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Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare neoplasms arising from mesenchymal cells. Although most SFTs are benign, rare cases of metastasis have been reported at various sites. Complete surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for both primary and recurrent or metastatic SFTs. Herein, we present a case of an SFT initially identified in the anterior mediastinum that later developed multiple metastases, even to the thyroid gland. The patient underwent repeated surgical resection and is currently being followed up in an outpatient setting.
RESUMO
Background: Delirium is a recognized neurological complication following cardiac surgery and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including elevated mortality and prolonged hospitalization. While several clinical risk factors for post-cardiac surgery delirium have been identified, the pathophysiology related to the immune response remains unexamined. This study was conducted to investigate the immunological factors contributing to delirium in patients after thoracic aortic surgery. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 43 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic aortic surgery between July 2017 and June 2018. These patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with delirium and those without it. All clinical characteristics were compared between groups. Blood samples were collected and tested on the day of admission, as well as on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 30. Levels of helper T cells (CD4), cytotoxic T cells (CD8), B cells (CD19), natural killer cells (CD56+CD16++), and monocytes (CD14+CD16-) were measured using flow cytometry. Results: The median patient age was 71 years (interquartile range, 56.7 to 79.0 years), and 21 of the patients (48.8%) were male. Preoperatively, most immune cell counts did not differ significantly between groups. However, the patients with delirium exhibited significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) than those without delirium (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that lower TNF-α levels were associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium (p<0.05). Conclusion: Postoperative delirium may be linked to perioperative changes in immune cells and preoperative cytokine levels. Additional research is required to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying delirium.
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Thymomas are common anterior mediastinal tumors with a relatively favorable prognosis compared to that of other types of thoracic malignancies. However, thymomas that invade surrounding structures, such as the heart or vena cava, have been infrequently reported, and intracardiac thymomas are exceedingly rare. Treatment of invasive thymoma is difficult because the high rate of incomplete resection results in a high rate of recurrence. Herein, we present a rare case of a thymoma that originated in the right atrium and extended into the superior vena cava and brachiocephalic vein.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Traumatic tracheal injury is a rare type of trauma. In this type of injury, catastrophes may occur owing to a failure to secure the patient's airway. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is rescue therapy available for the treatment of urgent cardiorespiratory distress until the patient's vital signs have stabilized. The various applications of ECMO configurations have expanded the scope for this therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 66-year-old man with tracheal rupture with thyroid cartilage fracture due to cultivator handle who was treated with veno-venous ECMO. This case reflects the role and limitations of veno-venous ECMO, in which patient survival was possible with a bi-femoral configuration while also ensuring a clear airway. CONCLUSION: We shared our experience with bi-femoral veno-venous ECMO as a therapeutic option to contribute to choosing an appropriate approach. Based on our review of the literature, the present case was an uncommon report of survival after tracheal rupture due to trauma without other complications.
