Prevalence and clinical relevance of liver dysfunction after thoracic surgery: a retrospective study

Postoperative elevation of serum aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase levels after liver and heart surgeries has been widely reported. The prevalence and clinical significance of hypertransaminasemia/liver dysfunction after thoracic surgery remains largely unknown. Significant differences in surgical procedures between thoracic and extra-thoracic surgeries may suggest different risks of liver dysfunction. We retrospectively analyzed data from 224 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic surgery. Liver function tests were recorded the day before surgery, 12 h, 1 day, 5, and 10 days after the surgical procedure. Patients were studied to identify the frequency of hypertransaminasemia and/or hyperbilirubinemia and/or increase of INR levels. 37,5% of patients showed an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level after thoracic surgery, whereas an increase in gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) serum levels of any grade was observed in 53,6% of patients. Approximately 83% of patients who experienced an increase in the serum GGT or ALT levels showed a grade 1 or 2 change. Operative time was associated with hypertransaminasemia in the univariate and multivariate analyses, whereas the use of metformin was associated with a lower risk of ALT increase.

Surgical management of compensatory sweating: A systematic review

Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) surgery is a highly effective treatment of primary hyperhidrosis (PH) for the palms, face, axillae. Compensatory sweating (CS) is the most common and feared side effect of thoracic sympathectomy. CS is a phenomenon characterized by increased sweating in sites distal to the level of sympathectomy. Compensatory sweating is the main problem for which many patients give up surgery, losing the chance to solve their problem and accepting a poor quality of life. There are still no treatments that offer reliable solutions for compensatory sweating. The treatments proposed in the literature are scarce, with low case histories, and with uncertain results. Factors associated with CS are extension of manipulation of the sympathetic chain, level of sympathetic denervation, and body mass index. Therapeutic options include non surgical treatment and surgical treatment. Non surgical treatments include topical agents, botulinum toxin, systemic anticholinergics, iontophoresis. Surgical treatments include clip removal, extended sympathectomy and sympathetic chain reconstruction, although the efficacy is not well-established for all the methods. In this review we provide an overview of the treatments and outcomes described in the literature for the management of compensatory CS, with focus on surgical treatment.

Characterization of anti-proliferative and anti-oxidant effects of nano-sized vesicles from Brassica oleracea L. (Broccoli)

In this in vitro study, we test our hypothesis that Broccoli-derived vesicles (BDVs), combining the anti-oxidant properties of their components and the advantages of their structure, can influence the metabolic activity of different cancer cell lines. BDVs were isolated from homogenized fresh broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) using a sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation method and were characterized in terms of physical properties, such as particle size, morphology, and surface charge by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser doppler electrophoresis (LDE). Glucosinolates content was assessed by RPLC–ESI–MS analysis. Three different human cancer cell lines (colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2, lung adenocarcinoma NCI-H441 and neuroblastoma SHSY5Y) were evaluated for metabolic activity by the MTT assay, uptake by fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and anti-oxidant activity by a fluorimetric assay detecting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Three bands were obtained with average size measured by TEM based size distribution analysis of 52 nm (Band 1), 70 nm (Band 2), and 82 nm (Band 3). Glucobrassicin, glucoraphanin and neoglucobrassicin were found mostly concentrated in Band 1. BDVs affected the metabolic activity of different cancer cell lines in a dose dependent manner compared with untreated cells. Overall, Band 2 and 3 were more toxic than Band 1 irrespective of the cell lines. BDVs were taken up by cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Pre-incubation of cells with BDVs resulted in a significant decrease in ROS production in Caco-2 and NCI-H441 stimulated with hydrogen peroxide and SHSY5Y treated with 6-hydroxydopamine, with all three Bands. Our findings open to the possibility to find a novel “green” approach for cancer treatment, focused on using vesicles from broccoli, although a more in-depth characterization of bioactive molecules is warranted.

The classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the lung and digestive system according to WHO, 5th Edition: similarities, differences, challenges & unmet needs

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a group of disease entities sharing common morphological, ultrastructural and immunophenotypical features, yet with distinct biological behavior and clinical outcome, ranging from benign to frankly malignant. Accordingly, a spectrum of therapeutic options for each single entity is available, including somatostatin analogues (SSA), mTOR-inhibitors, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), non-platinum and platinum chemotherapy. In the last few decades, several attempts have been made in order to (1) better stratify these lesions refining the pathological classifications, so as to obtain an optimal correspondence between the scientific terminology and, the predictive and prognostic features of each disease subtype, and (2) achieve a global Classification encompassing NENs arising at different anatomical sites. Aim of this review is to analyze, compare and discuss the main features and issues of the latest WHO Classifications of NENs of the lung and the digestive system, in order to point out the strengths and limitations of our current understanding of these complex diseases.

Pulmonary Hamartoma Associated With Lung Cancer (PHALC Study): Results of a Multicenter Study

Purpose

Pulmonary hamartoma is the most common benign tumor of the lung. We analyzed a 20-year historical series of patients with pulmonary hamartoma undergoing surgical resection, aiming to evaluate the characteristics, the outcomes, and the association between hamartoma and lung cancer.

Methods

It was a retrospective multicenter study including the data of all consecutive patients with pulmonary hamartoma undergoing surgical resection. The end-points were to evaluate: (i) the characteristics of hamartoma, (ii) outcomes, and (iii) whether hamartoma was a predictive factor for lung cancer development

Results

Our study population included 540 patients. Upfront surgical or endoscopic resection was performed in 385 (71%) cases while in the remaining 155 (29%) cases, the lesions were resected 20 ± 3.5 months later due to increase in size. In most cases, lung sparing resection was carried out including enucleation (n = 259; 48%) and wedge resection (n = 230; 43%) while 5 (1%) patients underwent endoscopic resection. Only two patients (0, 2%) had major complications. One patient (0.23%) had recurrence after endoscopic resection, while no cases of malignant degeneration were seen (mean follow-up:103.3 ± 93 months). Seventy-six patients (14%) had associated lung cancer, synchronous in 9 (12%) and metachronous in 67 (88%). Only age > 70-year-old (p = 0.0059) and smokers > 20 cigarettes/day (p < 0.0001) were the significant risk factors for lung cancer.

Conclusion

PH was a benign tumor, with no evidence of recurrence and/or of malignant degeneration after resection. The association between hamartoma and lung cancer was a spurious phenomenon due to common risk factors.

Primary Pulmonary B-Cell Lymphoma: A Review and Update

Simple Summary

The group of B-cell lymphomas primarily involving the lung encompasses different histological entities with distinct biological aspects, while sharing some clinical and radiological features related to their common anatomic site of occurrence. Recent molecular advances in the molecular genetics of these lesions have substantially improved of our understanding of the mechanisms of lymphomagenesis, adding novel information to histology in order to better characterize and manage these diseases. This review summarizes the available clinical, radiological, pathological, and molecular data on primary pulmonary B-cell lymphomas, discusses the mechanisms of lymphomagenesis, and highlights the role of a multi-disciplinary management in overcoming the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in this setting.

Abstract

Primary pulmonary B-cell lymphomas (PP-BCLs) comprise a group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas of B-cell origin, which primarily affect the lung without evidence of extrapulmonary disease at the time of diagnosis and up to 3 months afterwards. Primary lymphoid proliferations of the lung are most often of B-cell lineage, and include three major entities with different clinical, morphological, and molecular features: primary pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (PP-MZL, or MALT lymphoma), primary pulmonary diffuse large B cell lymphoma (PP-DLBCL), and lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG). Less common entities include primary effusion B-cell lymphoma (PEL) and intravascular large B cell lymphoma (IVLBCL). A proper workup requires a multidisciplinary approach, including radiologists, pneumologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, hemato-oncologists, and radiation oncologists, in order to achieve a correct diagnosis and risk assessment. Aim of this review is to analyze and outline the clinical and pathological features of the most frequent PP-BCLs, and to critically analyze the major issues in their diagnosis and management.

SARS-CoV-2-related lung pathology: macroscopic and histologic features and their clinical implications

The ongoing global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been posing challenges to proper patients' management. Lungs are the first, and often the most affected organ by SARS-CoV-2; viral infection involves and damages both epithelial and vascular compartments, sometimes leading to severe and even fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome. Histopathological findings, mainly from postmortem examination of COVID-19 deceased patients, have been increasingly published in the last few months, helping to elucidate the sequence of events resulting in organ injury, and the complex multifactorial pathogenesis of this novel disease. A multidisciplinary approach to autopsy, including light microscopy examination along with the detection of viral proteins and/or RNA in tissue samples through ancillary techniques, provided crucial information on the mechanisms underlying the often-heterogeneous clinical picture of COVID-19.

Prognostic factors of lung cancer in lymphoma survivors (the LuCiLyS study)

Background

Second cancer is the leading cause of death in lymphoma survivors, with lung cancer representing the most common solid tumor. Limited information exists about the treatment and prognosis of second lung cancer following lymphoma. Herein, we evaluated the outcome and prognostic factors of Lung Cancer in Lymphoma Survivors (the LuCiLyS study) to improve the patient selection for lung cancer treatment.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicentre study including consecutive patients treated for lymphoma disease that subsequently developed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data regarding lymphoma including age, symptoms, histology, disease stage, treatment received and lymphoma status at the time of lung cancer diagnosis, and data on lung carcinoma as age, smoking history, latency from lymphoma, symptoms, histology, disease stage, treatment received, and survival were evaluated to identify the significant prognostic factors for overall survival.

Results

Our study population included 164 patients, 145 of which underwent lung cancer resection. The median overall survival was 63 (range, 58–85) months, and the 5-year survival rate 54%. At univariable analysis no-active lymphoma (HR: 2.19; P=0.0152); early lymphoma stage (HR: 1.95; P=0.01); adenocarcinoma histology (HR: 0.59; P=0.0421); early lung cancer stage (HR: 3.18; P<0.0001); incidental diagnosis of lung cancer (HR: 1.71; P<0.0001); and lung cancer resection (HR: 2.79; P<0.0001) were favorable prognostic factors. At multivariable analysis, no-active lymphoma (HR: 2.68; P=0.004); early lung cancer stage (HR: 2.37; P<0.0001); incidental diagnosis of lung cancer (HR: 2.00; P<0.0001); and lung cancer resection (HR: 2.07; P<0.0001) remained favorable prognostic factors. Patients with non-active lymphoma (n=146) versus those with active lymphoma (n=18) at lung cancer diagnosis presented better median survival (64 vs. 37 months; HR: 2.4; P=0.02), but median lung cancer specific survival showed no significant difference (27 vs. 19 months; HR: 0.3; P=0.17).

Conclusions

The presence and/or a history of lymphoma should not be a contraindication to resection of lung cancer. Inclusion of lymphoma survivors in a lung cancer-screening program may lead to early detection of lung cancer, and improve the survival.

Flow-Volume Curve Analysis for Predicting Recurrence After Endoscopic Dilation of Airway Stenosis

BACKGROUND

The flow-volume curve is a simple test for diagnosing upper airway obstruction. We evaluated its use to predict recurrence in patients undergoing endoscopic dilation for treatment of benign upper airway stenosis.

METHODS

The data of 89 consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic dilation of simple upper airway stenosis were retrospectively reviewed. Morphologic distortion of flow-volume loop (visual analysis) and quantitative criteria, including maximal expiratory flow rate at 50% of the vital capacity (MEF_50%)/maximal inspiratory flow rate at 50% of the vital capacity (MIF_50%) of less than 0.3 or more than 1.0, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/MEF exceeding 10, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced expiratory volume in .05 second exceeding 1.5, were considered predictive of recurrence. In all cases, the recurrence was confirmed by radiologic or bronchoscopic findings, or both. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of visual, quantitative, and aggregate criteria for detecting recurrence were computed and compared.

RESULTS

Of 89 patients treated, 27 (30%) had a recurrence. Visual analysis presented a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 63%, 83.9%, 63%, 83.9%, and 77.5%, respectively. Among the quantitative criterion, the MEF_50%/MIF_50% was the most accurate, having a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 77.8%, 79%, 61.8%, and 89.1%, and 78.7%, respectively. Aggregate criterion presented the best yield compared with other criteria in sensitivity (81.5%), specificity (91.9%), PPV (81.5%), NPV (91.9%), and accuracy (88.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The flow-volume curve is a simple and noninvasive method to monitor patients undergoing endoscopic dilation of upper airway stenosis. Morphologic changes in the flow-volume loop and in the MEF_50%/MIF_50% ratio are suggestive of recurrence and guide the physician to implement the follow-up with further diagnostic (non)invasive examinations.

Peep titration based on the open lung approach during one lung ventilation in thoracic surgery: a physiological study

BACKGROUND

During thoracic surgery in lateral decubitus, one lung ventilation (OLV) may impair respiratory mechanics and gas exchange. We tested a strategy based on an open lung approach (OLA) consisting in lung recruitment immediately followed by a decremental positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration to the best respiratory system compliance (C_RS) and separately quantified the elastic properties of the lung and the chest wall. Our hypothesis was that this approach would improve gas exchange. Further, we were interested in documenting the impact of the OLA on partitioned respiratory system mechanics.

METHODS

In thirteen patients undergoing upper left lobectomy we studied lung and chest wall mechanics, transpulmonary pressure (P_L), respiratory system and transpulmonary driving pressure (ΔP_RS and ΔP_L), gas exchange and hemodynamics at two time-points (a) during OLV at zero end-expiratory pressure (OLV_pre-OLA) and (b) after the application of the open-lung strategy (OLV_post-OLA).

RESULTS

The external PEEP selected through the OLA was 6 ± 0.8 cmH₂O. As compared to OLV_pre-OLA, the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio went from 205 ± 73 to 313 ± 86 (p = .05) and C_L increased from 56 ± 18 ml/cmH₂O to 71 ± 12 ml/cmH₂O (p = .0013), without changes in C_CW. Both ΔP_RS and ΔP_L decreased from 9.2 ± 0.4 cmH₂O to 6.8 ± 0.6 cmH₂O and from 8.1 ± 0.5 cmH₂O to 5.7 ± 0.5 cmH₂O, (p = .001 and p = .015 vs OLV_pre-OLA), respectively. Hemodynamic parameters remained stable throughout the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

In our patients, the OLA strategy performed during OLV improved oxygenation and increased C_L and had no clinically significant hemodynamic effects. Although our study was not specifically designed to study ΔP_RS and ΔP_L, we observed a parallel reduction of both after the OLA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

TRN: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03435523 , retrospectively registered, Feb 14 2018.

Enhanced recovery pathways in thoracic surgery from Italian VATS group: nursing care program

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an interprofessional program that can lead to hastened patient recovery and reduced time in hospital. Nursing staff play a key role in the implementation of enhanced recovery protocols. This issue focalizes the role of nurses in ERAS program for patients submitted to Thoracic Surgery, in particular for cases of major lung resection performed by a minimally invasive surgical approach (VATS, video assisted thoracic surgery).

Spontaneous Disappearance of a Pericardial Cyst: Case Report and Literature Review

Pericardial cysts are rare benign anomalies generally discovered as incidental findings on radiographic images. Rarely, pericardial cysts cause symptoms and may lead to complications. A 56-year-old woman presented to the emergency department for mild chest pain. A cardiovascular and respiratory examination revealed no abnormalities, while a chest X-ray and subsequent thoracic computed tomography (CT) showed a pericardial cyst. The patient refused both percutaneous treatment and thoracic surgery. Three years later, a thoracic CT scan showed that the pericardial cyst had disappeared. Although the spontaneous resolution of these lesions is rare, this article highlights the possibility of conservative management in select cases.

Chest wall stabilization and reconstruction: short and long-term results 5 years after the introduction of a new titanium plates system

BACKGROUND

We report short and long-term results with the dedicated Synthes(®) titanium plates system, introduced 5 years ago, for chest wall stabilization and reconstruction.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed (January 2010 to December 2014) 27 consecutive patients (22 males, 5 females; range 16-83 years, median age 60 years), treated with this system: primary [3] and secondary [8] chest wall tumor; flail chest [5]; multiple ribs fractures [5]; sternal dehiscence-diastasis [3]; sternal fracture [1]; sternoclavicular joint dislocation [1]; Poland syndrome [1]. Short-term results were evaluated as: operating time, post-operative morbidity, mortality, hospital stay; long-term results as: survival, plates-related morbidity, spirometric values, chest pain [measured with Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) and SF12 standard V1 questionnaire].

RESULTS

Each patient received from 1 to 10 (median 2) titanium plates/splints; median operating time was 150 min (range: 115-430 min). Post-operative course: 15 patients (55.6%) uneventful, 10 (37%) minor complications, 2 (7.4%) major complications; no post-operative mortality. Median post-operative hospital stay was 13 days (range: 5-129 days). At a median follow-up of 20 months (range: 1-59 months), 21 patients (78%) were alive, 6 (22%) died. Three patients presented long-term plates-related morbidity: plates rupture [2], pin plate dislodgment [1]; two required a second surgical look. One-year from surgery median spirometric values were: FVC 3.31 L (90%), FEV1 2.46 L (78%), DLCO 20.9 mL/mmHg/min (76%). On 21 alive patients, 7 (33.3%) reported no pain (VRS score 0), 10 (47.6%) mild (score 2), 4 (19.1%) moderate (score 4), no-one severe (score >4); 15 (71.5%) reported none or mild, 6 (28.5%) moderate pain influencing quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

An optimal chest wall stabilization and reconstruction was achieved with the Synthes(®) titanium plates system, with minimal morbidity, no post-operative mortality, acceptable operating time and post-operative hospital stay. Long-term restoration of a normal respiratory function was achieved, with minimal plates-related morbidity and chest pain.

Surgical treatment of a rare case of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the azygos vein

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) of soft tissues is a rare low-grade vascular tumour, with variable malignancy. Mediastinal localization is exceptional. We report the first case of a radically resected EHE of the azygos vein (AV). A 47-year old man presented to our institution with an asymptomatic incidental neck-chest computerized tomography (CT) evidence of a 3 cm mediastinal mass, resembling a station 4R lymphadenopathy, with rather distinct margins, strictly adjacent to the AV. (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/CT revealed a SUV max of 2.3. Fiberbronchoscopy with EBUS-trans-tracheal needle aspiration of station 4R yielded nondiagnostic cytology result. A right lateral thoracotomy revealed an ovoidal mediastinal mass originating from the AV, unresectable from it but showing cleavage from the superior vena cava. The mass with the involved AV was resected en bloc by vascular stapler. Histopathology revealed a venous EHE arising from the AV. For the low mitotic rate and small tumour size, no adjuvant therapy was administered. Total body CT scan at one year from surgery shows neither local recurrence, nor distant metastases. EHE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses in adult patients. After radical removal prognosis is generally favourable, but strict follow-up must be performed because aggressive forms have been described.

Retinal Circulation After Carotid Artery Revascularization

Doubts still exist concerning the mechanisms involved in ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) and its dependence on carotid disease. We report findings from 14 surgical patients undergoing carotid artery reconstruction for symptomatic cerebrovascular disease. All of them had fluorescein angiography (FA) of the eye ipsilateral to the carotid operation before surgery and 3 months after to provide information regarding retinal circulation time. Before the surgical procedure, the mean circulation time was 29.4 ± 9.4 seconds (CI 95%: 24.5-34.3). After 3 months, a significant (P < .001) decrease in the circulation time was observed: 18.9 ± 8.4 seconds (CI 95%: 14.5-23.4). The present series demonstrates that carotid revascularization surgery improved retinal flow in approximately 80% of the patients.

Surgical treatment of a rare case of tracheal inflammatory pseudotumor in pediatric age

Tracheal inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is a rare solid lesion with an unpredictable biological course. Treatment can vary and surgical resection may sometimes be necessary, even in pediatric age. We report the case of a 12-year-old male patient who presented to our institution with sudden dyspnoea after some months of wheezing and cough, wrongly considered and treated as asthma. Neck-chest CT-scan and fiberbronchoscopy showed an intraluminal tracheal mass, originating from the left antero-lateral wall at the level of the 5th cartilagineous tracheal ring, involving three rings, that was removed by rigid bronchoscopy. Histopathology revealed a tracheal IPT. Due to rapid tendency to recurrence of the lesion, two more endoscopic recanalizations were performed, but a new recurrence appeared, with CT evidence of transmural involvement of the tracheal wall. Resection of the three involved tracheal rings and termino-terminal tracheal anastomosis were successfully performed through cervicotomy and sternal split. CT-scan and fiberbronchoscopy at 17 months from surgery show a stable tracheal lumen without signs of recurrence. A tracheal IPT should be suspected in any pediatric patients with tracheal mass and asthmatic symptoms. After radical removal prognosis is generally excellent and recurrences after tracheal resection are rare.

[Autofluorescence bronchoscopy in early diagnosis of pulmonary carcinoma]

AIM

Autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) has been proposed to widen traditional white light bronchoscopy (WLB) possibilities of early diagnosis of neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions of the tracheo-bronchial mucosa in high risk groups. The authors report their study on AFB with the aim of establishing its role in the early diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma and its positive predictive value (PPV) compared and associated to WLB.

METHODS

From May 2002 to May 2004 we performed WLB and AFB in 213 patients (177 males, 36 females), mean age 63.7 years (range 18-84 years), who were divided into 2 main groups (group A: patients at risk for bronchogenic carcinoma, n=82; group B: patients to be operated on for bronchogenic carcinoma, n=131). In total, 237 WLB-AFB were performed (101 in group A, 136 in group B) and 77 biopsies for pathological examination.

RESULTS

The 2 tools (WLB and AFB) were concordant in 156 (66%) and discordant in 81 (34%) cases. Considering the biopsies performed, we obtained a PPV of 26% for lesions visible with WLB, of 40% for those visible with AFB, of 38% for those visible with the association of both. In group A, in 56 patients of the follow-up subgroup, we found 2 dysplastic areas and 1 carcinoma in situ. In group B there was a discordant extension of the pathologic area visible with WLB and with AFB in 30 cases which was positive in 18 of them at histological examination.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, AFB has revealed to be a valid tool for both early diagnosis of neoplastic recurrences or a second primary lung neoplasia in patients in follow-up after resection and preoperative evaluation of resection margins in patients candidate to surgery. More studies are needed to widen its indications in the early diagnosis in high risk groups, to improve its potentialities and optimize its learning curve in order to establish the procedural guide lines.