Huge Pseudoaneurysm of Popliteal Artery Following Conservative Treatment of a Distal Femur Fracture: A Case Report

A pseudoaneurysm is a contained arterial disruption in the intimal and medial layers of an arterial wall. It may originate from a perforation caused by traumatic or iatrogenic injury or the dehiscence of a surgical anastomosis. Because of its insidious onset and delayed presentation, orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the possibility of such a lesion after an initial trauma. We report on a case of a delayed huge pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery that occurred 11 months after conservative treatment of a supracondylar fracture of the femur in order to keep in mind the possibility of the delayed presentation of vascular injury after a distal femur fracture.

Essential Thrombocytosis-Associated Thromboembolism in the Abdominal Aorta

Essential thrombocytosis (ET) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an anomalous increase in platelet production. Many patients with ET are asymptomatic. Few studies have reported ET-associated thromboembolism in large vessels such as the aorta. We report a patient with ET who presented with peripheral embolism from an abdominal aortic thrombus and developed acute limb ischemia. The patient underwent aortic replacement successfully. The patient’s platelet count was controlled with hydroxyurea, and no recurrence was noted over 2 years of follow-up.

Traumatic Right Diaphragmatic Rupture Combined with Avulsion of the Right Kidney and Herniation of the Liver into the Thorax

Right-sided diaphragmatic rupture is less common and more difficult to diagnose than left-sided lesion. It is rarely combined with the herniation of the abdominal organs into the thorax. High level of suspicion is the key to early diagnosis, and a delay in diagnosis is implicated with a considerable risk of mortality and morbidity. We experienced a case of right-sided diaphragmatic rupture combined with complete avulsion of the right kidney and herniation of the liver into the thoracic cavity.

Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava Injury by Gunshot: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Injury to the inferior vena cava (IVC) is associated with a high mortality rate, and little progress has been made for improving the treatment for this since the 1970s. Injury to the retrohepatic IVC, in particular, has been associated with up to a 75% mortality rate due to the difficulty in gaining adequate exposure and controlling the bleeding. Both the severity of injury and anatomic accessibility has been directly correlated with survival in IVC injury. We have experienced a patient with retrohepatic IVC that was ruptured by a penetrating gunshot injury and we managed to save this patient's life.

Dysfunction of the Prosthetic Aortic Valve in Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome is a rare systemic, leukoproliferative disorder characterized by eosinophil- mediated tissue injury causing multiple organ failure, including the heart. Cardiac involvement occurs in more than 75% of patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome. Cardiac manifestations include subendocardial fibrosis, thrombus leading to peripheral emboli, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and valvular dysfunction. It is more common in men than in women (9:1), and trends to present between the ages of 20 and 50 years. Presentation in childhood is unusual. We report for the first time a case of a 58-year-old man with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome manifested by prosthetic aortic valve dysfunction that was successfully treated by steroid and hydroxyurea therapy after surgical valvular replacement.

Bilateral Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome / 대한흉부외과학회지

Bilateral popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a rare vascular disease, which leads to ischemic claudication as a result of disturbance to the blood flow from the abnormal relationship of the popliteal artery to the gastrocnemius muscle, a fibrous band or the popliteus muscle in the young male population. A 58-years-old male patient, complaining of ischemic claudication, coldness and 3rd toe gangrene of left leg of 1 month's duration was admitted to our institution. His left ankle-brachial index was decreased; therefore, a femoral artery angiography was performed, which revealed a total occlusion below the distal superficial femoral artery of the left leg. An EKG revealed atrial fibrillation, suggestive of a thromboembolism of the popliteal artery due to atrial fibrillation; therefore, Urokinase thrombolysis was attempted. After the Urokinase thrombolysis, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome was diagnosed, with MRI then performed for an anatomical diagnosis. The popliteal artery entrapment was type I, where the popliteal artery was displaced medial to the Gastrocnemius head. After complete removal of the popliteal artery aneurysm, interposition was performed with a contra lateral greater saphenous vein graft. A mild right popliteal artery aneurysm still remained, but surgery was not performed. Currently, the patent is surviving, without complications. Herein, the good results obtained for the surgical treatment of a severely affected leg, and the conservative treatment of a mildly affected leg, are reported.

Primary Pericardial Fibrosarcoma Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Primary malignant neoplasm of the pericardium is very rare. Neoplastic involvement of the pericardium may result in rapidly developing hemorrhagic effusion. A 30-year-old male who occasionally suffered from chest tightness was referred to our hospital under the diagnosis of unstable angina. He presented with acute chest pain and severe dyspnea that had developed one day previously. The diagnostic investigations such as echocardiography, chest CT and magnetic resonance image suggested cardiac tamponade that was caused by rupture of the pericardial teratoma. An operation to remove the tumor and effusion was performed. The pericardial mass was completely excised, and the result of the frozen biopsy favored malignancy. The final pathologic report was malignant fibrosarcoma of the pericardium and no malignant cells were found on the cytology of the pericardial effusion. The patient had a smooth postoperative course and was referred to another hospital for additional radiation therapy. We report here on this case of cardiac tamponade that was caused by primary pericardial fibrosarcoma, and this required urgent diagnosis and surgical management.

A Communicating Bronchopulmonary Foregut Malformation Associated with Absence of the Left Pericardium: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) is a rare congenital anomaly that is characterized by a fistula between isolated respiratory tissue and the esophagus or stomach. The presence of accessory lung tissue arising from the primitive gastrointestinal tube is a common factor in the development of all forms of bronchopulmonary foregut malformations. Recurrent pneumonia associated with cystic radiographic structures is a characteristic of the condition. Further imaging studies using esophagogram, bronchography, computerized tomography, MRI, and arteriography can help in making a diagnostic evaluation. The treatment is a surgical resection of the involved lung tissue, and fistula closure with a good prognosis. We encountered a case of CBPFM, who presented with an extralobar pulmonary sequestration and bronchogenic cyst communicating with a tubular esophageal duplication that was associated with a complete left pericardial defect.

A Communicating Bronchopulmonary Foregut Malformation Associated with Absence of the Left Pericardium: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) is a rare congenital anomaly that is characterized by a fistula between isolated respiratory tissue and the esophagus or stomach. The presence of accessory lung tissue arising from the primitive gastrointestinal tube is a common factor in the development of all forms of bronchopulmonary foregut malformations. Recurrent pneumonia associated with cystic radiographic structures is a characteristic of the condition. Further imaging studies using esophagogram, bronchography, computerized tomography, MRI, and arteriography can help in making a diagnostic evaluation. The treatment is a surgical resection of the involved lung tissue, and fistula closure with a good prognosis. We encountered a case of CBPFM, who presented with an extralobar pulmonary sequestration and bronchogenic cyst communicating with a tubular esophageal duplication that was associated with a complete left pericardial defect.

Intrathoracic Ectopic Live: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Although intrathoracic liver in association with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia has been well documented, the finding of intrathoracic ectopic liver tissue in the presence of an intact diaphragm is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. We have experienced a case of intrathoracic ectopic liver without any diaphragmatic hernia. A 37-year-old woman was admitted for the treatment of an incidentally detected right lung mass. A chest computed tomography scan revealed a right lower lobe lung mass close to the diaphragm, and this was suspicious for bronchial carcinoid tumor. Upon surgery, 2 round solid masses 3.5x3.5 cm and a 2.0x2.0 cm in size were noted, with their bottoms attached to the diaphragm dome. The masses were completely resected. Histologically, they were confirmed to be intrathoracic ectopic livers. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

Intrathoracic Ectopic Live: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Although intrathoracic liver in association with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia has been well documented, the finding of intrathoracic ectopic liver tissue in the presence of an intact diaphragm is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. We have experienced a case of intrathoracic ectopic liver without any diaphragmatic hernia. A 37-year-old woman was admitted for the treatment of an incidentally detected right lung mass. A chest computed tomography scan revealed a right lower lobe lung mass close to the diaphragm, and this was suspicious for bronchial carcinoid tumor. Upon surgery, 2 round solid masses 3.5x3.5 cm and a 2.0x2.0 cm in size were noted, with their bottoms attached to the diaphragm dome. The masses were completely resected. Histologically, they were confirmed to be intrathoracic ectopic livers. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course.

Lemierre Syndrome with Septic Pulmonary Embolism: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Lemierre syndrome is caused by an acute oropharyngeal infection with secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and frequent metastatic infections. The usual etiologic agent is Fusobacterium necrophorum. Lemierre syndrome was a common disease with a high mortality rate in the pre-antibiotic era. Since the advent of antibiotics and their widespread use for the treatment of pharyngeal infections, there has been a substantial decrease in the incidence of this malady and it has become a "forgotten disease". Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic therapy for Lemierre syndrome is essential to avoid morbidity and mortality. We describe here a case of Lemierre syndrome with multiple septic pulmonary emboli.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Elderly Patients Older Than 75 Years / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The number of elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is increasing. Elderly patients are at increased risk for a variety of perioperative complications and mortality. We identified determinants of operative complications and mortality in elderly patients undergoing CABG. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 1995 and July 2003, 91 patients older than 75 years underwent isolated CABG at Asan Medical Center. There were 67 men and 24 women with mean age of 77.0+/-2.4 years. Thirty clinical or hemodynamic variables hypothesized as predictors of operative mortality were evaluated. RESULT: CABG was performed under emergency conditions in 5 patients. The internal thoracic artery was used in 85 patients and 10 patients received both internal thoracic arteries. The mean number of distal anastomosis was 3.7 per patient. Operative mortality was 3.3%. Twenty-two patients had at least one major postoperative complication. Low cardiac output syndrome was the most common complication, followed by reoperation for bleeding, pulmonary dysfunction, perioperative myocardial infarction, stroke, acute renal failure, ventricular arrhythmia, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, infection, and delayed sternal closure. None were the predictors of mortality. Renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, emergency operation, recent myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, New York Heart Association (HYHA) class III or IV, Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina scale III or IV, and low left ventricle ejection fraction below 40% were univariate predictors of overall complications. Actuarial probability of survival was 94.9%, 89.8%, and 83.5% at postoperative 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. During the follow-up period 93.3% of patients were in NYHA class I, or II and 91.1% were free from angina. CONCLUSION: Although operative complication is increased, CABG can be performed with an acceptable operative mortality and excellent late results in patients older than 75 years.

Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Tricuspid Annulus with the Duran Ring / 대한흉부외과학회지

Tricuspid annuloplasty with the flexible Duran ring may result in a physiologic repair while maintaining the dynamic morphology of the tricuspid annulus. A method for a durable three-dimensional tricuspid annular reconstruction, which retains the plasticity and orifice area of the tricuspid annulus, is described.

A Case of the Localized Tension Pneumothorax Mimicking Giant Bullae / 결핵

Background: A 35-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room with sudden dyspnea that developed one day prior. The initial Chest X-ray showed multiple bullous changes at the right middle and lower lung field and long standing fibrotic tuberculous changes at the right upper lung field. The left lung field was totally collapesed by an fibrotic old tuberculous lesion. In spite of supportive medical care with oxygen therapy after admission, the radiographic lesions were no significant change but the respiratory distress had worsend. The patient suffered respiratory failure and receive mechanical ventilatory support. The HRCT showed a localized tension pneumothorax mimicking multiple giant bullae at the right lower lung field. Immediately after a closed thoracostomy with a 32 French chest tube and air drainage, her vital signs and dyspnea were gradually improved. The patient was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation after 5 days of mechanical ventilatory support. The patient had receive talc pleurodesis through a chest tube to prevent the recurrence of the life-threatening localized pneumothorax. The patient was discharged without recurrence of the pneumothorax.

Pulmonary Hematocele Mimicking Posterior Mediastinal Mass: Two Cases Report

Closed chest trauma occasionally results in the development of traumatic lung cyst or pulmonary hematocele.Radiologically, this latter rarely mimicks posterior mediastinal mass, which can cause unnecessary surgicalresection, We encountered two cases of pulmonary hematocele simulating posterior mediastinal mass. Multiplicity ofthe lesion, fracture of surrounding bony structure, decrease of mass size at follow-up examination, an acute anglebetween the mass and chest wall, peripheral rim enhancement of the mass, as seen on CT scans, or characteristicsignal intensity suggesting hematoma, as seen on MR images, helped differentiate pulmonary hematocele fromposterior mediastinal mass.

Early Results of Heart Transplantaion: A Review of 20 Patients / 대한흉부외과학회지

Heart transplantation is now accepted as a definitive therapeutic modality in patients with terminal heart failure. The first successful heart transplantation in humans was done in 1967 and the first case in Korea was performed in November, 1992. Since the first case in 1992, more than 50 cases have been performed in Korea. A total of 20 patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation since November, 1992 in Asan Medicla Center. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early results and the follow-up course of 20 cases of heart transplantation done in Asan Medical Center. The average age of 20 patients was 39.9+/-11.8 years old(20~58). The mean follow-up duration was 14.4+/-11.2 months(1~41). All patients are alive till now. The blood type was identical in 14 and compatible in 6 patients. The original heart disease was dilated cardiomyopathy in 16, valvular heart disease in 2, ischemic cardiomyopathy in 1, and giant cell myocarditis in 1 patient. HLA cross matching for recipient and donor was done in 18 cases and the results were negative for T-cell and B-cell in 16 patients, positive for warm B-cell in 2 patients. Among 6 loci of A, B, and DR, one locus was matched in 8 cases, 2 loci in 5 cases, and 3 loci matched in 1 case. The number of acute allograft rejection averaged 2.8+/-0.5(0~6) per case and the number of acute allograft rejection requiring treatment averaged 1.0+/-0.9(1~3) per case. The time interval from operation to the first acute rejection requiring treatment was 35.5+/-20.4 days(5~60). Acute humoral rejection was suspected strongly in 1 case and was successfully treated. The left ventricular ejection fraction measured by echocardiography and/or MUGA scan was dramatically increased from 17.5+/-6.8(9~32)% to 58.9+/-2.0(55~62)% after heart transplantation. Temporary pacing was needed in 5 patients over 24 hours but normal sinus rhythm appeared within 7 days in all cases. One patient has been taken permanent pacemaker implantation due to complete AV block appearing 140 days after heart transplantaion. One patient had cyclosporine-associated neurotoxicity during the immediate postoperative period and was recovered after 27 hours. The heart transplantation of Asan Medical Center is on a developing stage but the early result is comparable to that of well established centers in other countries, even though the long-term follow-up result must be reevaluated. We can conclude that the heart transplantion is a promising therapeutic option in patients with terminal heart failure.

Infective Endocarditis involving Aortic Valve, Mitral Valve, Tricuspid Valve, and Interventricular Septum: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

This is a report of a successful management of a patient with infective endocarditis involving native aortic valve, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, and interventricular septum. A 16 year-old patient who underwent VSD patch closure, and aortic valvuloplasty at the age of 11 years showed intractable congestive heart failure during antibiotics treatment for infective endocarditis. Operative findings revealed that there were large defect along the previous patch, aortic regurgitation with multiple perforations and vegetations, mitral regurgitation with vegetation, aortic paraannular abscess, interventricular myocardial abscess, and tricuspid regurgitation with perforations and vegetations. We reconstructed the interventional defect with Dacron patch extending to the aortic valve annulus after radical debasement of all infected or devitalized tissues, and could implant aortic valve by anchoring to the reconstructed Dacron patch. Mitral valve was replaced and tricuspid valve was repaired with patient's own pericardium. The patient was discharged after antibiotics treatment for 6 weeks and in good condition without any sequelae for 12 months.

Early Results of Heart Transplantaion: A Review of 20 Patients / 대한흉부외과학회지

Heart transplantation is now accepted as a definitive therapeutic modality in patients with terminal heart failure. The first successful heart transplantation in humans was done in 1967 and the first case in Korea was performed in November, 1992. Since the first case in 1992, more than 50 cases have been performed in Korea. A total of 20 patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation since November, 1992 in Asan Medicla Center. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early results and the follow-up course of 20 cases of heart transplantation done in Asan Medical Center. The average age of 20 patients was 39.9+/-11.8 years old(20~58). The mean follow-up duration was 14.4+/-11.2 months(1~41). All patients are alive till now. The blood type was identical in 14 and compatible in 6 patients. The original heart disease was dilated cardiomyopathy in 16, valvular heart disease in 2, ischemic cardiomyopathy in 1, and giant cell myocarditis in 1 patient. HLA cross matching for recipient and donor was done in 18 cases and the results were negative for T-cell and B-cell in 16 patients, positive for warm B-cell in 2 patients. Among 6 loci of A, B, and DR, one locus was matched in 8 cases, 2 loci in 5 cases, and 3 loci matched in 1 case. The number of acute allograft rejection averaged 2.8+/-0.5(0~6) per case and the number of acute allograft rejection requiring treatment averaged 1.0+/-0.9(1~3) per case. The time interval from operation to the first acute rejection requiring treatment was 35.5+/-20.4 days(5~60). Acute humoral rejection was suspected strongly in 1 case and was successfully treated. The left ventricular ejection fraction measured by echocardiography and/or MUGA scan was dramatically increased from 17.5+/-6.8(9~32)% to 58.9+/-2.0(55~62)% after heart transplantation. Temporary pacing was needed in 5 patients over 24 hours but normal sinus rhythm appeared within 7 days in all cases. One patient has been taken permanent pacemaker implantation due to complete AV block appearing 140 days after heart transplantaion. One patient had cyclosporine-associated neurotoxicity during the immediate postoperative period and was recovered after 27 hours. The heart transplantation of Asan Medical Center is on a developing stage but the early result is comparable to that of well established centers in other countries, even though the long-term follow-up result must be reevaluated. We can conclude that the heart transplantion is a promising therapeutic option in patients with terminal heart failure.

Bilateral Intralobar Pulmonary Sequestration with Horseshoe Lung: A new suggestion about the treatment of pulmonary sequestration / 대한흉부외과학회지

This is a case report of surgical management of a bilateral intralobar pulmonary sequestration with horseshoe lung presenting with frequent URI with productive sputum. Simple chest X-ray showed pneumonic consolidation and infiltration on both lower lobes, and chest CT revealed multiple cystic lesions compatible with pulmonary sequestration. The aortography demonstrated two anomalous systemic arteries arising from the thoracic aorta just above the diaphragm to both sequestrums. Left lower lobectomy was performed through the left thoracotomy with ligations and divisions of the both systemic feeding arteries to the left and right sequestrum, and division of the isthmic portion of horseshoe lung without removal of right sequestrum. The patient was discharged on the postoperative 10th day and followed-up till now without any sequelae and symptoms of residual right sequestration. The recent follow-up chest CT 5 months after the operation revealed spontaneous regression of the residual right sequestrum. Authors would suggested that only division of aberrant artery to sequestrum without lobectomy may be applied in uncomplicated case of intrapulmonary sequestration.