Prognostic Implications of CT Feature Analysis in Patients with COVID-19:a Nationwide Cohort Study

Background@#Few studies have classified chest computed tomography (CT) findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and analyzed their correlations with prognosis. The present study aimed to evaluate retrospectively the clinical and chest CT findings of COVID-19 and to analyze CT findings and determine their relationships with clinical severity. @*Methods@#Chest CT and clinical features of 271 COVID-19 patients were assessed. The presence of CT findings and distribution of parenchymal abnormalities were evaluated, and CT patterns were classified as bronchopneumonia, organizing pneumonia (OP), or diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). Total extents were assessed using a visual scoring system and artificial intelligence software. Patients were allocated to two groups based on clinical outcomes, that is, to a severe group (requiring O2 therapy or mechanical ventilation, n = 55) or a mild group (not requiring O2 therapy or mechanical ventilation, n = 216). Clinical and CT features of these two groups were compared and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors. @*Results@#Age, lymphocyte count, levels of C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were significantly different in the two groups. Forty-five of the 271 patients had normal chest CT findings. The most common CT findings among the remaining 226 patients were groundglass opacity (98%), followed by consolidation (53%). CT findings were classified as OP (93%), DAD (4%), or bronchopneumonia (3%) and all nine patients with DAD pattern were included in the severe group. Uivariate and multivariate analyses showed an elevated procalcitonin (odds ratio [OR], 2.521; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001–6.303, P = 0.048), and higher visual CT scores (OR, 1.137; 95% CI, 1.042–1.236; P = 0.003) or higher total extent by AI measurement (OR, 1.048; 95% CI, 1.020–1.076; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a severe clinical course. @*Conclusion@#CT findings of COVID-19 pneumonia can be classified into OP, DAD, or bronchopneumonia patterns and all patients with DAD pattern were included in severe group. Elevated inflammatory markers and higher CT scores were found to be significant predictors of poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Prognostic Implications of CT Feature Analysis in Patients with COVID-19:a Nationwide Cohort Study

Background@#Few studies have classified chest computed tomography (CT) findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and analyzed their correlations with prognosis. The present study aimed to evaluate retrospectively the clinical and chest CT findings of COVID-19 and to analyze CT findings and determine their relationships with clinical severity. @*Methods@#Chest CT and clinical features of 271 COVID-19 patients were assessed. The presence of CT findings and distribution of parenchymal abnormalities were evaluated, and CT patterns were classified as bronchopneumonia, organizing pneumonia (OP), or diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). Total extents were assessed using a visual scoring system and artificial intelligence software. Patients were allocated to two groups based on clinical outcomes, that is, to a severe group (requiring O2 therapy or mechanical ventilation, n = 55) or a mild group (not requiring O2 therapy or mechanical ventilation, n = 216). Clinical and CT features of these two groups were compared and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors. @*Results@#Age, lymphocyte count, levels of C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were significantly different in the two groups. Forty-five of the 271 patients had normal chest CT findings. The most common CT findings among the remaining 226 patients were groundglass opacity (98%), followed by consolidation (53%). CT findings were classified as OP (93%), DAD (4%), or bronchopneumonia (3%) and all nine patients with DAD pattern were included in the severe group. Uivariate and multivariate analyses showed an elevated procalcitonin (odds ratio [OR], 2.521; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001–6.303, P = 0.048), and higher visual CT scores (OR, 1.137; 95% CI, 1.042–1.236; P = 0.003) or higher total extent by AI measurement (OR, 1.048; 95% CI, 1.020–1.076; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a severe clinical course. @*Conclusion@#CT findings of COVID-19 pneumonia can be classified into OP, DAD, or bronchopneumonia patterns and all patients with DAD pattern were included in severe group. Elevated inflammatory markers and higher CT scores were found to be significant predictors of poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Successfully Treated Acute Fulminant Myocarditis Induced by Ulcerative Colitis with Extracorporeal Life Support and Infliximab

We report a case of successfully treated acute fulminant myocarditis induced by ulcerative colitis with extracorporeal life support and infliximab. Myocarditis is a rare but crucial complication during an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. In our case, we applied extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiac rest under impression of acute myocarditis associated with ulcerative colitis, and added infliximab for uncontrolled inflammation by corticosteroid. As a result, our patient was completely recovered with successful weaning of ECMO.

Hemoglobin Level to Facilitate Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass without Transfusion

BACKGROUND: Conservation of blood during cardiac surgery is important because of the shortage of donor blood, risks associated with transfusion, and the costs of allogeneic blood products. This retrospective study explored the feasibility of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) without transfusion. METHODS: One hundred and two consecutive patients underwent OPCAB from January 2007 to June 2012 at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. Excluding 10 chronic renal failures patients, 102 patients were enrolled. Their characteristics, clinical data, and laboratory data were analyzed. We investigated the success rate of OPCAB without transfusion according to preoperative hemoglobin (Hb), and the cutoff point of the Hb level and the risk factors for transfusion. We implemented multidisciplinary blood-saving protocols. RESULTS: The overall operative mortality and the success rate of OPCAB without transfusion were 2.9% (3/102) and 73.5% (75/102). The success rates in patients with Hb70 years, diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, preoperative Hb and creatinine levels, and operation time. The events precipitating the need for transfusion were low Hb level in 9 patients and hypotension or excessive bleeding in 18 patients. CONCLUSION: The preoperative Hb level of >11 facilitates OPCAB without transfusion. These results suggest that transfusion-free OPCAB can be performed by modifying the risk factors and correctable causes of transfusion and improving various blood salvage methods.

Right Coronary Artery Fistula and Occlusion Causing Myocardial Infarction after Blunt Chest Trauma

Myocardial infarction (MI) secondary to coronary artery fistula and the subsequent occlusion of the distal right coronary artery (RCA) after blunt chest trauma is a rare entity. Here, we describe a case of coronary artery fistula and occlusion with an inferior MI that occurred following blunt chest trauma. At the initial visit to the emergency room after a car accident, this patient had been undiagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, readmitted five months after ischemic insult, and revealed to have experienced MI due to RCA-right atrial fistula and occlusion of the distal RCA. He underwent coronary surgery and recovered without complications.

Comparing 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography and Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in the Evaluation of Small Pulmonary Nodules in Patients with a History of Malignancy

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to determine the accuracy of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in detecting pulmonary metastasis through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a technique that allows the excisional biopsy of small pulmonary nodules in patients with known malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2007 and April 2010, 28 patients with known malignancies and small pulmonary nodules underwent VATS excisional biopsies. All patients were in follow-up for a previously treated malignancy. The malignancies included the following: colorectum (9), breast (6), head and neck (5), stomach (3), lymph (1), ovary (1), uterus (1), bladder (1), and liver (1). RESULTS: There were 16 men and 12 women whose mean age was 56.7 years old (range, 38 to 77 years). The sizes of the mean nodules removed were 11.3 mm (range, 7 to 21 mm). Diagnoses included metastatic (11), bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (1), primary adenocarcinoma (1), pulmonary tuberculosis (6), fibrosis (5), organizing pneumonia (3), lymphoid hyperplasia (1). Among these lesions, 46.4% were malignant. CONCLUSION: True positive FDG-PET was 39.2%. FDG-PET is not a sensitive test in the evaluation of patients with a history of an extrathoracic malignancy and newly diagnosed small pulmonary nodules. VATS excision allows the early diagnosis of small pulmonary nodules, with low morbidity, in patients with known malignancies.

Descending Thoracic Aorta to Bilateral Femoral Artery Bypass in a Hostile Abdomen

Descending thoracic aorta to femoral artery bypass has been used as a remedial operation after aortic or axillofemoral graft failure or graft infection and other intra-abdominal pathologies not amenable to standard aortofemoral revascularization. It can avoid abdomen approach and has been known as a durable procedure with excellent long-term patency. We reported descending thoracic aorta to femoral artery bypass grafting for primary revascularization in a 55-year-old male with hostile abdominal conditions.

Transatrial Repair of Post-infarction Posterior Ventricular Septal Rupture

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but lethal complication of myocardial infarction. The event occurs 2~8 days after an infarction and often precipitates cardiogenic shock. Post myocardial infarction VSR is known for difficult to repair. Especially, Transmural myocardial infarction involved in the posterior VSD area, exposure of the affected site is difficult and postoperative mortality rate is high. We have experienced a case of a 75-year-old female patient who suffered posterior VSD due to acute myocardial infarction, and attained good result by approaching the lesion through right atrial incision and repaired the defect by using patch closure technique.

Carinal Reconstruction and Sleeve Right Upper Lobectomy Assisted with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A case report

Bronchogenic carcinoma involving the carina has remained a challenging problem for thoracic surgeons. Carinal resection and reconstruction is limitedly indicated because this aggressive surgical approach has been reported to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality while long-term outcome has not been determined. Wesuccessfully performed carinal reconstruction and sleeve right upper lobectomy assisted with ECMO for a 60-year-old male with squamous cell carcinoma in the right upper lobe extending to the carina.

Outcomes of Sleeve Lobectomy versus Pneumonectomy for Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: Sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer in close proximity to or involving the carina is widely accepted. Operative morbidity and mortality rates, recurrence, and survival rates have varied considerably across studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March of 2005 to July of 2010, sleeve lobectomy was performed in 19 patients and pneumonectomy was performed in 20 patients. In this paper, the results of sleeve lobectomy and pneumonectomy for patients with lung cancer will be compared and evaluated. RESULTS: There were no postoperative complications in either group, but there was one mortality in the pneumonectomy group. There was better preservation of pulmonary function in the sleeve lobectomy group than the pneumonectomy group (p=0.066 in FVC, p=0.019 in FEV1). The 3-year survival rates were 46.7% in the sleeve lobectomy group and 54.5% in the pneumonectomy group (p=0.505). The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 38% in the sleeve lobectomy group and 45.8% in the pneumonectomy group (p=0.200). CONCLUSION: Sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer showed low mortality, low bronchial anastomotic complication rates, and good preservation of pulmonary function.

Outcome of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Spontaneous Secondary Pneumothorax

BACKGROUND: Conventional treatment (i.e. chest tube insertion and chemical pleurodesis) still remains standard for patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax because the risk of surgical bullectomy is deemed high in this subset. However, it has been suggested that surgical treatment using thoracoscopy may expedite postoperative recovery and, thus, may reduce hospital stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 61 patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, who underwent conventional treatment (n=39) or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) (n=22) between January 2007 and December 2009, was performed. Talc was used for chemical pleurodesis in both groups. RESULTS: Hospital stay of conventional treatment group and VATS group was 14.2+/-14.2 days (4~58 days) and 10.6+/-5.8 days (5~32 days), respectively, with statistically significant difference (p=0.033). Recurrence rate of conventional treatment group was also significantly higher (12/39, 30%) compared to VATS group (1/22, 4.5%) (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: In selected patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax with continuous air leak or inadequate lung expansion, thoracoscopic surgery with chemical pleurodesis using talc results in shorter hospital stay and lower recurrence rate compared to conventional approach.

Use of Nafamostat Mesilate as an Anticoagulant during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Although the incidence of bleeding complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) support has decreased in various trials, bleeding is still the most fatal complication. We investigated the ideal dosage and efficacy of nafamostat mesilate for use with ECMO in patients with acute cardiac or respiratory failure. We assessed 73 consecutive patients who received ECMO due to acute cardiac or respiratory failure between January 2006 and December 2009. To evaluate the efficacy of nafamostat mesilate, we divided the patients into 2 groups according to the anticoagulants used during ECMO support. All patients of nafamostat mesilate group were male with a mean age of 49.2 yr. Six, 3, 5, and 3 patients were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, septic shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively. The mean dosage of nafamostat mesilate was 0.64 mg/kg/hr, and the mean duration of ECMO was 270.7 hr. The daily volume of transfused packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate and the number of complications related to hemorrhage and thrombosis was lower in the nafamostat mesilate group than in the heparin group. Nafamostat mesilate should be considered as an alternative anticoagulant to heparin to reduce bleeding complications during ECMO.

Outcome of Pandemic H1N1 Pneumonia: Clinical and Radiological Findings for Severity Assessment

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection presents with variable severity. However, little is known about clinical predictors of disease severity. We studied the clinical predictors of severe pandemic H1N1 pneumonia and their correlation with radiological findings. METHODS: We reviewed medical and radiological records of adults with pandemic H1N1 pneumonia. After classification of patients into severe and non-severe groups, the following data were evaluated: demographic data, pneumonia severity index (PSI), CURB65, risk factors, time to first dose of antiviral medication, routine laboratory data, clinical outcome, and radiological characteristics. RESULTS: Of 37 patients with pandemic H1N1 pneumonia, 12 and 25 were assigned to the severe and non-severe groups, respectively. PSI score, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dyhydrogenase (LDH) levels were higher in the severe group than in the non-severe group (p = 0.035, 0.0003, 0.0023, and 0.0002, respectively). AST, ALT, and LDH levels were positively correlated with the radiological findings (p < 0.0001, 0.0003, and < 0.0001, respectively) and with the number of involved lobes (p = 0.663, 0.0134, and 0.0019, respectively). The most common finding on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans was ground-glass attenuation with consolidation (n = 22, 60%), which had a predominantly patchy distribution (n = 31). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a positive correlation between clinical findings, such as serum AST, ALT, and LDH levels, and radiological findings. A combination of clinical and HRCT indicators would be useful in predicting the clinical outcome of pandemic H1N1 pneumonia.

Left Transradial Coronary Angiography in a Patient With Dextrocardia

Although dextrocardia occurs rarely, the incidence of coronary artery disease is similar to the general population. Because of unfamiliarity with performing catheterization, transradial coronary angiography has seldom been performed in a patient with dextrocardia. We successfully performed left transradial coronary angiography in a patient with a right side heart using counter-directional torquing of the catheters and mirror-image angiographic angles.

Acute Respiratory Failure Treated with Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during severe acute respiratory failure helps to recover the pulmonary function. This study evaluated our experience with veno-venous ECMO in adult patients with acute respiratory failure. METHODS: From January 2007 to July 2009, ECMO was used on 54 patients. Of these 54 patients, 7 were placed on veno-venous ECMO for acute respiratory failure. The indications of ECMO were based on the lung dysfunction measured as a PaO2/FiO2 ratio <100 mm Hg on FiO2 of 1.0, or an arterial blood gas pH <7.25 due to hypercapnia despite the optimal treatment. EBS(R), Bio-pump(R), and Centrifugal Rotaflow pump(R) were used and all cannulations were performed percutaneously via both femoral veins. When the lung function was improved, an attempt was made to wean on ECMO at moderate ventilator settings followed by decannulation. RESULTS: Five of the 7 patients were male and the mean age was 46.3+/-18.3. The causes of acute respiratory failure were 3 cases of pneumonia, 2 near-drownings, 1 pulmonary hemorrhage due to acute hepatic failure and 1 mercury vapor poisoning. The mean support time of ECMO was 17.3+/-13.7 days. Of the 7 patients implanted with ECMO, 5 patients (71%) were weaned off ECMO and 3 patients (43%) survived to hospital discharge after a mean 89.6 hospital days. CONCLUSION: The early use of ECMO for acute respiratory failure in adults due to any cause is a good therapeutic option for those unresponsive to the optimal conventional treatments.

Respiratory Symptoms, Pulmonary Function Tests, and Asbestos Related Chest Radiograph Abnormalities of Former Asbestos Textile Factory Workers / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asbestos-related chest radiograph abnormalities and abnormal pulmonary function tests among former asbestos textile factory workers and to reveal the related factors of these abnormal findings. METHODS: There were 119 persons former asbestos textile industry workers registered in the health management pocketbook. Of 97 retired asbestos workers living in Busan, Yangsan and Gimhae, 63(64.9%) retired asbestos workers were enrolled into this study. The researchers administered questionnaires, and performed chest radiographys, and pulmonary function tests (PFT) on participants. The survey was conducted during July, 2009. RESULTS: Among former workers the number of lung fibrosis, pleural plaque, pleural calcification, and pleural thickening was 13(20.6%), 6(9.5%), 3(4.8%), and 1(1.6%) in chest radiography, respectively. Asbestos-related disorders and abnormal pulmonary function test groups had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Participants with crocidolite exposure or long latency period had higher asbestos-related x-ray findings or abnormal PFT findings. CONCLUSIONS: Former asbestos textile workers had a high rate of asbestos-related disorders. Workers with crocidolite exposure or having had a longer latency period had more asbestos-related disorders. Because gradual increase of asbestos related disorders among high asbestos exposure group is expected, sustained, and intensive management is needed for these former workers.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) with High Ligation of an Incompetent Small Saphenous Vein / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) has recently been introduced as a less invasive technique for treating an incompetent small saphenous vein and many good results have been reported. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of EVLT combined with high ligation in patients with an incompetent small saphenous vein. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 60 patients (66 limbs) who were treated with EVLT combined with high ligation of an incompetent small saphenous vein between January 2006 and May 2009. The preoperative clinical findings, the postoperative results and the postoperative ultrasonography follow up results at 1 and 3 months were reviewed. RESULT: Postoperative complications were observed in 17 patients (15 limbs, 28.3%) and postoperative paresthesia occurred in 5 limbs (7.6%), but there was no deep vein thrombosis. Ultrasonography follow up at 3 month was performed in 93.9% of the limbs (62/66). The vein occlusion rate at 1 and 3 months were found to be 91.9% (57/62) and 90.3% (56/62), respectively. CONCLUSION: We performed EVLT combined with high ligation and ambulatory phlebectomy in patients with an incompetent small saphenous vein, and this all revealed relatively satisfactory results with a low complication rate, but it showed a relatively low cure rate even though we also performed EVLT combined with high ligation altogether. We need to determine whether EVLT combined with a high ligation procedure will improve the venous occlusion rate. We also need to investigate how we can minimize the occurrence of nerve injury.

Open Heart Surgery without Transfusion / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although complications from transfusion are known to happen, transfusion is performed during most open heart surgeries. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of performing cardiac surgery without allogenic blood transfusion. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January to August 2007, 44 consecutive patients who underwent open heart surgery with using various blood conservation methods were retrospectively enrolled. They were divided into group I (the onpump group, n=17) and group II (the offpump group, n=27). The blood conservation methods were intraoperative autologous donation, cell saver, retrograde autologous priming, conventional ultrafiltration and modified ultrafiltration. Antianemic agents were administered to all the patients postoperatively. We analyzed the possibility of bloodless operations, the causes of homologous transfusion, the serial change of the hematocrit and the postoperative chest tube drainage, and we compared the results between the two groups. If comparison between the two groups was not reasonable, then we compared two groups with the individual control groups I and II (49 patients) in 2006. RESULT: 40 (90.9%) of 44 patients were successfully operated on without transfusion and the success rate was 88.2% (15/17) for group I and 92.6% (25/27) for group II. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (p=NS). The causes of transfusion were 2 cases of postoperative bleedings, 1 case of intraoperative bleeding and 1 mistake of the indication for transfusion. There was no statistical difference of the total chest tube drainage (Group I: 417+/-359 mL, Group II: 451+/-237 mL) (p=NS), but the total chest tube drainages of the two groups were less than each of the control groups 1 and II (p<0.05). The lowest hematocrit level of Group I was 16.4+/-2%, and this occurred just after infusion of cardioplegics and the hematocrits of both groups were recovered to the preoperative level at 2 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In this study, bloodless open heart surgery could be performed in 90.9% of the patients with intraoperative autologous donation, cell saver, retrograde autologous priming, conventional ultrafiltration and modified ultrafiltration. A combination of various blood conservation methods is the most important and bloodless cardiac surgery could be performed with meticulous bleeding control and strictly following the transfusion indications.

The Clinical Results of Surgical Treatment for Sternoclavicualr Septic Arthritis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Sternoclavicular septic arthritis manifests serious complications such as abscess, osteomyelitis, mediastinitis and empyema; therefore, a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The treatment results of eight patients with sternoclavicular septic arthritis and who had been surgically treated at our institutions between September 2005 and July 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical treatment they underwent was en bloc resection, including partial resection of the sternum, the clavicular head and the 1st rib. RESULT: The patients ranged in age from 40 to 74 years with an average of 55.1+/-10.3 years. Five were men and three were women. There were 6 patients with spontaneous sternoclavicular septic arthritis and 2 patients had their condition induced by central venous catheters. The pathogens isolated from the patients' blood and wounds were MRSA (3), Streptococcus intermedius (1), Streptococcus agalactiae (1) and Pseudomonas luteola (1). One patient expired from aggravation of preoperative sepsis on POD 31. CONCLUSION: The life-threatening complications from sternoclavicular septic arthritis can progress and lead to death unless appropriate treatment is administered. A prompt diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics therapy and effective surgical treatment such as radical en bloc resection can reduce the morbidity and mortality of this malady.

A case of infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, in a patient with advanced gastric cancer / 대한내과학회지

The epidemiology of Group B streptococcal disease has been changing. Since the 1990s, early-onset neonatal and maternal peripartum infections have decreased, due to the administration of prophylactic intrapartum antibiotics. On the other hand, invasive Group B streptococcal infections have increased in nonpregnant adults, especially in elderly persons and in those with chronic immunosuppressive diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, and malignancies. Although infective endocarditis is an uncommon manifestation of invasive Streptococcus agalactiae infection, it usually leads to cardiac surgery, due to heart failure associated with rapid valve destruction and the formation of emboli. Several cases of endocarditis due to S. agalactiae have appeared in the literature, but there have been few reports in Korea. We present a case of S. agalactiae infective endocarditis in an elderly patient with advanced gastric cancer, successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and cardiac surgery.