External validation of a risk score in the prediction of the mortality after esophagectomy for cancer.

This study was designed as an external evaluation of the Steyerberg score in the prediction of different categories of postoperative mortality after esophagectomy on a large nationwide database of thoracic surgeons. Data collection was obtained from the Epithor national database encompassing the majority of thoracic procedures performed in France. We retrospectively compared the predicted to the observed postoperative 30-day (30DM), 90-day (90DM) and in-hospital mortality (IHM) rate in each decile of equal patient. Patients included in the study were operated for an esophageal cancer and Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Steyerberg score was determined according to its logarithmic formula obtained from a sum score including age, comorbidities, neoadjuvant treatment and hospital volume. Deviation of observed from theoretically expected number of deaths was investigated using the calibration test of Hosmer-Lemeshow. Discrimination of the score was determined using the measure of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of each category of mortality. Over a 9-year period, 1039 consecutive patients underwent an esophagectomy over 42 centers. Among them, 18 centers were considered as intermediate or high-volume institutions, and 24 were low-volume institutions. There were 841 males (81%) with a mean age of 62.3 ± 10 years. Preoperative treatment was allocated to 420 patients (40%). Numbers of comorbidity was: 1 in 261 patients (25%), 2 in 264 patients (25%), 3 in 383 patients (36%) and 4 in 5 patients (1%). The 30DM, 90DM and IHM rate were, respectively, 5.6%, 9.2% and 9.6%. The main causes of postoperative deaths were related to pulmonary complications (44%), complications of the gastric interposition (28%), cardiologic and thromboembolism events (10%). For 30DM, there were significant differences between predicted/observed mortalities in four deciles, whereas there was no significant difference for 90DM and for IHM. In term of calibration, there was a fair agreement of the Steyerberg score with observed 30DM. Predictions were above 20% for seven deciles. Calibration seemed more adequate for 90DM and for IHM. Predictions were above 20% for only three deciles but deviations were not significant. In terms of discrimination, for the 30DM the Steyerberg score overpredicted, the observed mortality rate and AUC was 0.64 (CI 95%: 0.57-0.71). For the 90DM, AUC indicated 0.63 (CI 95%: 0.57-0.68). For the IHM, AUC indicated 0.63 (CI 95%: 0.58-0.68). Steyerberg scoring system seems to be a moderate risk score of the prediction of the IHM and 90DM. This score appears to have a fair discrimination for the 30DM. Nevertheless, because of its simplicity, we believe that this simple predictive score is relevant and transportable to others institution performing such surgery for benchmarking purposes. A reappraisal of the score adapted to current surgical cohort is required.

Chondroblastoma of the thoracic spine: a rare location. Case report with radiologic-pathologic correlation.

Chondroblastoma is a rare benign cartilage neoplasm that arises from the appendicular skeleton in the vast majority of the cases (80%). Chondroblastoma of the spine is an even more rare condition (30 cases reported), and vertebral chondroblastomas, unlike chondroblastomas of the extremities, present with the appearance of an aggressive tumor on CT and MR imaging and occur at least a decade later. Even though vertebral chondroblastomas are very uncommon tumors, they should nonetheless be included in the differential diagnosis when encountered with an aggressive vertebral mass, and a histological confirmation should be performed. We present a case of chondroblastoma of the thoracic spine of a 27-year-old female for which detailed radiologic-pathologic correlation was obtained.

KRAS and BRAF mutations are prognostic biomarkers in patients undergoing lung metastasectomy of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated KRAS (mKRAS (mutant KRAS)) and BRAF (mBRAF (mutant BRAF)) mutations to determine their prognostic potential in assessing patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) for lung metastasectomy. METHODS: Data were reviewed from 180 patients with a diagnosis of CRC who underwent a lung metastasectomy between January 1998 and December 2011. RESULTS: Molecular analysis revealed mKRAS in 93 patients (51.7%), mBRAF in 19 patients (10.6%). In univariate analyses, overall survival (OS) was influenced by thoracic nodal status (median OS: 98 months for pN-, 27 months for pN+, P<0.0001), multiple thoracic metastases (75 months vs 101 months, P=0.008) or a history of liver metastases (94 months vs 101 months, P=0.04). mBRAF had a significantly worse OS than mKRAS and wild type (WT) (P<0.0001). The 5-year OS was 0% for mBRAF, 44% for mKRAS and 100% for WT, with corresponding median OS of 15, 55 and 98 months, respectively (P<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, WT BRAF (HR: 0.005 (95% CI: 0.001-0.02), P<0.0001) and WT KRAS (HR: 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02-0.1), P<0.0001) had a significant impact on OS. CONCLUSIONS: mKRAS and mBRAF seem to be prognostic factors in patients with CRC who undergo lung metastasectomy. Further studies are necessary.

Systematic lymph node dissection in lung metastasectomy of renal cell carcinoma: an 18 years of experience.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary metastasectomy of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) remains controversial. Thoracic lymph node involvement (LNI) is a known prognostic factor. The aim of our analysis is to evaluate whether patients with LNI, and particularly N2 patients, should be excluded from surgical treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 122 patients who underwent operations at two French thoracic surgery departments between 1993 and 2011 for RCC lung metastases. RESULTS: The population consisted of 38 women and 84 men; the average age at time of metastasectomy was 63.3 years (min: 43, max: 82). LNI was identified as a prognostic factor using univariate and multivariate analysis (median survival: 107 months vs. 37 months, P = 0.003; HR = 0.384 (0.179; 0.825), P = 0.01, respectively). Although differences in survival between metastases at the hilar and mediastinal locations were not significant (median survival: 74 months vs. 32 months, respectively, P = 0.75), length of survival time was associated with disease-free interval less than 12 months (median survival: 23 months vs. 94 months, P < 0.0001; HR = 3.081 (1.193; 7.957), P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Although LNI has an adverse effect on survival; long-term survival can be achieved in pN+ patients. Consequently, these patients should not be excluded from surgery. Systematic lymphadenectomy should be performed to obtain more accurate staging and to determine appropriate adjuvant treatment.

Robotic-assisted thymectomy with Da Vinci II versus sternotomy in the surgical treatment of non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis: early results.

BACKGROUND: The role of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis remains controversial. The remission rate 5years after surgery varies from 13 to 51% in the literature. Sternotomy is the standard technique, though unacceptable by patients because of significant esthetic sequelae. Our objective was to demonstrate that the robot-assisted technique using the Da Vinci Surgical Robot II is at least as efficient and leaves fewer scars than the standard surgical technique. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 31 consecutive patients suffering from myasthenia gravis who underwent surgery in our center from January 1998 to March 2010. Ten patients with thymoma were excluded from this study. Two groups were formed: group 1 corresponding to patients treated with sternotomy, group 2 patients with robot-assisted technique. The duration of the hospital stay, the pain on D1, the degree of improvement at 1year according to Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification, the frequency of relapses, and perioperative treatment were studied. RESULTS: Our sample consisted of 14 women and seven men. The mean age was 31.3years. The mean delay before surgery was 24months. Group 1 included 15 patients and group 2 had six patients. The complete remission rate at 1year was 9.5% (n=2). Surgery decreased the frequency of relapses after surgery (P=0.08) equally in the two groups. The duration of hospital stay and the pain level on D1 in group 2 were significantly lower than those in group 1 (P=0.02 and P<0.001). The degree of postoperative improvement was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.31). CONCLUSION: The results at 1year are fully comparable for sternotomy and the robot-assisted technique. The robot provides additional benefits of minimally invasive techniques: minimal esthetic sequelae in often young patients, less parietal morbidity (including pain), shorter hospital stays. Our complete remission rate, lower than those in the literature, must be considered taking into account the early nature of these results. The surgical robot, because of its many advantages, appears to be a promising technique and should facilitate the early management of these patients.

Combined pancreatic islet-lung transplantation: a novel approach to the treatment of end-stage cystic fibrosis.

Patients with end-stage cystic fibrosis (CF) and severe CF-related diabetes (CFRD) may benefit from combined lung-pancreatic islet transplantation. In the present study, we report the long-term follow-up of four end-stage CF patients treated with combined bilateral lung and pancreatic islet transplantation from the same donor. All patients were C-peptide negative (<0.5 microg/L) and inadequately controlled despite intensive insulin treatment. One patient was transplanted with 4 019 +/- 490 islet equivalent/kg injected into the transverse colic vein using a surgical approach. In the remaining three patients, islets were cultured for 3-6 days and transplanted by percutaneous transhepatic catheterization of the portal vein. In all patients, islet allograft recovery was recognized by elevation in the plasma level of C-peptide (>0.5 microg/L). At 6 months after transplantation, one patient showed multiple episodes of acute lung transplant rejection and a progressive decline in pancreatic islet cell function. Three out of four patients experienced an improved control of glucose levels with a HbA1c of 5.2%, 7% and 6% respectively at 1.5, 2 and 15 years follow-up. Compared with the pretransplant period, there was a 50% reduction in mean daily insulin needs. Pulmonary function remained satisfactory in all patients. In conclusion, our cases series shows that combined bilateral lung and pancreatic islet transplantation may be a viable therapeutic option for patients with end-stage CF and CFRD.

[Osteoporosis in patients with end-stage lung disease].

AIM: To estimate the bone mineral density (BMD) in end-stage lung disease (ESLD) and to determine risk factors for reduced BMD and correlations between lung functional parameters and pretransplantation bone mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five case histories were retrospectively analyzed in patients with ESLD who were to undergo lung transplantation. BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) was estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. External respiratory function was investigated; gasometry and six-minute walk test (SMWT) were carried out. RESULTS: Osteopenic syndrome was recorded in 89% of the patients. Normal LS and FN BMD was found only in 7(11%) patients. T-scores (in both L(II)-L(IV) and FN) were directly related to the body mass index. There was a direct correlation of BMD with forced expiratory volume in one second and an inverse correction with arterial blood pCO2. There was no significant relationship between the results of SMWT and BMD in both L(II)-L(IV). CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis is a common severe systemic manifestation in patients with ESLD.

[Osteoprotegerin and bone mineral density in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

AIM: to study a relationship between the serum level of osteoprotegerin (OPG), the markers of bone metabolism, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five patients aged 44 to 58 years who had COPD were examined. BMD in the lumbar spine (L(II)-L(IV)) and left femoral neck (FN) was estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) on Lunar Prodigy Densitometer (USA). The serum levels of OPG, BCrossLaps (BCL), and TNF-alpha were measured. A control group comprised 25 healthy non-smoking gender- and age-matched volunteers. RESULTS: Osteopenic syndrome (T-test < -1SD) was recorded in 43 (78%) of the 55 examined patients with COPD. In 29 (52%) of them, T-test was lower in two zones towards osteoporosis in 14 (25%) towards osteopenia. In patients with COPD, TNF-alpha concentrations were significantly higher than that in the control group. At the same time, TNF-alpha levels correlated positively with the bone resorption marker BCL (r = 0.52; p = 0.042) and negatively with OPG (r = 0.56; p = 0.003). A direct correlation was established between serum OPG concentrations and BMD in both L(II)-L(IV) and FN (r = 0.56; p < 0.01 and r = 0.47; p < 0.05, respectively) CONCLUSION: The patients with COPD were found to have lower BMD, elevated TNF-alpha concentrations, an increased bone resorption marker, and lower serum OPG levels. The associations between the levels of OPG, TNF-alpha, and BMD suggest that these markers are implicated in the pathogenesis of osteopenic syndrome in COPD.

Detection of K-Ras mutations in tumour samples of patients with non-small cell lung cancer using PNA-mediated PCR clamping.

Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), in particular adenocarcinoma, are often mixed with normal cells. Therefore, low sensitivity of direct sequencing used for K-Ras mutation analysis could be inadequate in some cases. Our study focused on the possibility to increase the detection of K-Ras mutations in cases of low tumour cellularity. Besides direct sequencing, we used wild-type hybridisation probes and peptide-nucleic-acid (PNA)-mediated PCR clamping to detect mutations at codons 12 and 13, in 114 routine consecutive NSCLC frozen surgical tumours untreated by targeted drugs. The sensitivity of the analysis without or with PNA was 10 and 1% of tumour DNA, respectively. Direct sequencing revealed K-Ras mutations in 11 out of 114 tumours (10%). Using PNA-mediated PCR clamping, 10 additional cases of K-Ras mutations were detected (21 out of 114, 18%, P<0.005), among which five in samples with low tumour cellularity. In adenocarcinoma, K-Ras mutation frequency increased from 7 out of 55 (13%) by direct sequencing to 15 out of 55 (27%) by clamped-PCR (P<0.005). K-Ras mutations detected by these sensitive techniques lost its prognostic value. In conclusion, a rapid and sensitive PCR-clamping test avoiding macro or micro dissection could be proposed in routine analysis especially for NSCLC samples with low percentage of tumour cells such as bronchial biopsies or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

[Thyroid metastasis of lung cancer and abnormal thyroid function--a case report]. / Métastase thyroïdienne d'un cancer bronchique et dysthyroïdie--à propos d'un cas.

The thyroid gland is a very rare location of metastasis and the metastatic involvement of the thyroid is mostly asymptomatic. The authors report one of the first cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma associated with painful metastatic involvement of the thyroid gland. Temporary hyperthyroidism was noted, followed, two months later, by clinically and biologically proven hypothyroidism with positive antithyroglobulin antibodies. The suspect goiter was detected by diffuse hyperfixation on 18-FDG PET Scan and the ultrasonography revealed two hypoechogenic nodules. The fine needle biopsy confirmed the metastatic origin of these nodules. The evolution after five cycles of chemotherapy by cisplatine and docetaxel was marked by a complete regression of the thyroid metastasis and an improvement in the thyroid function.

[Hepatopulmonary syndrome characteristics in hepatic cirrhosis associated with COPD].

AIM: To evaluate specific features of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in patients with cirrhosis and cirrhosis associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We made a retrospective analysis of case histories of 75 patients with hepatic cirrhosis (HC) of different etiology. The patients were divided into two groups: 23 patients with HC and COPD (group 1); 52 patients with HC without COPD (group 2). The patients were examined with spirography, gasometry. Single-breath carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (Dlco), TCO and TCO/VA were estimated. Transthoracic contrast-enhanced echocardiography was conducted for detection of intrapulmonary bypass in AaDO2 > 15 mm Hg. RESULTS: COPD stage I and II were diagnosed in 14 of 23 and 9 of 23 patients of group 1, respectively. TCO and TCO/VA had a trend to lowering in group 1 (p > 0.05). PaO2 was lower (p < 0.05) while AaDO2 was higher (p < 0.05) in group 1. Four patients of group I had intrapulmonary bypasses: of the first degree (2 patients with hypoxemia) and of the first and second degree (2 patients with normoxemia). In group 2 three patients had intrapulmonary bypasses: of the fourth degree in 1 patient with hypoxemia and of the first and second degree in 2 patients with normoxemia. CONCLUSION: HC patients with COPD had more severe hypoxemia. Mild and moderate HPS were registered in both groups. In COPD the risk of HPS is 3 times higher.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for stage I non-small cell lung carcinomas: Moderate hypofractionation optimizes outcome.

OBJECTIVES: In case of inoperability or refusal of surgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the most effective treatment for a stage I non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The results obtained by this irradiation technique are considerably superior to those observed in the time of conventional 3D irradiation and its toxicities are much less important, which makes it possible in elderly patients, or those presenting cardio-pulmonary comorbidities and a poor perfomance status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 90 patients who underwent SBRT for a stage I NSCLC between 2010 and 2015. Its purpose is to describe its effectiveness in term of overall survival (OS), specific survival (SS), local control (LC), regional control (RC) and metastatic control (MC) as well as their prognostic factors, and its tolerance. RESULTS: LC, RC, MC as well as OS and SS rate at 4 years were comparable to the main prospective studies, respectively 89%, 92%, 70%, 33% and 66%. No LC prognostic factor could be identified. Radiation pneumonitis was observed with a rate of 61.5%, of which 56% were asymptomatic, and 4% of the patients had a rib fracture. CONCLUSIONS: SBRT is an efficient and well-tolerated treatment for stage I non-small cell lung carcinomas.

Metastatic mediastinal mature teratoma with malignant transformation in a young man with an adenocarcinoma in a Klinefelter's syndrome: Case report and review of the literature.

Malignant transformation of mediastinal mature teratoma is extremely rare and worsens the prognosis of the disease. Transformation can appear synchronously to or several years after the initial diagnosis. Clinical and radiological signs can orientate the clinician but the definitive diagnosis is obtained thanks to histology. An 11 year-old boy presented with a mediastinal mature teratoma and bone and pulmonary metastases. He received six cycles of chemotherapy combining etoposide, ifosfamide, cisplatin, followed by resection of a 16×14×9cm mediastinal mass. Karyotype analysis revealed the presence of an additional sex chromosome X (47 XXY) pathognomonic of Klinefelter's syndrome. Ten years later, sciatalgia revealed malignant transformation of a pre-existing sacral bone metastasis into gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. The patient received four cycles of chemotherapy combining oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and cetuximab. This treatment was followed by a complete resection of the sacral metastasis and completed with adjuvant irradiation of 54Gy in 30 daily fractions. Twelve months after the diagnosis of relapse, the patient remained alive without disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case of adenocarcinoma developed in bone metastases of a mediastinal mature teratoma in a boy with a Klinefelter's syndrome. We propose a review of the literature and an analysis of 20 others published cases of mediastinal teratoma with malignant transformation into adenocarcinoma.

[Quality standards for resection of non-small cell lung cancer]. / Critères de qualité de la chirurgie d'exérèse des cancers bronchiques non microcellulaires.

Surgical resection remains the only curative treatment option for non small cell lung cancer. In contrast to other modalities (chemotherapy, radiation therapy) where the benefit is modest, there are no universally accepted guide-lines for quality. Several studies have demonstrated that the best results in terms of operative mortality and long term survival are achieved by specialized surgeons working in high volume institutions. The basic principle of operative treatment is a combination of anatomic resection and radical ipsilateral lymph node dissection. Lymph node dissection ascertains adequate nodal staging and recent research has found that it is associated with an increased in the medium term. The usual mortality rate is about 2% after lobectomy and 6-10% following pneumonectomy. Given the high operative risk of pneumonectomy, extended lobectomies with bronchoplasty or angioplasty are valuable alternatives, provided that a complete resection is achieved. Anatomic segmentectomy may be an alternative to lobectomy in selected patients with peripheral tumors of less than 2 cm in diameter. There is no evidence that neo-adjuvant chemotherapy increases the risk of pneumonectomy.

[Progressive paralysis of the diaphragm following intra-abdominal chemotherapy]. / Paralysie diaphragmatique progressive consécutive à une chimiothérapie intra-abdominale.

INTRODUCTION: In patients presenting with intra-abdominal tumor and peritoneal carcinomatosis, cytoreductive surgery associated with hyperthermic chemotherapy may offer improved survival. We describe a case of diaphragmatic paralysis following that kind of procedure. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old woman presented with respiratory insufficiency following cytoreductive surgery and intra-abdominal hyperthermic chemotherapy performed for pseudomyxoma intraperitonei. Pulmonary function assessment demonstrated a restrictive pattern. Three successive chest CT-scans demonstrated a thinning diaphragm muscle. Respiratory insufficiency eventually led to the death of our patient. CONCLUSION: We conclude in favor of a muscular degeneration of the diaphragm consecutive to the combined effect of cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Owing to the unusual nature of this complication, we did not consider it as a hypothesis at an early point in this patient's management. We think physicians should be aware of such a complication in order to consider it in a timely way. We recommend performing a biopsy of the diaphragm for pathology examination to assess muscular degeneration.

[Extracorporeal life support in thoracic surgery: What are the indications and the pertinence?] / Support extracorporel en chirurgie thoracique : quelles indications et quels intérêts ?

INTRODUCTION: In thoracic surgery, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) technologies are used in cases of severe and refractory respiratory failure or as intraoperative cardiorespiratory support. The objectives of this review are to describe the rationale of ECLS techniques, to review the pulmonary diseases potentially treated by ECLS, and finally to demonstrate the efficacy of ECLS, using recently published data from the literature, in order to practice evidence based medicine. STATE OF THE ART: ECLS technologies should only be undertaken in expert centers. ECLS allows a protective ventilatory strategy in severe ARDS. In the field of lung transplantation, ECLS may be used successfully as a bridge to transplantation, as intraoperative cardiorespiratory support or as a bridge to recovery in cases of severe primary graft dysfunction. In general thoracic surgery, ECLS technology seems to be safe and efficient as intraoperative respiratory support for tracheobronchial surgery or for severe respiratory insufficiency, without significant increase in perioperative risk. PERSPECTIVE: The indications for ECLS are going to increase. Future improvements both in scientific knowledge and bioengineering will improve the prognosis of patients treated with ECLS for respiratory failure. Multicenter randomized controlled trials will refine the indications for ECLS and improve the global care strategies for these patients. CONCLUSION: ECLS is an efficient therapeutic strategy that will improve the prognosis of patients suffering from, or exposed to, the risks of severe respiratory failure.

[Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) in patients with solid organ transplantation: a clinical, neurophysiological and neuropathological study of 4 cases]. / Polyradiculonévrite chronique chez des patients avec une greffe d'organe solide: une étude clinique, neurophysiologique et neuropathologique de 4 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) rarely develops in patients with solid organ transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We describe the clinical, biological, electrophysiological and neuropathological features of 4 patients with solid organ transplantation who developed CIDP. Two patients had liver transplantation, one had kidney transplantation and one had lung transplantation. RESULTS: All 4 patients developed in the months following transplantation a syndrome that fulfilled criteria for definite CIDP. All patients had immunosuppressive therapy, with ciclosporin + prednisolone in 2 cases, tacrolimus in 1 case and azathioprine + prednisolone + ciclosporin in one case. One patient had chronic HCV and HBV infection. Treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and/or a change in immunosuppressive therapy improved the neuropathy in all cases. CONCLUSION: CIDP is a rare and potentially treatable condition that should be considered in all patients with solid organ transplantation who develop a rapidly disabling sensorimotor polyneuropathy.

[Role of surgery in the treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis]. / Place de la chirurgie dans le traitement des aspergilloses thoraciques.

INTRODUCTION: This article reviews the different forms of pulmonary disease caused by aspergillus and discusses the possible surgical treatments. The most well known is the classic aspergilloma which develops as a fungal ball in the centre of a pre-existing pulmonary cavity. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: One can distinguish simple (few symptoms, thin walled cavity without immediate complications) and complex forms (patient generally unwell, thick cavity, complications). In the complex form, surgical intervention must be considered as a last resort. In the simple form, surgery is relatively benign and prevents disease progression. Pleural aspergillosis can occur, usually following the surgical removal of a cavity either in the short or medium term. Given the loss of lung parenchyma thoracoplasty is often the only option. OUTLINES: Two different scenarios occur in acute invasive aspergillosis where surgery may be indicated: firstly, surgery can be considered in the event of haemoptysis related to vascular erosion; secondly, resection of mycotic sequestrations before intensification or resumption of therapy may prevent a relapse. Semi-invasive aspergillosis usually occurs in territories of post-radiation fibrosis: after a phase of invasion equivalent to a lobar pneumonia, a secondary cavity appears containing a small fungal ball. Thoracoplasty is often the only surgical option. Ulcerating tracheobronchial aspergillosis has been observed following (cardio-) pulmonary transplant and this may progress to a characteristic invasive aspergillosis. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, rare observations of parietal aspergillosis could be treated by surgical resection and associated with systemic antifungal therapy. Optimum management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach.

[Unilateral hyperlucent lung induced by a carcinoid tumor: comments on the differential diagnosis and mechanisms of hypoperfusion]. / A propos d'un cas de poumon clair unilatéral induit par une tumeur carcinoïde.

We report the case of a 35-year-old woman in whom a systematic thoracic x-ray led to the diagnosis of unilateral hyperlucent lung due to a carcinoid tumor obstructing the main left bronchus almost completely. Injected computed tomography permitted diagnosis of left lung hypoperfusion and visualization of the tumor. After enlarged inferior left lobar resection, normal perfusion was observed six months later on the isotopic lung perfusion scan. Other reported causes of unilateral hyperlucent lung are discussed as well as pathophysiological mechanisms of lung hypoperfusion and hypoxic vasoconstriction.

Effects of ß2 agonists on post-thoracotomy pain incidence.

BACKGROUND: Pre-clinical research has shown ß2 -adrenoceptors to be essential for the antiallodynic action of antidepressant drugs in murine models of neuropathic pain and that sustained treatment with ß2 -agonists has an antiallodynic action. Here, we clinically investigated whether chronic ß2 -agonist treatments may influence the incidence of post-thoracotomy chronic pain, defined as pain that recurs or persists along a thoracotomy scar more than 2 months after surgery, either neuropathic or non-neuropathic. METHODS: We conducted an epidemiological study on patients operated by thoracotomy. Demographic data, medical history and treatments concomitant to the surgery were recorded at a follow-up visit. Information on perioperative treatments was collected from the anaesthesia records and confirmed by the patients. In patients with pain at the surgery level, post-thoracotomy chronic pain was assessed by clinical examination and numeric scale. Physical examination and DN4 questionnaire were used to discriminate neuropathic and non-neuropathic chronic pain at scar level. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-nine patients were included. Eighty-one patients reported persisting thoracic pain, with neuropathic characteristics in 58 of them (30% of the 189 patients). The most common chronic drugs during the perioperative period were inhaled ß2 -agonists (28.6%). The chronic use of ß2 -agonists was an independent predictor of thoracic neuropathic pain (but not of non-neuropathic pain) and was associated with a five-fold decrease in the relative incidence of neuropathic pain [OR = 0.19 (0.06-0.45)]. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a possible influence of chronic ß2 -agonist treatments on neuropathic pain secondary to thoracotomy. This apparent preventive effect of ß2 -agonist treatments should warrant controlled clinical trials.