Automated quantification of mitral valve anatomy using anatomical intelligence in three-dimensional echocardiography

postprin

Giant pulmonary arteriovenous malformation

link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Double aortic arch causing tracheo-esophageal obstruction

link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Primum non nocere [3]

link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Robot-assisted excision of ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma

Robot-assisted excision of an ectopic parathyroid adenoma in the superior mediastinum was performed in a 57-year-old man. The mass was located by methoxyisobutylisonitrile scan and computed tomography. Identification of the ectopic parathyroid adenoma was facilitated by the 3-dimensional images of the da Vinci robotic system, and resection was achieved using EndoWrist instruments. Robot-assisted excision of parathyroid adenoma located in the relatively inaccessible superior mediastinum proved to be feasible. © SAGE Publications 2009.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Video-assisted thoracic surgery excision of mediastinal hemangioma

A 62-year-old woman with a middle mediastinal hemangioma was successfully treated using a video-assisted thoracic surgery approach facilitated by segmental rib resection, despite an initial radiological study that showed encasement by the surrounding great vessels. Pathological examination confirmed a cavernous hemangioma. This approach offers potential resection in difficult cases of mediastinal tumor. © SAGE Publications 2009.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Actinomycosis: An often forgotten diagnosis

We report a case of actinomycosis presenting as a chest wall mass in a 35 year-old man. Thoracic actinomycosis poses a diagnostic challenge to clinicians not only because it is uncommon and often forgotten, but also because culture of the causative microbes is technically difficult. The classic microscopic appearance of this Gram-positive bacteria associated with surrounding sulfur granules often forms the basis of diagnosis.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Pulmonary Resection for Lung Cancer in Patients with Poor Lung Function

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the early outcome of patients with poor lung function who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pulmonary resection for primary non-small cell lung carcinoma. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the records of patients with lung cancer undergoing VATS lung resection over a period of 5 years. Twenty-five patients with preoperative poor lung function defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 0.8 L or the percentage predicted value for forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 50% were identified. Thirteen patients underwent VATS lobectomies and 12 VATS wedge resections. Data were analyzed with respect to demographics, risk factors, and early postoperative outcome and survival. Results: There were 8 cases of morbidities (29%) and no surgical mortality. Five of these 8 patients had respiratory-related complications after surgery. A deterioration in pulmonary performance as indicated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score was seen in 7 patients (28%), with only 1 patient having an ECOG score greater than 2. No patient required home oxygen supplementation beyond the third month postoperatively. After a median follow-up period of 15.1 months (range, 1 to 24), 5 patients died. Only 1 patient (4%) died of a respiratory complication (pneumonia 6 weeks after surgery). The other 4 deaths were due to recurrent or metastatic disease. The actuarial survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 80% and 69%, respectively. Conclusions: Video-assisted thoracic surgery pulmonary resection for cancer in patients with poor lung function can achieve acceptable functional and oncologic outcome. © 2006 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.link_to_subscribed_fulltex