Cureus最新文献

{"title":"Schema: A Quantified Learning Solution to Augment, Assess, and Analyze Learning in Medicine.","authors":"Deepu Sebin, Vishwin Doda, Skanthavelan Balamani","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81803","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Quantified learning is the use of digital technologies, such as mobile applications, cloud-based analytics, machine learning algorithms, and real-time performance tracking systems, to deliver more granular, personalized, and measurable educational experiences and outcomes. These principles, along with horizontal and vertical integrative learning, form the basis of modern learning methods. As we witness a global shift from traditional learning to competency-based education, educators agree that there is a need to promote quantified learning. The increased accessibility of technology in educational institutions has allowed unprecedented innovation in learning. The convergence of mobile computing, cloud computing, and Web 2.0 tools has made such models more practical. Despite this, little has been achieved in medical education, where quantified learning and technology aids are limited to a few institutions and used mainly in simulated classroom environments. This innovation report describes the development, dynamics, and scope of Schema, an app-based e-learning solution designed for undergraduate medical students to promote quantified, integrative, high-yield, and self-directed learning along with feedback-based self-assessment and progress monitoring. Schema is linked to a database of preclinical, paraclinical, and clinical multiple choice questions (MCQs) that it organizes into granular subtopics independent of the core subject. It also monitors the progress and performance of the learner as they solve these MCQs and converts that information into quantifiable visual feedback for the learners, which is used to target, improve, revise, and assess their competency. This is important considering the new generation of medical students open to introducing themselves to technology, novel study techniques, and resources outside the traditional learning environment of a medical school. Schema was made available to medical students as part of an e-learning platform in 2022 to aid their learning. In addition, we also aim to use Schema and the range of possibilities it offers to gain deeper insights into the way we learn medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81803"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11975143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143805156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retraction: Efficacy and Safety of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.","authors":"Jun Zhao, Xiaxia Pei, Yumin Li","doi":"10.7759/cureus.r178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.r178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.80817.].</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"r178"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11970569/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pilot Randomized Trial Exploring the Impacts of Deceased Donor Kidney Procurement Biopsies on Organ Evaluation and Transplant Outcomes.","authors":"Krista L Lentine, Vidyaratna Fleetwood, Tiffany Caza, Jason R Wellen, Henry B Randall, Richard Rothweiler, Yasar Caliskan, Melissa Lichtenberger, Craig Dedert, Mark A Schnitzler, Huiling Xiao, Yoon Son Ahn, Diane Brockmeier, Gary Marklin","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81728","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81728","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Kidney biopsies obtained at the time of organ procurement are often used in evaluating deceased donor (DD) kidneys. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to help assess the feasibility and impact of deferring procurement biopsy information at the time of organ offer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methodology: &lt;/strong&gt;This pilot RCT involved one Midwestern Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) and two local transplant centers in the United States. Waitlisted transplant candidates were approached between July 01, 2019, and May 31, 2022, for consent to receive a kidney from a randomized DD if an offer arose. Criteria for DD randomization to immediate frozen biopsy or permanent section processing (delayed biopsy information) were based on factors used for routine biopsy at the time. Outcomes were assessed through linked registry data.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt; Of 408 transplant candidates approached, 85 (20.1%) consented to receive a kidney from a randomized DD, if available. Substantial effort was invested in candidate recruitment and consent. Consented candidates disenrolled for reasons including living donor transplantation (9/85, 10.5%), receiving an imported, previously biopsied kidney (11/85, 12.9%), DD outside biopsy criteria (18/85, 21.2%), or immediate frozen biopsy requested (5/85, 5.9%). Eleven randomized DD yielded 12 transplants (6 kidneys from 5 donors in each arm), with a median kidney donor profile index of 49 in the frozen section arm and 54 in the permanent section arm. Biopsy results were similar between arms (median glomerulosclerosis 3.4% vs. 9.9%; &lt;i&gt;P &lt;/i&gt;= 0.09), with no kidneys exhibiting more than mild interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy. Only one biopsy (frozen section arm: 1/7, 14.3%) showed moderate chronic arteriosclerosis. Five frozen biopsies were compared to their post-transplantation permanent section processing, and the median percentage of glomerulosclerosis was similar between reports (1.2% vs.1.2%; &lt;i&gt;P &lt;/i&gt;= 0.74). None of the frozen biopsies were read as having more severe changes on permanent processing, while two (2/5, 40.0%) showed less severe changes. A single kidney from a randomized donor was unused in the frozen section arm. Unadjusted kidney yield was similar in both groups. Delayed graft function (DGF) after transplant in the frozen vs. permanent processing arms was 50% (3/6) vs. 33.3% (2/6) (&lt;i&gt;P &lt;/i&gt;&gt; 0.05). Within one year, one recipient from a DD in the frozen section arm died (also with primary non-function), and another experienced graft failure, whereas no events occurred after permanent processing. An RCT designed to detect the observed difference in DGF with power = 0.80 and alpha = 0.05 would require 136 transplants in each arm (272 transplants total). If a similar study achieved the same proportional reduction from consented candidates to randomized transplants, 1,926 consented candidates would be needed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;This p","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81728"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11973833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143805109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Catheter-Based Regional Anesthetic Techniques for Comprehensive Pain Management and Early Mobilization After Cardiac Sternotomy: A Report of Two Cases.","authors":"Keisuke Nakazawa, Osamu Kitajima, Takahiro Suzuki","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81721","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81721","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Post-sternotomy pain management following cardiac surgery remains challenging, with both sternal incision and drain site pain requiring effective control. As highlighted recently, regional anesthetic techniques targeting the anterior cutaneous branches of the thoracic intercostal nerves offer promising solutions for comprehensive pain control while reducing opioid requirements. We present two patients who underwent cardiac surgery via sternotomy, with post-operative pain managed using different catheter-based regional anesthetic techniques. The first patient received bilateral deep parasternal intercostal plane block (DPIPB) catheters, while the second received a combination of a superficial parasternal intercostal plane block (SPIPB) and rectointercostal fascial plane block (RIFPB) with catheter placement. Both techniques demonstrated efficacy in managing post-sternotomy pain in our patients. The scheduled intermittent 0.25% levobupivacaine boluses provided analgesia that coincided with the patients' early mobilization activities, potentially contributing to their rehabilitation progress. The first patient achieved good pain control with DPIPB catheters when combined with oral analgesics, while the second patient, who received SPIPB as a single-shot block and RIFPB with indwelling catheters, achieved comprehensive pain control without requiring supplemental medications. Both cases highlight the importance of addressing epigastric drain site pain, which often presents significant challenges in post-sternotomy pain management. These catheter-based techniques provide extended, adaptable analgesia during the critical early mobilization period after cardiac surgery, balancing effective pain control with safety considerations. Further research is needed to compare these different approaches systematically and identify optimal strategies for diverse cardiac surgical procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81721"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11972098/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Concomitant Coracoid Process Fracture and Massive Rotator Cuff Tear: A Rare Case Report and Surgical Management Approach.","authors":"Dimitrios Giotis, Christos Konstantinidis, Sotiris Plakoutsis, Dimitrios Vardakas, Alkisti Konstantinou","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81709","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81709","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coracoid process fractures are rare injuries that can be overlooked, especially when they occur in isolation or alongside soft tissue damage. This case report describes a unique clinical presentation involving a displaced coracoid process fracture with a concomitant massive rotator cuff tear following high-energy trauma. The diagnostic process required a multimodal imaging approach to accurately assess both bony and soft tissue structures, which was critical in formulating an effective treatment plan. Surgical management involved open reduction and internal fixation of the coracoid fracture through a deltopectoral approach, followed by a mini-open lateral approach for rotator cuff repair using suture anchors. Postoperative rehabilitation was structured in progressive phases to support tendon healing and functional recovery. The patient achieved full, pain-free range of motion and radiographic union by six months post-surgery. This case underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness when evaluating anterior shoulder trauma and demonstrates that a dual surgical approach, tailored to address both osseous and soft tissue injuries, can yield excellent outcomes. Reporting such rare cases contributes to the evolving understanding and management strategies for complex shoulder injuries involving the coracoid process and rotator cuff.</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81709"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11970709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Micronutrients and the Periodontium: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Dhruvi Doshi, Santosh Kumar, Bhavin Patel, Dipak Chaudhari, Shirishkumar Patel, Tanvi Hirani, Hiren H Patadiya, Isha R Bhingradia, Mainul Haque","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81694","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This is a comprehensive narrative assessment of micronutrient relevance for periodontal health. The periodontium is a crucial and intricate structure that supports the tooth within the alveolar bone. Composed of four tissues with distinct embryological origins- the alveolar bone, cementum, gingiva, and periodontal ligament - the periodontium plays a fundamental role in maintaining dento-alveolar function and homeostasis. Periodontitis is gaining attention due to its widespread occurrence worldwide. This inflammatory condition disrupts the balance between the host immune response and microbial virulence factors. Connective tissue production and host defenses require proteins for periodontal health. Vegetable proteins support periodontal health by promoting tissue repair and immune function, while excessive dietary fats can exacerbate inflammation and increase the risk of periodontal disease (PD). Inflammation is further compounded due to dietary animal fats, which contribute to the risk of PD. Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce periodontal inflammation. Adequate intake of essential minerals and vitamins is required for maintaining periodontal health. Vitamins K, D, and A are crucial in maintaining oral epithelial integrity, facilitating bone development, and supporting overall tissue maintenance. Inadequate calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) levels have been associated with severe PD. Antioxidants such as vitamin C help alleviate inflammation in periodontal tissues. As recognized by dental professionals, nutritional status plays a considerable role in an individual's risk of developing PD.</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81694"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11970441/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time-Trend Analysis of Low Birthweight in Greece: Mapping a Heavy Public Health Burden.","authors":"Nikolaos Vlachadis, Dimos Sioutis, Chryssi Christodoulaki, Nikolaos Machairiotis, Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos, Konstantinos Louis, Maria Siori, Amalia Koutsoukou, Anastasia Barbouni, Periklis Panagopoulos","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81657","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81657","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Low birthweight is a critical determinant of neonatal and infant mortality and is further associated with several long-term adverse health outcomes. This study aims to comprehensively analyze low birthweight rate (LBWR) trends in Greece from 1980 to 2023.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>National official data on live births in Greece from 1980 to 2023 were obtained from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, based on birth certificate records. A total of 4,593,229 live births were analyzed and categorized by birthweight. The annual LBWR (birthweight < 2,500 g) and very low birthweight rate (VLBWR) (birthweight < 1,500 g) were calculated per 100 total live births. Additionally, the annual moderately low birthweight rate (MLBWR) was computed separately for two subgroups: 1,500-1,999 g and 2,000-2,499 g. Time trends for these rates were evaluated using joinpoint regression analysis, and the annual percent change (APC) was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After a decade of stability from 1980 to 1990, the LBWR in Greece entered a 20-year period of consistent increase (1990-2010), with an APC of 2.3 (95% CI: 1.9 to 4.9). In the most recent period (2010-2023), the LBWR has plateaued at high levels. The LBWR reached its lowest point in 1982 at 5.58% and increased by 80%, reaching historically high levels in 2022 and 2023 at 10.07% and 10.02%, respectively. Since 2008, it has consistently remained above 9%. The VLBWR exhibited a steady upward trend throughout the entire 1980-2023 period with an APC of 0.9 (95% CI: 0.7 to 1.1) and increased from a low of 0.70% in 1980 to a peak of 1.20% in 2010. For the 2,000-2,499 g category, the MLBWR rose steadily over three decades (1980-2010: APC = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.8 to 2.3) and remained essentially unchanged from 2010 to 2023. In contrast, the MLBWR for the 1,500-1,999 g group showed a non-significant trend during 1980-1990, followed by a rapid increase between 1990 and 2001 (APC = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.9 to 7.9), which continued at a slower pace from 2001 to 2023 (APC = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.5 to 1.3).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>During 1980-2023, the LBWR increased by 80%, with significant rising trends in the 1990s and 2000s, resulting in Greece having the highest rates among high-income countries. Whereas the overall LBWR has stabilized since 2010, there has been a continued rise in the proportion of neonates with birthweight < 2,000 g, who face the highest risk of adverse outcomes. Continued monitoring of LBWR is essential, alongside investments in the implementation of effective, targeted interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81657"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11967779/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143782191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intrusive Images of a Spider and an Octopus: A Unique Presentation of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).","authors":"Avijoy Roy Choudhury","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81673","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81673","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a severe and disabling psychiatric disorder that impacts people all around the world. OCD has several different phenotypes, with intrusive visual images being a presentation of the disease. In this paper, a case is presented of a patient who suffers from intrusive visual images of a large spider and octopus with visualization of the tentacle on her body. These visual images were identified as a symptom of OCD; therefore, this paper aims to present this unique presentation of the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81673"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11968314/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visual Performance of Individuals With and Without Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.","authors":"Isabella Tunon-Robinson, Jingyu Huang, Xiaoming Xu, Ashley K Nguyen","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81655","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81655","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Purpose  Dry eye disease (DED) is associated with decreased visual function, such as deterioration in reading speed. Changes in visual function in individuals with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is commonly associated with evaporative DED, have not been well studied. This study evaluated best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading speed in individuals with and without MGD. Methods  In a 22-day, prospective, noninterventional, multicenter (three sites) clinical study (NCT01979887), eligible adults (age ≥40 years with no uncontrolled ocular or systemic disease other than MGD) were classified into one of three cohorts (non-MGD, mild/moderate MGD, and severe MGD) based on meibum quality scores, ocular symptom scores, and Schirmer test results. Visual function tests included BCVA in the study eye and reading speed evaluated using the International Reading Speed Texts (IReST) tool with both eyes refracted for best correction at 40 cm. The average of measurements from days one and 22 was used for analysis, and nominal p values were reported. Results  Seventy-five individuals were assigned to the cohorts (25 per cohort). Overall, the mean age of the subjects was 54.5 years, and 66.7% (50/75) were women. Mean Schirmer (without anesthesia) test scores in the study eye ranged from 16.4 to 18.6 mm among cohorts, indicating that, on average, the subjects were not aqueous deficient. Mean BCVA was 89.9, 88.3, and 82.7 letters in the non-MGD, mild/moderate MGD, and severe MGD cohorts, respectively (p= 0.046 severe vs mild/moderate MGD; p= 0.094 severe MGD vs non-MGD). Mean IReST reading speed was slower in the severe MGD cohort (146.0 words/min) than in the non-MGD (164.2 words/min) and mild/moderate MGD (167.8 words/min) cohorts, and the difference between the mild/moderate and severe MGD cohorts was significant (p= 0.046). Conclusions  Tear film stability is important for the maintenance of visual performance. Both BCVA and reading speed were reduced in patients with severe MGD. For patients with MGD (as defined in this protocol) and visual complaints, reading speed testing in the office may be beneficial to detect patients' difficulty with visual tasks in everyday life.</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81655"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11970336/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Slicing Through the Options: A Systematic Review of Esophageal Leiomyoma Management.","authors":"Shelleen Gowrie, Anniesha Noel, Candace Wooten, Jennifer Powel, Jerzy Gielecki, Anna Zurada, Michael Montalbano, Marios Loukas","doi":"10.7759/cureus.81614","DOIUrl":"10.7759/cureus.81614","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Esophageal leiomyomas are rare, benign tumors that can remain asymptomatic or cause dysphagia and chest discomfort when they grow large. Despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, optimal management remains debated. This systematic review evaluates current diagnostic modalities and treatment approaches, synthesizing findings from a comprehensive PubMed search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 51 studies were included, comprising six original studies, 26 case reports, nine retrospective cohort studies, nine case series, and two cross-sectional studies. Findings indicate that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the most accurate diagnostic tool (89% accuracy), while computed tomography (CT) and barium swallow studies provide complementary structural assessments. Immunohistochemical staining differentiates leiomyomas from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), with leiomyomas expressing desmin and smooth muscle actin (SMA) but lacking CD34 and KIT. Surgical intervention is recommended for symptomatic tumors or those exceeding 5 cm. Minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER), offer superior outcomes compared to traditional open surgery. RATS demonstrates a negligible mucosal injury rate versus 1-15% for other approaches, while STER minimizes blood loss and accelerates recovery. Postoperative outcomes are generally favorable, though transient gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common complication. While STER and RATS present effective alternatives with reduced morbidity, this review highlights limitations, including variability in study designs, small sample sizes, and a lack of long-term follow-up data. Further prospective studies are needed to optimize patient selection and establish long-term efficacy. This review provides insights to inform clinical practice and guide future research in the management of esophageal leiomyomas.</p>","PeriodicalId":93960,"journal":{"name":"Cureus","volume":"17 4","pages":"e81614"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11964123/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143775275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}