Preoperative prediction of metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma using clinical, genetic, and biochemical markers: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) is approximately 15%-20%. Although there are indicators to assess metastatic risks, none of them predict metastasis reliably. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a scoring system using clinical, genetic, and biochemical risk factors to preoperatively predict the metastatic risk of PPGL. METHODS: In the cross-sectional cohort (n = 180), clinical, genetic, and biochemical risk factors for metastasis were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a novel scoring system was developed. The scoring system was validated and compared with the age, size of tumor, extra-adrenal location, and secretory type (ASES) score in the longitudinal cohort (n = 114). RESULTS: In the cross-sectional cohort, pseudohypoxia group-related gene variants (SDHB, SDHD, or VHL), methoxytyramine >0.16 nmol/L, and tumor size >6.0 cm were independently associated with metastasis after multivariate logistic regression. Using them, the gene variant, methoxytyramine, and size of tumor (GMS) score were developed. In the longitudinal cohort, Harrell's concordance index of the GMS score (0.873, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.738-0.941) was higher than that of the ASES score (0.713, 95% CI: 0.567-0.814, p = 0.007). In the longitudinal cohort, a GMS score ≥2 was significantly associated with a higher risk of metastasis (hazard ratio = 25.07, 95% CI: 5.65-111.20). A GMS score ≥2 (p < 0.001), but not ASES score ≥2 (p = 0.090), was associated with shorter progression-free survival. CONCLUSION: The GMS scoring system, which integrates gene variant, methoxytyramine level, and tumor size, provides a valuable preoperative approach to assess metastatic risk in PPGL.

Comparison of TERT and 5-Hydroxymethylcytocine immunohistochemistry in various thyroid carcinomas.

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation is associated with an aggressive clinical course in thyroid carcinomas. Therefore, detection of TERT promoter mutation is essential for proper patient management. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic marker involved in the DNA demethylation pathway, and its loss has been observed in various tumors. Loss of 5hmC has also been reported in thyroid carcinomas and is presented as a possible predictive biomarker for TERT promoter mutation and worse prognosis. This study evaluated the expression of TERT and 5hmC by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 105 patients (44 in the TERT mutant group and 61 in the TERT wild group) with various thyroid carcinomas. H-scores were calculated using an image analyzer. The median H-scores of TERT IHC were significantly higher in the TERT mutant group than in the TERT wild group (47.15 vs. 9.80). The sensitivity and specificity of TERT IHC for predicting TERT promoter mutations were 65.9 and 65.7 %, respectively. Regardless of TERT promoter mutation status, the 5hmC H-scores were markedly lower in all subtypes of thyroid carcinomas compared to those in their normal counterparts. Significant differences in 5hmC H-scores were observed between N0 and N1 in total thyroid carcinomas, but not within the papillary thyroid carcinoma subgroup. In conclusion, TERT and 5hmC IHC have limitations in predicting the presence of TERT promoter mutations. The expression of 5hmC was downregulated in various thyroid carcinomas compared to that in normal and benign lesions, but comprehensive further studies are required to elucidate the role of 5hmC in thyroid carcinomas.

Safety and feasibility of single-port surgery for posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy using the da Vinci SP robotic system: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study demonstrates our experience of single-port robotic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (RPRA) using the da Vinci SP robot system and evaluates its technical feasibility and surgical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 250 RPRAs, including 117 conventional 3-port RPRAs, 103 reduced 2-port RPRAs, and 30 single-port RPRAs. Each RPRA type was compared by analyzing 30 patients in the early phase of surgery. RESULTS: All patients who underwent single-port RPRA showed excellent surgical outcomes. Age, sex, BMI, and tumor location site did not significantly differ between the three groups. In the early phase, the size of the adrenal tumor was similar between three groups, and it tended to increase as the number of ports increased (p < 0.001). The mean operation time was shorter for patients who underwent single-port RPRA than those who underwent RPRA types (p < 0.001). The numeric rating scale score did not significantly differ between the groups on most days. No major complications were observed, and no patients were converted to open surgery or required additional port insertion. CONCLUSION: Single-port RPA using the da Vinci SP robotic system showed the effectiveness of the surgical procedure and improved cosmetic outcomes for patients, while also enabling surgeons to perform operations with greater ease and convenience. Therefore, single-port RPRA could be a good alternative option for the treatment of adrenal tumors in selected situations.

Erratum: Correction of Funding in the Article "Rates of COVID-19 Infection Among Healthcare Workers in Designated COVID-19 Wards and General Wards".

This corrects the article on p. e308 in vol. 37, PMID: 36345254.

Prognosis of Patients with 1-4 cm Papillary Thyroid Cancer Who Underwent Lobectomy: Focus on Gross Extrathyroidal Extension Invading Only the Strap Muscles.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic implication of gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE) invading the strap muscles after thyroid lobectomy in patients with 1-4 cm papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with 1-4 cm PTC who underwent thyroid lobectomy from 2005 to 2012. Overall, 595 patients were enrolled after excluding patients with aggressive variants of PTC, gross ETE into a major neck structure, and lateral cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis. We evaluated the risk factors for structural recurrence after lobectomy in 1-4 cm PTC. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (13.1%) had gross ETE invading only the strap muscles. During the median follow-up period of 7.7 years, structural recurrence was confirmed in 35 patients (5.9%). The presence of gross ETE was an independent risk factor for structural recurrence (hazard ratio 2.54, 95% confidence interval 1.19-5.44; p = 0.016). Subgroup analysis of patients with gross ETE showed that 11 and 47 patients had low- and intermediate-risk LN metastasis, respectively. A significant difference in recurrence-free survival was observed according to the degree of cervical LN metastasis (p = 0.03). Those without LN metastasis or low-risk LNs had a 75% lower risk of recurrence when compared with those with both gross ETE and intermediate-risk LNs. CONCLUSION: Gross ETE and intermediate-risk cervical LN metastasis were associated with a significantly high risk of recurrence after lobectomy in patients with 1-4 cm PTC. Completion thyroidectomy would be considered in this subgroup of patients but not in all patients with gross ETE invading only the strap muscles.

Indices of ACTH-stimulated adrenal venous sampling as predictors of postsurgical outcomes in primary aldosteronism.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of indices of adrenal venous sampling (AVS) on postsurgical outcomes in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). DESIGN AND PATIENTS: This retrospective study determined biochemical and clinical outcomes based on ACTH-stimulated AVS parameters (lateralisation index [LI], contralateral ratio [CLR], and ipsilateral ratio [ILR]) in 251 patients with PA at 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Modified complete biochemical success was achieved in 8 of 12 (66.7%) patients with LI = 3-4, 39 of 47 (83.0%) with LI = 4-10, and 155 of 169 (91.7%) with LI ≥ 10 (p = .004 for trend). Modified complete biochemical success was achieved in 29 of 38 (76.3%) patients with CLR ≥ 1 and ILR ≤ 2, 73 of 86 (84.9%) with CLR = 0.25-1 and ILR > 2, and 100 of 104 (96.2%) with CLR < 0.25 and ILR > 2 (p = .001 for trend). After adjusting for confounders, modified complete biochemical success was associated with an LI ≥ 10 (odds ratio [OR] = 6.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-29.93) using LI = 3-4 as a reference and combined CLR < 0.25 and ILR > 2 (OR = 11.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.49-53.01) using combined CLR ≥ 1 and ILR ≤ 2 as a reference. Using combined CLR ≥ 1 and ILR ≤ 2 as a reference, complete clinical success was associated with combined CLR < 0.25 and ILR > 2 (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.03-9.28) and combined CLR = 0.25-1 and ILR > 2 (OR = 4.92; 95% CI = 1.64-14.76). CONCLUSION: LI ≥ 10 may be appropriate for achieving biochemical success. With ILR > 2, CLR < 0.25, and CLR < 1 may be appropriate for achieving biochemical and clinical success, respectively.

Ethanol ablation for the treatment of thyroglossal duct cysts: follow-up results for longer than 2 years.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ethanol ablation (EA) for the treatment of thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs). METHODS: This retrospective study included 81 consecutive patients diagnosed with and treated for symptomatic TGDCs at two institutions between Jan 2008 and Oct 2018. Preprocedural evaluation included US assessment with calculation of the TGDC volume. EA was performed under US guidance using 99% ethanol. Post-treatment follow-up was scheduled within 3 months, 6 months, and then annually. Immediate success was defined as a volume reduction ratio (VRR; ratio of the volume difference after EA to the initial TGDC volume) > 50% within 3 months. Long-term success was defined as VRR > 50% or resolution or improvement of cosmetic problems and symptoms without recurrence at last follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients underwent EA, and outcomes were assessed in 68 patients with available follow-up data. The immediate success rate of the first EA was 81% (55/68), with a mean VRR within 3 months of 73% ± 31%. One patient (1.5%, 1/68) developed wound inflammation after the first EA. Forty-two patients were followed up for longer than 2 years. For the median follow-up of 69 months (range, 24-131 months), the long-term success rate was 83% (35/42), with a mean VRR at last follow-up of 81% ± 35%. No patients developed malignancy from the ablated TGDCs. CONCLUSIONS: EA for treatment of TGDCs achieved acceptable rates of immediate and long-term efficacy with a low complication rate, and can be considered as a first-line treatment for the management of TGDCs. KEY POINTS: • The immediate success rate of EA for the treatment of TGDCs was 81% (55/68), with a mean VRR within 3 months of 73% ± 31%. • For the median follow-up of 69 months (range, 24-131 months), the long-term success rate was 83% (35/42), with a mean VRR at last follow-up of 81% ± 35%. • No patients developed malignancy from the ablated TGDCs but one patient (1.5%, 1/68) developed wound inflammation after the first EA.

Getting back on track: a group psychoeducational intervention for patients and families living with head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer survivors are increasing in prevalence, and 60-70% still experience at least one unmet emotional and/or physical need after treatment has ended. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a brief post-treatment psychoeducational intervention on perceived preparedness for coping with recovery using post-session evaluations. METHODS: Between August 2013 and May 2018, a two-session, multidisciplinary "getting back on track" class was delivered to head and neck cancer patients approximately 2 months following radiation treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada. Three hundred and fifty attendees completed evaluations. Statistical analyses of the 310 patients surveyed measured change in level of preparedness to cope with recovery using the b-prepared scale. Qualitative analyses provided insight into potential benefits for future patients. RESULTS: Almost two-thirds (58%) of patients reported an increase in level of preparedness in post-intervention surveys. Comparing self-reported level of preparedness among patients from before to after the class showed an increase in feeling prepared from 50 to 58%, and of those feeling very prepared, from 6 to 34%. The proportion of patients who reported feeling unprepared (11%) or neutral (33%) before the class decreased post-intervention, with 0% feeling unprepared and 7% feeling neutral. There were statistically significant differences in the ideal timing of the class, but overall attendees agreed that the class is an essential part of their recovery. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the efficacy of this brief psychoeducational intervention to improve preparedness in head and neck cancer survivors following radiation treatment.

The association between the type of anesthesia and hemodynamic instability during pheochromocytoma surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytoma often carries a risk for perioperative hemodynamic instability (HDI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors of intraoperative HDI during minimally invasive posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (PRA) for pheochromocytoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the prospectively collected data of 172 patients who underwent laparoscopic PRA or robotic PRA for pheochromocytoma between January 2014 and December 2020 at a single tertiary center. The patients were divided into two groups according to the intraoperative hypertensive event of systolic blood pressure (> 160 mmHg). The clinical manifestations and perioperative hemodynamic conditions were analysed. RESULTS: In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the tumor size (> 3.4 cm) [OR 3.14, 95% confidence intervals (CI) (1.48-6.64), p = 0.003], type of preoperative alpha-blocker (selective type) [OR 3.9, 95% CI (1.52-10.02), p = 0.005], preoperative use of beta-blockers [OR 3.94, 95% CI (1.07-14.49), p = 0.039] and type of anesthesia [total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) vs. balanced anesthesia (BA)] [OR 2.57, 95% CI (1.23-5.38), p = 0.012] were determined as independent risk factors of intraoperative hypertensive events during minimally invasive adrenalectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The type of anesthesia was independently associated with intraoperative HDI along with larger tumor size, type of preoperative alpha-blocker and the use of preoperative beta-blockers. TIVA increased the risk of intraoperative hypertensive events compared with BA. Thus, the consideration of the type of anesthesia prior to adrenal surgery for pheochromocytoma along with the use of preoperative non-selective alpha-blockers may be beneficial in minimizing the risk of intraoperative HDI.

Rates of COVID-19 Infection Among Healthcare Workers in Designated COVID-19 Wards and General Wards.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of isolating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in general wards, we compared the rates of COVID-19 infection in nurses and nursing assistants working in COVID-19 designated wards and in general wards of our hospital from 1 October 2021 to 21 April 2022. METHODS: This study was conducted in a 2,700-bed tertiary care hospital in Seoul, Korea. Designated wards comprised single, negative pressure rooms and a 100% outdoor air system. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 2,698 nurses and nursing assistants were employed at our hospital, of whom 310 (11%) were working in the designated wards, and the remaining 2,388 (89%) in the general wards, and among whom 1,158 (43%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. The healthcare workers (HCWs) in the designated wards were less frequently diagnosed with COVID-19 than those in the general wards (31% vs. 45%, P < 0.001). During the period before patients with COVID-19 were isolated in general wards, and during the period after these cases were isolated in general ward, HCWs in designated wards were less frequently infected with the virus than those in general wards (7% vs. 11%, P = 0.039; and 23% vs. 33%, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: HCWs in designated wards have a lower rate of contracting COVID-19 than those in general wards. A lack of exposure to undiagnosed cases and their caregivers, greater care with social distancing outside the hospital, higher rates of 3-dose vaccinations, and the use of isolation rooms with negative pressure may be associated with this finding.

Two cases of bacteremic pneumonia caused by Bifidobacterium species.

Clinical infections by Bifidobacterium species rarely developed. We report two cases of bacteremic pneumonia caused by B. pseudocatenulatum and B. dentium, respectively, in patients vulnerable to aspiration. These cases suggested the potential for cause of serious pneumonia caused by Bifidobacterium species, in patients with high risk of aspiration.

Comparison Between Familial and Sporadic Non-medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Individual Risk Factor-Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare clinicopathologic features and outcomes between patients with familial non-medullary thyroid carcinoma (FNMTC) and patients with sporadic non-medullary thyroid carcinoma (SNMTC) after performing individual risk factor-matching. Additionally, the study evaluated a dynamic risk stratification (DRS) system to validate its usefulness for familial-type thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: After individual risk factor-matching, 286 patients remained in the FNMTC group, and 858 patients were assigned to the SNMTC group consisting of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The prognostic outcomes were compared between the two groups in a matched cohort. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up period of 142 months, recurrences were experienced by 64 patients in the sporadic group (7.5%) and 29 patients in the familial group (10.1%). In the multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for recurrence were primary tumor size (p = 0.033), gross extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.001), and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001). The independent risk factors did not include family history alone (p = 1.101) or the number of affected family members (p = 0.122 for 2 members and p = 0.625 for ≥ 3 members). In this matched-cohort study, the DRS system was well adjusted in the FNMTC and SNMTC groups. Moreover, the proportion of DRS categories and the recurrence rate in each DRS category were similar between the familial and sporadic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Family history did not present a statistically significant association with a poor prognosis for PTC patients. With a family history of PTC alone, less aggressive treatment could be considered. In this matched cohort, DRS was adjusted well and could be useful in predicting prognosis, even for PTC patients with a family history of PTC.

Clinical implications of age and excellent response to therapy in patients with high-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Patients with American Thyroid Association (ATA) high-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) have poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical implications of age and response to therapy classification in patients with ATA high-risk DTC. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: This study included 222 patients with high-risk DTC who initially underwent therapy between 2000 and 2010 in a single tertiary center in Korea. We evaluated the prognostic parameters associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) with a focus on age and achieving an excellent response (ER). RESULTS: During the median follow-up period of 11.3 years, disease progression was detected in 77 patients (34.7%), and disease-specific mortality was reported in 31 patients (14.0%). Older age (≥55 years) and not achieving ER (not-ER) were independent risk factors associated with PFS (age, p < .001; not-ER, p < .001) and DSS (age, p < .001; not-ER, p = .015). Of the 74 patients in the ER group, 7 (9.5%) displayed disease progression and 1 (1.4%) died from DTC. There were no significant differences in PFS and DSS according to age in the ER group. However, older patients had significantly worse PFS and DSS than younger patients in the not-ER group (p = .002 and p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Response to therapy classification is important for predicting PFS and DSS in patients with high-risk DTC. Patients in the ER group had a relatively good prognosis, but disease progression occurred in 9.5% of patients. Age was a key predictor of both PFS and DSS in high-risk patients who did not achieve ER.

Chemical ablation using ethanol or OK-432 for the treatment of thyroglossal duct cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To review the effectiveness and safety of chemical ablation using ethanol or OK-432 for the treatment of TGDCs (thyroglossal duct cysts). METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched up to May 29, 2020, to identify studies reporting the safety and efficacy of chemical ablation using ethanol or OK-432 for the treatment of TGDCs. The search query consisted of synonyms of thyroglossal duct cysts and ethanol or OK-432 ablation. The pooled success and complication rates were calculated using the inverse variance method to calculate weights, and pooled proportions were determined using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects method. RESULTS: Seven original articles including a total of 129 patients were included. The efficacy of chemical ablation was acceptable, with a pooled success rate of 70% (95% CI, 47-86%). The pooled success rate of ethanol ablation was superior to that of OK-432 ablation, although with equivocal statistical significance (84% vs. 51%, p = 0.055). Repeat ethanol ablation achieved a pooled success rate of 47% (95% CI, 24-71%). The chemical ablation procedures were safe, with a pooled major complication rate of 0.9% (95% CI, 0.1-5.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Chemical ablation using ethanol or OK-432 for the treatment of TGDCs had acceptable success and low complication rates, and repeat treatment after initial failure was also feasible. In addition, it is an inexpensive and simple procedure and could therefore be considered a first-line treatment for TGDCs. KEY POINTS: • The efficacy of chemical ablation using ethanol or OK-432 was acceptable, with a pooled success rate of 70% (95% CI, 47-86%). The pooled success rate of ethanol ablation was superior to that of OK-432 ablation, although with equivocal statistical significance (84% vs. 51%, p = 0.055). • Repeat ethanol ablation was also feasible, with a pooled success rate of 47% (95% CI, 24-71%). • The chemical ablation procedures were safe, with a pooled major complication rate of 0.9% (95% CI, 0.1-5.8%).

Dual respiratory virus detection in adult patients with acute respiratory illness.

BACKGROUND: Nonrandom multiple respiratory virus (RV) detection provides evidence for viral interference among respiratory viruses. However, little is known as to whether it occurs randomly. METHODS: The prevalence of dual RV detection (DRVD) in patients with acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) at 4 academic medical centers was investigated; data about the prevalence of 8 RVs were collected from the Korean national RV surveillance dataset. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between observed and estimated prevalence of each type of DRVD. RESULTS: In total, 108 patients with ARIs showing DRVD were included in this study between 2011 and 2017. In several types of regression analysis, a strong correlation was observed between the observed and estimated prevalence of each type of DRVD. Excluding three DRVD types (influenza/picornavirus, influenza/human metapneumovirus, and adenovirus/respiratory syncytial virus), the slope of the regression line was higher than that of the line of random occurrence (1.231 > 1.000) and the 95% confidence interval of the regression line was located above the line of random occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to the results of previous epidemiologic studies, most types of DRVD occur more frequently than expected from the prevalence rates of individual RV, except for three underrepresented pairs above.

Intraoperative botulinum toxin injection for superficial partial parotidectomy: A prospective pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Sialocele and salivary fistula are not serious but troublesome complications after parotidectomy. Various modalities have been introduced to prevent postoperative saliva-related complications. However, clinical trials assessing the prophylactic use of botulinum toxin (BTX) for parotidectomy have not been conducted yet. Herein, we report a pilot study investigating the safety and efficacy of intraoperative BTX (iBTX) injection in partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP). PARTICIPANTS: Patients with benign parotid tumour were prospectively recruited for this clinical trial from 2017 to 2019. The study participants underwent PSP with iBTX injection. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical information of all the consecutive patients who underwent PSP without iBTX from 2013 to 2019. These patients were divided into two groups: the iBTX group (n = 36) and the control group (n = 54). RESULTS: Permanent facial palsy was not observed in either group. Two patients (3.7%) had transient marginal palsy in the control group but none had it in the iBTX group. The incidence of sialocele was significantly lower in the iBTX group than in the control group (2.8% vs. 20.4%, P < .05). Although the incidence of salivary fistula was lower in the iBTX group than in the control group (0% vs. 7.4%), no significant difference was determined between the two groups (P = .147). Total drainage volume was significantly lower in the iBTX group than in the control group (55.0 mL vs. 116.6 mL, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: iBTX injection may be safe and effective in reducing sialocele and postoperative drainage in PSP. It might be a useful option to prevent saliva-related complications after PSP.

Vancomycin-Induced Organizing Pneumonia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The long-term administration of vancomycin has increased; however, the pulmonary adverse reactions of long-term vancomycin treatment remain under-studied. A 75-year-old male patient with vertebral osteomyelitis receiving long-term vancomycin therapy developed a fever. High resolution computed tomography showed irregular ground glass opacity and consolidation in the right upper lung. The patient developed organizing pneumonia. This occurred without peripheral eosinophilia or adverse reactions in the skin and liver. The administration of vancomycin was discontinued. He recovered from organizing pneumonia after four weeks of steroid therapy. Solitary organizing pneumonia can develop during treatment with vancomycin. When pulmonary inflammation occurs and other causes of pneumonia are excluded, vancomycin therapy should be discontinued.

Tracheitis Caused by Coinfection with Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus.

Clinically significant isolated viral tracheitis is scarce in adults, and upper airway obstruction caused by viral tracheitis is even more infrequent. A 74-year-old woman, who was administered low-dose steroids for two months for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), developed dyspnea with stridor and required mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. Chest computed tomography showed a diffuse tracheal wall thickening with luminal narrowing and peribronchial consolidation in the right upper lobe. Bronchoscopy revealed a proximal tracheal narrowing with multiple ulcerations of the tracheal mucosa surrounded by an erythematous margin. Pathologic examinations of the tracheal mucosal tissue, including immunohistochemistry, revealed a cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Furthermore, the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid was positive on the CMV real-time polymerase chain reaction. The patient was treated with intravenous ganciclovir for 44 days. The follow-up bronchoscopy 49 days after the initiation of ganciclovir revealed improved multiple ulcerations with scars. We report a rare case of tracheitis caused by coinfection with CMV and HSV in a patient with COPD who had been taking low-dose steroids for months. The case showed that CMV and HSV are potential causes of serious tracheitis and respiratory failure.

Increasing Trend of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolation in a Referral Clinical Laboratory in South Korea.

Background and Objectives: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are increasing worldwide. We evaluated the annual trends of NTM isolation on acid-fast bacillus (AFB) culture, compared to that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the distribution of NTM species nationwide in South Korea. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a diagnostic center that is a major referral laboratory for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and NTM in South Korea. All laboratory results of AFB culture from January 2014 to December 2019 were collected. All NTM identified were definitively identified to the species level. Results: A total of 345,871 tests were performed for the diagnosis of mycobacteria. The isolation rate of NTM and M. tuberculosis was 3.7% (12,969 cases) and 4.4% (15,081 cases), respectively. The annual isolation rate of NTM increased gradually from 2.7% in 2014 to 4.8% in 2019, whereas that of M. tuberculosis decreased from 6.2% to 3.3%. There were 4988 cases of NTM identified to the species level. M. avium complex (MAC) was the most common species isolated from pulmonary sites (59.8%), followed by M. gordonae (9.2%), M. abscessus (7.0%), and M. fortuitum (5.5%). Extrapulmonary NTM were identified in 29 cases (0.6%). MAC was also the most common NTM species isolated from extrapulmonary sites (65.5%), followed by M. kansasii (10.3%), M. abscessus (6.9%), and M. fortuitum (6.9%). Conclusions: The annual isolation rate of NTM has increased gradually, whereas that of M. tuberculosis has decreased. Follow-up studies of the increases in NTM identification and NTM infections in South Korea are needed.

Modified risk stratification based on cervical lymph node metastases following lobectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence for American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification stems largely from studies involving patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. We aimed to assess the risk of recurrence according to the present ATA risk stratification system in patients who underwent lobectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy for 1-4 cm-sized papillary thyroid carcinoma (n = 571). MEASUREMENTS: Disease-free survival (DFS) was compared according to the ATA risk stratification, and specific lymph node (LN) characteristics were evaluated to modify the ATA criteria with a higher predictability for recurrence. RESULTS: Based on the ATA risk stratification, 439 patients (61.1%) were classified into intermediate- or high-risk group, and consideration for completion thyroidectomy is suggested by ATA guidelines for these patients. However, no significant differences were found in DFS among the low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups (P = .9). In contrast, when patients were stratified according solely to the LN criteria from the ATA risk stratification, only 127 patients (22.2%) had intermediate risk (intermediate-N1a) and exhibited significantly poorer DFS than those with N0 disease (P = .035). Modifying the intermediate-N1a criteria by adding the extranodal extension (ENE) status and omitting the clinical nodal disease enabled the subclassification of 19 patients (3%) with a high risk for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that risk stratification based solely on LN metastases is more reasonable for predicting structural persistence/recurrence following lobectomy than that based on the overall ATA criteria. Considering the ENE status can assist in selecting patients with a high risk of recurrence to minimize further treatments.