Intercostal hemangioma presenting as a chest wall tumor.

Skeletal muscle hemangiomas are uncommonly described in a variety of locations. This report details the diagnosis and management of a 39-year-old woman with a right chest wall mass detected on physical examination. After a negative diagnostic evaluation, exploratory thoracotomy revealed an intercostal hemangioma, undescribed in recent literature. The lesion was excised.     

Video thoracoscopic excision of an intercostal neurilemoma presenting as a lateral chest wall tumor

Thoracoscopic surgery has expanded with advances in endoscopic surgical instrumentation. We report on a 21-year-old woman with a complete thoracoscopic resection of an intercostal neurilemoma, which occurred extrapleurally in the ninth intercostal space of the lateral thoracic wall. The tumor was 70×40×25 mm in size, but a thoracotomy with a rib resection was avoided. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Thoracoscopic resection of an intercostal neurilemoma, presenting as a lateral chest wall tumor, may be a safe and useful approach with an improved cosmetic result.     

Intercostal hemangioma

This paper presents a case of intercostal hemangioma, in which a complete surgical resection was accomplished based upon a tentative diagnosis provided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 27-year-old man visited our hospital for the evaluation of chest pain and shortness of breath after exertion. Computed tomography showed a soft tissue mass, 5.5×3.5 cm in size, arising from the right lateral 7th intercostal space. Dynamic MRI showed that the mass was enhanced rapidly in the early phase and that this early enhancement was maintained during the delayed phase, which was compatible with a diagnosis of intercostal hemangioma. The patient underwent surgery, and a complete resection of the tumor with the right 7th and 8th ribs and their intercostal muscles was accomplished. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of intramuscular hemangioma of the large-vessel type. Presently, 6 months after the operation, the patient is doing well, without any evidence of local recurrence.     

Cavernous hemangioma with hematoma in the chest wall due to penetration from the anterior mediastinum

The patient was a 51-year-old man who visited the hospital with swelling of the anterior chest. Chest computed tomography detected a tumor developing from the anterior mediastinum to the anterior chest wall. There was weak contrast enhancement inside the tumor, and calcification was observed in the central region. A soft tumor with an obscure border and that adhered to the back of the left sternum was surgically removed with thymic fat including the region of the chest wall that had been penetrated by the tumor. The tumor measured 30 × 25 mm, and a phlebolith was observed in the center. The pathological tissue was diagnosed to be a cavernous hemangioma, and there were no malignant findings in the endothelial cells. Mediastinal hemangioma should therefore be kept in mind during an evaluation of mediastinal tumors, and one must also take into account the effect on the surrounding organs. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Primary bone lymphoma presenting as chest wall mass

Primary intra-osseous lymphoma of bone is a rare malignant neoplastic disorder of the skeleton. It constitutes 3–5% of primary malignant bone tumours. Most intra-osseous lesions are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (94%). Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of bone is found in the femur and pelvis in young patients. Primary bone lymphoma presenting as isolated chest wall mass is rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We report a young male patient with primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the bone presenting as chest wall mass and back pain     

Chondrosarcoma of the chest wall: a clinical analysis

Purpose. To discuss the management of different histological types of chondrosarcoma (CS) in the chest wall based on our clinical experience. Methods. The subjects of this study were 16 patients with CS of the chest wall surgically treated by resection at our institute between September 1981 and August 2000. There were 11 men and 5 women ranging in age from 23 to 74 years. The median follow-up period was 54 months. The tumor was located only in the ribs in ten patients, in the sternum and ribs in three, only in the sternum in two, and in the ribs and spine in one. The surgical margins were wide in 12 patients and marginal in four. Reconstruction using Marlex mesh combined with moldable metal plates was carried out to prevent flail chest in nine patients, resection alone was performed in five patients, and a muscular flap was used in two patients. Results. The survival rate was 86% after a median follow-up period of 54 months. One operative death (6.2%) occurred, and another required temporary tracheostomy. There were no infections in this series. Oncological outcome was clinically related to surgical margins and recurrence. The postoperative respiratory function test result was 10% less than the preoperative one. Conclusion. This series demonstrated that wide resection is the treatment of choice for chest wall CS and that Marlex mesh combined with metallic mouldable plates is a reliable technique for reconstruction. Received: April 3, 2001 / Accepted: November 20, 2001     

Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with chest wall involvement: a case series

Chest wall tumors in the pediatric population can have a variety of etiologies, malignancy being the most worrisome. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) rarely presents as a chest wall mass in the pediatric population. In this report, we describe 3 male pediatric patients, all of whom had chest wall masses present at the initial diagnosis of HL. We also discuss the literature on this topic. We conclude that malignancy and, more specifically, HL should always be considered when evaluating a pediatric patient who presents with a chest wall mass.     

Primary hydatid cyst of the rib mimicking chest wall tumor: a case report

Hydatidosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is still an endemic parasitic disease in the Mediterranean area, South America, North Africa, and Australia. The most common anatomic location of hydatid disease is the liver, followed by the lung. Hydatidosis is located in the bones in 0.5% to 2% of all cases. A hydatid cyst can be seen in any part of the body. However, primary hydatid cyst of the rib in childhood is exceedingly rare. We report the first case of a pediatric hydatid cyst of the rib mimicking chest wall tumor.     

Using a bioabsorbable copolymer plate for chest wall reconstruction

Reconstruction of the chest wall in a child is an uncommon problem for pediatric surgeons. The available material for chest wall reconstruction typically has been borrowed from the adult experience. The authors describe their recent experience with a commercially available bioabsorbable plate in a variety of conditions that require chest wall reconstruction.     

Continuous remission in an infant with chest wall malignant rhabdoid tumor after relapse

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a highly aggressive tumor that occurs in infancy or childhood. The prognosis, especially in infants, is very poor. Here we report the long-term survival of a 5-month-old boy with MRT that arose from the chest wall. After total resection of the tumor, the patient was given 4 cycles of doxorubicin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide, alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide. After 18 months off therapy, he had a local recurrence at the same site. After a second total resection, he was given additional chemotherapy with 30.6-Gy local irradiation. No further recurrence has been observed for 5 years since the second complete remission. Currently, he is alive and well at 7.5 years post-onset. Our experience in this case suggests a fundamental strategy of successful treatment of this highly malignant pediatric tumor: (1) complete resection of the localized tumor, (2) intensive multiagent chemotherapy for the minimal disseminated disease, and (3) radiotherapy for local control of the disease.     

聚对二氧环己酮网制备及重建犬胸壁缺损的研究

目的 通过生物材料的选择和制备,研制新型可降解人工胸壁修复材料,并通过动物实验探讨其用于胸壁重建的可行性.方法 采用聚对二氧环己酮(PDO)纤维编织成网状结构人工胸壁,应用于犬胸壁缺损重建动物模型,8、16、24周处死实验犬,观察人工材料降解变化、材料与组织结合界面、胸壁再生情况.结果 PDO网可以重建胸壁稳定性,并在24周内逐步降解吸收,由机体再生组织完全取代.结论 PDO网具备适宜的可降解特性,作为胸壁重建材料,可获得有效胸壁稳定,具有良好临床应用前景.     

钛板联合Teflon补片重建胸骨肿瘤切除后胸廓

目的探讨胸骨肿瘤切除术后采用钛板联合Teflon补片重建胸廓的方法及疗效。方法 2006年10月-2009年11月,收治4例胸骨肿瘤患者。男2例,女2例;年龄30～55岁。以胸部肿块、疼痛1～6个月后入院。检查见胸前区范围为4 cm×3 cm～10 cm×8 cm的肿块,质硬。CT检查见骨质破坏。采用胸骨肿瘤扩大切除术,切除范围为10 cm×8 cm～18 cm×14 cm,采用钛板联合Teflon补片重建胸廓。结果患者手术均顺利完成。术后切口Ⅰ期愈合,未出现反常呼吸、皮下气肿、气胸、感染等并发症。术后6个月1例失访,1例术后25个月因颅内出血死亡;余2例分别获随访1年及4年,肿瘤未见复发。所有患者胸壁塑形良好,随访期间钛板无松动、外露,无呼吸困难、胸闷、胸痛等不适。结论胸骨肿瘤切除后采用钛板联合Teflon补片重建胸廓,具有手术操作简便、塑形效果满意、术后并发症少等优点。     

Respiratory insufficiency in a newborn with mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall occupying the thoracic cavity

The authors describe a newborn patient with mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. A massive thoracic tumor was diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging at the 28th week of gestation. She was delivered through cesarean delivery at the 36th gestational week. Respiratory distress because of pulmonary hypoplasia necessitated neonatal intensive care. The tumor extensively involved the left hemithorax including all 12 ribs and the first 10 thoracic vertebrae, resulting in marked deformity of the thorax. At 5 days of age, she underwent the incisional biopsy through a left thoracotomy. Histopathology of biopsy specimens showed multiple components of mesenchymal origin including premature cartilage, bone, and cystic lesions resembling aneurysmal bone cyst. The tumor then showed a rapid overgrowth, but subsequently exhibited a self-limited growth for months, in which her respiratory condition gradually improved to spontaneous breathing without oxygenation support. The present case advocates perinatal preparations for associated pulmonary hypoplasia and conservative management for the neoplasm in fetuses prenatally diagnosed as having this unique pathological entity.     

Novel titanium constructs for chest wall reconstruction in children

Purpose

We have previously reported the use of the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) for treatment of thoracic dystrophy. This report describes our experience with this device and other novel titanium constructs for chest wall reconstruction.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of all children and adolescents undergoing chest wall reconstruction with titanium constructs between December 2005 and May 2010.

Results

Six patients have undergone chest wall reconstruction with VEPTR or other titanium constructs. Four had chest wall resection for primary malignancy, 1 had metastatic chest wall tumor resection, and 1 had congenital chest wall deformity. There were no immediate complications, and all patients have exhibited excellent respiratory function with no scoliosis.

Conclusions

Chest wall reconstruction after tumor resection or for primary chest wall deformities can be effectively accomplished with VEPTR and other customized titanium constructs. Goals should be durable protection of intrathoracic organs and preservation of thoracic volume and function throughout growth. Careful preoperative evaluation and patient-specific planning are important aspects of successful reconstruction.     

Scoliosis after chest wall resection

Background data

There has been an increased focus on the role of rib abnormalities in the development of scoliosis. Rib resection may influence the development of scoliosis. Although scoliosis has been identified in patients after thoracotomy, most of the currently available information is from case reports.

Methods

We examined records of 37 patients who underwent a chest wall or rib resection for rib lesions at our institution during the period of 1992 to 2005. Adequate data was available in 21 patients. We gathered data on demographic information, location of resection, and changes in curvature after resection based on radiograph or scout CT films at the latest follow-up appointment.

Results

Fourteen of 21 patients developed scoliosis with a mean Cobb angle of 25.8° (10°–70°). Eleven of these 14 patients had a progressive spinal deformity after chest wall resection with an average change in curvature of 29° (10°–70°). Eight of those 11 developed a convex toward the resection, while 3/11 developed a convex away from the resection. Seven of the eight patients with resections that included a rib superior to the sixth rib developed scoliosis, while four of 13 with resections below the sixth rib developed scoliosis.

Conclusion

Patients who have had a rib or chest wall resection are at risk for developing scoliosis, particularly if the resection is performed above the sixth rib.     

An atypical congenital chest wall deformity

An 11-year-old girl with an asymmetric chest wall deformity demonstrated an excavation in the flank combined with partial synergy of costae 4 and 5. She was treated by an innovative partial chest wall reconstruction consisting of rib remodeling and internal osteosynthesis. The reconstruction regained symmetry and cosmesis. Special cases of chest wall deformity require an individualized management.     

Desmoid tumor of the chest wall following chest surgery: Report of a case

Desmoid tumors of the chest wall following chest surgery are a rare occurrence. A case of this disease is reported herein together with a review of the literature. A 74-year-old man, who had previously undergone a right lower lobectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, was referred to our hospital with an abnormal shadow on his chest X-ray. The tumor, located in the right lateral chest wall, was successfully resected by an aggressive, wide extirpation, and a final diagnosis of a desmoid tumor originating in the chest wall was made. When following up patients after surgery for lung cancer, the possibility of desmoid tumors developing in the incised chest wall should therefore be kept in mind.     

Reconstruction of the chest wall following extended interscapulothoracic amputation and chest wall resection

Summary Extended interscapulothoracic amputation is a major operative procedure indicated in the treatment of malignant primary bony and soft tissue tumors involving the shoulder girdle and chest wall. The technique of chest wall resection and its reconstruction is described in two patients with recurrent malignant fibrous histiocytoma following extended interscapulothoracic amputation some months earlier. The stability of the chest wall was restored by using marlex mesh as a sandwich of two layers of mesh with methylmethacrylate interposed. Because of damage of the tissue around the chest wall resection by previous radiation therapy, free myocutaneous flaps were used for closure of the defects. Using this technique for reconstruction of large areas of the chest wall, it is feasible to restore sufficient pulmonary function and to obtain closure under unfavorable conditions. This operative technique can be used as a curative or palliative treatment following interscapulothoracic amputation of recurrent musculoskeletal tumors.