Ji Hoon Kim, M.D., Won-Gi Woo, M.D., Yong-Ho Jung, M.D., Duk Hwan Moon, M.D., Sungsoo Lee, M.D., Ph.D.. J Chest Surg 2024;57:484-9. https://doi.org/10.5090/jcs.24.021

Background: Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has traditionally been used as a biomarker to predict neurologic outcomes after cardiac arrest. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of NSE in predicting neurologic outcomes in patients undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Methods: This observational cohort study included 47 consecutive adult ECPR patients (median age, 59.0 years; 74.5% males) treated between January 2018 and December 2021 at a tertiary extracorporeal life support center. The primary outcome was a poor neurologic outcome, defined as a Cerebral Performance Category score of 3–5 at hospital discharge. Results: Twelve (25.5%) patients had abnormal findings on computed tomography of the brain. A poor neurologic outcome was demonstrated in 22 (46.8%) patients. The NSE level at 72 h after ECPR showed the best prediction power for a poor neurologic outcome compared with NSE at 24 and 48 h. A cutoff value exceeding 61.9 μg/L for NSE at 72 h yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.791 for predicting poor neurologic outcomes and exceeding 62.1 μg/L with an AUC of 0.838 for 30-day mortality. Conclusions: NSE levels at 72 h after ECPR appear to be a reliable biomarker for predicting poor neurologic outcomes and 30-day mortality in ECPR patients.

Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a subtype of axSpA characterized by chronic low back pain and stiffness but without radiographic evidence of sacroiliitis or spinal changes. As is the case with axSpA, early initiation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor agents, or physical therapy are often recommended for patients with non-radiographic axSpA. While the clinical course of non-radiographic axSpA is less well-known than axSpA, we present a case of a patient with non-radiographic axSpA manifesting as a sterile abscess in the sternum and costal cartilage. In this case report, we describe the diagnostic process for this rare manifestation and reconstruction of the large chest wall defect using a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.

Han AR, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2026 Nov;41:e308. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e308

Yong Ho Jeong, M.D., Ph.D., Duk Hwan Moon, M.D., Sungsoo Lee, M.D., Ph.D.. J Chest Surg 2024;57:300-1. https://doi.org/10.5090/jcs.24.034

Lim SK, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2026 Jul;41:e161. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e161