Justyna Kukulska

Ms. Justyna Kukulska

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 September 2025 in Surgical Techniques Development
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JKJakub Kopec
Jakub Kopec
JKJustyna Kukulska
Justyna Kukulska
MLMagdalena Lewandowska
Magdalena Lewandowska
Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has rapidly emerged as a transformative tool in medicine, enabling the conversion of two-dimensional scans into highly accurate 3D models. This technology, especially when combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced materials, offers numerous applications in surgical planning, simulation-based training, and patient-specific care. Methods: This review examines current literature and case studies on the use of 3D printing technology in various fields of medicine, especially in surgical specialties. Key applications include surgical planning, mock surgeries, biopsy guide creation, and customized implant fabrication across various surgical fields. Results: 3D printing is transforming surgery by enabling precise visualization of tumors and critical structures, significantly enhancing preoperative planning for conditions such as bone, soft tissue (e.g., neuroblastomas), renal, and maxillofacial tumors. In reconstruction surgeries, patient-specific 3D-printed implants ensure better anatomical compatibility, particularly in maxillofacial, neurosurgical, and vascular applications. Puncture guides improve procedural accuracy in interventions like percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. Detailed anatomical models aid in simulation-based training, increasing preparedness for complex procedures. Additionally, patient-specific implants and AI-integrated decision support systems are paving the way for more personalized and efficient surgical care. Conclusions: 3D printing technology, especially when combined with AI, is reshaping modern surgery by improving both accuracy, safety, and personalized healthcare. Its applications extend across multiple specialties, offering new possibilities in surgical planning, training, and patient-specific treatments. As AI and bioprinting continue to evolve, the potential for real-time applications, such as live-printed tissue implants and enhanced decision support, could drive the next phase of innovation in various fields.

4 November 2026 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JKJustyna Kukulska
Justyna Kukulska
MZMałgorzata Zubowska
Małgorzata Zubowska
JKJakub Kopec
Jakub Kopec
ELElizabeth Salacinska Los
Elizabeth Salacinska Los
JTJakub Tartanus
Jakub Tartanus
PPPrzemysław Przewratil
Przemysław Przewratil
Background: Vascular anomalies are rare congenital disorders associated with significant morbidity. Local therapies may be insufficient for complex lesions. Sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, is a promising systemic treatment option. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients with vascular anomalies treated with sirolimus between October 2020 and June 2025. Of 29 patients who initiated treatment, 23 completed at least 12 months of therapy and had evaluable 12-month outcomes; these patients constituted the primary 12-month efficacy cohort. Treatment discontinuations were analyzed separately, and an all-treated sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: The cohort included 10 patients (43%) with lymphatic malformations (LMs), 9 (39%) with venous malformations (VMs), 2 (9%) with combined malformations, and 2 (9%) with other vascular anomalies. At 12 months, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated lesion size reduction in 17/23 patients (74%), stabilization in 5/23 (22%), and progression in 1/23 patients (4%). In a conservative sensitivity analysis including all 29 treated patients and classifying patients without an evaluable 12-month outcome, documented reduction or stabilization was observed in 22/29 patients (76%). Additional treatment was less frequent during treatment (30% vs. 65%, p = 0.043), although observation periods differed. Pain decreased (p = 0.021), and physical activity increased (p = 0.034). No severe adverse events led to permanent treatment discontinuation. The most common adverse events were laboratory abnormalities (47%) and aphthous stomatitis (32%). Exploratory Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) demonstrated substantial multidimensional heterogeneity but did not identify stable radiological response phenotypes. Conclusions: Sirolimus was associated with radiological improvement or stabilization, symptom relief, and fewer additional interventions in pediatric vascular anomalies, with generally favorable tolerability.

28 October 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JKJustyna Kukulska
Justyna Kukulska
ESElżbieta Sałacińska-Łoś
Elżbieta Sałacińska-Łoś
EPEwelina Perdas
Ewelina Perdas
PPPrzemysław Przewratil
Przemysław Przewratil
Background: Lymphatic malformations (LM) are rare congenital vascular anomalies caused by abnormal development and growth of lymphatic vessels. These malformations can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild swelling to more severe complications. Treatment options remain limited, especially for complex cases. Recent research has suggested that PIK3CA mutations play a key role in the pathogenesis of LM, potentially offering new possibilities for targeted treatment strategies. Methods: In this study, a cohort of 36 patients diagnosed with LM, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), and Proteus syndrome was analyzed. PIK3CA mutations were assessed in tissue samples obtained from the LM during clinically indicated procedures using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), targeting five hotspots. Results: PIK3CA mutations were found in 18 patients (50%). The most frequent mutation was p.E542K (c.1624G>A), found in 19.44% of patients, followed by p.H1047R (c.3149A>G), p.E545K (c.1633G>A), and p.H1047L (c.3140A>T) each occurring in 11.11% of the cases. Mutations were more common in isolated LMs, with 63.16% of patients exhibiting PIK3CA mutations. Conclusions: PIK3CA mutations are common in LM, supporting the potential for targeted therapies like PI3K inhibitors in treating complex cases. This research highlights the importance of genetic analysis in the management of LM and offers a new therapeutic approach.

9 October 2025 in Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JKJustyna Kukulska
Justyna Kukulska
MLMagdalena Lewandowska
Magdalena Lewandowska