Epidemiological Profile of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease in the “B” Surgery Department of Point G University Hospital, before the Advent of Extracorporeal Circulation

Aim: Evaluate the epidemiological profile of cyanotic congenital heart disease in Mali before the advent of extracorporeal circulation in the “B” Surgery Department at the Pont G University Hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study that took place from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017. The records of patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease in the “B” surgery department of Point G University Hospital were collected. Patients operated on for cyanotic congenital heart disease were included in this study. Non-operated patients were not included. Results: The records of 17 patients operated on for cyanotic congenital heart disease were retained. The average age of patients at the time of surgery was 5.18 years with extremes of 2 and 18 years. Boys were in the majority with 59%, i.e. a sex ratio of 1.42. Patients resided in Bamako in 82% of cases. Inbreeding was found in 35.3%. Eighty-eight percent of children were born at term and 94% had up-to-date vaccination status. The average duration of patient follow-up between diagnosis and surgical management was 5 years with extremes of 2 years and 12 years. Tetralogy of Fallot regular form was the most represented heart disease. Conclusion: Cyanogenic congenital heart disease remains the most frequent congenital pathologies in our country. They most often affect male children. Consanguinity is the most common etiological factor found. Tetralogy of Fallot regular form remains the most common.

Thoracic Ganglioneuroma: A Rare Neural Tumor (Case Report and Literature Review)

Ganglioneuroma is an extremely rare tumor that is derived from neural crest. Many ganglioneuroma cases are detected incidentally unless they are large enough to cause compressive symptoms. We report an 18-year-old patient with posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroma which was abutting the descending aorta. The patient underwent successful resection by thoracoscopic approach and was followed up for one year with no complications. In summary, a detailed review with experts in both radiology and pathology is mandated to diagnose these tumors. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma mimics thoracic empyema: A case report

BACKGROUND Thoracic empyema and malignant pleural mesothelioma(MPM)are distinct medical conditions with similar symptoms,including cough,chest pain,and breathing difficulty.We present a rare MPM case mimicking thoracic empyema.Physicians must consider MPM risks for patients exposed to building material who exhibit lobulated pleural effusions,indicating thoracic empyema.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old retired male construction worker suffered from shortness of breath and chest tightness over 10 d,particularly during physical activity.A poor appetite and 4 kg weight loss over the past 3 wk were also reported.Chest images and laboratory data concluded a tentative impression of empyema thoracis(right).Video-assisted thoracic surgery with decortication and delobulation(right)was conducted.The pathological report yielded an MPM diagnosis.Refractory pleural bilateral effusions and respiratory failure developed postoperatively,and the patient died three weeks after the operation.CONCLUSION Thoracic empyema and MPM are distinct medical conditions that can present similar symptoms,and video-assisted thoracic surgery facilitates an accurate diagnosis.Empyema-mimicking presentations and postoperative refractory pleural effusion may indicate a poor MPM outcome.

Mapping the metabolic responses to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy with in vivo spatiotemporal metabolomics

Adjuvant chemotherapy improves the survival outlook for patients undergoing operations for lung metastases caused by colorectal cancer (CRC). However, a multidisciplinary approach that evaluates several factors related to patient and tumor characteristics is necessary for managing chemotherapy treatment in metastatic CRC patients with lung disease, as such factors dictate the timing and drug regimen, which may affect treatment response and prognosis. In this study, we explore the potential of spatial metabolomics for evaluating metabolic phenotypes and therapy outcomes during the local delivery of the anticancer drug, oxaliplatin, to the lung. 12 male Yorkshire pigs underwent a 3 h left lung in vivo lung perfusion (IVLP) with various doses of oxaliplatin (7.5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L), which were administered to the perfusion circuit reservoir as a bolus. Biocompatible solid-phase microextraction (SPME) microprobes were combined with global metabolite profiling to obtain spatiotemporal information about the activity of the drug, determine toxic doses that exceed therapeutic efficacy, and conduct a mechanistic exploration of associated lung injury. Mild and subclinical lung injury was observed at 40 mg/L of oxaliplatin, and significant compromise of the hemodynamic lung function was found at 80 mg/L. This result was associated with massive alterations in metabolic patterns of lung tissue and perfusate, resulting in a total of 139 discriminant compounds. Uncontrolled inflammatory response, abnormalities in energy metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction next to accelerated kynurenine and aldosterone production were recognized as distinct features of dysregulated metabolipidome. Spatial pharmacometabolomics may be a promising tool for identifying pathological responses to chemotherapy.

Phase II Clinical Study of Three-Dimensional Printed Coplanar Template Combined with CT-Guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy of Pulmonary Nodules in Elderly Patients

Background: As the population age structure gradually ages, more and more elderly people were found to have pulmonary nodules during physical examinations. Most elderly people had underlying diseases such as heart, lung, brain and blood vessels and cannot tolerate surgery. Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) was the first choice for pathological diagnosis and subsequent targeted drugs, immune drugs or ablation treatment. CT-guided percutaneous CNB requires clinicians with rich CNB experience to ensure high CNB accuracy, but it was easy to cause complications such as pneumothorax and hemorrhage. Three-dimensional (3D) printing coplanar template (PCT) combined with CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB biopsy has been used in clinical practice, but there was no prospective, randomized controlled study. Methods: Elderly patients with lung nodules admitted to the Department of Oncology of our hospital from January 2019 to January 2023 were selected. A total of 225 elderly patients were screened, and 30 patients were included after screening. They were randomly divided into experimental group (Group A: 30 cases) and control group (Group B: 30 cases). Group A was given 3D-PCT combined with CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB biopsy, Group B underwent CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB. The primary outcome measure of this study was the accuracy of diagnostic CNB, and the secondary outcome measures were CNB time, number of CNB needles, number of pathological tissues and complications. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of group A and group B was 96.67% and 76.67%, respectively (P = 0.026). There were statistical differences between group A and group B in average CNB time (P = 0.001), number of CNB (1 vs more than 1, P = 0.029), and pathological tissue obtained by CNB (3 vs 1, P = 0.040). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: 3D-PCT combined with CT-guided percutaneous CNB can improve the puncture accuracy of elderly patients, shorten the puncture time, reduce the number of punctures, and increase the amount of puncture pathological tissue, without increasing pneumothorax and hemorrhage complications. We look forward to verifying this in a phase III randomized controlled clinical study. .

Early Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis after Mitral Valve Replacement: A Case Report

Background: Tuberculous endocarditis is a rare but serious complication of heart valve replacement surgery. We report the case of a 24-year-old patient, who presented with tuberculous endocarditis after mechanical mitral valve replacement, with a favorable clinical course following anti-tuberculosis treatment. Case Presentation: We report a 24-year-old male patient, admitted to the cardiac surgery department of the Fann Hospital (Dakar, Senegal), for the management of severe mixed (rheumatic and endocarditic) mitral insufficiency with associated tricuspid insufficiency. He had a history of recurrent angina and polyarthralgia in childhood, was hospitalized several times for refractory global cardiac decompensation, and for a suspected infective endocarditis a month before his admission. On admission, the clinical examination revealed signs suggestive of mitral and tricuspid insufficiency. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe post-endocarditic mitral insufficiency with A3 amputation, highly mobile 15 mm vegetations on the free edge of the large valve, moderate tricuspid insufficiency, and severe pulmonary artery hypertension. Mechanical mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve annuloplasty using autologous pericardial strip were performed via median sternotomy. After ten days, the patient presented with global cardiac decompensation associated with a clinico-biological infectious syndrome, and tans-oesophageal echography revealed an abscess at the sinotubular junction, communicating with the aorta. A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan was done, which revealed a bilateral alveolar-interstitial syndrome with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Anti-tuberculosis treatment with RHZE was initiated for 06 months. The clinical course was favorable. Conclusion: Tuberculous endocarditis in prostheses is a serious complication of heart valve replacement surgery, which may evolve favorably under medical treatment.

Hyperparathyroidism presented as multiple pulmonary nodules in hemodialysis patient status post parathyroidectomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary hyperparathyroidism is typically caused by a single parathyroid adenoma.Ectopic parathyroid adenomas occur as well,with cases involving various sites,including the mediastinum,presenting in varying frequencies.Secondary hyperparathyroidism develops in the context of chronic kidney disease,primarily due to vitamin D deficiency,hypocalcemia,and hyperphosphatemia.It is frequently diagnosed in patients undergoing dialysis.This article presents a rare case of hyperparathyroidism involving multiple hyperplastic parathyroid glands with pulmonary seeding in a 50-year-old female patient undergoing hemodialysis(HD).CASE SUMMARY The patient had a history of parathyroidectomy 10 years prior but developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism with symptoms of pruritus and cough with sputum during a period of routine dialysis.Radiographic imaging revealed multiple nodules in both lungs,with the largest measuring approximately 1.35 cm.Surgical histopathology confirmed the presence of hyperplastic parathyroid glands within the pulmonary tissue.After tumor resection surgery via videoassisted thoracic surgery with wedge resection,the patient was discharged in stable condition and in follow-up her symptoms showed improvement.CONCLUSION This article describes hyperparathyroidism presenting as pulmonary nodules in a patient undergoing postparathyroidectomy HD,highlighting diagnostic challenges and a positive outcome from tumor resection surgery.

Treatment of benign rectal stricture caused by repeated anal insertion by endoscopy and balloon dilation:A case report

BACKGROUND Benign rectal strictures can be categorized as primary(disease-related)and secondary(surgical anastomosis-related).Secondary strictures arise from surgical complications,whereas primary strictures have diverse etiologies,including various inflammatory conditions.Benign strictures are usually managed by surgery and endoscopy.We present an unusual etiology of benign rectal stricture caused by the repeated insertion of foreign objects into the rectum for sexual purposes,resulting in rectal injury and subsequent chronic inflammation.CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old man presented to the outpatient clinic of the Colorectal Surgery Department with symptoms of chronic constipation and bloody stools.The patient previously experienced rectal injury due to foreign object insertion for sexual purposes.Colonoscopy revealed benign circumferential narrowing of the rectum.He underwent treatment by endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and balloon dilation and follow-up as an outpatient for 4 months.A colonoscopy at the end of the follow-up period revealed no evidence of rectal stricture relapse.CONCLUSION A history of rectal injury,followed by chronic inflammation,should be considered in patients with benign rectal strictures.Management with endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and balloon dilation can prevent the need for surgical resection of benign rectal strictures.

Cellular angiofibroma arising from the rectocutaneous fistula in an adult: A case report

BACKGROUND Rectocutaneous fistulae are common.The infection originates within the anal glands and subsequently extends into adjacent regions,ultimately resulting in fistula development.Cellular angiofibroma(CAF),also known as an angiomy ofibroblastoma-like tumor,is a rare benign soft tissue neoplasm predominantly observed in the scrotum,perineum,and inguinal area in males and in the vulva in females.We describe the first documented case CAF that developed within a rectocutaneous fistula and manifested as a perineal mass.CASE SUMMARY In the outpatient setting,a 52-year-old male patient presented with a 2-year history of a growing perineal mass,accompanied by throbbing pain and minor scrotal abrasion.Physical examination revealed a soft,well-defined,non-tender mass at the left buttock that extended towards the perineum,without a visible opening.The initial assessment identified a soft tissue tumor,and the laboratory data were within normal ranges.Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography(CT)revealed swelling of the abscess cavity that was linked to a rectal cutaneous fistula,with a track-like lesion measuring 6 cm×0.7 cm in the left perineal region and attached to the left rectum.Rectoscope examination found no significant inner orifices.A left medial gluteal incision revealed a thick-walled mass,which was excised along with the extending tract,and curettage was performed.Histopathological examination confirmed CAF diagnosis.The patient achieved total resolution during follow-up assessments and did not require additional hospitalization.CONCLUSION CT imaging supports perineal lesion diagnosis and management.Perineal angiofibromas,even with a cutaneous fistula,can be excised transperineally.

Intrathoracic caudate lobe of the liver:A case report and literature review

Heterotopic supradiaphragmatic livers are rare. A total of 23 cases of primary supradiaphragmatic livers have been reported in the literature. The clinical presentations of heterotopic supradiaphragmatic liver are variable. The simultaneous detection of intrathoracic accessory liver and pulmonary sequestration is extremely rare, and only one case has previously been reported. It is difficult to make a correct diagnosis preoperatively. We presented a 53-year-old woman with complaints of an intermittent, productive cough and dyspnea for two months that was refractory to medical treatment. She had no previous history of trauma or surgery. A chest radiograph only showed a widening of the mediastinum. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed a well-circumscribed homogenous soft-tissue mass, approximately 4.35 cm × 2.5 cm × 6.14 cm in size, protruding through the right diaphragmatic crura to the right pleural cavity, attached to the inferior vena cava, esophagus and liver. There was no conclusive diagnosis before surgery. After the operation, we discovered that this patient was the first case of a supradiaphragmatic heterotopic liver, which passed through the inferior vena cava foramen and was coincidentally combined with an intralobar pulmonary sequestration that was found intraoperatively. We discussed its successful management with surgical resection via a thoracic approach and reviewed the published literature.

The role of the perfusion index in patients with thoracic trauma

Traumatic injuries range from simple to complicated multiple injuries.The identification of patients with critical injuries and disrupted organ perfusion is essential to prevent tissue hypoxia.A study estimated that a fast and accurate response to thoracic trauma should reduce the mortality by 30%.[1]The tissue perfusion value is an essential indicator of mortality and morbidity for patients admitted to the hospital with thoracic trauma.Thus,this study aimed to show the role of the perfusion index(PI)in predicting the prognosis of patients admitted to the emergency department for thoracic trauma.

Is anoplasty superior to scar revision surgery for posthemorrhoidectomy anal stenosis?Six years of experience

BACKGROUND Anal stenosis is a rare but frustrating condition that usually occurs as a complication of hemorrhoidectomy.The severity of anal stenosis can be classified into three categories:mild,moderate,and severe.There are two main surgical treatments for this condition:scar revision surgery and anoplasty;however,no studies have compared these two approaches,and it remains unclear which is preferrable for stenoses of different severities.AIM To compare the outcomes of scar revision surgery and double diamond-shaped flap anoplasty.METHODS Patients with mild,moderate,or severe anal stenosis following hemorrhoidectomy procedures who were treated with either scar revision surgery or double diamond-shaped flap anoplasty at our institution between January 2010 and December 2015 were investigated and compared.The severity of stenosis was determined via anal examination performed digitally or using a Hill-Ferguson retractor.The explored patient characteristics included age,sex,preoperative severity of anal stenosis,preoperative symptoms,and preoperative adjuvant therapy;moreover,their postoperative quality of life was measured using a 10-point scale.Patients underwent proctologic follow-up examinations one,two,and four weeks after surgery.RESULTS We analyzed 60 consecutive patients,including 36 men(60%)and 24 women(40%).The mean operative time for scar revision surgery was significantly shorter than that for double diamondshaped flap anoplasty(10.14±2.31[range:7-15]min vs 21.62±4.68[range:15-31]min;P<0.001).The average of length of hospital stay was also significantly shorter after scar revision surgery than after anoplasty(2.1±0.3 vs 2.9±0.4 d;P<0.001).Postoperative satisfaction was categorized into four groups:45 patients(75%)reported excellent satisfaction(scores of 8-10),13(21.7%)reported good satisfaction(scores of 6-7),two(3.3%)had no change in satisfaction(scores of 3-5),and none(0%)had scores indicating poor satisfaction(1-2).As such,most patients were satisfied with their quality of life after surgery other than the two who noticed no difference due owing to the fact that they experienced recurrences.CONCLUSION Scar revision surgery may be preferable for mild anal stenosis upon conservative treatment failure.Anoplasty is unavoidable for moderate or severe stenosis,where cicatrized tissue is extensive.

Contralateral hemopneumothorax after penetrating thoracic trauma:A case report

BACKGROUND Trauma is the leading cause of death in young adults up to the age of 45 years.Hemothorax is a frequent consequence of penetrating thoracic trauma,and is usually associated with pneumothorax and pneumoderma.Intercostal arterial bleeding or intrathoracic hemorrhage occurs after penetrating thoracic trauma,and uncontrolled bleeding is the main cause of death.CASE SUMMARY In this case report,a patient who developed a right hemopneumothorax after penetrating thoracic trauma was examined.A 19-year-old male patient,who was brought to the emergency room with a penetrating stab injury to the posterior of the left hemithorax,was diagnosed with a right hemopneumothorax after physical examination and thoracic imaging.Chest tube thoracostomy was performed as the initial intervention.Bleeding control was achieved with right posterolateral thoracotomy in the patient,who developed massive hemorrhage after 1 h and hemodynamic instability.The patient recovered and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day.CONCLUSION Contralateral hemopneumothorax that accounts for 30%of thoracic traumas and can be encountered in penetrating thoracic traumas requiring major surgery in 15-30%of cases was emphasized and the contralateral development mechanism was addressed.

Predictors of Malignant Pathology and the Role of Trans-Thoracic Needle Biopsy in Management of Solitary Fibrous Tumors of the Pleura: A 30-Year Review of a Tertiary Care Center Patient Cohort

Background: Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTP) are rare neoplasms with unpredictable behavior. Lack of unifying criteria for benign or malignant SFTP has resulted in reports of SFTP exhibiting malignant behavior years after complete surgical resection (despite benign initial diagnosis). Additionally, the role of trans-thoracic needle biopsy in initial management of SFTP is unclear. Understanding predictors of malignancy identifies patients at unacceptably high risk for non-surgical primary therapy, and for recurrence despite complete surgical resection. Objectives: The primary objectives were to identify clinicopathological predictors of malignancy & recurrence in SFTP. The secondary aim was to determine the role of trans-thoracic needle biopsy in the management decision algorithm of SFTP. Methods: Retrospective chart review was conducted (Jan. 1983-Dec. 2013) at the Ottawa Hospital for pathologically confirmed SFTP. Data were collected on biopsy-related, clinical, histopathological & immunohistochemistry (IHC) variables. Appropriate tests of statistical inference were conducted for all variables. Results: Pathologically confirmed SFTP was identified in 26 cases. Transthoracic needle biopsy was conducted in 22 (84.6%);with 16 (72.7%) biopsies diagnostic of SFTP with IHC;3 (13.6%) being malignant. Primary management was surveillance in 3 and complete surgical resection in 23. Surgical pathology reported 15 (65.2%) benign and 8 (34.8%) malignant cases. Local recurrence occurred in 3 and distant recurrence in 1. Initial pathology was benign in 3 (75%) with recurrence. Clinicopathologic variables analyzed did not predict recurrent disease. IHC features did not differ between malignant & benign pathology significantly. Predictors of malignant pathology included: infiltrative cellular pattern (p = 0.042), nuclear crowding (p = 0.006), tumour necrosis (p 4 mitoses/ 10 high power field (p Conclusion: Because numerous variables analyzed did not predict recurrent disease, long-term follow-up is warranted regardless of benign or malignant initial histology. Histologic not IHC features predicted malignant pathology. Trans-thoracic needle biopsy did identify malignant SFTP;however its main use should be to differentiate SFTP from other pleural neoplasms using IHC.

Cost-utility analysis of transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgery in severe aortic stenosis patients with intermediate surgical risk in Thailand

BACKGROUND Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation(TAVI) has been shown to provide comparable survival benefit and improvement in quality of life to surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR) for treating patients with severe aortic stenosis(AS) at intermediate surgical risk.This study aimed to evaluate the cost-utility of TAVI compared with SAVR for severe aortic stenosis with interme diate surgical risk in Thailand.METHODS A two-part constructed model was used to analyze lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years(QALYs) from societal and healthcare perspectives.The study cohort comprised severe AS patients at intermediate surgical risk with an average age of 80 years.The landmark trials were used to populate the model in terms of mortality and adverse event rates.All cost-related data and quality of life were based on Thai population.Costs and QALYs were discounted at 3% armually and presented as2021 values.Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios(ICERs) were calculated.Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.RESULTS In comparison to SAVR,TAVI resulted in higher total cost(THB 1,717,132 [USD 52;415.51] vs.THB 893,524 [USD27,274.84]) and higher QALYs(4.88 vs.3.98) in a societal perspective.The estimated ICER was THB 906,937/QALY(USD27,684.27/QALY).From a healthcare system perspective,TAVI also had higher total cost than SAVR(THB 1,573,751 [USD48,038.79] vs.THB 726,342 [USD 22,171.63]) with similar QALYs gained to the societal perspective.The estimated ICER was THB933,145/QALY(USD 933,145/QALY).TAVI was not cost-effective at the Thai willingness to pay(WTP) threshold of THB160,000/QALY(USD 4,884/QALY).The results were sensitive to utility of either SAVR or TAVI treatment and cost of TAVI valve.CONCLUSION In patients with severe AS at intermediate surgical risk,TAVI is not a cost-effective strategy compared with SAVR at the WTP of THB 160;000/QALY(USD 4,884/QALY) from the perspectives of society and healthcare system.

Application of 3D modeling and printing technology in accurate resection of complicated thoracic tumors

To explore the application value of 3D reconstruction and 3D printing in preoperative evaluation of precise resection of complicated thoracic tumors.A retrospective analysis of 34 patients with complicated thoracic tumors who were treated by radical surgery from March 2016 to June 2019 was made.According to whether 3D reconstruction and 3D printing was used,the patients were divided into research group and control group.In the control group,preoperative evaluation was performed according to CT image data,and the operation plan was drawn up;in the research group,preoperative simulation and preoperative operation plan design were carried out according to 3D reconstruction and 3D printing technology.T he operation time,change of operation approach,intraoperative blood loss,hospitalization time and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.We also retrospectively reviewed additional 12 cases of unresectable complicated thoracic tumors.The above 34 patients who were treated by radical surgery were set as the resectable group.

Impact of circulating tumor cells in colorectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery has recently been widely used for various benign colorectal diseases as well as colorectal cancer. Although laparoscopic surgery has been shown to be with similar prognostic results for certain groups of colorectal cancer patients. The influence of laparoscopic procedures on the oncologist results, especially freetumor cell spreading is still a concern for some surgeons. Tumor cells found in the peripheral blood of patients with cancer are termed circulating tumor cells(CTCs). Presence of CTCs in the peripheral blood of patients with colorectal cancer has been reported to be associated with disease stage, poor prognosis, tumor progression, response to therapy, and drug resistance. Whether laparoscopic procedure enhances tumor spreading during operation remains unknown. Significantly less CTC detected during laparoscopic surgery than open surgery for colorectal cancer has been reported. In our previous experience, no significant elevation in CTC level was found in most patients during laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer. We have shown that laparoscopic surgery had no significantly deleterious effect on CTCs in colorectal cancer patients. In this review, we aim at the impact of CTCs in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The prognostic significance of CTCs in patients with colorectal cancer will also be addressed.

Which surgery for ground glass opacity lung nodules?

Objective:Pulmonary ground glass opacity(GGO)nodules represent a significant dilemma in oncology since its diagnosis in clinical practice has increased because of growing application of low dose computed tomography and screening program.The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical and pathological features,the overall survival(OS)and disease-free interval(DFI)in surgically resected solitary ground glass nodules in order to assess the surgical treatment of choice.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 49 patients(M/F=25/24)with a mean age of 67.7(range,40-81)years who underwent lung resection for solitary GGO nodules among 570 reviewed CT of patients who were treated for lung neoplasms between 2010 and 2016.The cohort included 22 pure GGO nodules and 27 part solid GGOs(also called mixed GGOs).Results:Median maximum diameter of GGOs,defined as the largest axial diameter of the lesion on the lung-window setting,was 17(range,5-30)mm.GGO nodules were removed by wedge resection,segmentectomy,or lobectomy in 17(35%),9(18%),and 23(47%)cases,respectively.Pathologic diagnosis was atypical adenomatous hyperplasia(AAH),adenocarcinoma in situ(AIS),minimally invasive adenocarcinoma(MIA),invasive adenocarcinoma(IA)or multifocal adenocarcinoma(MAC)in 4(8.2%),9(18.4%),11(22.4%),22(44.9%)and 3(6.1%)cases,respectively.With a median follow up of 47 months the OS and DFI of the entire cohort was 46.3 and 43 months,respectively.The histotype(P=0.008),the dimension of GGO(P=0.014)and the PET-SUV max(P=0.001)were independent prognostic factors of worse survival.Sex,age,previous lung surgery,type of surgical resection and the mediastinal lymph-node evaluation did not impact on OS and DFI.Analyzing the 22 pure GGO nodules,we found a 3-year OS and DFI of 98%and 100%respectively,significantly different from 80%and 75%respectively of part-solid GGOs(log-rank P=0.043 and P=0.011).Conclusion:Our data suggest an indolent behaviour of tumour presenting as solitary GGO nodules,especially in case of pure GGOs.In our series wedge resections guarantee the same results in terms of OS and DFI when compared to lobectomies.Sublobar resections without mediastinal lymph-nodes evaluation represent the treatment of choice for pure-GGO.More studies are needed to assess its role for part-solid GGO nodules.

Analysis of Recurrence and Influencing Factors of Spontaneous Pneumothorax After Thoracoscopic Surgery

This study was conducted to explore the factors that are influencing the recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax after thoracoscopic surgery.Around 110 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax who underwent thoracoscopic bullectomy in Hebei Hospital from May 2017 to May 2021 were included in this study.The patients were divided into the recurrence group(15 cases)and the non-recurrence group(95 cases),and the influences of gender,age,smoking history,height,weight,operation time,the weight of the excised tissue,number of excised pulmonary bullae,postoperative chest tube maintenance time,duration of air leakage,and length of hospital stay on the recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax after thoracoscopic surgery were investigated.This study found that the height/weight,operation time,duration of air leakage,number of pulmonary bullae removed,weight of the removed tissue,postoperative chest tube maintenance time,and duration of hospital stay in the recurrence group was 3.2±0.4,50.9±1.2,2.1±0.4,1.6±0.2,4.2±1.3,2.4±1.5 and 7.2±1.5,respectively.Meanwhile,the recurrence group was 2.6±0.3,50.8±1.3,1.3±0.2,1.8±0.9,4.4±1.2,4.1±1.7 and 6.9±1.6,respectively.After comparing the relevant factors between the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group,it was found that there was comparability between age,height/weight,duration of air leakage and postoperative chest tube maintenance time,where these factors were shown to affect the recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax after thoracoscopic surgery,while gender,smoking,operation time,number of resected bullae,weight of resected tissue and length of hospital stay had no effect on recurrence after spontaneous pneumothoracoscopic surgery.In short,thoracoscopic bullectomy is the best clinical treatment for spontaneous pneumothorax,however the occurrence of recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax after the operation,which is mainly influenced by the patient’s height/weight,postoperative air leakage duration,and chest tube maintenance time.Therefore,it is essential to pay attention to the surgical treatment of the patients,and fully identify the related factors of postoperative recurrence,thereby the follow-up clinical treatment can be carried out effectively.

Formation of a rare curve-shaped thoracolith documented on serial chest computed tomography images:A case report

BACKGROUND Thoracolithiasis is a rare benign condition that manifests with one or more small nodules in the pleural cavity.In most cases,it is asymptomatic and found incidentally on chest imaging or during thoracic surgery.The thoracolithiasis formation process is rarely documented.Herein,we present a case of a rare,large,curve-shaped thoracolith,the formation of which was documented on serial computed tomography(CT)images.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old male patient who denied any prior systemic disease was evaluated due to intermittent right-sided lateral chest pain lasting for a year.Chest radiography and CT revealed a circumscribed calcified nodule measuring 3.5 mm in the right lower lung lobe.Nodule biopsy revealed fungal infection,which was treated with antifungal medication.After 2 years of follow-up,the patient developed intermittent chest discomfort caused by pleural adhesions,and underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery with pneumolysis.Postoperatively,he developed empyema,which fully resolved with antibiotic therapy.Thereafter,he was followed up at the outpatient clinic and underwent chest CT twice per year.Over time,we observed thickening of the right distal pleura near the lower posterior mediastinum,and several sporadic calcified nodules with gradually increasing intensity,which eventually merged into a single calcified curve-shaped thoracolith measuring approximately 9 cm in length during the 5-year follow-up.CONCLUSION This study documented the formation of a rare thoracolith shape observed for the first time.