The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Pulmonary ossifications are classified as either dendriform or nodular, according to their histologic appearance. Both seem to be distributed similarly and are often confined to the lower lobes of the lung. These ossifications may be included in the differential diagnosis of a solitary pulmonary nodule.
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Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is a rare cause of pulmonary nodules that occurs when uterine leiomyomas metastasize to the lung. The management of these lesions varies from resection and hysterectomy to nonsurgical treatments such as hormonal therapy. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman with multiple nodules of the right lung identified during preoperative imaging before her hysterectomy for uterine fibroids.
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Comparative Study
Intraoperative use of low-dose recombinant activated factor VII during thoracic aortic operations.
Numerous studies have supported the effectiveness of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) for the control of bleeding after cardiac procedures; however safety concerns persist. Here we report the novel use of intraoperative low-dose rFVIIa in thoracic aortic operations, a strategy intended to improve safety by minimizing rFVIIa exposure. ⋯ Intraoperative low-dose rFVIIa led to improved postoperative hemostasis with no apparent increase in adverse events. Intraoperative rFVIIa administration in appropriately selected patients may correct coagulopathy early in the course of refractory blood loss and lead to improved safety through the use of smaller rFVIIa doses. Appropriately powered randomized studies are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach.
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Despite recent studies reporting on the results of prospective intentional sublobar resection for patients with small non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), few studies have investigated predictors for prognosis or recurrence exclusively in patients undergoing intentional sublobar resection. ⋯ The factors related to upstaging on pathologic diagnosis were not identified as independent predictors; therefore, the current patient selection criterion seems reasonable. If lymphatic permeation is present on pathologic findings, careful follow-up is recommended. The predictors identified in this study will support assessment and interpretation of the results of ongoing prospective randomized trials of lobar versus sublobar resection in patients with small peripheral NSCLC.
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Comparative Study
Midterm benefits of preoperative statin therapy in patients undergoing isolated valve surgery.
Recent data have suggested that statins are associated with reduced early mortality and cardiovascular events after valvular heart surgery. The midterm effects of preoperative statin therapy in the setting of valvular heart surgery are presently unclear. ⋯ Preoperative statin administration is associated with early reductions in mortality among patients undergoing isolated valvular heart surgery, leading to improved late survival. Future prospective analyses are warranted to optimize statin therapy in this patient population.