Successful bilateral lung transplantation in pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder with approximately 1000 known cases worldwide, in which calcium phosphate microliths deposit in the alveolar air spaces. As of writing this report, no definitive conventional therapy exists, and many PAM cases may progress to severe respiratory failure and potential death. Bilateral lung transplantation (BLx) seems to be the most optimal solution; however, this procedure is challenging along with limited reports regarding the outcome in PAM. We report a case of PAM successfully treated with BLx for the first time in Iran.

METHOD

We present the case of a 42-year-old female with a longstanding history of cough, not responding to conventional antitussive medication, who was diagnosed as a case of PAM following a hospitalization due to coughing, dyspnea on exertion, and hemoptysis. Despite treatment with corticosteroid and medical treatment, no improvement was achieved and she subsequently developed respiratory and right ventricular failure, with oxygen ventilation dependence. Eventually, she was scheduled for BLx. The operation was successful and during her 2-year follow-up, no recurrence or significant postoperative complications has been reported.

CONCLUSION

This case presentation and literature review confirm the effectiveness of BLx as a promising treatment for PAM-diagnosed patients, improving both life expectancy and quality of life.

Demographic, clinical, and surgical features of patients undergoing thyroidectomy due to thyroid lesions in Southern Iran: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aims

The incidence of thyroid cancer has witnessed a significant global increase and stands as one of the most prevalent cancers in Iran. This surge is primarily attributed to the escalating incidence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), with overdiagnosis emerging as an equally noteworthy factor. Consequently, this study aims to ascertain the incidence of thyroid cancer, along with its clinical presentation, demographic characteristics, and surgical features in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved the evaluation of patient files from referral centers in Shiraz spanning the years 2015-2020. Demographic and clinical information pertaining to thyroid cancer was extracted and subsequently analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

A total of 533 documented cases of thyroid cancer undergoing surgery revealed an annual rate of 89 cases in our location. The average age of the patients was 43.9 ± 13.4 years (ranging from 13 to 92), with females constituting 429 (83.5%) of the cases, and 278 (54.1%) being malignant. Conventional PTC emerged as the most prevalent pathology, accounting for 239 (45.0%) of the cases. Patients with thyromegaly exhibited significantly higher incidences of nonmalignant tumors (p = 0.01), while those with malignant tumors were notably younger than those with nonmalignant tumors (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study revealed a progressive rise in the number of patients undergoing thyroidectomy over the years, with PTC constituting the majority of cases. Malignant cases were more frequently observed in younger patients, and in smaller lesion sizes, highlighting the importance of early screening and optimizing detection methods, especially in high-risk populations.

Solitary Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the sternum in a 21-year-old woman

Children are more likely to develop Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disorder with an unknown cause. LCH often invades skeletal systems, while it has occasionally been seen in the sternum or ribs. The best course of treatment for single-site, skeletal LCH is yet unknown. We present an instance of sternal LCH with adult onset. By fusing and reconstructing chest computed tomography, it was possible to determine the extent of surrounding soft tissue invasion. Because LCH is so uncommon, it could be challenging to recall when we see a sternal lesion. Adult Patients who arrive with anterior chest discomfort and an osteolytic sternal lesion should include LCH on their differential diagnosis list.

Demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features of patients operated with the diagnosis of acute descending necrotizing mediastinitis: a retrospective study in Southern Iran

INTRODUCTION

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a type of acute mediastinitis that is rarely reported but is regarded as a fatal disease despite improvements in technological methods and antibiotic therapies. We aimed to determine the demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features of patients diagnosed with acute DNM.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, patients' hospital records with a diagnosis of DNM admitted to the Namazi hospital in southern Iran during 18 years (2002-2019) were reviewed. Demographic and clinical features were recorded and subsequently analyzed via SPSS 22.

RESULTS

Out of 67 mediastinitis patients, 25 (37.3%) were diagnosed as DNM with an average age of 37.2 ± 16.7 years, and 68% were male. Regarding etiology, 52.0% were due to neck infection. Based on the technique of surgery, 52% of the patients underwent the combined method, which was mostly among type I and IIA DNM, while thoracotomy was mostly performed on type IIB DNM (P = 0.08). Based on the incision, type IIA and IIB had the highest frequency of thoracotomy and cervicothoracic incisions (P = 0.02 and 0.002). Puss discharge was significantly lower in type I DNM (P = 0.01). Based on the presenting symptoms of our patients, the majority (72.0%) had a chief complaint of neck pain, followed by chills and fever (48%). There were no reports of mortality during our short-term follow-up.

CONCLUSION

We report one of the largest retrospective studies of DNM patients in our referral center, with a high prevalence of the disease among younger populations, especially under 40 years. The method of treatment should be chosen based on the extent of infection and can be limited to neck exploration in upper mediastinal infections, though thoracic or combined approach in more broad infections.

A massive immature mediastinal teratoma treated with chemotherapy and surgical resection: a case report

BACKGROUND

Teratoma is a type of germ cell tumor consisting of one or multiple tissues derived from germinal layers. The location and size of the tumor can cause various presentations. Here we report one of the largest ever cases of immature cystic teratoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this report, we presented a 24-year-old patient with dyspnea, chest pain, nausea, and anorexia. A computed tomography scan revealed a giant, right-sided mass measuring about 190 × 150 × 140 mm. Chemotherapy was initiated for the patient, followed by thoracotomy. Histopathological evaluation revealed the nature of the mass to be an immature mediastinal teratoma.

CONCLUSION

the incidence of immature mediastinal teratoma is uncommon, and due to its rarity, the diagnosis needs more profound evaluation studies such as radiological and pathological assessments. Immature teratomas are optimally treated by a combination of chemotherapy and complete resection.

Surgical removal of an unusual huge solitary fibrous tumor in the mediastinum: a case report

BACKGROUND

Intrathoracic Solitary Fibrous Tumors (SFT) mainly arise from the pleura; however, these tumors may also originate from the mediastinum. We present a rare case of posterior SFT extending to several mediastinal sites and with an unusual large size, successfully treated with surgical resection.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 66-year-old female presented with an initial manifestation of ambiguous pain in the chest and dysphagia and later developed pitting edema in both lower extremities and cachexia five months before admission. Chest imaging confirmed a mediastinal mass (17 × 15 × 8 cm) which was surgically removed. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of a solitary fibrous tumor with positive B-cell lymphoma 2, STAT6, and CD99, negative S100 and smooth muscle actin, and low levels of Ki67 (5-7%). The patient's follow-up course was unremarkable.

CONCLUSION

Mediastinal SFTs may grow extremely huge, with the potential to invade multiple adjacent sites. Surgical removal of the tumor remains the mainstay of treatment in these cases.

Esophageal perforation etiology, outcome, and the role of surgical management - an 18-year experience of surgical cases in a referral center

INTRODUCTION

Esophageal perforation is a surgical emergency with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Its poor prognosis is mainly associated with previous patient-specific comorbidities and a lack of timely diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the etiological factors and different surgical methods of treatment with consideration of mortality rate and comorbidities.

METHOD

The present cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent surgical intervention due to esophageal injury from 2002 to 2019 (18 years). Demographic and clinical characteristics along with performed surgical interventions were evaluated accordingly.

RESULTS

In this study, 69 patients with a mean age of 38.8 years were evaluated, of which 45 (65.2%) cases were men. In terms of location of the perforation, the thoracic portion of the esophagus followed by the cervical and abdominal esophagus were more frequently injured with a rate of 32 (46.4%), 30 (43.5%), and 19 (27.5%) cases, respectively. Accordingly, foreign body ingestion followed by penetrating injuries were the most common causative agents leading to esophageal perforation.

CONCLUSION

Obtaining the desired results from the treatment of this condition depends on factors such as patients' previous comorbidities, cause of the rupture, the location of the esophageal damage, and delay in the start of treatment. Since there is no single gold standard treatment strategy, each patient should be individually evaluated.

Lung cancer registry and monitoring: Feasibility study and application (fars lung cancer registry project)

Background

Lung cancer (LC) is the second most common and deadliest cancer in the world. Despite the control of the progressive course of LC in developed countries, studies indicate an increase in the incidence of the disease in developing countries. We designed a stepwise approach-based surveillance system for registering LC in our region (fars lung cancer registry "FaLCaRe" Project).

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire was designed and agreed upon by the steering committee using the Delphi method. Variables in nine fields were divided into three groups based on their importance: core, expanded core, and optional. The web-based data bank software was designed. The informative site about LC and team services was designed and launched for professional and community (www.falcare.org) educational purposes.

Results

545 variables in nine fields were designed (20 core variables). Primary data of 39 LC patients (24 men and 15 women) with a mean age of 62 years were analyzed. Twenty-six patients had a history of smoking. Moreover, 39% and 26% of patients had a history of hookah smoking and opium use, respectively. Adenocarcinoma was the most prevalent pathologic findings in cases. More than 80% of patients were diagnosed in stages 3 and 4 of cancer.

Conclusion

FaLCaRe Project with the capabilities seen in it can be used as a model for national LC registration. With continuous valid data registry about LC, it is possible to make decisions at the national level for control and management its consequences while drawing the natural history of the LC.

Bronchobiliary fistulae as a complication of untreated pulmonary hydatid cyst presenting with bilioptysis: A report of two cases

We reported two patients, a 45-year-old lady and a 48-year-old man, known cases of untreated liver and lung hydatid cysts complicated with bronchobiliary fistulae. Surgery was performed, and bronchobiliary fistulae were diagnosed intraoperatively. Lobectomy was done on the lobe, which was chronically infected. Symptoms resolved after surgery in both cases. Green-colored sputum in a patient with a history of echinococcosis should raise the physician's attention to the probability of a connection between the bronchial tree and the biliary tract. Surgery in advanced cases is a suitable therapeutic option.

Hypertonic saline solution 5% as an effective cost-beneficial alternative to normal saline for wound healing in patients with diabetic lower-extremity ulcers: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer is among the most common complications and causes of mortality and morbidity in patients with diabetes. Herein, we propose using 5% Hypertonic Solution as an alternative to Normal Saline in treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers as an effective cost-benefit therapeutic approach.

Methods

In this clinical trial, 100 patients with diabetic foot ulcers were divided into two groups. Foot ulcer was washed and treated three times a day with the 5% hypertonic saline solution in the first group, while the second group was treated with normal saline 0.9% and normal washing. Patients were examined for the size and depth of the wound weekly, and the results were recorded after six weeks.

Results

The mean length and width of the wound in the experimental group significantly decreased six weeks after the start of treatment with hypertonic saline (p < 0.05). The wound healing rate was lower after treatment in both groups of patients who had a longer disease duration and higher HbA1c.

Conclusion

Treating diabetic foot ulcers with hypertonic saline solution may help improve wound healing. Therefore, rinsing with hypertonic saline is a cheap, safe, simple, and non-invasive treatment protocol for these patients.

The effect of suture techniques on the outcome of tracheal reconstruction: An observational study and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Tracheal resection and anastomosis surgery is a safe operation and is used to treat various benign and malignant diseases of the trachea. However, tracheal stenosis is among the main anastomotic complications following this procedure. Surgeons use both the continuous and the interrupted suture techniques for tracheal anastomosis, but contradicting results in each technique's complications have been reported in various studies. In this study, we aimed to compare the outcome of these two different suture techniques and a relevant literature review.

METHODS

Surgical records during a period of 15 years (2005-2019) were screened for tracheal reconstruction surgery in affiliated hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. A total of 82 patients were evaluated based on surgical and suture features, along with their follow-up bronchoscopy for anastomotic complications.

RESULTS

Post-operational subclinical restenosis occurred in 8 (15.3%) out of 52 and 10 (33.3%) of 30 patients who underwent continuous and interrupted suturing techniques, respectively. Also, 6 (20%) patients in the interrupted group developed symptomatic restenosis, while in the continuous group, only one patient was clinically symptomatic. The patients with continuous suture technique had a shorter surgery time than patients whose interrupted technique was used (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, we conclude that restenosis is significantly reduced when the continuous technique is applied for tracheal anastomosis; However, the results are contradicting in relevant literature and due to the retrospective nature of our study, further human studies and clinical trials are warranted.

Cavernous mediastinal hemangioma presenting with persistent cough: a rare case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Cavernous hemangioma is a rare benign tumor which can sometimes mimic the clinical presentation and radiological findings of malignant tumors. Here we present a rare presentation of cavernous hemangioma in the mediastinum (CHM), along with a literature review among the main databases.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a 48-year-old male who had suffered from persistent cough as the sole symptom of an anterior CHM. Computed tomography scan demonstrated a 12.5 × 10.8 cm mass in the anterior mediastinum. The mass was surgically resected, and histopathological evaluation established the diagnosis of CHM. The patient was discharged in good condition, in which during his four-month follow-up period, no recurrence of the tumor has been observed.

CONCLUSION

Although cavernous hemangioma rarely present in the mediastinum, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal tumors. However, our review of literature demonstrated a female dominance and average age of 40 years, with a 52% mortality rate based on previous reports.

Ruptured innominate artery pseudoaneurysm presenting as hoarseness in Behçet’s syndrome: a case report

Background

Vascular involvement is an infrequent clinical manifestation of Behçet’s syndrome. Owing to the rarity of arterial involvement in Behçet’s syndrome, there is limited experience in managing this phenomenon.

Case presentation

Here, we report a 28-year-old Iranian man with a Behçet’s syndrome background, who presented with shoulder pain and hoarseness. Chest computed tomography angiography was conducted with a suspicion of a vascular pathology causing pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerves. The patient was diagnosed with a ruptured innominate artery pseudoaneurysm. An innominate artery to the right common carotid artery bypass was performed, and the pseudoaneurysm was excised and replaced with an expandable polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Eventually, the patient was discharged after an uneventful hospital course.

Conclusion

It appears that we are still a long way from finding the optimal treatment for Behçet’s syndrome vascular involvement, and a combination of surgical and medicinal treatments is required.

Non-operative management of bilateral contained thoracic esophageal perforation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Despite profound advances in conservative management of esophageal perforation, patients' selection for this type of treatment requires expert clinical judgment. Surgical intervention has been historically introduced as the optimal management in multifocal ruptures.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we presented a 30-year-old man whose barium esophagogram confirmed bilateral perforations in the lower third of the esophagus contained in the mediastinum, and contrast drained back into the esophageal lumen. Concerning available contrast imaging studies and thoracic surgeons, conservative non-operative management was considered despite pneumomediastinum, a mild right-sided pleural effusion, and minimal leukocytosis. The patient was followed up for two months without any complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral and multifocal esophageal perforations can be managed conservatively provided that the leaks are confined to the mediastinum and drain back to the esophageal lumen, and other criteria for conservative management are met.

Thymoangiolipoma: A rare histologic variant of thymolipoma in a patient with myasthenia gravis

Thymoangiolipoma is a rare, slow-growing, benign thymic neoplasm that arises from the anterior mediastinum. A 61-year-old man with the chief complaint of right eye ptosis and high serum acetylcholine receptor antibody level is presented here. The spiral computed tomography of the chest revealed a hypodense mass in the anterior mediastinum. Microscopic examination showed admixture of adipose tissue, thymic tissue and blood vessels with the diagnosis of thymoangiolipoma. Thymoangiolipoma is a rare histologic variant of thymolipoma which can be associated with myasthenia gravis and must be considered as a differential diagnosis in anterior mediastinal mass with fat density in radiologic evaluation.

Intrapulmonary mature cystic teratoma of the lung: case report of a rare entity

Background

Intrapulmonary teratoma (IPT) is a rare type of extra gonadal teratoma which often presents with non-specific symptoms and can be misdiagnosed as other diseases. Here we report a patient with IPT which was initially misdiagnosed as lung hydatid cyst versus abscess.

Case presentation

We report an intrapulmonary teratoma in a 27-year-old female presenting with persistent chest pain and dyspnea since a few years prior to her admission with associated symptoms of cough and fever. Chest x-ray only showed left side massive pleural effusion and computed tomography scan of the lungs was suggestive of hydatid cyst or a lung abscess. She underwent lobectomy and postoperative histopathological study revealed IPT as the final diagnosis.

Conclusion

Due to the non-specific symptoms and rarity, IPT can be easily misdiagnosed at first. It is essential that physicians take into account the possibility of IPT when approaching a new case of lung mass.

Giant hamartoma of lung presented with massive hemoptysis: A rare case report and review of the literature

Hamartoma of lung is a common tumor, majority of which are small and incidentally discovered during plain chest radiography. Our case is a 30-year-old gentleman with an extremely uncommon presentation of a common tumor, that is, a giant hamartoma of lung presenting as massive hemoptysis and intractable cough. To the best of our knowledge, such occurrence of giant pulmonary hamartoma is very uncommon and its presentation with massive hemoptysis is even more uncommon. Less than 20 cases of giant hamartoma of lung have been reported in the English literature so far.

Diagnosing Myocardial Contusion after Blunt Chest Trauma

A myocardial contusion refers to a bruise of the cardiac muscle, the severity of which can vary depending on the severity of the injury and when the injury occurs. It is a major cause of rapid death which happens after blunt chest trauma and should be suspected at triage in the emergency department. We demonstrated that suspected myocardial contusion patients who have normal electrocardiograms (ECGs) and biomarker tests can be safely discharged. However, if the test results are abnormal, the next steps should be echocardiography and more advanced measures. Diagnosing myocardial contusion is very difficult because of its nonspecific symptoms. If a myocardial contusion happens, cardiogenic shock or arrhythmia must be anticipated, and the patient must be carefully monitored.