ABSTRACT
Twenty-two patients who had undergone pneumonectomy for various reasons were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) in order to study the post-pneumonectomy space (PPS). In 13 of 22 cases, the residual PPS contained fluid, even years following surgery. In 9 of 22 cases, the PPS was obliterated. Obliteration of the PPS, one of the events that may follow pneumonectomy, is significantly correlated with the expansion of the nonoperated lung (coefficient, 0.84). Obliteration of the PPS does not present a significant coefficient of correlation with the following parameters, also considered in this study: time interval between surgery and CT, presurgical tests of respiratory function, hemidiaphragm elevation, and retraction of operated hemithorax. The fluid contained in the PPS does not organize but persists or is reabsorbed. Mediastinal shift depends on the expansion of the residual lung. The mediastinum rotates following right pneumonectomy and shifts following left pneumonectomy. The usefulness of CT in the follow-up of the pneumonectomized patient is stressed.
Subject(s)
Pneumonectomy , Radiography, Thoracic , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Period , Respiration , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A series of 54 bronchial carcinoids operated in the course of 12 yr is presented. There were three histological types: typical, atypical and malignant. A parallel was also apparent between histological appearance and clinical pattern. Correct prognosis, however, demands the examination of other parameters, such the tendency of the neoplasia to infiltrate, and the presence of metastatic lymph nodes.
Subject(s)
Carcinoid Tumor/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Carcinoid Tumor/surgery , Female , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/surgery , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications , PrognosisABSTRACT
168 mediastinal masses, 4 of which were cystic lymphangiomas, were operated in the Thoracic Surgery Department of 1st Surgical Special Pathology. After an analysis of the frequently and the pathogenetic theories of this rare disease, the Authors, with the aid of clinical cases, illustrate the clinical procedures and instrumental semeiotics which may sometimes lead to suspicion of this pathology, with particular regard to Computerised Axial Tomography (C.A.T.).
