Marco Chiappetta

Thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: proposal for a predictive score of postoperative myasthenic crisis

OBJECTIVES Thymectomy plays an important role in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). This study aimed to explore predictors of postoperative myasthenic crisis (POMC) after thymectomy and to define a predictive score of respiratory failure. METHODS The clinical data of 177 patients with MG undergoing thymectomy from January 1995 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The following factors were analysed in relation to the occurrence of myasthenic crisis: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), anti-acetylcholine receptor-antibody level, bulbar symptoms, comorbidities, duration of symptoms, Osserman-stage, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) stage, history of myasthenic crisis, use of immoglobulins or plasmapheresis, kind of therapy, spirometric and blood gas parameters, histology, kind of surgery, non-myasthenic complications and duration of intubation. RESULTS Twenty-two patients experienced postoperative respiratory failure after thymectomy. Univariate analysis revealed a correlation with age >60 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-6.78; P = 0.040); Osserman-stage (IIB- OR = 5.16, 95% CI = 1.10-24.18; P = 0.037, III-IV- OR = 8.75, 95% CI = 1.53-50.05; P = 0.015); bulbar symptoms (OR = 7.42, 95% CI = 1.67-32.84; P = 0.008); BMI >28 (OR = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.58-10.03; P = 0.003); preoperative plasmapheresis (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.18-14.04; P = 0.021); duration of symptoms >2 years (OR = 4.00, 95% CI = 1.09-14.762; P = 0.036); extended surgery (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.02-6.22; P = 0.045); lung (OR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.44-11.42; P = 0.008), pericardial (OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.45-9.82; P = 0.006) or pleural resection (OR = 3.23, 95% CI = 1.30-8.03; P = 0.012); Vital Capacity % <80% (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.05-0.82; P = 0.025) and PaCO2 >40 mmHg (OR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.12-12.68; P = 0.032). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Osserman-stage (IIB- OR = 5.69, 95% CI = 1.09-29.69; P = 0.039 (III-IV- OR = 11.33, 95% CI = 1.67-76.72; P = 0.013), BMI >28 (OR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.10-12.15; P = 0.035), history of myasthenic crisis (OR = 24.10, 95% CI = 2.34-248.04; P = 0.007), duration of symptoms >2 years (OR = 5.94, 95% CI = 1.12-31.48; P = 0.036) and lung resection (OR = 8.48, 95% CI = 2.18-32.97; P = 0.002) independently predict POMC. Excluding history of preoperative myasthenic crisis (statistically associated with Osserman-stage), we built a scoring system according to the OR of Osserman-stage (I-IIA, IIB, III-IV), BMI (<28, ≥ 28), duration of symptoms (<1, 1-2, >2 years) and association with a pulmonary resection. This model helped in creating four classes with increasing risk of respiratory failure (Group I, 6%; Group II, 10%; Group III, 25%; Group IV, 50%). CONCLUSIONS Our model facilitates the stratification of patient risk and prediction of the occurrence of POMC. Moreover, it could help to guide the anaesthesiologists decision on the duration of intubation. Further studies based on larger series are needed to confirm these preliminary data.

Transoesophageal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of pleural effusion for the staging of non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES The efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for evaluating mediastinal adenopathy in lung cancer is nowadays proven. However, its accuracy for detection of malignant pleural effusion per se has not been yet investigated. Herein we report our experience with EUS for detecting pleural effusion during the staging procedure of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. METHODS Between January 2009 and December 2011, we performed endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) on 92 selected NSCLC patients to evaluate the T and N factors and to acquire bioptic material and when this was detected, to sample the pleural effusion. RESULTS In 10 patients (8 males and 2 females, mean age 66.9±9.2 years) a pleural effusion was detected and sampled. In 7 out of the 10 cases, the cytological examination of the fluid obtained by EUS-FNA tested positive for malignant cells, thereby upgrading the case to Stage IV, irrespective of T and N statuses. In 3 cases the cytology on the EUS-FNA material was proven to be negative for malignancy thereby allowing patients to be treated with curative intent without further delay. CONCLUSIONS EUS-FNA of the pleural fluid is a safe and simple procedure. Our data, albeit stemming from a limited study population, show that it can be efficient in selected NSCLC cases for obtaining useful material and information with significant impact on the staging and, therefore, on the planning of the optimum therapeutic strategy.

Bronchial Oncocytoma With High 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake Revealed by Nephrotic Syndrome

CASE REPORT A 77-year-old nonsmoker white woman with a medical history of mild hypertensive heart disease and diabetes was referred to our hospital for diffuse edemas, cough, and persisting asthenia. No history of hemoptysis, loss of weight, loss of appetite or other constitutional symptoms was reported. A nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed, with massive proteinuria (15–20 g/day), hypoalbuminemia (2.5 g/dl), hypercreatininemia (3.4 mg/dl), and associated increase in serum lipoprotein levels. Tumor markers (CEA, Ca 19.9, Ca 125, NSE, Ca 15.3) were within normal ranges. A renal biopsy revealed a status compatible with a stage IV minimal change disease. To differentiate the idiopathic versus the secondary nature of the nephropathy, a total-body computed tomography (CT) scan was performed. An endoluminal lesion measuring 1.3 cm in the major axis was localized in the right inferior lobe (RIL) bronchus (Fig. 1). The positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scan (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose/PET-CT) characterized the RIL nodule with an standardized uptake value (SUV) of 12. No other lesions referable to local or distant metastases were detected (Fig. 2). A fiber-optic bronchos copy revealed an endobronchial red lesion localized near the origin of right B6 bronchus. Cytology performed on material obtained by endobronchial brushing was suggestive of atypical cells. Given the relatively high SUV value detected by the PET examination and the evidence of cellular atypia at the cytological examination, surgery with radical intent was performed, and a right inferior lobectomy plus systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy realized. Final pathology confirmed an epithelial tumor characterized by extensive oncocytic features, compatible with bronchial oncocytoma (Fig. 3A–E). No hilar or mediastinal nodes were involved. The postoperative course was uneventful. Four weeks after surgery, serum albumin level increased to 3.2 g/dl, creatinine level decreased to 1.8 mg/dl, and proteinuria decreased to 1.0 g/day. One year after

Analysis of risk factors in the development of bronchopleural fistula after major anatomic lung resection: experience of a single centre

The bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of major thoracic surgery. The purpose of this work is to investigate the risk factors associated with the development of fistulas after lobectomy and pneumonectomy.

Lung metastasectomy following kidney tumors: outcomes and prognostic factors from a single-center experience

Background The lung is one of the sites most frequently affected by metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Nonsurgical therapy for mRCC has limited efficacy, while the 5-year survival rates data published in literature after pulmonary surgery for metastasectomy, emphasize the role of surgery as the treatment that guarantees the best effectiveness in pulmonary resectable metastases. Methods From January 2000 to March 2016, 27 patients underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for metastatic renal cancer was retrospectively reviewed. Primary renal cancer was controlled in all patients and there was no other metastatic site in addition to the lung, at the time of metastasectomy. The aim of the study was to identify outcomes and prognostic factors in association with survival after complete pulmonary resection of metastases in a subgroup of patients with isolated pulmonary metastases from RCC. Results Five- and 10-year overall survival (OS) from first pulmonary metastasectomy was 75% and 59%, respectively. Independent prognostic factor influencing survival were: dimension of pulmonary metastases ≥2 cm (3-year survival: 67% vs. 100%; P=0.014) and disease free interval (DFI) ≥5 years (3-year survival: 94% vs. 28%; P=0.05). The only independent prognostic factors affecting DFI was the dimension of pulmonary metastases ≥2 cm (5-year DFI: 67% vs. 89%; P=0.03) at univariate analysis. Conclusions Considering the good results based on high long-term efficacy and low morbidity after metastases surgical resection, we always recommend metastasectomy in patients with technically resectable metastases, especially in case of long DFI and reduced dimension of pulmonary lesions.

Giant air-inflated hydatid cyst of the lung mimicking massive pneumothorax

A 68-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to our emergency department with a 6-month history of progressive dyspnoea, tachycardia, chronic cough and purulent sputum production. The patients medical history was notable for hepatic echinococcosis diagnosed in 2002. Physical examination revealed no chest wall movement, a hyper-resonant sound on percussion, absent tactile fremitus and no audible breath sound in the right hemithorax. A slight tracheal deviation towards the left could also be felt on palpation …

Successful Three-Stage Ethanol Ablation of Esophageal Mucocele

their anatomic proximity to other vital organs, visceral vessels are rarely injured alone (1), and isolated IMA injury as a result of blunt trauma is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only one case has been reported, in which the injury involved a low-speed motor vehicle accident (2). Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain traumatic visceral artery injury. The first is shearing force causing avulsion of the artery at the junction between the retroperitoneal portion and unfixed portion of the bowel. The second mechanism is compression injury, in which the artery is crushed between the object producing the blunt force and the lumbar spine, as in the present case. In cases involving visceral branch avulsion at the orifice, embolization of the lacerated arterial stump and the arterial orifice is mandatory to achieve hemostasis. Trottier et al (3) reported a similar case with renal artery avulsion. Avulsion of the right renal polar artery originating from the right common iliac artery was treated by placing a stent graft into the right common iliac artery; however, subsequent enlargement of a retroperitoneal hematoma as a result of subclinical back-bleeding from the lacerated arterial stump led to abdominal compartment syndrome. Transcatheter embolization of lacerated IMA origins is another treatment option. Hamid et al (4) reported transcatheter embolization for lumbar artery avulsion using N-butyl cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl; B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany) glue injected from the artery’s origin. However, glue injection has the potential risk of unintentional distal embolization or reflux to the aorta, and transcatheter embolization using detachable microcoils might be a safer alternative. Our method is a simple and safe method of controlling hemorrhage caused by visceral branch avulsion.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Chest Wall Involvement: Integrated Treatment or Surgery Alone?

BACKGROUND  The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors in patients affected by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with chest wall (CW) involvement, analyzing different strategies of treatment and surgical approaches. METHODS  Records of 59 patients affected by NSCLC with CW involvement underwent surgery were retrospectively reviewed, from January 2000 to March 2013. RESULTS  Induction therapy was administered to 18 (30.5%) patients while adjuvant treatment to 36 (61.0%). In 36 (61%) patients, lung resection was associated only with a parietal pleural resection while in 23 (39%) with CW en-bloc resection. Overall 5-year survival was 34%. Prognostic factors were evaluated in the 51 (86.4%) completely resected (R0) patients.Five-year survival was 60% in patients undergoing induction therapy followed by surgery and 24% in those who underwent surgery as first treatment (p = 0.11). Five-year survival was better in the neoadjuvant group than that in the surgery group in IIB (T3N0) p-stage (100 vs 28%, p = 0.03), while in the IIIA (T3N1-2,T4N0) p-stage it was of 25 vs 0%, respectively (p = 0.53).No 5-year survival difference was found in case of parietal pleural resection versus CW en-bloc resection (p = 0.27) and in case of only parietal pleural involvement versus soft tissue (p = 0.78).In case of incomplete resection (R1), patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy had better 2-year survival than patients untreated: 60% vs 0% (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS  Type of surgical resection and the deep of infiltration of disease do not influence survival in this subset of patients. Integrated treatments seem to be suitable: neoadjuvant therapies ensure a better survival rate than surgery alone in IIB and IIIA patients, instead adjuvant radiotherapy proves a fundamental option in incomplete resections.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic lung segmentectomy with near infrared/indocyanine green intersegmental plane identification

In the era of lung cancer screening and early detection of lung lesions, pulmonary segmentectomy has gained wide acceptance between thoracic community reducing the need of lobectomy for diagnostic purpose and treatment in case of centrally located benign, multiple or undetermined lesions. In rigorously selected patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), segmentectomies seem to offer similar survival outcomes rather than lobectomies, but associated with a better conservation of lung function. However, segmentectomy is a more challenging procedure to be performed compared to lobectomy, especially by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Many difficulties could arise during video-assisted segmentectomy, making the procedure more demanding and stressful. Following the introduction of the near infrared (NIR)/indocyanine imaging system on standard endoscopic module, we decided to adopt peripheral intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG) to identify intersegmental plain during uniportal VATS lung segmentectomy. Our technique herein is widely illustrated.

Lymph-node ratio predicts survival among the different stages of non-small-cell lung cancer: a multicentre analysis†

OBJECTIVES The prognostic role of the number of resected and metastatic lymph nodes in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still being debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lymphadenectomy in addition to the already validated variables in NSCLC survival. METHODS From January 2002 to December 2012, data on 4858 patients with NSCLC undergoing anatomical lung resection and hilomediastinal lymphadenectomy in 6 institutions were analysed retrospectively. Established prognostic factors in addition to the number of resected lymph nodes and the ratio between the number of metastatic lymph nodes and the number of resected lymph nodes (NR) were correlated to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) using the multivariable Cox regression model. Harrells C-statistic with the 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined. Analysis by means of maximally selected log-rank statistics was performed to find optimal cut-off points in order to split patients into groups with different outcome probabilities. RESULTS The median numbers of resected lymph nodes and of metastatic lymph nodes were 17 (range 6-85) and 2 (1-36), respectively. Hilar (N1) and mediastinal (N2) metastases were identified in 21.3% and 20.0% of cases, respectively. Overall, the 5-year OS and DFS rates were 54.6% and 44.8%, respectively. At multivariable analysis, age, gender, pathological stage, R0 resection, type of surgery and NR correlated with longer OS rates; the same variables plus tumour grading were further related to DFS. C-statistics were 66.0 (95% CI 62.7-69.4) for DFS and 60.5 (95% CI 58.3-62.6) for OS. An NR <40% significantly correlated with a higher 5-year survival rate in the total sample (OS 57.6% vs 23.8%, P < 0.001; DFS 48.2% vs 11.4, P < 0.001) and in patients with N1 (OS 47.9% vs 36.1%, P = 0.03; DFS 39% vs 24.2%, P = 0.02) and N2 (OS 36.9% vs 21.8%, P < 0.001 DFS 23.9% vs 9.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms that the number of resected lymph nodes is a strong prognostic indicator in NSCLC. In particular, an NR cut-off value of 40% may predict both OS and DFS.