Effective strategy in the treatment of aortobronchial fistula with recurrent hemoptysis / 영남의대학술지

Aortobronchial fistula (ABF) involves the formation of an abnormal connection between the thoracic aorta and the central airways or the pulmonary parenchyma and is associated with an increased risk of mortality. An ABF typically manifests clinically with symptoms of hemoptysis, and currently, there is a lack of defined guidelines for its treatment. Here, we report the cases of two patients who suffered from recurrent hemoptysis due to ABF with pseudoaneurysm. We propose that removal of the aorta with concomitant lung resection and coverage of the aorta using the pericardial membrane is a definite treatment to lower recurrence of ABF and persistent infection.

Absence of Clinical Value of TZAP Mutation and Expression in Non-small Cell Lung Cancers / 계명의대학술지

The zinc finger protein ZBTB48 is a telomere-associated factor and renamed it as telomeric zinc finger-associated protein (TZAP). It binds preferentially to long telomeres competing with TRF1 and TRF2. However, its mutation in cancers has not been studied. In the present study, we analyzed TZAP mutation in 134 non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). And its big data analysis was performed using COSMIC and TCGA data analysis. TZAP mutation was not found in 134 NSCLCs. And big data also showed that TZAP mutation was extremely low (0.59%, 15/2548). TCGA survival analysis showed no prognostic value of TZAP expression in lung adenocarcinoma (p = 0.185) and squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.817). When stratified patients sorting as 25:25 (quarter), it has a significance (p = 0.003). This result suggested that genetic change of TZAP did not appear to be a possible molecular marker in lung cancer.

Successful Treatment Using Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy after Failure of Primary Closure in Boerhaave Syndrome / 대한소화기학회지

Boerhaave syndrome is a transmural perforation of the esophagus and typically occurs after forceful emesis. Boerhaave syndrome is a destructive disease with a high mortality rate, though surgical intervention within 24 hours has a beneficial effect. On the other hand, late surgical intervention is associated with poorer prognoses. Several therapeutic strategies, ranging from medical to surgical management, are available for Boerhaave syndrome. Recently, endoscopic endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) was introduced as a treatment option. Here, we report the case of a 56-year-old male patient with Boerhaave syndrome who was successfully treated by EVT after primary closure failure. The patient recovered without complication.

An Unexpected Adverse Event during Colonoscopy Screening: Bochdalek Hernia / 대한소화기학회지

Bochdalek hernia (BH) is defined as herniated abdominal contents appearing throughout the posterolateral segment of the diaphragm. It is usually observed during the prenatal or newborn period. Here, we report a case of an adult patient with herniated omentum and colon due to BH that was discovered during a colonoscopy. A 41-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with severe left chest and abdominal pain that began during a colonoscopy. Her chest radiography showed colonic shadow filling in the lower half of the left thoracic cavity. A computed tomography scan revealed an approximately 6-cm-sized left posterolateral diaphragmatic defect and a herniated omentum in the colon. The patient underwent thoracoscopic surgery, during which, the diaphragmatic defect was closed and herniated omentum was repaired. The patient was discharged without further complications. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report of BH in an adult found during a routine colonoscopy screening.

Endovascular Salvage for Traumatic Midthoracic Aortic Rupture with Left Diaphragmatic Injury

Patients with traumatic aortic rupture rarely reach the hospital alive. Even among those who arrive at the hospital alive, traumatic aortic rupture after high-speed motor vehicle accidents leads to a high in-hospital mortality rate and is associated with other major injuries. Here, we report a rare case of descending midthoracic aortic rupture with blunt diaphragmatic rupture. Successful management with emergency laparotomy after an immediate endovascular procedure resulted in a favorable prognosis in this case.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Single-Port versus Conventional Three-Port Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

BACKGROUND: The benefits of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) have been demonstrated over the past decades; as a result, VATS has become the gold-standard treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). Due to improvements in surgical technique and equipment, single-port VATS (s-VATS) is emerging as an alternative approach to conventional three-port VATS (t-VATS). The aim of this study was to evaluate s-VATS as a treatment for PSP by comparing operative outcomes and recurrence rates for s-VATS versus t-VATS. METHODS: Between March 2013 and December 2015, VATS for PSP was performed in 146 patients in Kyungpook National University Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of these patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 13.4±6.5 months in the s-VATS group and 28.7±3.9 months in the t-VATS group. Operative time (p<0.001), the number of staples used for the operation (p=0.001), duration of drainage (p=0.001), and duration of the postoperative stay (p<0.001) were significantly lower in the s-VATS group than in the t-VATS group. There was no difference in the overall recurrence-free survival rate between the s-VATS and t-VATS groups. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in operative outcomes and recurrence rates were found between s-VATS and t-VATS for PSP. Therefore, we cautiously suggest that s-VATS may be an appropriate alternative to t-VATS in the treatment of PSP.

Surgical Treatment of Extensive Tumoral Calcinosis Associated with Systemic Sclerosis

Extensive tumoral calcinosis affecting a large joint is uncommon in patients with systemic sclerosis. We report the case of a 52-year-old female patient referred for a growing calcified mass in the shoulder. She was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and progressive systemic sclerosis. Although the pain and disability associated with the affected joint was not severe, the patient underwent surgical excision because the mass continued to grow and was likely to produce shoulder dysfunction and skin ulceration. The patient appeared well 10 months after surgery with no signs of recurrence. This report highlights the timing and indication of surgical excision in similar cases.

First Rib Resection Using Infraclavicular Approach for Treatment of Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / 계명의대학술지

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition related to compression of neurovascular structures within the thoracic outlet. Several surgical approaches are used to treat TOS, and the selection of the approach depends on the type of TOS. Our patient was diagnosed with vascular TOS and resection of the first rib was performed using the infraclavicular approach. The patient did not experience any perioperative complications, and there was no sign of recurrence at the 1-year follow-up. The infraclavicular approach is a suitable method for first rib resection in patients with vascular TOS.

A Surgical Resection of Giant Schwannoma in the Brachial lexus / 계명의대학술지

Schwannomas of the brachial plexus are rare. Although the tumor size is small, neurological symptoms occur due to the mass effect of the tumor within the brachial plexus. In our case, the patient did not recognize the symptoms until the tumor diameter increased to 10 cm because the mass was located at the inferior border of the brachial plexus and had grown up to the chest wall. The mass was identified at the medial cord of the right brachial plexus arising from the C8 and T1 origin. A complete excision was performed. The patient recovered without any neurologic symptoms.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum with Concurrent Pneumorrhachis

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a very uncommon entity that is defined as the presence of free air in the mediastinum without an obvious etiology. The presence of air in the spinal canal, known as concurrent pneumorrhachis, is an extremely rare epiphenomenon of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. We report a rare case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumorrhachis associated with influenza. The patient was diagnosed without invasive procedures, was managed with supportive treatment, and recovered without any complications.

Operative Management in a Patient with Scapulothoracic Bursitis

Scapulothoracic bursitis, an uncommon lesion, has been reported to be a painful disorder of scapulothoracic articulation. The articulation may become inflamed secondary to trauma when overused because of sports or work that requires repetitive or constant movement of the scapula against the posterior chest wall. The bursitis usually appears as a growing mass at the scapulothoracic interface and is often confused with a soft tissue tumor. We report on a patient with scapulothoracic bursitis who underwent surgical excision.

Long Term Survival of Patients with Unsuspected N2 Disease in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the survival rate of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were preoperatively diagnosed with a negative N2 lymph node, but postoperatively confirmed as a positive N2 node based on a pathological evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hospital records of 248 patients from 1994 to 2009 with resected primary NSCLC who were preoperatively diagnosed with negative N2 lymph node, were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, after surgery, there were 148 (59.7%) patients with pathological N0, 54 (21.8%) with pathological N1 and 46 (18.5%) with pathological N2. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 24 months (range, 1 to 132 months). The 5-year disease free survival rates were 60% in pN0, 44% in pN1, and 29% in pN2. The 5-year overall survival rates were 63.1% in pN0, 51.9% in pN1, and 33.5% in pN2. There were no statistically significant differences between pN1 and pN2 (p=0.326 and p=0.106, respectively). Thirty-three (71.7%) of the 46 pN2 patients had single-zone metastasis, and 13 patients (28.3%) had multiple-zone metastases over the two nodal zone metastasis. There were no statistical differences in the 5-year disease free survival rate and the 5-year overall survival rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The 5-year disease free survival and the overall survival rate of the patients with unsuspected N2 disease were statistically similar with that of the patients with pathological N1 disease. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients with a single-zone metastasis and a multiple zone metastasis.

Leiomyosarcoma of the Posterior Mediastinum Extending into the Adjacent Spinal Canal

Leiomyosarcoma of the mediastinum and primary leiomyosarcoma of the spine are exceedingly rare. In most cases, spinal leiomyosarcoma is metastatic. In this report, we describe the case of a 58-year-old man who presented with a large leiomyosarcoma of the posterior mediastinum that extended into the adjacent spinal canal. The tumor was completely resected from the mediastinum, but only subtotally removed from the spinal canal because the spinal mass had tightly invaded the spinal cord. Because the patient's postoperative condition was poor, no adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy was administered. He expired 3 months after the surgery due to relapse; the spinal and mediastinal tumor remained at the preoperative size.

Bronchogenic Cyst of the Right Hemidiaphragm Presenting with Pleural Effusion

Bronchogenic cysts are developmental foregut anomalies usually located within the mediastinum or lung parenchyma. An isolated bronchogenic cyst of the diaphragm is very rare. Our case was a 56-year-old female patient who presented with pleuritic chest pain in her right chest. Chest and abdominal computed tomography revealed a large lobulated cystic mass that was accompanied with pleural effusion in the right lower hemithorax. The tumor showed focally calcified areas in the wall and abutted against the diaphragm. We performed complete excision of the cyst including a portion of the diaphragm attached to it. The pathological diagnosis was established as the bronchogenic cyst originating from the diaphragm. We report this case with a review of the literature.

Clinical Characteristics and Management of Intrathoracic Bronchogenic Cysts: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and management of intrathoracic bronchogenic cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four (n=24) patients with intrathoracic bronchogenic cysts were treated surgically between August 1990 and December 2009 at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups by bronchogenic cyst location: mediastinal or intrapulmonary. Symptoms at diagnosis, radiologic findings, locations, surgical methods, pathological findings, and surgical outcomes were investigated retrospectively from consecutive patient medical records. RESULTS: There were 12 females (50.0%). The mean age was 26.8 (range, 5 to 64) years. The mean follow-up period was 27.3 (range, 1 to 121) months. There were 15 (62.5%) mediastinal and 9 (37.5%) intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts. Symptoms occurred in 8 patients with mediastinal bronchogenic cysts (53.3%) and 5 patients with intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts (55.6%) (p=1.000). On computed tomography (CT), 7 patients (46.7%) showed homogenous solid masses in mediastinal bronchogenic cysts and five (55.6%) patients exhibited heterogeneous cystic masses with air-fluid levels in intrapulmonary bronchogenic cystic masses. Open thoracotomy was performed in 17 (70.8%) patients, and video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed in 7 (29.2%) patients. On pathological findings, there were 16 (66.7%) complicated cysts, and in 13 symptomatic patients, 11 (84.6%) patients had complicated cysts. There was no operative death in this study. During the follow-up period, no recurrence was detected. CONCLUSION: Intrathoracic bronchogenic cysts have a wide variety of clinical characteristics and radiologic findings. Even though some patients do not experience symptoms and signs caused by bronchogenic cysts, serious symptoms and complications may develop with the passage of time.

Clinical Characteristics and Management of Intrathoracic Bronchogenic Cysts: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and management of intrathoracic bronchogenic cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four (n=24) patients with intrathoracic bronchogenic cysts were treated surgically between August 1990 and December 2009 at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups by bronchogenic cyst location: mediastinal or intrapulmonary. Symptoms at diagnosis, radiologic findings, locations, surgical methods, pathological findings, and surgical outcomes were investigated retrospectively from consecutive patient medical records. RESULTS: There were 12 females (50.0%). The mean age was 26.8 (range, 5 to 64) years. The mean follow-up period was 27.3 (range, 1 to 121) months. There were 15 (62.5%) mediastinal and 9 (37.5%) intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts. Symptoms occurred in 8 patients with mediastinal bronchogenic cysts (53.3%) and 5 patients with intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts (55.6%) (p=1.000). On computed tomography (CT), 7 patients (46.7%) showed homogenous solid masses in mediastinal bronchogenic cysts and five (55.6%) patients exhibited heterogeneous cystic masses with air-fluid levels in intrapulmonary bronchogenic cystic masses. Open thoracotomy was performed in 17 (70.8%) patients, and video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed in 7 (29.2%) patients. On pathological findings, there were 16 (66.7%) complicated cysts, and in 13 symptomatic patients, 11 (84.6%) patients had complicated cysts. There was no operative death in this study. During the follow-up period, no recurrence was detected. CONCLUSION: Intrathoracic bronchogenic cysts have a wide variety of clinical characteristics and radiologic findings. Even though some patients do not experience symptoms and signs caused by bronchogenic cysts, serious symptoms and complications may develop with the passage of time.

Azygos Vein Aneurysm: A Case for Elective Resection by Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery

An azygos vein aneurysm is a very rare cause of a posterior mediastinal mass. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, no treatment is usually required. However, the aneurysm can thrombose, and this may lead pulmonary thromboembolism, or the aneurysm may rupture. In these instances, the excision of the mass is recommended. Video-assisted thoracic surgery techniques have considerably improved. If it is necessary to remove the aneurysm, video-assisted thoracic surgery may be a good option for surgical treatment. We report a case of an aneurysm of the azygos arch that was successfully resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Azygos Vein Aneurysm: A Case for Elective Resection by Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery

An azygos vein aneurysm is a very rare cause of a posterior mediastinal mass. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, no treatment is usually required. However, the aneurysm can thrombose, and this may lead pulmonary thromboembolism, or the aneurysm may rupture. In these instances, the excision of the mass is recommended. Video-assisted thoracic surgery techniques have considerably improved. If it is necessary to remove the aneurysm, video-assisted thoracic surgery may be a good option for surgical treatment. We report a case of an aneurysm of the azygos arch that was successfully resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Efficacy of 2 mm Videothoracoscopic Examination and Application of Fibrin Glue in Bullectomy of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The treatment strategy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax has progressively changed with the introduction of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Recently, we modified the strategy of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. If the patient had mild dyspnea and the lung was minimally collapsed, 2 mm thoracoscopic examination was performed. If no bleb or bullae was inspected, the intrathoracic air was evacuated through the 2 mm thoracoscopic troca without closed thoracostomy. and if the bleb and bullae was noted, the 10 mm thoracoscopic bullecotomy was carried out immediately and also application of fibrin glue was substituted for pleural abrasion. We compared the clinical outcomes of modified treatment strategy with conventional strategy in primary spontaneous pneumothorax. MATERIAL ANDMETHOD: Patients were divided into four groups. Group I (n=21) underwenet 2 mm thoracoscopic examination. Group II (n=68) underwent closed thoracostomy. Group III (n=56) underwent VATS and application of fibrin glue. Group IV (n=87) underwent VATS and pleural abrasion. The duration of chest tube drainage, the duration of hospitalization and the recurrence rate were compared between group I and group II and between group III and group IV. RESULT: Mean age, sex, location of pneumothorax were not different in all groups. In group I, the bleb or bullae were existed in 12 patients. In remaining 9 patients, the bleb or bullae was not inspected. The mean duration of hospitalization in 9 patients were 2.1+/-1.0 day and in group II were 3.9+/-2.1 day (p=0.014). There was 1 case of recurrence among the 9 patients in group I and 26 recurrences in group II (p=0.149). The mean duration of chest tube drainage were not difference in group III and IV (group III: 2.8+/-1.8 day, group IV: 3.0+/-2.5 day). The mean duration of hospitalization was shorter in group III than group IV (group III: 5.6+/-2.7 day, group IV: 7.3+/-3.3 day)(p=0.002). There was no recurrence in group III and 7 recurrences in group IV (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Our modified treatmen strategy of primary spnontaneuous peumothorax was effective in short hospital course and low recurrence rate.

Comparison of Myocardial Protective Effect between the Cold Blood Cardioplegia and Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Solution / 대한흉부외과학회지

Background: Blood cardioplegia is known as an established cardioplegic solution during open heart surgery. Recently, the Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution has been introduced as a cardioplegia in Korea. This study was designed to compare the myocardial protective effect between the cold blood cardioplegia (CBC) and HTK solution. Material and Method: Forty patients who underwent valve surgery or coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly divided into CBC group (n=20) and HTK group (n=20). The perioperative hemodynamic and clinical data were analyzed. The concentration of CK-MB, Troponin I and Lactate from coronary sinus and radial arterial blood were compared for the evaluation of the myocardial damage. The postoperative serial CK-MB levels were measured. Result: The characteristics of preoperative patients were similar in two groups. The hemodynamic parameters and postoperative clinical data were also similar between the two groups. There were no statistical significances between the CBC and HTK group in the difference of biochemical markers: delta CK-MB (15.3+/-26.0 vs 19.3+/-14.3), delta Tro-I (2.4+/-4.9 vs 2.0+/-2.20), delta Lac (1.6+/-1.0 vs 1.9+/-2.5). The serial CK-MB levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: These results suggested that the myocardial protective effect of HTK solution was similar to cold blood cardioplegia during open heart surgery.