Erratum: Predictive Value of Procalcitonin for Infection and Survival in Adult Cardiogenic Shock Patients Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / 전남의대학술지

In the published article, the Figure 4 was published with incorrect y-axis and legend.

Predictive Value of Procalcitonin for Infection and Survival in Adult Cardiogenic Shock Patients Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / 전남의대학술지

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a predictive marker for the occurrence of bacterial infection and the decision to terminate antibiotic treatment in critically ill patients. An unusual increase in PCT, regardless of infection, has been observed during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. We evaluated trends and the predictive value of PCT levels in adult cardiogenic shock during treatment with ECMO. We reviewed the clinical records of 38 adult cardiogenic shock patients undergoing veno-arterial ECMO support between January 2014 and December 2016. The exclusion criteria were age 10 ng/mL during the first week of ECMO support was significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.01). The change in PCT level was not useful in predicting new infection during ECMO support. However, higher PCT levels within the first week of the ECMO run are associated with significantly higher mortality.

Nosocomial Infection in Adult Patients Undergoing Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Data on the frequency of nosocomial infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult populations remain scarce. We investigated the risk factors for nosocomial infections in adult patients undergoing venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) support. From January 2011 to December 2015, a total of 259 patients underwent ECMO. Of these, patients aged 17 years or less and patients undergoing ECMO for less than 48 hours were excluded. Of these, 61 patients diagnosed with cardiogenic shock were evaluated. Mean patient age was 60.6 ± 14.3 years and 21 (34.4%) patients were female. The mean preoperative Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 8.6 ± 2.2. The mean duration of ECMO support was 6.8 ± 7.4 days. The rates of successful ECMO weaning and survival to discharge were 44.3% and 31.1%, respectively. There were 18 nosocomial infections in 14 (23.0%) patients. These included respiratory tract infections in 9 cases and bloodstream infections in a further 9. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of infection during ECMO were the preoperative creatinine level (hazard ratio [HR], 2.176; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.065–4.447; P = 0.033) and the duration of ECMO support (HR, 1.400; 95% CI, 1.081–1.815; P = 0.011). A higher preoperative creatinine level and an extended duration of ECMO support are risk factors for infection. Therefore, to avoid the development of nosocomial infections, strategies to shorten the length of ECMO support should be applied whenever possible.

Fatal Left Ventricular Thrombosis in an Infant Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

Thromboembolism in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is a feared complication. Systemic anticoagulation during ECMO in patients with a massively dilated left ventricle (LV) and decreased LV systolic function is still debated. Hearin, we report a case of a 5-month old infant on ECMO support who had fatal thrombus formation in the massively dilated LV and a consequent thromboembolic event.

Pilomatrix Carcinoma in the Chest Wall Around an Eloesser Open Window: A case report

Pilomatrix carcinoma originates in the matrix cell and is marked by exophytic growing and common local recurrence. There is no established treatment for wide local invasion and metastasis of the pilomatrix besides wide surgical resection. We report a case of rapidly progressive pilomatrix carcinoma, which arose around an Eloesser open window with direct invasion to the adjacent tissue.

Mid- to Long-term Results of Surgical Treatment of ASD in Patients over 60 Years Old

BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the benefit of surgical correction of an atrial septal defect (ASD) in patients over 60 years old. The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical treatment is beneficial in those 60 years of age or older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical course of 57 patients (mean age: 63.54+/-5.59 years) diagnosed with an isolated secundum ASD after the age of 60. The 24 patients (group A) who underwent surgical repair were compared with the 33 patients (group B) who were treated non-surgically. The mean follow-up period was 6.8+/-4.5 years. RESULTS: One operative death, 5 late deaths (20.8%) in group A, and 9 deaths (27.3%) in group B occurred in the study period. Symptomatic improvement was noted in 18 patients (75%) of group A after surgery. However 13 patients (39.4%) of group B showed symptomatic improvement during the follow-up period (p=0.012). The incidence of new atrial arrhythmia of the two groups was significantly different (16.7% vs 36.7%, p=0.038). The actuarial 10 year survival rate was 79% in group A and 73% in group B. CONCLUSION: Although surgical correction of ASD did not increase survival in patients over 60 years old, the surgical outcomes of ASD showed low operative mortality and resulted in symptomatic improvement in the majority of these patients. This study has shown the benefits of surgical closure of ASD even in advanced age in comparison to medical treatment.

Clinical Analysis of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Chest Trauma / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia continues to be the most common major infection in trauma patients. Despite the advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for pneumonia, it remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study is to identify the risk factors and clinical features of ventilator-associated pneumonia among chest trauma patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study population consisted of 78 mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the ICU of Chonnam National University Hospital between January, 2001, and December, 2006. The patients were divided into two groups: those with pneumonia (Group I) and without pneumonia (Group II). Clinical predictors of the occurrence and mortality for ventilator associated pneumonia were analyzed. RESULT: There were 57 men and 21 women, with a mean age of 48.3+/-19.9 years. Almost half of the patients, 48.7% (38 of 78), had pneumonia. The mortality rate was 21.0% (8 of 38) in Group I and 2.5% (1 of 40) in Group II. The predictors of ventilator-associated pneumonia were the duration of mechanical ventilation (17.4 days vs 6.5 days, p<0.001), the mean stay in the ICU (21.7 days vs 9.7 days, p<0.001), the use of inotropics due to hemodynamic instability (63.1% vs 25.0%, p=0.001), and the serum level of CRP (11.3+/-7.8 vs 6.4+/-7.3, p= 0.006). CONCLUSION: Posttraumatic ventilator-associated pneumonia was significantly related with the duration of mechanical ventilation, the mean stay in ICU, and the use of inotropics due to hemodynamic instability. The serum level of CRP at admission was higher in the pneumonia group. Morbidity and mortality can be reduced by early identification of predictive factors for developing pneumonia in chest trauma patients.

Intralobar Pulmonary Sequestration with Hemoptysis and Hemothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 60-year-old female entered the emergency unit with a chief complaint of hemoptysis. Based on the computer tomographic image analysis of the chest, the patient was diagnosed as having an intralobar pulmonary sequestration that accompanied a hemothorax, and the hemothorax was do to the rupture of a pseudocyst. Pulmonary lobectomy of the left lower lobe and primary closure of an aberrant artery were both performed as an emergency operation. After one week following the operation, the patient was discharged without any postoperative complications.

Spontaneous Hemothorax in a Patient with Type I Neurofibromatosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

Vascular involvement is a rare and life threatening complication of type I neurofibromatosis. A twenty-eight years old female with a family history of type I neurofibromatosis had sudden onset of upper back pain and dyspnea. Chest CT showed right massive hemothorax with aneurysmal rupture of the intercostal artery. She underwent an emergency operation on unstable hemodynamic status. We report a case of surgical treatment of spontaneous hemothorax in a patient with type I neurofibromatosis.

Inflammatory Reponse of the Lung to Hypothermia and Fluid Therapy after Hemorrhagic Shock in Rats / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The dysfunction of multiple organs is found to be caused by reactive oxygen species as a major modulator of microvascular injury after hemorrhagic shock. Hemorrhagic shock, one of many causes inducing acute lung injury, is associated with increase in alveolocapillary permeability and characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration, and hemorrhage in the interstitial and alveolar space. Aggressive and rapid fluid resuscitation potentially might increased the risk of pulmonary dysfunction by the interstitial edema. Therefore, in order to improve the pulmonary dysfunction induced by hemorrhagic shock, the present study was attempted to investigate how to reduce the inflammatory responses and edema in lung. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, weight 300 to 350 gm were anesthetized with ketamine (7 mg/kg) intramuscular. Hemorrhagic Shock (HS) was induced by withdrawal of 3 mL/100 g over 10 min. through right jugular vein. Mean arterial pressure was then maintained at 35~40 mmHg by further blood withdrawal. At 60 min. after HS, the shed blood and Ringer's solution or 5% albumin was infused to restore mean carotid arterial pressure over 80 mmHg. Rats were divided into three groups according to rectal temperature level (37 degrees C [normothermia] vs 33degrees C [mild hypothermia]) and resuscitation fluid (lactate Ringer's solution vs 5% albumin solution). Group I consisted of rats with the normothermia and lactate Ringer's solution infusion. Group II consisted of rats with the systemic hypothermia and lactate Ringer's solution infusion. Group III consisted of rats with the systemic hypothermia and 5% albumin solution infusion. Hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, mean carotid arterial pressure), metabolism, and pulmonary tissue damage were observed for 4 hours. RESULT: In all experimental groups including 6 rats in group I, totally 26 rats were alive in 3rd stage. However, bleeding volume of group I in first stage was 3.2+/-0.5 mL/100 g less than those of group II (3.9+/-0.8 mL/100 g) and group III (4.1+/-0.7 mL/100 g). Fluid volume infused in 2nd stage was 28.6+/-6.0 mL (group I), 20.6+/-4.0 mL (group II) and 14.7+/-2.7 mL (group III), retrospectively in which there was statistically a significance between all groups (p <0.05). Plasma potassium level was markedly elevated in comparison with other groups (II and III), whereas glucose level was obviously reduced in 2nd stage of group I. Level of interleukine-8 in group I was obviously higher than that of group II or III (p <0.05). They were 1,834+/-437 pg/mL (group I), 1,006+/-532 pg/mL (group II), and 764+/-302 pg/mL (group III), retrospectively. In histologic score, the score of group III (1.6+/-0.6) was significantly lower than that of group I (2.8+/-1.2)(p <0.05). CONCLUSION: In pressure-controlled hemorrhagic shock model, it is suggested that hypothermia might inhibit the direct damage of ischemic tissue through reduction of basic metabolic rate in shock state compared to normothermia. It seems that hypothermia should be benefit to recovery pulmonary function by reducing replaced fluid volume, inhibiting anti-inflammatory agent (IL-8) and leukocyte infiltration in state of ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, it is considered that other changes in pulmonary damage and inflammatory responses might induce by not only kinds of fluid solutions but also hypothermia, and that the detailed evaluation should be study.

Changes in the Lung after Pulmonary Hypertension Induced by Obstruction of the Pulmonary Vein in Rats / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies of vascular remodeling in the pulmonary arteries have been performed actively. These models required a persistent vascular insult for intimal injury induced by chronic hypoxia, monocrotaline intoxication or chronic air embolism and characterized medial hypertrophy and neointimal formation by active synthesis of the extracellular matrix protein. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of pulmonary vascular remodeling after obstruction of the pulmonary vein. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Obstruction of the right pulmonary vein with a metal clip was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats (352+/-18 g, n=10) to cause pulmonary vascular disease. Fifteen days later, experimental studies were done and finally the both lungs and hearts were extirpated for experimental measurement. Pulmonary arterial pressure, weight ratio of right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle (LV) and ventricular septum (S) (RV/LV+S weight ratio), and pulmonary artery morphology (percent wall thickness, %WT) were evaluated and compared with normal control groups. RESULT: Pulmonary hypertension (38+/-12 mmHg vs 13+/-4 mmHg; p<0.05) and right ventricular hypertrophy (right ventricular/left ventricular and septal weight ratio, 0.52+/-0.07 vs 0.35+/-0.04; p<0.05) with hypertrophy of the muscular layer of the pulmonary arterial wall (percent wall thickness, 22.4+/-6.7% vs 6.7+/-3.4%; p<0.05) were developed by 15 days after obstruction of the pulmonary vein. CONCLUSION: Obstruction of the pulmonary vein developed elevation of pulmonary blood pressure and medial hypertrophy of the pulmonary artery. These results are a part of the characteristic vascular remodeling. Theses results demonstrate that obstruction of the pulmonary vein can develope not only high pulmoanry blood flow of contralateral lung but also intima injury inducing vascular remodeling.

Cardiac Tamponade Caused by Cardiac Hemangioma: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Cardiac hemangioma is an extremely rare benign tumor. A 65 years old woman was admitted due to epigastric and chest pain. After we confirmed cardiac tamponade with right atrial mass by chest CT, we performed surgical resection of the mass and identified hemangioma with capillary endothelial hyperplasia on pathologic examination. Therefore, we report the case with literature review.

The Utility of Chest CTinStagingof Esophageal Cancer / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The decision of staging of esophageal cancer have great effect on the resectability of the lesion and estimation of the patient's prognosis. Today, CT is one of the most popular modality for staging of esophageal cancer. However, it has some limitations because of false-positive or false-negative findings on cancer staging. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of CT in preoperative staging of esophageal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively analysed the difference of staging of esophageal cancer between CT and histopathological findings for the 114 patients with histologically proven esophageal cancer who underwent operation at the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, Chonnam national university hospital, between January 1999 and June 2003. We evaluated the efficacy of chest CT in the staging of esophageal cancer compared to postoperative histopathologic findings by calculating sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility of chest CT to detect abnormality. RESULT: The reproducibilities between chest CT and histopathologic findings were 0.32 (p<0.01) for primary tumor (T), 0.36 (p<0.01) for lymph node invasion (N), and 0.62 (p<0.01) for distant metastasis (M). The reproducibilities between chest CT and histopathologic findings for lymph node invasion (N) and distant metastasis (M) were superior to that of primary tumor (T). The accuracy of primary tumor (T) was 65.8% and 98.2% in group III and IV, which was significantly higher than that of group I and II (78.9% and 62.3%). In general, specificity of chest CT for TNM staging was superior to sensitivity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, preoperative CT scanning can provide important information on lymph node invasion and metastasis of lesion than primary tumor invasion.

Behcet's Disease with the Left Carotid Artery Aneurysm and Colon Perforation / 대한흉부외과학회지

Behcet's disease is manifested as ulcers present in oral cavity, on external genital organ, orbital area, and skin. This disease could also cause other symptoms by invading the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and urogenital system. It is very rare for Behcet's disease to be accompanied by carotid artery aneurysm and intestinal perforation. We report a patient with Behcet's disease, who is diagnosed with symptoms and pathological findings as having carotid artery aneurysm and intestinal perforation at the same time. The patient underwent operation for the aneurysm and the intestinal perforation.

Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery with Dysphagia and Recurrent Pneumonia: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is an anomaly with a reported incidence of 0.5% to 2%. Most patients with an ARSA remain asymptomatic; however about 10% of adult patients have compressive symptoms. A case is reported of a 64-year old female patient who had a few years of history of dysphagia and recurrent pneumonia. Angiography was performed, which demonstrated an ARSA with common origin of the right and left carotid arteries. Surgical correction was performed via right thoracotomy. The proximal aberrant artery was mobilized behind the esophagus. The distal, right subclavian artery was exposed, transected, and transposed with reimplantation into the aortic root by graft bypass.

A Case of Pulmonary Endometriosis Causing Catamenial Hemoptysis / 대한흉부외과학회지

Pulmonary endometriosis is a rare disorder. We report a case of a 38-year-old woman with a 10-year history of catamenial hemoptysis due to pulmonary endometriosis which was diagnosed by CT during menstruation and treated successfully by wedge-resection of the right middle lobe. Medical therapy with hormones was not performed. There is no evidence of recurrence 5 months after the operation.

Ruptured Mature Cystic Teratoma Involving Pulmonary Artery: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

We report a case of mature cystic teratoma of the anterior mediastinum that ruptured into the pulmonary artery requiring an emergent surgical treatment. A 39-year-old woman presented an episode of massive hemoptysis and treated with bronchial artery embolization (BAE). On the 10th day after BAE, however, she developed sudden massive hemoptysis and had a deteriorated mental status. For a definitive treatment, she underwent the left pneumonectomy and the tumor resection in the anterior mediastinum. On histologic examination, the tumor disclosed cystic structures composed of mature squamous epithelium, pilosebaceous glands, mature fat tissue, cartilage and bone tissue. Also, there was intrapulmonary hemorrhage due to left pulmonary artery invasion of the tumor.

Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Decortication for Management of Postpneumonia Empyema / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for decortication or debridement in the management of empyema thoracis has increased the available treatment options but requires validation. We present and evaluate our technique and experience with thoracoscopic management of pleural empyema, irrespective of chronicity. MATERIAL AND METHOD: VATS debridement or decortication was performed with endoscopic shaver system in 40 consecutive patients presented with pleural space infections. A retrospective review was performed and the effect of this technique on perioperative outcome was assessed. RESULT: VATS evacuation of infected pleural fluid and decortication was successfully performed in 35 of 40 patients. The mean duration of preoperative symptoms before referral was 23 +/- 1.8 days. The mean duration of hospitalization before transfer was 13.5 +/- 1.5 days. Blood loss was 250 to 200 mL. Intercostal drainage was required for 5 +/- 3 days. The postoperative hospital stay was 5 +/- 0.7 days. There were no operative mortalities. CONCLUSION: Video-assisted evacuation of infected pleural fluid and decortication is an effective modality in the management of the fibropurulent stage of empyema. An organized empyema should be approached thoracoscopically, but may require open decortication.

Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Aortogastric Fistula: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Aorto-gastric fistulas are relatively rare. Fistula formation between the aorta and the gartrointestinal tract is a serious condition that results in severe hemorrhage with a very high mortality rate. We present an unusual case of successful surgical treatment in Chonnam national university hospital ; of a patient with a aortogastric fistula into thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

Role of the Inferior Thyroid Vein after Left Brachiocephalic Vein Division During Aortic Surgery / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: In aortic surgery, division and ligation of the left brachiocephalic vein(LBV) may improve exposure of the aortic arch but controversy continues about the safety of this division and whether a divided vein should be reanastomosed after arch replacement was completed. The safety of LBV division and the fate of the left subclavian venous drainage after LBV division were studied. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From November 1998 to January 2001, planned division and ligation of the LBV on the mid-line after median sternotomy was performed in 10 patients during the aortic surgery with the consideration of local anatomy and distal aortic anastomosis. Assessment for upper extremity edema and neurologic symptoms, measurement of venous pressure in the right atrium and left internal jugular vein, and digital subtraction venography(DSV) of the left arm were made postoperatively. RESULT: In 10 patients there was improvement in access to the aortic arch for procedures on the ascending aorta or aortic arch. The mean age of patients was 62 years(range 24 to 70). Follow-up ranged from 3 weeks to 13 months. One patient died because of mediastinitis from methicilline-resistant staphylococcus aureus strain. All patients had edema on the left upper extremity, but resolved by the postoperative day 4. No patient had any residual edema or difficulty in using the left upper extremity during the entire follow-up period. No patient had postoperative stroke. Pressure difference between the right atrium and left internal jugular vein was peaked on the immediate postoperative period(mean peak pressure difference = 25mmHg), but gradually decreased, then plated by the postoperative day 4. In all DSV studies left subclavian vein flowed across the midline through the inferior thyroid venous plexus. CONCLUSION: We conclude that division of LBV is safe and reanastomosis is not necessary if inferior thyroid vein, which is developed as a main bridge connecting the left subclavian vein with right venous system, is preserved.