Benign Mature Cystic Teratoma Masquerading as Recurrent Pneumonia in a Young Adult

Mediastinal mature cycstic teratomas are rare germ cell tumors most commonly found in the anterior mediastinum, and constitute about 3-12% of all mediastinal tumors. They growslowly and are usually diagnosed incidentally. This is a rare presentation of a young lady with mediastinalmature cystic teratoma (dermoid cyst) presenting with chronic cough and haemoptysis.

Atrial Myxoma Presenting As a Cerebellar Stroke

Primary tumors of the heart are rare. However, among them cardiac myxoma is the most common tumor accounting for half of the primary cardiac neoplasms. About 75% of cardiac myxomas are located in the left atrium, and 25% are located in the right atrium. These are thought to be arising from remnants of subendocardial vasoformative reserve cells or multipotential primitive mesenchymal cells in the fossa ovalis and surrounding endocardium, which can differentiate along a variety of cell lineages including epithelial, hematopoietic, and muscle cells. Although some cases are discovered incidentally by echocardiographic examination, it was recognized in most of the patients by various symptoms caused by the release of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), obstruction of intracardiac blood flow, or embolization. Cardiac myxoma has many undetermined interesting issues regarding its origin, nature as a tumor, varying clinical manifestations, and the presence of both sporadic and familial types. Recent evidence revealed that cardiac myxomas are benign neoplasms and slowly proliferating lesions. The existence of its malignant counterpart is controversial. However, recurrence after surgical excision or metastasis has been reported. We hereby present a case report of a young gentleman who presented with history of sudden onset of weakness and cerebellar signs. Urgent CT scan revealed hypodensities of bilateral occipital lobes and cerebellum suggestive of infarcts. Urgent echocardiography denoted large left atrial myxoma. The tumor was excised and the patient recovered well.

A Study of Relationship between Body Mass Index and Short Term Outcome of Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death in the industrialized world. Obesity is one of the risk factor for developing CAD and also postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, in published articles the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and outcome of coronary artery bypass graft surgery depict conflicting results. This study evaluated the relationship between BMI and outcome of isolated coronary artery bypass graft performed in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Cardiothoracic Unit HUSM is a referral centre for east coast of West Malaysia. Data was retrospectively collected from the medical records retrieved from the hospital record office. All patients who underwent isolated CABG in Cardiothoracic Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan from November 2001 till October 2004 were identified and their demographic and clinical data were collected. Patients were divided into non overweight (BMI= or 25 kg/m2) group. Data was then analyzed using SPSS version 12.0. There were 141 patients who underwent isolated CABG over the three year period. There were 80 patients with BMI 25 kg/m2. The demographic data of the two groups were similar. There was no statistical significant differences in the outcome of isolated coronary artery bypass graft. In conclusion, body mass index does not influence the outcome of isolated coronary artery bypass graft.