Tumores de mediastino anterior: nuestra experiencia en el Hospital Base de Linares / Anterior Mediastinal Tumours: our experience in the Hospital Base of Linares

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los tumores de mediastino constituyen una entidad clínica poco frecuente, generalmente asintomática. Se pueden desarrollar desde estructuras que se ubican en el compartimento anterior, medio y posterior, siendo la primera, la ubicación más usual. En los adultos, timomas y linfomas (Hodgkin y no Hodgkin) son las masas más comunes del mediastino anterior, junto al bocio endotorácico y los teratomas; todas en su conjunto son conocidas como las "4 T del Mediastino Anterior". Casos clínicos: Se exponen tres casos clínicos de tumores de mediastino anterior, intervenidos en nuestro centro. Discusión: Las masas mediastínicas constituyen una entidad clínica infrecuente. La tomografía computada de tórax con y sin contraste intravenoso es utilizada para evaluar estas anormalidades descubiertas radiográficamente. El diagnóstico definitivo generalmente requiere una muestra de tejido que se obtiene mediante biopsia antes del tratamiento o como parte de una resección terapéutica planificada de toda la masa. En Chile, existen pocos trabajos recientes que muestren las características clínicas de pacientes que presentan timomas o linfomas; es por esto que se hace importante la presentación de estos casos que constituyen un aporte al conocimiento nacional.

INTRODUCTION: Mediastinal tumours constitute a clinical entity infrequent, generally asymptomatic. It can develop from structures localized on anterior compartment, middle and posterior, where structure localized on anterior compartment is usual. Adults tend to have thymomas and lymphomas more common in anterior mediastinal within intrathoracic goiter and teratomas. They are known as a "4T of anterior mediastinal mass". Clinical cases: Three clinical cases of anterior mediastinal tumours are exposed in our centre. Discussion: Mediastinal mass constitutes a clinical entity infrequent. The computed Tomography of the thorax with intravenous contrast and without intravenous contrast are used to evaluate abnormalities discover by radiography. The final diagnosis requires a fabric sample which is obtained by a biopsy before the treatment or as a part of a planned therapeutic recession. In Chile exist a few recently studies that shows clinical characteristics of patients which presents thymus and lymphomas as a result is important to present this kind of cases due to these cases constitute to the national knowledge.

Características por tomografía computarizada en casos con linfomas de localización mediastinal atendidos en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología / Characteristics by computed tomography in cases with lymphomas of mediastinal location: National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology

Los linfomas son el conjunto de enfermedades neoplásicas de los linfocitos. El diagnóstico se fundamenta en la anamnesis, examen físico, biopsia ganglionar y estudios imagenológicos que permiten valorar la enfermedad para su estadiación y tratamiento. Objetivo: Caracterizar a partir de indicadores clínico-histo-imagenológico en casos con linfomas de localización mediastinal atendidos en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología de Septiembre de 2017 a Diciembre de 2019. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio preliminar, descriptivo, prospectivo en una población de 167 casos y una muestra de 43 pacientes con linfomas de localización mediastinal. Se estudiaron las variables: sexo, edad, índice de masa corporal, síntomas y signos, tipo de tumor, subtipo histológico, estadiación por criterios de Ann-Arbor, tamaño ganglionar y localización mediastinal. Resultados: El pico de incidencia se observó entre los 25-35 años. La mayor cantidad de casos presentaron sobrepeso (n=10; 23,3%). Predominaron los Linfomas de Hodgkin (n=31; 71,8%) subtipo Esclerosis Nodular (n=22; 51,2%) con estadio IA (LH=14; 32,6%). El tamaño promedio de los ganglios fue de 25,1±17,3 mm. En todos los niveles de la anatomía mediastínica se observaron lesiones ganglionares, a predominio del mediastino superior. Otras características predominantes observadas por TC incluyeron ganglios hipodensos homogéneos (n=34; 79,07%), realce postcontraste con captación homogénea (n=24; 55,81), invasión de estructuras vecinas (n=18; 41,8%) y densidades entre 32-108 UH. Conclusiones: En la valoración de los indicadores imagenológicos por tomografía computarizada contrastada se detectan cambios morfológicos, al tomar como criterio fundamental la afectación ganglionar y el tamaño de las adenopatías en el diagnóstico, estadiamiento y reevaluación de casos con linfomas. (AU)

Lymphomas are the group of neoplastic diseases of lymphocytes. The diagnosis is based on the anamnesis, physical examination, lymph node biopsy and imaging studies that allow the disease to be assessed for its statistics and treatment. Objective: To characterize, with clinical-histological-imaging indicators, cases with lymphomas of mediastinal location treated at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology from September 2017 to December 2019. Materials and methods: A preliminary, descriptive, prospective study was conducted in a population of 167 cases and a sample of 43 patients with lymphomas of mediastinal location. Variables were studied: sex, age, body mass index, symptoms and signs, tumor type, histological subtype, statistics by Ann-Arbor criteria, lymph node size and mediastinal location. Results: The peak incidence was recorded between 25-35 years. The highest number of specific cases of overweight (n = 10; 23.3%). Hodgkin lymphomas (n = 31, 71.8%), Nodular sclerosis subtype (n = 22, 51.2%) with stage IA (LH = 14, 32.6%) predominated. The average size of the nodes was 25.1 ± 17.3 mm. Nodal lesions were observed at all levels of the mediastinal anatomy, a predominance of the upper mediastinum. Other predominant features observed by CT include homogeneous hypodense nodes (n = 34; 79.07%), post-contrast enhancement with homogeneous uptake (n = 24; 55.81), invasion of neighboring structures (n = 18; 41.8%) and densities between 32-108 UH. Conclusions: Morphological changes were detected in the evaluation of the imaging indicators by contrast computed tomography, taking lymph node involvement and the size of lymphadenopathy as a fundamental criterion in the diagnosis, staging and reevaluation of cases with lymphomas. (AU)

Lipoblastoma mediastínico en pediatría / Mediastinal lipoblastoma in paediatrics

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir dos casos de lipoblastoma mediastínico, patología de baja incidencia y poco conocida, siendo aún más infrecuente en mediastino, sin haber reportes descritos en nuestro país. Casos Clínicos: 2 pacientes, ambos de sexo masculino, menores de 3 años, en los que se encontró como ha llazgo incidental una masa mediastínica en una radiografía de tórax. El estudio se complementó con una tomografía computada y en uno de los pacientes con una biopsia toracoscópica. En ambos se logró ex tirpación completa de la lesión vía toracotomía, siendo apoyado vía toracoscópica previa a la extracción de la lesión en uno de ellos. Uno de los pacientes evolucionó con Síndrome de Claude Bernard Horner el cual resolvió de manera espontánea luego de dos años y el segundo caso no presentó complicaciones. Conclusiones: el lipoblastoma mediastínico es una patología muy poco frecuente, las descripciones de la literatura se asemejan a los casos expuestos en este artículo, concluyendo que presentan un patrón muy similar entre ellos. Teniendo un pronóstico favorable si se logra la resección completa y siendo fundamental diferenciarlo de sus diagnósticos diferenciales para descartar malignidad.

Abstract: Objective: To describe two cases of mediastinal lipoblastoma, an infrequent and little-known patho logy, which is extremely rare in the mediastinum, with no cases reported in our country. Clinical Cases: Two case reports. Both patients were boys younger than three years, in which a mediastinal mass was found incidentally on a chest x-ray. The study was complemented with a CT scan and with a thoracoscopic biopsy in one of the cases. Complete resection of the tumor was achieved in both patients through thoracotomy. One of the patients presented Claude Bernard Horner syndrome as a complication from surgery, which resolved spontaneously after two years and the second case had no complications. Conclusion: Mediastinal lipoblastoma is a very rare pathology. Descriptions found in existing literature are similar to the cases presented in this article. We can conclude that mediastinal lipoblastomas in pediatrics present a very similar pattern and presentation, having a good prognosis if complete resection is achieved. Also, it is essential to distinguish it from its differential diagnoses in order to rule out malignancy.

EBUS-TBNA versus surgical mediastinoscopy for mediastinal lymph node staging in potentially operable non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis / EBUS-TBNA versus mediastinoscopia cirúrgica no estadiamento linfonodal mediastinal do câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas potencialmente operável: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

ABSTRACT Objective: Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Accurate mediastinal staging is mandatory in order to assess prognosis and to select patients for surgical treatment. EBUS-TBNA is a minimally invasive procedure that allows sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs). Some studies have suggested that EBUS-TBNA is preferable to surgical mediastinoscopy for mediastinal staging of LC. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare EBUS-TBNA and mediastinoscopy in terms of their effectiveness for mediastinal LN staging in potentially operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis, in which we searched various databases. We included studies comparing the accuracy of EBUS-TBNA with that of mediastinoscopy for mediastinal LN staging in patients with NSCLC. In the meta-analysis, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios, and negative likelihood ratios. We also analyzed the risk difference for the reported complications associated with each procedure. Results: The search identified 4,201 articles, 5 of which (with a combined total of 532 patients) were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between EBUS-TBNA and mediastinoscopy in terms of the sensitivity (81% vs. 75%), specificity (100% for both), positive likelihood ratio (101.03 vs. 95.70), or negative likelihood ratio (0.21 vs. 0.23). The area under the summary ROC curve was 0.9881 and 0.9895 for EBUS-TBNA and mediastinoscopy, respectively. Although the number of complications was higher for mediastinoscopy, the difference was not significant (risk difference: −0.03; 95% CI: −0.07 to 0.01; I2 = 76%). Conclusions: EBUS-TBNA and mediastinoscopy produced similar results for mediastinal staging of NSCLC. EBUS-TBNA can be the procedure of first choice for LN staging in patients with NSCLC.

RESUMO Objetivo: O câncer de pulmão (CP) é uma das principais causas de morte no mundo. Um estadiamento mediastinal preciso é obrigatório para avaliação do prognóstico e seleção de pacientes para tratamento cirúrgico. EBUS-TBNA é um procedimento minimamente invasivo que permite a amostragem de linfonodos mediastinais. Alguns estudos sugerem que a EBUS-TBNA é preferível que a mediastinoscopia cirúrgica no estadiamento mediastinal do CP. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática e meta-análise foi comparar a eficácia da EBUS-TBNA e da mediastinoscopia no estadiamento linfonodal mediastinal do câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas (CPCNP) potencialmente operável. Métodos: Foram pesquisados diversos bancos de dados. Estudos comparando a precisão da EBUS-TBNA e da mediastinoscopia no estadiamento linfonodal mediastinal em pacientes com CPCNP foram incluídos. Na meta-análise, foram calculadas sensibilidade e especificidade, bem como razões de verossimilhança positiva e negativa. A diferença de risco de complicações relatadas para cada procedimento também foi analisada. Resultados: A pesquisa identificou 4.201 artigos, dos quais 5 foram selecionados para a meta-análise (total combinado de 532 pacientes). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre EBUS-TBNA e mediastinoscopia: sensibilidade (81% vs. 75%), especificidade (100% para ambas), razão de verossimilhança positiva (101,03 vs. 95,70) e razão de verossimilhança negativa (0,21 vs. 0,23). A área sob a curva summary ROC para EBUS-TBNA e para mediastinoscopia foi de 0,9881 e 0,9895, respectivamente. Embora o número de complicações tenha sido maior para mediastinoscopia, não foi encontrada diferença significativa (diferença de risco: −0,03; IC95%: −0,07 to 0,01; I2 = 76%). Conclusões: EBUS-TBNA e mediastinoscopia apresentaram resultados semelhantes no estadiamento mediastinal do CPCNP. EBUS-TBNA pode ser o procedimento de primeira escolha no estadiamento linfonodal em pacientes com CPCNP.

Caracterización de pacientes operados por tumores del mediastino / Characterization of operated patients because of mediastinal tumors

Introducción: Las neoplasias mediastinales son tumores poco frecuentes, pueden aparecer a cualquier edad y por lo general se descubren incidentalmente en una radiografía de tórax de rutina en pacientes asintomáticos. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes operados por tumores de mediastino según variables clínico- epidemiológicas y diagnósticas seleccionadas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de tipo serie de casos con 37 enfermos ingresados y operados con diagnóstico de tumor mediastinal, en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Provincial Docente "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago de Cuba, durante los años 2010 a 2017. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino con 23 pacientes y el intervalo de edad entre 31 y 40 años (11 casos). Los síntomas más comunes fueron dolor torácico, tos y disnea. El compartimiento posterior fue el mayormente afectado (11 pacientes), así como los tumores con tamaños entre 7 y 9 cm (17 enfermos). Los medios diagnósticos más utilizados fueron la tomografía computarizada, la broncoscopia y la mediastinoscopia. Primaron los tumores malignos (54,1 por ciento) en los que se identificó una amplia gama de variedades histológicas. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico definitivo generalmente se establece mediante el estudio histopatológico posquirúrgico, aunque la tomografía computarizada asociada o no a la biopsia percutánea es la regla de oro para el diagnóstico preoperatorio. Las variedades histológicas de los tumores malignos son atribuibles a las características del órgano afectado(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Mediastinal neoplasms are rare tumours; they can appear at any age and they are usually discovered incidentally on a routine chest radiograph in asymptomatic patients. Objective: To characterize patients operated on mediastinal tumours according to selected clinical, epidemiological and diagnostic variables. Methods: An observational, descriptive study of a series of cases with 37 patients admitted and operated with diagnosis of mediastinal tumour in the General Surgery Service of the Provincial Teaching "Saturnino Lora" Hospital from Santiago de Cuba, during the years 2010 to 2017. Results: The female sex predominated with 23 patients and the age interval between 31 and 40 years (11 cases). The most common symptoms were chest pain, cough and dyspnea. The posterior compartment was the most affected (11 patients), as well as the tumors with sizes between 7 and 9 cm (17 cases). The most used diagnostic means were computed tomography, bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy. Malignant histological varieties prevailed (54.1 percent). Conclusions: The definitive diagnosis is usually established by postoperative histopathological study, although computed tomography associated or not with percutaneous biopsy is the gold standard for preoperative diagnosis. Malignant histological varieties are related with characteristics of the affected organ(AU)

Absceso del mediastino anterior / Abscess in the Anterior Mediastinum

RESUMEN Se presenta una paciente de 54 años de edad con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, que ingresa en el servicio de Medicina Interna por dolor torácico intenso, acompañado de falta de aire de moderada intensidad, decaimiento, tos y dificultad para tragar sobre todo los alimentos sólidos. Mediante estudios complementarios se diagnostica un tumor de mediastino anterior, lo que motiva su traslado al servicio de Cirugía General. En el acto quirúrgico se constata absceso del mediastino anterior, el cual se drena mediante esternotomía media, evoluciona favorablemente y es egresada 12 días después de la intervención quirúrgica(AU)

ABSTRACT We present a 54-year-old patient with a history of high blood pressure, admitted to the internal medicine service with severe chest pain, accompanied by a lack of air of moderate intensity, decay, cough and difficulty for swallowing, especially solid foods. Through complementary studies, an anterior mediastinal tumor is diagnosed, which motivates her transfer to the general surgery service. In the surgical act, abscess of the anterior mediastinum is verified and drained by means of median sternotomy. The patient evolves favorably and is discharged 12 days after the surgical intervention(AU)

Role of low dose 256-slice CT perfusion imaging in predicting mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: CT perfusion (CTP) is an imaging technique that can be used to evaluate the changes in the microcirculation of tumor tissues. Our study aimed to investigate the role of CTP in predicting mediastinal lymph node metastasis. METHODS: Clinical data of 58 patients who received surgical resection of lung cancer and lymph node dissection in our hospital from June 2012 to December 2014 were collected. Patients were divided into a positive lymph node metastasis group and a negative lymph node metastasis group. Parameters of CTP, including peak enhancement intensity (PEI), perfusion value (PV), as well as blood volume (BV), were compared between the two groups. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to predict mediastinal lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: The PV of the positive lymph node metastasis group was significantly higher than that of the negative group (p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed that PV can be used as an index to predict mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of a PV greater than 7.5ml·min-1·ml-1 in predicting lymph node metastasis of lung cancer were 78.3 % and 91.4 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The PV of low dose CT perfusion can be used as an index for predicting mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS: A perfusão por TC objetiva (CTP) é uma técnica de imagem que pode ser usada para avaliar as alterações na microcirculação de tecidos tumorais. Nosso estudo teve como objetivo investigar o papel da CTP na predição de metástases em linfonodos mediastinais. MÉTODOS: Dados clínicos de 58 pacientes que receberam ressecção cirúrgica de câncer de pulmão e dissecção de linfonodos em nosso hospital de junho de 2012 a dezembro de 2014 foram coletados. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo positivo para metástase linfonodal e grupo negativo para metástase linfonodal. Parâmetros de CTP incluindo pico de intensidade de realce (PEI) e valor de perfusão (PV), bem como volume de sangue (BV), foram comparados entre os dois grupos. A curva característica de operação do receptor (ROC) foi usada para predizer metástase linfonodal mediastinal. RESULTADOS: PV do grupo de linfonodos metastáticos positivos foi significativamente maior do que o grupo negativo de linfonodos metastáticos (p<0,001). A análise da curva ROC mostrou que a PV pode ser usada como um índice para predizer a metástase linfonodal mediastinal do câncer de pulmão. A sensibilidade e a especificidade da VP maior que 7,5ml · min-1 · ml-1 na predição de metástase linfonodal de câncer de pulmão foram de 78,3% e 91,4%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A VP de perfusão por TC de baixa dose pode ser usada como um índice para a predição de metástase linfonodal mediastinal de câncer de pulmão.

Carcinoma Embrionário de Mediastino Posterior com Metástase Pulmonar: Relato de Caso / Carcinoma Embrionario de Mediastino Posterior con Metástasis Pulmonar: Relato de Caso / Posterior Mediastinum Embryonal Carcinoma with Pulmonary Metastasis: Case Report

Introdução: Os carcinomas embrionários são os mais raros e, geralmente, se apresentam quando já estão associados com outros componentes de células germinativas. Possuem características clínicas e radiológicas similares aos tumores de saco vitelino. Relato do caso: Paciente G.A.S.L, sexo masculino, 30 anos, ex-tabagista e etilista. Iniciou com quadro de dores no hemitórax esquerdo em fevereiro de 2018 com extensão dos sintomas para a região da coluna torácica e lombar. Realizou tomografia de abdômen total e tórax, com resultado sugestivo de tumor de mediastino, nódulos pulmonares, material tecidual com densidade de partes moles no mediastino posterior e numerosas linfonodomegalias retroperitoneais, evoluiu com paraplegia de membros inferiores por compressão nervosa e com hipoestesia. Realizou biópsia de tumor de mediastino posterior à esquerda com resultado de neoplasia maligna epitelial e diagnóstico de carcinoma embrionário extragonodal pouco diferenciado. O paciente apresentou metástase pulmonar, confirmando que esses tumores frequentemente se infiltram nos órgãos adjacentes. A quimioterapia baseada em cisplatina é o tratamento padrão, levando à melhora da sobrevida em pacientes com esse tipo de tumor. Após a quimioterapia, houve diminuição do volume tumoral, porém, seguiu com a paraplegia de membros inferiores em razão da compressão nervosa. Conclusão: Este estudo relata o caso de um paciente jovem, com tumor raro de células germinativas e metástase pulmonar, que evoluiu clinicamente estável após tratamento específico com quimioterápicos. Por ainda haver uma escassa literatura acerca do tema, este estudo traz novas evidências e achados.

Introduction: Embryonal carcinomas are the rarest, and usually present when they are already associated with other components of germ cells. They have clinical and radiological features similar to yolk sac tumors. Case report: Patient G.A.S.L, male, 30 years old, former smoker and alcoholic. Initially, the patient reported pain in the left hemithorax in February 2018 with extension of the symptoms to the region of the thoracic and lumbar spine. A tomography of the total abdomen and chest was performed, with result suggestive of mediastinal tumor, pulmonary nodules, tissue material with soft tissue density in the posterior mediastinum and numerous retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement, which evolved with paraplegia of the lower limbs by nerve compression and hypoesthesia. It was conducted a biopsy of a mediastinal tumor posterior to the left with result of malignant epithelial neoplasia and diagnosis of extragonadal embryonic carcinoma very little differentiated. The patient presented pulmonary metastasis confirming that these tumors frequently infiltrate into the adjacent organs. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment, leading to improved survival in patients with this type of tumor. After chemotherapy, the tumor volume decreased, but the patient continued with paraplegia of lower limbs due to nerve compression. Conclusion: This study reports the case of a young patient with a rare germ cell tumor and pulmonary metastasis who evolved clinically stable after specific chemotherapy treatment. Because there is still scarce literature on the subject, this study brings new evidences and findings.

Introducción: Los carcinomas embrionarios son los más raros y generalmente se presentan cuando ya están asociados con otros componentes de células germinativas. Se presentan características clínicas y radiológicas similares a los tumores de saco vitelino. Relato del caso: Paciente G.A.S.L, sexo masculino, 30 años, ex tabaquista y etilista. Se inició con cuadro de dolores en el hemitórax izquierdo en febrero de 2018 con extensión de los síntomas para la región de la columna torácica y lumbar. Se realizó una tomografía de abdomen total y tórax, con resultado sugestivo de tumor de mediastino, nódulos pulmonares, material tisular con densidad de partes blandas en el mediastino posterior y numerosas linfonodomegalias retroperitoneales, evolucionó con paraplejia de miembros inferiores por compresión nerviosa y con hipoestesia. Se realizó biopsia de tumor de mediastino posterior a la izquierda con resultado de neoplasia maligna epitelial y diagnóstico de carcinoma embrionario extra gonodal poco diferenciado. El paciente presentó metástasis pulmonar confirmando que estos tumores frecuentemente se infiltran en los órganos adyacentes. La quimioterapia basada en cisplatino es el tratamiento estándar, llevando a la mejora de la supervivencia en pacientes con este tipo de tumor. Después de la quimioterapia hubo la disminución del volumen tumoral, sin embargo, siguió con la paraplejia de miembros inferiores debido a la compresión nerviosa. Conclusión: Este estudio informa el caso de un paciente joven con un tumor raro de células germinales y metástasis pulmonar que evolucionó clínicamente estable después de un tratamiento de quimioterapia específico. Debido a que todavía hay poca literatura sobre el tema, este estudio aporta nuevas pruebas y hallazgos.

Yolk sac primary tumor of mediastino: a rare case in a young adult / Tumor de saco vitelínico primário do mediastino: raro caso em um adulto jovem

ABSTRACT Germ cell tumors are rare neoplasms that mostly occur in the gonads, although they can also affect other body sites, especially the anterior mediastinum (50 to 70% of all extragonadal germ cell tumors). We report a case of a primary mediastinal yolk sac tumor, a rare and aggressive germ cell tumors subtype. This was a 38-year-old man who was admitted to Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual "Francisco Morato de Oliveira", complaining about dyspnea and dry cough for 1 year. The computed tomography scan of his chest revealed a large mass in the anterior mediastinum with heterogeneous enhancement to the contrast associated with pleural effusion. There were also high serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the patient underwent surgical resection of the mass, followed by pathological examination, which confirmed a primary mediastinal yolk sac tumor, a nonseminomatous subtype of germ cell tumors. Primary mediastinal yolk sac tumors have poor prognosis, despite advances in therapy with surgical resection and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This poor prognosis is due to the degree of invasion and unresectability in most patients by the time of the diagnosis.

RESUMO Os tumores de células germinativas são neoplasias raras que acometem mais frequentemente as gônadas, embora possam também ocorrer em outras localizações do corpo, destacando-se o mediastino anterior (50 a 70% de todos os tumores de células germinativas extragonadais). No presente artigo, relatamos um caso de tumor de saco vitelínico mediastinal primário, de subtipo raro e agressivo de tumor de células germinativas. Tratava-se de um homem, 38 anos, admitido no Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual "Francisco Morato de Oliveira", com quadro de dispneia e tosse seca há 1 ano. Na investigação clínica, foi solicitada tomografia computadorizada de tórax, que mostrou volumosa massa no mediastino anterior com realce heterogêneo ao meio de contraste associada a derrame pleural. Havia ainda aumento dos níveis séricos da alfafetoproteína. Após quimioterapia neoadjuvante pré-operatória, o paciente foi submetido à ressecção cirúrgica, seguida de estudo anatomopatológico da peça, no qual demonstrou tratar-se de um tumor de saco vitelínico primário do mediastino. Os tumores de saco vitelínicos primários do mediastino têm prognóstico reservado, apesar do avanço na terapêutica com a ressecção cirúrgica e a quimioterapia à base de cisplatina. Isto se deve ao grau de invasão e de irressecabilidade na maioria dos pacientes no momento do diagnóstico.

Utilidad del ultrasonido endobronquial para el diagnóstico y etapificación del cáncer pulmonar / Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration

In the last years, several techniques have been developed to obtain a prompt diagnosis or rule out lung cancer. Endobronchial ultrasound- guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure with a high diagnostic yield for mediastinal and central pulmonary lesions. This procedure is especially useful for lung cancer diagnosis and mediastinal staging. Two different types of EBUS are currently available: Radial EBUS and lineal EBUS. Each one has technical differences together with a range of clinical indications. The aim of this review is to discuss about EBUS-TBNA and its current clinical indications, evidence about the accuracy of the procedure for lung cancer diagnosis and staging, and evaluation of the pathological and molecular studies (EGFR, ALK, and ROS1) obtained through EBUS-TBNA and rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE).

Plasmocitoma extramedular: una rara causa de masa mediastínica / Extramedullary mediastinal plasmacytoma: report of one case

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas represent 3% of plasma cell neoplasms. Their most common locations are the upper gastrointestinal and respiratory tract. We report a 70-year-old male presenting with progressive dyspnea and cough. A chest radiography showed widened mediastinum. Chest computed tomography showed a mediastinal mass. A bronchoscopy showed an extrinsic compression and complete occlusion of the primary bronchus. A self-expandable prosthesis was installed in left bronchus. A population of plasmacytoid cells was evidenced in the mass biopsy. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD20+ and CD138+. These tumor cells stained positively for lambda light chains, but negatively for kappa chains. Therefore an extramedullary plasmacytoma was diagnosed. A multiple myeloma was discarded with a normal blood count, serum calcium and creatinine levels. Serum protein electrophoresis had a monoclonal spike, serum IgG was 1963 mg/dl. Bone marrow aspiration had 1% of plasma cells. Bone x-rays were normal. Computed tomographies of the neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis ruled out other plasmacytomas. Eight cycles of chemotherapy with thalidomide, melphalan and prednisone were indicated, obtaining complete remission of the tumor. The review of the literature shows that mediastinal extramedullary plasmacytomas are extremely rare. They generally appear in men aged between 50 and 60 years. The treatment of choice is radiotherapy, but given the location in the present case, chemotherapy was considered the best option. Recurrence is approximately 10 to 30% and 10% of patients progress to myeloma, thus requiring close monitoring.

Teratoma mediastinal anterior / Anterior Mediastinal Teratoma

Paciente de 57 años, fumador, antecedentes de salud que acudió a consulta por presentar tos seca de 3 meses de evolución. Se le diagnosticó unteratoma mediastinal, tumor poco frecuente en esa edad. En la radiografía de tórax se observó una masa mediastinal anterior que se confirmó con la tomografía computarizada y donde la localización y las características imaginológicas sugirieron el diagnóstico. Se realizó esternotomía media con exéresis del tumor, confirmando por anatomía patológica la presencia de un teratoma quístico maduro en el mediastino(AU)

A 57 year old male smoking patient, with healthy history presented to the clinic for having dry cough for 3 months of evolution. Mediastinal teratoma was diagnosed, a rare tumor at that age. An anterior mediastinal mass was observed on the chest X-ray, which was confirmed by computed tomography. The location and imaging characteristics suggested the diagnosis as well. A median sternotomy was performed with tumor excision, the pathological anatomy confirmed the presence of a mature cystic teratoma in the mediastinum(AU)

Hemangioma cavernoso mediastinal / Mediastinal cavernous hemangiomas

Hemangiomas mediastinais são raras lesões intratorácicas, correspondendo a aproximadamente 0,5% de todos os tumores mediastinais. Geralmente, apresentam-se nas primeiras quatro décadas de vida. O tumor descrito neste relato de caso foi diagnosticado em uma mulher de 30 anos assintomática, de forma incidental em um RX de tórax. É um tumor extremamente raro, que se enquadra no diagnóstico diferencial de tumores primários do mediastino, cujo tratamento é cirúrgico. Discutem-se a abordagem diagnóstica e a estratégia terapêutica (AU)

Mediastinal hemangiomas are rare intrathoracic lesions, representing approximately 0.5% of all mediastinal tumors. Generally, they present in the first four decades of life. The tumor described in this case report was diagnosed in an asymptomatic 30-year-old woman, incidentally on a chest x-ray. It is an extremely rare tumor, which falls in the differential diagnosis of primary mediastinal tumors, whose treatment is surgical. Diagnostic approach and therapeutic strategy are discussed (AU)

Giant mediastinal haemangiopericytoma: An uncommon case.

Haemangiopericytoma is a rare soft tissue tumour characterised by tightly packed tumour cells situated around thin walled endothelial lined vascular channels, ranging from capillary sized vessels to large gaping sinusoidal spaces. The tumour cells are surrounded by reticulin and are negative for muscle, nerve and epithelial markers. The diagnosis of extra-pulmonary intra-thoracic, extra-pleural mediastinal mass is difficult. It constitutes only 6% of all primary tumours and cysts of the mediastinum. We report the rare occurrence of primary intra-thoracic, extra-pulmonary mediastinal haemangiopericytoma of mesenchymal origin with perivascular localisation. The patient underwent right postero-lateral thoracotomy and postoperatively received chemotherapy with adriamycin (60 mg/m2) on day 1 and ifosfamide (1.5 g/m2) on day 1 to 3. Thirtyseven months after the operation, the patient has been well with evidence of a single recurrence in the left lower lobe.

Timoma epitelial como causa de dolor torácico durante una exacerbación atípica de asma: reporte de un caso / Epithelial thymoma as a cause of thoracic pain during an atypical exacerbation of bronchial asthma: a case report

Introducción: la evaluación de un paciente con exacerbación de asma bronquial incluye la búsqueda de enfermedades que pueden simular, complicar o perpetuar esa situación. El dolor retrosternal es un síntoma atípico en pacientes con exacerbación asmática y entre las causas que lo pueden originar están las masas mediastínicas como el timoma. Un tercio de los pacientes con timomas pueden tener síntomas asociados a enfermedades autoinmunes y síndromes paraneoplásicos; sin embargo, aunque el asma bronquial tiene un componente inmunológico importante en su fisiopatología, la asociación del timoma con el asma está poco documentada. Objetivo: ofrecer una enseñanza clínica a través de la presentación de un caso con asociación inusual de timoma y asma bronquial. Presentación del caso: se presenta el caso de una paciente de 50 años que acudió a servicios de urgencias con exacerbación asmática y dolor torácico retrosternal. En tomografía computarizada de alta resolución se observó una masa en mediastino anterosuperior que tras realizar exéresis quirúrgica y estudios inmunohistoquímicos fue diagnosticada como un timoma epitelial tipo IIB. Conclusiones: la presencia de síntomas inusuales en una paciente con exacerbación asmática condujo al diagnóstico de un timoma epitelial, aun cuando no se ha demostrado la asociación entre estas dos enfermedades.

Background: the evaluation of a patient with bronchial asthma exacerbation includes the search for diseases which can simulate, complicate or perpetuate that situation. The retrosternal pain is an atypical symptom in patients with asthmatic exacerbation and among the causes that can originate this symptom are mediastinal masses like thymoma. A third part of patients with thymomas might have symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases and paraneoplastic syndromes; however, although asthma has an important immunologic component in its pathophysiology, association of thymoma with asthma is poorly documented. Objective: to offer a clinical lesson through a presentation of a case with unusual association of thymoma and asthma. Case presentation: a 50 year-old female patient with asthmatic exacerbation and retrosternal thoracic pain came to emergency services. A mass in anterosuperior mediastinum was observed in computed tomographic high-resolution scan and after performing surgical exeresis and immune histochemistry studies an epithelial timoma type IIB was diagnosed. Conclusions: the presence of unusual symptoms in a patient with asthma exacerbation led to an epithelial thymoma, even when there has not been shown association between these two diseases.

Características clínicas y patológicas de los tumores de mediastino en un hospital universitario / Clinical and pathological characteristics of tumors of the mediastinum in a university hospital

Las neoplasias mediastinales son tumores poco comunes que pueden aparecer a cualquier edad, pero son más comunes entre la tercera y la quinta década de la vida. Aproximadamente 40% de las masas son asintomáticas y se descubren incidentalmente en una radiografía de tórax de rutina. El objetivo de este trabajo es establecer la frecuencia y características de este tipo de tumores en un hospital universitario general. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo de corte transversal. Fueron incluidos todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor mediastinal primario, con confirmación anatomopatológica, durante el periodo 2008-2012. RESULTADOS: De los 795 pacientes adultos registrados en el Departamento de Oncología, 27 (3,4%) padecían patologías tumorales mediastinales. 19 (70%) pertenecían al sexo masculino y la edad promedio fue 41 años. La ubicación topográfica más frecuente corresponde en un 63% (17 casos) al mediastino anterior. Los tipos histológicos más frecuentes fueron: el de origen germinal con 6 casos (22%) y los linfomas (Hodgkin y no Hodgkin) se presentaron en 4 casos cada uno (24% en total). CONCLUSIONES: La frecuencia de tumores mediastinales fue de 3,4%. En su mayoría aparecen en pacientes del sexo masculino (70%), y la edad promedio de aparición es de 41 años. La ubicación topográfica más frecuente es el mediastino anterior (63%). El tipo histológico más frecuente son los linfomas y el tumor de origen germinal.

Mediastinal neoplasms are rare tumors that can occur at any age but are most common between the third and fifth decade of life. Approximately 40% of the masses are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally on a routine chest radiograph. The aim of this work is to determine the frequency and characteristics of this type of tumors in a general university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective, cross- sectional descriptive. We included all patients diagnosed with primary mediastinal tumor with pathologic confirmation, during the period 2008-2012. RESULTS: Of the 795 adult patients registered with the Department of Oncology, 27 (3.4%) had mediastinal tumor pathologies. 19 (70%) were male and the average age was 41 years. The most common topographic location corresponds to 63% (17 cases) the anterior mediastinum. The most common histological types were: the germinal source with 6 cases (22%) and lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) occurred in 4 cases each (24% total). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of mediastinal tumors was 3.4%. They mostly appear in male patients (70%), and the average age of onset is 41 years. The most common topographic location is the anterior mediastinum (63%). The most common histological type are lymphomas and germ cell tumor origin.

Imaging Findings of Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma: Report of Four Cases

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm and little is known about its radiological features. We present here four cases of follicular dendritic cell sarcomas and we provide the image characteristics of these tumors to help radiologists recognize this entity when making a diagnosis.

Thoraco-abdominal mature teratoma in a left diaphragmatic hernia.

This case describes a contiguous mediastinal and retroperitoneal mature teratoma in a congenital diaphragmatic defect, a combination that is hitherto unreported in literature. It substantiates embryological chronology of events during the cephalad migration of the primordial germ cells through the developing diaphragm, prior to its closure.