A new classification of left apicoposterior segmental bronchus and its clinical significance / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze a new classification of the left apicoposterior segmental bronchus and summarize its clinical significance. Methods     We accessed the computed tomography imaging data of the inpatients treated in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital between January and November 2021. We observed and classified the branching pattern of the left apicoposterior segmental bronchus (B1+2) using three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) technique. And we filtered out the patients who underwent thoracoscopic left apicoposterior segmentectomy and analyzed their clinical data retrospectively to summarize the instructing significance of different bronchial classification in the accurate and safe operation of left apicoposterior segmentectomy. Results     Finally 240 patients were collected, including 131 males and 109 females with a median age of 51.0 (19.0-77.0) years. The anatomical pattern of the left apicoposterior segmental bronchus was divided into four main types based on the branching pattern of the outer subsegmental bronchi (B1+2c): type Ⅰ 10% (24 patients), type Ⅱ 54% (130 patients) , type Ⅲ 17% (40 patients) , type Ⅳ 18% (43 patients) and other variations 1% (3 patients). Thirty-two patients smoothly underwent thoracoscopic left apicoposterior segmentectomy, including 23 patients of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ receiving LS1+2 resection, the other 9 patients of type Ⅲ and type Ⅳ receiving LS1+2 resection (3 patients), LS1+2c resection (4 patients) and LS1+2(a+b) resection (2 patients). Conclusion     This new classification systematically and concisely elucidates the branching characteristics of the left apicoposterior bronchus. Different branching types are instructive to the left apicoposterior segmentectomy.

THE ‘FEEDING BRONCHUS SIGN‘ IN CAVITARY LUNG LESIONS, ITS EVALUATION WITH COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND A GUARDED OPINION REGARDING PHYSIOTHERAPY

BACKGROUND Bronchiectasis and cavitation are key features of acute and chronic pulmonary infections. Cavitary lesions may carry unfavourable prognosis with regard to complete restoration of pulmonary function in few patients. OBJECTIVES To evaluate type and site of bronchiectasis, its relation with cavity formation on computed tomography and providing an insight to sorting out subjects suited for physiotherapy. A radiological sign-“Feeding bronchus sign” has been discussed with reference to bronchiectasis, its origin, natural course and a suggestion of guarded future management and rehabilitation. METHODS Total 150 chest CT scans with presence of cavity and bronchiectasis were retrospectively reviewed and followed up for type, site of bronchiectasis, signs of active infection, site of cavity and presence of “feeding bronchus sign”. Final diagnosis was confirmed by sputum sample, acid-fast bacillus test or culture or polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Out of 150 cases, 70 (46%) had chronic and 80 (53%) had active infection. 33 (22%) had solitary and 117 (78%) had multiple cavities. 37 (34.6 %) patients had cylindrical, 11 (7.3 %) had varicose, 27 (18%) had cystic bronchiectasis, 23 (15.3%) had cylindrical and varicose, 19 (12.6%) had cylindrical and cystic and 33 (22%) had all three types. “Feeding bronchus sign” was observed in 102 (68%) patients. Radiological evidence of disease progression was seen in 21 patients, improvement in 19 and no change in 17 on follow-up CT. CONCLUSION Patients with positive “Feeding bronchus sign” are at risk for increased disease transmission and secondary opportunistic infections. Improvement and maintenance of quality of life is ultimate goal of management. Apart from antibiotics, pulmonary rehabilitation also plays an important role in cavitary lung disease

Morphometric examination of the trachea and bronchi in follow-up computed tomography scans of COVID-19 patients / Examen morfométrico de la tráquea y los bronquios en tomografías computarizadas de seguimiento de pacientes con COVID-19

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in the trachea and bronchi using 3-dimensional reconstruction images obtained from the initial and follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans of COVID-19 patients. A hundred COVID-19 patients over the age of 18 were included in our study. CT images were transferred to Mimics software, and a 3-dimensional reconstruction of the trachea and bronchi was performed. The initial and follow-up CT images of COVID-19 patients were graded as none (grade 0), mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2), and severe (grade 3) according to the total lung severity score. The patients were divided into progression and regression groups according to the grade increase/decrease between the initial and follow-up CTs. Moreover, the patients were divided into groups as 0-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 4-12 weeks, and over 12 weeks according to the duration between the initial and follow-up CTs. The mean cross-sectional area, circumference, and diameter measurements of the right upper lobar bronchus, intermediate bronchus, middle lobar bronchus, and left lower lobar bronchus decreased in the follow-up CTs of the progression group. This decrease was not found to be statistically significant. In the follow-up CTs of the regression group, the left upper lobar bronchus and left lower lobar bronchus measurements increased but not statistically significant. Upon comparing the onset of the disease and the follow-up period, statistically significant changes did not occur in the trachea, main bronchus, and lobar bronchus of COVID-19 patients.

El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en la tráquea y los bronquios utilizando imágenes de reconstrucción tridimensionales obtenidas de las tomografías computarizadas (TC) iniciales y de seguimiento de pacientes con COVID-19. En nuestro estudio se incluyeron 100 pacientes con COVID-19 mayores de 18 años. Las imágenes de TC se transfirieron al software Mimics y se realizó una reconstrucción tridimensional de la tráquea y los bronquios. Las imágenes de TC iniciales y de seguimiento de los pacientes con COVID-19 se calificaron como ninguna (grado 0), leve (grado 1), moderada (grado 2) y grave (grado 3) según la puntuación total de gravedad pulmonar. Los pacientes se dividieron en grupos de progresión y regresión según el aumento/disminución del grado entre las TC iniciales y de seguimiento. Además, los pacientes se dividieron en grupos de 0 a 2 semanas, de 2 a 4 semanas, de 4 a 12 semanas y de más de 12 semanas según la duración entre la TC inicial y la de seguimiento. Las mediciones medias del área transversal, la circunferencia y el diámetro del bronquio lobar superior derecho, el bronquio intermedio, el bronquio lobar medio y el bronquio lobar inferior izquierdo disminuyeron en las TC de seguimiento del grupo de progresión. No se encontró que esta disminución fuera estadísticamente significativa. En las TC de seguimiento del grupo de regresión, las mediciones del bronquio lobar superior izquierdo y del bronquio lobar inferior izquierdo aumentaron pero no fueron estadísticamente significativas. Al comparar el inicio de la enfermedad y el período de seguimiento, no ocurrieron cambios estadísticamente significativos en la tráquea, el bronquio principal y el bronquio lobar de los pacientes con COVID-19.

Cancer Death and Distribution Characteristics from 2013 to 2017 in Cixian, Hebei Province / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the cancer death and distribution characteristics of residents in Cixian County. Methods In accordance with the norms of cancer registration, cancer death data from 2013 to 2017 in Cixian were collected and analyzed, and the crude cancer death rate, age-standardized mortality rates by the Chinese standard population (ASMRC), age-standardized mortality rates by the global standard population (ASMRW). Results From January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2017, 6 490 cases of cancer death were recorded. The average annual crude mortality rate was 202.88/100 000, ASMRC was 186.49/100 000, and the ASMRW was 189.02/100 000. The top 10 male mortality cancers were esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, trachea, bronchus and lung cancer, liver cancer, rectal cancer, cerebral nervous system cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, and bladder cancer in order. The top 10 female mortality cancers were esophageal cancer, trachea, bronchus and lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, brain, nervous system cancer, rectal cancer, and ovarian cancer. The age of death increased considerably from the age of 40 years. It increased with the increase in age and reached the peak at the age of 85 years. Conclusion Upper gastrointestinal cancer and lung cancer were the main cancers that threatened the residents of Cixian County from 2013 to 2017. Screening and comprehensive prevention of high-risk groups are still the main targets of cancer prevention and control.

Clinical analysis of 50 cases of tracheal bronchus in children / 中华全科医师杂志

The clinical data of 50 children with tracheal bronchus, 35 males and 15 females with a mean age of 1.3 months (9 days to 10 years), diagnosed by bronchoscopy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from July 2017 to September 2021 were collected, including gender, age, symptoms, signs, bronchoscopy manifestations, imaging manifestations, associated diseases, and outcomes. There were 26 cases (52%) of severe pneumonia, 14 cases (28%) of recurrent wheezing, 8 cases (16%) of recurrent cough, and 2 cases (4%) of foreign bodies. The clinical symptoms were cough in 45 cases (90%), phlegm in 37 cases (74%), asthma in 28 cases (56%), and fever in 25 cases (50%). The physical signs were wet rale in 33 cases (66%), dry rale in 24 cases (48%), shortness of breath in 23 cases (46%), and triple concave sign in 21 cases (42%). The site of occurrence of tracheal bronchi was the right wall of the lower segment of the trachea. All 50 patients underwent complete pulmonary imaging examinations, but the presence of tracheal bronchus was reported in only 3 cases (6%). There were 24 cases (48%) with other types of tracheal malformations, including 9 cases (18%) of single malacia, 6 cases (12%) of single tracheal stenosis, 1 case (2%) of external tracheal compression, and 8 cases (16%) of multiple tracheal malformations. There were other underlying diseases in 27 cases (54%), congenital heart disease was the most common (17 cases, 34%), followed by premature infants (9 cases, 18%). In addition, there were 3 cases (6%) of chromosomal diseases, esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, and polydactyly. All children were discharged after anti-infection and bronchoscopy alveolar lavage. It is suggested that tracheobronchial malformation can cause infection, as well as other tracheal deformities such as tracheal softening and stenosis.

Bronquio cardíaco diagnosticado por estudio endoscópico / Cardiac bronchus diagnosed by endoscopic study

Introducción: El bronquio cardíaco es una anomalía congénita poco frecuente, con una incidencia de aproximadamente 0,1 por ciento. Consiste en un bronquio supernumerario que nace de la pared medial del bronquio principal derecho o del bronquio intermediario, opuesto al origen del bronquio para el lóbulo superior derecho y proximal al bronquio del segmento apical del lóbulo inferior derecho. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de un bronquio cardíaco diagnosticado por estudio endoscópico. Presentación del caso: Se presenta el caso de un paciente que ingresa en el servicio de Neumología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras por presentar tos, expectoración blanca, disnea a los grandes esfuerzos y una radiografía de tórax con una radiopacidad en el lóbulo superior izquierdo y que como hallazgo incidental durante la realización de la broncoscopia se detecta un bronquio cardíaco o supernumerario. Conclusiones: El bronquio cardíaco es una malformación congénita infrecuente que puede cursar de manera asintomática, cuyo diagnóstico definitivo es por broncoscopia(AU)

Introduction: The cardiac bronchus is a rare congenital anomaly, with an incidence of approximately 0.1 percent. It consists of a supernumerary bronchus that arises from the medial wall of the right main bronchus or the bronchus intermediary, opposite the origin of the bronchus for the right upper lobe and proximal to the bronchus of the apical segment of the right lower lobe. Objective: To report the case of a cardiac bronchus diagnosed by endoscopic study. Case report: We report the case of a patient who was admitted to the Pneumology service at Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical Clinical Hospital due to cough, white expectoration, dyspnea on exertion and a chest X-ray with radiopacity in the upper lobe, and that as an incidental finding during the bronchoscopy, a cardiac or supernumerary bronchus was detected. Conclusions: Bronchus is an infrequent congenital malformation that can be asymptomatic, whose definitive diagnosis is by bronchoscopy(AU)

An unusual finding of tumorlet carcinoid and endobronchial hamartoma in the lobar bronchus / Hallazgo inusual de tumorlet carcinoide y hamartoma endobronquial en el bronquio lobar

SUMMARY: Neuroendocrine lung tumours are a group of different tumours that have similar morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics, and represents 1-2 % of all malignant lung tumours. Tumorlet carcinoids represent the nodular proliferation of hyperplastic neuroendocrine cells that is smaller than 5 mm in size. In this study, we reported the unusual finding of tumour carcinoid and endobronchial hamartoma in the same bronchus. A 49-year-old male patient with symptoms of prolonged severe cough and fever, and was treated for pneumonia. Since he did not adequately respond to antibiotic therapy lung CT scan was performed which showed middle lobe bronchus obstruction. Bronchoscopy revealed a lobulated whitish tumour which was biopsied and histopathological diagnosis was hamartoma. Tumour could not be completely removed during bronchoscopy, it was decided to surgically remove it. On serial section, during gross examination in the same bronchus, an oval yellowish area with a diameter of 3 mm was found along the bronchial wall. According to gross and histomorphological characteristics and immunophenotype of tumour cells, the diagnosis of tumour carcinoid was set. Diagnosis of carcinoids of the tumorlet type is usually an accidental finding and it can be seen on CT in the form of subcentimeter, single or multiple, nodular changes. Considering that the clinical picture is nonspecific, they should always be kept in mind as a possible differential diagnosis.

RESUMEN: Los tumores neuroendocrinos de pulmón son un grupo de tumores de diferentes características morfológicas, inmunohistoquímicas y moleculares similares, y representan el 1- 2 % de todos los tumores malignos de pulmón. Los carcinoides tumorales representan la proliferación nodular de células neuroendocrinas hiperplásicas de tamaño inferior a 5 mm. En este estudio reportamos el hallazgo inusual de tumor carcinoide y hamartoma endobronquial en el mismo bronquio. Un paciente varón de 49 años con síntomas de tos severa prolongada y fiebre fue tratado por neumonía. Al no responder adecuadamente a la terapia con antibióticos, se realizó una tomografía computarizada de pulmón que mostró obstrucción del bronquio del lóbulo medio. La broncoscopia reveló una tumoración blanquecina lobulada de la cual se tomó biopsia y el diagnóstico histopatológico fue hamartoma. No fue posible extirpar el tumor por completo durante la broncoscopia y se decidió extirparlo quirúrgicamente. En la sección seriada, durante el examen macroscópico en el mismo bronquio, se encontró un área amarillenta ovalada de 3 mm de diámetro a lo largo de la pared bronquial. De acuerdo a las características macroscópicas e histomorfológicas y de inmunofenotipo de las células tumorales, se estableció el diagnóstico de tumor carcinoide. El diagnóstico de carcinoides de tipo tumorlet suele ser un hallazgo accidental y se observan en la TC en forma de cambios nodulares subcentimétricos, únicos o múltiples. En consideración de que el cuadro clínico es inespecífico, siempre debe tenerse en cuenta como posible diagnóstico diferencial.

Successful treatment of an adult with severe chest trauma under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report / 中华危重病急救医学

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a valuable treatment option for chest trauma individuals and some patients required surgery. A 35-year-old female patient with severe chest trauma was admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University on February 27, 2020. The patient was hospitalized with chest pain and dyspnea due to fall from a height. Emergency chest CT revealed a right fluid pneumothorax (60% of right lung compression), left hemothorax, little pericardial effusion, and multiple emphysemas in the lower neck, chest, back and mediastinum. Invasive ventilator was difficult to maintain oxygen saturation. After evaluation, the VV-ECMO was established, then, she received a thoracotomy. There was a 1.2 cm trachea rupture observed during operation, and the trachea was repaired. The operation lasted 4 hours with the continuous support of VV-ECMO. When the patient's haemodynamics and oxygenation was stable, ECMO was removed. Sixteen days later, the patient's chest CT showed that, the chest wall subcutaneous emphysema was reduced, and the exudative lesions of both lungs were absorbed, indicating that the patient was treated effectively and reached the discharge standard with no complication. During the treatment of this patient, VV-ECMO was applied rapidly and lasted for a short period, which provided the patient with the opportunity of emergency operation and finally the patient was fully recovered. VV-ECMO can provide support for patients with severe trauma and refractory hypoxemia.

A rare presentation of aorto-bronchial fistula and the relevance of open repair in endovascular era

Aorto-bronchial fistula is a rare but potentially fatal condition due to torrential bleeding from erosion of aneurysmal wall into bronchial wall or lung parenchyma. It is usually associated with infection, lung transplantation, pulmonary malignancies, atherosclerotic and mycotic aneurysms, and anastomotic pseudoaneurysms after open or endovascular surgery. The typical presentation usually manifested by haemoptysis, but rarely the patient also can be presented with hematemesis and this will delay the definitive treatment. Surgical or endovascular repair is mandatory because non-operative management will lead to a poor prognosis due to massive bleeding from the fistula.  We would like to present a unique case of an elderly man presented with intermittent haematemesis, in which he later developed profound haemoptysis and diagnosed with ABF. Although in the era of endovascular, the ABF was successfully treated via open thoracotomy, resection of thoracic aorta aneurysm, left lower lobe lobectomy, and completed with aortic repair using Gelweave aortic graft.

Severe haemoptysis in a 5 year old child with Kartagener's syndrome: case report

Kartagener`s syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder is a type of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) associated situs inversus, bronchiectasis, sinusitis and male infertility. We present a case of a 5-year-old girl who came with features of bilateral glue ear, recurrent sinusitis, recurrent hemoptysis and dextrocardia. She was diagnosed to have Kartagener`s syndrome and was evaluated for recurrent hemoptysis.

Turban Pin Inhalation Syndrome with Unusually Mobile Pin from Series of Radiographs.

Foreign Bodies (FB) dislodges are common in the ear,nose and throat especially among infants and children.Occasionally, they can accidentally be ended up in thebronchus as well. We describe a 13-year-old girl withaccidental ingestion of a scarf needle pin after she wasslapped on the back while biting the pin. Chestradiograph had confirmed the diagnosis of piningestion which is consistent with turban pininhalation syndrome. In view of logistic and specialtyissues, she was transferred to another tertiary hospitalfor further intervention. A series of chest radiographshowed a migratory metallic FB in different locationsin the airway, which was considered as an extremerarity. We discuss this rare entity with literature reviewof FB aspiration in general.

Risk factors for intraoperative hypoxemia during monopulmonary ventilation: an observational study / Fatores de risco para hipoxemia intraoperatória durante ventilação monopulmonar: estudo observacional

Abstract Background Left double-lumen endotracheal tubes have been widely used in thoracic, esophageal, vascular, and mediastinal procedures to provide lung separation. Lacking clear objective guidelines, anesthesiologists usually select appropriately sized double-lumen endotracheal tubes based on their experience with 35 and 37 Fr double-lumen endotracheal tubes, which are the most commonly used. We hypothesized the patients with a left main bronchus of shorter length (<40 mm) had a greater chance of experiencing desaturation during one lung ventilation, due to obstruction in the orifice of the left upper lobe with the bronchial tube. Methods We included 360 patients with a left double-lumen intubated between September 2014 and August 2015. The patient's age, sex, height, weight, and underlying disease were recorded along with type of surgical procedure and the desaturation episodes. In addition, the width of the trachea and the width and length of the left bronchus were measured using computed tomography. Result Patients with a left main bronchus length of less than 40 mm who underwent intubation with a left double-lumen endotracheal tubes had significantly higher incidence of desaturation (Odds Ratio (OR: 8.087)) during one-lung ventilation. Other related factors of patients identified to be at risk of developing hypoxia were diabetes mellitus (OR: 5.368), right side collapse surgery (OR: 4.933), and BMI (OR: 1.105). Conclusions We identified that patients with a left main bronchus length of less than 40 mm have a great chance of desaturation, especially if other desaturation risk factors are present.

Resumo Justificativa Os tubos endotraqueais de duplo lúmen (Double-lumen tubes - DLTs) para intubação seletiva esquerda têm sido amplamente utilizados em procedimentos torácicos, esofágicos, vasculares e mediastinais para proporcionar a separação dos pulmões. Com a falta de diretrizes claras, os anestesiologistas geralmente selecionam os tubos com base em sua experiência com os tubos endotraqueais de duplo lúmen de 35 e 37 Fr, os mais comumente usados. Nossa hipótese foi que os pacientes com um brônquio principal esquerdo de menor comprimento (< 40 mm) apresentavam uma chance maior de sofrer dessaturação durante a ventilação monopulmonar, devido à obstrução do orifício do lobo superior esquerdo com o tubo brônquico. Métodos No total, 360 pacientes submetidos à intubação seletiva esquerda mediante o uso de tubo de duplo lúmen foram incluídos no estudo entre setembro de 2014 e agosto de 2015. Idade, sexo, altura, peso e doença de base foram registrados, junto do tipo de procedimento cirúrgico e os episódios de dessaturação. Além disso, a largura da traqueia e a largura e comprimento do brônquio esquerdo foram medidos por meio de tomografia computadorizada. Resultados Os pacientes com comprimento do brônquio principal esquerdo inferior a 40 mm, submetidos à intubação seletiva esquerda com tubos endotraqueais de duplo lúmen, tiveram incidência significativamente maior de dessaturação (Odds Ratio - OR: 8,087) durante a ventilação monopulmonar. Outros fatores relacionados aos pacientes e identificados como risco de desenvolver hipoxemia foram diabetes mellitus (OR: 5,368), cirurgia de colapso direito (OR: 4,933) e IMC (OR: 1,105). Conclusões Identificamos que os pacientes com comprimento do brônquio principal esquerdo inferior a 40 mm apresentam grande chance de dessaturação, principalmente se outros fatores de risco para dessaturação estiverem presentes.

Practice patterns of left-sided double-lumen tube: Does it match recommendation from literature – A single-centre observational pilot study

Context: Choosing appropriate-size double-lumen tube (DLT) has always been a challenge as it depends on existing guidelines based on gender, height, tracheal diameter (TD), or personal experience. However, there are no Indian data to match these recommendations. Aim: To find out whether the size of DLT used correlates with height, weight, TD, or left main stem bronchus diameter (LMBD). We also documented clinical consequences of any of our current practice. Setting and Design: Single-center observational pilot study. Subjects and Methods: Prospective, observational study of 41 patients requiring one-lung ventilation with left-side DLT. The choice of DLT was entirely on the discretion of anesthesiologist in charge of the case. Data were collected for TD, LMBD, height, weight, age, sex, and amount of air used in the tracheal and bronchial cuff. Any intraoperative complications and difficulty in isolation were also noted. Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was done with the National Council of Statistical Software version 11. Results: Average TD and LMBD were 16.5 ± 0.9 and 10.7 ± 0.8 mm for males and 14.2 ± 1.1 and 9.4 ± 1.1 mm for females, respectively. There was a weak correlation between DLT size and height (R2 = 0.0694), TD (R2 = 0.3396), and LMBD (R2 = 0.2382) in the case of males. For females, the correlation between DLT size and height (R2 = 0.2656), TD (R2 = 0.5302), and LMBD (R2 = 0.5003) was slightly better. Conclusion: Although there was a weak correlation between DLT size and height, TD, and LMBD, the overall intraoperative outcome and lung isolation were good.

MSCT and MR three-dimensional turbo field echo sequences in diagnosis of children bilateral tracheal bronchi / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To observe clinical value of MSCT and MR three-dimensional turbo field echo (3D-TFE) in diagnosis of children bilateral tracheal bronchi. Methods: Data of 14 cases of children bilateral tracheal bronchi examined with MSCT or MR were retrospectively reviewed. Minimum intensity projection was used to reconstruct the airway in 10 children who underwent MSCT scanning, while maximum intensity projection was used to appear the airway in 4 children underwent MR 3D-TFE. According to MSCT or MRI, bilateral tracheal bronchi were divided into standard type (bilateral tracheal bronchi originated from the upper part of tracheal eminence), critical type (bilateral tracheal bronchi originated from the beginning of tracheal eminence) or mixed type (bilateral tracheal bronchi originated from different locations). The characteristics and other heart anomalies of these children were recorded. Results: Bilateral tracheal bronchi were showed clearly on both MSCT and MR 3D-TFE images. Among 14 cases, 8 cases (8/14, 57.14%) were found with standard type bilateral tracheal bronchi, 5 cases (5/14, 35.71%) were found with borderline type, 1 case (1/14, 7.14%) was found with mixed type bilateral tracheal bronchi. All 14 children (14/14, 100%) were detected with asplenia syndrome. The most common cardiac malformations included common atrioventricular canal (12/14, 85.71%), pulmonary stenosis (11/14, 78.57%) and persistent left superior vena cava (11/14, 78.57%). Conclusion: MSCT and MR 3D-TFE sequences have good diagnostic value for assessing bilateral tracheal bronchi.

Airway Improvement with Medium-Term Compression Duration after Right Pulmonary Artery Anterior Translocation / 대한흉부외과학회지

Left main bronchus compression occasionally occurs in patients with cardiac disease. A 19-month-old female patient weighing 6.7 kg was admitted for recurrent pneumonia and desaturation. She had an a trial septal defect (AS D) with a right aortic arch. Her left main bronchus had been compressed between the enlarged right pulmonary artery (RPA) and the descending thoracic aorta for 14 months. We conducted ASD closure and RPA anterior translocation via sternotomy. The left main bronchus compression was relieved despite the medium-term duration of compression.

Open Bronchus Sign on CT: A Risk Factor for Hemoptysis after Percutaneous Transthoracic Biopsy

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that open bronchi within target pulmonary lesions are associated with percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB)-related hemoptysis. We sought to analyze and compare patient characteristics and target features as well as biopsy-related factors between patients with and without PTNB-related hemoptysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1484 patients (870 males and 614 females; median age, 66 years) who had undergone 1569 cone-beam CT (CBCT)-guided PTNBs. Patient characteristics (sex, age, and pathologic diagnosis), nodule features (nodule type, size, location, and presence of an open bronchus in target nodules), and biopsy-related factors (biopsy needle size, pleura-to-target distance, blood test results, open bronchus unavoidability [OBU] index, etc.) were investigated. OBU index, which was assessed using the pre-procedural CBCT, was a subjective scoring system for the probability of needle penetration into the open bronchus. Univariate analysis and subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to reveal the independent risk factors for PTNB-related hemoptysis. For a subgroup of nodules with open bronchi, a trend analysis between the occurrence of hemoptysis and the OBU index was performed. RESULTS: The independent risk factors for hemoptysis were sex (female; odds ratio [OR], 1.918; p < 0.001), nodule size (OR, 0.837; p < 0.001), open bronchus (OR, 2.101; p < 0.001), and pleura-to-target distance (OR, 1.135; p = 0.003). For the target nodules with open bronchi, a significant trend between hemoptysis and OBU index (p < 0.001) was observed. CONCLUSION: An open bronchus in a biopsy target is an independent predictor of hemoptysis, and careful imaging review may potentially reduce PTNB-related hemoptysis.

Huge Syphilitic Aneurysm of the Thoracic Aorta Complicated with Airway Obstruction and Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Today, syphilitic aortic aneurysm is rarely diagnosed due to widespread use of penicillin for early syphilis. Large aneurysms can be symptomatic by compressing on adjacent organs. We report a case of a huge syphilitic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta complicated with airway obstruction and superior vena cava syndrome. A 62-year-old man presented with acute severe dyspnea and distention of superficial veins. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an aneurysm of the ascending aorta extending to the transverse arch the diameter of which was 90 mm. The aneurysm compressed the bilateral main bronchi and superior vena cava. We performed an emergency operation because respiratory failure persisted despite the support of a ventilator. Since the aneurysm eroded the sternum, median sternotomy was performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest. Dissecting the aneurysm was complicated due to dense adhesion. Ascending aorta and partial arch replacement with reconstruction of the brachiocephalic trunk was successfully performed with antegrade cerebral perfusion. Postoperative computed tomography demonstrated that compression of the bilateral main bronchi was released. The result of preoperative syphilitic serologic test was strongly positive, and pathological findings of the aneurysm wall specimen was compatible with syphilitic aneurysm. Following treatment with benzyl penicillin for 14 days, the patient was discharged on the 19th postoperative day without specific complications.

Concomitant Avulsion Injury of the Subclavian Vessels and the Main Bronchus Caused by Blunt Trauma

Concomitant rupture of the subclavian vessels and the left main bronchus caused by blunt trauma is a serious condition. Moreover, the diagnosis of a tracheobronchial injury with rupture of the subclavian vessels can be difficult. This report describes the case of a 33-year-old man who suffered from blunt trauma that resulted in the rupture of the left subclavian artery and vein. The patient underwent an operation for vascular control. On postoperative day 3, the left main bronchus was found to be transected on a computed tomography scan and bronchoscopy. The transected bronchus was anastomosed in an end-to-end fashion. He recovered without any notable problems. Although the bronchial injury was not detected early, this case of concomitant rupture of the great vessels and the airway was successfully treated after applying extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Metallic hair pin aspiration into the left tertiary bronchus

Foreign body aspiration is commonly described in infants and children. However, recently, a newhigh-risk group was identified among young women, especially those from the Muslim populationwho wear the traditional hair scarf. This is due to the habit of holding the scarf pin in between thelips to free hands to adjust the scarf more easily. Talking, laughing, or coughing while fixing thescarf may result in inadvertent inhalation of the pin into the tracheobronchial tree. We present acase of scarf pin inhalation and the challenges encountered in managing this patient during thesuccessful removal of the pin via flexible bronchoscopy under fluoroscopy guidance. This particularcase was technically challenging for us as the sharp tip of the needle was pointing upward andpiercing the bronchial mucosa.

Two Cases of Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare idiopathic tracheobronchial abnormality characterized by diffuse cartilaginous and osseous nodules protruding into the airway lumen of the trachea and bronchus. TO is easy to misdiagnose because of nonspecific symptoms and chest CT scan with pathologic biopsy is necessary for definitive diagnosis. We report two cases of patient with TO who underwent laryngomicroscopic biopsy and tracheostomy with literature review.