Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Objective:   This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed. Results: At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Objective:   This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed. Results: At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.

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.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Objective:   This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed. Results: At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Objective:   This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed. Results: At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.