MicroRNA Expression in Plasma of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Background@#Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have a poor prognosis and there are no effective clinical biomarkers. Recently, stable microRNAs detected in the blood have been suggested as potential biomarkers in various cancers. Therefore, we investigated whether plasma microRNAs could be feasible biomarkers for ESCC. @*Methods@#Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 16 healthy volunteers and 66 ESCC patients before treatment between May 2016 and April 2021. Plasma miR-18b, miR-21, miR-31, and miR-375 expression levels were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. @*Results@#Compared with those in healthy controls, the expression levels of plasma miR-21 were significantly higher (P = 0.022) and those of plasma miR-31 and miR-375 were significantly lower in ESCC patients (both P < 0.001). Plasma miR-18b expression levels increased in ESCC patients, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.164). The sensitivities and specificities of miR-21, miR-31, and miR-375 for differentiating ESCC patients from healthy controls were 87.5% and 61.9%, 87.5% and 98.4%, and 87.5% and 100%, respectively. There was no difference in expression levels of plasma miR-21, miR-31, and miR-375 according to clinicopathological characteristics of sex, age, tumor size and location, histologic grade, and tumor-node-metastasis stage. @*Conclusion@#Our study demonstrated that plasma miR-21, miR-31, and miR-375 could be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of ESCC. Particularly, plasma miR-31 and miR-375 showed high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating ESCC patients from healthy controls.

An Esophageal Leiomyoma Mistaken as an Esophageal Duplication Cyst

Esophageal leiomyoma is a benign tumor that accounts for two-thirds of esophageal benign tumors. In general, patients with esophageal leiomyoma are asymptomatic; however, as the tumor grows in size, symptoms such as dysphagia, chest discomfort, obstruction, or bleeding can appear. A 65-year-old man visited our clinic to receive treatment for a subepithelial tumor in the lower esophagus, which was incidentally found during endoscopy for work-up of chest discomfort and indigestion. On endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), the tumor was 2.6×1.9 cm in size, with a cystic lesion located in the submucosal and proper muscle layers and thick cystic wall. Therefore, it was highly likely to be a duplication cyst. As the patient had symptoms such as chest discomfort, surgical resection was performed. The tumor was finally diagnosed as a leiomyoma with cystic degeneration. Leiomyoma with cystic change that has similar EUS features to duplication cyst is rare. Thus, we report the case with a literature review.

Clinical Significance of TWIST-Positive Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background/Aims@#Unlike other gastrointestinal tract cancers, there are relatively few reports on the clinical significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and TWIST, a marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of TWIST expression in CTCs in patients with ESCC. @*Methods@#Peripheral blood samples for CTC analyses were prospectively obtained from 52 patients with ESCC prior to treatment between September 2017 and September 2019. CTCs were detected using a centrifugal microfluidic system based on a fluid-assisted separation technique, and CTCs positive for TWIST on immunostaining were defined as TWIST (+) CTCs. @*Results@#Of the 52 patients with ESCC, CTCs and TWIST (+) CTCs were detected in 44 patients (84.6%) and 39 patients (75.0%), respectively. The CTC and TWIST (+) CTC counts were significantly higher in patients aged >65 years and those who had a large tumor (>3 cm) thanin those aged ≤65 years and those who had a small tumor (≤3 cm), respectively. There were nodifferences in CTC and TWIST (+) CTC counts according to tumor location, histologic grade, or TNM stage. TWIST (+) CTCs were significantly associated with histologic grade; a proportion of TWIST (+) CTCs ≥0.5 was significantly associated with advanced histologic grade. Other clini-copathologic characteristics such as sex, age, tumor location, tumor size, and TNM stages were not significantly associated with TWIST (+) CTCs. @*Conclusions@#Our study showed that TWIST (+) CTCs were frequently detected in patients with ESCC, and a high proportion of TWIST (+) CTCs was associated with poor differentiation

An Esophageal Leiomyoma Mistaken as an Esophageal Duplication Cyst

Esophageal leiomyoma is a benign tumor that accounts for two-thirds of esophageal benign tumors. In general, patients with esophageal leiomyoma are asymptomatic; however, as the tumor grows in size, symptoms such as dysphagia, chest discomfort, obstruction, or bleeding can appear. A 65-year-old man visited our clinic to receive treatment for a subepithelial tumor in the lower esophagus, which was incidentally found during endoscopy for work-up of chest discomfort and indigestion. On endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), the tumor was 2.6×1.9 cm in size, with a cystic lesion located in the submucosal and proper muscle layers and thick cystic wall. Therefore, it was highly likely to be a duplication cyst. As the patient had symptoms such as chest discomfort, surgical resection was performed. The tumor was finally diagnosed as a leiomyoma with cystic degeneration. Leiomyoma with cystic change that has similar EUS features to duplication cyst is rare. Thus, we report the case with a literature review.

Clinical Significance of TWIST-Positive Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background/Aims@#Unlike other gastrointestinal tract cancers, there are relatively few reports on the clinical significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and TWIST, a marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of TWIST expression in CTCs in patients with ESCC. @*Methods@#Peripheral blood samples for CTC analyses were prospectively obtained from 52 patients with ESCC prior to treatment between September 2017 and September 2019. CTCs were detected using a centrifugal microfluidic system based on a fluid-assisted separation technique, and CTCs positive for TWIST on immunostaining were defined as TWIST (+) CTCs. @*Results@#Of the 52 patients with ESCC, CTCs and TWIST (+) CTCs were detected in 44 patients (84.6%) and 39 patients (75.0%), respectively. The CTC and TWIST (+) CTC counts were significantly higher in patients aged >65 years and those who had a large tumor (>3 cm) thanin those aged ≤65 years and those who had a small tumor (≤3 cm), respectively. There were nodifferences in CTC and TWIST (+) CTC counts according to tumor location, histologic grade, or TNM stage. TWIST (+) CTCs were significantly associated with histologic grade; a proportion of TWIST (+) CTCs ≥0.5 was significantly associated with advanced histologic grade. Other clini-copathologic characteristics such as sex, age, tumor location, tumor size, and TNM stages were not significantly associated with TWIST (+) CTCs. @*Conclusions@#Our study showed that TWIST (+) CTCs were frequently detected in patients with ESCC, and a high proportion of TWIST (+) CTCs was associated with poor differentiation

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.

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

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.

A Case of Hemorrhage of an Esophageal Duplication Cyst Improved by Endoscopic Drainage / 대한소화기학회지

Esophageal duplication cyst is a rare congenital gastrointestinal malformation. It is the second most common duplication cyst following small bowel duplication cyst in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with an esophageal duplication cyst are generally asymptomatic; however, some patients may present the following symptoms: dysphagia, chest pain, stridor, unproductive cough, and epigastric discomfort by compression of the surrounding structures. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice in symptomatic cases and can be considered in asymptomatic cases if they are at risk for developing complications, such as ulceration or perforation. Herein, we report a case of hemorrhage of an esophageal duplication cyst, which was improved by endoscopic drainage.

Location of Ruptured Bullae in Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) can be complicated by fragile lung parenchyma. The preoperative prediction of air leakage could help prevent intraoperative lung injury during manipulation of the lung. Common sites of bulla development and ruptured bullae were investigated based on computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative findings. METHODS: The study enrolled 208 patients with SSP who underwent air leak control through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We retrospectively reviewed the sites of bulla development on preoperative CT and the rupture sites during VATS. RESULTS: Of the 135 cases of right-sided SSP, the most common rupture site was the apical segment (31.9%), followed by the azygoesophageal recess (27.4%). Of the 75 cases on the left side, the most common rupture site was the apical segment (24.0%), followed by the anterior basal segment (17.3%). CONCLUSION: The azygoesophageal recess and parenchyma along the cardiac border were common sites of bulla development and rupture. Studies of respiratory lung motion to measure the pleural pressure at the lung surface could help to determine the relationship between cardiogenic and diaphragmatic movement and bulla formation or rupture.

Surgical Outcomes of Pneumatic Compression Using Carbon Dioxide Gas in Thoracoscopic Diaphragmatic Plication

BACKGROUND: Surgical correction needs to be considered when diaphragm eventration leads to impaired ventilation and respiratory muscle fatigue. Plication to sufficiently tense the diaphragm by VATS is not as easy to achieve as plication by open surgery. We used pneumatic compression with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas in thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication and evaluated feasibility and efficacy. METHODS: Eleven patients underwent thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication between January 2008 and December 2013 in Pusan National University Hospital. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and compared between the group using CO₂ gas and group without using CO2 gas, for operative time, plication technique, duration of hospital stay, postoperative chest tube drainage, pulmonary spirometry, dyspnea score pre- and postoperation, and postoperative recurrence. RESULTS: The improvement of forced expiratory volume at 1 second in the group using CO₂ gas and the group not using CO₂ gas was 22.46±11.27 and 21.08±5.39 (p=0.84). The improvement of forced vital capacity 3 months after surgery was 16.74±10.18 (with CO₂) and 15.6±0.89 (without CO₂) (p=0.03). During follow-up (17±17 months), there was no dehiscence in plication site and relapse. No complications or hospital mortalities occurred. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic plication under single lung ventilation using CO₂ insufflation could be an effective, safe option to flatten the diaphragm.

A Submucosal Tumor-Like Recurrence of Early Esophageal Cancer after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Early esophageal cancer is defined as a tumor invading the mucosa with or without lymph node or distant organ metastasis. In the current guidelines for early esophageal cancer, absolute indication for endoscopic resection include lesions limited to the epithelium or lamina propria mucosa not exceeding two-thirds of the circumference, and relative indications include lesions limited to the muscularis mucosa or the upper third of the submucosal layer and not accompanied by clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis. After endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal cancer, locally recurrent cancer can occur, especially in the case of incomplete resection. Here, we report a rare case of a submucosal tumor-like recurrence after endoscopic resection of early esophageal cancer.

Single-Incision Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Benign Mediastinal Diseases: Experiences in Single Institution

With advancement of the technique of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), some surgeons have made great efforts to reduce the number of incisions in the conventional three- or four-port approach. Several studies on cases treated by single-incision VATS and their short-term outcomes were reported. Here, we present our experience with single-incision VATS for the treatment of benign mediastinal diseases.

The Effect of Thoracoscopic Pleurodesis in Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Apical Parietal Pleurectomy versus Pleural Abrasion

BACKGROUND: The standard operative treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is thoracoscopic wedge resection, but necessity of pleurodesis still remains controversial. Nevertheless, pleural procedure after wedge resection such as pleurodesis has been performed in some patients who need an extremely low recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to July 2010, 207 patients who had undergone thoracoscopic wedge resection and pleurodesis were enrolled in this study. All patients were divided into two groups according to the methods of pleurodesis; apical parietal pleurectomy (group A) and pleural abrasion (group B). The recurrence after surgery had been checked by reviewing medical record through follow-up in ambulatory care clinic or calling to the patients, directly until January 2011. RESULTS: Of the 207 patients, the recurrence rate of group A and B was 9.1% and 12.8%, respectively and there was a significant difference (p=0.01, Cox's proportional hazard model). There was no significant difference in age, gender, smoking status, and body mass index between two groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the risk of recurrence after surgery in PSP is significantly low in patients who underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection with parietal pleurectomy than pleural abrasion.

One-stage Laparoscopic Repair of Morgagni and Inguinal Hernias in a Two-month Old Male

The development of Morgagni hernias is related to malformations of the embryologic septum transversum after failure of the sternal and costal fibrotendinous elements of the diaphragm to fuse. The overall incidence of Morgagni hernias among all congenital diaphragmatic defects is 3% to 4%. Inguinal hernias are the most common hernias in males and females (25% and 2%, respectively). An inguinal hernia is defined as a protrusion of the abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal. The combination of Morgagni and inguinal hernias is rare, and treatment using laparoscopic surgery has not been previously reported. This case presents a one-stage laparoscopic repair of Morgagni and inguinal hernias in a 2-month-old male.

Three Cases of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Misdiagnosed as Tuberculous Pleurisy / 결핵및호흡기질환

Malignant pleural mesothelioma(MPM) is an uncommon neoplasm which is originated from pleural mesothelial cells. The majority of MPM is associated with prior asbestos exposure. Patients often present with chest pain and dyspnea due to pleural effusion, which might be diagnosed with tuberculous pleurisy especially in Korea. MPM is well known for its poor prognosis with a median survival time of less than 12 months after diagnosis and no established standard treatment modality. We report 3 cases of MPM confirmed by video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy first misdiagnosed as tuberculous pleurisy.

Surgical Resection of Recurrent Lung Cancer in Patients Following Curative Resection

We reviewed our experience with resection of recurrent lung cancer to evaluate the benefit and risk of the procedure. From December 1994 to December 2003, 29 consecutive patients underwent pulmonary resections for recurrent lung cancer. The mean duration from the first resection to second surgery was 25.4+/-15.1 months for the definite 2nd primary lung cancer (n=20) and 8.9+/-5.7 months for metastatic lung cancer (n=9). The procedures at the second operations were completion-pneumonectomy in 11 patients, lobectomy in 5 patients, wedge resection in 12 patients and resection and anastomosis of trachea in 1 patient. Morbidity was observed in 6 (21%) of the patients and the in-hospital mortality was two patients (7%) after the repeated lung resection. Tumor recurrence after reoperation was observed in 14 patients (48%). The actuarial 5-yr survival rate was 69% and the 5-yr disease free rate following reoperation was 44%. No significant difference was found in overall survival and disease free survival between the 2nd primary lung cancer group and the metastatic lung cancer group. The recurrence rate following reoperation was significantly different between the wedge resection group and lobectomy/completion pneumonectomy group (p=0.008), but the survival rate was not significantly different (p=0.41). Surgical intervention for recurrent lung cancers can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity. If tolerable, completion pneumonectomy or lobectomy is recommended for resection of recurrent lung cancer.

A Method of Preventing Perigraft Leak from a Polytetrafluoroethylene Blalock-Taussig Shunt

PURPOSE: Perigraft seroma and excessive fluid leaks are well known complications after the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(ePTFE, Gore-Tex(R)) graft. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of precoating the grafts with fibrin glue in the patients underwent a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt. METHODS: Among 51 consecutive infants underwent modified Blalock-Taussig shunt between June 2000 and August 2003, 49 patients underwent 53 shunt procedures through thoracotomy were included for analysis. Their median age was 0.9 months(2 days-5.9 months), median body weight was 3.5(2.2-7.9) kg. The ePTFE grafts precoated with fibrin glue were used in 20 procedures. Perioperative variables of the precoated group were compared with those of a control group(n=33) using t-test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality in the both groups. No significant difference between the groups could be found in the preoperative variables, postoperative morbidity, and the incidence of perigraft seroma, which developed only in 1 case in the control group. The size of the grafts was significantly smaller in the precoated group(P<0.01). The total amount of pleural drainage per body weight of the precoated group was significantly less than that of the control group(19.7+/-25.2 versus 5.5+/-4.9 mL/kg; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Precoating an ePTFE graft with fibrin glue may reduce perigraft leak after a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt, although the impact of the size of the graft used and the native pulmonary artery requires further investigation.

Reconstruction of Mainstem Bronchus Obstructed by Endobronchial Tuberculosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive interventional therapy has been performed for main bronchial obstruction by endobronchial tuberculosis because of the risk of main bronchial reconstruction regardless of the pulmonary function. But, effects of the interventional therapy are attacked by arguments. This study was aimed at interpreting the risk and effectiveness of bronchoplasty for benign bronchial stenosis over the last ten years in our hospital by reviewing the results based on clinical progression. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and out-patient medical records including 21 consecutive patients who underwent main bronchial reconstruction for obstruction by endobronchial tuberculosis. All of them had past medical history of anti-tuberculosis medication. They were preoperatively evaluated by bronchoscopy and chest computed tomography. RESULT: There were no incidences of postoperative mortality and significant morbidity. There were 2 cases of retained secretions but these problems were resolved by therapeutic bronchoscopy or intubation. All of the patients are still alive without obstructive airway problem. CONCLUSION: Bronchoplasty should be considered as one of the primary treatment modalities, if it is anatomically feasible.