Incidentally Found Absence of the Left Brachiocephalic Vein with Venous Return Through the Left Superior Intercostal Vein in an Adult Patient: Venography and CT Findings

A 63-year-old male patient was referred for venography of the thoracic venous system and multidetector computed tomography (CT) due to the unusual location of the left subclavian catheter tip. His venogram and CT images showed an absence of the left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV). Instead of through the LBCV, the usual venous circulation of neck and left upper limb was carried out by the engorged left superior intercostal vein (LSIV); this subsequently drained into the accessory hemiazygos vein and then the azygos vein that drains into the superior vena cava. Here, we report a rare case of an incidentally found absence of the LBCV with venous return through the LSIV in an adult patient, and we present a brief review of the relevant literature.

Differences between the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Ruptured and Non-Ruptured Carotid Plaques, and the Significance of ABCA1 / 대한뇌졸중학회지

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carotid plaques are a strong risk factor for ischemic stroke, and plaque rupture poses an even higher risk. Although many studies have investigated the pathogenic mechanisms of carotid plaque formation, few have studied the differences in molecular mechanisms underlying the rupture and non-rupture of carotid plaques. In addition, since early diagnosis and treatment of carotid plaque rupture are critical for the prevention of ischemic stroke, many studies have sought to identify the important target molecules involved in the rupture. However, a target molecule critical in symptomatic ruptured plaques is yet to be identified. METHODS: A total of 79 carotid plaques were consecutively collected, and microscopically divided into ruptured and non-ruptured groups. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction array, proteomics, and immunohistochemistry were performed to compare the differences in molecular mechanisms between ruptured and non-ruptured plaques. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the differences in ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1) levels in the serum. RESULTS: The expression of several mRNAs and proteins, including ABCA1, was higher in ruptured plaques than non-ruptured plaques. In contrast, the expression of other proteins, including β-actin, was lower in ruptured plaques than non-ruptured plaques. The increased expression of ABCA1 was consistent across several experiments, ABCA1 was positive only in the serum of patients with symptomatic ruptured plaques. CONCLUSIONS: This study introduces a plausible molecular mechanism underlying carotid plaque rupture, suggesting that ABCA1 plays a role in symptomatic rupture. Further study of ABCA1 is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Acute coronary artery obstruction after aortic valve replacement surgery and role of transesophageal echocardiography

Acute coronary artery obstruction is a rare but fatal complication of surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Sudden coronary spasm, embolization of calcium plaque, and surgical factors can induce acute coronary syndrome after AVR. Here, we report a case of left main coronary ostial obstruction that occurred immediately after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. This case highlights the importance of coronary ostial flow patency and assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in AVR.

Acute coronary artery obstruction after aortic valve replacement surgery and role of transesophageal echocardiography

Acute coronary artery obstruction is a rare but fatal complication of surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). Sudden coronary spasm, embolization of calcium plaque, and surgical factors can induce acute coronary syndrome after AVR. Here, we report a case of left main coronary ostial obstruction that occurred immediately after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. This case highlights the importance of coronary ostial flow patency and assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in AVR.

Preoperative Coronary Stenosis Is a Determinant of Early Vascular Outcome after Carotid Endarterectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is directly influenced by the risk of perioperative adverse outcomes. However, patient-level risks and predictors including coronary stenosis are rarely evaluated, especially in Asian patients. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the vascular risk factors underlying CEA, including coronary stenosis, and postoperative outcome. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-three consecutive CEAs from our hospital records were included in this analysis. All patients underwent coronary computed tomography angiography before CEA. Data were analyzed to determine the vascular outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate vs. severe coronary stenosis and high vs. standard operative risk, based on the criteria for high operative risk defined in the Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy (SAPPHIRE) trial. The vascular outcome was defined as the occurrence of postoperative (< or =30 days) stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or death. RESULTS: An adverse vascular outcome occurred in 8 of the 153 CEAs, with 6 strokes, 2 MIs, and 3 deaths. The vascular outcome differed significantly between the groups with mild-to-moderate and severe coronary stenosis (p=0.024), but not between the high- and standard-operative-risk groups (stratified according to operative risk as defined in the SAPPHIRE trial). Multivariable analysis adjusting for potent predictors revealed that severe coronary stenosis (odds ratio, 6.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-39.22) was a significant predictor of the early vascular outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Severe coronary stenosis was identified herein as an independent predictor of an adverse early vascular outcome.

Surgical Treatment for Intra-Thoracic Migration of Acupuncture Needles

The aim of this study was to introduce the experience of diagnosis and treatment for patients with migrated acupuncture needle to pleural cavity and or lung parenchyma. We had treated 5 patients who had acupuncture needles in their thoracic cavity from January 2000 to September 2009. The mean age was 55.8 yr old. All patients suffered from the sequelae of the cerebrovascular accident and had been treated with acupuncture. They had drowsiness and hemiplegic or quadriplegic motor activity. Fever and dyspnea were main symptoms when referred to us. Diagnosis was made by the chest radiography and chest computed tomography which revealed straight metallic materials in their thoracic cavity. The needles were removed via thoracotomy or thoracoscopic procedures. Pleural decortications were also needed in four patients. Thoracoscopic surgery was successfully performed in two patients. After the removal all patients became symptomless. Although we experienced only five patients who have migrated acupuncture needles in thoracic cavity, we suggest that thoracoscopic removal of the needle with or without pleural decortication is the most optimal modality of treatment in those patients.

Pulmonary Thromboembolectomy for Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism is fatal because of abruptly occurring hypoxemia and right ventricular failure. There are several treatment modalities, including anticoagulation, thrombolytics, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenator), and thromboembolectomy, for managing acute pulmonary thromboembolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records from January 1999 to December 2004 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed for pulmonary thromboembolectomy. There were 7 patients (4 men and 3 women), who underwent a total of 8 operations because one patient had post-operative recurrent emboli and underwent reoperation. Surgery was indicatedfor mild hypoxemia and performed with CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) in a beating heart state. RESULTS: The patients had several symptoms, such as dyspnea, chest discomfort, and palpitation. Four patients had deep vein thromboembolisms and 3 had psychotic problems, specifically schizophrenia. Post-operative complications included hemothorax, pleural effusion, and pericardial effusion. There were two hospital deaths, one each by brain death and right heart failure. CONCLUSION: Emergency operation should be performed when medical treatments are no longer effective.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax due to Pulmonary Invasion in Multisystemic Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Langerhans cell Histiocytosis can present as a single or multiple lesion and can affect one or several organ systems. A 41-year-old woman with a history of multisystemic Langerhans cell Histiocytosis invading lung and thyroid was admitted with left-sided spontaneous pneumothorax. Here we report a case of uncommon pulmonary Langerhans-cell Histiocytosis presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax as a multisystemic Langerhans cell Histiocytosis.

Hemothorax Without Injury of the Pleural Cavity due to Diaphragmatic and Liver Laceration Caused by a Right Upper Anterior Chest Stab Wound

A hemothorax usually occur, due to injuries to the intercostal and great vessels, pulmonary damage, and sometimes fractured ribs. We report a case in which the hemothorax that occurred, neither intrathoracic injury nor injury to internal thoracic vessels and organs, via lacerated diaphragmatic and liver laceration due to a right upper part of anterior chest stab injury caused by a sharp object. The patient's general conditions gradually worsened, so chest and abdominal computed tomogram were taken. The abdominal computed tomogram revealed diaphragmatic injuries and bleeding from the lacerated liver. We performed an exploratory laparotomy to control the bleeding from the lacerated liver with simple primary sutures. In addition exploration was performed in the right pleural space through the lacerated diaphragm with a thoracoscopic instrument. There were no bleeding foci in the right pleural space, the vessels, or the lung on the thoracoscopic video. Closure of the lacerated diaphragm was achieved with simple, primary sutures. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and the patient was discharged.

Aortic Translocation for Complete Transposition of the Great Arteries with a Ventricular Septal Defect and Pulmonic Stenosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

The Rastelli operation has been a standard procedure for repairing complete transposition of the great arteries combined with a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Yet this procedure has several shortcomings, including the risk of incurring left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on long-term follow-up. In this regard, aortic translocation has recently been regarded as a potent alternative to Rastelli's operation. We report here on a case of complete transposition of the great arteries that was combined with an inlet-extended perimembranous ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis in a 2-year-old boy. All the problems were successfully repaired using the aortic translocation technique. Postoperative echocardiography showed a straight and wide left ventricular outflow tract.

Surgery for Myocardial Bridging: A report of two cases / 대한흉부외과학회지

Most myocardial bridgings are found incidentally without symptoms, but myocardial bridging may induce symptoms such as angina, myocardial infarction, and ventricular arrythmia. In a patient who has symptoms despite of proper medication, stent insertion, supra-arterial myotomy or coronary artery bypass grafting have been applied without a definite guideline of treatment. We report two surgical cases of myocardial bridging with a review of the literature.

Results of Bronchial Sleeve Resection for Primary Lung Cancer / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: It is known that long-term survival rate in patients underwent bronchial sleeve lobectomy for primary lung cancer is at least equal to that in patients underwent pneumonectomy, and bronchial sleeve lobectomy is performed in patients with suitable tumor location even in patients have adequate pulmonary function. Sleeve pneumonectomy is performed when carina was invaded by tumor or tumor location was near to the carina. We performed this study to know our results of sleeve resection for primary lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed retrospectively the medical records of 45 patients who underwent sleeve lobectomy or sleeve pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer by one thoracic surgeon from May 1990 to July 2003 in Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University. Follow-up loss was absent and last follow-up was performed in April 5, 2005. Kaplan-Meyer method and log-lank test were used to know long-term survival rate and p-value. RESULT: Mean age was 60 years old and male to female ratio 41:1. Histologic types were squamous cell carcinoma were 39, adenocarcinoma were 4, and others were 2 patients. Pathologic stages were I 14, II 14, and III 17 patients. Nodal stages were N0 23, N1 13, and N2 9 patients. Types of operation were sleeve lobectomy 40 and sleeve pneumonectomy 5 patients. Operative mortality was 3 patients and its cause was respiratory complications. Early complications were pneumonia 4, atelectasis 8, air leakage more than 7 days 6, and atrial fibrillation 4 patients. In 19 patients tumor was recurred. Local recurrence was 10 and systemic metastasis was 9 patients. Overall 5, 10-year survival rate were 54.2%, 42.5%. The 5, 10-year survival rates according to the pathologic stage were 83.9%, 67.1% in stage I, 55%, 47.1% in II, 33.3%, 25% in III, and significance difference was present between stage I and III. The 5, 10-year survival rate according to the lymph node involvement were 63.9%, 54.6% in N0, 53.8%, 46.5% in N1, 28.5%, 14.2% in N2, and significance difference was present between N0 and N2. CONCLUSION: Because bronchial sleeve lobectomy for primary lung cancer could be performed safely and shows acceptable long-term survival rate, it could be considered primary in case of suitable tumor location if complete resection is possible. Although sleeve pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer shows somewhat high operative mortality rate, it could be considered in view of curative treatment.

Primary Sternal Osteomyelitis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Primary sternal osteomyelitis is a rare disease. Primary sternal osteomyelitis occurring during childhood is extremely rare; therefore, only eleven cases have been reported in the English language literatures. The predisposing factors of primary sternal osteomyelitis are malnutrition, immune deficiency, intravenous injection, blunt chest trauma, and sickle cell anemia. Drainage of pus with antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice. We report a case of primary sternal osteomyelitis occurred in a 16-year old boy, who had no predisposing factors, with review of literatures.

Pleural Sparganosis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

The major cause of Sparganosis is ingestion of raw snake or frog. The most common clinical manifestation of Sparganosis is subcutaneous moving nodule in abdominal wall, chest wall, thigh, and scrotal area. The most accurate method of diagnosis and treatment for Sparganosis is surgical removal of the parasite. We experienced pleural sparganosis in a 70-years-old male patient, and report it with review of literatures.

Surgical Treatment for Carotid Artery Stenosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy is an effective treatment modality in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis, but it may result in serious postoperative complications. We analyzed the results of the carotid endarterectomy performed in our institution to reduce the complications related to the carotid endarterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed retrospectively the medical records of 74 patients (76 cases) who underwent carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis by a single surgeon from February 1996 to July 2004. RESULT: There were 64 men and 10 women. The mean age of the patients was 63.6 years old. Carotid endarterectomy only was performed in 63 cases, carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty in 8 cases, and carotid endarterectomy with segmental resection of internal carotid artery and end to end anastomosis in 5 cases. Intra-arterial shunt was used in 29 cases. The mean back pressures of internal carotid arteries checked after clamping common carotid arteries and external carotid arteries were 23.48+/-10.04 mmHg in 25 cases with changes in electroencephalography (group A) and 47.16+/-16.04 mmHg in 51 cases without changes in electroencephalography (group B). There was no statistical difference in the mean back pressure of internal carotid arteries between two groups (p=0.095), but the back pressures of internal carotid arteries of all patients with changes in electroencephalography were under 40 mmHg. When there was no ischemic change of electroencephalography after clamping common carotid artery and external carotid artery, we did not make use of intra-arterial shunt regardless of the back pressure of internal carotid artery. Operative complications were transient hypoglossal nerve palsy in four cases, cerebral hemorrhage occurred at previous cerebral infarction site in two cases, mild cerebral infarction in one case, hematoma due to anastomosis site bleeding in one case, and upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal edema probably caused by excessive retraction during operation in two cases. One patient expired due to cerebral hemorrhage occurring at previous cerebral infarction site. CONCLUSION: Carotid endarterectomy is a safe operative procedure showing low operative mortality. We suggest that intra-arterial shunt usage should be decided according to the ischemic change of electroencephalography regardless of the back pressure of internal carotid artery. Excessive retraction during operation should be avoided to prevent upper airway obstruction due to laryngeal edema and if upper airway obstruction is suspected, prompt management is essential.

Surgical Treatment of Tracheal Restenosis following Operation for Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis: Two cases report / 대한흉부외과학회지

The treatment of choice for post-intubation tracheal stenosis is partial tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. The surgical treatment of tracheal restenosis that results from unsuccessful repair of post-intubation tracheal stenosis is not easy. Failed reoperation results in permanent tracheostomy and loss of voice. If the first operation fails, about 4~6 months of period for resolution of inflammatory reaction, edema, and fibrosis is needed. The exact evaluation of the patient's status is necessary and success rate of reoperation for the appropriate candidates is over 90%. We report the results of treatment in two cases of tracheal restenosis that resulted from unsuccessful repair of post-intubation tracheal stenosis with review of literatures.

Urinothorax following Blunt Renal Trauma: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Urinothorax occurs when urine leakes into thoracic cavity and it was first reported by Correie in 1968. The mechanism of its occurrence is an accumulation of urine in thoracic cavity by retroperitoneal urinoma formed by urinary tract obstruction or trauma. Retroperitoneal inflammation, malignant neoplasm, kidney transplantation, and kidney biopsy can also induce urinothorax. The diagnosis of urinothorax may be delayed due to its rare incidence rate, but if diagnosis is confirmed the treatment is possible by urinary diversion. We report our experience of a case of urinothorax associated with retroperitoneal urinoma followed by blunt renal trauma with review of literatures.

RVOTO Caused by Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma Originating from Pulmonary Valve: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Primary pulmonary arterial sarcomas, especially those originating from the pulmonary valve are extremely rare. A 35 year-old male patient was admitted for exertional dyspnea and fatigue. Large intraluminal mass in the main pulmonary artery and both pulmonary arteries was detected by chest computed tomogram, chest magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiogram, and pulmonary angiogram. We regarded the mass as a primary pulmonary arterial malignant tumor, and resected under cardiopulmonary bypass. The mass was appeared to originate from the posterior cusp of pulmonary valve, and extended from below pulmonary valve to main pulmonary artery and both pulmonary arteries. We resected the mass by pulmonary endarterectomy and replaced the pulmonary valve. The mass was diagnosed as a pulmonary arterial sarcoma in histopathologic examination.

Aorto-bicarotid-biaxillary Bypass in Takayasu's Arteritis: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 30 year-old female patient was admitted for dizziness and palpitation. Pulsation of the both upper extremities and both common carotid arteries were absent. Innominate artery and both common carotid arteries were severely narrowed, and both subclavian arteries were completely obstructed on aortogram. The patient was diagnosed as type I Takayasu's arteritis, and operation was performed to increase blood flow to the brain and both upper extremities. Ascending aorta, both carotid arteries, both subclavian arteries, and both axillary arteries were exposed by four separate incision, and we performed an aorto-bicarotid-biaxillary bypass with Hemashield graft. Previous dizziness and palpation were disappeared after the operation.

Synchronous Double Cancer of the Esophagus and Lung: Two case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

The synchronous double cancer of the esophagus and lung is rare. Right lower lobectomy and Ivor Lewis procedure were performed simultaneously in a 75 year-old male patient who had synchronous double primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus and right lower lobe of the lung. Left upper lobectomy was performed in a 69 year-old male patient who had squamous cell carcinoma of the left upper lobe of the lung, and four months later we performed Ivor Lewis procedure for the squamous cell carcinoma that occurred in the thoracic esophagus. The above two patients were doing well 10 months and 24 months after the operation respectively without recurrence. We treated the two cases of synchronous double cancer of the esophagus and lung with complete resection, and report this with review of literature.