Purpose: Pancreas transplantation (PT) is a definitive treatment for diabetes mellitus (DM), restoring endogenous insulin secretion and improving glycemic control. Despite its efficacy, PT is less common in South Korea compared to Western nations. This study aims to report the clinical outcomes of PT over 2 decades at a single center, focusing on surgical techniques, complications, and graft survival. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 69 PT recipients at Seoul National University Hospital between January 2002 and December 2023 was conducted. Data on recipient and donor demographics, surgical details, immunosuppressive regimens, and graft outcomes were collected. Graft survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, with subgroup comparisons using the log-rank test. Graft failure was defined as graft removal, PT re-registration, insulin dependence exceeding 0.5 units/kg/day for more than 90 days, or patient death. Results: Among the 69 recipients, 50 (72.5%) had type 1 DM, and 18 (26.1%) had type 2 DM. Simultaneous pancreaskidney (SPK) transplantations comprised 84.1% (n = 58), and pancreas-after-kidney (PAK) transplantations accounted for 10.1%. The 1-year and 5-year death-censored pancreas graft survival rates were 92.7% and 89.6%, respectively, with no significant difference between SPK and PAK (P = 0.330). Graft failure occurred in 10 patients, primarily due to pancreatitis and rejection. Donor-related factors, particularly anoxic brain injury, were significantly associated with lower graft survival (P = 0.045). Conclusion PT outcomes in this cohort align with international standards, emphasizing the importance of donor selection and tailored immunosuppression. Expanding PT indications to include selective type 2 DM patients could benefit South Korea’s PT programs with adequate resource allocation.

Purpose: Pancreas transplantation (PT) is a definitive treatment for diabetes mellitus (DM), restoring endogenous insulin secretion and improving glycemic control. Despite its efficacy, PT is less common in South Korea compared to Western nations. This study aims to report the clinical outcomes of PT over 2 decades at a single center, focusing on surgical techniques, complications, and graft survival. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 69 PT recipients at Seoul National University Hospital between January 2002 and December 2023 was conducted. Data on recipient and donor demographics, surgical details, immunosuppressive regimens, and graft outcomes were collected. Graft survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, with subgroup comparisons using the log-rank test. Graft failure was defined as graft removal, PT re-registration, insulin dependence exceeding 0.5 units/kg/day for more than 90 days, or patient death. Results: Among the 69 recipients, 50 (72.5%) had type 1 DM, and 18 (26.1%) had type 2 DM. Simultaneous pancreaskidney (SPK) transplantations comprised 84.1% (n = 58), and pancreas-after-kidney (PAK) transplantations accounted for 10.1%. The 1-year and 5-year death-censored pancreas graft survival rates were 92.7% and 89.6%, respectively, with no significant difference between SPK and PAK (P = 0.330). Graft failure occurred in 10 patients, primarily due to pancreatitis and rejection. Donor-related factors, particularly anoxic brain injury, were significantly associated with lower graft survival (P = 0.045). Conclusion PT outcomes in this cohort align with international standards, emphasizing the importance of donor selection and tailored immunosuppression. Expanding PT indications to include selective type 2 DM patients could benefit South Korea’s PT programs with adequate resource allocation.

Purpose: Pancreas transplantation (PT) is a definitive treatment for diabetes mellitus (DM), restoring endogenous insulin secretion and improving glycemic control. Despite its efficacy, PT is less common in South Korea compared to Western nations. This study aims to report the clinical outcomes of PT over 2 decades at a single center, focusing on surgical techniques, complications, and graft survival. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 69 PT recipients at Seoul National University Hospital between January 2002 and December 2023 was conducted. Data on recipient and donor demographics, surgical details, immunosuppressive regimens, and graft outcomes were collected. Graft survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, with subgroup comparisons using the log-rank test. Graft failure was defined as graft removal, PT re-registration, insulin dependence exceeding 0.5 units/kg/day for more than 90 days, or patient death. Results: Among the 69 recipients, 50 (72.5%) had type 1 DM, and 18 (26.1%) had type 2 DM. Simultaneous pancreaskidney (SPK) transplantations comprised 84.1% (n = 58), and pancreas-after-kidney (PAK) transplantations accounted for 10.1%. The 1-year and 5-year death-censored pancreas graft survival rates were 92.7% and 89.6%, respectively, with no significant difference between SPK and PAK (P = 0.330). Graft failure occurred in 10 patients, primarily due to pancreatitis and rejection. Donor-related factors, particularly anoxic brain injury, were significantly associated with lower graft survival (P = 0.045). Conclusion PT outcomes in this cohort align with international standards, emphasizing the importance of donor selection and tailored immunosuppression. Expanding PT indications to include selective type 2 DM patients could benefit South Korea’s PT programs with adequate resource allocation.

Background: Whether anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody levels post-third coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination correlate with worse outcomes due to breakthrough infection is unclear. We evaluated the association between anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and symptomatic breakthrough infection or hospitalization during the Omicron surge in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: In total, 287 kidney transplant recipients expected to receive a third vaccination were enrolled between November 2021 and February 2022. The Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant test (Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) was performed within three weeks before and four weeks after the third vaccination. The incidence of symptomatic breakthrough infection and hospitalization from two weeks to four months post-third vaccination was recorded. Results: After the third vaccination, the seropositive rate and median antibody titer of the 287 patients increased from 57.1% to 82.2% and from 71.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 7.2– 402.8) to 1,612.1 (IQR 153.9–5,489.1) AU/mL, respectively. Sixty-four (22.3%) patients had symptomatic breakthrough infections, of whom 12 required hospitalization. Lower anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG levels ( < 400 AU/mL) post-third vaccination were a risk factor for symptomatic breakthrough infection (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.46, P < 0.001).Anti-RBD IgG levels < 200 AU/mL were a critical risk factor for hospitalization (HR = 36.4, P = 0.007). Conclusions Low anti-spike IgG levels after third vaccination in kidney transplant recipients were associated with symptomatic breakthrough infection and, particularly, with hospitalization during the Omicron surge. These data can be used to identify patients requiring additional protective measures, such as passive immunization using monoclonal antibodies.

Purpose: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare form of chronic vasculitis that is common in Asian female. As TAK predominantly affects young female with a longer life expectancy than those with atherosclerotic diseases, assessing the specific long-term outcomes of TAK treatment is important. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and post-procedural complications of surgical and endovascular treatment for TAK. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study reviewed 545 consecutive patients diagnosed with TAK between 1983 and 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital. Of these, 56 patients who underwent 73 extracardiac interventions were enrolled in the study. The data included clinical features, angiographic and laboratory findings, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.3±20.3 years, with a predominance of female (75.0%). The mean follow-up duration was 147.7±111.6 months. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (n=42, 75.0%), followed by heart failure (n=12, 21.4%). The most frequent symptom of TAK was uncontrolled hypertension (n=36, 64.3%). The renal artery (n=23, 31.5%) was the most frequently revascularized vessel, followed by the supra-aortic branches, including the innominate, subclavian, vertebral, and carotid arteries (n=19; 26.0%). In the endovascular group, the primary patency rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were 42.2%, 31.7%, and 17.0%, respectively. The rates in the surgical group were 84.4%, 75.7%, and 59.0%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The difference in the secondary patency rates between the two groups was not statistically significant. The most common early complication (≤1 month) was arterial dissection (n=4, 5.5%), whereas the most prevalent late complication (>1 month) was restenosis, which occurred significantly more frequently in the endovascular group than in the surgical group (55.0% vs.12.1%, P<0.001). Conclusion Surgical and endovascular treatments for TAK are safe. However, restenosis develops more frequently after endovascular treatment compared to surgical treatment, particularly within the first three years. Increased periodic serial monitoring is recommended during this period.

Purpose: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare form of chronic vasculitis that is common in Asian female. As TAK predominantly affects young female with a longer life expectancy than those with atherosclerotic diseases, assessing the specific long-term outcomes of TAK treatment is important. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and post-procedural complications of surgical and endovascular treatment for TAK. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study reviewed 545 consecutive patients diagnosed with TAK between 1983 and 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital. Of these, 56 patients who underwent 73 extracardiac interventions were enrolled in the study. The data included clinical features, angiographic and laboratory findings, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.3±20.3 years, with a predominance of female (75.0%). The mean follow-up duration was 147.7±111.6 months. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (n=42, 75.0%), followed by heart failure (n=12, 21.4%). The most frequent symptom of TAK was uncontrolled hypertension (n=36, 64.3%). The renal artery (n=23, 31.5%) was the most frequently revascularized vessel, followed by the supra-aortic branches, including the innominate, subclavian, vertebral, and carotid arteries (n=19; 26.0%). In the endovascular group, the primary patency rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were 42.2%, 31.7%, and 17.0%, respectively. The rates in the surgical group were 84.4%, 75.7%, and 59.0%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The difference in the secondary patency rates between the two groups was not statistically significant. The most common early complication (≤1 month) was arterial dissection (n=4, 5.5%), whereas the most prevalent late complication (>1 month) was restenosis, which occurred significantly more frequently in the endovascular group than in the surgical group (55.0% vs.12.1%, P<0.001). Conclusion Surgical and endovascular treatments for TAK are safe. However, restenosis develops more frequently after endovascular treatment compared to surgical treatment, particularly within the first three years. Increased periodic serial monitoring is recommended during this period.

Purpose: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare form of chronic vasculitis that is common in Asian female. As TAK predominantly affects young female with a longer life expectancy than those with atherosclerotic diseases, assessing the specific long-term outcomes of TAK treatment is important. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and post-procedural complications of surgical and endovascular treatment for TAK. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study reviewed 545 consecutive patients diagnosed with TAK between 1983 and 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital. Of these, 56 patients who underwent 73 extracardiac interventions were enrolled in the study. The data included clinical features, angiographic and laboratory findings, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.3±20.3 years, with a predominance of female (75.0%). The mean follow-up duration was 147.7±111.6 months. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (n=42, 75.0%), followed by heart failure (n=12, 21.4%). The most frequent symptom of TAK was uncontrolled hypertension (n=36, 64.3%). The renal artery (n=23, 31.5%) was the most frequently revascularized vessel, followed by the supra-aortic branches, including the innominate, subclavian, vertebral, and carotid arteries (n=19; 26.0%). In the endovascular group, the primary patency rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were 42.2%, 31.7%, and 17.0%, respectively. The rates in the surgical group were 84.4%, 75.7%, and 59.0%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The difference in the secondary patency rates between the two groups was not statistically significant. The most common early complication (≤1 month) was arterial dissection (n=4, 5.5%), whereas the most prevalent late complication (>1 month) was restenosis, which occurred significantly more frequently in the endovascular group than in the surgical group (55.0% vs.12.1%, P<0.001). Conclusion Surgical and endovascular treatments for TAK are safe. However, restenosis develops more frequently after endovascular treatment compared to surgical treatment, particularly within the first three years. Increased periodic serial monitoring is recommended during this period.

Purpose: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare form of chronic vasculitis that is common in Asian female. As TAK predominantly affects young female with a longer life expectancy than those with atherosclerotic diseases, assessing the specific long-term outcomes of TAK treatment is important. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and post-procedural complications of surgical and endovascular treatment for TAK. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study reviewed 545 consecutive patients diagnosed with TAK between 1983 and 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital. Of these, 56 patients who underwent 73 extracardiac interventions were enrolled in the study. The data included clinical features, angiographic and laboratory findings, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.3±20.3 years, with a predominance of female (75.0%). The mean follow-up duration was 147.7±111.6 months. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (n=42, 75.0%), followed by heart failure (n=12, 21.4%). The most frequent symptom of TAK was uncontrolled hypertension (n=36, 64.3%). The renal artery (n=23, 31.5%) was the most frequently revascularized vessel, followed by the supra-aortic branches, including the innominate, subclavian, vertebral, and carotid arteries (n=19; 26.0%). In the endovascular group, the primary patency rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were 42.2%, 31.7%, and 17.0%, respectively. The rates in the surgical group were 84.4%, 75.7%, and 59.0%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The difference in the secondary patency rates between the two groups was not statistically significant. The most common early complication (≤1 month) was arterial dissection (n=4, 5.5%), whereas the most prevalent late complication (>1 month) was restenosis, which occurred significantly more frequently in the endovascular group than in the surgical group (55.0% vs.12.1%, P<0.001). Conclusion Surgical and endovascular treatments for TAK are safe. However, restenosis develops more frequently after endovascular treatment compared to surgical treatment, particularly within the first three years. Increased periodic serial monitoring is recommended during this period.

Purpose: Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare form of chronic vasculitis that is common in Asian female. As TAK predominantly affects young female with a longer life expectancy than those with atherosclerotic diseases, assessing the specific long-term outcomes of TAK treatment is important. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and post-procedural complications of surgical and endovascular treatment for TAK. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study reviewed 545 consecutive patients diagnosed with TAK between 1983 and 2020 at Seoul National University Hospital. Of these, 56 patients who underwent 73 extracardiac interventions were enrolled in the study. The data included clinical features, angiographic and laboratory findings, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.3±20.3 years, with a predominance of female (75.0%). The mean follow-up duration was 147.7±111.6 months. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (n=42, 75.0%), followed by heart failure (n=12, 21.4%). The most frequent symptom of TAK was uncontrolled hypertension (n=36, 64.3%). The renal artery (n=23, 31.5%) was the most frequently revascularized vessel, followed by the supra-aortic branches, including the innominate, subclavian, vertebral, and carotid arteries (n=19; 26.0%). In the endovascular group, the primary patency rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were 42.2%, 31.7%, and 17.0%, respectively. The rates in the surgical group were 84.4%, 75.7%, and 59.0%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The difference in the secondary patency rates between the two groups was not statistically significant. The most common early complication (≤1 month) was arterial dissection (n=4, 5.5%), whereas the most prevalent late complication (>1 month) was restenosis, which occurred significantly more frequently in the endovascular group than in the surgical group (55.0% vs.12.1%, P<0.001). Conclusion Surgical and endovascular treatments for TAK are safe. However, restenosis develops more frequently after endovascular treatment compared to surgical treatment, particularly within the first three years. Increased periodic serial monitoring is recommended during this period.

Purpose: Studies in western countries have shown a decline in the incidence of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) with advancements in endovascular repair and screening. However, according to health insurance data in Korea based on rAAA code (I71.3), overall rAAA has been increasing. This study aimed to validate the I71.3 code for rAAA and attempt to define the true incidence of rAAA in Korea. Methods: A 20-year multicenter retrospective review of rAAA was undertaken from the period of January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2020. All patients were diagnosed with the rAAA code I71.3 in each of the 4 hospitals. The CT images and surgical records of these patients were reviewed to differentiate true rAAA and misdiagnosis. Further data on true rAAA patient outcomes including mortality and treatment success were also collected. Results: A total of 305 rAAA (I71.3) codes were identified in the 4 centers. However, medical record review showed true rAAA in only 131 (43.0%). The remaining 174 cases (57.0%) were misdiagnosed. Impending ruptures were the most common misdiagnoses (37.9%). The total in-hospital mortality including deaths before treatment was 38.9% (n = 51), while mortality of treated patients was 24.4% (n = 15). Conclusion The analysis of I71.3 code for rAAA showed that only 43.0% were true rAAA and the remaining 57.0% were misdiagnosed. This indicates that the I71.3 code is overestimated in National Health Insurance-based data and that the true incidence of rAAA could be much lower.