Actualidad en el manejo clínico del derrame pleural maligno: revisión narrativa / Update on the clinical management of malignant pleural effusion: narrative review: A narrative review

Introducción: Cerca del 50 % de los derrames pleurales (DP) es neoplásico. El comportamiento clínico del DP neoplásico es altamente sintomático por el gran volumen y su recidiva temprana. Propósito de la revisión: El objetivo de la revisión es delinear el papel de los diferentes métodos diagnósticos y terapéuticos de DP maligno. Buscamos reportes actualizados en donde se incluye los resultados de mejor supervivencia para los distintos tratamientos actuales. Recientes hallazgos: Los criterios de Light es el método estándar para diferenciar un exudado maligno. La toracocentesis guiada por ultrasonido debe ser usada como método diagnóstico/terapéutico. En pacientes con DP maligno se recomienda el drenaje permanente con el posicionamiento de un tubo de tórax y un sello hidráulico con drenaje cerrado. La pleurodesia con instilación de talco está recomendada en pacientes con DP maligno en busca de disminuir el volumen, las recidivas del DP y el tiempo de hospitalización. Conclusiones: Para el correcto manejo del DP maligno, hay que tomar en cuenta varios aspectos, como identificar la presencia de células malignas mediante estudio citológico y descartar una infección. La ecografía pleural permite definir el volumen del DP y permite decidir drenaje en ese momento, con la posibilidad de inserción de catéter intrapleural, con el objetivo de evaluar la posibilidad de esclerosar las pleuras a través de pleurodesia. Sin embargo, para llegar a esta decisión hay que analizar cada uno de los detalles que podrían tener un papel de importancia para el buen manejo y resolución definitiva o por el contrario decidir el manejo a título paliativo, siempre analizando cada caso con el objetivo de proveer de mejoría de síntomas y mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente.

Introduction: Approximately 50% of pleural effusions (PE) are neoplastic. The clinical behavior of neoplastic PE is highly symptomatic due to its large volume and early recurrence. Purpose of review: This review aims to outline the role of the different diagnostic and therapeutic methods of malignant PE. We look for updated reports that include the best survival results for the other current treatments. Recent findings: Light's criteria are the standard to differentiate a malignant exudate. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis should be used as a diagnostic/therapeutic method. In patients with malignant PE, permanent drainage is recommended with the placement of a chest tube and a hydraulic seal with closed drainage. Pleurodesis with the installation of talc is recommended in patients with malignant PE to reduce volume, PE recurrences, and hospitalization time. Conclusions: For the correct management of malignant PE, several aspects must be considered, such as identifying the presence of malignant cells by cytological study and ruling out infection. Pleural ultrasound allows for defining the volume of the PE. It will enable deciding on drainage at that time, with the possibility of inserting an intrapleural catheter, to evaluate the likelihood of sclerosing the pleurae through pleurodesis. However, to reach this decision, it is necessary to analyze each of the details that could play an essential role in good management and definitive resolution or, on the contrary, decide on palliative management, constantly investigating each case to provide symptom improvement. In addition, improving the patient's quality of life.

Chest high-resolution CT features analysis in predicting the progression of asbestosis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To analyze the radiological characteristics of chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of patients with asbestosis, and to investigate the signs of predicting the disease progression of asbestosis. Methods: A prospective method was used to enroll 68 patients with asbestosis who were regularly followed up from 2013 to 2016. The radiological characteristics of patients with asbestosis were described by the International Classification of HRCT for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases (ICOERD) , and the differences between patients with and without progression were compared during the observation period. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the chest HRCT radiological signs predicting the progression of asbestosis. Results: The study included 68 patients with asbestosis aged (65.5±7.8) years old, of which 64.7% (44/68) were female, 29.4% (20/68) had a history of smoking. There was no significant difference in age, sex, smoking and asbestos exposure between patients with progressive asbestosis (20.6%, 14/68) and patients without progressive asbestosis (79.4%, 54/68) (P>0.05) . Chest HRCT of patients with asbestosis showed irregular and/or linear opacities, of which 5.9% (4/68) were accompanied by honeycombing. Irregular and/or linear opacities were mainly lower lung preponderant, often accompanied with ground glass opacity and mosaic perfusion. 98.5% (67/68) had pleural abnormalities, of which 39.7% (27/68) had diffuse pleural thickening with parenchymal bands and/or rounded atelectasis. The analysis of multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression showed that the risk of the progression of asbestosis was increased with higher irregular and/or linears opacities cores (HR=1.184, 95%CI: 1.012-1.384, P=0.034) and the appearance of honeycombing (HR=6.488, 95%CI: 1.447-29.097, P=0.015) . Conclusion: The irregular and/or linear opacities scores and honeycombing on chest HRCT are independent influencing factors for predicting the disease progression of asbestosis.

Evaluación de técnicas mínimamente invasivas en el diagnóstico de enfermedades benignas y malignas del tórax / An Assessment of Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Thoracic Diseases

Introducción: Los cambios en la tecnología médica abarcan todas las especialidades y dentro de ellas, en la cirugía general. Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas han ocupado un papel cimero en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades en la cavidad torácica. Objetivo: Describir el uso de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas en el diagnóstico de enfermedades intratorácicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo de corte transversal para evaluar el uso de técnicas mínimamente invasivas en el diagnóstico de las enfermedades intratorácicas en el Hospital Universitario "Manuel Ascunce Domenech" desde enero de 2017 hasta mayo de 2020. El universo estuvo compuesto por 104 pacientes con sospecha diagnóstica de enfermedades benignas o malignas del tórax. Resultados: La mayor parte de los pacientes con enfermedades benignas y malignas del tórax tenían una edad de 49 (±7,05) años, sin significación intersexo. La hipertensión arterial predominó como principal comorbilidad. La videotoracoscopia fue la técnica mínimamente invasiva más empleada y la sospecha de cáncer pulmonar y enfermedad pleural constituyeron las indicaciones más frecuentes que motivaron el proceder. El diagnóstico posoperatorio que predominó en la serie fue el cáncer pulmonar. Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas empleadas mostraron una alta validez. La mayoría de los pacientes egresaron vivos y sin complicaciones. Conclusiones: El uso de técnicas mínimamente invasivas en varias enfermedades intratorácicas son de vital importancia para definir diagnóstico y tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Changes in medical technology cover all specialties and, within them, general surgery. Minimally invasive techniques have played a paramount role in the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic cavity diseases. Objective: To describe the use of minimally invasive techniques in the diagnosis of intrathoracic diseases. Methods: An observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out, from January 2017 to May 2020, in order to assess the use of minimally invasive techniques in the diagnosis of intrathoracic diseases at Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital. The universe was made up of 104 patients with suspected benign or malignant diseases of the chest. Results: Most of the patients with benign and malignant chest diseases were 49 (± 7.05) years old, without intersex significance. Arterial hypertension predominated as the main comorbidity. Videothoracoscopy was the most widely used minimally invasive technique, while suspicion of lung cancer and pleural disease were the most frequent indications that motivated the procedure. The postoperative diagnosis that predominated in the series was lung cancer. The minimally invasive techniques used showed high validity. Most of the patients were discharged alive and without complications. Conclusions: The use of minimally invasive techniques in various intrathoracic diseases are of vital importance to define diagnosis and treatment(AU)

Placas pleurales por inhalación de fibras de asbesto: reporte de dos casos y revisión de literatura / Pleural plaques by inhalation of asbestos fibers: report of two cases and literature review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las placas pleurales por fibras de asbesto se caracterizan por lesiones compuestas por tejido fibroso que se ubican en la pleura parietal. Suelen aparecer hasta en un 3% a 58% de los trabajadores que estuvieron expuestos a fibras de asbesto, y en un 0,5% a 8% en población general. El OBJETIVO de este artículo es presentar dos casos clínicos de pacientes a los que se les detectó en la radiografía de tórax alteraciones pleurales posiblemente asociadas a la exposición a fibras de asbesto. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Caso 1. Paciente de sexo masculino de 49 años, trabajador de la construcción con antecedentes de exposición a fibras de asbesto. Se le realizó una radiografía de tórax con técnica OIT (Organización Internacional del Trabajo), la que evidenció alteraciones pleurales focales. Una tomografía axial computarizada de tórax, confirmó la presencia de placas pleurales. Caso 2. Paciente de sexo femenino de 79 años, jefa de hogar, sin exposición laboral conocida a fibras de asbesto. En una radiografía de tórax anteroposterior, se observó la presencia de una placa pleural focal. Se solicitó una tomografía axial computarizada de tórax, la que confirmó la presencia de placas pleurales. CONCLUSIÓN: La radiografía de tórax con técnica OIT es el instrumento básico para la identificación de enfermedades relacionadas con la exposición a fibra de asbesto. El estudio debe ser completado con una tomografía axial computarizada de tórax cuya sensibilidad es mayor permitiendo detectar tempranamente las anomalías pleurales. Es fundamental la historia ocupacional detallada ya que constituye el método más fiable y práctico para medir la exposición a fibra de asbesto.

INTRODUCTION: Asbestos fiber pleural plaque is characterized by lesions composed of fibrous tissue that are located in the parietal pleura. They usually appear in up to 3 to 58% of workers who were exposed to asbestos fiber, and 0.5 to 8% in the general population. The OBJECTIVE of this article is to present two clinical cases of patients who were detected in the chest radiograph pleural alterations associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. CLINICAL CASES: First case: 49-year-old male patient, building worker with a history of exposure to asbestos fibers. Focal pleural alterations were detected by a chest x-ray performed according ILO (International Labour Organization) technique. The presence of pleural plaques was confirmed in a computed tomography of the chest. Second case: Holder, without occupational exposure to asbestos fibers. An anteroposterior chest radiography showed the presence of focal pleural plaque in a CT scan of the chest. CONCLUSION: Chest x-ray with ILO technique is the basic instrument for the identification of diseases related to asbestos fiber exposure. The study should be completed with a CT scan of the chest whose sensitivity is greater, allowing early detection of pleural abnormalities. Detailed occupational history is essential, as it is the most reliable and practical method to measure asbestos fiber exposure.

Seudoquiste mediastinal y fistulización pleural, excepcional complicación de una pancreatitis / Mediastinal pseudocyst and pleural fistulization, exceptional complication of pancreatitis

Resumen Introducción: Las complicaciones torácicas secundarias a pancreatitis aguda son excepcionales y más aún la presencia de un pseudoquiste mediastinal. Caso Clínico: Hombre de 36 años. Consumidor de marihuana y alcohol. Historia de 6 meses de dolor abdominal y adelgazamiento de 20 kilos. Instalando en la evolución sintomatología respiratoria. Discusión: Se discuten las formas de presentación de esta entidad. Sus etiologías más frecuentes. Se hace énfasis en el rol de la imagenología así como en el análisis del líquido pleural. El enfoque terapéutico es conservador al inicio y en algunos pacientes es quirúrgico en la evolución; con diversas opciones.

Introduction: The thoracic complications secondary to acute pancreatitis are exceptional and even more so the presence of a mediastinal pseudocyst. Case report: 36 year old man. Marijuana and alcohol consumer. History of 6 months of abdominal pain and weight loss of 20 kilos. Installing respiratory symptomatology evolution. Discussion: The forms of presentation of this entity are discussed. Its most frequent etiologies. Emphasis is placed on the role of imaging as well as the analysis of pleural fluid. The therapeutic approach is conservative at the beginning and in some patients it is surgical during evolution; with several options.

Logistic regression analysis of clinical and computed tomography features of pulmonary abscesses and risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema by investigating the clinical characteristics and chest computed tomography imaging features of patients with pulmonary abscesses. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the chest computed tomography findings and clinical features of 101 cases of pulmonary abscess, including 25 cases with empyema (the experimental group) and 76 cases with no empyema (the control group). The potential risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema were compared between the groups by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The incidence of pulmonary abscess-related empyema was 24.8% (25/101). Univariate analysis showed that male gender, diabetes, pleuritic symptoms, white blood cells >10×109/L, albumin level <25 g/L, and positive sputum cultures were potential clinical-related risk factors and that an abscess >5 cm in diameter and transpulmonary fissure abscesses were potential computed tomography imaging-related risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that transpulmonary fissure abscesses (odds ratio=9.102, p=0.003), diabetes (odds ratio=9.066, p=0.003), an abscess >5 cm in diameter (odds ratio=8.998, p=0.002), and pleuritic symptoms (odds ratio=5.395, p=0.015) were independent risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema. CONCLUSIONS: Transpulmonary fissure abscesses, diabetes, giant pulmonary abscesses, and pleuritic symptoms increased the risk of empyema among patients with pulmonary abscesses.

Successful Diagnosis and Treatment of a Pancreaticopleural Fistula in a Patient Presenting with Unusual Empyema and Hemoptysis / 대한흉부외과학회지

Pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication in patients with pancreatitis. Its symptoms are similar to those of empyema or pleural effusion; therefore, it is important to consider PPF in the differential diagnosis. Herein, we describe the diagnosis and treatment of PPF in a patient presenting with unusual empyema and delayed hemoptysis.

Pathological interpretation of connective tissue disease-associated lung diseases / 영남의대학술지

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) can affect all compartments of the lungs, including airways, alveoli, interstitium, vessels, and pleura. CTD-associated lung diseases (CTD-LDs) may present as diffuse lung disease or as focal lesions, and there is significant heterogeneity between the individual CTDs in their clinical and pathological manifestations. CTD-LDs may presage the clinical diagnosis a primary CTD, or it may develop in the context of an established CTD diagnosis. CTD-LDs reveal acute, chronic or mixed pattern of lung and pleural manifestations. Histopathological findings of diverse morphological changes can be present in CTD-LDs airway lesions (chronic bronchitis/bronchiolitis, follicular bronchiolitis, etc.), interstitial lung diseases (nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/fibrosis, usual interstitial pneumonia, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, diffuse alveolar damage, and organizing pneumonia), pleural changes (acute fibrinous or chronic fibrous pleuritis), and vascular changes (vasculitis, capillaritis, pulmonary hemorrhage, etc.). CTD patients can be exposed to various infectious diseases when taking immunosuppressive drugs. Histopathological patterns of CTD-LDs are generally nonspecific, and other diseases that can cause similar lesions in the lungs must be considered before the diagnosis of CTD-LDs. A multidisciplinary team involving pathologists, clinicians, and radiologists can adequately make a proper diagnosis of CTD-LDs.

Frecuencia, tipo y predictores de complicaciones pleuropulmonares en los primeros treinta días del postoperatorio de pacientes pediátricos intervenidos de cirugía cardiovascular sin apoyo de circulación extracorpórea / Frequency and type of pleuropulmonary complications and their predictors during the first thirty days after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in children

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia, tipo y predictores de complicaciones pleuropulmonares en los primeros 30 días de postoperatorio de pacientes intervenidos de cirugía cardiovascular sin apoyo de circulación extracorpórea. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo durante el periodo comprendido del 1 de enero de 2013 al 31 de diciembre 2014. Incluyó a todos los pacientes portadores de cardiopatías congénitas intervenidos de cirugía cardiaca con abordaje esternal o torácico, sin soporte de circulación extracorpórea con ingreso registrado a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital de Pediatría del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS. Se cuantificó la frecuencia de eventos de las complicaciones pleuropulmonares y se realizó un análisis multivariado de regresión logística para identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a complicaciones pleuropulmonares, calculándose odds ratio (OR) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 139 pacientes, en los cuales la frecuencia de complicaciones pleuropulmonares fue del 42.4% (n = 59), y los tipos más frecuentes fueron atelectasia (28 eventos), neumonía asociada a ventilador (24 eventos), neumotórax (20 eventos), pudiéndose encontrar más de una complicación por paciente. Los predictores más significativos de complicaciones pleuropulmonares fueron las cardiopatías congénitas cianógenas (OR = 3.58; IC 95%: 1.10-7.50; p = 0.001), el abordaje por toracotomía (OR = 1.46; IC 95%: 1.18-1.12; p = 0.008) y el evento quirúrgico realizado de urgencia (OR = 3.46; IC 95%: 1.51-7.95; p = 0.002). Conclusiones: La principal complicación pleuropulmonar fue la atelectasia lo cual concuerda con lo reportado en la literatura internacional. Los pacientes que presenten alguno de los predictores identificados en el presente estudio deben ser monitorizados de manera especial para prevenir, detectar y/o tratar oportunamente las complicaciones pleuropulmonares tras cirugía cardiaca.

Abstract Objective: To determine the frequency and type of pleuropulmonary complications and their predictors in the first thirty postoperative days of patients undergoing surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out between January 2013 and December 2014. It included all patients with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery using a sternal or thoracic approach, without cardiopulmonary bypass with a registered admission to a Neonatal or Paediatric Intensive Care. The frequency of events of pleuropulmonary complications and logistic regression analysis was performed, and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals at 95% (95% CI) were calculated. Results: A total of 139 patients were included. The frequency of pleuropulmonary complications was 42.4% (N = 59), and the most frequent types were atelectasis (28 events), ventilator-associated pneumonia (24 events), pneumothorax (20 events), with more than one complication per patient occasionally being found. Significant risk factors were cyanogenic congenital heart disease (OR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.10-7.50, P =.001), thoracotomy approach (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.12, P = .008), and an emergency surgical event (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.51-7.95, P = .002). Conclusions: The main pleuropulmonary complication was atelectasis, which is consistent with that reported in the international literature. Patients with any of the predictors identified in the present study should be closely monitored in order to prevent, detect and/or treat pleuropulmonary complications in a timely manner after cardiac surgery.

Cone-Beam CT Virtual Navigation-Guided Percutaneous Needle Biopsy of Suspicious Pleural Metastasis: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) virtual navigation-guided percutaneous pleural biopsy for suspected malignant pleural disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 59 patients (31 males and 28 females; mean age, 63.4 years) with suspected malignant pleural disease diagnosed with CBCT from December 2010 to December 2016. Sixty-three CBCT-guided biopsies were performed using a coaxial system with 18- or 20-gauge cutting needles. Procedural details, diagnostic performance, radiation exposure, and complication rates were investigated. RESULTS: The mean diameter perpendicular to the pleura of 51 focal and 12 diffuse pleural lesions was 1.53 ± 0.76 cm. The mean distance from the skin to the target was 3.40 ± 1.51 cm. Mean numbers of CT acquisitions and biopsies were 3.21 ± 0.57 and 3.05 ± 1.54. Total procedure time and coaxial introducer indwelling time were 11.87 ± 5.59 min and 8.78 ± 4.95 min, respectively. The mean dose area product was 12013.61 ± 7969.59 mGym². There were 48 malignant, 10 benign, and 5 indeterminate lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 93.8% (45/48), 100% (10/10), and 94.8% (55/58), respectively. Positive and negative predictive values for malignancy were 100% (45/45) and 76.9% (10/13), respectively. Four patients (6.8%) with benign pathology during initial biopsy but still showing a high suspicion of malignancy underwent repeat biopsy and three of them were finally diagnosed with malignant pleural disease. There were three cases of minimal pneumothorax and no grave procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: Cone-beam computed tomography-guided biopsy is an accurate and safe diagnostic technique for suspected malignant pleural lesion with reasonable radiation exposure and procedure time.

Nonintubated Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND: We report our surgical technique for nonintubated uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pulmonary resection and early postoperative outcomes at a single center. METHODS: Between January and July 2017, 40 consecutive patients underwent nonintubated uniportal VATS pulmonary resection. Multilevel intercostal nerve block was performed using local anesthesia in all patients, and an intrathoracic vagal blockade was performed in 35 patients (87.5%). RESULTS: Twenty-nine procedures (72.5%) were performed in patients with lung cancer (21 lobectomies, 6 segmentectomies, and 2 wedge resections), and 11 (27.5%) in patients with pulmonary metastases, benign lung disease, or pleural disease. The mean anesthesia time was 166.8 minutes, and the mean operative duration was 125.9 minutes. The mean postoperative chest tube duration was 3.2 days, and the mean hospital stay was 5.8 days. There were 3 conversions (7.5%) to intubation due to intraoperative hypoxemia and 1 conversion (2.5%) to multiportal VATS due to injury of the segmental artery. There were 7 complications (17.5%), including 3 cases of prolonged air leak, 2 cases of chylothorax, 1 case of pleural effusion, and 1 case of pneumonia. There was no in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Nonintubated uniportal VATS appears to be a feasible and valid surgical option, depending on the surgeon’s experience, for appropriately selected patients.

Supuración pleuropulmonar / Pleuropulmonary suppuration

Las supuraciones pleuropulmonares (SPP) son el resultado de la progresión del proceso infeccioso (generalmente bacteriano) hacia la cavidad pleural contigua. En un amplio porcentaje de casos (90%) el derrame paraneumónico generado es estéril. Se presentan dos situaciones clínicas, examenes, tratamiento, reflexiones y comentarios

Omentum Transplantation in Thorax to Cover Bronchial Stump as Treatment of Bronchopleural Fistula After Pulmonary Resection: Report of 6 Cases' Experience / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Bronchial pleural fistula (BPF) is a common complication after thoracic surgery for lung resection. Clinical treatment is complex and the effect is poor. The treatment of BPF after lung resection has plagued thoracic surgeons. We reviewed retrospectively the clinical and follow-up data of 6 patients in our hospital who underwent the omentum transplantation in thorax to cover bronchial stump as treatment of BPF after pulmonary resection to analyze why BPF occurs and describe this treatment method. We intend to discuss and evaluate the feasibility, safety and small sample success rate ofthis treatment method.@*METHODS@#During August 2016 to February 2018, six patients in our hospital underwent remedial open thoracotomy and omentum transplantation in pleura space to cover bronchial stump as treatment of bronchopleural fistula after pulmonary resection. Four patients had undergone a prior pneumonectomy and two patients had undergone a prior lobectomy (the residual lungs were resected with the main bronchus cut by endoscopic stapler during the reoperation). The bronchial stumps were sutured by 4-0 string with needle and covered by omentums, which were transplanted in pleura space from the cardiophrenic angle. Postoperatively, the pleura space was irrigated and drained. Summarize the clinical effect and technique learning points.@*RESULTS@#The patients were all males, aged 61 to 73 years (median age: 66). BPF occurred from postoperative day 10 to 45 (median postoperative day 25). The reoperation was finished in 80 mins-150 mins (median 110 mins). Total blood loss was 200 mL-1,000 mL (median 450 mL). These patients were discharged on postoperative day 12-17 (median 14 days), and there was no more complications associated with bronchopleural fistula. All six patients' bronchial stumps were well closed (100%) and have recovered well during the follow-up period, which lasted 1 month-18 months.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Remedial operation should be performed as soon as possible when BPF after pulmonary resection diagnosed. Excellent prognoses can be achieved by omentum which is easy to get transplanted in thorax to cover bronchial stump as treatment in patients with BPF after pulmonary resection those who can tolerate reoperation.

Management of pancreaticopleural fistulas secondary to chronic pancreatitis / Tratamento das fístulas pancreaticopleurais secundárias à pancreatite crônica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis. Objective: To describe pancreaticopleural fistula due to chronic pancreatitis and perform an extensive review of literature on this topic. Methods: Comprehensive narrative review through online research on the databases Medline and Lilacs for articles published over the last 20 years. There were 22 case reports and four case series selected. Results: The main indication for surgical treatment is the failure of clinical and/or endoscopic treatments. Surgery is based on internal pancreatic drainage, especially by means of pancreaticojejunostomy, and/or pancreatic resections. Conclusion: Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis and the Frey procedure may be an appropriate therapeutic option in selected cases when clinical and endoscopic treatments are unsuccessful.

RESUMO Introdução: A fístula pancreaticopleural é complicação rara da pancreatite crônica. Objetivo: Descrever a fístula pancreaticopleural consequente à pancreatite crônica e fazer revisão extensa da literatura sobre o tópico. Métodos: Revisão narrativa abrangente através de pesquisa online nas bases de dados Medline e Lilacs para artigos publicados nos últimos 20 anos. Resultados: Houve 22 relatos de casos e quatro séries de casos selecionadas. A principal indicação para o tratamento cirúrgico é a falha de tratamentos clínicos e/ou endoscópicos. A cirurgia é baseada na drenagem pancreática interna, especialmente por meio de pancreaticojejunostomias e/ou ressecções pancreáticas. Conclusão: A fístula pancreaticopleural é complicação rara da pancreatite crônica e o procedimento de Frey pode ser opção terapêutica apropriada em casos selecionados quando os tratamentos clínico e endoscópico não obtiverem êxito.

Mesotelioma Pleural. Reporte de caso. Hospital de Clínicas. Asunción, Paraguay / Pleural Mesothelioma. Case report. Hospital of Clinics. Asunción, Paraguay

Paciente varón de 49 años, No conocido portador de patología de base, ingresó por sensación febril con escalofríos, cefalea, mialgias. Tres días antes del ingreso, tos con expectoración blanquecina, dolor en punta de costado del lado izquierdo y dificultad respiratoria. Examen Físico: PA: 107/61 FC: 96 X' FR: 24 X' Tax: 36°C. Aparato Respiratorio: Murmullo vesicular conservado del lado derecho. Abolido en campo medio y base del lado izquierdo. Sistema Hemolinfopoyético: Adenomegalias múltilples en región inguinal bilateral, móviles, pequeñas, no dolorosas. Evolución: Se instaló tubo de drenaje pleural, por importante derrame pleural. Se realizó toracoscopía, se constató masa extrabronquial y se tomó biopsia. La anatomía patológica + Inmunohistoquímica informa, tumor de alto grado más compatible con Mesotelioma. El paciente falleció al mes del diagnóstico. El mesotelioma pleural se considera una patología laboral-ambiental, causada por la inhalación de fibras de asbesto o amianto, tiene un mal pronóstico y es una enfermedad prevenible. Existen serias discusiones sobre prohibición del uso del asbesto. En algunos países está prohibida su importación/exportación, no así en Paraguay.

Male, 49 years old, without any disease, entered by feeling feverish, with chills, headache, myalgia. Three days before hospital admission, he presents with cough and whitish sputum and pain in left side tip and respiratory distress. At physical examination: BP: 107/61; HR: 96 X' ; RR: 24 X'; T: 36°C. Respiratory: Breath sounds on the right side preserved, abolished in base and midfield on left side. Haemolynphopoietic system: lynphadenopathy inguinal region, mobile, small, painless. Evolution: He settled chest tube, because of an important pleural effusion. Thoracoscopy was performed, an extrabronchial mass was found and a biopsy was taken. Pathology + Inmunohistochemistry says, high grade tumor that seems a pleural mesothelioma. The patient died a month after his diagnosis. Pleural Mesothelioma considered as a pathology labor - enviromental, caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. There are serious discussions about banning the use of asbestos. In some countries import / export is prohibited, but not in Paraguay.

Medical Thoracoscopy in Pleural Disease: Experience from a One-Center Study / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is a minimally invasive, endoscopic procedure for exploration of the pleural cavity under conscious sedation and local anesthesia. MT has been performed at the Seoul National University Hospital since February 2014. This paper summarizes the findings and outcomes of MT cases at this hospital. METHODS: Patients who had undergone MT were enrolled in the study. MT was performed by pulmonologists, using both rigid and semi-rigid thoracoscopes. During the procedure, patients were under conscious sedation with fentanyl and midazolam. Medical records were reviewed for clinical data. RESULTS: From February 2014 to January 2016, 50 procedures (47 cases) were performed (diagnostic MT, 26 cases; therapeutic MT, 24 cases). The median age of patients was 66 years (59–73 years), and 38 patients (80.9%) were male. The median procedure duration from initial incision to insertion of the chest tube was 37 minutes. The median doses of fentanyl and midazolam were 50 µg and 5 mg, respectively. All procedures were performed without unexpected events. Of the 26 cases of pleural disease with an unknown cause, 19 were successfully diagnosed using MT. Additionally, diagnostic MT provided clinically useful information in the other six patients. Therapeutic MT was very effective for treatment of malignant pleural effusion or empyema. The median number of days with chest tube drainage was 6 (3 days for diagnostic MT and 8 days for therapeutic MT). CONCLUSION: MT is a useful and necessary procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of pleural diseases.

Early Aggressive Surgical Treatment of Multiloculated Empyema

BACKGROUND: Empyema is the collection of purulent exudate within the pleural space. Overall, 36%–65% of patients with empyema cannot be treated by medical therapy alone and require surgery. Multiloculated empyema is particularly difficult to treat with percutaneous drainage. Therefore, we describe our experiences with early aggressive surgical treatment for rapid progressive multiloculated empyema. METHODS: From January 2001 to October 2015, we retrospectively reviewed 149 patients diagnosed with empyema who received surgery. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they underwent emergency surgery or not. We then compared surgical outcomes between these groups. RESULTS: The patients in group A (emergency surgery, n=102) showed a more severe infectious state, but a lower complication rate and shorter length of hospital stay. The incidence of lung abscess was higher in group A, and abscesses were associated with diabetes and severe alcoholism. CONCLUSION: Early aggressive surgical treatment resulted in good surgical outcomes for patients with rapid progressive multiloculated empyema. Furthermore, we suspect that the most likely causes of multiloculated empyema are lung abscesses found in patients with diabetes mellitus as well as severe alcoholism.