A rare case of gradual enlargement of a multifocal myelolipoma of the posterior mediastinum for 12 years after surgical resection of an adrenal myelolipoma.

INTRODUCTION: A myelolipoma is a rare benign tumor that is composed of adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements. Myelolipomas most commonly occur in the unilateral adrenal gland. Posterior mediastinal myelolipomas are extremely rare. We herein present a rare case of a multifocal myelolipoma of the mediastinum that gradually enlarged over a 12-year period after surgical resection of an adrenal myelolipoma. This is the first report of multifocal myelolipomas of the posterior mediastinum and adrenal gland. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A posterior mediastinal tumor was incidentally found by chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) examination of a 74-year-old woman. The patient had a medical history of resection of a myelolipoma of the left adrenal gland 12 years earlier. We performed tumor extirpation under video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). The size of the tumor was 4.5 cm, and the postoperative diagnosis was a myelolipoma. DISCUSSION: Posterior mediastinal myelolipomas are extremely rare, and only 39 cases of mediastinal myelolipoma have been reported to date. No reports have described a multifocal myelipoma of mediastinal myelolipoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of multifocal myelipomas of the adrenal gland and posterior mediastinum. CONCLUSION: A differential diagnosis of myelolipoma of the posterior mediastinum is important in patients with a history of myelolipoma of the adrenal gland.

A rare case of an intercostal lung herniation with fractures of the fifth and sixth ribs after thoracic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Lung herniation is a rare condition defined as a protrusion of the pleural-covered lung parenchyma through an abnormal defect or weakness in the thoracic wall. Postoperative lung herniation is reported to result from a preceding operation with inadequate closure of the chest wall. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 77-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for treatment of hemoptysis and nausea. One year previously, she had undergone wedge resection of the right lower lobe (S6) for treatment of primary lung adenocarcinoma. Upon admission, chest radiograph and chest computed tomography showed a right lung herniation through the fifth enlarged intercostal space with right fifth and sixth rib fractures. She underwent surgical closure of the intercostal hernia using synthetic materials with fixation of the fifth and sixth ribs. The patient had developed no recurrence 9 months after surgical repair. DISCUSSION: In the present case, adequate closure of the right pleural cavity was ensured by fixation of both fifth and sixth ribs during the preceding video-assisted thoracic surgery for the primary lung carcinoma. Our patient may have had some exacerbation factors for lung herniation, increased intrathoracic pressure, attenuation of chest wall by prolonged coughing and rib fracture, and high abdominal pressure due to her hunched-over posture. CONCLUDION: It is important to know some exacerbation factors for postoperative intercostal lung herniation. Addition of monofirament-suture fixation of the ribs to patch repair is very effective for lung herniation repair in patients with concurrent lung herniation and rib fractures.

[Pneumonia and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Due to Group A Streptococci: A Case Report].

A 71-year-old woman who was undergoing immunosuppressive therapy presented with a 7-day history of productive cough and 2-day history of fever. She was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and septic shock. Meropenem, azithromycin, large amounts of fluids, and noradrenaline were administered, and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy was provided. The gross appearance of the aspirated sputum was ginger-like, and the gram-positive cocci in chains were identified as group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS), Streptococcus pyogenes. The blood sample culture test revealed negative results. Based on Stevens' criteria, the patient was finally diagnosed as having streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Antibiotics were switched to ampicillin/sulbactam and clindamycin as an antitoxin treatment, and the patient was discharged on day 33. Serotypes of GAS were T1, M1, and emm1. Superantigens spe A, spe B, and spe F were present, and spe C was absent. These observations were compatible with the clinical features of hypotension. GAS is an uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia, which when potentially complicated with STSS can lead to a high mortality rate, and the rapid progression is particularly a striking feature. We should be aware that GAS can cause pneumonia, and antitoxin treatment can play a key role in STSS management.