• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.10
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• pp.998-1008
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• 2022

Objective: The present study aimed to assess the relationship between incidental abnormalities on thoracic computed tomography (CT) and mortality in a general screening population using a long-term follow-up analysis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected the medical records and CT images of 840 participants (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 58.5 ± 6.7 years; 564 male) who underwent thoracic CT at a single health promotion center between 2007 and 2010. Two thoracic radiologists independently reviewed all CT images and evaluated any incidental abnormalities (interstitial lung abnormality [ILA], emphysema, coronary artery calcification [CAC], aortic valve [AV] calcification, and pulmonary nodules). Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank and z-tests was performed to assess the relationship between incidental CT abnormalities and all-cause mortality in the subsequent follow-up. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to further identify risk factors of all-cause mortality among the incidental CT abnormalities and clinical factors. Results: Among the 840 participants, 55 (6%), 171 (20%), 288 (34%), 396 (47%), and 97 (11%) had findings of ILA, emphysema, CAC, pulmonary nodule, and AV calcification, respectively, on initial CT. The participants were followed up for a mean period ± SD of 10.9 ± 1.4 years. All incidental CT abnormalities were associated with all-cause mortality in univariable analysis (p < 0.05). However, multivariable analysis further revealed fibrotic ILA as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.52 [95% confidence interval, 1.02-6.22], p = 0.046). ILA were also identified as an independent risk factor for lung cancer or respiratory disease-related deaths. Conclusion: Incidental abnormalities on screening thoracic CT were associated with increased mortality during the long-term follow-up. Among incidental CT abnormalities, fibrotic ILA were independently associated with increased mortality. Appropriate management and surveillance may be required for patients with fibrotic ILA on thoracic CT obtained for general screening purposes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.sup2
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• pp.273-280
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• 2001

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term outcome and delayed complications of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for low grade glioma(LGG). Methods : Among 31 patients of LGG who had been treated by using Leksell Gamma Knife between March 1992 and December 1996, we could follow up more than 5 years(range 5-9 years) in 17 patients and evaluated their clinical feature, changes of tumor volume and post-radiosurgical complications. Results : During the mean follow-up period of 7.6 years, the tumor was decreased in 5 patients(29.4%), unchanged in 4(23.5%), increased in 4(23.5%) and recurred in 4(23.5%). The tumor control rate was 52.9%(9/17). We have experienced eighteen postradiosurgical complications in 10 patients(58.8%). Early complication was none and delayed complications included radiation necrosis with cyst in ten cases, bleeding in five, radiation-induced edema in one and malignant transformation in one. Two patients ultimately died as a result of tumor progression during the follow-up period. The mortality rate was 11.7%. Conclusion : Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be useful as an adjunctive therapy for small volume, deep-seated LGG. Although radiosurgery can effectively prevent growth of solid tumor, several delayed complications such as radiation necrosis, cyst formation, bleeding or malignant transformation can develop during the long-term followup period. Because of the possible slow growth rate of LGG and development of the delayed complications, the long-term efficacy of radiosurgery requires further analysis.

• International Neurourology Journal
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.287-294
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• 2018

Purpose: Augmentation cystoplasty (AC) is a surgical procedure used in adults and children with refractory bladder dysfunction, including a small bladder capacity and inadequate bladder compliance, and in whom conservative and medical treatment has failed. This study was aimed to determine the long-term outcomes of AC in children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 42 patients (31 males; mean age, $14.2{\pm}6.2years$) who underwent AC for neurogenic and nonneurogenic bladder dysfunction, with a median $12.0{\pm}1.5years$ of follow-up. All patients underwent AC using the ileum with or without continent reconstruction. Pre-AC, concurrent, and post-AC procedures and complications were analyzed. Patients who underwent ureterocystoplasty, were lost to follow-up, or had less than 10 years of follow-up were excluded. The primary outcomes were the complication and continence rates, the post-AC linear rate of height and weight gain, and renal function. The Student t-test was used to evaluate between-group differences and the paired t-test was used to evaluate longitudinal changes in measured variables. Results: Renal function was stable or improved in 32 of 42 patients (76.2%), with a post-AC continence rate of 88.1%. Thirty patients (71.4%) required 72 procedures post-AC. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean percentile of height (P=0. 212) or weight (P=0.142) of patients in the pre- and post-AC periods. No cases of bladder perforation or malignancy were detected. Conclusions: We consider AC to be a safe and effective procedure that does not negatively affect future physical growth, while achieving a good rate of stable renal function. Patients need long-term follow-up to address long-term complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.374-378
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• 2016

Objective : A modified surgical technique of posterior cervical foramintomy called posterior cervical inclinatory foraminotomy (PCIF) was introduced in previous preliminary article. PCIF allows better preservation of facet joint and capsule than conventional techniques. The authors conducted a study to investigate long-term outcomes of PCIF. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed demographic, radiologic, and clinical data from the patients who underwent PCIFs at our institution. Criteria included a minimum of 48 month follow-up and PCIFs for patients with radiculopathy from foraminal stenosis (C2-T1; single or multilevel) with persistent or recurrent root symptoms despite conservative treatment for more than 3 months. Patients who had undergone previous cervical operation were excluded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used for clinical follow-up, and radiologic follow-up was performed to compare the changes of cervical sagittal alignment, focal angle and disc-space height of treated segment. Results : The PCIFs were performed between April 2007 and March 2011 on 46 patients (32 males and 14 females) with a total of 73 levels affected. The average duration of follow-up was 74.4 months. Improvements in radiculopathic pain were seen in 39 patients (84.7%), and VAS score decreased from $6.82{\pm}1.9$ to $2.19{\pm}1.9$. Posterior neck pain also improved in 25 patients (71.4%) among 35 patients, and VAS score decreased from $4.97{\pm}2.0$ to $2.71{\pm}1.9$. The mean disc-space heights of treated segment were $5.41{\pm}1.03mm$ preoperatively and decreased to $5.17{\pm}1.12mm$ postoperatively. No statistically significant changes in cervical sagittal alignment, focal angle were seen during the follow-up period (Cox proportional hazards analysis and Student t-test, p>0.05). Conclusion : The PCIF is highly effective in treating patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, leading to long-lasting relief in pain. Long-term radiologic follow-up showed no significant spinal angular imbalance.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.9-20
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• 1990

A series of 19 cases with maxillary hyperplasia and mandibular retrognathia were operated on by simultaneous superior repositioning of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy and anterior repositioning of the mandible after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies with or without osteotomy of the inferior border of the mandible. These were evaluated by retrospective cephalometric and computer analysis for the longitudinal skeletal and dental changes for an average of 17.1 months after surgery. For stabilization of the osteotomized segments, the authors used wire osteosynthesis by means of bilateral infraorbital and zygomatic buttress suspension wire at the maxilla, and direct interosseous wire at the split segments of the mandibular rami. Results show generally good stability after simultaneous maxillary and mandibular surgery with wire osteosynthesis, and a minimal to moderate tendency toward skeletal and dental relapse. This article is a preliminary study to defy the efficiency of the wire osteosynthesis (wo)compared with rigid internal fixation (RIF) for simultaneous maxillary and mandibular surgery. 1. The vertical relapse rate of the A point after superior repositioning of the maxilla is 2.2%. 2. The horizontal relapse rate of the B point after advancement of the mandible is 18.3%. 3. The condyle is distracted inferiorly and slightly posteriorly at the immediate postoperative period. 4. At the long term follow up examination, the condyle presents tendency of return to the preoperative position. 5. Condylar segment angle is decreased at the immediate postoperative period, and at the long term follow up evaluation, the angle is increased. 6. Gonial angle is increased at the immediate postoperative period, and then is decreased at the long term follow up evaluation. 7. The dentition is satisfactory with acceptable movement at the long term follow up evaluation. 8. At the mandibular free body analysis, genioplasty shows good stability. 9. Wire osteosynthesis provides excellent stabilization for the simultaneous maxillary and mandibular surgery.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.355-362
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• 2023

This study aimed to determine whether smoking affects the metabolic syndrome and its components through long-term follow-up. Of the 10,030 cohort subjects in the community-based Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) from 2001 to 2018, 2,848 people with metabolic syndrome and 4,854 people with insufficient data for analysis were excluded for this study. The study population comprised 2,328 individuals (1,123 men, 1,205 women) who were eligible for inclusion. The mean age of the participants was 49.2±7.5 years, and 21.9% were current smoker. In log rank test, current smoker had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of metabolic syndrome compared with non smoker (P<0.001). In the Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for key variables, metabolic syndrome (hazard ratio [HR] 1.57, P<0.001), high fasting glucose (HR 1.40, P<0.01), hypertriglyceridemia (HR 1.60, P<0.001), low HDL-cholesterol (HR, 1.30, P<0.01), and abdominal obesity (HR 1.32, P<0.01) in current smoker compared with non smoker were statistically significant, respectively, but not hypertension (HR 1.00, P>0.05). After adjustment for confounders, the time (P-time<0.001) and group (P-group<0.001) effects on metabolic syndrome score change were statistically significant. Furthermore, the interaction analysis of time and smoking group on the change in metabolic syndrome score was statistically significant (P-interaction<0.001). In long-term follow-up, smoking worsens metabolic syndrome.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.1248-1255
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• 2020

Objective: To analyze long-term follow-up sonographic findings of intrathyroidal thymus in children. Materials and Methods: Among 1259 patients with congenital hypothyroidism under 15 years of age who underwent thyroid ultrasonography (US), 41 patients were diagnosed with an intrathyroidal thymus based on US criteria, i.e., hypoechoic solid lesion with punctate and linear echogenicity. In 26 patients aged one to 14 years old, the last follow-up US was performed after 6 to 132 months and compared with the initial US. The lesion was considered to decrease in size if there was a change of more than 2 mm in any dimension. The margin change was divided into well-defined and indistinct, blurred. When the echogenicity changed to a hyperechoic from a characteristic thymic echogenicity pattern, the pattern was considered a hyperechogenic. The changes in size were compared with the changes in shape, margin, and echogenicity pattern. The changes in size, shape, margin, and echogenicity were analyzed the association with the age of last follow-up. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-squared test and logistic regression. Results: Fifteen (57.7%) cases were stable in size, and 11 (42.3%) decreased in size, including one that disappeared. Ten (38.5%) cases changed to indistinct margins from initially well-defined margins including one case of initially indistinct margin. Six (23.1%) changed to hyperechogenic, from initially characteristic thymic echogenicity patterns. When follow-up change was compared, decreases in size were significantly associated with lesion changes to indistinct margins (p = 0.004). The age at last follow-up was significantly associated with change to hyperechogenicity (odd ratio, 2.141; 95% confidence interval, 1.144-4.010, p = 0.017). Conclusion: On follow-up US, an intrathyroidal thymus may be decreased in size, with indistinct margins, or show changes to a hyperechoic mass. Decreases in size may be associated with changing to indistinct margins, and changes to hyperechogenicity may be associated with increasing age.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2023

Background/Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been established as a treatment modality for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Long-term follow-up data are lacking in Western countries. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term survival in a Western center. Methods: Patients undergoing ESD for ESCC were included. The analysis was performed retrospectively using a prospectively collected database. Results: R0 resection rate was 96.7% (59/61 lesions in 58 patients). Twenty-seven patients (46.6%) fulfilled the curative resection criteria (M1/M2) (group A), 11 patients (19.0%) had M3 lesions without lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (group B), and 20 patients (34.5%) had lesions with submucosal invasion or LVI (group C). Additional treatment was recommended after non-curative resection. It was not performed in 20/31 patients (64.5%), mainly because of comorbidities (75%). Twenty-nine out of 58 (50.0%) patients died during a mean follow-up of 3.7 years. Death was related to ESCC in 17.2% (5/29) of patients. The disease-specific survival rate after curative resection was 100%. Overall survival rates after 5 years were 61.5%, 63.6% and 28.1% for groups A, B, and C, respectively. The overall survival was significantly worse after non-curative resection (p=0.038). Conclusions: Non-curative resection is frequent after ESD for ESCC in Western patients. The long-term prognosis is limited and mainly determined by comorbidity. Early diagnosis and pre-interventional assessments need to be improved.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.536-544
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• 2019

Objective : The objective of this study was to evaluatelong-term radiologic prognosis and characteristics of in-stent stenosis (ISS) after stent assisted coiling (SAC) for cerebral aneurysm and analyze its risk factors. Methods : Radiological records of 362 cases of SAC during 10 years were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included in this study if they had follow-up angiogram using catheter selected angiography at least twice. All subjected were followed up from 12 months to over 30 months. Of 120 patients, 123 aneurysms were enrolled. Patient data including age, sex, aneurysm size, neck size, procedural complication, kinds of stent, ISS associated symptom, ruptured state, location of ISS, degree of ISS, radiologic prognosis of ISS, follow-up period of time, and medical comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and smoking were collected.Statistical comparisons of group clinical characteristics were conducted for the total population. Results : Among 123 casesof aneurysm, 22 cases (17.9%) of ISS were revealed on follow-up angiography. Multiple stenting was performed in three cases and intra-procedural rupture occurred in two cases. Most cases were asymptomatic and symptomatic stenosis was identified in only one case. Sixteen cases were ruptured aneurysm. Mild stenosis was observed in 11 cases. Moderate stenosis was found in eight cases and severe stenosis was identified in three cases. Mean timing of identification of ISS was 8.90 months. The most common type was proximal type. Most cases were improved or not changed on follow-up angiography. Only one case was aggravated from mild stenosis to occlusion of parent artery. Mean follow-up period was 44.3 months. We compared risk factors and characteristic between ISS group and non-ISS group using univariate analysis. Multiple stenting was performed for three cases (13.6%) of the ISS group and four cases (4.0%) of the non-ISS group, showing no statistical difference between the two groups (p=0.108). Additionally, the proportion of patients who had more than two risk factors among four medical risk factors (hypertension, DM, dyslipidemia, and smoking) was higher in the ISS group than that in the non-ISS group, the difference between the two was not statistically significant either (31.8% vs. 12.9%, p=0.05). Conclusion : Clinical course and long-term prognosis of ISS might be benign. Most cases of ISS could be improved or not aggravated. Control of medical co-morbidity might be important. To the best of our knowledge, our study had more cases with longer follow-up period of time than other reports.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.131-136
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• 2011

Background: We evaluated the surgical results and predictors of long-term survival in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at the time of an aortic valve replacement (AVR) due to aortic stenosis. Materials and Methods: Between January 1990 and December 2009, 183 consecutive patients underwent CABG and concomitant aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. The mean follow-up period was $59.8{\pm}3.3$ months and follow-up was possible in 98.3% of cases. Predictors of mortality were determined by Cox regression analysis. Results: There were 5 (2.7%) in-hospital deaths. Follow-up of the in-hospital survivors documented late survival rates of 91.5%, 74.8%, and 59.6% at 1, 5, and 10 postoperative years, respectively. Age (p<0.001), a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 mL/min (p=0.006), and left ventricular (LV) mass (p<0.001) were significant predictors of mortality in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The surgical results and long-term survival of aortic valve replacement with concomitant CABG in patients with aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease were acceptable. Age, a GFR less than 60 mL/min, and LV mass were significant predictors of mortality.