Nefrectomía radical con trombectomía de vena cava: 20 años de cirugías por tumor renal / Vena cava thrombectomy in kidney cancer. Report of 32 nephrectomies

BACKGROUND: Vena cava (VC) involvement in kidney tumors occurs in 4 to 10% of cases, and is associated with a higher mortality. Nephrectomy with thrombectomy of the VC, performed by a multidisciplinary team, improves survival. Aim: To report a series of consecutive nephrectomies with caval thrombectomy performed in an academic center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report 32 patients with cT3b and 3c renal tumors, who underwent radical nephrectomy with VC thrombectomy between 2001 and 2021. A descriptive analysis of clinical, surgical and pathological variables was performed. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: The mean tumor size was 9.7 cm. According to Mayo classification 3/32 (9%) patients had a type I thrombus, 10/32 (31%) had a type II thrombus, 8/32 (25%) had a type III thrombus, and 5/32 (16%) had a type IV thrombus. The mean bleeding was 2000 cc. There was one intraoperative death. Nineteen percent of patients had complications >= 3 according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Reoperations occurred in 9%. Pre and postoperative creatinine levels were 1.17 and 1.91 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.01). Pre and postoperative Hematocrit levels were 47.9 and 31% respectively (p = 0.02). Sixty six percent of tumors were clear cell renal cancer, 9% were papillary and 3% were chromophobic. Mean OS was 10 months. Two-year SCE was 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar to those reported elsewhere. Despite being an unusual pathology, the surgical technique has been improving, thanks to the multidisciplinary work of urologists and surgeons.

Ectopic connection of ductus venosus to dilated coronary sinus diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

We report a fetus with ectopic connection of venous catheter into the dilated coronary sinus, right-sided aortic arch, left-sided ductal arch, and aberrant left subclavian artery detected by routine prenatal ultrasound screening at 23 +2 gestational weeks. The baby was born vaginally at 38 +2 gestational weeks with an Apgar score of 10 at both 1 and 5 min. The reexamination of neonatal echocardiography on the second day after birth showed dilation of the internal diameter of the coronary sinus, right-sided aortic arch, and aberrant left subclavian artery. Follow-up at 90 days after birth found no abnormal growth and development.

Upper vena cava syndrome secondary to giant atrial myxoma

SUMMARY Cardiac myxoma is a benign neoplasm, which corresponds to the most common primary heart tumour, responsible for about 50% of the cases. In general, 75-80% of myxomas are located in the left atrium, 18% in the right atrium, and more rarely in the ventricles or multicentric. Right atrial myxoma, in particular, can obstruct the tricuspid valve, causing symptoms of right heart failure, peripheral oedema, hepatic congestion, and syncope. Systemic embolization occurs in 30% of cases, by either tumour fragmentation or total tumour detachment. In the present report, we present a case of a symptomatic patient, who showed a large right intra-atrial lesion, with consequent superior vena cava syndrome, and then underwent surgical resection at admission.

RESUMO O mixoma cardíaco é uma neoplasia benigna, que corresponde ao tumor primário mais comum do coração, responsável por cerca de 50% dos casos. De modo geral, 75 a 80% dos mixomas estão localizados no átrio esquerdo, 18% no átrio direito, e mais raramente, nos ventrículos ou multicêntricos. O mixoma atrial direito, em particular, pode obstruir a válvula tricúspide, causando sintomas de insuficiência cardíaca direita, edema periférico, congestão hepática e síncope. A embolização sistêmica ocorre em 30% dos casos, quer pela fragmentação do tumor ou pelo desprendimento total do mesmo. No presente relato, apresentamos um caso de uma paciente sintomática, que evidenciou grande lesão intra-atrial direita, com consequente síndrome da veia cava superior, sendo, então, submetida a ressecção cirúrgica na internação.

Persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda: Presentación de un caso / Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: Case Report

La vena cava superior izquierda persistente es una variante anatómica poco común, pero su conocimiento por parte de los médicos es importante para algunos procedimientos, como inserción de catéteres, entre otros. Se ha descrito desde 1950 y se asocia con anomalías cardiacas. Esta estructura venosa tiene varios sitios donde drenar los cuales se deben conocer. Casi siempre es un hallazgo incidental, pero se ha asociado a accidente cerebrovascular y muerte. Para su diagnóstico se han utilizado varias modalidades de imagen, como ecocardiografía, tomografía computarizada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM).

Persistent left superior vena cava is a rare anatomical variant, which should be known by physicians, since it is relevant for some procedures such as insertion of catheters and pacemakers. Described in the literature since 1950, it has been associated with several cardiac anomalies. This venous structure drains towards several places, which must be known. Although most of the time it is an incidental finding, it has been associated with stroke and death. Imaging modalities such as CT, MRI and echocardiography are helpful for its diagnosis.

Application of MSCT Three-dimensional Digital Navigated Biopsy in Pretracheal Retrocaval Space Lesions / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To investigate the application of multi-slice spiral CT three-dimensional digital navigated biopsy technique in pretracheal retrocaval space lesions,and to promote the accuracy and security of the biopsy procedure.Materials and Methods Seventy patients with lesions in the pretracheal retrocaval space were enrolled from January 2013 to December 2015.Study subjects were randomly divided into a control group and a research group.Three-dimensional navigation biopsy was used in the research groups,while CT cross-sectional images guided conventional puncture biopsy was used in the control group.One-time success rate of puncture,complications,diagnosis accuracy and operation time were compared between the two groups.Results Once puncture success rates and definite diagnosis rate of the research group were higher than those of the control group,(Z=-2.150,P＜0.05).The incidence of complications and operation time in the research group were (4/35) 11.43％,and those of control group were 37.14％ (13/35).There was statistic difference (x2=6.293,P＜0.01).Conclusion MSCT three-dimensional digital navigated biopsy technique could improve the one-time success rate of puncture and diagnosis accuracy with less complications and shortened operating time.It is a precise and safe procedure for the diagnosis of pretracheal retrocaval space lesions.

Surgery for renal carcinoma with supradiaphragmatic tumor thrombus:avoiding sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To describe a feasible surgical technique for patients with renal cell carcinoma associated with a supradiaphragmatic tumor thrombus that avoids cardiopulmonary bypass procedure. Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 2 cases with right kidney tumor and tumor thrombus above the dia-phragm treated in April and August,2015.The two patients were both female,aged 73 and 67 years. The tumor sizes of right kidneys were 7.0 cm ×6.3 cm ×5.7 cm and 8.7 cm ×7.0 cm ×5.2 cm,and the tumor thrombuses were 1.3 cm and 1.8 cm above the diaphragm.The second patient had synchro-nous metastasis in right adrenal gland ,and the tumor thrombus arose from the adrenal vein but not the renal vein.Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)was used to assess real-time mobility of the thrombus.A modified chevron incision was used,the right kidney was mobilized laterally and pos-teriorly,and the renal artery was identified,ligated,and divided.The infradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava (IVC)was exposed and isolated by mobilizing the liver off the diaphragm or to the left (piggyback liver mobilization,case 2).The central diaphragm tendon was dissected or incised in the midline until the supradiaphragmatic intrapericardial IVC was identified and gently pulled beneath the diaphragm and into the abdomen.The tumor thrombus was then “milked”downward out of the intrapericardial IVC un-der the guidance of TEE.The distal and proximal IVC to the tumor thrombus,porta hepatis,and left re-nal vein were clamped.Tumor thrombus was removed from the IVC.The IVC was sutured and vascular clamps were placed below the major hepatic veins.Pringle’s maneuver was then released and hepatic blood drainage was permitted during closure of the remaining IVC.Related literature was reviewed.Re-sults:Complete resection was successful through the transabdominal approach without CBP in both pa-tients.Estimated blood loss was 1 500 mL and 2 000 mL,and 1 200 mL and 800 mL of blood were trans-fused.The postoperative courses were uneventful.Both patients subsequently underwent tyrosine-kinase inhibitor therapy.Both patients were alive without tumor recurrence or new metastasis during the follow-up of 6 months and 9 months.Conclusion:In selected cases,renal cell carcinoma extending into the IVC above the diaphragm can be resected without sternotomy,CBP or DHCA.

Morphometric study of the areolar space between the great vessels and the lumbar spine / Estudo morfométrico do espaço areolar entre os grandes vasos e a coluna lombar / Estudio morfométrico del espacio areolar entre los grandes vasos y la columna lumbar

Objective: This work aims to study the areolar space anterior to the lumbar spine, and also the positioning of the large vessels focusing a lateral approach. Methods:This is a morphometric study of 108 cases based on T2 weighted-MRI images in the supine position. The following measurements were performed: lumbar and segmental lordosis; anteroposterior disc diameter; space between the disc/vertebral body and the vessels; bifurcation between the abdominal aorta and the common iliac veins confluence in relation to the lumbar level. Results:The areolar space with respect to the iliac veins, and with the vena cava increased cranially (p<0.001), starting from average 0.6mm at L4-L5 and reaching 8.4mm at L2, while the abdominal aorta showed no increase or decrease pattern across the different levels (p=0.135) ranging from 1.8 to 4.6mm. The diameter of the discs increased distally (p<0.01) as well as the lordosis (p<0.001). The disc diameter was 11% larger when compared to the adjacent vertebral bodies (p<0.001) and that resulted in a smaller distance of the vessels in the disc level than in the level of the adjacent vertebral bodies (p<0.001). The aortic bifurcation was generally ahead of L4 (52%) and less frequently at L3-L4 (28%) and L4-L5 (18%). The confluence of the veins was usually at the L4-L5 level (38%) and at L5 (37%), and less frequently at L4 (26%). Conclusions: There is an identifiable plane between the great vessels and the lumbar spine which is particularly narrow in its distal portion. It is theoretically feasible to reach this plan, handle the anterior complex disc/ALL and protect the great vessels by lateral approach, however, it is challenging.

Objetivo: Estudar o espaço areolar localizado anteriormente à coluna lombar e também o posicionamento dos grandes vasos com enfoque em abordagem lateral. Métodos: Estudo morfométrico com 108 casos com base em exames de ressonância magnética com ponderação T2 em posição supina. Foram realizadas as seguintes medidas: lordose lombar e segmentar; diâmetro discal anteroposterior; espaço entre o disco/corpo vertebral e os vasos; bifurcação da aorta abdominal e confluência das veias ilíacas comuns em relação ao nível lombar. Resultados: O espaço areolar com relação às veias ilíacas e à veia cava aumentou no sentido cranial (p < 0,001), partindo de média de 0,6 mm em L4-L5 e chegando em 8,4 mm em L2, e a artéria aorta abdominal não apresentou padrão ao longo dos diferentes níveis (p = 0,135), variando de 1,8-4,6 mm. O diâmetro dos discos aumentou distalmente (p < 0,01), assim como a lordose (p < 0,001). O diâmetro discal foi 11% superior ao dos corpos vertebrais adjacentes (p < 0,001) e isso refletiu na menor distância dos vasos no nível discal do que no nível dos corpos vertebrais (p < 0,001). A bifurcação aórtica estava geralmente à frente de L4 (52%) e com menos frequência, em L3-L4 (28%) e L4-L5 (18%). A confluência das veias foi, em geral, no nível de L4-L5 (38%) e de L5 (37%), e menos frequentemente em L4 (26%). Conclusões: Existe um plano identificável entre os grandes vasos e a coluna lombar, que é especialmente estreito em sua porção distal. Através de acesso lateral é teoricamente factível, porém desafiador, atingir este plano, manipular o complexo anterior do disco/LLA e proteger os grandes vasos.

Objetivo: El trabajo tiene como objetivo estudiar el espacio areolar situado anteriormente a la columna lumbar y también el posicionamiento de los grandes vasos con enfoque de abordaje lateral. Métodos: Estudio morfométrico de 108 casos basados en MRI con ponderación T2 en la posición supina. Se realizaron las siguientes mediciones: lordosis lumbar total y segmentaria; diámetro anteroposterior del disco; espacio entre disco/cuerpo vertebral y los vasos; bifurcación de la aorta abdominal y la confluencia de las venas ilíacas comunes en relación con el nivel lumbar. Resultados: El espacio areolar con respecto a las venas ilíacas y la vena cava inferior aumentó cranealmente (p < 0,001), a partir de un promedio de 0,6 mm en L4-L5, llegando a 8,4 en L2, y la aorta abdominal no ha presentado un patrón a lo largo de los diferentes niveles (p = 0,135) que van desde 1,8 a 4,6 mm. El diámetro de los discos aumentó distalmente (p < 0,01) así como la lordosis (p < 0,001). El diámetro del disco fue 11% mayor que el diámetro de los cuerpos vertebrales adyacentes (p < 0,001) y esto resultó en la distancia más corta de los vasos en el nivel del disco que en el nivel de los cuerpos vertebrales (p < 0,001). La bifurcación aórtica fue en general por delante de L4 (52%) y con menor frecuencia en L3-L4 (28%) y L4-L5 (18%). La confluencia de las venas fue generalmente en L4-L5 (38%) y L5 (37%), y menos frecuentemente en L4 (26%). Conclusiones: Hay un plano identificable entre los grandes vasos y la columna vertebral lumbar que es especialmente estrecho en su parte distal. En teoría, es posible alcanzar este plan, manejar el complexo anterior disco/LLA y proteger los grandes vasos por abordaje lateral, sin embargo, es un desafío.

Effect of utilization of veno-venous bypass vs. cardiopulmonary bypass on complications for high level inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy and concomitant radical nephrectomy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine if patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with levels III and IV tumor thrombi are receive any reduction in complication rate utilizing veno-venous bypass (VVB) over cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for high level (III/IV) inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombectomy and concomitant radical nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: From May 1990 to August 2011, we reviewed 21 patients that had been treated for RCC with radical nephrectomy and concomitant IVC thrombectomy employing either CPB (n =16) or VVB (n=5). We retrospectively reviewed our study population for complication rates and perioperative characteristics. Results: Our results are reported using the validated Dindo-Clavien Classification system comparing the VVB and CPB cohorts. No significant difference was noted in minor complication rate (60.0% versus 68.7%, P=1.0), major complication rate (40.0% versus 31.3%, P=1.0), or overall complication rate (60.0% versus 62.5%, P=1.0) comparing VVB versus CPB. We also demonstrated a trend towards decreased time on bypass (P=0.09) in the VVB cohort. Conclusion: The use of VVB over CPB provides no decrease in minor, major, or overall complication rate. The use of VVB however, can be employed on an individualized basis with final decision on vascular bypass selection left to the discretion of the surgeon based on specifics of the individual case.

Leiomiosarcoma de la vena cava inferior: reporte de un caso y revision de la literatura / Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava: a case report and review of the literature

Los sarcomas originados en las paredes de los grandes vasos son tumores de escasa presentación. El leiomiosarcoma de la vena cava es una enfermedad compleja que requiere ser manejado por un grupo multidisciplinario. Su tratamiento es quirúrgico. Poco se conoce de sus resultados oncológicos. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 56 años, con diagnóstico de leiomiosarcoma de la vena cava inferior, su evaluación, manejo quirúrgico y seguimiento a corto plazo. Se hace una revisión de la literatura existente hasta la fecha, evaluando además la fisiopatología y la necesidad de reconstruir la vena cava inferior.

Sarcomas Sarcomas originating in the walls of the large vessels are tumors of unusual presentation. Leiomyosarcoma of the vena cava is a complex disease that needs to be managed by a multidisciplinary team. Its management is surgical. Little is known of their oncologic results. We report the case of a 56 year-old patient, diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava, including her evaluation, surgical management, and short-term follow-up. An updated review of the literature is presented, along with an evaluation of the pathophysiology and the need for reconstruction of the inferior vena cava.

Individualized treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome: a report of 42 cases / 国际外科学杂志

Objective To study the clinicopathologic classification,and methods of individualized treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome (B-CS).Methods Analysed the clinical data of 42 cases of B-CS in our hospital from March 2006 to August 2010.Results The 42 patients were divided into three types,including 5 subtypes,which of them underwent operation or the interventional therapy,All kinds of bypass,a total of 20 cases.After operation,1 case appeared hepatic encephalopathy and die from it,the others all recovered well.Radical lesion resection and thrombosis was taken out in 7 cases; a balloon catheter in 5 cases and postoperative recovered well.The spleen-lung fixation in 6 cases were cured after operation.The three cavity two capsule tube was used oppression hemostasis for 4 patients with emergency bleeding,three cases was cured of joint spleen cut + cutoff,1 case with conservative treatment is invalid,died.The 41 cases received follow-up,during the follow up period of 3 months to 3 years,2 patients had recurrence (4.9％),and the other patients recovered satisfactorily.Conclutions According to different the clinicopathologic classification of B-CS,Taking individualized treatment may further improve the clinical curative effect.

Implantación de catéteres translumbares: experiencia de seis años en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio / Translumbar Catheter Placement. Six Years' Experience at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio

Introducción: La implantación de catéteres translumbares es un tipo de abordaje venoso que constituye una de las últimas opciones en pacientes sin disponibilidad de accesos venosos centrales convencionales. Objetivos: Revisar la literatura, describir la técnica y comunicar la experiencia de seis años en la realización de este procedimiento. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura disponible sobre la implantación de catéteres translumbares en MedLine, Ovid y Liliacs; asimismo, se obtuvo una base de datos sobre los pacientes en quienes se implantó un catéter translumbar en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio en el periodo entre 2008 y 2013. Finalmente, se ejecutó un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo. Resultados: Se realizaron 98 procedimientos en 66 pacientes (41 hombres y 25 mujeres). Se observó la incidencia de complicaciones hasta 72 horas posprocedimiento y se identificaron solo tres complicaciones (4,6 %) Conclusiones: El implante de catéteres translumbares constituye una alternativa eficaz y segura en pacientes que necesitan hemodiálisis y han agotado otros accesos venosos convencionales. Los resultados se hallan dentro de los indicadores publicados en la literatura.

Introduction: In recent years the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio has become a local and national reference center for translumbar catheter placement. This procedure is one of the last options to achieve effective central venous access in patients without other possible alternatives. Objectives: To review the literature, describe the technique and report the experience of six years in the making of this procedure. Methods: Search of the available literature about translumbar catheter placement was performed in MEDLINE, OVID and LILIACS. Additionally, it was obtained a database on patients with translumbar catheter placement at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in the 2008-2013 period. Finally a retrospective study was made. Results: 98 Procedures were performed in 66 patients (41 men and 25 women). The incidence of complications up to 72 hours post-procedure was observed, identifying only 3 complications (4.6%) Conclusions: Translumbar catheter placement is an effective and safe alternative in patients requiring hemodialysis and have exhausted other conventional venous accesses. Our results are according to those reported in the available literature.

Ressecção de metastáses hepáticas em dois estágios e reconstrução da veia cava suprarrenal / Two-stage hepatectomy for hepatic metastasis and supra renal vena cava reconstruction

A hepatectomia em duas etapas utiliza a capacidade de regeneração do fígado, após uma primeira hepatectomia não curativa, para permitir uma segunda ressecção. Neste artigo relatamos os aspectos técnicos do manejo de uma doente de 37 anos de idade, com metástases colorretais sincrônicas, onde uma única hepatectomia não era suficiente para remover todas as lesões, mesmo em combinação com quimioterapia, embolização portal ou radiofrequência. Porém as metástases poderiam ser removidas por duas ressecções sequenciais.

Two-stage hepatectomy uses compensatory liver regeneration after a first noncurative hepatectomy to enable a second curative resection. Herein we report the tecnical aspects of the management of a thirty-seven years-old woman with colorectal metastasis to the liver eligible because single resection could not achieve complete treatment, even in combination with chemotherapy, portal embolization, or radiofrequency, but tumors could be totally removed by two sequential resections.

Localização inicial da ponta de cateter central de inserção periférica (PICC) em recém-nascidos / Initial placement of the peripherally inserted central catheter's tip in neonates / Localización inicial de la punta del catéter central de inserción periférica (PICC) en recién nacidos

Estudo transversal com coleta prospectiva de dados, que objetivouidentificar o posicionamento inicial da ponta do cateter central de inserção periférica (PICC) e verificar a prevalência de sucesso de sua inserção em neonatos. Os dados foram coletados no berçário anexo à maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, entre março e setembro de 2006. Dos 37 neonatos submetidos à inserção do cateter PICC, a taxa de sucesso no procedimento foi de 72,3 por cento (27 neonatos); destes, quatro (14,8 por cento) estavam com as pontas dos cateteres alojadas nas veias axilar ou inominada; outros três (11,1 por cento), alojadas em veia jugular. Estes cateteres foram removidos por desvio de trajeto. 13 (48,2 por cento) estavam com as pontas alojadas em átrio direito, cujos cateteres foram tracionados para reposicionamento da ponta para a veia cava superior.

This is a cross-sectional study aiming to identify the initial tip position of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and to verify the prevalence of success in inserting such catheters in neonates. The study was carried out in the neonatal care unit of Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo. Data were collected prospectively from March to September 2006. 37 neonates underwent PICC insertion were included in the study. The rate of success for this procedure was 72.3 percent (27 neonates). Of them, four (14.8 percent) had the catheter tips placed in the axilary or inominate veins. Three others (11.1 percent) had them placed in a jugular vein. When these catheters were removed, 13 (48.2 percent) catheter tip were placed in the right atrium, and they were relocated to the superior vena cava.

Estudio transversal con recolección prospectiva de datos. La finalidad fue identificar la posición inicial de la punta del catéter central de inserción periférica (PICC) y verificar la prevalencia de éxitos durante su introducción en neonatos. Los datos fueron recolectados en un servicio de neonatología anexo a la maternidad del Hospital de las Clínicas de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de São Paulo, entre marzo y setiembre del 2006. De los 37 neonatos sometidos a introducción del catéter PICC, la tasa de éxito fue de 72.3 por ciento (27 neonatos), de ellos, cuatro (14.8 por ciento) estaban con las puntas de los catéteres alojadas en las venas axilar o no determinada, tres (11.1 por ciento) localizadas en la vena yugular. Siendo estos últimos retirados por desviación en su trayecto. El 48.2 por ciento (13) se encontraba con las puntas en el atrio derecho, siendo estos catéteres nuevamente posicionados en la vena cava superior.

Vena cava superior izquierda persistente asociada con cardiopatías congénitas / Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Associated with Congenital Heart Defects

La persistencia de la vena cava superior izquierda asociada con cardiopatías congénitas suele ser un hallazgo benigno, sin repercusión hemodinámica ni quirúrgica. Sin embargo, en ocasiones su presencia puede constituir una entidad fisiopatológica que requiere tratamiento o conducir a modificaciones en las técnicas quirúrgicas utilizadas para otras malformaciones. Estas situaciones en las que la presencia de la vena cava superior izquierda requiere un abordaje quirúrgico específico son motivo de revisión en el presente trabajo. Asimismo, se comenta una técnica quirúrgica original utilizada en estos pacientes, y recientemente comunicada por nuestro grupo, en relación con cada una de las diferentes presentaciones anatómicas.

Persistent left superior vena cava associated with congenital heart defects is generally a benign finding without hemodynamic impact which does not need surgery. Nevertheless, in some circumstances, it may result a condition needing a treatment, or it may be necessary to perform certain modifications in surgical techniques used for other congenital heart defects. The present article deals with a review of those situations in which a persistent left superior vena cava needs a specific surgical approach. In addition, an original surgical procedure used in these patients, which has been recently reported by our team, is commented in relationship with each of the different anatomic presentations.

Agenesia de cava superior associada a bloqueio atrioventricular de 3º grau / Agenesis of the right superior vena cava associated with total heart block

A persistência de veia cava superior esquerda com ausência da veia cava superior é uma anomalia rara, principalmente quando associada a bloqueio atrioventricular de 3º grau. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente, na qual durante implante de marca-passo definitivo, para a correção de bloqueio atrioventricular total, foi detectada presença de veia cava superior esquerda com suspeição de ausência de veia cava superior, o que levou ao emprego de técnica diferenciada para fixação do eletrodo ventricular. Para confirmação da provável agenesia, foram realizados diversos exames complementares de imagem, demonstrando-se a dificuldade no diagnóstico da síndrome aqui descrita.

The superior left vena cava with the absent superior vena cava is a rare abnormality, especially when associated with total heart block. We report a case of a patient in which the presence of superior left vena cava and the absence of the superior vena cava was detected during the implantation of a pacemaker for the correction of a total heart block, which led us to use a different technique for the fixation of the ventricular electrode. To confirm the supposed absence, several image exams were made showing the difficulty on the diagnosis of the described syndrome.

Diagnosis and surgical management of intracaval venous tumor in 6 cases / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and surgical treatment of intracaval venous tumors. Methods Clinical data of 6 cases were retrospectively analyzed, including signs and symptoms diagnostic means such as type-B ultrasound, CTA, MRA, surgical procedures and prognosis. Results All six cases received type-B ultrasonic examination, final definite diagnosis was achieved by CTA exam in 2 cases and through MRA in 4 cases. Heart involvement was found in 3 cases. All patients underwent a surgery. According to the extent of the tumor,3 cases had thoraco-abdominal incision,3 cases with extracorporeal circulation and right atrium opening. All of the tumors were completely resected. Pathological exam revealed that 4 cases were of leiomyomatosis and 2 cases were of leiomyosarcoma. One case with leiomyosarcoma died of liver disfunction postoperatively.The other 5 cases recovered without major complications. An average 51 months of follow-up found no recurrence. Conclusions CT and MRI are the mainstay for the diagnosis,and MRI can provide clear anatomy image to the surgeons, help choose the surgical procedures. The one-stage operation is effective. During the operation, the main branches of the vena cava system should be detected, and the attachment of the tumor should be found and removed thoroughly to prevent the recurrence of the tumor. When the attachment point is lower than the iliac vein level, ligation of the involved iliac vein should be mandatory.

Uso de balão intra-hepático para controle temporário da hemorragia em lesão da veia cava retro-hepática / Intrahepatic balloon tamponade for temporary control of retrohepatic vena cava injury bleeding

Juxtahepatic veins, retrohepatic vena cava or major hepatic veins injuries carry a very high mortality rate regardless the technique used for its repair. Isolated survivor reports have for the most part been managed by vascular isolation techniques, usually with atriocaval shunt. We report one case with a unique management technique in a patient who sustained gunshot wound to the retrohepatic vena cava. Hemorrhage control had been obtained by intrahepatic balloon tamponade after others maneuvers have failed. The balloon was left in situ for two days as damaged control laparotomy principles and planned reoperation has been chosen.

Trapping of Massive Thrombus in an Inferior Vena Cava Filter: Treatment with Additional Filter Placement and Aspiration Thrombectomy

For the patients suffering from extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the placement of an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter in conjunction with anticoagulant therapy has been used to prevent pulmonary embolisms. However, for the patients who anticoagulant is contraindicated or if this is complicated, the use of an IVC filter without concurrent anticoagulation may become the sole treatment for pulmonary embolisms. In this situation, the thrombi trapped in the IVC filter may cause significant clinical problems. We report here on a case of IVC filter thrombosis that was successfully treated by aspiration thrombectomy after placing another filter proximal to the previous filter.

Role of CT Venography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Benign Thoracic Central Venous Obstruction

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of CT venography in the diagnosis and treatment of benign thoracic central venous obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients who had undergone both CT venography and digital subtraction venography were prospectively enrolled in this study. The following features were analyzed by two observers: the cause, degree, and extent of venous obstruction; associated thrombosis; and implications for the planning of treatment. CT venography and digital subtraction venography were compared in defined venous segments, and the degree of obstruction, and correlation was expressed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: In all patients, CT venography depicted the causes of obstruction, including extrinsic compression of the left brachiocephalic vein, and mediastinal inflammatory pseudotumor. Interobserver agreement regarding classification of the degree of obstruction was judged as good for CT venography (k=0.864), and in evaluating this, there was significant correlation between CT venography and digital subtraction venography (reader 1: Rs = 0.58, p < 0.01; reader 2: Rs = 0.56, p < 0.01). In evaluating the status of central veins proximal to long segmental obstruction, and associated thrombosis, CT venography was superior to digital subtraction venography. In half of all patients, the findings of CT venography led to changes in the treatment plan. CONCLUSION: The findings of CT venography correlated closely with those of digital subtraction venography, and the former accurately depicted the degree and extent of benign venous obstruction.

"Aorta-in-Aorta" Sign on Chest Radiograph Representing Enlarged Left Superior Intercostal and Hemiazygos Veins

We recently encountered a patient with membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava in whom the left superior intercostal and hemiazygos veins were dilated. At chest radiography, the dilation simulated the presence of a second aortic knob and descending thoracic aorta lateral to the originals, and an "aorta-in-aorta" appearance was thus created.