Traumatismo torácico con lesión de grandes vasos del tórax: características, tratamiento y variables asociadas a mortalidad / Thoracic trauma with injury to the great vessels of the chest: characteristics, treatments and variables associated with mortality

Resumen Introducción: Las lesiones de grandes vasos del tórax por traumatismo torácico (TTLGV) son un grupo heterogéneo de lesiones con alta morbimortalidad que constituyen un 0,3-10% de los hallazgos en el traumatismo torácico (TT). Objetivos: Describir características, tratamientos y variables asociadas a mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados con TTLGV. Material y Métodos: Estudio analítico-observacional. Período enero-1981 y diciembre-2020. Revisión de protocolos de TT prospectivos y fichas clínicas. Se clasificaron los TTLGV según American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), se calcularon índices de gravedad del traumatismo: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score Triage (RTS-T) y Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Se realizó análisis univariado y multivariado con cálculo de Odds Ratio (OR) para variables asociadas a mortalidad. Se usó SPSS25®, con pruebas UMann Whitney y chi-cuadrado, según corresponda. Resultados: de un total 4.577 TT, 97 (2,1%) cumplieron criterios de inclusión. Hombres: 81 (91,8%), edad promedio: 32,3 ± 14,8 años. TT penetrante: 65 (67,0%). Lesión de arterias axilo-subclavias en 39 (40,2%) y aorta torácica en 31 (32,0%) fueron las más frecuentes. Fueron AAST 5-6: 39 (40,2%). Tratamiento invasivo: 87 (89,7%), de éstos, en 20 (20,6%) reparación endovascular, 14 (14,4%) de aorta torácica. Cirugía abierta en 67 (69,1%). Mortalidad en 13 (13,4%), fueron variables independientes asociadas a mortalidad el shock al ingreso (OR 6,34) e ISS > 25 (OR 6,03). Conclusión: En nuestra serie, los TTLGV fueron más frecuentemente de vasos axilo-subclavios y aorta torácica. El tratamiento fue principalmente invasivo, siendo la cirugía abierta el más frecuente. Se identificaron variables asociadas a mortalidad.

Background: Thoracic great vessel injuries in thoracic trauma (TTGVI) are a heterogeneous group of injuries with high morbimortality that constituting 0.3-10% of the findings in thoracic trauma (TT). Aim: To describe characteristics, treatments and variables associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with TTGVI. Methods: Observational-analytical study. Period January-1981 and December-2020. Review of prospective TT protocols and clinical records. TTGVI were classified according to American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), trauma severity index were calculated: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score Triage (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Univariate and multi- variate analysis was performed with calculation of Odds Ratio (OR) for variables associated with mortality. SPSS25® was used, with U Mann Whitney and chi-squared tests, as appropriate. Results: From a total of 4.577 TT in the period, 97 (2.1%) met the inclusion criteria. Males: 81 (91.8%), mean age: 32.3 ± 14.8 years. Penetrating TT: 65 (67.0%). Axillary-subclavian artery lesions in 39 (40.2%) and thoracic aorta in 31 (32.0%) were more frequent. AAST 5-6: 39 (40.2%). Invasive treatment: 87 (89.7%), of these, in 20 (20.6%) endovascular repair, 14 (14.4%) of thoracic aorta. Open surgery in 67 (69.1%). Mortality in 13 (13.4%), shock on admission was independently associated with mortality (OR 6.34) and ISS > 25 (OR 6.03). Conclusión: In our series, TTGVI were more frequent in axillary-subclavian vessels and thoracic aorta. Treatment was mainly invasive, with open surgery being the most frequent. Variables associated with mortality were identified.

Traumatismo de grandes vasos del tórax: tratamiento quirúrgico con soporte de circulación extracorpórea / Injury of the great vessels of the chest: surgical treatment with cardiopulmonary bypass support: clinical cases

Resumen Objetivo: Presentar dos casos en que se empleó como soporte la circulación extracorpórea (CEC) durante cirugía por traumatismo torácico con lesión de grandes vasos del tórax (TTLGV). Materiales y Método: Se presentan dos casos con TTLGV en que se empleó cirugía con CEC. Resultados: Caso 1; hombre de 31 años con TTLGV por cuerpo extraño (tubo pleural) intracavitario del tronco de la arteria pulmonar izquierda, con entrada a través de parénquima pulmonar, en que se realizó cirugía abierta para retiro de cuerpo extraño más toractotomía pulmonar utilizando CEC como soporte. Caso 2; hombre de 21 años con TTLGV contuso y lesión de aorta en unión sino tubular, en que se realizó cirugía abierta y reemplazo de aorta ascendente con prótesis y uso CEC como soporte. Discusión: El uso de CEC como soporte es una alternativa para sustituir la función cardíaca y/o pulmonar durante cirugías excepcionales de reparación de TTLGV. Conclusión: El uso de técnicas de asistencia circulatoria como soporte durante la cirugía de reparación de TTLGV ocurre en casos muy seleccionados, siendo una alternativa ante lesiones particularmente complejas.

Aim: To present two cases of thoracic trauma with great vessel injury (TTGVI) surgeries where extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was employed. Materials and Method: Two TTGVI cases are presented and ECC during surgery was used in both. Results: Case 1; 31-year-old man with TTGVI due to an intracavitary foreign body (pleural tube) in the left pulmonary artery trunk, which entered through lung parenchyma. An open surgery was performed to remove the foreign body with pulmonary tractotomy using ECC as support. Case 2; 21-year-old man with blunt TTGVI and aortic injury at sinotubular junction. An open surgery with ascending aorta prosthesis replacement was performed, using ECC as support. Discussion: The use of ECC as support is an alternative to replace cardiac and/or pulmonary function during exceptional TTGVI reparation surgeries. Conclusión: The use of circulation assist techniques as support during TTGVI repair surgery occurs in highly selected cases, being an alternative to face very complex injuries.

Cirugías por traumatismo torácico: caracterización y variables asociadas a mortalidad / Thoracic trauma surgery: indications, findings and mortality associated variables

Resumen Introducción: El traumatismo torácico (TT) es la causa de aproximadamente un cuarto de las muertes por traumatismos. Los pacientes tratados con cirugía por traumatismo torácico (CTT) presentan un amplio espectro de características y pronósticos. Objetivos: Describir características clínicas, indicaciones, temporalidad, morbilidad, mortalidad y las variables asociadas a mortalidad en pacientes con CTT. Materiales y Método: Estudio observacional de pacientes tratados con CTT, período enero-1981 a diciembre-2019. Revisión de protocolos prospectivos de TT y base de datos. Se realizó regresión logística para variables asociadas a mortalidad. Se utilizó SPSS25® con prueba chi-cuadrado para comparar clasificación, tipo de TT y su distribución temporal, considerando significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: En total 808 casos (18,2%) de 4.448 TT requirieron CTT. Fueron hombres 767 (94,9%) y la edad promedio fue 31,5 ± 13,8 años. El traumatismo fue penetrante y por arma blanca en la mayoría de los casos. Fueron politraumatizados 164 (20,3%). La cirugía fue urgente en 474 (58,7%), precoz en 41 (5,0%) y diferida en 293 (36,3%) casos. La mortalidad global fue de 6,7% y fue significativamente mayor en TT contusos, politraumatizados y en cirugía urgente. La mortalidad fue 9,7% en CTT urgente, 4,9% en precoz y 2,0% en diferida (p < 0,001). Se observaron variables independientes asociadas a mortalidad. Conclusión: En nuestra serie, las CTT se realizaron principalmente en hombres jóvenes con TT penetrantes. Correspondieron a un grupo heterogéneo en cuanto a las indicaciones, hallazgos y lesiones intratorácicas y/o asociadas. Múltiples variables demostraron influir significativamente en la mortalidad de los pacientes tratados con CTT.

Background: Thoracic Trauma (TT) is the cause of approximately a quarter of trauma deaths. The patients who undergo Thoracic Trauma Surgery (TTS) present a wide spectrum of characteristics and prognosis. Aim: To describe clinical characteristics, indications, temporality, morbidity, mortality and mortality associated variables in TTS patients. Materials and Method: Observational study of TT hospitalized patients, period January-1981 to December-2019. A review of operation notes and database was done. A logistic regression for mortality associated variables was made. To compare classification, type of TT and its temporal distribution, SPSS25® with chi-square test was used, considering significant p < 0.05. Results: A total of 808 (18.2%) of 4.448 TT patients required TTS, 767 (94.9%) were men with average age: 31.5 ± 13.8. The trauma was penetrating trauma due to a stab in most cases, 164 (20.3%) were polytraumatized. The surgery was urgent in 474 (58.7%), early in 41 (5.0%) and delayed in 293 (36.3%) cases. The global mortality was 6.7% and was significantly higher in the blunt TT, polytrauma, urgent and early surgery patients. Mortality in urgent TTS was 9.7%, early 4.9% and 2.0% in delayed (p < 0.001). Independent variables associated with mortality were observed. Conclusions: In our series, TTS were performed mainly in young men with penetrating TT. The group was heterogeneous regarding surgical indications, findings and intrathoracic or associated injuries. Multiple variables showed to influence significantly on mortality in patients who underwent TTS.

Traumatismo torácico: análisis de hospitalizaciones según grupo etario / Thoracic trauma: analysis of hospitalizations among different age-groups

Resumen Introducción: El traumatismo es la primera causa de muerte en adolescentes y la quinta en el adulto mayor. El traumatismo torácico (TT) posee características particulares en diferentes grupos de edad. Objetivos: Analizar características clínicas, índice de gravedad de traumatismo (IGT) y mortalidad en hospitalizados por TT según grupo etario. Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo de hospitalizaciones por TT, período enero de 1981 a diciembre de 2018. Revisión de protocolos prospectivos de TT y base de datos. Se definió grupo etario según Organización Mundial de la Salud (Adolescente: 10-19 años; Adulto Joven: 20-44 años; Adulto Maduro 45-59 años; Adulto Mayor: ≥ 60 años). Se comparó clasificación, mecanismo, agente, tratamiento, IGT, Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) y mortalidad del TT según grupo etario. Se utilizó SPSS25® con pruebas chi-cuadrado y ANOVA, considerando significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: Total 4.297 TT. Grupo etario Adolescente: 608 (14,1%); Adulto Joven: 2.544 (59,2%); Adulto Maduro: 601 (14,0%); Adulto Mayor: 544 (12,7%). Se observó disminución progresiva y significativa en TT penetrante, por agresión y del TT por arma blanca desde grupo etario Adolescente hasta Adulto Mayor. En Adulto Joven predominó tratamiento invasivo: cirugía 541 (21,2%) y en Adulto Maduro el TT con lesiones asociadas 215 (35,8%), p < 0,05. Según grupo etario, se observaron diferencias significativas en TRISS y en mortalidad. La mortalidad fue 1,6%; 2,5%; 3,3%; 5,0%, según grupo etario respectivamente (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las características clínicas, IGT y mortalidad del TT al comparar distintos grupos etarios. La edad es uno de los factores que determina el pronóstico de pacientes hospitalizados por TT.

Background: Trauma is the leading death cause among adolescents and the fifth in the elderly. Thoracic trauma (TT) has particular characteristics in different age-groups. Aim: To analyze clinical characteristics, trauma severity indices (TSI) and mortality in patients hospitalized for TT among different age-groups. Materials and Method: Descriptive study of patients hospitalized for TT between January-1981 and December-2018. Prospective TT surgical operation notes and data base were reviewed. Age-groups were determined according to the World Health Organization (Adolescent: 10-19 years; Young Adult: 20-44 years; Mature Adult: 45-59 years; Elderly > 60 years). TT classification, mechanism, agent, treatment, TSI, Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and mortality were compared among age-groups. SPSS25® with chi-square test and ANOVA were used, considering p < 0.05 significant. Results: Total 4.297 TT. Adolescent age-group: 608 (14.1%); Young Adult: 2,544 (59.2%); Mature Adult: 601 (14.0%); Elderly: 544 (12.7%). Was observed a progressive and significant decrease of penetrating TT, aggression-caused and bladed weapon-caused TT from Adolescent to Elderly. In Young Adult the invasive treatment predominant: surgery 541 (21.2%), whereas in Mature Adult TT with associated injuries 215 (35.8%), p < 0.05. Differences in TRISS and mortality 1.6%; 2.5%; 3.4%; 5.0% (p < 0.05) were observed among age-groups, respectively. Conclusions: There are statistical significant differences in clinical characteristics, TSI and mortality when comparing TT by age group. Age is an important factor determining the outcome in TT hospitalized patients.

Transmediastinal gunshot wound in a pregnant patient with stable hemodynamics

Abstract Transmediastinal gunshot wounds (TGWs) may lead to life-threatening injuries of vital organs such as large vessels, the esophagus, and lungs. Although they are not commonly encountered in pregnant women, additional caution should be given to these patients. Physical examination for the diagnosis and the choice of treatment modality contain controversial points in hemodynamically stable patients, and resuscitation has excessive importance due to physiological changes in pregnancy. We present a hemodynamically stable 26-week pregnant woman brought to the emergency department for TGW. She had a 1-cm diameter of bullet entrance hole on the right anterior 4th intercostal space, 2 cm lateral to the sternum, and a 3-cm diameter exit hole on the right posterior 12th intercostal space on the midscapular line.With our conservative approach, she had an uncomplicated pregnancy period, and gave birth to a healthy baby at term.

Manejo actualizado de las fracturas costales / Current management of rib fractures

RESUMEN Las fracturas costales son la lesión más frecuente en los traumatismos torácicos. La fijación de las fracturas ha estado dirigida clásicamente al volet costal. En los últimos años se han extendido las indi caciones a las fracturas múltiples desplazadas aun sin volet. Se consideran asimismo otras indicaciones de osteosíntesis menos frecuentes. La neumonía y contusión pulmonar graves que requieren asisten cia respiratoria mecánica son consideradas contraindicaciones para la fijación quirúrgica. La primera semana es el momento óptimo para su realización. Diversos dispositivos de fijación se han ideado; las placas de titanio son las más utilizadas. La osteosíntesis costal ofrece a los pacientes una recuperación más rápida con menor estadía hospitalaria y en cuidados críticos, así como mejor funcionalidad respi ratoria y menor dolor en el corto y largo plazo.

ABSTRACT Rib fractures are the most common injuries in chest trauma. Fracture fixation has been traditionally performed in flail chest patients. Over the past years, the indication has been extended to multiple, severely displaced non-flail pattern fractures. Other less common indications for osteosynthesis have also been considered. Severe pneumonia and lung contusion requiring mechanical ventilation are considered contraindication for surgical fixation. The optimal timing for the intervention is the first week. Several devices have been developed for fracture fixation; titanium plates are the most commonly used. Rib fixation offers patients a more rapid recovery with shorter length of hospital stay and of intensive care unit stay with improved respiratory function and pain management in the short and long term.

Traumatismo torácico contuso / Blunt Thoracic Trauma

INTRODUCCIÓN: El traumatismo torácico (TT) es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad, presente en el 25-50% de la mortalidad por traumatismo. El TT contuso (TTC) es el tipo más frecuente de TT según las diferentes publicaciones internacionales. OBJETIVO: Nuestros objetivos son describir las características, tratamientos, morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por TTC en nuestra institución. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal desde enero-1981 a diciembre-2017. Revisión de una base de datos prospectiva, protocolos quirúrgicos y fichas clínicas. Se describen y comparan las características de los TTC. Se calcularon índices de gravedad de traumatismo (IGT): Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). RESULTADOS: Total 4.163 pacientes hospitalizados por TT, 1.719 (41,3%) TTC. Hombres 1.327 (77,2%), edad promedio 46,7±18,8 años. Se consideró TT aislado 966 (56,2%), asociado a lesiones extratorácicas 753 (43,8%) y de estos 508 (29,6%) eran politraumatizados. Mecanismo: Accidente de tránsito 838 (48,7%), caída de altura 279 (16,2%). Lesiones y hallazgos torácicos: fractura costal 1.294 (75,3%), neumotórax 752 (43,1%). Tratamiento: médico 874 (50,8%), pleurotomía 704 (41%) y cirugía torácica 141 (8,2%). Período de hospitalización 9,2 ± 9,5 días. Según IGT: ISS promedio 14,1 ± 11,1, RTS-Tpromedio 11,5 ± 1,5, TRISS promedio 6,6. Morbilidad en 297 (17,3%), mortalidad en 68 (4%). DISCUSIÓN: La causa principal de los TTC fue el accidente de tránsito. La fractura costal correspondió a la lesión torácica más frecuente. La mayoría requirió solo tratamiento médico. La mortalidad fue menor a la esperada según IGT.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic trauma (TT) is a major cause of morbimortality, involved in 25-50% of trauma deaths. Internationally, blunt thoracic trauma (BTT) is the most frequent type of TT. OBJECTIVE: Our objectives are to describe the clinical characteristics, treatments, morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized by blunt thoracic trauma (BTT) in our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study from january-1981 to december-2017. Prospective database review, surgical protocols and clinical files. The characteristics of the BTT are described and compared. The following trauma severity indices (TSI) were calculated: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). RESULTS: 4,163 patients were hospitalized because of TT, 1.719 (41.3%) of them with BTT. 1,327 (77.2%)patients were men, average age 46.7 ± 18.8 years-old. We considered isolated TT 966 (56.2%), associated with extrathoracic lesions 753 (43,8%) and 508 (29.6%)with polytraumatism. Mechanism: Traffic accident 838 (48.7%), fall down from a height 279 (16.2%). Lesions and intrathoracic findings: rib fracture 1.294 (75.3%), pneumothorax 752 (43.7%). Treatment: Medical 876 (50.8%), pleurotomy 704 (41%) and thoracic surgery 141 (8.2%). Average hospitalized period 9.2 ± 9.5 days. According to TSI: ISS average 14.1 ± 11.1, RTS-T average 11.5 ± 1.5, TRISS average 6.6. Morbidity in 297 (17.3%), mortality in 68 (4%). DISCUSSION: The TTC was mainly attributed to the traffic accident. Rib fracture was the most common chest injury. The majority of patients required only medical treatment. Mortality was lower than expected according to TSI.

Reconstrução de parede torácica com retalhos musculocutâneos e fasciocutâneos em pacientes com câncer de mama localmente avançado e metastático / Thoracic wall reconstruction using myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps in patients with locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer

Introdução: Câncer de mama localmente avançado é caracterizado pelos estádios clínicos IIIb ou IV e representam de 20 a 25% de todos os casos. A reconstrução dos defeitos é feita com retalhos musculocutâneos e fasciocutâneos, sendo os mais utilizados o latíssimo do dorso e o reto abdominal. O objetivo é avaliar resultados das reconstruções de parede torácica em câncer de mama localmente avançados com retalhos musculocutâneos e fasciocutâneos. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, observacional descritivo, em único centro. Variáveis estudadas: dimensões do defeito e do retalho, tipo de retalho utilizado para a reconstrução, metástases cutâneas e viscerais, evolução pós-operatória e complicações. Resultados: 11 pacientes, com média de idade de 49 anos, com o lado esquerdo mais acometido. O tipo tumoral mais encontrado foi o carcinoma ductal invasivo. Os retalhos realizados foram: 2 latíssimos do dorso com desenho VY (LDVY), 2 latíssimos do dorso associados a retalho toracoabdominal (LDVYTA), 4 verticais do músculo reto do abdome (VRAM) e 3 toracoabdominais (TA). A área média dos defeitos foi 421,72cm2 e a área média dos retalhos utilizados foi de 451cm2. A complicação mais frequente foi deiscência parcial da ferida operatória, presente em 7 pacientes. Da amostra, 6 pacientes atingiram êxito letal. VRAM foi o retalho que apresentou mais complicações. A sobrevida média para VRAM foi de 25,5 meses, para LDVY de 17 meses, TA de 17 meses e LDVYTA de 20,5 meses. Conclusão: Os retalhos musculocutâneos e fasciocutâneos são eficazes para a reconstrução da parede torácica após a ressecção de neoplasias mamárias localmente avançadas.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Locally advanced breast cancer is characterized by clinical stage IIIb or IV and accounts for 20­25% of all cases. Defects are reconstructed using myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps, primarily from the latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis muscles. The objective is to evaluate the results of thoracic wall reconstructions in cases of locally advanced breast cancer using fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, and descriptive single-center study. Variables studied included defect size and flap dimensions, myocutaneous flap type, presence of cutaneous and visceral metastasis, postoperative evolution, and complications. Results: We selected 11 patients with a mean age of 49 years; the left side was the most commonly affected. The most common tumor type was invasive ductal carcinoma. The flaps were made of latissimus dorsi VY (LDVY) in two patients, latissimus dorsi associated with thoracoabdominal flaps (LDVYTA) in two, vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (VRAM) in four, and thoracoabdominal flaps (TA) in three. The mean defect area was 421.72 cm2, while the mean flap area was 451 cm2. The most frequent complication was partial dehiscence (seven patients). Six patients achieved lethal exit. VRAM flaps presented more complications. The mean survival for VRAM was 25.5 months, LDVY was 17 months, TA was 17 months, LDVYTA was 20.5 months. Conclusion: Myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps are effective for chest wall reconstruction after locally advanced breast cancer resection.

Reconstrucción temprana en el tórax inestable con sistema de osteosíntesis torácico: Reporte de caso / Early unstable chest reconstruction with thoracic osteosynthesis: A case report

Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón con tórax inestable. Esta lesión es una entidad poco común que puede ser originada por múltiples traumatismos de alto impacto. El diagnóstico se estableció por signos clínicos y estudios de imágenes. El paciente recibió tratamiento quirúrgico con un sistema de osteosíntesis costal (StraCos®); se discuten los resultados obtenidos y sugerencias para casos de este tipo. (AU)

We present the case of a male patient with unstable chest, which is a rare entity that may be caused by high impact trauma. The diagnosis was stablished by clinical manifestations and image results. The patient received surgical treatment with a rib osteosynthesis. We discussed the results obtained and propose suggestions to manage this kind of patients. (AU)

Ventilación con liberación de presiones en la vía respiratoria en un paciente con trauma de tórax / Airway pressure release ventilation in a patient with thorax´s trauma

Introducción: Los traumatismos torácicos son causa importante de morbi-mortalidad. El volet costal con contusión pulmonar ensombrece el pronóstico. Objetivo: Presentar una estrategia ventilatoria para estabilizar la pared torácica, corregir la hipoxemia y proteger el parénquima pulmonar. Caso clínico: Paciente con volet costal, neumotórax bilateral y contusión pulmonar que produjo un distress respiratorio, requirió ventilación mecánica. Ante la necesidad de estabilizar la pared tóracica y reclutar el parénquima pulmonar se ventiló con liberación de presiones en la vía aérea. Requirió toracotomía para solucionar definitivamente la lesión pulmonar y se realizó toracoplastia. El paciente egresó sin secuelas luego de 21 días de hospitalización. Conclusiones: La ventilación con liberación de presiones en la vía aérea se propone como una estrategia que facilita la estabilidad de la pared torácica, el reclutamiento alveolar, teóricamente ofrece ventajas en protección pulmonar y en la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica. En este caso particular se lograron los objetivos esperados con el empleo de esta modalidad como puente para la cirugía correctiva(AU)

Introduction: Thoracic trauma is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The costal volet with pulmonary contusion overshadows the prognosis Objective: To present a ventilatory strategy to stabilize the chest wall, correct hypoxemia and protect the lung parenchyma. Clinical case: A patient with costal volet, bilateral pneumothorax and pulmonary contusion that produced a respiratory distress; required mechanical ventilation. Given the need to stabilize the thoracic wall and recruit the lung parenchyma, it was ventilated with release of airway pressures. A thoracotomy was required to definitively resolve the lung lesion and thoracoplasty was performed. The patient withdrew without sequelae after 21 days of hospitalization. Conclusions: The APRV is proposed as a strategy that facilitates the stability of the thoracic wall, the alveolar recruitment, theoretically offers advantages in pulmonary protection and in the systemic inflammatory response. In this particular case the expected objectives were achieved with the use of this modality as a bridge for corrective surgery(AU)

Traumatismo torácico: caracterización de hospitalizaciones durante tres décadas / Thoracic trauma: experience of three decades

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in young patients and thoracic trauma (TT) is responsible for 25-35% of trauma deaths. Aim: To describe and compare features, trauma severity indexes and morbidity of patients admitted for TT in the past three decades. Material and Methods: Review of a TT database, operative notes and medical records of patients. These were separated by decade of admission (1981-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010). TT characteristics were compared. Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were calculated. Results: A total of 3,068 TT were reviewed. In the 1981-1990 period, 604 cases of TT were registered (19.7%), in the 1991-2000 period, 1,070 cases (34.9%) and in the 2001-2010 period, 1,394 cases (45.4%) (p < 0.05). The ages of patients in each of these periods were 34.9 ± 15.5, 33.9 ± 16.2 and 35.7 ± 18.2 years respectively (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients aged 65 years or more were 6.6, 7.7 and 10.1% respectively, the proportion of females was 6.1, 9.4 and 12.0%, respectively. The causing agents per decade were knife wounds in 51.5, 61.1 and 60.0% of cases respectively, firearms in 2.5, 3.3 and 5.0% of cases respectively, multiple trauma in 13.9, 14.5 and 9.0% respectively and morbidity in 18.7, 19.7 and 11.7%, respectively. The ISS per decade was 11.9 ± 6.5, 12.9 ± 6.9 and 10.4 ± 6.8 respectively. No significant difference were found in mortality (1.5, 3.0, 2.0% respectively) or TRISS score (2.7, 3.2 and 3.8% respectively). Conclusions: An increase in the number of hospital admission for TT has occurred in the last three decades, with an increase in the proportion of admissions of subjects aged 65 years or more, females and with firearm injuries.

Profile of thoracic trauma victims submitted to chest drainage / Perfil dos pacientes vítimas de trauma torácico submetidos à drenagem de tórax

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe and compare the variables involved in trauma victims undergoing thoracic drainage. Methods: we conducted a retrospective, analytical, descriptive, cross-sectional study, with medical records of patients attended at the Trauma Service of the Curitiba Evangelical University Hospital between February 2011 and January 2014. Results: there were 488 patients undergoing chest drainage, 84.7% men and 15.3% women, with an average age of 38.2 years. Attendances usually occurred at night, without predominance between open or closed mechanism, gender or age group. The majority of patients with thoracic trauma requiring drainage were diagnosed by anamnesis and physical examination (41.1%) and drained in the emergency room (80.8%). Most of the patients (66.2%) had another associated lesion, mostly some abdominal viscera. Complications were present in 16.6% (81 patients), most of them due to drainage positioning error (9.2%). The mean hospital stay was 15 days and drainage lasted for an average of 8.1 days, with no statistical difference between open and closed trauma. The clinical outcome was discharge in most cases. Conclusion: the profile of patients with thoracic trauma is that of young men, attended at night, with some other associated lesion. Although diagnosis and treatment were rapid and most often without the need for complex examinations, the time of drainage, hospitalization and complications were higher than in the literature, which can be explained by the drainage being made at the Emergency Room and the presence of associated injuries.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever e comparar as variáveis envolvidas nos pacientes vítimas de trauma torácico submetidos à drenagem de tórax. Métodos: estudo transversal descritivo analítico retrospectivo realizado com prontuários de pacientes atendidos no Serviço de Trauma do Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba entre fevereiro de 2011 e janeiro de 2014. Resultados: neste período foram atendidos 488 pacientes, 84,7% homens e 15,3% mulheres, com média de idade de 38,2 anos. Os atendimentos geralmente ocorreram à noite sem predomínio entre mecanismo aberto ou fechado e/ou em relação ao sexo ou idade. A maioria dos pacientes com trauma torácico que necessitaram de drenagem teve diagnóstico feito por anamnese e exame físico (41,1%) e foram drenados no pronto socorro (80,8%). Grande parte dos pacientes (66,2%) teve outra lesão associada, na maioria alguma víscera abdominal. Complicações estiveram presentes em 16,6% (81 pacientes), a maior parte por erro de posicionamento do dreno (9,2%). O tempo médio de internamento foi 15 dias e de drenagem, 8,1 dias, sem diferença estatística entre trauma aberto e fechado. O desfecho clínico envolveu alta na maioria dos casos. Conclusão: o perfil dos pacientes com trauma torácico é o de homens jovens, atendidos durante a noite, com alguma outra lesão associada. Apesar do diagnóstico e do tratamento serem feitos de modo rápido e, na maior parte das vezes, sem a necessidade de exames complexos, o tempo de drenagem, internamento e complicações foram mais alto do que na literatura, o que pode ser explicado pela drenagem no próprio pronto-socorro e pela presença de outras lesões associadas.

Traumatismo torácico en pediatría / Pediatric thoracic trauma

Thoracic trauma is the second cause of death for trauma in children. It is caused by mechanisms of high energy, principally motor vehicle collision. Multisystemic injuries are frequent. Management involves knowledge and understanding the anatomy, physiologyand the mechanism of the injuries, their change at different ages and the difference from adults. Pediatric chest trauma is caused mainly by contusion and there is increasing penetrating trauma in adolescents. The most common injuries are pulmonary contusion, hemothorax and pneumothorax with rib fractures. Airway, great vessels and heart injuries are rare but very serious. Most of thoracic injuries are solved by respiratory and hemodynamic support measurements, and tube thoracostomy. It is vital to recognize, in initial evaluation, those potentially lethal injuries, which give no time for radiological evaluation.

El traumatismo torácico es la segunda causa de muerte por trauma en niños. Es causado por mecanismos de alta energía, principalmente accidentes de tránsito, siendo frecuentes las lesiones multisistémicas, lo que aumenta su gravedad. Un manejo adecuado requiere conocer y entender como la anatomía, fisiología y los patrones de las lesiones cambian a distintas edades y difieren del comportamiento en adultos. Los traumatismos de tórax pediátricos son mayormente contusos aumentando los traumatismos penetrantes en adolescentes. Las lesiones más comunes son la contusión pulmonar, hemotórax, neumotórax y fracturas costales las cuales pueden coexistir. Las lesiones de vía aérea, corazón y grandes vasos son raras pero muy graves. La mayoría de los traumatismos torácicos se resuelven con medidas de soporte hemodinámico, respiratorio y drenaje pleural. Es vital reconocer en evaluación inicial aquellas lesiones potencialmente letales, que no dan tiempo a evaluación radiológica.

Reparación de fracturas costales con osteosíntesis de titanio / Rib fractures repair with titanium osteosynthesis

Introducción: Las fracturas costales son lesiones frecuentes en los traumatismos torácicos cerrados. Las mismas causan característicamente dolor intenso, complicaciones respiratorias y ausentismo laboral significativo. Una de las estrategias terapéuticas es la estabilización quirúrgica del foco de fractura, la cual tiene múltiples ventajas como la disminución del dolor y la restauración de la función de la pared costal. Objetivos: Presentar un caso de reparación costal múltiple con Osteosíntesis con placas y tornillos de titanio y discutir sus indicaciones, sus características técnicas y las ventajas clínicas observadas. Caso Clínico: Paciente femenina de 84 años que sufre traumatismo torácico cerrado. Presenta fracturas del 6to, 7mo, 8vo y 9no arco costal posterior izquierdo. Requirió reducción del estómago y epiplón herniados, rafia del diafragma y osteosíntesis costal. Discusión: Series internacionales reportan que los traumatismos torácicos cerrados presentan hemotórax, neumotórax o ambos, y que el número de muertes, lesiones asociadas y morbilidad se correlaciona con el número de fracturas costales. Clásicamente las indicaciones de fijación de los trazos fracturarios es la presencia de fragmentos intracavitarios, la impactación y laceración pulmonar, la hernia pulmonar y como tratamiento del dolor agudo, asimismo, la evidente deformidad estética y en muchas ocasiones condicionado a la necesidad de toracotomía por otra razón.

Introduction: Rib fractures are common lesions in blunt chest trauma. Chest wall trauma characteristically causes intense pain,respiratory complications and long-term disability. Pain relief andchest wall function restoration are obtained by surgicalstabilization of rib fractures. Nowadays there is a considerablevariability in surgical techniques and devices, as well as in theirresults and clinical indications.Objectives: To report a case of multiple rib repair osteosynthesiswith titanium plates and screws and discuss its indications, itstechnical characteristics and the observed clinical benefits.Case Report: 84 years old female patient suffering blunt chesttrauma. Presents fractures of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th costal archleft rear. It required reduction of herniated stomach and omentum, diaphragm raffia and rib osteosynthesis.Discussion: international series report that chest blunt traumausually presents hemothorax, pneumothorax or both, and that the number of deaths and injuries associated morbidity correlates with the number of rib fractures. Classically the indications for ribfixation are the presence of intra cavitary ribs fragments, laceration and lung impaction, lung herniation and acute pain asalso evident in many aesthetic deformity conditioned onoccasions need for thoracotomy.

Ultrasonido torácico extendido en trauma (EFAST) / Thoracic ultrasound. extended focus assessment with sonography in trauma (EFAST)

Dentro del abordaje diagnóstico del trauma torácico se cuenta con múltiples auxiliares diagnósticos, entre ellos el ultrasonido FAST extendido a tórax (EFAST). Para la detección de hemo o neumotórax, la radiografía de tórax ha demostrado una sensibilidad de 69% y especificidad de 76%, con la tomografía la sensibilidad y especificidad se acercan al 100%. El EFAST ha demostrado una sensibilidad del 92-100%, aun realizado por médicos no radiólogos Objetvo: evaluar la sensibilidad y especifcidad del ultrasonido torácico extendido (EFAST) dentro de la práctca en la atención de emergencia en elservicio de emergencia en el Hospital Roosevelt Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptvo, tansversal de pacientes que ingresaron con trauma cerrado y penetrante en tórax a quienes se les realizóEFAST, radiografa de tórax y tomografa torácica Resultados: De 16 pacientes, 13 (81.25%) fueron hombres y tres (18.75%) mujeres. 11 (68.75%) con trauma contuso y 5 (31.25%) con trauma penetrante.El grupo de edad más afectado fue el comprendido entre los 18 a 45 años. De los 16 estudios realizados, nueve (56.25%) fueron califcados comopositvos para neumotórax, observándose el signo de la estratosfera en los nueve casos (100%); el resultado fue corroborado con radiografa de tórax ytomografa. Un paciente presentó alteraciones tomográfcas compatbles con hemoneumotórax que no fueron detectadas por ecografa; procediendoa colocación de tubo de toracostomía cerrada de manera inmediata. Los 7 pacientes restantes no tuvieron evidencia de lesión torácica por EFAST ni enlos estudios complementarios (radiografa, tomografa o EFAST de control) ni durante el seguimiento clínico. Conclusión: Durante la experiencia inicial el EFAST demostró ser sufcientemente sensible y específco para detectar neumotórax.

Background: The diagnosis of hemothorax or pneumothorax is established with chest radiography (sensitvity 69%, specifcity 76%) or computed tomography(sensitvity and specifcity near 100%). Studies have shown that EFAST has 92-100 % sensitvity even for non-radiologists. The aim of this studywas to determine sensitvity and specifcity of EFAST in the emergency department of Roosevelt Hospital.Methods: All patents admited from January to July 2015, with blunt or penetratng chest trauma were included in this study. They underwent EFAST,chest radiography and thoracic computed tomography.Results: Sixteen patents were analyzed, 13 (81.25%) were men, 11 (68.75%) presented blunt trauma and 5 (31.25%) penetratng trauma. The age groupwas from 18 to 45 years old. Of the 16 studies performed, 9 (56.25%) were classifed as positve for pneumothorax by EFAST, stratosphere positve signwas present in all of them; results were corroborated with chest radiography and tomography. One patent presented tomographic signs of hemo-pneumothoraxthat was not detected by ultrasound. The remaining 7 patents did not have evidence of thoracic injury with EFAST, chest radiography, thoracictomography or during clinical follow-up.Conclusions: During inital experience, EFAST demonstrates to be sensitve and specifc enough to detect pneumothorax.

Análisis comprensivo de los traumatismos torácios penetrantes atendidos en Hospital Padre Hurtado de Santiago / Penetrating chest trauma

Objectives: Penetrating chest trauma (PCT) is a life threatening condition that challenges emergency surgeons daily. The aim of this study is to make an epidemiological characterization of these patients, and secondarily analyze their treatment and outcome. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a series of consecutive patients experiencing PCT who presented at our hospital, was performed from 1st May 2009 to 30th April 2013. Results: Of 274 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with PCT, 257 (94 percent) were male and 17 (6 percent) were female. The median age was 26 (range 15-66) years. Stab wounds (SW) accounted for 185 (68 percent) of the injuries, and 80 (29 percent) suffered from gunshot wounds (GSW). As first treatment, chest tube drainage was performed in 229 (84 percent) patients, emergent thoracotomy in 21 (8 percent) and observation, in 13 (5 percent). 26 (9 percent) patients died: 21 (81 percent) from GSW and 4 (15 percent) with SW P<0.0001; 20 (77 percent) had heart or thoracic great vessels involvement. Thoracic complications occurred in 30 (12 percent) patients. There was no mortality associated with thoracic complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Conclusions: PCT is frequent in our hospital compared with historical series. The majority of the patients who died had cardiac or thoracic great vessels involvement due to GSW. Therefore, healthcare improvements are needed to reduce mortality in this group of patients.

Objetivos: Los traumatismos torácicos penetrantes (TTP) son graves y desafían diariamente a los cirujanos de urgencia. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar una caracterización epidemiológica de los pacientes con TTP, y como objetivo secundario analizar el tratamiento efectuado y su evolución. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Padre Hurtado de Santiago que presentaron un TTP desde el 1 de mayo de 2009 hasta el 30 de abril de 2013. Resultados: 274 pacientes que se consultaron al servicio de urgencia con un TTP, 257 (94 por ciento) eran hombres y 17 (6 por ciento) eran mujeres. La mediana de edad fue 26 (15-66) años. Lesiones por arma blanca 185 (68 por ciento), y 80 (29 por ciento) fueron por arma de fuego. Como primer tratamiento la pleurostomía fue realizada en 229 (84 por ciento) pacientes. La toracotomía de emergencia fue realizada en 21 (8 por ciento) pacientes. No se realizó tratamiento y solo observación en 13 (5 por ciento) de los casos. 26 (9 por ciento) de los pacientes murieron, 21 (81 por ciento) fueron consecuencia de lesiones por arma de fuego y 4 (15 por ciento) por arma blanca P<0,0001, 20 (77 por ciento) tenían lesiones cardíacas o de grandes vasos torácicos. 30 (12 por ciento) pacientes presentaron complicaciones torácicas. No hubo mortalidad asociada a complicaciones torácicas. La mediana de días de hospitalización fue 4. Conclusiones: El TTP es frecuente en nuestro hospital comparado con series históricas. La mayoría de los pacientes fallecidos presentaban TTP por arma de fuego con lesiones cardíacas o de grandes vasos torácicos. Se precisan mejoras asistenciales en este grupo para disminuir su mortalidad.

Tratamento não operatório do ferimento por arma de fogo na região toracoabdominal direita / Non operative management of gunshot wounds on the right thoracoabdomen

OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados obtidos com a introdução do protocolo de tratamento não operatório (TNO) dos ferimentos por arma de fogo (PAF) na transição toracoabdominal direita. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com dados levantados no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2011, tendo como critérios de inclusão: PAF localizado na região toracoabdominal direita, estabilidade hemodinâmica, ausência de sinais de irritação peritonial e realização de tomografia computadorizada. RESULTADOS: No estudo 115 pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A maioria dos pacientes (95,6%) era do sexo masculino. A média das idades foi 25,8 anos. A média dos índices de trauma: RTS 7,7; ISS 14,8; e TRISS 97%. A maioria dos pacientes era portadora de ferimentos toracoabdominais (62,6%) e 43 pacientes (37,4%), ferimentos abdominais. A lesão hepática ocorreu em 109 pacientes (94,8%) e a renal em 28 pacientes (24,4%). Hemotórax e lesão concomitante abdominal foram verificados em 72 pacientes (62,6%). As lesões associadas foram encontradas em 19 (16,5%) pacientes e as complicações, em 12 (10,5%). A falha do TNO aconteceu em quatro pacientes (3,5%). Nesta série, dois pacientes (1,7%) morreram, ambos devido a trauma cranioencefálico. A permanência hospitalar média foi 9,4 dias. Sessenta e sete pacientes (58,3%) compareceram no controle com dois meses de trauma. A tomografia de abdome mostrou lesão cicatrizada em 58 pacientes (86,5%). CONCLUSÃO: A opção por TNO do PAF na região toracoabdominal direita deve ser vista com cautela e empregada em casos selecionados através de protocolos bem fundamentados e em locais com toda infraestrutura necessária.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results after the implementation of the non-operative management (NOM) of the right upper thoracoabdominal gunshot injuries protocol. METHODS: Prospective study. From January 2005 to December 2011, 115 patients were included into this study. Criteria for inclusion were gunshot wound to the right thoracoabdominal region, haemodynamic stability, no signs of peritonitis, and realized CT scan. The data collected were analysed by the software EXCEL. RESULTS: Among the 115 patients included in our study, the mean age was 25.8 years old (range, 14-78 years old), of whom 95.6% were male, 62.6% had thoracoabdominal injuries and 37.4% had exclusively abdominal injuries. The averages of trauma scores were RTS 7.7, ISS 14.8 and TRISS 97%. One hundred and nine patients (94.8%) had liver injury, 72 (62.6%) had diaphragm and lung injury, 28 (24.4%) had renal injury. Complications were present in 12 (10.5%) patients, 7 of these related to the thorax. The NOM failure happened in 4 (3.5%) patients, 2 of them due to bile peritonitis, 1 related to bleeding and 1 the laparotomy was unnecessary. The mean hospital stay was 9.4 days. There were 2 deaths due to associated gunshot brain injury. Sixty seven patients (58.3%) were presented in the follow-up after 2 months of trauma. The CT scan showed injury scar in 58 patients (86.5%). CONCLUSION: NOM of the penetrating right thoracoabdominal injuries must be seen with caution. The NOM of right thoracoabdominal gunshot injuries is safe only in selected cases, followed by well-defined protocols and when performed in places that have adequate infrastructure.

Trauma de tórax / Chest trauma

El traumatismo de tórax es una situación altamente desafiante en el manejo de urgencia. Requiere conocimientos de las complicaciones que pueden poner en riesgo vital al paciente en pocos minutos como de un adecuado manejo primario de las complicaciones que se pueden presentar en el mediano y largo plazo. De la mortalidad total del trauma, un 75 por ciento se debe a trauma torácico como causa primaria o como elemento contribuyente. Es por esto que el manejo de estas lesiones torácicas es esencial en el trabajo de urgencia. Un 80 por ciento de las lesiones torácicas pueden manejarse con maniobras no quirúrgicas, pero el 15 por ciento a 20 por ciento restante requerirá manejo quirúrgico, que es altamente desafiante, por lo complejas que pueden llegar a ser las lesiones de estructuras vitales presentes en el tórax. En la siguiente revisión mostramos el manejo de las lesiones más frecuentes en traumatismo torácico y las distintas indicaciones de toracotomías que se pueden presentar en los servicios de urgencia.

Thoracic trauma is an extremely challenging situation in the emergency room. Both ER physicians and surgeons should have knowledge of how to manage immediate life threatening injuries and the related complications that can present later. The primary cause or contributing element of seventy five percent of trauma related mortality is thoracic injury. Eighty percent of thoracic injuries can be managed non-surgically. The remaining 15 percent to 20 per cent will require challenging surgical procedures, due to the involvement of vital organs and vessels. In this review, we present the management of the most common trauma related thoracic injuries that can present in the ER and the different indications for thoracotomy.

Presentación inusual de un meningioma primario múltiple intratorácico / Unusual presentation of intrathoracic primary multiple meningioma

Caso único de meningioma ectópico en un varón de 46 años, que se supone el primer informe de tumor primario ectópico multifocal en distintas regiones anatómicas del cuerpo humano. Se discuten los aspectos clínicos e histológicos de estas lesiones.