Fibrosis mediastínica post-irradiación: un factor a tener en cuenta en cirugía cardiaca / Post-radiation mediastinal fibrosis: a factor to take into account in cardiac surgery

Resumen La radioterapia mediastínica es uno de los tratamientos fundamentales de las enfermedades malignas torácicas, pero también representa una causa potencial de complicaciones, tanto a corto como a largo plazo. Se presenta una serie de casos de rotura de vena innominada durante esternotomía media en pacientes con fibrosis mediastínica. Los tres casos descritos corresponden a pacientes intervenidos de cirugía cardiaca con antecedentes de radioterapia mediastínica, entre 15-30 años antes de la cirugía, por tres diferentes enfermedades malignas (linfoma de Hodgkin, timoma y cáncer de mama). En los tres casos se reporta rotura de la vena innominada, con desinserción de su origen en la vena cava superior debido a fibrosis mediastínica intensa.

Abstract Although mediastinal radiotherapy is one of the basic treatments of malignant thoracic diseases, it is also a potential cause of short and long-term complications. A series of cases of rupture of the innominate vein during sternotomy are presented in patients with mediastinal fibrosis. The three cases described correspond to patients intervened by cardiac surgery, with a history of mediastinal radiotherapy between 15 to 30 years before the surgery, due to three different malignant diseases (Hodgkin lymphoma, thymoma, and breast cancer). In the three cases, a rupture of the innominate vein is reported; with de-insertion of its origin in the superior vena cava sue to intense mediastinal fibrosis.

Trauma vascular de extremidad superior: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Upper extremity vascular trauma: a case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Vascular trauma is a low frequency event and is related to a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Vascular trauma of the upper limb is of different etiology. More frequent, secondary to closed trauma. It is usually associated with other lesions, soft tissue and nerves. OBJECTIVES: To present a case of complex vascular trauma of the upper limb and its multidisciplinary management. METHOD: Description of the clinical case and literature review. The information was obtained from the patient's clinical record, review and analysis of the published literature was performed using search engines. CASE REPORT: Young man, fall with upper limb in extension, results in elbow dislocation associated with acute ischemia. AngioTAC confirms stop in brachial. Emergency surgery: brachio-radial saphenous bridge. It evolves with absence of pulses. It is reexplored finding incomplete fasciotomy, brachial artery bridge to cephalic vein with inverted saphenous. Elbow dislocated, unstable. Arterial bridge, external fixation and fasciotomy is completed. Coming out with radial pulse. He undergoes multiple surgeries and surgical toilets, achieving skin closure at 45 days. Then traumatology removes external tutors. Electromyography confirms incomplete lesion of median, radial and ulnar. Currently in the process of rehabilitation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Vascular trauma of the upper limb is of low incidence. However, they are associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality, generally occurring in young men. The diagnostic pillar is through the medical history and physical examination. its surgical management.

Cardiorespiratory evaluation of brachycephalic syndrome in dogs / Avaliação cardiorespiratória da síndrome braquiocefálica em cães

Brachycephalic syndrome (BS) in dogs is characterized by the combination of primary and secondary upper respiratory tract abnormalities and may result in significant upper airway obstruction. It can trigger inspiratory dyspnea, culminating in secondary respiratory distress, soft tissue edema, upper airway obstruction, turbulent airflow, inspiratory noise, and even death. These changes lead to increased resistance of the air passages, which can cause elevation of pulmonary pressure and clinical manifestations attributable to pulmonary hypertension. The consequence is right-sided cardiac remodeling (Cor pulmonale) with possible progression to right congestive heart failure. To investigate the effects of BS on the cardiovascular system, 28 animals were recruited for a prospective study and assigned to either the Brachycephalic Group (BG), composed of 22 French bulldogs with BS or the Control Group (CG), which was composed of 6 healthy Beagle dogs. All animals underwent a detailed physical examination, as well as laboratory analyses, electrocardiography, echocardiography, chest radiography and indirect measurement of systemic arterial blood pressure. The most relevant finding was a lower PaO2 (90.6±12.9mmHg) in BG as compared to CG (104.9±5.2), (p≤0.05), possibly attributable to hypoventilation due to anatomical alterations.(AU)

A síndrome braquicefálica (BS) é caracterizada pela combinação de anormalidades primárias e secundárias do trato respiratório superior em cães, podendo resultar em obstrução significativa das vias aéreas superiores. Pode desencadear dispneia inspiratória, culminando em dificuldade respiratória secundária, edema de tecidos moles, obstrução das vias aéreas superiores, fluxo de ar turbulento, ruído inspiratório e até morte. Essas alterações levam ao aumento da resistência da passagem do ar, o que pode causar elevação da pressão pulmonar e manifestações clínicas atribuídas à hipertensão pulmonar. A consequência é o remodelamento cardíaco do lado direito (Cor pulmonale) com possível progressão para insuficiência cardíaca congestiva direita. A fim de averiguar os efeitos da BS sobre o sistema cardiovascular, 28 animais foram recrutados para um estudo prospectivo e distribuídos em Grupo Braquicefálico (GB), composto por 22 Bulldogs franceses com síndrome braquicefálica ou Grupo Controle (GC), composto por 6 cães Beagles saudáveis. Todos os animais foram submetidos a exame físico detalhado, bem como análises laboratoriais, eletrocardiografia, ecocardiografia, radiografias torácicas e mensuração indireta de pressão arterial sistêmica. Os achados mais relevantes foram relacionados ao GB (90,6±12,9mmHg) com menor PaO2 em relação ao GC (104,9±5,2), (p≤0,05), possivelmente atribuível à hipoventilação, em decorrência das alterações anatômicas.(AU)

Variante de las venas hemiácigos: ¿vena ácigos izquierda? reporte de un caso / Variant of the hemiazygos veins: left azygos vein? a case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: El sistema venoso ácigos-hemiácigos es imprescindible en el drenaje del tórax. Estos vasos se originan en la etapa embrionaria a partir de las venas supracardinales, con una serie de afluentes que parten de la pared torácica y mediastino principalmente, encontrando variedades, como nuestro hallazgo, mismos que deben ser considerados en la práctica médica. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Se presenta un caso encontrado en una disección de pieza cadavérica, de sexo masculino, en el cual se halló un tronco venoso paralelo al lado izquierdo de la columna, que resultaría de la unión de las venas hemiácigos; originándose por la confluencia de la vena subcostal y lumbar ascendente, drenando en la vena braquiocefálica del mismo lado, muy parecido a la vena ácigos, sin conexión entre ambas. DISCUSIÓN: Son muchas las variedades reportadas en diversos estudios, encontrando una clasificación de dichas anomalías en tres tipos, correspondiendo nuestro caso a la variedad tipo I, con una incidencia del 1%; dichas alteraciones pueden originarse en etapa embrionaria por la falta de diferenciación de las venas supracardinales. De esta manera, resaltamos la importancia de estas variantes en el ámbito clínico, quirúrgico e imagenológico. CONCLUSIÓN: El presente hallazgo resulta ser un caso muy particular, a diferencia de otros estudios revisados, por lo que sería pertinente ampliar el trabajo para obtener la incidencia del mismo

INTRODUCTION: The azygos-hemiazygos venous system is necessary in the drainage of the thorax. These vessels originate in the embryological phase from the supracardinal veins, with a series of tributaries that begin in the thoracic Wall and mediastinum mainly, finding varieties, such as our finding, which must be considered in medical practice. CASE PRESENTATION: In a male corpse dissection we found a venous trunk parallel to the left side of the vertebral column which would result in the joining of the hemiazygos veins; beginning in the confluence of the subcostal vein and ascending lumbar, draining in the brachiocephalic vein on the same side, similar to the azygos vein, without any connection between them. DISCUSSION: There are many varieties reported in diverse studies, which can be categorized in three types. Ours corresponds to type I, with an incidence of 1%. Such varieties can originate in embryological phase due to the lack of differentiation of supracardinal veins. We can highlight the importance of such varieties in the clinical and surgical fields. CONCLUSION: Our finding is a very particular case, unlike other revised studies, which is why it would be pertinent to further research this topic

Retroaortic Course and Azygous Continuation of an Aberrant Left Brachiocephalic Vein

No abstract available.

Surgical Reconstruction for High-Output Chylothorax Associated with Thrombo-Occlusion of Superior Vena Cava and Left Innominate vein in a Neonate

We report a case of high-output chylothorax associated with thrombo-occlusion of the superior vena cava (SVC) and left innominate vein (LIV) following an arterial switch operation in a neonate. The chylothorax was resolved by 3 weeks after surgical reconstruction of the SVC and LIV using fresh autologous pericardium. We confirmed the patency of the SVC and LIV with a 1-year follow-up computed tomographic scan at our outpatient clinic.

Central venous catheter malposition due to dialysis catheter: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 56-year-old man on maintenance hemodialysis was admitted to the intensive care unit with septic shock and coagulopathy. As there was a dialysis catheter in the right internal jugular vein, the left internal jugular vein was cannulated with a central venous catheter to initiate vasopressor therapy. A chest X-ray showed formation of a catheter loop inside the left brachiocephalic vein, probably due to hindrance by the dialysis catheter. This report describes the hurdles encountered, repeated cannulation attempts, and serial chest X-ray findings required to obtain acceptable placement of the catheter tip.

Surgical Results of Third or More Cardiac Valve Operation

BACKGROUND: We evaluated operative outcomes after third or more cardiac operations for valvular heart disease, and analyzed whether pericardial coverage with artificial membrane is helpful for subsequent reoperation. METHODS: From 2000 to 2012, 149 patients (male:female=70:79; mean age at operation, 57.0+/-11.3 years) underwent their third to fifth operations for valvular heart disease. Early results were compared between patients who underwent their third operation (n=114) and those who underwent fourth or fifth operation (n=35). Outcomes were also compared between 71 patients who had their pericardium open during the previous operation and 27 patients who had artificial membrane coverage. RESULTS: Intraoperative adverse events occurred in 22 patients (14.8%). Right atrium (n=6) and innominate vein (n=5) were most frequently injured. In-hospital mortality rate was 9.4%. Total cardiopulmonary bypass time (225+/-77 minutes vs. 287+/-134 minutes, p=0.012) and the time required to prepare aortic cross clamp (209+/-57 minutes vs. 259+/-68 minutes, p<0.001) increased as reoperations were repeated. However, intraoperative event rate (13.2% vs. 20.0%), in-hospital mortality (9.6% vs. 8.6%) and postoperative complications were not statistically different according to the number of previous operations. Pericardial closure using artificial membrane at previous operation was not beneficial in reducing intraoperative events (25.9% vs. 18.3%) and shortening operation time preparing aortic cross clamp (248+/-64 minutes vs. 225+/-59 minutes) as compared to no-closure. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes of the third or more operations for valvular heart disease were acceptable in terms of intraoperative adverse events and in-hospital mortality rates. There were no differences in the incidence of intraoperative adverse events, early mortality and postoperative complications between third cardiac operation and fourth or more.

Pacemaker Lead Fracture Treated with Splinting and Venoplasty / 대한내과학회지

A 56-year-old man was admitted for pacemaker generator replacement. We identified a partial fracture in the proximal part of the lead just after the conjunction of the atrial and ventricular leads. The atrial lead sensitivity was stable even under intentional pulling and twisting. We deployed a splint made of a suture-sleeve in the fracture site. After burying the malfunctioning ventricular connector behind the pocket, we inserted only a new ventricular lead. However, another complication existed. Venogram showed a total occlusion between the brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava. After meticulous wiring, we passed the target and dilated the vessel with 8 and 9 Fr dilators. Finally, a new ventricular lead and generator were inserted via a long peel-away sheath. In conclusion, we successfully treated a patient with a partial lead fracture and a brachiocephalic vein occlusion using splinting and venoplasty.

Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis Presenting with Elevated Intraocular Pressure

PURPOSE: To report a case of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by internal jugular vein thrombosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 58-year-old male diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy visited our clinic for a regular checkup. On ophthalmic examination, IOP was 30 mm Hg in the right eye and 28 mm Hg in the left eye. Slit lamp examination showed chemosis, conjunctival injection and slight corneal edema in both eyes. Additionally, gonioscopic examination showed open angle. We observed face edema that started 1 month prior and he was diagnosed with internal jugular vein thrombosis on the right side, internal jugular vein and innominate vein stenosis on the left side approximately 2 months ago. The patient underwent percutanoeus transluminal angioplasty for dilating stenosed vessel. Four days after the procedure, his IOP was 15 mm Hg in the right eye and 12 mm Hg in the left eye based on Goldman applanation tonometer and was well maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Internal jugular vein thrombosis on both sides can cause an increase in IOP.

Acute right heart failure caused by iatrogenic brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula following orthopedic surgery

No abstract available.

Novel Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Associated with Brain Abscess

BACKGROUND: Right-to-left vascular shunts are associated with brain abscess. CASE REPORT: We present a 47-year-old female with a cryptogenic left thalamic abscess on which Streptococcus mitis grew upon aspiration. Computed tomography of the chest with contrast agent revealed an anomalous connection between the left superior pulmonary and brachiocephalic veins. A right-to-left shunt was confirmed in a transthoracic echocardiogram study in which bubbles were injected into the left arm; this shunt had not previously been noted upon right-arm injection. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend aggressive evaluation for right-to-left shunts in patients who present with cryptogenic brain abscesses. In addition to imaging, this should include a bubble-based study with left-arm saline injection.

Unusual venous route of pulmonary artery catheter in a liver transplant recipient: pericardiophrenic or highest intercostal vein?: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

We report an extraordinary case in which the venous route for pulmonary artery catheterization was unusual. A 41 year-old woman with an end-stage liver disease underwent a living-donor liver transplantation. After induction of anesthesia, the pulmonary artery catheter was revealed to be advanced into the left brachiocephalic vein and then slipped into another vein that drains into the left brachiocephalic vein. In this case, we assumed that the catheter had most likely slipped into the left pericardiophrenic vein since the catheter follows the left heart border similarly to the route of this vein according to the chest X-ray. Patients with liver cirrhosis develop many collateral vessels and have enlarged veins due to portal hypertension, which makes this vascular route possible. We present this case for anesthesiologists to be aware of the possibilities of unusual venous route due to dilated collateral vessels especially in liver transplant patients.

Dialysis Catheter-Related Superior Vena Cava Syndrome with Patent Vena Cava: Long Term Efficacy of Unilateral Viatorr Stent-Graft Avoiding Catheter Manipulation

Central venous catheters are the most frequent causes of benign central vein stenosis. We report the case of a 79-year-old woman on hemodialysis through a twin catheter in the right internal jugular vein, presenting with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome with patent SVC. The clinically driven endovascular therapy was conducted to treat the venous syndrome with a unilateral left brachiocephalic stent-graft without manipulation of the well-functioning catheter. The follow-up was uneventful until death 94 months later.

Misinsertion of central venous catheter into the suspected vertebral vein: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

We experienced a case in which a central venous catheter (CVC) was misplaced into the wrong vein, which was mistaken for the internal jugular vein (IJV), identified by chest x-ray and ultrasound. The vertebral vein passes through the transverse foramina from the atlas to the 6th cervical vertebra. After exiting the transverse foramen of the 6th vertebra, the vein subsequently runs anterolateral to the vertebral artery and posterior to the IJV and drains the innominate vein. In this case, chest x-ray and ultrasound revealed that the inserted CVC had a course very similar to the vertebral vein. The misplacement of a CVC into the vertebral vein might occur from excessive rotation of the patient's head, which leads to alterations in the cervical vascular anatomy, and from deep insertion of the puncture needle. Therefore, it is advised, for safe CVC insertion, to minimize a patient's head rotation and to make use of ultrasound when the anatomical structures cannot be clearly identified.

CT Demonstration of the Extracardiac Anastomoses of the Coronary Veins in Superior Vena Cava or Left Brachiocephalic Vein Obstruction

CT scans in four cases of chronic superior vena cava or left brachiocephalic vein obstruction demonstrate a systemic-to-cardiac collateral venous pathway through anastomoses between the pericardial branches of systemic veins and the presumed adventitial veins of the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk. These adventitial veins then drain into tributaries of the anterior cardiac veins or ventricular coronary veins.

Brachiocephalic trunk and left brachiocephalic vein injuries following penetrating right sternoclavicular junction trauma: a case report / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

A 46-year-old male sustained severe pe- netrating injury by a sharp instrument to his right upper sternoclavicular junction. The wound tract was from suprasternal notch to mediastinum. Exploratory operation via median sternotomy under general anesthesia found a large mediastinal septum hematoncus, as well as brachiocephalic trunk and left brachiocephalic vein injuries. The perforating vascular wounds were repaired with 5-0 prolene suture. He was recovered uneventfully and discharged 9 days after operation. There was no sequel found during 7 years follow-up.

An Unusual Case of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Caused by the Intravascular Invasion of an Invasive Thymoma / 결핵및호흡기질환

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is usually caused by extrinsic compression or invasion of the superior vena cava (SVC) by malignant tumors involving mediastinal structures. Although thymomas are well-known causes of SVCS, cases of SVCS caused by malignant thymomas protruding into adjacent vessels draining the SVC with thrombosis have been very rarely reported worldwide. We experienced a 39-year-old female patient with SVCS that developed after the direct invasion of the left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV) and SVC by an anterior mediastinal mass with a high maximum standardized uptake value on the chest computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT. Based on these results, she underwent en bloc resection of the tumor, including removal of the involved vessels, and was eventually diagnosed as having a type B2 thymoma permeating into the LBCV and SVC. We present this case as a very rare form of SVCS caused by an invasive thymoma.