Efficacy of preoperative inhaled LAMA/LABA combinations in patients with lung cancer and untreated COPD.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). When untreated COPD is found before lung cancer surgery, we have been actively intervening therapeutically with inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA) combinations. We investigated the efficacy of preoperative LAMA/LABA treatment. METHODS: We reviewed data from 261 patients who underwent pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer. Of these, 59 patients showed unrecognized obstructive ventilatory impairment on respiratory function testing. We administered inhaled drugs for 38 patients, of whom 22 patients treated with LAMA/LABA combinations and diagnosed with COPD were retrospectively analyzed regarding improvement of respiratory function and postoperative course. RESULTS: Median duration of LAMA/LABA treatment was 19.5 days (interquartile range (IQR), 10.5-28.3 days). Percentage predicted vital capacity (%VC) (pretreatment: 95.6%, IQR 91.9-111.7 vs. posttreatment 102.8%, IQR 92.3-113.0), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (1.76 L, 1.43-2.12 vs. 2.00 L, 1.78-2.40), forced VC (FVC) (2.96 L, 2.64-3.47 vs. 3.22 L, 2.95-3.74) and percentage predicted FEV1 (80.1%, 68.4-97.0 vs. 91.6%, 80.3-101.9) were all significantly improved (P<0.05 each). FEV1/FVC tended to be improved, but not significantly. No significant difference in improvement of respiratory function was seen between short-term (≤2 weeks) and normal-term (>2 weeks) treatment. PPCs occurred in 4 of 22 patients (18.2%), showing no significant difference compared to patients with COPD previously treated with inhaled drugs (2/20; 10.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory function is improved by preoperative LAMA/LABA treatment even in the short term. Starting treatment allows even COPD patients diagnosed on preoperative screening to experience the same frequency of PPCs as previously treated patients.

Prognostic factors in pulmonary metastasectomy and efficacy of repeat pulmonary metastasectomy from colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The rate of pulmonary metastasectomy from colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased with recent advances in chemotherapy, diagnostic techniques, and surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for response to pulmonary metastasectomy and the efficacy of repeat pulmonary metastasectomy. METHODS: This study was a retrospective, single-institution study of 126 CRC patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy between 2000 and 2019 at the Gifu University Hospital. RESULTS: The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 84.9% and 60.8%, respectively. Among the 126 patients, 26 (20.6%) underwent a second pulmonary metastasectomy for pulmonary recurrence after initial pulmonary metastasectomy. Univariate analysis of survival identified seven significant factors: (1) gender (p = 0.04), (2) past history of extra-thoracic metastasis (p = 0.04), (3) maximum tumor size (p = 0.002), (4) mediastinal lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02), (5) preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (p = 0.01), (6) preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) level (p = 0.03), and (7) repeat pulmonary metastasectomy for pulmonary recurrence (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, only mediastinal lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02, risk ratio 8.206, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.566-34.962) and repeat pulmonary metastasectomy for pulmonary recurrence (p < 0.001, risk ratio 0.054, 95% CI 0.010-0.202) were significant. Furthermore, in the evaluation of surgical outcomes, the safety of second pulmonary metastasectomy was almost the same as that of initial pulmonary metastasectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat pulmonary metastasectomy is likely to be safe and effective for recurrent cases that meet the surgical criteria. However, mediastinal lymph node metastasis was a significant independent prognostic factor for worse overall survival.

Preoperative screening for nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in patients undergoing general thoracic surgery.

Objectives: Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a risk factor for surgical site infections (SSIs). However, few studies have evaluated the rate of nasal carriage of MRSA and its effect on SSIs in patients undergoing general thoracic surgery. We investigated the importance of preoperative screening for nasal carriage of MRSA in patients undergoing general thoracic surgery. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 238 patients with thoracic diseases who underwent thoracic surgery. We reviewed the rates of nasal carriage of MRSA and SSIs. Results: Results of MRSA screening were positive in 11 of 238 patients (4.6%), and 9 of these 11 patients received nasal mupirocin. SSIs occurred in 4 patients (1.8%). All 4 patients developed pneumonia; however, MRSA pneumonia occurred in only 1 of these 4 patients. No patient developed wound infection, empyema, and/or mediastinitis. SSIs did not occur in any of the 11 patients with positive results on MRSA screening. Conclusions: The rates of nasal carriage of MRSA and SSIs were low in this case series. Surveillance is important to determine the prevalence of MRSA carriage and infection in hospitals, particularly in the intensive care unit. However, routine preoperative screening for nasal carriage of MRSA is not recommended in patients undergoing general thoracic surgery.

Division of the intersegmental plane using electrocautery for segmentectomy in clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Division of intersegmental planes is one of the important practical issues for segmentectomy to obtain feasible outcomes without relapse for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Almost all surgeons perform this procedure using a stapler. However, division of intersegmental planes for segmentectomy can also be performed by electrocautery. In this article, we demonstrate the merits and drawbacks of division of the intersegmental plane by electrocautery for segmentectomy. METHODS: Of those 125 patients who underwent segmentectomy with clinical stage I primary lung cancer, we compared cautery cases (n=50) with stapler cases (n=75). The cautery group included 29 cases (58.0%) with partial use of a staple at the end of division. RESULTS: Operative time was significantly longer in cautery cases (281±72 min) than stapler in cases (235±86 min; P=0.003). No difference in the duration of chest tube placement was evident between cautery (3.0±3.0 days) and stapler groups (2.8±1.7 days; P=0.613). However, delayed air leakage occurred significantly more frequently in cautery cases (14.0%) than in stapler cases (4.0%; P=0.048). Five-year overall survival (OS) in clinical stage I was 94.7% in cautery cases and 80.5% in stapler cases (log-rank P=0.047). Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 80.0% and 71.3%, respectively (log-rank P=0.075). CONCLUSIONS: The merits of cautery division include the ability to achieve meticulous division of the intersegmental plane and good preservation of the shape of residual segments. Conversely, the drawbacks include prolonged air leakage. Pleural suture or closure of residual segments may be useful to prevent delayed air leakage.

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy: hybrid approach for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recently, minimally invasive surgical approaches have been developed, typified by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). A meticulous surgical procedure to prevent local recurrence is required during segmentectomy for clinical stage I non-small-cell primary lung cancer. In this article, we demonstrated the validity of hybrid VATS segmentectomy. METHODS: Of these 125 patients, 62 (49.6%) underwent intensively radical segmentectomy (RS). The remaining 63 (50.4%) patients underwent palliative segmentectomy (PS). We used two 2-cm ports and performed a muscle-sparing mini-thoracotomy in which a partially open metal retractor allowed direct, thoracoscopic visualization as hybrid VATS segmentectomy in 63.2% of our cases. RESULTS: The consolidation/tumor ratio obtained with thin-sliced computed tomography was significantly lower in RS cases than in PS cases (P=0.001). The proportion of pathological stage IA cases was significantly higher in RS cases (95.2%) than in PS cases (66.7%; P<0.01). Five-year overall survival (OS) for clinical stage I was 100.0% in RS cases and 73.5% in PS cases (log-rank P<0.001). Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 95.5% and 55.7%, respectively (log-rank P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During segmentectomy, the most critical consideration is establishment of sufficient surgical margins around the cancer. Our hybrid approach that includes meticulous surgical manipulations may produce sufficient surgical margins.

Influence of smoking on perioperative oxidative stress after pulmonary resection.

PURPOSE: We herein investigated the influence of smoking on changes in the levels of perioperative oxidative stress after pulmonary resection. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with primary lung cancer who underwent curative pulmonary lobectomy were analyzed prospectively. The degree of perioperative oxidative stress was evaluated based on the serum levels of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP). The patients were divided into two groups: group A (smoking < 40 pack-years) and group B (smoking ≥ 40 pack-years). The d-ROM and BAP measurements were obtained preoperatively, postoperatively and on the first, second, third and fifth postoperative days. RESULTS: In all 31 cases, the d-ROM values were higher on the third and fifth postoperative days than preoperatively. The extent of change in the d-ROM levels was greater in group A than in group B on the second, third and fifth postoperative days (1.05 ± 0.159 vs. 0.920 ± 0.205, p = 0.008; 1.20 ± 0.233 vs. 1.02 ± 0.186, p = 0.032; 1.34 ± 0.228 vs. 1.07 ± 0.200, p = 0.003, respectively). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the BAP values. The maximum increase in the d-ROM level and decrease in the BAP level negatively correlated with the amount of smoking (|r| = 0.428, p = 0.016 and |r| = 0.357. p = 0.049, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical stress associated with pulmonary lobectomy induces oxidative stress. In addition, smoking reduces the oxidative stress reaction, and the degree of this change is correlated with the amount of smoking.

Propensity score-matching analysis of hybrid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and thoracoscopic lobectomy for clinical stage I lung cancer†.

OBJECTIVES: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is classified into hybrid VATS (direct and video vision) and thoracoscopic VATS (video vision only). In this study, the outcomes of hybrid VATS and thoracoscopic VATS for clinical stage I lung cancer were compared using a propensity score-matching analysis. METHODS: Hybrid and thoracoscopic VATS were performed in 178 and 76 patients, respectively. Propensity scores were calculated using logistic regression analysis and matched within a score of ±0.03 for age, sex, size of tumour, Charlson comorbidity index, preoperative therapy, percent vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, clinical stage, pathological stage and histology. RESULTS: In the non-matched analysis, the results for hybrid and thoracoscopic VATS, respectively, were as follows: mean age, 69 ± 9 and 66 ± 10 years (P = 0.04); tumour size, 24 ± 10 and 20 ± 7 mm (P < 0.01); 2-deoxy-2 [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography SUV, 5.6 ± 4.4 and 3.6 ± 3.2 (P < 0.01); clinical stage (IA/IB), 130/48 and 69/7 (P < 0.01); pathological stage (IA/IB/IIA and IIB/IIIA and IIIB), 89/56/15/18 and 57/14/2/3 (P < 0.01); postoperative complications, 66 (37.1%) and 16 (21.1%; P = 0.01); respiratory complications, 32 (18.0%) and 6 (7.9%; P = 0.04); 5-year overall survival (OS), 77.0 and 88.8% (log-rank P = 0.045); and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), 67.2 and 81.1% (log-rank P = 0.02). In 66 matched cases, the results for hybrid and thoracoscopic VATS, respectively, were as follows: mean operative time, 245 ± 96 and 285 ± 85 min (P = 0.01); blood loss, 95 ± 100 and 86 ± 123 ml (P = 0.67); mean duration of drainage, 3.6 ± 2.7 and 3.2 ± 2.2 days (P = 0.37); postoperative complications, 21 (31.8%) and 14 (21.2%; P = 0.17); respiratory complications, 11 (16.7%) and 5 (7.6%; P = 0.11); 5-year OS, 72.5 and 86.0% (log-rank P = 0.25); and 5-year DFS, 68.4 and 77.2% (log-rank P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: In this single-institution, propensity score-matched study, hybrid VATS showed a shorter operative time and similar outcomes compared with thoracoscopic lobectomy for clinical stage IA lung cancer.

Effect of Postoperative Administration of Pregabalin for Post-thoracotomy Pain: A Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of postoperative administration of pregabalin in patients who reported moderate-to-severe pain after epidural analgesia following thoracotomy. DESIGN: An open-label, randomized, controlled, parallel-group study. SETTING: A single center in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients (aged≥20 years) who reported moderate-to-severe pain after effectual 2-day epidural analgesia post-thoracotomy for lung cancer from February 2012 to March 2013. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were assigned to 2 groups: control (control treatment: acetaminophen, 400 mg, and codeine phosphate powder, 20 mg) or pregabalin (pregabalin, 75 mg, plus control treatment). The 12-week study period included 2-week study treatment and 10-week follow-up. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: For efficacy, the primary endpoint was the visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain at rest and with coughing at week 2, and secondary endpoints were the VAS scores for pain and the neuropathic pain questionnaire at week 12. Fifty patients were randomized (25 per group). At week 2, the VAS scores for pain at rest (mean [SD]) were 29.5 (21.9) in the control group and 16.3 (15) in the pregabalin group (p = 0.02); for pain with coughing, the scores were 45.2 (20.9) and 28.8 (25.9), respectively (p = 0.02). VAS scores improved more in the pregabalin group than in the control group over the 12 weeks. Patients free from possible neuropathic pain were 48% of the control group and 88% of the pregabalin group, respectively (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative administration of pregabalin effectively reduced post-thoracotomy pain.

Feasibility of segmental resection in non-small-cell lung cancer with ground-glass opacity.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, lung segmental resection has been increasingly performed in patients with lung cancer. In this study, the results of radical segmentectomy (RS) and palliative segmentectomy (PS) were compared retrospectively. METHODS: Segmentectomy was performed to remove a primary lung cancer in 87 cases. RS was performed for pure ground-glass opacity (GGO), >50% GGO and diameter less than 2 cm and less than 10 mm solid tumours. PS was performed in patients with poor lung function or relapse, or at high risk for surgery. A total of 84 cases, excluding 3 cases of relapse, were investigated. RESULTS: The pathological stage of RS was IA in 32 (94.1%) and IB in 2 (5.9%). The pathological stage of PS was IA in 23 (46.0%), IB in 15 (30.0%), IIA in 5 (10.0%), IIB in 1 (2.0%), IIIA in 4 (8.0%) and IV in 2 (4.0%). The preoperative characteristics of RS were compared with those of PS for pathological stage I. The mean age was significantly lower for RS cases (67.4 ± 9.9 years) than for PS cases (73.0 ± 9.0 years; P = 0.013). Tumour size was significantly smaller in RS cases (14.7 ± 4.6 mm) than in PS cases (22.0 ± 8.9 mm; P < 0.001). The tumour standardized uptake value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was significantly lower in RS cases (1.2 ± 1.6) than in PS cases (6.0 ± 6.1; P < 0.001). Serum carcinoembryonic antigen level was lower in RS cases (2.8 ± 1.8 ng/ml) than in PS cases (4.9 ± 5.0; P = 0.019). The mean duration of drainage was shorter in RS (2.5 ± 0.7 days) than in PS (3.9 ± 2.6 days; P = 0.004). Postoperative complications occurred in 6 RS cases (17.6%) and 12 PS cases (29.3%). Overall 5-year survival was higher in RS (100%) than in PS (66.2%; P = 0.003). Five-year disease-free survival was higher in RS (100%) than in PS (66.2%; P = 0.002). Recurrence was detected in 6 PS patients; 10 PS cases showed tumour with GGO and survived without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our RS is feasible for stage I lung cancer with specific computed tomography features, such as small size, GGO or peripheral location.

One-stage bilateral pulmonary resections for pulmonary metastases.

OBJECTIVE: We analyze the safety and efficacy of one-stage bilateral pulmonary resections for pulmonary metastases via a bilateral approach. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 154 cases with pathologically verified pulmonary metastases which underwent curative pulmonary resection. Intraoperative and perioperative variables were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty cases underwent unilateral pulmonary metastasectomy (group U), and the other 24 cases with bilateral pulmonary metastases underwent one-stage bilateral pulmonary resections (group B). Operation time in group B was significantly longer than in group U (354 ± 132 vs. 203 ± 110 min; p < 0.001), but was not longer than double that in group U (407 ± 219 min; p = 0.540). Operative blood loss was not significantly greater in group B than group U (113 ± 158 vs. 76 ± 138 ml; p = 0.069). Neither duration of postoperative hospital stay nor incidence of postoperative complications differed between the two groups. Hospitalization costs in group B were significantly greater than in group U (257 ± 120 × 10(4) vs. 168 ± 69.2 × 10(4) yen; p < 0.001), but they were significantly less than double those in group U (336 ± 138 × 10(4) yen; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We consider one-stage bilateral pulmonary metastasectomy to be safe for bilateral pulmonary metastases. Moreover, it may offer an economic benefit by avoiding the expenses associated with a two-stage operation.

Surgical technique of lung segmental resection with two intersegmental planes.

Lung segmental resection is of two types: a simple type with resection of only one intersegmental plane, such as lingual or superior segmentectomy; and a complicated type with resection of two or more intersegmental planes, such as anterior segmentectomy. We present a method of identifying the intersegmental plane by physiological function. First, we cut the segmental pulmonary artery and vein. The entire lobe is then inflated with pure oxygen for 5 min. Immediately after oxygen inflation, the segmental bronchus is deflated and stapled. After a couple of minutes, the intersegmental plane is easily detected. In 117 patients who underwent segmentectomy, mean blood loss was 122 ± 193 ml and mean duration of drainage was 3.5 ± 4.8 days. Postoperative complications related to operative procedures occurred in 14 cases (12.0%). Our method of detecting intersegmental planes is convenient and useful for subsegmental resection, particularly for complicated-type cases.

Left lower apical segmentectomy after video-assisted left upper lobectomy for relapse in lung cancer: benefit to avoid completion pneumonectomy.

Segmental resection is a useful procedure to preserve respiratory function. We report a case of lower apical segmentectomy for relapse after initial video-assisted left upper lobectomy to avoid completion pneumonectomy. After 4 years of follow-up, the patient is doing well with no evidence of disease.

The importance of intraoperative fluid balance for the prevention of postoperative acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative acute exacerbation (PAE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious complication that is hard to treat. Therefore, it is important to manage IPF patients in such a way as to avoid PAE. Conversely, the relationship between postoperative acute lung injury and perioperative fluid administration has been reported. Herein, we analyse the perioperative risk factors of PAE of IPF, including fluid management. METHODS: Fifty-two patients diagnosed as having clinical IPF who underwent pulmonary resection (segmentectomy, lobectomy or bilobectomy) for primary lung cancer were analysed retrospectively. Preoperative predictive factors and perioperative management items, especially fluid management, were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of PAE of IPF was 13.5% (7 of 52 patients). Six patients (85.7%) died of respiratory failure induced by uncontrollable PAE of IPF. Upon univariate analysis, the amount of the intraoperative fluid infused (ml/kg/h), the intraoperative fluid balance (ml/kg/h) and the preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level were found to be significantly higher in IPF patients who developed PAE than in those who did not. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the intraoperative fluid balance and the preoperative CRP were prognostic factors for PAE of IPF [P = 0.026, odds ratio (OR) = 1.312 and P = 0.048, OR = 1.280, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent PAE of IPF, intraoperative management that minimizes intravenous fluid administration is essential. Moreover, caution is particularly important in patients with preoperative evidence of inflammation.

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

We report two cases of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH). Both patients presented with multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules, <10 mm diameter, on computed tomography (CT). Multiple pulmonary metastases were considered, but no primary malignant lesion was detected by other imaging modalities including (18)F-fl uorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET)/CT. Moreover, the nodules did not show increased uptake of (18)F-FDG. We performed pulmonary wedge resections by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed PEH in both. Positivity for the monoclonal antibody MIB-1 in the tumor cells was 5% in the fi rst case and 5%-10% in the second case. Slow tumor progression was detected with CT in the second case. Although (18)F-FDG PET/CT is effective for screening other malignant lesions, it does not appear to be of direct use in the diagnosis and surgical planning of PEH. Pathological diagnosis by VATS is the most effective method. MIB-1 positivity should be analyzed as to whether it is a prognostic factor of PEH.

Suppression of right ventricular hypertrophy after extensive pulmonary resection in rats by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on right ventricular hypertrophy following extensive pulmonary resection in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult rats were divided into four groups: (1) Group S (right thoracotomy only); (2) Group L (right three lobectomy); (3) Group LG10 (Group L+G-CSF [10microg/kg/d]); and (4) Group LG100 (Group L+G-CSF [100microg/kg/d]). At postoperative day 21, weight ratio of the right ventricular to the left ventricle plus septum (RV/LV+S, indicator of right ventricular hypertrophy) were measured, and a histopathological study was conducted to determine percentage wall thickness of peripheral pulmonary arteries and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index (indicator of oxidative DNA damage) of right ventricles. RESULTS: Mean RV/LV+S for Group S was 0.27+/-0.02, significantly smaller than that for the lobectomy groups (Group L, LG10, LG100; 0.47+/-0.05, 0.35+/-0.02, 0.38+/-0.05). G-CSF significantly suppressed right ventricular hypertrophy. Mean medial wall thickness of peripheral pulmonary arteries for Group S was 13.6% +/- 4.9%, significantly smaller than that for Group L (22.9% +/- 9.6%). Compared with Group L, G-CSF reduced medial wall thickness (LG10, 17.6% +/- 9.5%; LG100, 18.0% +/- 11.2%). Incidence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive nuclei for Group S was 1.07% +/- 0.49%, significantly smaller than that for Group L (13.77% +/- 5.87%). G-CSF significantly reduced the incidence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive nuclei (LG10, 4.04% +/- 2.14%; LG100, 3.18% +/- 1.66%). CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF administration not only reduce medial wall thickness of peripheral pulmonary arteries but also directly protect cardiomyocytes of the right ventricle, thus suppressing right ventricular hypertrophy. These results suggest that low-dose G-CSF administration can prevent right heart failure following extensive pulmonary resection.

Unusual back pain caused by intervertebral disc degeneration associated with schmorl node at Th11/12 in a young athlete, successfully treated by anterior interbody fusion: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report describing thoracic intervertebral disc degeneration and spondylolisthesis associated with a Schmorl node in a young athlete, which was successfully treated by anterior interbody fusion (AIF). OBJECTIVE: To describe a rare pathologic condition with a clinical outcome of a surgical intervention. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Intervertebral degeneration and spondylolisthesis of the lower thoracic spine associated with a Schmorl node in a young athlete has not been reported. METHODS: A 19-year-old male amateur soccer player presented with severe back pain during motion. This pain was associated with intervertebral disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis, and a Schmorl node at the Th11/12 level. He was surgically treated by AIF. RESULTS: The AIF resulted in a solid fusion, an improvement in sagittal alignment, and amelioration of symptoms. CONCLUSION: The AIF procedure was effective for lower thoracic symptomatic intervertebral disc degeneration and spondylolisthesis associated with a Schmorl node.

Nonfunctional mediastinal parathyroid cyst: imaging findings in two cases.

The authors describe the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of a 69-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man with a nonfunctional mediastinal parathyroid cyst. In the described cases, unenhanced CT showed homogeneous areas of water density, and unenhanced MRI showed homogeneous areas that were isointense to cerebrospinal fluid, reflecting their serous fluid contents. Both cysts were located posterior to the left lower pole of the thyroid gland with an extension to the superior mediastinum, either anterior or posterior to the left brachiocephalic vein. CT and MR imaging findings of parathyroid cysts are nonspecific, and they are often difficult to differentiate from other cystic lesions located in the lower neck or in the superior mediastinum. However, a parathyroid cyst should be considered when radiologic images demonstrate its characteristic location, posterior to the thyroid gland, with an extension to the superior mediastinum.

Histologic damage of lung allografts according to magnitude of acute rejection in the re-isotransplant model.

BACKGROUND: Graft damage due to acute rejection has been reported as one of the risk factors in the chronic stage of cardiac and renal allografts. This study was designed to elucidate the histologic changes of grafts after ongoing acute allograft rejection was discontinued in models of lung re-isotransplantation. METHODS: WKAH rat lungs were orthotopically transplanted into F344 recipients. Three days (3A group) and 5 days (5A group) after the first allotransplantation, the grafts were re-isotransplanted back into the WKAH rats (3RA and 5RA groups, respectively). Five days (5I group) after the first isotransplantation, the grafts were re-isotransplanted back into the WKAH rats (5RI group). The grafts were removed 30 and 60 days after re-isotransplantation and assessed histologically. RESULTS: Typical acute allograft rejection developed in the 3A and 5A groups, and the changes were reduced after re-isotransplantation, although they remained significantly greater in the 5RA group than in the 3RA and 5RI groups. For intimal hyperplasia, the graft score 60 days after re-isotransplantation in the 5RA group was significantly higher than in the 5RI and 3RA groups. The changes in airway inflammation were significantly greater in the 5RA group than in the 3RA and 5RI groups at 60 days. Peribronchiolar fibrosis was significantly more frequent in the 5RA and 3RA groups than in the 5RI group. CONCLUSIONS: Acute rejection and airway inflammation corresponded to the magnitude of rejection before retransplantation. Significant intimal hyperplasia developed in severe acute rejection, and peribronchiolar fibrosis occurred after the first acute rejection.

Three pulmonary resections for metastatic lung cancer from hepatocellular carcinoma.

We describe a patient who underwent pulmonary resection three times for metastatic lung cancer from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A 56-year-old man, who had a past history of right hepatic lobectomy for HCC, was referred to our department with an abnormal finding on chest computed tomography (CT). Chest CT showed three abnormal shadows, in the right upper lobe (S3b), right middle lobe (S5), and right lower lobe (S10), respectively, and there was no evidence of intrahepatic recurrence. He underwent surgical resections (right upper lobectomy and partial resections) for the metastatic lung cancer from HCC. Subsequently, 12 and 16 months after the first pulmonary resection, metastatic lung cancer recurred, in right S6 and S9, respectively. Because there was no evidence of intrahepatic recurrence and because of the feasibility of curative resection, we performed partial pulmonary resections. He had no postoperative morbidity, and is alive with no evidence of disease 60 months after the first pulmonary resection. Twelve cases of repeat pulmonary resections for metastatic lung cancer from HCC have been reported in the literature, and the authors of these reports described that repeated pulmonary resections for metastatic lung cancer from HCC resulted in long-term survival. Repeat pulmonary resections for metastatic lung cancer from HCC can be an effective treatment for patients with such metastases.