Pneumonectomy with Carinal Sleeve Resection in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Carinal sleeve resection with pneumonectomy is one of the rarest procedures in thoracic surgery, but for locally advanced central lung cancer with infiltration of the carina, it is an option to achieve complete resection. Additionally, it might be the method of choice for patients with stump insufficiency after pneumonectomy or in the cases with anastomosis dehiscence after sleeve lobectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morbidity and long-term survival of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent sleeve pneumonectomy, either for curative intent or as an option to treat postoperative complications. METHODS: All consecutive patients with NSCLC who underwent carinal sleeve pneumonectomy for the aforementioned indications in our department between December 2021 and September 2003 were included in this study. An analysis of demographic characteristics, perioperative variables, and long-term survival was carried out. Data were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent pneumonectomy with carina sleeve resection. Thirty-one cases for curative treatment of NSCLC (primary sleeve pneumonectomy [pSP]) and 19 patients were treated because of postpneumonectomy bronchial stump insufficiency or bronchial anastomosis dehiscence (secondary sleeve pneumonectomy [sSP]). Complications occurred in 30 patients (60%) and the 90-day mortality was 18% (n = 9). Patients with pSP had an estimated overall survival of 39.6 months, compared to estimated overall survival for patients after sSP of 24.5 months (p = 0.01). The N status did not appear to affect outcomes. CONCLUSION: Carinal sleeve resection with pneumonectomy is a feasible procedure with limited morbidity and mortality. This procedure is a reasonable therapeutic option for patients with locally advanced central NSCLC after mandatory patient selection.

Atrial resection for T4 non-small cell lung cancer with left atrium involvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survival.

PURPOSE: Extended resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with T4 left atrium involvement is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of this treatment strategy. METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for studies on atrial resection in NSCLC patients. The primary investigated outcome was the effectiveness of the surgery represented by survival data and the secondary outcomes were postoperative morbidity, mortality, and recurrence. RESULTS: Our search identified 18 eligible studies including a total of 483 patients. Eleven studies reported median overall survival and 17 studies reported overall survival rates. The estimated pooled 1, 3, 5-year overall survival rates were 69.1% (95% CI 61.7-76.0%), 21.5% (95% CI 12.3-32.3%), and 19.9% (95% CI 13.9-26.6%), respectively. The median overall survival was 24 months (95% CI 17.7-27 months). Most studies reported significant associations between better survival and N0/1 status, complete resection status, and neoadjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: Extended lung resection, including the left atrium, for NSCLC is feasible with acceptable morbidity and mortality when complete resection is achieved. Lymph node N0/1 status coupled with the use of neoadjuvant therapies is associated with better outcomes.

Nonhealing Leg Ulcer as the Presentation of Sarcoidosis: A Case Report.

Chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) are common, with increasing prevalence in the elderly population. Circulatory dysfunctions are responsible for 90% to 95% of all causes, while 5% to 10% of CLUs are associated with underlying chronic systemic disorders. Sarcoidosis is a complex multisystemic disease characterized by noncaseating granulomas affecting mainly the pulmonary system, with cutaneous manifestation in 25% to 30% of cases. However, ulcerative sarcoidosis (US) is a rare form of cutaneous sarcoidosis. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon, chronic inflammatory noninfectious skin disease affecting different body parts. The ulcerative form of PG is rarely reported in association with sarcoidosis.We aim to report a 44-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension and varicose veins, presenting with a CLU for more than 18 months. Ulcer tissue biopsy showed noncaseating granuloma with abscess formation suggestive of sarcoidosis; however, PG could not be ruled out. Mediastinal lymph node biopsy was consistent with sarcoidosis. The leg ulcer had complete healing within 4 months by local wound management, negative pressure wound therapy, and split-thickness skin grafting without immunosuppressive treatment to achieve wound healing.

Prognosis of Spontaneous Pneumothorax/Pneumomediastinum in Coronavirus Disease 2019: The CoBiF Score.

Objectives: Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum are associated with high mortality in invasively ventilated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients; however, the mortality rates among non-intubated patients remain unknown. We aimed to analyze the clinical features of COVID-19-associated pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum in non-intubated patients and identify risk factors for mortality. Methods: We searched PubMed Scopus and Embase from January 2020 to December 2021. We performed a pooled analysis of 151 patients with no invasive mechanical ventilation history from 17 case series and 87 case reports. Subsequently, we developed a novel scoring system to predict in-hospital mortality; the system was further validated in multinational cohorts from ten countries (n = 133). Results: Clinical scenarios included pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum at presentation (n = 68), pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum onset during hospitalization (n = 65), and pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum development after recent COVID-19 treatment (n = 18). Significant differences were not observed in clinical outcomes between patients with pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax (±pneumomediastinum). The overall mortality rate of pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum was 23.2%. Risk factor analysis revealed that comorbidities bilateral pneumothorax and fever at pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum presentation were predictors for mortality. In the new scoring system, i.e., the CoBiF system, the area under the curve which was used to assess the predictability of mortality was 0.887. External validation results were also promising (area under the curve: 0.709). Conclusions: The presence of comorbidity bilateral pneumothorax and fever on presentation are significantly associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum. The CoBiF score can predict mortality in clinical settings as well as simplify the identification and appropriate management of patients at high risk.

Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma: a report of two cases.

Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is a rare pathological process associated with pelvic leiomyoma. We present two cases of BML that are associated with giant pulmonary metastasis. BML is a rare benign metastatic phenomenon that could easily be mistaken for malignant neoplasms. Both cases occurred in middle-aged women who presented with cough and dyspnea. They previously underwent hysterectomy for uterine leiomyoma. After history taking, computed tomography, integrated PET/computed tomography and pathological assessment, a multidisciplinary treatment was offered for the diagnosis of BML. Physicians should consider BML among the differential diagnoses in women of reproductive age with a history of uterine leiomyoma presenting with pulmonary nodules, and accurate histopathological analysis should be made.

Global Health Challenges: Why the Four S's Are Not Enough.

A well-known tenant of global health is the need for the four-S's to be successful in providing care in any context; Staff, Stuff, Space and Systems. Advanced thoracoscopy is slow to gain traction in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To our knowledge, no pediatric advanced thoracoscopy had been attempted previously in either LMIC. Therefore, we report the challenges associated with the adoption of the first advanced thoracoscopic procedures in two LMIC hospitals by a visiting surgeon. To further identify aspects of care in promoting the introduction of advanced thoracoscopy, we added a fifth S as an additional category-Socialization. A key to accomplishing goals for the patients as a visiting surgeon, particularly when introducing an advanced procedure, is acceptance into the culture of a hospital. Despite facing significant obstacles in caring for complex thoracic pathology with heavy reliance on disposable and reusable instrumentation provided through donation and limitations in staff such as access to neonatologists and pediatric surgeons, many obstacles have been overcome. In this perspective article, we show that a "fifth S" is also integral-having local surgeons and anesthesiologists eager to learn with acceptance of the visiting surgeon's expertise opens a path towards attempting advanced procedures in limited-resource settings.

COVID-19-related conspiracy beliefs and their determinants among 18 to 45 years old: A cross-sectional study.

The existence of conspiracy beliefs has been previously linked to multiple individual traits and factors, such as anxiety, lack of information, education, and social factors. This study aims to explore the factors and variables influencing the individual's susceptibility to conspiratorial thinking, as well as the impact of COVID-19 conspiracy belief on the adoption of public health and social measures. This study explores the factors influencing the susceptibility to conspiratorial thinking and the impact of conspiracy theories on the adoption of public health and social measures. A sample of university students, fresh-graduates, and mid-career professionals between the age of 18 to 45 years old completed an online survey measuring COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs and stress levels. A total of 2417 completed a survey targeting COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, perceived stress, and demographic information. The results show that COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs were related to education, unemployment, and COVID-19 level of exposure. Meanwhile, conspiracy beliefs had no relation to the individual's perceived self-reported stress. Higher conspiracy scores were related to lower adoption of preventive measures and increased hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination. Lack of knowledge and misinformation actions play a vital role in the generation of conspiracy theories surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in non-ventilated COVID-19 patients.

AIM: Pneumothorax (PNX), pneumomediastinum (PMD) and subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) are COVID-19 complications related to positive-pressure ventilation. We analyzed the pathophysiology of these complications without ventilation. PATIENTS & METHODS: Out of 1845 admitted COVID-19 patients, we retrospectively collected data for 15 patients, from a tertiary medical center, from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021. RESULTS: Five patients suffered from spontaneous PNX, 8/15 developed PMD and 8/15 developed SCE. The mean BMI was 29.7, as most patients were obese or overweight. Most patients had lymphocytopenia and increased C-reactive protein, ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Eleven patients succumbed to the disease. CONCLUSION: Risk factors of spontaneous PNX, PMD and SCE in COVID-19 patients need further investigations by conducting more comprehensive case-control studies.

Compliance with safety measures and risk of COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the compliance of healthcare workers (HCWs) with the hospital safety measures and the prevalence of hospital-acquired COVID-19 infection among them. METHODOLOGY: HCWs at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) assigned for COVID-19 patients between 18 March and 10 June 2020 were tested for past infection using total anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin assay, demographic data and compliance with safety measures were assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 340 HCWs participated in the study, 260 were close direct care. Three HCWs tested positive for total anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin. Close direct care were more compliant with personal protective guidelines than those providing direct care. CONCLUSION: HCWs compliance with personal protective guidelines might explain the low prevalence of COVID-19 infection in hospital settings.

Primary Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Lung: a Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Clear Cell Sarcoma of Soft Tissue (CCSST), or melanoma of the soft part, is a rare, aggressive tumor that originates in the aponeurosis and fasciae of the distal parts of the extremities. Reports from other sites of the body are rare. OBJECTIVE: We are reporting an extremely rare tumor that presented as a central left-sided lung mass and found to be clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue. METHODS: We report a 24-year-old male patient presented with recurrent attacks of left-sided chest pain associated with cough and dyspnea. RESULTS: Imaging showed a central left-sided 8*5.5*5 cm lung mass. The age of the patient and the radiological characteristics of the lesion were suggestive of a benign pathology. After histopathological assessment of the lesion, suspicion of the malignant process was raised, mainly melanoma of soft part and PEComa. The patient underwent left-sided pneumonectomy. The postoperative histological examination, immunohistochemical findings including positive staining for S-100, HMB-45, and Melan-A, and positive FISH study for EWSR1 gene rearrangements supported the diagnosis of CCSST originating primarily in the major fissure of left the lung. CONCLUSION: The rarity of CCSST in general and tumors originating in the lung primarily raise the challenges in hypothesizing a differential diagnosis, choosing proper investigations and treatment methods. The histological examination, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetics of the tumor are mandatory to reach the final diagnosis.

Giant versus regular parathyroid adenoma: A retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: A fraction of Parathyroid Adenoma (PTA) is considered giant if they weigh more than 3.5 g. There is no clear consensus whether this subgroup has a distinct clinical or biochemical presentation that could have implications on PTA localization and management. In this study, we investigate the difference between regular and giant PTA patients regarding their clinical and laboratory findings as well as their postoperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and PTA-related data were retrospectively retrieved from all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy from 2010 to 2019 at our hospital. RESULTS: A total number of 84 PTA (Females 76.2%) patients were included, of which 24 (28.6%) qualified as a giant with a mean weight of 7.86 g and the rest were regular adenomas (71.4%) with a mean weight of 1.45 g. Giant adenomas were more likely to present at a younger age compared to regular adenoma patients, (44.4 vs 50.8, P = 0.053, D = 0.470). Preoperative PTH levels were significantly higher in the giant PTA group (650.8 vs 334.2 pg/mL, P = 0.044, r = 0.22). Hospital stay was on average 1.6 days longer in giant PTA patients compared to regular PTA patients. CONCLUSION: Giant PTA compromised a significant percentage of all adenomas, which was higher than what is reported in the literature and might reflect a delay in diagnosis and lack of screening tests. Both giant and regular adenomas seem to run a similar clinical course, yet biochemical abnormalities in PTH levels may have a predictive value for adenoma weight.

Pulmonary Barotrauma in COVID-19 Patients: Invasive versus Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the incidence and outcome of COVID-19 patients who required positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and subsequently developed pulmonary barotrauma (PBT). Also, to investigate the risk factors and predictors of these complications to better understand the disease pathogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis enrolled all adult COVID-19 patients admitted through the period from October 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. All patients who received any form of PPV were included. Patients were then divided into two groups based on PBT development, including subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum. Medical records of all patients were reviewed. Patients' demographics, laboratory data on admission, respiratory support modes, surgical interventions, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In the specified period, 1095 patients were hospitalized due to COVID-19 illness. A total of 239 (21.8%) of all admitted patients received PPV. PBT accounted for 21.3% (51/239) of the study cohort. While both groups were equally exposed to the same modes of PPV, receiving invasive ventilation significantly correlated with decreased PBT odds (OR = 0.891; 95% CI, 0.803-0.988; p=0.029). PBT patients were significantly younger (p<0.001). Diabetes mellitus was found to have a protective effect on developing PBT (OR = 0.867; 95% CI, 0.782-0.962), while PO2/FIO2 ratio was inversely associated with higher odds of developing PBT in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p=0.03 and p=0.019, respectively). CONCLUSION: COVID-19-infected patients are at a higher risk of developing PBT. Invasive positive pressure ventilation was associated with less PBT compared to noninvasive ventilation and delaying intubation does not seem to reduce the risk of pulmonary barotrauma.

Asymptomatic fixed partial denture aspiration: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is more frequently presented in children and considered a rare presentation in adults. One of the most common causes of FBA in adults are orthodontic appliances. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 70-year-old male with an accidently discovered fixed partial denture (bridge) in the right mainstem bronchus. The partial denture was removed successfully by flexible bronchoscopy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: FBA is an event that most frequently occurs with children, and rarely with adults having various risk factors and complications on patients. CONCLUSION: This study aims to spotlight the danger of asymptomatic FBA and how retrieving sharp objects can be managed by flexible bronchoscopy thus leading to better management and increased awareness of such cases.

Implications of a background of Hashimoto's thyroiditis on the current conservative surgical trend towards papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The purpose is to delineate the clinico-pathologic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) occurring in a background of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). A retrospective analysis of consecutive PTC patients who underwent surgery at an academic center between Jan. 2010 and Jan. 2020 was performed. The primary end point was to assess whether a background of HT implied a higher likelihood for postoperatively determined high-risk histopathologic features. Accordingly, its implication on initial surgical planning. Tumor high-risk features included aggressive histologic variants, lymphovascular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, and positive nodal metastasis. To achieve the primary outcome of interest, a two group-designation was followed: group A (none-HT-group) and group B (HT-group). The two groups were also compared regarding postoperative complications as a secondary outcome of interest. In the specified period, 331 patients were found to have a histologically proven diagnosis of PTC. Group A accounted for 80% (265/331) of the study cohort, while group B accounted for the remainder 20%. PTC was significantly more prevalent in the absence of HT (p < 0.0001). Both groups were comparable in mean-patient-age. However, Group B demonstrated a considerably higher male:female ratio (1:10 vs. 1:3; p = 0.01). All postoperatively determined high-risk histopathologic features were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, transient hypoparathyroidism was considerably higher in group B (12% vs. 23%; p = 0.02). A background of HT does not seem to reflect a more aggressive cancerous biologic behavior. Therefore, it should not preclude the conservative surgical strategy adopted by the most recent clinical practice guidelines.

Epidemiology and histopathological classification of lung cancer: A study from Jordan, retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is a major health burden in Jordan. With the failure of tobacco control policies and the evolution of new smoking methods like water pipes and e-cigarettes, lung cancer is projected to further increase. This study investigates the epidemiology and the different histopathological subtypes of lung cancer in correlation with age, sex and smoking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 434 tumors diagnosed in the main tertiary hospital in Northern Jordan throughout the period of 2004-2017 were included. Specimens were tested by H&E and immunohistochemical stains. Clinical data were collected from patients' medical files. IRB approval number 310/2016 was granted by Jordan University of Science and Technology review board. RESULTS: 86.9% of cases were males compared to 13.1% in females obtaining a male:female ratio of 6.6:1. The mean age was 63.8 years with a range of 28-103 years. Prevalence of cases increased with increasing age and smoking. Histopathologically, adenocarcinoma accounted for over half of the cases followed by Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and neuroendocrine tumors (NET) in both sexes. Adenocarcinoma had the lowest mean age; 62.74 years, while SCC had the highest mean age with 65.42 years. All subtypes increased with age but in different degrees. The increase was more pronounced in SCC and NET and less with adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma was more common in both smokers and non-smokers. However, smokers to non-smokers ratio differed; where it was the highest in NET (6:1) compared to 4:1 in SCC and 2:1 in adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Median age of our patients was slightly lower than that previously reported in Jordan. This study also showed an increase in the relative incidence of adenocarcinoma compared to SCC.

Rib Osteoblastoma as a Cause of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Osteoblastoma is a very rare bone tumor accounting for 1% of all bone tumors. Most of the time it involves the spine and long bones and it involves the ribs very rarely. While osteoblastoma occurrence in the first rib has been reported, causing neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has never been reported. CASE REPORT A 23-year-old woman presented with a left cervical mass associated with pain and paresthesia in the medial aspect of the left upper extremity and 4th and 5th fingers for the previous 3 months. The patient denied any previous illness or trauma in her history. Physical examination revealed a hard mass in the posterior triangle of the left neck with altered sensation in the left 4th and 5th fingers. The patient was investigated by a chest roentgenogram, nerve conduction study, computer tomography (CT) of the chest, and magnetic resonance image (MRI), as well as incisional biopsy. Although all radiological investigations were suggesting osteochondroma with a differential diagnosis of chondrosarcoma, the incisional biopsy showed osteoblastoma. Radical surgical excision of the lesion followed through a left supraclavicular approach. The patient's preoperative symptoms were relieved completely and there was no recurrence of the tumor at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS Osteoblastoma of the first rib is very rare tumor and to present with TOS is extremely rare. The nonspecific radiological characteristics of the tumor, especially on CT, makes the preoperative certainty of the diagnosis unlikely.

A cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study to assess the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in Lebanese and Jordanian hospitals.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of evidence showing substantial underuse of appropriate venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients at risk. In the present study, our goal was to assess the current practices in the use rate of VTE prophylaxis among hospitalized patients in Jordan and Lebanon. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study was conducted on 40 centers across Lebanon and Jordan. We included patients who were admitted to the participating hospitals for the treatment of a serious medical or surgical illness. The patients' records were screened for the fulfillment of inclusion/exclusion criteria during a single assessment visit. The proportion of medical and surgical patients who were at risk of VTE and the thrombo-prophylactic measures employed by physicians for these patients were assessed according to the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP 2016) guidelines. RESULTS: The present study included 704 patients (400 from Jordan and 304 from Lebanon) with a mean age of 54.9 ± 17.5 years. Almost 59% of the patients received prophylaxis treatment in form of pharmacological anticoagulant prophylaxis and/or mechanical prophylaxis. Low molecular weight heparin was the most commonly used anticoagulant for VTE prophylaxis in 366 out of the total 704 (51.9%) patients in the analysis cohort. Two hundred and sixteen patients (52, 95% confidence interval [47.1-56.9%]) received appropriate prophylactic agents out of 415 patients who were eligible for prophylaxis according to the ACCP 2016 guidelines. On the other hand, 199 (72.1, 95% confidence interval [66.4-77.3%) patients received prophylaxis out of 276 ineligible patients. The rate of compliance to guidelines showed wide variations according to the type of hospital, specialty, and the patients' age. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only age was a significant predictor of appropriate VTE prophylaxis (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The rates of the appropriate use of VTE prophylaxis are low in Lebanon and Jordan. There is a lack of compliance to guidelines for VTE prophylaxis use for hospitalized patients in both countries.

Rupture of pulmonary hydatid cyst in pediatrics: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease causing an endemic and a health burden in many regions. Lung cysts are more common than liver cysts in children and patients may remain asymptomatic. Cyst rupturing is not uncommon, and it is considered the most feared complication. In this cohort study, we aimed to identify the risk factors related to cyst rupture in a Jordanian pediatric population. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all pediatric patients who underwent cystostomy and capitonnage for pulmonary hydatid cyst between 2003 and 2020 at King Abdullah University Hospital. RESULTS: We found 43 patients with a mean age of 13 ± 4 years who suffered from 61 pulmonary cysts. 55.6% of them were males. The most prevalent symptom was shortness of breath. The rupture rate for patients was 39.5%, and 29.5% for cysts. None of the patients with cyst rupture had an anaphylactic reaction. The left lower lobe was the most common location for both intact and ruptured cysts. 25.6% of the patients had giant cysts (>10 cm) with a mean of 7.4 cm for all cysts. Patients with intact cysts had higher-rates of cough (42.3% vs. 29.4%) and lower-rates of shortness of breath (34.6% vs. 52.9%) than patients with ruptured cysts, which were not statistically significant. Although statistically insignificant, patients with ruptured cysts tended to have multiple cysts in one lung (29.4% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.180), and more complication rates (29.4% vs 7.7%, p = 0.09). Both groups had almost identical IgG-ELISA positive results. We found no significant association between cyst rupture and age, gender, presenting symptoms, cyst size, cyst location, and rate of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The rupture of pulmonary hydatid cyst has clinical consequences in pediatric patients, further studies on larger populations are needed to identify factors that make patients more prone to rupture and prioritize them for clinical monitoring and management.

Thymolipoma and its Association with Myasthenia Gravis: a Multi-center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Thymolipoma is a rare benign thymic tumor that arises in the anterior mediastinum. It presents with non-specific symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea due to compression of the tumor on surrounding structures. In addition, this tumor is associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, including myasthenia gravis. Such a relationship is still not understood and requires investigation. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the significance of myasthenia gravis in thymolipoma patients. METHODS: We present a series of 16 thymolipoma cases from multiple medical centers. Data extraction included demographic, diagnostic, radiological and laboratory, and clinical outcome variables. We also used the modified Osserman score to assess the severity of myasthenia gravis. RESULTS: Ten patients were males, and six were females; the sample mean age was 39.9 years (SD = 16.7). Upon presentation, 7/16 patients were asymptomatic, 4/16 patients had chest pain, and 2/16 had dyspnea. Seven patients were having myasthenia gravis; they experience generalized weakness (3/7), diplopia (2/7), ptosis (1/7), and bulbar weakness (1/7). Serum acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChRAb) was positive in 4 patients. All patients underwent thymectomy either via sternotomy or thoracotomy. After proper follow-up, only 2/7 of myasthenic patients had a complete remission of symptoms, no tumor recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Although the effect of using steroids in myasthenic patients on thymolipomic transformation still needs confirmation, diagnosis of thymolipoma should be kept in mind in myasthenic patients presenting with relevant symptoms and taking steroids. Furthermore, complete remission of myasthenic symptoms after removal of thymolipoma needs further investigation.

Assessing effects of modification of middle meatal silastic splint after endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyps: A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of middle meatal silastic splint in preventing adhesions after bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and to assess nasal symptoms and endoscopic findings in splinted and non-splinted sides. METHODS: After completion of ESS, silicon silastic splints were randomly inserted in the middle meatus of one nasal side, while no stent in the other side (control). The surgeon was blinded to the side selection, and splint insertion until removal after 1 week. Patients were followed -up after 1 week, 1 and 6 months. Each side of the nasal cavity was assessed for adhesions, crusting, pus, pain, nasal obstruction, and nasal discharge by endoscopic examination and visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (98 nasal sides) were included. At the 1st week visit, there was no significant difference between the splinted and non-splinted sides for all investigated parameters.After 1- month, adhesions were seen in 10% of the splinted sides, while it was in 26% of the non-splinted sides (P = 0.037).At the 6 -month follow-up visit, the adhesions rate remained 10% in the splinted sides, however the rate increased to 32% in the non-splinted sides (P = 0.007). All other examined parameters remained statistically insignificant between both sides throughout the follow -up visits. CONCLUSIONS: Middle meatal silastic splint is significantly reducing middle meatal adhesions with low complication rate in CRSwNP patients undergoing ESS. Our results support its usage when the middle turbinate is unstable or traumatized during surgery.