Osteochondroma in the Rib: A Case Report Reviewing Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor that is most commonly found in the extremities and is prevalent in adolescents, with a peak incidence before the age of 20 years. Herein, we present a rare case of a 33-year-old man with an asymptomatic tumor on the right anterior rib that was pathologically confirmed to be a rib osteochondroma after surgical excision. We describe the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures and highlight the importance of MRI as a critical diagnostic tool for osteochondroma.

Aortic Isthmus Narrowing after Endovascular Repair of Acute Traumatic Aortic Transection

PURPOSE: The traumatic transection is located in the normal sized aortic isthmus where the angle is curved. We found a reversal of upper and lower blood pressure differences among patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for transection of the thoracic aorta. We investigated the isthmus stenosis in patients who underwent TEVAR for aortic injury using computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients who underwent TEVAR for transection were divided in two groups: the aortic narrowing (AN) group and the non-aortic narrowing (NAN) group. AN was defined as stent graft folding more than 5 mm at the isthmus confirmed by computed tomography. The length of aorta at isthmus, pseudoaneurysm, and angle of isthmus were measured. RESULTS: AN was noted in five patients (31.3%). The area index in the NAN group (2.16±0.35 cm2/m2) was larger than that in the AN group (1.74±0.77 cm2/m2). The size of the pseudoaneurysm in the NAN group (31.9±4.2 mm) was smaller than that in the AN group (37.4±7.5 mm). The distance from the subclavian artery in the NAN group (15.7±9.3 mm) was longer than that in the AN group (8.4±3.2 mm) but not statistically significant. The angle of the isthmus in the NAN group (131±6 degrees) was larger than that in the AN group (107±3 degrees), and this was the only statistically significant difference (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: AN by stent graft folding should be considered when performing TE-VAR in aortic injury with an acute angle of the isthmus less than 110 degrees.

Spontaneous Resolution of the Left Subclavian Artery Obstruction in Takayasu's Arteritis

Spontaneous resolution of the arterial obstruction in Takayasu's arteritis is rarely reported. We reported a case of spontaneous resolution of an obstruction of the left subclavian artery in a young female. The patient underwent a bilateral coronary patch ostioplasty for both coronary ostial lesions complicated by Takayasu's arteritis at the age of 28. Concomitant left subclavian obstruction was seen at that time but left untreated. Surprisingly, the 10-year follow-up angiogram revealed complete resolution of the left subclavian artery obstruction. Meanwhile, no specific medical treatment was administered.

Metastatic Thymic Adenocarcinoma from Colorectal Cancer

This report describes the case of a 57-year-old man with an anterior mediastinal tumor. Four years previously, he underwent laparoscopic anterior resection for sigmoid colon cancer. Thirty months after that procedure, bilateral pulmonary metastasectomy was performed. Twelve months later, follow-up computed tomography revealed a 1-cm pulmonary nodule on the upper lobe of the right lung and a solid mass on the anterior mediastinum, and the patient was also observed to have an elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. Repeated pulmonary nodule resection and total thymectomy were performed. Immunohistochemical staining of the anterior mediastinal tumor revealed adenocarcinoma, and his serum CEA level returned to normal after the operation. These findings strongly suggested metastatic thymic adenocarcinoma from a colorectal cancer.

Massive Rhabdomyolysis Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Here, we report a case of massive rhabdomyolysis following an uncomplicated repair of a ventricular septal defect in a five-month-old baby. Postoperatively, the patient was hemodynamically stable but metabolic acidosis continued, accompanied by fever and delayed mental recovery. The next day, he became comatose and never regained consciousness thereafter. The computed tomography of the brain revealed a diffuse brain injury. The patient followed a downhill course and eventually died on postoperative day 33. An unusually high level of creatine phosphokinase was noticed, peaking (21,880 IU/L) on postoperative day 2, suggesting severe rhabdomyolysis. The relevant literature was reviewed, and the possibility of malignant hyperthermia obscured by cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermia was addressed.

Refractory Vascular Spasm Associated with Coronary Bypass Grafting

Diffuse refractory vascular spasms associated with coronary bypass artery grafting (CABG) are rare but devastating. A 42-year-old male patient with a past history of stent insertion was referred for the surgical treatment of a recurrent left main coronary artery disease. A hemodynamic derangement developed during graft harvesting, necessitating a hurried initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Although CABG was carried out as planned, the patient could not be weaned from the bypass. An emergency coronary angiography demonstrated a diffuse spasm of both native coronary arteries and grafts. CPB was switched to the femorofemoral extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO). Although he managed to recover from heart failure, his discharge was delayed due to the ischemic injury of the lower limb secondary to cannulation for ECMO. We reviewed the case and literature, placing emphasis on the predisposing factors and appropriate management.

Endovascular Treatment of Isolated Bilateral Common Iliac Artery Aneurysms Using Iliac Branched Stent Graft

Endovascular treatment of isolated bilateral common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA) requires salvage of at least one internal iliac artery to prevent complications such as ischemic buttock claudication. We treated a case of bilateral CIAAs using an internal iliac branched stent graft. We report a case of a 58-year-old man who presented with bilateral CIAAs. The left internal iliac artery was occluded with coil embolization. The right internal iliac artery was saved by using a branched stent graft. The aneurysms were excluded with conventional endovascular aneurysm repair. Completion angiography showed technical success. Follow up computed tomography angiogram at three months showed complete exclusion of bilateral CIAAs, no endoleaks, and patent right internal iliac artery. There was no pelvic ischemic complication. We treated successfully a case of isolated bilateral CIAAs using an iliac branched stent graft.

Quadrangular Resection of the Tricuspid Valve

Quadrangular resection is the gold standard technique for correction of the posterior leaflet prolapse in mitral valve disease. Prompted by the idea that the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve corresponds to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve in its structure and function, we conducted a quadrangular resection of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve in a case of tricuspid endocarditis. Tricuspid regurgitation was well corrected, and the durability of the repair was proven by the patient's freedom from cardiac events for the following 8 years.

Endovascular Stent Graft Treatment in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysmal Disease / 대한혈관외과학회지

PURPOSE: The frequency of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is increasing due to lower morbidity and mortality than that of open repair. The aim is to evaluate the results of TEVAR in patients with thoracic aortic disease. METHODS: Twenty seven patients have undergone TEVAR from October, 2003 to November, 2012. Aortic diagnoses were 7 descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, 6 acute descending aortic dissections, 6 traumatic aortic transactions, 4 aortic arch aneurysms, 2 chronic descending aortic dissections, and 2 penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU). Multi detector computerized tomography (MDCT) aortography was done at one week, one month, six months, and one year interval. RESULTS: Indications for TEVAR were aortic diameter of more than 5.5 cm in 9 patients, traumatic aortic transaction in 6, persistent chest pain in 4, increasing aortic diameter during follow-up period in 3, aneurysm rupture in 3, and PAU more than 2 cm in 2. Hybrid TEVAR was done in 7 patients. Primary technical success, showing complete aneurysmal exclusion, was done except in one patient (96%). There was one operation death (4%). Two patients developed perioperative stroke, but recovered without sequelae. MDCT was done during the mean of 18 months (range, 1 to 98 months) follow-up period. Small type I endoleak was found in two patients (7%), and type III endoleak was found in a patient (4%). Stent graft migration was in one patient. There was no aorta related deaths during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Intermediate term result of TEVAR in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysmal disease was encouraging. It may be used as a treatment option for thoracic aortic disease.

Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Thymus: A Two-Case Report

A large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the thymus is a very rare malignant tumor that has a very poor prognosis. The detailed clinical features of LCNEC are still unknown, including the long term prognoses and the definitive modalities of the treatment for LCNEC of the thymus. We are reporting 2 cases of an enlarged LCNEC of the thymus, both of which were diagnosed and treated by surgical resection followed by postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Although recurrences and metastases of the LCNEC were noticed 1 and 4 years postoperatively for each case, aggressive surgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiation therapy may be helpful for a patient's long term survival.

Clinicopathologic and Molecular Characteristics of Lung Adenocarcinoma Arising in Young Patients

Lung cancer rarely occurs in young patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that epidemiologic data are closely correlated to some molecular characteristics. We investigated the clinicopathologic characteristics of lung adenocarcinoma in young patients and evaluated immunohistochemically detected epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positivity. Among lung adenocarcinoma patients, 31 cases were of the 50 yr-old group. Young patients were more likely to be females (67.7% vs 40.2%), and nonsmokers (58.1% vs 45.2%) and more often had high TNM stage (stage IV was 80.6% vs 52.1%) and had a high rate of distant metastasis (51.6% vs 28.0%) compared with older patients. The signet ring cell feature was more common (25.8% vs 11.5%) and lepidic growth pattern was rarely present (3.2% vs 16.5%) in the adenocarcinoma of young patients. There was no significant survival difference between the two age groups. The rate of EGFR mutation status and ALK positivity did not show a statistical difference between two groups. In conclusion, lung adenocarcinoma of young patients demonstrates distinct pathologic features with frequent presence of a signet ring cell feature and rare occurrence of lepidic growth pattern. Further investigation for other genetic abnormalities would be needed.

Conservative Treatment of a Thoracic Aortic Graft Infection Using an Omental Flap without Graft Removal / 대한혈관외과학회지

Deep infection following thoracic aortic replacement is a serious and life threatening complication and successful treatment remains a challenge to surgeons. The infected prosthetic graft should be removed; however, this is not always possible. We report our case, whereby our patient was treated with debridement and omental flap, without removal of the original graft. A 40-year-old male patient underwent ascending aorta replacement due to Stanford type A aortic dissection. The patient complained of fever and chilling 15 days postoperatively and the chest computed tomography (CT) showed fluid collection around the ascending aorta graft. White blood cell count was 13,200 (neutrophil 81%), and blood culture showed no growth. The patient was diagnosed as having a prosthetic graft infection. The sternum was opened, and surrounding tissue was widely debrided. Irrigation with 1% povidone-iodine solution and soaking with 5% povidone-iodine solution was completed as opened sternum status for three days. The omental flap wrapped the graft and filled the sub sternal space, and the sternum was sealed after three days of irrigation. Rifodex was administered for 6 months, and Ciprobay for 9 months. Follow-up chest CT at 1 year postoperatively demonstrated no abnormal findings. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein at 22 months postoperatively showed normal ranges. Deep sub sternal infection following a thoracic aorta graft could be treated with an omental flap and conservative care without graft removal.

Thoracic EndoVascular Stent Graft Repair for Aortic Aneurysm

BACKGROUND: The number of cases employing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been increasing due to lower morbidity and mortality compared to open repair technique. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of TEVAR for thoracic aortic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent TEVAR from October 2003 to April 2010. Mean age at operation was 59 years (20~78 years), and 11 were male. Indications for TEVAR were large aortic diameter (>5.5 cm) upon presentation in 6 patients, increasing aortic diameter during the follow-up period in 4, traumatic aortic rupture in 3, persistent chest pain in 2, and ruptured aortic aneurysm in one. The mean diameter, length and the number of the stents were 33 mm (26~40 mm), 12 cm (9.5~16.0 cm), and 1.25 (1~2), respectively. Aortography employing Multi-detector computerized tomography (MDCT) technique was performed at one week, and patients were followed up in the out-patient department at one month, 6 months, and one year postoperatively. RESULTS: Primary technical success showing complete exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 15 patients. One patient showed a small endo-leak (type 1). Four patients developed perioperative stroke: Three recovered without sequelae, and one showed mild right-side weakness. There was no operative mortality. Diameter of the thoracic aorta covered by stent graft changed within 10% range in 12 patients, decreased by more than 10% in 3, and increased by more than 10% in one during mean follow-up duration of 18 months (1~73 months). There was no recurrence-related death during this period. CONCLUSION: Intermediate-term outcome after TEVAR was encouraging. Indications for TEVAR could be extended for other thoracic aortic diseases.

Surgical Treatment of a Submitral Left Ventricular Aneurysm and the Patient Present with Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia / 대한흉부외과학회지

Submitral left ventricular aneurysm (SMLVA) is a rare disease entity that exclusively occurs in the black population. We herewith report on a surgical case of SMLVA in a 68-year-old male who presented with ventricular tachycardia. He underwent surgical repair under standard hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. In the state of apical elevation, a vertical ventriculotomy was made directly over the aneurysm, which was located at the posterobasal aspect of the left ventricle. Radiofrequency ablation was performed on the endocardium all around the neck of the aneurysm and then patch endoaneurysmorrhaphy was carried out with particular care not to injure the mitral valve and subvalvular structure. His postoperative recovery was uneventful. There has been no dysfunction of the mitral valve or recurrence of the ventricular tachycardia at 2 years' follow-up.

Aortic Arch Debranching and Antegrade Stent Graft Placement in an Expanding Distal Dissecting Aneurysm after Repair of an Acute Type I Aortic Dissection / 대한흉부외과학회지

Endovascular treatment of the aortic aneurysm with a stent graft is rapidly evolving. We describe here a case of hybrid TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) in which the stent grafts were placed in the aortic arch after debranching of the arch vessels. The patient had undergone ascending aorta replacement for acute type I aortic dissection 2.5 years earlier. The aneurysmal change of the distal dissection progressed with time. A provisional bypass surgery from the ascending aorta to the innominate artery and left carotid artery was performed and then stent grafts were inserted via an antegrade route that covered the whole aortic arch and proximal descending thoracic aorta.

Clinical Characteristics of Slowly Growing Lung Cancer: 6 Case-Series Evaluation / 결핵및호흡기질환

Slowly growing lung cancers are quite rare and the leading cause of length time bias and over-diagnosis bias in lung cancer screening. We report 6 cases of slowly growing lung cancer in a tertiary hospital between January 1999 and December 2008. The clinical characteristics of these 6 cases with slowly growing lung cancer were examined. The median age at diagnosis was 68 years (range, 49~72), and 5 patients (83%) were female. The most common histology type was adenocarcinoma (83%). After excluding two patients who showed no change in the tumor size, the median tumor doubling time was 189 months (range, 86~387). The proportion of patients with slowly growing lung cancer appears to be particularly large in women, especially among patients with adenocarcinoma. Our experience shows that slowly growly lung cancers are more heterogeneous and diverse.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis with Conventional Aspiration Thrombectomy for Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) who had undergone a catheter-directed thrombolysis with conventional aspiration thrombectomy for the treatment of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 74 patients (mean age 61 +/- 15) that underwent a catheter-directed thrombolysis with conventional aspiration thrombectomy. A retrieval inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was placed to protect against a pulmonary embolism in 60 patients (81%). Stenting and balloon angioplasty were performed in 37 patients (50%) under the left common iliac vein compression. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (91%) showed a clinical improvement within 48 hours, but seven patients (9%) showed no improvement. Multi detector computerized tomographic venography (MDCT venography) at discharge showed no thrombus in 15 patients (20%) and partial thrombus in 52 (70%). Twenty-eight patients (38%) developed post-thrombotic syndrome at 3.0 +/- 4.2 months postoperatively. Six patients (8%) were admitted due to DVT recurrence at a mean of 5.6 +/- 7.4 months postoperatively. Sixty-nine patients underwent follow up MDCT venography at 5.7 +/- 5.6 months. fifty (72%) of these showed no thrombus, 15 (22%) partial thrombus, and 4 (6%) showed obstruction. Twentyeight of 61 (46%) were asymptomatic, twentyeight (46%) had moderate improvement, and four (6%) were mildly improved by a telephone interview (81%) at 22.8 +/- 10.7 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Catheter-directed thrombolysis with conventional aspiration thrombectomy is an effective treatment for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and produces satisfactory clinical results.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Prematurities Weighing Less than 1 Kg by Subaxillary Mini-thoracotomy

The surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is provided more frequently in extremely low birth weight babies who are usually deemed unsuitable for pharmacological closure. We have adopted subaxillary mini-thoracotomy in order to lessen surgical trauma in these babies; and its clinical results were analyzed. From April 2004 to August 2008, out of 50 babies at the neonatal intensive care unit who underwent the surgical closure of PDA, 22 premature babies weighing less than 1 kg at operation were included in the study. Eleven babies were males and mean gestational age was 27 weeks ranging from 23(+3) to 30(+2) weeks. Mean body weight at operation was 816 g ranging from 490 to 989 g and average age at operation was 17.9+/-11.9 days. Of them, 17 babies (72%) were ventilator dependent preoperatively, as compared with 13 out of 28 (46%) babies that weighed more than 1 kg (P<0.05). Four babies did not survive to discharge. Among 28 babies who were heavier than 1 kg, there were only one death. However, the mortality difference was not statistically significant (P=0.11). All mortalities were caused by inherent problems of prematurity and co-morbidities. Out of 17 babies who had been ventilator dependent preoperatively, 13 weaned off successfully at 17.0+/-23.9 days after the operation. The baby patients heavier than 1 kg weaned at 6.0+/-5.3 days (P=0.27). Surgical outcome of simple and less invasive subaxillary mini-thoracotomy was satisfactory; the surgery is highly recommended for ductal closure in extremely low weight premature babies.

Pharmaco-mechanical Thrombectomy and Stent Placement in Patients with May-Thurner Syndrome and Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Compression of the left common iliac vein by the overriding common iliac artery is frequently combined with acute deep vein thrombosis in patients with May-Thurner Syndrome. We evaluate the results of treatment with thrombolysis and thrombectomy followed by stenting in 34 patients with May-Thurner Syndrome combined with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 34 patients (mean age: 65+/-14 year old) who had undergone stent insertion for acute deep vein thrombosis that was caused by May-Thurner syndrome. After thrombectomy and thrombolysis, insertion of a wall stent and balloon angioplasty were performed to relieve the compression of the left common iliac vein. Urokinase at a rate of 80,000 to 120,000 U/hour was infused into the thrombosed vein via a multi-side hole thrombolysis catheter. A retrieval inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was placed to protect against pulmonary embolism in 30 patients (88%). Oral anticoagulation with warfarin was maintained for 3 months, and follow-up Multi Detector Computerized Tomography (MDCT) angiography was done at the date of the patients' hospital discharge and at the 6 months follow-up. RESULT: The symptoms of deep venous thrombosis disappeared in two patients (4%), and there was clinical improvement within 48 hours in twenty eight patients (82%), but there was no improvement in four patients (8%). The MDCT angiography at discharge showed no thrombus in 9 patients (26%) and partial thrombus in 21 (62%), whereas the follow-up MDCT at 6.4+/-5.5 months (32 patients) revealed no thrombus in 23 patients (72%), and partial thrombus in 9 patients (26%). Two patients (6%) had recurrence of DVT, so they underwent retreatment. CONCLUSION: Stent insertion with catheter-directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy is an effective treatment for May-Thurner syndrome combined with acute deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity.

Pleomorphic Hyalinizing Angiectatic Tumor of the Chest Wall: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) is a rare, low grade soft tissue neoplasm of an unknown histogenesis. It is characterized by sheets of mitotically inactive oval and pleomorphic cells, mono- and multi-nucleated giant cells, intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions and prominent clusters of thin-walled ectatic vessels with perivascular hyalinization. We have experienced a 50 years old male patient who had a palpable mass in his right anterior lower chest wall. The mass was excised and it was confirmed as PHAT. He has been well 2 years postoperatively without recurrence.