Experience with Wang procedure for treatment of pectus excavatum in young children / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To review the experience with Wang procedure for treatment of pectus excavatum in young children.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 21 children with a mean age of 3.3 ± 1.1 years (ranging from 1.5-6 years) undergoing Wang procedure for pectus excavatum were analyzed. A longitudinal incision (1 to 2 cm) was made in the front of the xiphoid, and two tunnels were created using steel bars beneath the muscles on two sides of the chest wall. The fibrous tissue between the diaphragm and the sternum was dissociated, and the steel wires were sutured through the deformed chest wall. After the steel bar was placed in the tunnels, the wires were pulled and fixed in the middle of the bar, and the incision was sutured.@*RESULTS@#All the operations were performed using 3 wires and 1 steel bar. The operation time was 25 to 51 (38.1 ± 9.6) min with an intraoperative bleeding volume of 5 to 10 (7.1±1.5) mL. The time of hospitalization of the patients ranged from 6 to 10 days (mean 8.1±1.3 days). In all the patients, the incision healed smoothly without serious pain or obvious complications. All the patients were followed up for 1 to 13 months after the operation. During the follow- up, no recess recurred and no such complications as bar displacement or transposition occurred. According to the evaluation criteria after pectus excavatum operation, 13 cases had a total score of 9, and 8 had a total score of 8. The overall effect was satisfactory, and there were no cases rated as basically satisfactory or unsatisfactory.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Wang procedure is a good option for treatment of pectus excavatum in young children.

Location of the umbilicus in Korean women and its changes after breast reconstruction with an ipsilateral pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap

BACKGROUND: The umbilicus makes an important contribution to the natural appearance of the abdomen. To date, studies on its position in Korean women are lacking, and no standards have been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the position of umbilicus in Korean women and to review changes in its position after ipsilateral pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (IP-RAM) flap. METHODS: This research consisted of two studies. In first study, 100 females who visited the emergency department with gastroenteritis between 2007 and 2011 were included. In second study, 40 women who underwent IP-RAM flap in the same period were included. Using abdominal computed tomography, we measured the distance between xiphoid process and umbilicus, represented by value a, and the distance between umbilicus and symphysis pubis, represented by value b. Thus, the location of the umbilicus was represented by the ratio a/b. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test and paired t-test. RESULTS: In study 1, the mean value of a/b was 1.07. Pearson correlation test revealed a significant correlation between age and a/b. In study 2, the mean value of a/b was 1.16 in preoperative measurements and 1.01 in postoperative measurements. The paired t-test showed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements, indicating cephalic migration of the umbilicus after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The natural position of the umbilicus showed caudal migration with aging. Additionally, in a comparison of preoperative and postoperative measurements in patients who underwent IP-RAM flap, cephalic migration of the umbilicus was observed after surgery.

Heterotopic Ossification of the Xiphoid Process after Abdominal Surgery for Traumatic Hemoperitoneum

Heterotopic ossification of the xiphoid process is extremely rare, with only three cases previously reported. However, the surgical pathology for postoperative elongation of the xiphoid process after abdominal surgery has not yet been reported. We report a case of the postoperative elongation of the xiphoid process, 8 years after abdominal surgery for traumatic hemoperitoneum in a 53-year-old man. The patient underwent surgical excision of the elongated mass of the xiphoid process. Histopathology revealed multiple exostoses. Heterotopic ossification can occur after surgical trauma to soft or bone tissue. Surgical excision with primary closure is the treatment of choice for symptomatic heterotopic ossification.

Videotoracoscopia por vía subxifoidea: primera experiencia en Argentina / Videothoracoscopic subxiphoid access: first experience in Argentina

Introducción: En los últimos 30 años las técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas en patología torácica modificaron el paradigma. Cada día más procedimientos son efectuados por esta vía desde el advenimiento de la cirugía videotoracoscópica. Objetivo: Demostrar el uso de la videotoracoscopia subxifoidea para biopsia pulmonar y bullectomía. Material y métodos: Vía subxifoidea por videotoracoscopia en 6 casos. Resultados: Se obtuvo diagnóstico histológico en 5 casos y resección de bullas subpleurales en uno sin complicaciones por el acceso subxifoideo. Conclusiones: Es la primera experiencia en un hospital universitario de Argentina con este acceso quirúrgico sin complicaciones, con rendimiento diagnóstico histológico y resultado terapéutico.

Introduction: In the last 30 years minimally invasive surgical techniques for thoracic pathology was changed the paradigm. Every day more procedures are performed in this way since the advent of videothorascopic surgery. Objective: Demonstrate the use of the subxiphoid videothorascopy for lung biopsy and pulmonary wedge resection for bulla. Material and methods: Subxiphoid access by videothorascopy in 6 clinic cases. Results: Histologic diagnosis in 5 cases and pulmonary wedge resection for bulla in another case without complications with subxiphoid access were obtained. Conclusions: Is the first experience in an Argentinian university hospital with this surgery access without complications and with performance histological diagnosis and therapeutic result.

Thoracic epidural analgesia in a patient with multiple comorbidities for subxiphoid incisional hernia repair

Anesthetic preparation before non-cardiac surgery deserves particular attention in patients with cardiac disease as these are prone to develop hemodynamic instability and myocardial ischemia. Risk of complications is not only related to individual patient characteristics, but also to surgery related factors. In this report we present our experience regarding anesthetic management of a patient with multiple comorbidities including advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severely impaired left ventricular systolic function and occluded by pass grafts. We chose thoracic epidural analgesia for his subxiphoid incisional hernia repair. The operative and postoperative course was uneventful

Medidas antropométricas na introdução da sonda nasogástrica para nutrição enteral empregando a esofagogastroduodenoscopia / Anthropometric measures for the introduction of the nasogastric tube for enteral nutrition employing the esophagogastroduodenoscopy

RACIONAL: O correto posicionamento da sonda nasogástrica para nutrição enteral tem sido alvo de várias investigações, demonstrando as controvérsias e a complexidade do procedimento. OBJETIVO: Prever as medidas antropométricas para realizar a inserção de sonda para nutrição enteral até o estômago empregando a esofagogastroduodenoscopia para calcular-se o comprimento necessário até o estômago. MÉTODO: Medidas externas foram obtidas entre a ponta do nariz vs lobo da orelha vs apêndice xifóide vs umbigo e altura correlacionadas com a medida padrão obtida em pacientes submetidos à esofagogastroduodenoscopia diagnóstica. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se correlação estatisticamente significativa entre a transição esofagogástrica identificada durante a endoscopia, acrescida da distância da rima labial à arcada dentária superior, com a distância compreendida entre os pontos anatômicos lóbulo da orelha e apêndice xifóide (r=0.75). CONCLUSÃO: A distância entre o lóbulo da orelha ao apêndice xifóide (0.75) e a distância entre o lóbulo da orelha ao apêndice xifóide até o ponto médio da cicatriz umbilical, subtraindo a distância da ponta do nariz ao lóbulo da orelha, foram parâmetros anatômicos seguros para estimar-se a distância da transição esofagogástrica. A altura na posição em pé (r = 0,72) também pode ser utilizada como um indicador da distância necessária para inserir o tubo no estômago.

BACKGROUND:The correct placement of a nasogastric tube for enteral nutrition is subject of several investigations, demonstrating the controversy of the procedure. AIM: To establish an external measure that can correspond to the internal measurement which determines the insertion length of nasogastric feeding tube up to the stomach. METHODS: External measures were obtained between points: nose tip vs earlobe vs xiphoid appendix vs umbilicus and height correlated with the standard measures obtained from patients undergoing diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy. RESULTS: It was found a significative statistical correlation between esophagogastric junction, identified during the esophagogastroduodenoscopy, with the distance measured between the anatomic points of the earlobe and xiphoid appendix (r= 0.75) and from this line with the orthostatic height (r=0.72). CONCLUSION: The distance between the earlobe to the xiphoid appendix (0.75) and the distance between the earlobe to the xiphoid appendix to the midpoint of the umbilicus, subtracting the distance from tip of nose to earlobe, were safe anatomical parameters to reach the esophagogastric junction. The height in the standing position (r= 0.72) also can be used as an indicator of the length necessary to insert the tube into the stomach. The height in the standing position (r= 0.72) also can be used as an indicator of the length necessary to insert the tube into the stomach.

Center of the Chest Versus Inter-nipple Line in the Selection of a Chest Compression Site by Novice Rescuers

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the distribution and risk from hand positions applied at the center of the chest (CoC) versus the inter-nipple line (INL) during external chest compression by novice rescuers. METHODS: This simulation study included 105 participants. The participants were given photographs of the unexposed male chest and asked to mark a cross at the center of the chest and at the midpoint of the inter-nipple line. The range of contact with the chest was estimated by measuring the participants' palm width. The median and distribution of the two points were then compared and analyzed to determine whether the range in contact with the chest involved the xiphoid process. RESULTS: The level of the INL was approximately 0.8 cm higher at the sternum than the CoC (p<0.001), while the standard deviation of the CoC [1.8(0.6-3.8)] was higher than that of the INL [1.2(0.4-2.4)] (p<0.001). There were more cases in which the palm range involved the xiphoid process in the CoC group [15(14.3%)] than the INL group [1(0.9%)] (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: For male adult patients, chest compression at the level of the INL by novice rescuers is safer and more intensive than compression at the level of the CoC.

Análise dos resultados estéticos na reconstrução mamária com TRAM ipsilateral vs. contralateral / Comparison of the aesthetic outcomes of breast reconstruction by using ipslateral or contralateral TRAM flaps", "_e": "n

INTRODUÇÃO: A reconstrução mamária com retalho do músculo reto abdominal (TRAM, do inglês transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) tem se tornado um procedimento comumente realizado desde a década de 1990. O TRAM ipsilateral vem demonstrando ser tão seguro quanto o retalho contralateral na reconstrução mamária. Entretanto, estudos avaliando o resultado estético com as duas técnicas são escassos na literatura. A proposta deste estudo é comparar os resultados cosméticos entre os retalhos pediculados ipsilateral e contralateral. MÉTODO: Foi realizada avaliação prospectiva de 29 pacientes submetidas a reconstrução imediata com TRAM ipsilateral e contralateral. Os grupos foram comparados entre si, analisando-se os resultados estéticos. RESULTADOS: O estudo incluiu 29 pacientes, com média de idade foi 43 + 7 anos. O grupo 1 (TRAM ipsilateral) apresentou o sulco inframamário bem definido em 91,7% dos casos, comparativamente a 52,9% no grupo 2 (TRAM contralateral). Observou-se abaulamento na região xifoide em 8,3% dos pacientes do grupo 1 e em 23,5% dos pacientes do grupo 2. A diferença na forma global da mama reconstruída não foi importante, com 66,7% e 70,6% de simetria nos grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: O TRAM ipsilateral demonstrou melhor manutenção do sulco inframamário e menor abaulamento na região xifoide. Entretanto, a forma global da mama e a projeção do polo inferior da mama foram similares entre os dois grupos.

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction by using the rectus abdominis muscle (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous, TRAM) flaps is a common procedure that has been performed since the 1990s. Ipsilateral TRAM flaps were proven to be as safe as contralateral flaps for breast reconstruction. However, studies comparing the aesthetic outcomes of the two procedures are poorly described in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the cosmetic outcomes of ipsilateral and contralateral pedicled flaps. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 29 cases of immediate reconstruction with ipsilateral (group 1) or contralateral (group 2) TRAM flaps. The aesthetic outcomes were analyzed and the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 43 ± 7 years. In group 1 (ipsilateral TRAM), 91.7% of the patients presented a well-defined inframammary fold, as compared to 52.9% of the patients in group 2 (contralateral TRAM). In group 1, 8.3% of patients showed xiphoid bulges, whereas they were observed in 23.5% of patients in group 2. The difference in the overall shape of the reconstructed breast was not significant; symmetry was observed in 66.7% and 70.6% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ipsilateral TRAM flaps allow better preservation of the inframammary fold and cause less xiphoid bulge. However, the overall shape of the breast and the projection of its lower pole were similar between the two groups.

Subxyphoid pleural drain confers lesser impairment in respiratory muscle strength, oxygenation and lower chest pain after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized controlled trial / Dreno pleural subxifoide confere menor comprometimento da força muscular respiratória, oxigenação e menor dor torácica após cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea: estudo controlado randomizado

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate respiratory muscle strength, oxygenation and chest pain in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) using internal thoracic artery grafts comparing pleural drain insertion site at the subxyphoid region versus the lateral region. METHODS: Forty patients were randomized into two groups in accordance with the pleural drain site. Group II (n = 19) -pleural drain exteriorized in the intercostal space; group (SI) (n = 21) chest tube exteriorized at the subxyphoid region. All patients underwent assessment of respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory) on the pre, 1, 3 and 5 postoperative days (POD). Arterial blood gas analysis was collected on the pre and POD1. The chest pain sensation was measured 1, 3 and 5 POD. RESULTS: A significant decrease in respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory) was seen in both groups until POD5 (P <0.05). When compared, the difference between groups remained significant with greater decrease in the II (P <0.05). The blood arterial oxygenation fell in both groups (P <0.05), but the oxygenation was lower in the II (P <0.05). Referred chest pain was higher 1, 3 and 5 POD in the II group (P <0.05). The orotracheal intubation time and postoperative length of hospital stay were higher in the II group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to subxyphoid pleural drainage showed less decrease in respiratory muscle strength, better preservation of blood oxygenation and reduced thoracic pain compared to patients with intercostal drain on early OPCAB postoperative.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a força muscular respiratória, oxigenação e dor torácica em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RM) sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC) comparando o local de inserção do dreno pleural na região subxifoidea versus lateral. MÉTODOS: Quarenta pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos Grupo (II - n = 19) - dreno pleural exteriorizado na região intercostal; Grupo (SI - n = 21) dreno pleural exteriorizado na região subxifoidea. Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação da força muscular respiratória no pré, 1º, 3ºe 5º dias de pós-operatório (PO). Gasometria arterial foi coletada no pré e 1º dia do PO. A dor torácica foi avaliada no 1º, 3º e 5º dias de PO. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos apresentaram diminuição significante da força muscular respiratória até o quinto dia do PO (P <0,05). A diferença entre os grupos manteve-se significante com maior decréscimo no grupo II (P <0,05). Houve queda na pressão arterial de oxigênio em ambos os grupos (P <0,05), mas quando comparado à queda foi maior no grupo II (P <0,05). A dor torácica no 1º, 2º e 5º dia do PO foi maior grupo II (P <0,05). O tempo de intubação orotraqueal e permanência hospitalar no PO foram maiores no grupo II (P<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes submetidos a drenagem pleural subxifoidea apresentaram menor queda na força muscular respiratória, melhor preservação da oxigenação arterial e menos dor comparado aos pacientes com inserção do dreno na região intercostal no PO precoce de cirurgia de RM sem CEC.

Estudio de la anatomía quirúrgica del ángulo xifoideo / Study of the surgical anatomy of the xiphoid angle’s

Fundamento: una de las operaciones más laboriosas y complejas son las practicadas en el hiatus esofágico, para el tratamiento de la úlcera péptica y otras enfermedades, dada su localización anatómica y la necesidad de utilizar varios ayudantes en un campo quirúrgico reducido. Objetivo: definir las características anatómicas del ángulo xifoideo que permita diseñar un retractor quirúrgico a utilizar en esta región. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo, el universo se constituyó por doscientos dieciocho trabajadores del Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech de Camagüey, se escogió una muestra al azar de cien adultos. Se analizaron las variables biotipo, edad, sexo, peso, talla, medidas del ángulo xifoideo y ancho del apéndice xifoides. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue de 35,5 años; el peso promedio 64,8kg; la talla media fue 1,64m; el ángulo xifoideo 86,8º promedio; el ancho del apéndice xifoideo fue 1,82cm como promedio. Conclusiones: el ancho promedio del apéndice xifoides fue de 1,82cm.

Background: one of the most laborious and complex surgical procedures are those practiced in the hiatus oesophageus, for the treatment of the peptic ulcer and other diseases, given their anatomical localization and the necessity to use several assistants in a reduced surgical field. Objective: to define the anatomical characteristics of xiphoid angle’s that allows designing a surgical retractor to use in this region. Method: a descriptive and prospective study was carried out, the universe was constituted by two-hundred eighteen workers of the University Hospital Manuel Ascunce Domenech of Camagüey, a random sampling of one-hundred adults was chosen. Variables like biotype, age, sex, weight, height, measures of xiphoid angle’s and width of the xiphoid appendix were analyzed. Results: the average age was of 35,5 years; the average weight of 64,8 Kg; the average height was of 1,64m; the average xiphoid angle 86,8º; the width of xiphoid appendix was 1,82cm as average. Conclusions: the width average of xiphoid appendix was 1,82cm.

Atherosclerosis in relation to fat penniculus [obesity] between xiphoid and umbilicus

It has been shown that possible influence of body weight is more evident for coronary than aortic atherosclerosis; and more in men than women. Coronary heart disease due to obesity in males becomes significant when body mass index [BMI] exceeds 30 [30% overweight] and does not affect the life expectancy particularly in women. This study was conducted to asses the relation of thickness of fat penniculus [obesity] between xiphoid and umbilicus to different atherosclerotic lesions; and to collect basic data about age and sex distribution of this relation. It was prospective descriptive study and conducted at mortuary of King Edward Medical University, and Department of Pathology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. A total of 130 human autopsies were carried out in one-and-a-half year of study duration. The ages of the deceased ranged between 8 and 85 years. Heart aorta and its major branches were included in this study. In addition, fat penniculus between xiphoid and umbilicus was measured and atherosclerosis lesions were categorised and correlated with this parameter. Haematoxylin and Eosin, and different special stains were done in Pathology Department of Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore to asses to severity of atherosclerosis lesions. The fatty streaks were present in predominantly more cases with Fat Penniculus <20 mm than in asses with Fat Penniculus <10 mm and <30 mm. The fibrolipid plaques, complicated and calcified lesions were present in a dominant number of cases with Fat Penniculus <30 mm on percentage basis. Raised lesions were seen more frequently in cases with Fat Penniculus 20 mm to <30 mm than in cases with Fat Penniculus <10 mm and <20 mm thickness

Xiphodynia: 2 cases report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Xiphodynia is a term used to describe a painful xiphoid process, and this is a rare musculoskeletal disorder that can radiate to the anterior chest, epigastrium, neck, shoulders and back. Clinical awareness of xiphodynia is important for making its correct diagnosis. We report here on two cases of xiphodynia. The diagnosis was suggested by the reproduction of the anterior chest pain or/and the epigastrium pain with light pressure on the xiphoid process. The patient of case 1 had suffered from xiphodynia throughout the years, and this patient underwent surgical excision of the xiphoid process. The patient of case 2 received an injection of local anesthetic agent to the xiphoid process.

Colecistectomía laparoscópica con un sólo puerto visible subxifoideo de 5 mm: experiencia en Venezuela / Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a single subxyphoid port of 5 mm: our experience in Venezuela

Presentar nuestra experiencia en 18 colecistectomías laparoscópicas con un sólo puerto visible subxifoideo de 5 mm, obtenida en el Departamento de Cirugía de dos hospitales privados, con el fin de introducir en nuestro país las técnicas que disminuyan aún más el trauma de la laparoscopia tradicional. Estudio prospectivo, observacional. Fueron intervenidos 18 pacientes con la técnica de colecistectomía laparoscópica con un sólo puerto visible subxifoideo, en el período de enero a abril de 2008. Se excluyeron casos de colecistitis aguda, coledocolitiasis y cáncer. Se analizaron la edad, sexo, el tiempo quirúrgico, la estancia hospitalaria, las complicaciones, el índice de conversión y los efectos estéticos. Predominó el sexo femenino (17 a 1). La edad promedio fue de 41 años. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 67 minutos (58 minutos promedio con el uso del ligasure y 98 minutos sin este equipo). El tiempo de hospitalización fue de 24 horas. Se evidenció una sola cicatriz a nivel subxifoideo, en contraste con la técnica laparoscópica habitual, con 3 cicatrices visibles. No hubo conversiones. No hubo morbilidad ni mortalidad. La técnica es perfectamente reproducible en nuestro medio, aportando beneficios adicionales estéticos a la colecistectomía laparoscópica tradicional.

Precisão e acurácia da cirtometria em adultos saudáveis / Reliability and accuracy of cirtometry in healthy adults

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a confiabilidade intra-examinador e inter-examinadores da cirtometria (conjunto de medidas das circunferências de tórax e abdômen durante os movimentos respiratórios) e sua correlação com volumes pulmonares medidos por meio da pletismografia respiratória por indutância. MÉTODOS: Quarenta indivíduos saudáveis, com média de idade de 28 anos, foram avaliados. As medidas foram realizadas em decúbito dorsal em três momentos: em repouso, em inspiração máxima e em expiração máxima. Dois examinadores treinados, os quais foram cegados, realizaram as medidas. Utilizou-se o teste de Friedman para avaliar a confiabilidade intra-examinador e foram utilizados o teste de Wilcoxon e o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para avaliar a confiabilidade inter-examinadores. A correlação entre os resultados da cirtometria e da pletismografia foi obtida por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Para todos os testes, considerou-se um nível de significância estatística de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram confiabilidade intra-examinador adequada. Em relação à confiabilidade inter-examinadores, foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (de no máximo 2,8 cm) em todas os conjuntos de medidas.No entanto, por meio da análise do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, observou-se que os examinadores foram responsáveis apenas por pequena parte da variabilidade (1,2-5,08 por cento) observada entre as medidas. Quando as medidas da cirtometria foram comparadas aos volumes pulmonares medidos por meio da pletismografia respiratória por indutância, encontraram-se correlações de baixa magnitude (variação de r = 0,170-0,343). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a cirtometria constitui uma medida precisa, mas não acurada, para aferir volumes pulmonares.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of cirtometry (measurements of the circumference of the chest and abdomen taken during respiratory movements) as well as its correlation with pulmonary volumes measured by respiratory inductive plethysmography. METHODS: A total of 40 healthy individuals were evaluated. The mean age was 28 years. The measurements were taken in the supine position at three different time points: at rest, at maximal inspiration, and at maximal expiration. Two trained investigators, each of whom was blinded as to the results obtained by the other, performed the measurements. The Friedman test was used to determine intrarater reliability, and the Wilcoxon test, together with the intraclass correlation coefficient, were used to determine interrater reliability. The correlation between the cirtometry measurements and the plethysmography results was obtained using Spearman's correlation coefficient. The level of significance was set at 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: Intrarater reliability was satisfactory. Regarding interrater reliability, statistically significant differences (2.8 cm at the most) were found in all sets of measurements. However, through the analysis of the intraclass correlation coefficient, the investigators were found to be responsible only for a small portion of the variability (1.2-5.08 percent) found among the measurements. When the cirtometry measurements were compared to the volumes measured by respiratory inductive plethysmography, low correlations (range, r = 0.170-0.343) were found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that, although cirtometry is a reliable measurement, it does not accurately measure pulmonary volumes.

Computed Tomographic Appearance of the Anterior Diaphragm: Evaluation with 64-slice MDCT

PURPOSE: To re-evaluate the appearance of the anterior diaphragm by the use of MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 81 consecutive patients that underwent chest CT by using 64 channel MDCT. We classified the anterior diaphragm as three types (types 1-3) based on 5 mm axial scans: a line behind the xiphoid, a discontinuity and opening anteriorly, and the presence of broad and poorly defined bands. We also classified the anterior diaphragm as three types (types A-C) using 2 mm sagittal reformation images, based on the shape of the anterior diaphragmatic fibers traveling from the base of the pericardium to the xiphoid: a downward slope, an upward slope, and a flat shape, and compared the two groups using a correlation determined by statistical analysis. RESULTS: We could classify the appearance of the anterior diaphragm for all cases on the axial scans and sagittal reformation images. The number of types 1, 2, 3 on the axial scans was 30.9%, 38.3%, and 30.9% and the number of types A, B, C on the sagittal reformation images was 33.3%, 22.2%, and 44.4%, respectively. Type A was seen for 92% of type 1 cases, type C was seen for 88% of type 3 cases, and type B was seen for 54.8% of type 2 cases. The types seen between the axial and sagittal reformation images showed a significant agreement (r=0.868, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The shape of the anterior diaphragm correlated with the relationship between the base of the pericardium and the xiphoid.

Subxiphoid pericardial window in stable cardiac proximity injuries

The use of the subxiphoid pericardial window (SPW) in evaluating stable patients with cardiac proximity injuries is presented in a short case series. There were 11 patients with four positive and seven negative SPW. There was one false positive and no false negatives. Review of the literature on the use of the SPW as a diagnostic tool in evaluating cardiac proximity injuries shows the SPW to be a rapid and reliable method of detecting occult cardiac injuries, and is especially useful in areas where emergency echocardiography is not available

El proceso xifoides del esternón mapuche / The xiphoid process of the mapucheïs sternum

El proceso xifoides es la parte más pequeña y variable del esternón. Según los diferentes estudios realizados este puede presentar variadas formas, puede ser ancho y fino, puntiagudo, bífido, perforado, curvado o desviado para un lado y otro. Con el objetivo de determinar las características morfológicas de esta parte del esternón en individuos mapuches estudiamos 50 esternones obtenidos de necropsias de individuos adultos. Los huesos fueron preparados por técnicas tradicionales de maceración de los tejidos blandos. El proceso xifoides se presentó bífido en 42 por ciento de los casos, en forma de paleta en 38 por ciento, ovalados y elipsoides en 10 por ciento y presentó otras formas en 10 por ciento. Sus diámetros máximos en promedio fueron: vertical 38 mm, laterolateral 21,9 mm y anteroposterior 2,3 mm. En relación a su orientación, el proceso xifoides se presentó: sin inclinación en 32 por ciento de los casos, inclinado hacia la izquierda en 24 por ciento, inclinado hacia ventral en 16 por ciento, inclinado hacia derecha en 10 por ciento e inclinado hacia dorsal en 4 por ciento. En el 12 por ciento de los casos presentó forámenes. El en el 58 por ciento de los casos el proceso xifoides se articulaba sólo con la región más posterior de la parte inferior del cuerpo del esternón. Nuestro estudio demuestra la variabilidad morfológica del proceso xifoides confirmando lo observado en otros grupos étnicos

Abordagem transxifóidea sem esternotomia para correçäo da comunicaçäo interatrial / Transxiphoid approach without sternotomy for the correction of atrial septal defect

Objetivo: Avaliaçao de uma nova abordagem cirúrgica para fechamento da comunicaçao interatrial. Métodos: A abordagem da comunicaçao interatrial através da janela xifóidea foi realizada em 6 pacientes do sexo masculino e l do sexo feminino e a idade variou de 6 meses a 14 anos, com média de idades de 5,1 anos. Em todos, foi utilizada a circulaçao extracorpórea, através de canulaçao da artéria femoral e átrio direito e videotoracoscopia para auxiliar a visibilizaçao da aorta e do canal arterial, assim como das estruturas correspondentes às cavidades esquerdas. Resultados: Nao houve complicaçoes intra-operatórias ou pós-operatórias e, em todos os pacientes, foi possível a extubaçao na sala de operaçoes. Conclusao: A janela xifóidea, sem a abertura do esterno, permitiu a correçao da comunicaçao interatrial com bons resultados, podendo constituir-se em uma nova abordagem, minimamente invasiva.

Alteraciones cardiopulmonares en la xifoescoliosis / Cardiopulmonary alterations in xiphoscoliosis

La falla respiratoria crónica y la hipertensión pulmonar, son las complicaciones más frecuentes en pacientes con xifoescoliosis severa con ángulos mayores de 100 grados. La capacidad vital (CV), la capacidad funcional total (CFT), la distensibilidad del sistema respiratorio (CL,dyn Dpd), la distensibilidad de la caja torácica(cl, st Dpd), la presión arterial de oxígeno(PaO2)y el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo(VEF1), son inversamente proporcionales al ángulo de la escoliosis y a la edad del paciente. Asimismo, la presión arterial de dióxido de carbono (PCO2) es directamente proporcional al ángulo de la escoliosis. La hiperplasia de la íntima y la hipertrofia de la media como parte de los cambios a nivel cardiovascular, incrementan las resistencias vasculares, disminuyen la distensibilidad pulmonar y son la causa de hipertensión pulmonar, con pulmonale y falla cardiaca congestiva. Las manifestaciones clínicas ocurrirán dependiendo del grado de severidad de la escoliosis