Longitudinal follow-up of cardiac vagal activity in individuals undergoing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy / Acompanhamento longitudinal da atividade vagal cardíaca de indivíduos submetidos à simpatectomia torácica endoscópica

ABSTRACT Objective: To conduct a longitudinal investigation of cardiac vagal activity (CVA) by measuring resting HR and calculating the cardiac vagal index (CVI) in individuals undergoing sympathectomy for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. Methods: This was a descriptive longitudinal study involving 22 patients, 13 of whom were female. The mean age was 22.5 ± 8.8 years. The palms, soles, and axillae were the most commonly affected sites. Resting HR was measured by an electrocardiogram performed 20 min before the 4-second exercise test (4sET), which was used in order to evaluate CVA at three different time points: before surgery, one month after surgery, and four years after surgery. Results: Resting HR (expressed as mean ± SE) was found to have decreased significantly at 1 month after surgery (73.1 ± 1.6 bpm before surgery vs. 69.7 ± 1.2 bpm at one month after surgery; p = 0.01). However, the HR values obtained at four years after surgery tended to be similar to those obtained before surgery (p = 0.31). The CVI (expressed as mean ± SE) was found to have increased significantly at one month after surgery (1.44 ± 0.04 before surgery vs. 1.53 ± 0.03 at one month after surgery; p = 0.02). However, the CVI obtained at four years after surgery tended to be similar to that obtained before surgery (p = 0.10). Conclusions: At one month after sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis, patients present with changes in resting HR and CVA, both of which tend to return to baseline at four years after surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar longitudinalmente o comportamento da atividade vagal cardíaca (AVC) por meio da FC de repouso e do índice vagal cardíaco (IVC) de indivíduos submetidos à simpatectomia para o tratamento de hiperidrose primária. Métodos: Estudo de natureza descritiva e longitudinal que avaliou 22 pacientes (13 mulheres), com média de idade de 22,5 ± 8,8 anos. Os locais mais afetados eram as mãos, pés e axilas. A FC de repouso média foi mensurada através de eletrocardiograma 20 min antes do teste de exercício de 4 segundos (T4s), que foi utilizado para a avaliação da AVC em três momentos: antes da cirurgia, um mês após a cirurgia e quatro anos após a cirurgia. Resultados: A média ± erro-padrão da FC de repouso apresentou uma redução significativa entre a avaliação pré-operatória e um mês após a cirurgia (73,1 ± 1,6 bpm vs. 69,7 ± 1,2 bpm; p = 0,01), tendendo a retornar aos valores pré-operatórios quatro anos após a cirurgia (p = 0,31). Houve um aumento significativo do IVC entre o pré-operatório e um mês após a cirurgia (1,44 ± 0,04 vs. 1,53 ± 0,03; p = 0,02), tendendo também a retornar próximo aos valores do pré-operatório após quatro anos da cirurgia (p = 0,10). Conclusões: A simpatectomia resultou em alteração na FC de repouso e na AVC um mês após a cirurgia, retornando, após quatro anos, aos valores próximos do pré-operatório.

Longitudinal follow-up of cardiac vagal activity in individuals undergoing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a longitudinal investigation of cardiac vagal activity (CVA) by measuring resting HR and calculating the cardiac vagal index (CVI) in individuals undergoing sympathectomy for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: This was a descriptive longitudinal study involving 22 patients, 13 of whom were female. The mean age was 22.5 ± 8.8 years. The palms, soles, and axillae were the most commonly affected sites. Resting HR was measured by an electrocardiogram performed 20 min before the 4-second exercise test (4sET), which was used in order to evaluate CVA at three different time points: before surgery, one month after surgery, and four years after surgery. RESULTS: Resting HR (expressed as mean ± SE) was found to have decreased significantly at 1 month after surgery (73.1 ± 1.6 bpm before surgery vs. 69.7 ± 1.2 bpm at one month after surgery; p = 0.01). However, the HR values obtained at four years after surgery tended to be similar to those obtained before surgery (p = 0.31). The CVI (expressed as mean ± SE) was found to have increased significantly at one month after surgery (1.44 ± 0.04 before surgery vs. 1.53 ± 0.03 at one month after surgery; p = 0.02). However, the CVI obtained at four years after surgery tended to be similar to that obtained before surgery (p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: At one month after sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis, patients present with changes in resting HR and CVA, both of which tend to return to baseline at four years after surgery.

Video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis: a retrospective study of 521 cases comparing different levels of ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare different levels of ablation in terms of the degree of patient satisfaction and extent of postoperative reflex sweating in sympathectomized patients. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 521 patients with primary hyperhidrosis, submitted to thoracic sympathectomy at the Monte Sinai Hospital and University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, from January of 2001 to December 2005. All patients were submitted to thermal ablation of the sympathetic stem and were divided into three groups: up to T2 (group I, n = 162); up to T3 (group II, n = 65); and up to T4 (group III, n = 294). RESULTS: Optimal postoperative control of palmar/axillary hyperhidrosis was achieved in, respectively, 94/82% of the patients of group I, 89/89% of those in group II and 80/80% of those in group III. Postoperative reflex sweating was observed in 67% of the patients in groups I and II, compared with 61.29% of those in group III. Severe reflex sweating occurred in 32% of the group I patients, 9% of the group II patients and 4% of the group III patients. CONCLUSION: Sympathectomy provided excellent patient satisfaction and a low incidence of complications. There was no significant difference between the levels of ablation in terms of reflex sweating, although the intensity of this complication decreased when lower levels of blockage, principally at the T4 level, were employed.

Pulmonary amyloidosis: radiographic finding of nodular opacities in a heavy smoker.

Pulmonary amyloidosis is a rare disease, characterized by extracellular deposition of fibrillary protein in the lungs. Amyloidosis is a generic term for a heterogeneous group of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the respiratory system, it appears in various forms: tracheobronchial; nodular pulmonary; and alveolar septal (diffuse parenchymal). We present the case of a woman who was a 20 pack-year smoker and had nodular pulmonary amyloidosis, as diagnosed through tests performed prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Simpatectomia torácica por videotoracoscopia para tratamento da hiperidrose primária: estudo retrospectivo de 521 casos comparando diferentes níveis de ablação / Video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis: a retrospective study of 521 cases comparing different levels of ablation

OBJETIVO: Comparar grau de satisfação dos pacientes simpatectomizados e presença de sudorese reflexa, de acordo com diferentes níveis de ablação. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 521 pacientes com hiperidrose primária, submetidos à simpatectomia torácica no Hospital Monte Sinai e Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJF, de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2005. Grupo I (n = 162): termoablação do tronco simpático, tendo T2 como nível mais cranial da ressecção, independentemente de outros níveis seccionados caudalmente. Grupo II (n = 65): termoablação do tronco simpático, tendo T3 como nível mais alto. Grupo III (n = 294): termoablação do tronco simpático, tendo T4 como nível mais alto. RESULTADOS: Pós-operatório ótimo no controle da hiperidrose palmar/axilar em, respectivamente, 94/82 por cento dos pacientes do grupo I, 89/89 por cento do grupo II e 80/80 por cento do grupo III. Sudorese reflexa em 67 por cento dos pacientes dos grupos I e II, caindo para 61,29 por cento no grupo III devido à maior termoablação a partir de T4. Ocorreu sudorese reflexa severa em 32 por cento dos pacientes do grupo I, 9 por cento do grupo II e 4 por cento do grupo III. CONCLUSÃO: A simpatectomia propiciou excelente grau de satisfação e baixo índice de complicações. Não houve diferença na incidência de sudorese reflexa com diferentes níveis seccionados; porém, a intensidade desta complicação se mostrou menor quando optamos por níveis de bloqueio mais baixos, principalmente T4.

OBJECTIVE: To compare different levels of ablation in terms of the degree of patient satisfaction and extent of postoperative reflex sweating in sympathectomized patients. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 521 patients with primary hyperhidrosis, submitted to thoracic sympathectomy at the Monte Sinai Hospital and University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, from January of 2001 to December 2005. All patients were submitted to thermal ablation of the sympathetic stem and were divided into three groups: up to T2 (group I, n = 162); up to T3 (group II, n = 65); and up to T4 (group III, n = 294). RESULTS: Optimal postoperative control of palmar/axillary hyperhidrosis was achieved in, respectively, 94/82 percent of the patients of group I, 89/89 percent of those in group II and 80/80 percent of those in group III. Postoperative reflex sweating was observed in 67 percent of the patients in groups I and II, compared with 61.29 percent of those in group III. Severe reflex sweating occurred in 32 percent of the group I patients, 9 percent of the group II patients and 4 percent of the group III patients. CONCLUSION: Sympathectomy provided excellent patient satisfaction and a low incidence of complications. There was no significant difference between the levels of ablation in terms of reflex sweating, although the intensity of this complication decreased when lower levels of blockage, principally at the T4 level, were employed.

Amiloidose pulmonar: relato de caso de achado radiológico da apresentação nodular em grande fumante / Pulmonary amyloidosis: radiographic finding of nodular opacities in a heavy smoker

A amiloidose pulmonar é uma doença rara, caracterizada pelo depósito extracelular de proteínas fibrilares no pulmão. Amiloidose é um termo genérico para grupos heterogêneos de doenças, incluindo doença de Alzheimer e diabetes mellitus tipo II. Apresenta-se no aparelho respiratório sob as formas traqueobrônquica, nodular pulmonar e septal alveolar (parenquimatosa difusa). Relata-se o caso de uma mulher, tabagista (20 anos/maço), portadora de amiloidose nodular pulmonar, diagnosticada através de exames pré-operatórios à realização de colecistectomia videolaparoscópica.

Pulmonary amyloidosis is a rare disease, characterized by extracellular deposition of fibrillary protein in the lungs. Amyloidosis is a generic term for a heterogeneous group of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the respiratory system, it appears in various forms: tracheobronchial; nodular pulmonary; and alveolar septal (diffuse parenchymal). We present the case of a woman who was a 20 pack-year smoker and had nodular pulmonary amyloidosis, as diagnosed through tests performed prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Embolia pulmonar por líquido amniótico: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Pulmonary amniotic fluid embolism syndrome: case report and literature review

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A embolia pulmonar por líquido amniótico é uma complicação obstétrica rara, freqüentemente fatal, de fisiopatologia ainda não totalmente esclarecida e pouco conhecida pelo intensivista e obstetra. O objetivo deste relato foi enfatizar a necessidade de conhecimento desta entidade clínica e discutir a literatura pertinente de maior relevância. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente com 15 anos, primigesta, 34 semanas de gestação, foi admitida no serviço de emergência para tratamento de início de parto prematuro. Queixava-se de tosse e dispnéia. Ao exame clínico apresentava-se taquipneica (28 irm), ausculta pulmonar normal, sem outras anormalidades. Permaneceu em observação com uso de oxigênio através de máscara facial. Houve agravamento progressivo sendo transferida para a UTI. À admissão na UTI apresentava taquipnéia (28 irm), lúcida, pressão arterial (PA) de 104 x 56 mmHg e pressão arterial média (PAM) de 65 mmHg, SpO2 de 87 por cento com fluxo de oxigênio de 5 L/min. Devido à piora progressiva da mecânica ventilatória foi realizada intubação traqueal e instituída ventilação mecânica com pressão controlada e volume garantido. Radiograma de tórax evidenciou infiltrado pulmonar extenso e bilateral. O painel de coagulação evidenciou importante alargamento do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativado de 34,7 seg na admissão para 57,4 seg, 10 horas após, com redução progressiva nos dias subsequentes. Foi submetida à cesariana na manhã seguinte. Apresentou importante hipotensão arterial no intra-operatório, apesar de utilização de cristalóides em volume aparentemente adequado, sendo iniciado administração de noradrenalina. Foi extubada no 3º dia, recebendo alta hospitalar 13 dias após a admissão, assintomática. CONCLUSÕES: A embolia por líquido amniótico é uma rara e catastrófica complicação da gestação. A síndrome se caracteriza por um quadro súbito de desconforto ventilatório, hipotensão arterial, sintomatologia neurológica e coagulopatia...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare complication of pregnancy whose physiopathology is not completely known and still not frequently remembered by intensive care physicians and obstetricians. The main aim of this case report was to emphasize the need of better knowledge of this disease by physicians. CASE REPORT: A 15 years old, primigravida, 35th week of gestation was admitted in our intensive care unit (ICU) with a sudden respiratory distress. Soon after admission she was intubated and put on mechanical ventilation. After stabilization she was transferred to the operating room and a cesarean section was undertaken. During the operation, instead of fluid reposition with crystalloids in large amounts, her hemodynamic status deteriorated and it was necessary to use vasoactive drugs. After three days on mechanical ventilation she was successfully weaned and discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) after 6 days. She and her baby were discharged from hospital on13th day of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare and catastrophic complication of pregnancy, at least in its classic presentation. It is characterized by acute respiratory distress, hemodynamic compromise and coagulopathy that occur during or within 30 min after labor. Diagnosis is by exclusion of other conditions of pregnancy or diseases that can be aggravated during pregnancy such as eclampsia, sepsis, pos-partum cardiomyopathy, anaphylaxis, pulmonary thromboembolism, transfusion reactions, anesthetic complications and mitral stenosis. There is growing evidence that we have a spectrum of manifestation which can be more common that in the classic ones. The treatment is supportive of vital functions, such as mechanical ventilation, fluid reposition, vasoactive drugs and fresh frozen plasma as necessary. The intensive care physicians and obstetricians should be aware of this disease in order to make early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

[Pulmonary amniotic fluid embolism syndrome: case report and literature review]. / Embolia pulmonar por líquido amniótico: relato de caso e revisão da literatura.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare complication of pregnancy whose physiopathology is not completely known and still not frequently remembered by intensive care physicians and obstetricians. The main aim of this case report was to emphasize the need of better knowledge of this disease by physicians. CASE REPORT: A 15 years old, primigravida, 35th week of gestation was admitted in our intensive care unit (ICU) with a sudden respiratory distress. Soon after admission she was intubated and put on mechanical ventilation. After stabilization she was transferred to the operating room and a cesarean section was undertaken. During the operation, instead of fluid reposition with crystalloids in large amounts, her hemodynamic status deteriorated and it was necessary to use vasoactive drugs. After three days on mechanical ventilation she was successfully weaned and discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) after 6 days. She and her baby were discharged from hospital on13th day of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare and catastrophic complication of pregnancy, at least in its classic presentation. It is characterized by acute respiratory distress, hemodynamic compromise and coagulopathy that occur during or within 30 min after labor. Diagnosis is by exclusion of other conditions of pregnancy or diseases that can be aggravated during pregnancy such as eclampsia, sepsis, pos-partum cardiomyopathy, anaphylaxis, pulmonary thromboembolism, transfusion reactions, anesthetic complications and mitral stenosis. There is growing evidence that we have a spectrum of manifestation which can be more common that in the classic ones. The treatment is supportive of vital functions, such as mechanical ventilation, fluid reposition, vasoactive drugs and fresh frozen plasma as necessary. The intensive care physicians and obstetricians should be aware of this disease in order to make early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Simpatectomia torácica / Thoracic sympathectomy

Os autores fazem ampla revisão da simpatectomia torácica iniciando-se com aspectos históricos relevantes, que geraram impacto na evolução cientifica da mesma, as técnicas utilizadas, as indicações atuais do método, suas complicações e resultados . Discutem-se a anatomia do tronco simpático torácico, as técnicas abertas , endoscópicas e, com o advento da microcâmera, a explosão de publicações sobre o método a partir da década de 1990, que marca o início da cirurgia torácica minimamente invasiva em nível mundial. Conclui-se que a simpatectomia torácica por vídeo deve ser considerada procedimento de escolha nas condições clínicas em que a mesma mostre evidência de eficácia como método terapêutico.

Atypical fulminant Rickettsia rickettsii infection (Brazilian spotted fever) presenting as septic shock and adult respiratory distress syndrome

Brazilian spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, has been increasingly reported in Brazil especially in the southeastern states. The severe and fulminant forms of the disease are not unusual but most of the reported fatal cases have shown some typical clinical clue, which leads the attending physician to a correct diagnosis. We report a probable case of atypical fulminant Brazilian spotted fever that presented full-blown septic shock associated with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and delayed uncharacteristic rash with an over four-fold increase in reciprocal IgM, but not IgG titer against Rickettsia rickettsii. Brazilian practitioners should be aware of the possibility of Brazilian spotted fever as a cause of fulminant primary sepsis with ARDS; improved laboratory methods are necessary for the rapid diagnosis of such cases.

Pneumomediastino espontâneo / Spontaneous pneumodiastinum

O pneumomediastino espontâneo é uma entidade clínica rara, geralmente benigna e autolimitada, acometendo, principalmente, adolescentes e adultos jovens do sexo masculino. As manifestações clínicas mais importantes incluem dor torácica, dispnéia, disfagia e enfisema subcutâneo. O tratamento conservador pode ser adotado na grande maioria dos casos, consistindo em repouso, sedação da tosse e oxigenoterapia. Os autores apresentam um caso de pneumomediastino espontâneo e discutem sua fisiopatologia, apresentação clínica, diagnóstico e tratamento.

Spontaneous pneumodiastinum is an uncommon entity, usually benign and self-limited, especially involves adolescents and young male adults. The most important presenting symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, dysphagia and subcutaneous emphysema. The conservative treatment can be institute in majority of cases, with bed rest, cough suppressants and oxygen therapy. The authors describe a case of spontaneous pneumomediastium and discuss about pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

A nova pinça aerostática: descrição e análise dos nossos resultados / A new clamp called: aerostatic, description and analysis of our resolt

Introdução: A nova Pinça Aerostática foi projetada tomando por base os modelos Satinsky e DeBakey. A Pinça Aerostática possui em sua extremidade duas barras paralelas, seus ramos são conectados através de articulação do tipo "joint-box". Objetivos do estudo: 1) Descrever a nova Pinça Aerostática; 2) Analisar as vantagens do uso da Pinça. Casuística e métodos: A Pinça Aerostática foi utilizada em 57 cirurgias, realizadas nos hospitais Universitários (HU-UFJF) e Monte Sinai de Juiz de Fora (MG), no período de dezembro de 1998 a setembro de 2001. Foram avaliados: sexo e idade dos pacientes, tipo de cirurgia, duração do ato cirúrgico, tamanho da incisão, tempo de permanência do dreno e o custo do material cirúrgico utilizado. Resultados: Foram realizadas 57 cirurgias em 54 pacientes, com idade média de 56,25 anos (6-79). Trinta e três pacientes pertenciam ao sexo masculino (61%). A Pinça foi utilizada nas seguintes cirurgias: BP=50,877%; CRVP=22,807%; RN=12,281%; BU=8,772% e CI=5,263% dos casos. O tempo médio de cirurgia foi: 73,19 min para as BP; 83 min para as RN; 114,25 min para as CRPV; 155,8 min para BU; 193,3 min para as CI. O tempo médio de drenagem intercostal foi de: 1,7 dias para as BP; 2,16 dias para as RN; 1,66 dias nas CI; 4 dias nas BU e 7,33 dias nas CRVP. Conclusão: A Pinça Aerostática permitiu: diminuição do tempo operatório, redução nos gastos operatórios, rápida retirada do dreno torácico, resultando em maior conforto para os nossos pacientes.

Introduction: The development of a clamp called Aerostatic, which was made based on the Satinsky and Debakey standars, is demonstrated. Differing from the previously-mentioned styles, the new model has two parallel bars at its extremity. Objectives of the study: The purpose of this study is: 1) to describe the new Aerostatic Pincers, comparing their characteristics to the Satinsky and DeBakey standarda; 2) to report our experience in using the Aerostatic Pincers, stating the advantages of their application in some surgeries such as lung biopses, atypical segmentectomies for the resection of lung nodules, lung reduction surgeries for the treatment of emphysema, bulectomies and, mainly, the cases in which an incomplete lung fissure was found. The importance of using the Pincers together with bovine pericardium, which could enhance suture line protection, is stressed. Material and methods: A retrospective overview of all cases of surgeries carried out with the new Pincers, between December 1998 and September 2001, was made. There were a total of 54 patients from the Monte Sinai and HU-UFJF hospitals. Results: The patients consisted of thirty three men (61%) and twenty one women (39%). Their ages ranged from 6 to 79 years (average: 56,25). The Pincers were used in lung biopsies (50,877%), atypical segmentectomies for the resection of lung nodules (12,281%), lung reduction surgeries for the treatment of emphysema (22,807%), bulectomies (8,772%) and, mainly, the cases in which an incomplete lung fissure (there cases) was found. Conclusions: The new Aerostatic Pincers could significantly reduce surgical costs. Their use could also provide aerostatic improvements to Thoracic Surgery, which maym in turn, lead to more comfort for our patients and reduce the time they need to stay in hospital.

Pneumotórax catamenial: uma revisão da literatura a respeito da etiologia, patogênese, terapêutica e relato de um caso / Catamenial pneumothorax: a literature rewiew of etiology, pathogenesis, managmenty and a case report

Introdução: O pneumotórax espontâneo catamenial é uma entidade clínica definida com a presença de ar no espaço pleural, durante as primeiras 48 a 72 horas após o início do fluxo menstrual. Ocorre, preferencialmente, no hemitórax direito, com maior incidência nas terceiras e quartas décadas de vida. Apesar de constituir uma entidade pouco conhecida pela literatura mundial, dada a raridade do quadro, acredita-se que possa estar relacionado à existência de pertuitos diafragmáticos associado ou não à presença de implantes de células endometriais na cavidade torácica. Objetivos: Fazer a revisão da literatura e relatar um caso de pneumotórax catamenial. Material e métodos: Apresentamos um caso de paciente de 28 anos, sexo feminino, admitida no Hospital Monte Sinai com quadro de dispnéia de instalação súbita, tosse persistente e dor no hemitórax direito do tipo pleurítica, irradiada para a região escapular homolateral. Era a quinta vez que apresentava essa sintomatologia. A radiografia do tórax foi realizada com objetivo de se confirmar a presença de pneumotórax. Posteriormente, a paciente foi submetida a videopleuroscopia, com inventário minuncioso do espaço pleural, incluindo a visualização do diafragma e de toda a pleura. Resultados: À videopleuroscopia detectaram-se vários pertuitos diafragmáticos. Enviado material para estudo anatomopatológico, pudemos descartar endometriose pleural. A terapêutica consistiu em pleurectomia, com o objetivo de prevenir novos episódios. Conclusão: Em função da raridade do caso, o pneumotórax catamenial tem seu diagnóstico após vários episódios. Nesse caso específico, o achado de orifícios diafragmáticos permitiu optar pelo tratamento cirúrgico. A paciente encontra-se assintomática.

Introduction: Catamenial pneumothorax is characterized by recurrent accumulation of air in the thoracic space appeared within 48 to 72 hours from the menstrual flow. In most cases, catamenial pneumothorax is right-sided, and most of the affected women are in the third to fourth decades of life. Although it is a rare entity of unknown etiology, there are some possible cause for pnemothorax catamenial have been proposed: 1) rupture of pulmonary bleb; 2) diaphragmatic fenestration; 3) thoracic endometriosis. Objectives: 1) To make a review of the literature about pneumothorax catamenial. 2) To present a case of pneumothorax catamenial caused by diaphragmatic fenestration. Methods: A 28-year-old woman suffered 5 episodes of right-sided pneumothorax, which appeared during menstruation. She had undergone thoracic radiography to confirm the diagnosis. Then she had undergone video-assisted thoracoscopy, with histological examination of diaphragm specimen. Results: We identified diaphragm defects of different extension. Endometriosis could not be found. The patient undergone pleurectomy to prevent further occurrences. Conclusion: Because of its rarity, the diagnosis of catamenial pneumothorax could be difficult. In this present case the patient is assymptomatic before thoracocirurgical intervention, without using anovulatory therapy.

Toracotomia posterior com preservação muscular: estudo de 106 casos operados / Muscle-sparing posterior thoracotomy: a report of 106 surgeries

Introdução: O aprimoramento das técnicas operatórias fundamenta-se na busca de procedimentos cirúrgicos eficazes e menos invasivos para o diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças. Há uma crescente preocupação, entre os cirurgiões torácicos, em se realizar toracotomias menores e com preservação muscular, pois já se sabe que estas incisões são mais benéficas para os pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi portanto, avaliar a possibilidade de se realizar as principais e mais frequentes operações sobre o toráx, por meio de uma toracotomia posterior com preservação dos músculos da parede torácica. Método: Entre Dezembro de 1995 e Dezembro de 1998 foram operados por esta via de acesso 102 pacientes, sendo realizado um total de 106 toracotomias. As operações foram lobectomia e/ou segmentectomia (40,5%), pneumonectomia (19%), bulectomia com pleurectomia (8,5), resseção pulmonar em cunha (8,5%), toracotomia exploradora (6,6%), resseção de tumores de mediastino (5,7%), decorticação pulmonar (4,7%), resseção de metástase pulmonar (3,7%), ligadura do ducto torácico (1,9%) e sutura do esôfago com mioplastia (0,9%). Resultados: A toracotomia com preservação muscular permitiu atingir a cavidade pleural e realizar as operações programadas em 95,3% dos casos. Conclusão: Foi possível realizar as operações programadas, pela via de acesso em estudo na grande maioria dos pacientes (95,3%). Quando necessário, pode-se ampliar de forma rápida a incisão, podendo inclusive transformá-la em uma toracotomia póstero-lateral clássica.

Introduction: The search for efficient and less invasive surgical procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases has been a constant quest. There is a growing worry thoracic surgeons concerning smaller and muscle-sparing thoracotomies since it is know that these incisions benefit patients more. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of doing the major and more frequent thoracic surgeries by means of muscle-sparing posterior thoracotomy. Methods: Between December 1995 and December 1998 102 patients were surgically treated by this means, in a total of 106 thoracotomies. The surgeries were lobectomy and/or segmentectomy (40,5%), pneumectomy (19%), bullectomy with pleurectomy ((8,5%), wedge pulmonary resection (8,5%), exploratory thoracotomy (6,6%), mediastinal tumor resection (5,7%), pulmonary decortification (4,7%), pulmonary metastasis resection (3,7%), thoracic ductus ligation (1,9%), and esophageal suture with mioplasty (0,9%). Results: Muscle-sparing posterior thoracotomy allowed access to the pleural cavity and the perfomance of the programmed surgery in 95,3% of the cases. Conclusion: It was possible to perfom the programmed surgeries by the route in study, in the majority of the patients (95,3%). When deemed necessary, it was possible to widen the incision quickly, changing it to the classical poster lateral thotacotomy.

Broncoscopia: artigo de revisäo / Broncoscopy: review article

O presente artigo apresenta o estudo de 847 exames broncoscópicos (326 rígidas e 512 flexíveis) realizados no Hospital Bom Pastor S/A Juiz de Fora M.G. no período entre janeiro de 1983 a abril de 1991. Destacamos o valor da broncoscopia nas supuraçöes pulmonares (bronquiectasias, abcessos pulmonares e bronquite crônica), aspiraçäo em CTI, corpo estranho brônquico, e, principalmente, na neoplasia pulmonar maligna onde a acuidade diagnóstica foi de 80 por cento, com classificaçäo histológica em torno de 70 por cento dos casos; destacamos também o seu valor diagnóstico no paciente imunodeprimido.