ABSTRACT
Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary cardiac neoplasms, with only a small percentage being found in the left ventricle. Herein, we describe a 25-year-old male who presented with a complaint of chest pain for almost three months and was found to have a 2x2 cm encapsulated tumor attached by a 2-3 mm stalk to the mid-septum, 5 cm below the aortic annulus, via echocardiography. Additionally, a chest CT angiography was performed and revealed a small defect in the left ventricle with a low attenuation density originating from the septum. The tumor was later managed surgically with a median sternotomy approach, and left ventricular myxoma was confirmed histopathologically. Even though cardiac myxomas are incredibly uncommon, they are usually located in the left and right atria and are very unlikely to present in the left ventricle. This incident highlights the importance of taking cardiac myxoma into account as a potential differential diagnosis in cases of chest pain to prevent any further complications.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although rare in the Western world, the incidence of hydatid disease is still prevalent and strikingly endemic among the Palestinians. Until 2017, surgical treatment of lung pathologies was performed through the traditional incision (open thoracotomy). Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach has recently been applied in the cases of the pulmonary hydatid cysts with very satisfactory results. METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2019, 39 patients with pulmonary HC disease have been surgically treated. The cases divided into two cohorts: operations performed by thoracotomy classified as group A, (n=16). Operations performed by uniportal VATS classified as group B, (n=23). Prospectively collected data was analysed retrospectively, and the results compared between both groups. RESULTS: No significant statistical differences were noticed in terms of demographics and comorbidity. Laboratory tests were similar except haemoglobin level, which was higher in group A (P=0.001). Despite that, blood transfusion was higher in group A (P=0.016). Moreover, operation time was longer in group A (P=0.000). Chest drainage remained longer in group A (P=0.077). The level of postoperative pain was significantly higher in group A certainly in POD 1 (P=0.000). Patients in group B discharged earlier from the hospital (P=0.011) and experienced lower complications (P=0.060). No significant difference in length of ICU stay. Neither recurrence nor 30-day mortality recorded in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Uniportal VATS can be safely applied for pulmonary hydatidosis. It also seems to have a preference in several aspects compared to open Thoracotomy approach.
ABSTRACT
Behçet's disease is a systemic inflammatory disease with rare cardiac involvement. We present a case of Behçet's aortitis involving the aortic and mitral valves with vegetations resembling aortic valve endocarditis with subaortic complications. Recurrent aortitis after aortic valve replacement resulted in an aortic pseudoaneurysm formation with moderate perivalvular aortic regurgitation that stabilized with immunosuppressive therapy and without the need for additional cardiac operation.
