1 decline. In multivariable analyses, low BMI, current smoking, increased modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, low post-BD FEV1 , low STAR stage, high forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25-75% ), accelerated FEV1 decline, and not initiating dual BD therapy were identified as independent risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline. Conclusion We identified the risk factors for rapid FEV1 /FVC decline, including BMI, smoking, symptoms deterioration, FEV1 decline, and adherence to standard inhaler treatment. Our findings underscore the potential benefits of maintaining consistent use of long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist even in the presence of worsening symptoms, in attenuating FEV1 /FVC decline.

Background: Hip fractures (HFs) are major osteoporotic injuries associated with morbidity, loss of independence, increased mortality, and an increased socioeconomic burden.The total number of HFs is increasing owing to an aging population. While studies have focused on 30-day or 1-year mortality after HF surgery, studies reporting long-term mortality are lacking. Our study bridges this knowledge gap by exploring the relationship between frailty, postoperative complications, and the 5-year mortality after HF surgery.This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with 5-year mortality after HF surgery. The impact of the Hip-Multidimensional Frailty Score (Hip-MFS) and postoperative complications on 5-year mortality was compared. Methods: This retrospective study included 536 individuals aged 65 years and older with HFs who underwent surgery between 2009 and 2014. The Hip-MFS was calculated using the comprehensive geriatric assessment. Patients whose Hip-MFS score above 8 considered as frail. Postoperative complications included pneumonia, urinary tract infection, delirium, pulmonary thromboembolism, and unplanned intensive care unit admission after surgery.The primary outcome was 5-year mortality. Univariate and multivariate cox-regression, Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to assess predictive value of frailty and postoperative complications on 5-year mortality. Results: The mean age was 80.5 ± 7.0 years and 71.3% (n = 382) were women. Overall, 48.3% (n = 259) were diagnosed with femoral neck fractures, and 51.7% (n = 277) were diagnosed with intertrochanteric fractures. A total of 223 (41.6%) patients experienced postoperative complications. The overall mortality rate was 60.4% (n = 324), with 1-year and 5-year mortality rates after HF surgery being 13.8% (n = 74) and 43.8% (n = 235), respectively. In the multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting for clinical and demographic factors, the high-risk Hip-MFS group and the group with postoperative complications had hazard ratios for 5-year survival of 1.513 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.105–2.017; P = 0.010) and 1.470 (95% CI, 1.117–1.936;P = 0.006), respectively. Patients who had postoperative complications with a low Hip-MFS showed better 5-year survival than those without postoperative complications with a high Hip-MFS in the Kaplan–Meier curve (P = 0.013). Conclusion A high Hip-MFS risk and postoperative complications were associated with an increased 5-year mortality rate. In comparison to the occurrence of postoperative complications, the frailty status evaluated using the Hip-MFS had a more significant impact on long-term mortality after HF surgery.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Background: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications between classic palmaris longus tendon landmark-based corticosteroid injection (CI) and transverse carpal ligament (TCL)-penetrating CI for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: We performed a landmark-based CI on one hand and a TCL-penetrating CI on the other side after randomization in 30 consecutive patients with bilateral CTS. The pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after injection. Skin hypopigmentation of the injection site was evaluated using the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS). Pain during needle insertion was evaluated using a VAS for each hand. Results: The mean patient age was 56 ± 11 years (range, 32–77 years), and 27 patients (90.0%) were women. The pain VAS, BCTQ scores, and the incidence of skin hypopigmentation were not significantly different between the 2 groups after injection, but the mean mVSS scores were significantly higher in the landmark-based CI group at all time points. The pain VAS score during needle insertion was significantly higher in the TCL-penetrating CI group. Conclusions When comparing the pain VAS and BCTQ scores, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. TCL-penetrating CI causes considerable pain during needle insertion but causes less severe skin hypopigmentation than landmark-based CI in CTS treatment.