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PubMed1990

Magnetic resonance imaging of thoracic hydatid disease. Correlation with clinical findings, radiography, ultrasonography, CT and pathology.

Two patients with thoracic manifestations of hydatid disease (HD) are discussed; one patient had recurrent HD of the chest wall and the other, intrapulmonary HD after rupture and intrathoracic extension of an infradiaphragmatic cyst. At magnetic resonance (MR) imaging the manifestations of HD in the thorax are similar to previously reported MR findings in HD in the liver. The presence of a low signal intensity rim on T2 weighted images representing the cyst wall was confirmed. On T1 weighted images cysts with heterogeneous low and intermediate signal intensity contents and a relatively high signal intensity wall were seen. 'Folded parasitic membranes' previously not described on MR were noted. Daughter cysts may have a low or high signal intensity depending on contents. Reactive changes in the lung may be quite marked compared with the liver, due to reaction to the parasite or simply because the lung is more easily compressed leading to secondary atelectasis.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Intentional coverage of the left subclavian artery during endovascular stent graft repair for thoracic aortic disease.

BACKGROUND: Surgical revascularization of the left subclavian artery (LSA) has been performed to warrant arm perfusion and to prevent paraplegia during thoracic stent graft (SG) procedures. We retrospectively investigated the outcome after intentional occlusion of the left subclavian artery during SG repair for thoracic aortic diseases. METHODS: From December 2000 to June 2005, 11 patients (mean age, 57 +/- 19 years) with a short (<1 cm) proximal aspect of a thoracic aortic lesion underwent intentional LSA coverage to expand the proximal landing zone for SG fixation. Three patients were treated in the emergency setting. We did not perform a prophylactic revascularization of the LSA prior to SG implantation. A preliminary balloon occlusion test of the LSA was not performed in this series. The SG was positioned so that its covering was immediately distal to the left common carotid artery. RESULTS: SG implantation was technically successful in all patients. Intraoperative mortality was not observed; no patient suffered any impairment of left carotid artery flow. Aortography after SG implantation showed no direct flow in the LSA and refilling of the LSA via the ipsilateral vertebral artery. After the intervention, mean systolic pressure in the left arm decreased by 38 +/- 17 mmHg. The stented length of the aorta was 171 +/- 73 (median, 150). During hospitalization, no patient showed any signs of left arm malperfusion. Paraplegia was not observed. One patient developed transient ischemic attack. During a mean follow-up of 19 +/- 8 months (range, 3-36), all patients were completely asymptomatic and had no functional deficit or temperature differential between arms. No leakage was detected. CONCLUSION: Intentional LSA occlusion seems to be well tolerated. Prophylactic surgical maneuvers may be relegated to an elective measure after an endovascular aortic intervention when intolerable signs or symptoms of ischemia occur.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic disc disease: Classification and outcome study of 100 consecutive cases with a 2-year minimum follow-up period.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospectively collected data from regular clinical follow-up evaluations were tabulated, analyzed, reviewed using a patient self-reported questionnaire. OBJECTIVE: To develop a classification system and present the long-term functional outcome of video-assisted thorascopic surgery for refractory thoracic disc disease. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent studies have found an 11.1% to 14.5% prevalence of thoracic disc herniations. Surgical approaches have included laminectomy, pediculectomy, costotransversectomy, lateral extracavitary, transverse arthropediculectomy, transthoracic-transpleural thoracotomy, and thoracoscopy. Recent reports have documented encouraging early results with video-assisted thorascopic surgery for thoracic disc herniations. Comparisons between thoracoscopy and open thoracotomy have demonstrated improvement in postoperative pain and morbidity with the use of endoscopic techniques. METHODS: This study included 100 consecutive patients (45 women and 55 men) with an average follow-up evaluation of 4 years (range, 2-6 years). The average age of the patients was 42 years (range, 22-76 years). The average duration of symptoms was 26 months (range, 6-96 months), and 18 patients had undergone prior spine surgery. Patients were graded as follows according to the presenting symptoms (Table 1): Grade 1 (pure axial; n = 28), Grade 2 (pure radicular; n = 5), Grade 3A (axial and thoracic radicular; n = 38), Grade 3B (axial with lower leg pain; n = 19), Grade 4 (myelopathic; n = 8), or Grade 5 (paralytic = 2). RESULTS: A total of 117 discs were excised in 100 patients. Of the 40 patients who underwent fusion, 27 had autologous rib struts and 13 had threaded fusion. The mean operative time was 173 minutes, blood loss 259 mL, average ICU stay less than 1 day, and average hospital stay 4 days. Minor complications occurred in 21 patients, all of which resolved with no untoward effect. No patient's neurologic status worsened. Four patients underwent a secondary fusion, and a pseudarthrosis developed in one patient. Clinical success was defined objectively as an improvement in Oswestry score of 20% or more at 2 years and at final follow-up assessment, as compared with the preoperative Oswestry score. Overall, objective clinical success was observed at 2 years in 73% of the patients, and at final follow-up assessment in 70% of patients. The average percentage of improvement in Oswestry scores was most marked in Grade 4 patients (myelopathy; 60%), followed by Grade 3A patients (axial and thoracic radicular pain; 37%), Grade 3B patients (axial with leg pain; 28%), and Grade 1 patients (pure axial; 24%). The Oswestry disability score (Table 2) and back pain visual analog score (Table 3) also were significantly improved (P < 0.05) at 2 years and at final follow-up assessment in these patients. In the Grade 2 patients, those pure thoracic radicular pain, Oswestry scores initially improved significantly up to 1 year (P < 0.05). At 2 years, no significant improvement could be shown, and four of the five Grade 2 patients reported increased axial pain as their main symptom at the final follow-up assessment. Significant improvement also was seen in patients with no prior spine surgery and patients with preoperative Oswestry disability scores greater than 50. Of the 68 patients who responded to the final questionnaire, 12 rated the procedure as excellent, 37 as good, 11 as fair, and 8 as poor. Also, 57 (83.8%) of these 68 patients were satisfied and indicated they would recommend the surgery. Of the 36 patients at the final follow up assessment who had severe disability, 34 (94%) were satisfied, as compared with 23 of the 32 patients (72%) who had presented with milder disability. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical classification system helps in differentiating different presentations of thoracic disc disease and their final outcome. Video-assisted thorascopic surgery appears to be a safe and efficacious method for the treatment of refractory symptomatic thoracic disc herniations. The current data suggest that the procedure has an acceptable long-term outcome, with an 84% overall subjective patient satisfaction rate, and with objective long-term clinical success achieved in 70% of patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Recovery following treatment of descending thoracic aortic disease. A comparison between endovascular repair and open surgery.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative course in patients treated by endovascular repair (endo) with patients treated by open surgery (open) for descending thoracic aortic disease. METHODS: Twenty-five patients treated with stent grafting for aneurysmal disease or type B dissection were compared with 35 historical controls treated by open surgery. Stay in the intensive care unit, need for artificial ventilation and to where the patient had been discharged, were noted. Pain medication, use of nasogastric tube, time until total oral nutrition, mobilization and the patients' mental condition in the postoperative period, were studied in the patients charts and the nursing reports. RESULTS: Time on the intensive care unit or intermediate care unit was median 45 h in the endo group compared with 192 h in the open group. Eighty percent of the patients in the endo group were discharged directly to their homes in contrast to 23% after open surgery. In the endo group 67% of the patients started oral nutrition on the 1st postoperative day compared to 10% in the open group. There was a significantly faster mobilization in the endo group. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significantly shorter recovery after stent grafting for descending thoracic aortic disease compared to patients operated with open surgical technique.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Imaging of thoracic aortic disease.

Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and transesophageal echocardiography represent the relatively noninvasive techniques available for imaging thoracic aortic disease, especially in the evaluation of aneurysms and dissections. The article discusses the technique and application of these modalities in the evaluation of thoracic aorta. Imaging appearances of the commonly encountered pathologies of the thoracic aorta are presented and discussed, and potential pitfalls of technique and diagnosis are addressed.

Aortic Dissection↗
PubMed1994

Utility of transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of disease of the thoracic aorta.

PURPOSE: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers a rapid, minimally invasive method for diagnosing thoracic aortic disease. High-resolution images are possible because of the close proximity of the esophagus and vascular structures within the chest. Lung and chest wall components have little influence on the image quality and a virtually unobstructed view of the heart, thoracic aorta, and pulmonary vasculature is seen. The role of TEE in diagnosing diseases of the thoracic aorta is rapidly developing. The purpose of this study is to define the role of TEE in the diagnosis of thoracic aortic disease. METHODS: Between July 1, 1989 and December 31, 1992, 1005 TEEs were performed at our center. Of these, 199 (125 men, 74 women) were entered into our aortic disease registry. Indications for the studies included 37 referrals to rule out aortic dissection, 18 to assess aortic aneurysm, 55 to assess for an intraaortic source of embolus, 9 to rule out intraaortic thrombus, and 13 with familial hyperlipidemia being followed to mark response to low-density lipoprotein apheresis. In 67 cases, subclinical aortic plaquing was found incidentally. No complications from the TEE procedure were encountered. RESULTS: In cases of suspected aortic dissection, TEE was equal to computed tomography (CT) scanning in identifying the type (DeBakey) and extent of thoracic aortic dissection. In addition, TEE provided information regarding functional status of the aortic valve, identified interluminal communications, and assessed blood flow and thrombus burden in the false lumen. TEE correctly identified true aneurysms, intraluminal thrombus, and plaques as possible sources of emboli. One false-positive CT scan result for aortic dissection was seen and was ruled out both by TEE and angiography. CONCLUSION: Biplane TEE can be considered the method of choice in diagnosing disease of the thoracic aorta. Information from TEE can be obtained at the patient's bedside or in the operating suite, to assess surgical results before procedure termination and afterward for follow-up. Adjunctive magnetic resonance imaging, CT scanning, or aortography may be needed to assess extension of the disease process into the abdomen or pelvis or to plan surgical intervention.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Intraoperative transligamentous ultrasound in the evaluation of thoracic intraspinal disease. Technique.

STUDY DESIGN: Intraoperative transligamentous ultrasonography was used in a variety of different thoracic surgical procedures for spinal cord compression secondary to neoplastic disease. OBJECTIVES: The utility and practicality of intraoperative transligamentous ultrasonography for thoracic intraspinal disease was evaluated. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Because intraoperative localization and evaluation of targeted levels in the thoracic spine using radiographs is often difficult or imprecise, alternative or complementary techniques may be helpful. Intraoperative transligamentous ultrasound, performed before laminectomy, via an interlaminar window, has not been widely used for thoracic intraspinal pathology. METHODS: A standard 7.5-MHz hand-held probe, used in conjunction with a Codman OR 330 ultrasound machine, was used to evaluate the practicality of intraoperative transligamentous ultrasound in the thoracic spine. RESULTS: A clear sonographic window, permitting visualization of the spine and the intraspinal contents, can frequently be found. However, densely calcified ligamentum flavum or overlapping laminas do not allow effective insonation. Four illustrative cases are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Transligamentous ultrasound before laminectomy can be used for localization and evaluation of intraspinal disease in many patients. Overlapping laminas or calcified ligamentum flavum can impede adequate sonographic visualization, but in these cases adequate intraoperative transligamentous ultrasound evaluation is usually possible through a small laminotomy. Evaluation of intraspinal lesions and localization of the correct surgical level is facilitated by dynamic real time sonographic imaging.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Percutaneous treatment of thoracic aorta diseases. A multidisciplinary approach].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience of a multidisciplinary team in the percutaneous treatment of thoracic aorta disease. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between December 2001 and January 2004, 15 patients were selected for percutaneous treatment at the Thoracic Aorta Unit of the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. The motives for stent implantation were: degenerative aneurysm (n=7), acute dissection (n=4), penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (n=1), posttraumatic aneurysm (n=2) and postsurgery pseudoaneurysm (n=1). Four procedures were considered emergencies. Another two patients underwent prior surgery of the supra-aortic branches. Previous computed tomographic angiography and arteriography were performed, and in complex cases of dissection, magnetic resonance imaging was used. All stent placement procedures were performed in the hemodynamics laboratory. All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography during follow-up. RESULTS: Stent positioning was technically successful in 14 patients. The mean length of aortic coverage was 230 +/- 110 mm (range 110-440 mm). No intraoperative deaths occurred. There was one in-hospital death. Transient postimplantation syndrome was presented in three patients. Two type I endoleaks, one type II endoleak and one thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery were found on computed tomographic angiography at one month. One type III endoleak and one type II endoleak were found during subsequent follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular stent-grafting is a valid alternative in the treatment of aortic disease in high-risk patients. Coordination between different medical specialties and appropriate selection of patients are needed. Long-term follow-up is necessary to ensure the usefulness and efficacy of the procedure.

Aorta, Thoracic↗
PubMed1994

The superiority of exercise testing over spirometry in the evaluation of postoperative lung function for patients with pulmonary disease.

Thoracic surgeons have often been embarrassed by the discrepancy between an improvement in symptoms and the unchanged or even worse results of spirometry in postoperative patients with either bullae or inflammatory lung disease. Forty-four patients with lung diseases, who underwent a total of 47 operations, were categorized as follows: 12 cases of empyema, 16 cases of giant bulla (undergoing surgery a total of 19 times), 4 cases of bronchiectasis, and 12 cases of other miscellaneous diseases. All patients were tested preoperatively and again 4-6 months after surgery on both the spirometer and treadmill exercise tests. The forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1.0) results were as follows: the empyema group 1.82 +/- 0.52 liters preoperatively to 1.93 +/- 0.69 liters postoperatively and 1.47 +/- 0.44 liters to 1.56 +/- 0.53 liters, respectively; and the giant bulla group, 3.49 +/- 0.96 liters to 3.35 +/- 0.77 liters and 2.35 +/- 0.96 liters to 2.48 +/- 0.69 liters, respectively. However, the exercise time was prolonged in the empyema group from 6.00 +/- 3.77 min to 8.33 +/- 3.80 min (P < 0.01) and in the giant bulla group from 11.83 +/- 3.71 min to 12.92 +/- 2.84 min (P < 0.05). It was thus concluded that exercise testing should be chosen for the postoperative evaluation of patients with inflammatory pulmonary disease and giant bullae, especially if any discrepancies are seen between spirometry and performance status, because on the basis of our results, it appears that the benefits obtained by surgery are best measured by the dynamic values of exercise testing and not by the static values of spirometry at rest.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Computed tomography in pre-irradiation topometry applied to diseases of the thoracic organs].

The authors describe methods of pre-irradiation topometry in patients with thoracic tumors. They are based on patients' examination using an X-ray simulator and a computerized tomograph. The superiority of these methods over the previously used conventional methods was shown. The authors presented 77 cases observed by them. Radiation therapy plans in 48% of the patients were changed as a result of pre-irradiation investigation.

Humans↗
PubMed1981

Development and resolution of radiographic lesions in canine heartworm disease.

Thoracic radiography of 7 Beagles was performed before heartworm infection, during a 1-year heartworm infection, and for 1 year following appropriate treatment. Cardiac and vascular lesions on thoracic radiographs were compared with angiographic changes. Within 3 months of obstructed blood flow in the caudal lobar arteries, associated increased focal parenchymal densities were detected. These lesions were regarded as characteristic of heartworm disease. Although the most severe arteriographic changes were in the caudal lobar arteries, lobar arterial changes on a lateral view were best detected in the right cranial lobar artery. These arteries increased in size during infection and decreased in size after treatment. It was concluded that the dorsoventral view is best for evaluation of the caudal lobar arteries. The most marked parenchymal lesions were detected during the first 6 months following adulticide treatment. These lesions and the other radiographic alterations then decreased in severity. Persistence of the parenchymal lesions were related to persistence of heartworm infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The management of brain metastasis in nonseminomatous germ cell tumours.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience of patients with brain metastases from nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs) and to indicate important clinical observations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 1996, 167 patients with metastatic NSGCT were treated in our department; 11 had brain metastases (eight with solitary metastases and three with multiple lesions, mean age 27 years, range 18-41). These patients were treated initially with either; cisplatin, bleomycin, etoposide and/or cisplatin, vincristin, methotrexate, bleomycin, actinomycin-D, cyclophosphamide, etoposide and intrathecal methotrexate chemotherapy protocols. Six patients received chemotherapy alone, one had chemotherapy plus radiotherapy and four had all three treatments. Patients with brain metastases were classified according to mode of presentation, and their treatments and outcomes analysed. RESULTS: Ten patients presented with symptoms related to intracranial lesions, e.g. intractable headache, seizures, severe vomiting, hallucinations and hemiparesis. All patients with brain metastasis had bulky thoracic disease. The incidence of clinical brain metastases in patients with advanced thoracic disease was 32% (11/34). Four patients with brain metastases at presentation were alive after 3, 12, 34 and 47 months. The only patient with isolated brain relapse died within 7 months, despite combined treatment. Two of the five patients who developed brain metastases during the course of the disease are alive with no evidence of disease at 3 and 6 months after salvage chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Patients with single brain metastasis seem to have a better prognosis in the present than in other reported series. Chemotherapy was used initially, followed by surgery and radiotherapy in those who did not achieve complete remission with chemotherapy. Patients with progressive disease and multiple brain metastasis do not seem to benefit from initial surgical resection. Importantly, a significant proportion (32%) of patients with bulky lung metastases had or subsequently developed brain metastases. Thus it is suggested that routine cranial imaging should be performed in patients with bulky thoracic disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Diagnosis and management of thoracic disc disease.

In the last decade there has been a decided improvement in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of thoracic disc protrusions. This has been made possible through the development of water-soluble myelography, CT scan, high speed drills, bipolar coagulation, intraoperative magnification, and the direct frontal approaches to these lesions. Results of surgery have been rather spectacular. These results parallel, if not surpass, the improvements made in the treatment of aneurysms and benign tumors by neurological surgeons. The morbidity rate of 33% has been reduced to less than 1% due to these advances (Table 30.5) (3).

Humans↗
PubMed1992

Guidelines for the assessment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Canadian Thoracic Society Workshop Group.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fifth commonest cause of death in North America and is the only leading cause of death that is increasing in prevalence. Early detection and prevention through smoking cessation are essential to stem this epidemic. Once COPD is diagnosed there is a compelling rationale for vaccination against influenza and possibly pneumococcal pneumonia, although proof of efficacy is lacking. If airways obstruction is present, inhaled quaternary anticholinergic bronchodilators or inhaled beta 2 agonists or both may be of benefit, the former agents showing fewer side effects and often greater efficacy in elderly patients. Theophylline may enhance the effect or increase the duration of the bronchodilatation produced by an inhaled agent and may offer added nonbronchodilatory effects such as improved respiratory muscle endurance and ventilatory stimulation. If significant airflow obstruction persists, an objectively monitored trial of oral steroid therapy is required. Limitation of activity despite optimum medical therapy may be alleviated in selected patients by a supervised exercise rehabilitation program. If hypoxemia is present supplemental oxygen therapy will improve the patient's survival and quality of life. Additional therapies, from respiratory stimulants to lung transplantation, remain under investigation.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2000

Assessment of the value of the vertebral heart scale in the radiographic diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs.

In order to assess the influence of the vertebral heart scale (VHS) on the accuracy of the radiographic diagnosis of cardiac disease, thoracic radiographs of 50 dogs with proven cardiac disease, 26 with other thoracic diseases, and 50 with no clinical signs of cardiovascular or respiratory disease were mixed and examined by three independent, blinded observers chosen to represent a range of radiographic abilities. They first examined all the radiographs without making measurements of VHS and made a diagnosis. They then re-examined the radiographs, and measured VHS on both lateral and dorsoventral or ventrodorsal radiographs before again recording a diagnosis without reference to their original diagnoses. For all the observers, the dogs with cardiac disease had a higher mean VHS than the normal dogs. A VHS over 10.7 on the lateral radiograph was a moderately accurate sign of cardiac disease. The observers' accuracy of diagnosis did not change significantly as a result of using VHS as an adjunct to a subjective assessment of the radiographs.

Animals↗