Placement of self-expandable metallic stents for tracheal stenosis secondary to thyroid cancer

The indications and suitable approaches for treating upper airway obstruction secondary to thyroid cancer are controversial. Patients with thyroid cancer generally have a good prognosis, but airway stenosis and vocal cord paralysis are not uncommon. Subglottic airway stenting may be challenging, due to stent migration, granulation tissue formation and supraglottic stenosis. In this study, we evaluated the application of covered self-expandable metallic stents to relieve upper airway obstruction. This was a retrospective study of 5 patients with airway stenosis due to thyroid cancer treated in 2009 and 2010. Immediate airway enlargement was achieved in 3 patients with stenosis at the middle mediastinum. Gradual enlargement over 2 months was observed in the remaining 2 patients with stenosis at the cervical level. The performance status was improved in all 5 patients, including a case with anaplastic carcinoma. The follow-up averaged 13 months (range, 8-27 months). Granulation tissue developed at both ends of the stent in 3 patients, sputum was retained in 2 cases and bacterial colonization was detected in all 5 cases. No stent migration was reported. Additional tracheostomy was required in 2 patients, due to proximal tumor growth or progressive bilateral vocal cord paralysis after 10 and 6 months, respectively. In conclusion, stenting for central airway stenosis secondary to thyroid cancer may be beneficial, even in patients with anaplastic carcinoma. Long-term regular bronchoscopic follow-up is required to monitor complications, as patients with thyroid cancer are at high risk of granulation tissue formation, sputum retention and bacterial colonization.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the anterior mediastinum: A case report

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare neoplasms, accounting for only 5% of all malignant soft-tissue sarcomas. This is the case report of a 28-year-old male patient with a MPNST located in the anterior mediastinum, originating from the phrenic nerve. The patient presented with an abnormal shadow on chest radiography and a 10-cm mass in the right anterior mediastinum was identified on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient subsequently underwent surgical resection. The tumor originated from the right phrenic nerve and was tightly adherent to the middle and lower lobes of the right lung, the pericardium and the diaphragm. The tumor was completely resected, along with partial resection of the adherent tissues. The histological diagnosis was spindle cell sarcoma and the final diagnosis was MPNST of the anterior mediastinum, based on the characteristic microscopic appearance indicating the nervous origin of the tumor and on the intraoperative findings. The patient remains free of recurrence 1 year after surgery.

[Ultrasonically activated coagulating shears and the vessel sealing system in thoracic surgery]

While the recent emergence of energy-based surgical techniques has made surgical procedures less invasive, the safety and proper usage have yet to be investigated. Here we review the experimental and clinical use of ultrasonically activated coagulating shears and a vessel sealing system in thoracic surgery. Both energy devices have been reported to be safe for use with the pulmonary artery and vein, with a burst pressure above 100 mmHg. Although their combined use with a ligature at a central site appeared to be adequate, the long-term durability has yet to be verified. The thoracic duct was reported to be sealed with sufficient burst pressure using these energy devices, which are expected to provide an alternative treatment for chylothorax. There have also been a few reports of their usage with the lung parenchyma, but their clinical adaptation is seemingly limited.

Treatment options for patients with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung is categorized as a variant of large cell carcinomas, and LCNEC tumors display biological behaviors resembling those of small cell lung carcinomas and features of high-grade neuroendocrine tumors. Because patients with LCNEC have a poor prognosis, surgery alone is not sufficient. Multimodality therapies, including adjuvant chemotherapy, appear promising for improved prognosis in patients with LCNEC. In this review article, we discuss treatment options for patients with LCNEC of the lung.

An anomalous unilateral single pulmonary vein associated with a bone morphogenetic protein receptor II gene mutation

Anomalous unilateral single pulmonary vein (AUSPV), a rare congenital anomaly, is associated with an aberrant course but normal drainage, and resembles arteriovenous malformation (AVM). We treated a 26-year-old man with AUSPV in the right lung and an anomalous segmental pulmonary vein in the left lung. CT revealed a tortuous vascular shadow with an enhancement pattern identical to that of the pulmonary vein, suggesting AUSPV. This was confirmed by pulmonary angiography. Although pulmonary AVMs were not detected on angiography, microvascular AVMs could not be excluded because delayed bubbles appeared on contrast echocardiography. A genetic examination revealed a missense mutation of BMPR2.

Streamline phenomena in liver metastasis of gastrointestinal tumors - a clinical-study based upon 172 patients

Location and number of liver metastasis of gastrointestinal tumors were detected preoperatively and intraoperatively. The distribution of the liver segment(s) occupied by metastatic tumors varied significantly (p<0.05). Significantly more frequent distributions were demonstrated in the lateral segment with gastric cancer (p<0.05), in the posterior segment with left colic cancer (p<0.001), in the medial segment with rectal cancer (p<0.01), in the anterior segment with bile duct cancer (p<0.05) and the whole of the liver with pancreatic cancer (p<0.05). Significantly less frequent distribution was demonstrated in the posterior segment with gastric cancer (p<0.01). When the liver was divided into the right and the left halves, the distribution of each half of the liver occupied by metastatic tumors varied significantly (p<0.05). Liver metastases of whole colic cancer were significantly more frequent in the right half of the liver (p<0.05). The results suggest that the tumor distribution in liver metastases of gastrointestinal tumors differ depending upon the primary tumors, basically in accordance with the 'streamline' phenomena.

Clinical significance of BIM deletion polymorphism in non-small cell lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation

11052

Background: Germ line alterations in the proapoptotic protein BCL2-like 11 (BIM) can have a crucial role in how a tumor responds to treatment. To clarify the clinical usefulness of detecting BIM deletion polymorphism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with positive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation we examined the prognosis in patients with or without the BIM changes. Methods: Seventy NSCLC patients with positive EGFR mutation treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) between January 2008 and January 2013 were enrolled in this study. BIM deletion polymorphism was analyzed by PCR in 58 peripheral blood samples, 24 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) slides of surgical specimens (lung tissue in 20, brain tissue in 4), and 12 samples that included both blood and tissue specimens. We performed retrospective analyses on clinical characteristics, response rate and toxicity of EGFR-TKI, and estimated the prognosis in patients with or without BIM deletion polymorphism. Results: BIM deletion polymorphism was present in 13 of 70 patients (18.6%) with homozygous deletion in 1 and heterozygous deletion in 12. There was no discordance between the two types of samples among the 12 patients. There were no significant differences between patients with or without BIM deletion polymorphism on clinical characteristics, response rate to EGFR-TKI and incidence of EGFR-TKI toxicity. Patients with BIM deletion polymorphism showed significantly shorter PFS that in patients without BIM deletion polymorphism (median: 216 days vs. 430 days, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in OS. In multivariate analyses using the Cox regression model, BIM deletion polymorphism (hazard ratio = 4.2, p< 0.001, 95% CI = 2.026-8.777) was identified as an independent factor for shorter PFS. Conclusions: BIM deletion polymorphism could be detected by PCR on peripheral blood samples and FFPE slides of surgical specimens. BIM deletion polymorphism has emerged as an independent prognostic factor for shorter PFS. Therefore, new treatment strategies should be established for patients with BIM deletion polymorphism.

Pathophysiological implication of reversed CT halo sign in invasive pulmonary mucormycosis: a rare case report

Background

It has been accepted that reversed halo sign (RHS) appeared on a computed tomography (CT) image in immunocompromised patients indicates an invasive fungal infection, but its pathophysiology remains obscure as to what this image implies. Therefore, the present report describes detailed radiological and histopathological findings of a case of invasive pulmonary mucormycosis (IPM) presenting RHS with comparison to those from a lesion of discrete nodule caused by invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), and discusses the pathophysiological implications of this characteristic image.

Case presentation

RHS had been clinically noted at the time of recovering of bone marrow function of a 64-year-old Japanese man who had chemotherapy for his acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Histological examination of the surgically removed lung revealed a lesion of IPM. This was composed of coagulation necrosis of septa at the center of lesion with preservation of air content which was encompassed outer rim comprising triplet structure; liquefaction, consolidation, and organization from the inner to the outer layer. In addition, Micro-CT examination confirmed reticular structure and monotonous high density at the central coagulation necrosis preserving air content and surrounding consolidation, and organization lesion of the IPM lesion.

Conclusion

Our investigations suggest that RHS might be understood as a kind of immune reconstitution syndrome and be the initial and prior status of air crescent sign.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/3480054198968132

Complete response of 7 years' duration after chemoradiotherapy followed by gefitinib in a patient with intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis is a rare but serious complication which causes rapid progression of neurological deficits. Here we report a 35-year-old man presenting with increasing leg pain and gait disturbance, 8 months after surgery for lung adenocarcinoma. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intramedullary tumor at the Th7/8 level. Radiotherapy at 35 Gy resulted in transient symptomatic improvement, but during chemotherapy with vinorelbine and cisplatin, symptoms worsened again. Gefitinib was then administered; the patient improved after 2 weeks and has now maintained a complete response for 7 years.

Surgical treatment for severely damaged lung and pyothorax with bronchopleural fistula 9 years after induction chemoradiotherapy and bilobectomy

Here, we present a 54-year old man 9 years after induction chemoradiotherapy and subsequent lower bilobectomy for Stage IIIA lung cancer suffering late complications of pyothorax and bronchopleural fistula in a severely damaged lung. Open-window thoracostomy and subsequent completion pneumonectomy via median sternotomy and anterior thoracotomy were performed. Although sternal wound infection required steel wire removal and debridement, with wound dressing at home, the patient could return to work. Late complications from infected treatment-damaged lungs need to be taken into consideration after induction chemoradiotherapy and subsequent surgery.

Haemothorax following bullectomy caused by a sharp edge of the Endoloop

A 22-year old man presented with a massive haemothorax 25 days after bullectomy for a spontaneous pneumothorax. Thoracoscopic surgery revealed ongoing bleeding from the chest wall caused by a sharp edge of the Endoloop Ligature (Ethicon Endo-Surgery) used to resect the remaining small part of the lung at the earlier staple bullectomy. The point where bleeding was occurring was clipped and covered using a collagen patch coated with human fibrinogen and thrombin. The protruding sharp edge of the Endoloop was excised together with the surrounding lung tissue, using a stapler. Although prevention of this type of complication is difficult, awareness of the potential problem may help in managing such extremely rare events.

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax with congenital pleuro-pleural communication

A single pleural space can lead to serious simultaneous bilateral pneumothorax in cases of congenital or acquired pleuro-pleural communication. Here we report a 35-year-old man with bilateral pneumothorax. Chest computed tomography scans revealed a small air space between the esophagus and aorta, suggesting pleuro-pleural communication. Bilateral thoracoscopic bullectomy was performed. Repeated inspection revealed a 2-cm-long pleural window between the aorta and esophagus, which was closed with a collagen patch. Although congenital pleuro-pleural communication has been regarded as rare, as many as nine patients have been reported (if suspected cases are included). The lower middle mediastinum should be carefully inspected.

EBUS-TBNA-related complications in a patient with tuberculous lymphadenopathy

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is becoming more common for diagnosing intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, including tuberculous lymphadenopathy. We herein report two cases of complications possibly related to EBUS-TBNA for tuberculous lymphadenopathy. The first patient was a 26-year-old woman who developed intrabronchial polypoid granulomas exclusively at puncture sites two months after undergoing EBUS-TBNA. Although endobronchial extension may occur, the risk of aggravation caused by puncture should be considered. The second patient was a 39-year-old woman with transient smear-positive bloody sputum that developed immediately after EBUS-TBNA and persisted for three days. Temporary isolation following EBUS-TBNA should be considered for possible tuberculous lymphadenopathy.

Ciliated muconodular papillary tumor of the lung: a newly defined low-grade malignant tumor with CT findings reminiscent of adenocarcinoma

A ciliated muconodular papillary tumor has been reported to be a peripheral low-grade malignant tumor, consisting of ciliated columnar cells and goblet cells with basaloid cell proliferation. Although ciliated muconodular papillary tumors have not yet been classified according to the World Health Organization classification, they can pose diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Here we report a resected case of ciliated muconodular papillary tumor with computed tomography findings reminiscent of adenocarcinoma, showing a small irregular nodule adjacent to the intersegment pulmonary vein. There was no uptake of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. The patient underwent surgical resection, and a lobectomy was performed because intraoperative needle biopsy suggested neoplastic proliferation. No EGFR mutations were detected. No recurrence was noted during 24-month follow-up after lobectomy.

A case of chronic expanding hematoma resulting in fatal hemoptysis

An 80-year-old woman presented with a huge intrathoracic mass which had increased in size over 4 years. Computed tomography showed a thick calcified capsule and early-enhanced streaks inside the mass. Needle biopsy aspirated pure blood and fibrous connective tissue. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography showed moderate FDG uptake at the periphery with central photon defects. Gallium-67 scintigraphy showed no abnormal uptake. On suspicion of chronic expanding hematoma, we recommended surgical resection, but the patient requested only follow-up. One year later, she was hospitalized with cardiac tamponade and subsequent massive hemoptysis. Repeated embolization was ineffective, and the patient soon succumbed.

Streamline phenomena in liver metastasis of gastrointestinal tumor - an experimental-study using rats

The establishment of liver metastasis from gastrointestinal tumor is mainly considered to be via the portal vein, but its precise mechanism is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the significance-of 'streamline' phenomena in liver metastasis of gastrointestinal tumor by means of an experimental model. An animal model for the metastatic liver tumor was made in the Donryu rat. Five million cells of AH-66 strain, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) producing hepatoma cells maintained as an ascites type strain, were administered via portal vein. The superior mesenteric vein (group A), the inferior mesenteric vein (group B) and the splenic vein (group C) were used as the sites of injection. In every group, serum AFP levels were elevated after administration of AH-66 cells and no significant differences were revealed between each group. In the pathological specimens of the liver taken after 7 days, many tumorous lesions were seen microscopically with islet formations, but no definitive difference was seen in each lobe. The serum AFP concentration in group A was significantly higher than that in group C. The tissue AFP concentrations of the right lobe were significantly higher than those of the left in groups A and B, but significantly lower than those of the left lobe in group C. The results indicate that the distribution and proliferation of tumor cells administered via portal vein differed depending upon the site of tumor injection in accordance with the 'streamline' phenomena.

Clinical significance of circulating tumor cells and free DNA in non-small cell lung cancer

AIM

This pilot study assessed correlations between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating free DNA (cfDNA) of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after acquisition of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CTCs were counted using the CellSearch system (Veridex). cfDNA was analyzed for EGFR mutation status by the Cycleave real-time PCR assay.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients participated in this study. CTCs were detected in 8 of 24 cases (33.3%), at a mean of 2.6 CTCs per 7.5 ml blood (range: 1-24). EGFR mutations in cfDNA were detected in 6 out of 24 cases (25%). The EGFR mutation detection rates in cfDNA were significantly higher in patients with ≥ 2 CTCs per 7.5 ml (100%) than in those with <2 CTCs per 7.5 ml (10%) (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The presence of CTCs was correlated with the positivity of EGFR mutation in cfDNA.

The evaluation of the relationship between the level of disclosure of cancer in terminally ill patients with cancer and the quality of terminal care in these patients and their families using the Support Team Assessment Schedule

AIMS

To examine the relationship between informing patients of cancer and the quality of terminal care.

METHODS

This was a study of 87 consecutive terminally ill cancer patients who died during the last 27-month period. Notification of cancer was classified into 4 groups (A, B, C, and D, respectively): "nondisclosure," "disclosure of cancer diagnosis," "disclosure of life threatening," and "disclosure of poor prognosis." We evaluated the quality of palliative care using Support Team Assessment Schedule-Japanese (STAS-J).

RESULTS

A, B, C, and D groups included 8, 22, 37, and 20 cases, respectively. Regarding physical symptoms, no marked difference was noted. Anxiety was significantly reduced, and the recognition of disease conditions and the level of communication were significantly higher in the groups that received specific information (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Informing patients of more specific information will increase the quality of terminal care.

Recovery of lung perfusion after sleeve resection for tuberculous bronchial stenosis

Parenchyma-sparing main bronchial sleeve resection is a safe and effective procedure to restore impaired lung function. We present a case illustrating recovery of lung perfusion in a 24-year-old woman with dyspnea on exertion because of bronchial tuberculosis. Bronchoscopic examination revealed pin-hole stenosis of the left main bronchial orifice. 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin perfusion scanning revealed essentially absent left lung perfusion. Because of bronchomalacia in the distal portion, six rings of the left main bronchus were resected by carinoplasty. Symptoms abated and perfusion recovered to a large extent 2 months later. She became pregnant and delivered successfully 12 months postoperatively.

Circulating tumor cells and T790M in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations and acquired resistance to TKI

e18127

Background: This study assessed correlations between the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), detection of T790M in organs with metastases or circulating-free DNA (cfDNA), and prognosis in metastatic NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI. Methods: Metastatic NSCLC patients with activating EGFR mutations, who initially responded but subsequently experienced disease progression while on EGFR-TKI treatment, were defined as having ‘acquired resistance’. Blood samples were collected after development of such acquired resistance and CTCs were counted using the CellSearch system (Veridex). At the same time, T790M in affected organs or cfDNA was analyzed with cycleave real-time PCR assay and fragment analysis. Results: : Six men and 14 women with a mean age of 63.5 yrs (22-84) were enrolled. Histological subtypes were adenocarcinoma in 19 and squamous cell carcinoma in the remaining one. Clinical stages were stage IV in 14 and recurrence with distant metastases after surgical resection in 6. EGFR mutations in tumors at the primary site were G719C in 1, exon 19 deletion in 7, L858R in 10, and G791C + L858R in 2. CTCs were detected in 8 (40%). Numbers of CTCs (per 7.5 ml blood) were 1 in 4 cases, and 3, 4, 8, and 24 in 1 case each. Patients without CTCs survived significantly longer than those with CTCs (≥1 per 7.5 ml). Mean survival time from first detection of CTCs was 3.0 months in patients with CTCs and not reached in patients without CTCs (p < 0.001). T790M was detected in 6 cases (30%). T790M was found in 75% (n = 6/8) of patients without CTCs but in 0% (n = 0/12) of those with CTCs (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The presence of CTCs was correlated with poorly prognosis and lack of T790M in affected organs or cfDNA. The presence of CTCs was informative for distinguishing patients with or without T790M.

Pathological response and prognosis of stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with induction chemoradiation

AIM

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between pathological effects and the prognosis of patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with induction chemoradiation.

METHODS

Patients who were untreated and potentially resectable with stage III NSCLC were enrolled. They received carboplatin and docetaxel with concurrent radiotherapy (5 × 2 Gy/week with a total dose of 40 Gy) followed by surgery. We assessed the relationship between the pathological effect (Ef) (Ef 1: slight pathological response, Ef 2: moderate pathological response, Ef 3: complete pathological response) and prognosis.

RESULTS

In all, 30 patients with stage III NSCLC (24 men and 6 women, mean age 60.7 years, 17 with adenocarcinomas and 13 with squamous cell carcinomas, 21 with clinical stage IIIA and nine with stage IIIB) participated in the trial and underwent induction chemoradiation. A total of 27 patients (90%) with complete response, partial response and stable disease had surgical resection. The pathological effect was Ef 1 and Ef 2 in 10 patients each, and Ef 3 in seven patients. Median survival was 10.9 months in patients with Ef 1 and 49.6 months in patients with Ef 2. Six out of seven Ef 3 patients are alive at the time of writing with a mean survival of 77.1 months (14-104 months). There was a significant difference in overall survival based on pathological effect rating (P = 0.0036).

CONCLUSION

The Ef rating was well correlated with prognosis after induction chemoradiation.

Acquired hemophilia A associated with IgG4-related lung disease in a patient with autoimmune pancreatitis

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related lung diseases can occur in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). However, the causal relationship between AIP and acquired hemophilia A (AH) is unknown. We herein report the first case of AH associated with IgG4-related lung disease that developed in a patient with AIP. A 65-year-old asymptomatic man with a history of AIP and sclerosing cholangitis diagnosed at the age of 57 was admitted to our hospital due to an abnormal reticulonodular shadow on chest X-ray. An examination of lung biopsy specimens revealed IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration in the interstitium. The serum IgG4 level was elevated. One year later, the patient developed a progressive severe hematoma in the left femoral muscle. On admission, laboratory examinations revealed severe anemia with a markedly prolonged activated partial prothrombin time, a decreased level of factor VIII (FVIII) activity, and the existence of anti-FVIII antibodies. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of AH. No relapse has been observed over the past 25 months, during which time, corticosteroid therapy has been continuously administered.

Role of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography for the detection of gastrointestinal tract lesions in patients with lung cancer

BACKGROUND

  The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients with abnormal accumulation of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) in the gastrointestinal tract imaged by positron emission tomography (PET).

METHODS

  Of 1071 consecutive patients with primary lung cancer who underwent PET from October 2005 through to March 2010, 25 patients (2.3%) showed localized abnormal FDG accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract. We retrospectively compared the location of abnormal accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, the maximum standardized uptake value in 1 hour, and final clinical diagnosis.

RESULTS

  Of the 25 cases, 12 (48%) were true PET-positive cases (esophageal cancer in one case, gastric cancer in one, colorectal cancer in seven, gastrointestinal stromal tumor in one, and lung cancer metastasis to the stomach and small intestine in one patient each). The 13 cases with false PET-positives were gastric polyp in one, gastritis in four, colon polyp in two, diverticulitis in one, and normal physiological accumulation in five. There was also a significant difference between malignancy and benign intestinal accumulation excluding the stomach (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

  PET was useful for screening the gastrointestinal tract (except the stomach) for malignancy in lung cancer patients.

Genetic variation of vascular endothelial growth factor pathway does not correlate with the severity of retinopathy of prematurity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the genetic effects of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study from a tertiary center that enrolled 204 Japanese infants (<35 weeks of gestational age (GA)) having no anomalies. ROP developed in 127, but not in 77 infants. The relative severity was defined as non-severe, moderate and severe ROP for GA, based on the staging criteria. VEGF (g.-634G>C, g.+13553C>T) and VEGF-receptor (KDR g.+4422(AC)11 to 14, Flt-1 c.+6724(TG)13 to 23) gene polymorphisms and clinical variables were assessed by uni/multivariate analyses.

RESULT

The frequency of polymorphisms did not differ between ROP and non-ROP patients. The TT genotype of g.+13553 showed a higher odds ratio for non-severe ROP than CC genotype (P=0.006). Multivariate analyses indicated that low birth weight, blood transfusion and respiratory distress syndrome, but not polymorphisms, were the risk factors of advanced ROP (≥ stage 3).

CONCLUSION

A genotype of the VEGF pathway weakly affects the severity of ROP compared with other clinical factors.

Late onset postoperative pulmonary fistula following a pulmonary segmentectomy using electrocautery or a harmonic scalpel

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively examine the postoperative pulmonary fistula as a complication after the use of either electrocautery or a harmonic scalpel without stapling devices.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The subjects of this study consisted of 28 patients who received a segmentectomy for a pulmonary malignant tumor, 25 cases of lung cancer and 3 of metastatic lung tumor. The electrocautery was used in 17 patients (EC group) and the harmonic scalpel in 11 (HS group). The levels of postoperative air leakage and postoperative complications were examined among the two groups retrospectively. The histological findings of the cut surface of the segmentectomy by electrocautery and harmonic scalpel were also examined.

RESULTS

Hemostasis and air leakage both were well controlled during the operation, and the postoperative drainage period was short. No major postoperative complications occurred, and all patients began walking in the early postoperative days. However, 1 to 3 postoperative months after discharge, 8 patients showed late onset of a pulmonary fistula, 3 of the 17 (18%) in the EC group and 5 of the 11 (45%) in the HS group. The histological findings of the cut surface of the segmentectomy showed that most of the layer of coagulation necrosis by the harmonic scalpel measured 2 mm thick, and it was denser than that cut from electrocautery. The lumen of the bronchus markedly decreased in size, but it remained, as it also did under the effects of electrocautery.

CONCLUSIONS

In the months following the operation, the incidence of the late onset of a pulmonary fistula was higher when the harmonic scalpel was used. It was believed that the small bronchial stump could not tolerate the airway pressure because the thick coagulation necrosis delayed healing of the postoperative wound. It was necessary to ligate the stump of a small bronchus, even though the stump had been temporally closed by coagulation necrosis with the electrocautery or harmonic scalpel during the operation.

[The role of positron emission tomography in the detection of incidental gastrointestinal tract lesions in patients examined for lung cancer]

The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients with abnormal accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract by fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET). Of the 968 consecutive patients with primary lung cancer who underwent PET from October 2005 through September 2009, 26 patients had local abnormal accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract. We retrospectively compared the localization of abnormal accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, standardized uptake value (SUV) max (1 hour), and the final clinical diagnosis. The site of abnormal accumulation was the esophagus in 1 case, the stomach in 8 and the small intestine to large intestine in 17. In 15 out of 26 (57%) cases with true PET positive results, there was esophageal cancer in 1 case, gastric cancer in 2, gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 1, colon cancer in 8, and 1 each of metastasis to the stomach, small intestine and large intestine from lung cancer. In 11 cases with false PET-positive results, there was a stomach polyp in 1 case, gastritis in 3, colon polyp in 1, diverticulitis in 1 and normal physiologic accumulation in 5. There were no differences in mean SUV max among malignant lesions, benign lesions, and normal physiologic accumulation. We should perform endoscopy of the digestive tract to detect malignant lesions with high incidence rates when PET shows localalized abnormal accumulation in the gastrointestinal, tract in patients with lung cancer.

Bird fancier's lung which developed in a pigeon breeder presenting organizing pneumonia

Bird fancier's lung (BFL) is one of the most common types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. We report a rare case of acute-on-chronic bird fancier's lung that developed in a pigeon breeder and presented subpleural curvilinear shadow and ground glass opacity on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest. The results of surgical lung biopsy showed mainly intraalveolar organization and alveolitis in addition to the pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia with centrilobular fibrosis. Examination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid revealed an increase in lymphocytes. The results of immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA antibodies against pigeon dropping extracts were positive in sera and BAL fluid. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed as having BFL. Avoidance of pigeons and corticosteroid therapy led to rapid improvement.

Pulmonary hamartoma diagnosed by convex probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)

A 71-year-old man with a right hilar mass shadow was referred to our department. Chest computed tomography showed a small fatty area inside. Convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) images revealed a heterogeneous low-echoic mass, resembling a stone wall and showing a smooth sliding movement along the tracheal wall during respiration. Transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was performed and cartilage cells were identified, compatible with the presence of a hamartoma. The patient requested follow-up without surgical intervention. CP-EBUS images are easier to interpret than other methods for monitoring respiratory dynamics. We conclude that CP-EBUS is a useful addition to techniques both for non-invasive imaging as well as guiding pathological examination.

Usefulness of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography for investigating unexplained rising carcinoembryonic antigen levels that occur during the postoperative surveillance of lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Positron emission tomography with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) has been useful for the detection of recurrent lung cancer. However, such technology is expensive and is not always widely available. In this study, we evaluated the selected use of FDG-PET for lung cancer patients with re-elevated levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) after curative surgery.

METHODS

Among 327 patients who underwent curative resection for primary lung cancer from May 2002 through March 2007, 199 had adenocarcinoma, of whom 78 (39%) had elevated levels of serum CEA before treatment. After surgery, the level was monitored every 1 to 3 months. Re-elevation of CEA was recognized in 39 (50%) patients, 22 of whom underwent FDG-PET and were included in this study. FDG-PET images were visually inspected, and abnormally increased FDG uptake was interpreted as recurrence. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET in detecting recurrent lung cancer were determined.

RESULTS

FDG-PET correctly identified 14 out of 15 relapses and gave true negative results in six out of seven remissions, i.e., one false-negative and one false-positive were observed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 93%, 86%, 93%, and 86%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In 64% of the patients with unexplained increased CEA levels, FDG-PET provided decisive diagnostic clues guiding further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The selected use of FDG-PET for patients with re-elevated serum CEA levels after surgery can be a practical and effective mode of surveillance for detecting recurrent lung cancer.

[Efficacy of fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging in response evaluation of patients with small cell lung cancer (pilot study)]

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of PET/CT in response evaluation of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Among the 25 patients with primary small cell lung cancer who had been treated from August 2004 through to May 2008, we compared the response evaluation between conventional CT and fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), [CMR (Complete Metabolic Response), PMR (Partial Metabolic Response), SMD (Stable Metabolic Disease), PMD (Progressive Metabolic Disease)] before and after the treatment. Response assessment was discordant in 2 out of 25 cases (8%) after the first cycle of chemotherapy and in 3 out of 19 cases (16%) after the fourth cycle of chemotherapy. Two discordant cases after the first cycle of chemotherapy were PR and SD respectively by CT but both were found to be PMD by PET. Two out of three discordant cases after the fourth cycle of chemotherapy were PR by CT but both found to be CMR by PET. These results suggest that FDG-PET is useful for response assessment of early diagnosis of recurrence and prognostic outlook in small cell lung cancer, however further cases need to be collected.

Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is required for in vivo brain-derived neurotrophic factor production in the rat hippocampus

Several lines of evidence strongly suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with the formation, storage and recall of memory in the hippocampus and that it is important to maintain a considerable level of hippocampal BDNF in order to keep normal functions. BDNF can be synthesized in an activity-dependent manner. In fact, kainic acid or AMPA enhances BDNF levels in hippocampal granule neurons. However, the mechanisms of BDNF production are largely unclear. Recently, we have found that riluzole, which blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and thereby reduces glutamate release, actually strengthens immunoreactivity of BDNF in hippocampal granule neurons of rats. Therefore, we examined the riluzole-activated signaling pathways for BDNF production. Riluzole increased levels of phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), as well as BDNF levels. Inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 reduced riluzole effects, while activation of p38 MAPK by anisomycin increased levels of BDNF, suggesting that p38 MAPK can mediate BDNF production. Riluzole-induced elevation of phospho-activating transcription factor-2, a transcription factor downstream of p38 MAPK, was also observed. A blocker of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels reduced the effects of riluzole on BDNF production and p38 MAPK activation. We also examined a possible involvement of the adenosine A1 receptor in BDNF production because riluzole can influence ecto-nucleotide levels. An A1 receptor agonist inhibited riluzole-induced elevation of BDNF levels, whereas an antagonist not only increased levels of BDNF and active p38 MAPK but also augmented riluzole effects. These results indicate that, in the rat hippocampus, there is an in vivo signaling pathway for BDNF synthesis mediated by p38 MAPK, and that N-type voltage-gated calcium channels and/or adenosine A1 receptors contribute to p38 MAPK activation.