High-risk fetal congenital pulmonary airway malformations have a variable response to steroids

Background/Purpose

Anecdotal reports suggest that maternal steroids may arrest the growth of congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs), preventing or reversing hydrops. We reviewed our experience with CPAMs to determine the fetal response to steroid therapy.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of all fetal CPAMs from 2004 to 2008. Fetuses with high-risk CPAMs that received at least one course of steroids were identified. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound data were used to classify the CPAMs, identify hydrops fetalis and follow the fetuses poststeroid dosing.

Results

Forty-four fetuses with CPAM were identified. Fifteen patients were found to have received at least one course of steroids. Thirteen were hydropic and 2 were nonhydropic. Seven of the 13 hydropic fetuses (54%) showed an initial response to steroid administration, whereas the 2 nonhydropic high-risk fetuses progressed to birth without developing hydrops. Seven of the 15 patients, however, resulted in fetal demise or early postnatal death, giving a survival rate of 53%.

Conclusions

High-risk CPAMs have a variable response to steroids. This variable response demonstrates the need for a placebo-controlled randomized study to more accurately determine the effect of steroids on hydrops and CPAM growth rates. Repeated steroid courses may not be helpful, and progression in CPAM volume to head circumference ratio (CVR) or hydrops should prompt open fetal surgery to prevent irreversible fetal insult.     

Diaphragmatic repair of two cases of hepatic hydrothorax using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Hepatic hydrothorax is defined as the presence of a significant pleural effusion that develops in a patient with cirrhosis of the liver who does not have underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease. There are few published case reports dealing with hepatic hydrothorax treated surgically because patients with hepatic hydrothorax have end-stage liver disease. Recently, we treated two patients with refractory hepatic hydrothorax by directly suturing the diaphragmatic defects during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). During surgery, the diaphragmatic defects were identified using abdominal insufflation of saline with indocyanine green or carbon dioxide. After suture closure using fibrin glue, both right pleural effusions were improved. The patients’ postoperative courses were uneventful, and they did not require a drainage tube when they were discharged.     

Hepatic hydrothorax without ascites in a chronic hemodialysis patient

A 70-year-old man with liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who was undergoing chronic hemodialysis developed sudden-onset right massive pleural effusion (PE) without ascites. The existence of a pleuro-peritoneal communication was proved by ^99mTc-macro-aggregated albumin peritoneal cavity scintigraphy. He did not have cardiac or pulmonary diseases, and we diagnosed his PE as hepatic hydrothorax (HH). The PE did not change in spite of the performance of pleurodesis, using autologous blood, minocycline, and the streptococcal wall component, OK432. However, after spontaneous rupture of the HCC, the PE was markedly reduced. We considered that one-way shifting of ascites to the pleural cavity via fenestration in the diaphragm was the cause of the PE, and that the hematoma caused by rupture of the HCC occluded this fenestration. We should take HH into account as one cause of PE when a chronic hemodialysis patient with LC develops PE, even in the absence of ascites. Received: May 22, 2001 / Accepted: November 8, 2001     

Prenatal growth characteristics and pre/postnatal management of bronchopulmonary sequestrations

Purpose

The prenatal natural history of intralobar and extralobar bronchopulmonary sequestrations (BPSs), including lesion growth patterns and need for prenatal intervention, have not been fully characterized. We review our series of BPSs to determine their natural history and outcomes in the context of the need for prenatal intervention.

A successful surgical repair of the hepatic hydrothorax using pneumoperitoneum: Report of a case

A successful surgical repair of a right hepatic hydrothorax in the absence of ascites is reported. A technetium-99m scintigram that was injected intraperitoneally provided evidence of a one-way flow of fluid from the peritoneal to pleural cavity. To identify and possible minute defects in the diaphragm, carbon dioxide was insufflated into the peritoneal cavity during the operation. We performed a direct suture of the defect observed on the diaphragm. The pleural effusion subsequently vanished after the operation.     

Chest wall mesenchymal hamartoma associated with a massive fetal pleural effusion: a case report

We report on an extremely rare chest wall mesenchymal hamartoma associated with a massive fetal pleural effusion. Prenatal ultrasound examination demonstrated a heterogeneous mass in the right thorax associated with a massive pleural effusion and right lung compression at 29 weeks of gestation. The patient underwent pleuroamniotic shunting at 30 weeks and was delivered at 33 weeks by cesarean delivery secondary to fetal distress. After management of the respiratory distress and evaluation of the mass, surgery was performed at day of life 8. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a chest wall mesenchymal hamartoma.     

合并大量胸腔积液的急性Standford B型主动脉夹层的腔内修复

目的 探讨合并大量胸腔积液的急性Standford B型主动脉夹层的腔内修复及围手术期处理.方法 回顾性分析27例合并大量胸腔积液的急性Standford B型主动脉夹层患者的临床资料.男性23例,女性4例,年龄分布为35～70岁,平均年龄(47±9)岁,双侧胸腔积液11例(40.7%),单纯左侧胸腔积液13例(48.1%),单纯右侧胸腔积液3例(11.1%),其中合并心包积液2例(7.4%),术前血氧饱和度均低于90%.所有患者均行急诊支架型人工血管腔内修复,术后处理包括控制血压、心率和控制性抽吸、引流胸腔积液等方法.结果 全组27例患者均接受急诊腔内修复术治疗,手术成功率100%,围手术期死亡率为0%.22例术后假腔立即消失.3例出现I型内漏,1例移植物渗血.术后需呼吸机辅助呼吸8例(29.6%),所有患者的胸腔积液于术后28 d至3个月完全吸收,其中术后胸腔积液进行性增加的6例(22.2%)进行了穿刺抽液(5例,18.5%)和置管引流(1例,3.7%),胸水最终消失.随访时间6～78个月,平均(30±20)个月,CTA示内漏均于3个月内消失,术后并发症包括胸膜增厚(6例,22.2%)、左肺不张(2例,7.4%)、左侧胸腔实变并胸廓塌陷(2例,7.4%).结论 腔内修复对于合并大量胸腔积液的急性Standford B型主动脉夹层安全、有效,对于合并大量胸腔积液的患者应及早手术,对合并严重呼衰的患者术后应进行合理的胸水抽吸或引流.     

电视纵隔镜在胸腔积液诊治中的应用

目的 探讨电视纵隔镜检查术在胸腔积液诊治的应用价值。方法 侧卧位,腋中线第7肋间做2cm小切口,插入纵隔镜,吸净胸腔积液后进行探查,从镜管内伸入活检钳钳取胸膜组织,恶性胸腔积液撒入滑石粉行胸膜固定。结果 手术时间30～70min,平均42min。32例电视纵隔镜术后确诊：腺癌22例,低分化鳞癌2例,侵袭性胸腺瘤1例,胸膜结核5例,炎症2例。结论 电视纵隔镜可作为病因未明的胸腔积液诊治方法之一。     

A new technique of thoracoscopic pleurodesis for refractory hepatic hydrothorax

Background: Hepatic hydrothorax is defined as a pleural effusion that arises in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and no cardiopulmonary disease; it is believed to result from peritoneopleural communication through a defect in the diaphragm. Methods: Nine patients underwent thoracoscopic pleurodesis. The diaphragmatic defect was detected and corrected in two cases. In all patients, an argon beam coagulator was applied to the diaphragm surface, which was then completely covered with bioabsorbable prostheses. We then spread 3 ml of fibrin glue on the covered diaphragm and sprinkled 5 KE of OK-432 and 100 mg of minocycline hydrochloride in the thoracic cavity. Results: All patients showed clinical improvement. The pleural effusion and breathlessness resolved immediately after pleurodesis. There were two recurrences after 1 and 4 months, respectively. One of these patients improved after repeat pleurodesis; the other was treated conservatively. Conclusion: Our new technique of thoracoscopic pleurodesis is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for patients with refractory hepatic hydrothorax.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis is effective for maintenance of peritoneal dialysis in acute hydrothorax complicating peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute, massive, unilateral hydrothorax is an uncommon but well-recognized complication of peritoneal dialysis. Its clinical course and treatment outcome after a recently advocated technique of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) talc pleurodesis remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between July 1998 and March 2002, among 475 CAPD patients in two regional hospitals in Hong Kong, nine patients (three men, six women, mean age 53+/-12 years) developed acute hydrothorax due to pleuroperitoneal communication (R=8, L=1) within 5.8+/-4.2 months (median, 5.2 m; range, 2 days to 11.6 months) of commencing peritoneal dialysis. Analysis of simultaneously obtained peritoneal and pleural fluid in all subjects only showed concordance in protein content (consistently<4 g/l), while fluid glucose and lactate dehydrogenase levels were not comparable. The methylene blue test was negative (n=4). Radionuclide scan (n=6) and contrast CT peritoneography (CTP, n=3) detected pleuroperitoneal communication in half and one-third of the patients, respectively. All patients underwent pleurodesis achieved by talc insufflation into the pleural cavity under VATS guidance. All patients were successfully returned to peritoneal dialysis. After a mean follow-up of 18.8+/-12.5 months, hydrothorax recurred in one patient (at 7 months after pleurodesis), who was successfully treated by repeating the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrothorax complicating CAPD is more commonly right-sided, and tends to occur within the first year of starting peritoneal dialysis. Isotope scan and CTP are insensitive in diagnosing pleuroperitoneal communication. A low pleural fluid protein content is the most consistent biochemical finding. VATS talc pleurodesis is a safe and reliable treatment of choice that allows sustained continuation of CAPD with low recurrence rate.     

Octreotide for treatment of chylothorax after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Chylothorax is a recognized cause of morbidity after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Management may include prolonged hospitalization with cessation of enteral feedings, repeated aspiration, chest tube drainage, total parenteral nutrition, and introduction of a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet as the effusion resolves. The authors report that the successful deployment of octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, hastened resolution of a postoperative chylothorax in a newborn infant with CDH.     

Pleurovenous shunt for treating refractory benign pleural effusion

We report the case of a 63-year-old female with hepatic cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C, successfully treated for refractory nonmalignant hepatic hydrothorax by using a long-term pleurovenous shunt (PVS). After failure of conventional treatment by mechanical pleurodesis, a PVS was inserted to drain the pleural fluid into the right subclavian vein. After 8 months of follow-up, the effusion is well controlled, and the shunt remains patent.     

乳糜胸的治疗进展

乳糜胸的治疗取决于患者的潜在病因及个体临床状况,如何选择最佳的治疗方案较为困难.目前主要的治疗方法包括中链甘油三酯饮食、静脉营养、药物治疗、胸腔穿刺、胸膜固定术、胸腹膜分流术、胸导管结扎或栓塞术等.本文就乳糜胸的治疗进展做一综述.     

Y形单孔胸膜活检镜在胸腔积液诊疗中的临床价值（附42例报告）

目的探讨Y形单孔电视胸膜活检镜（HOPKINS Thorascope）在胸腔积液诊疗中的临床价值。方法全麻下经Y形单孔胸膜活检镜（Storz 10 mm 0°）长臂探查胸腔,通过短臂操作孔钳取胸膜病变组织行病理检查,恶性者行胸膜固定术。结果确诊胸膜转移癌31例,胸膜间皮瘤4例,结核性胸膜炎3例,非特异性炎症2例,自发性乳靡胸1例,1例未确诊,确诊率为97.6%（41/42）。无严重并发症及手术死亡。结论Y形单孔胸膜活检镜应用于胸腔积液的诊疗具有安全、有效、省时和微创的特点,值得推广。     

超声引导疑难胸腔积液穿刺定位的应用

胸腔积液为临床常见病,可原发于胸膜炎或继发于胸部或全身其他疾病,分为渗出液和漏出液。临床为明确诊断常行胸腔穿刺抽液检查,但对少量积液或包裹性积液胸腔穿刺失败的患者,需在超声引导下行定位穿刺。本组应用床旁超声对疑难胸腔积液患者进行穿刺定位,效果良好,现报道如下。     

改良细导管引流治疗老年患者胸腔积液的临床研究

目的：探讨改良细导管引流方法在老年胸腔积液治疗中的作用。方法本文研究对象为100例我院收治的各类胸腔积液老年患者,在常规治疗及护理基础上,间断抽液组患者使用间断抽液方法进行治疗,细导管组使用经改良的细导管进行引流,比较两组患者引流量、积液消失时间、住院时间、并发症发生率,住院期间主观体验和生活质量之间的差异。结果细导管组患者引流量大于间断抽液组,积液消失时间、住院时间和并发症发生率小于间断抽液组,住院期间主观体验得分及生活质量得分皆显著高于间断抽液组（P＜0.05）。结论改良细导管引流可以在老年胸腔积液治疗中起到积极作用,其可更彻底、更快速的引流患者胸腔积液,降低相关并发症的发生率。     

Evaluation of treatment options for postoperative and spontaneous chylothorax in adults

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESBoth postoperative and spontaneous chylothorax remain therapeutic challenges without recommendations for a standardized treatment approach. Regardless of its aetiology, patients with chylothorax experience prolonged hospitalization and suffer from the associated complications or the invasive therapy administered.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective, observational review of adult patients with chylothorax treated between January 2010 and September 2019. The primary end point was successful management with sustained cessation and/or controlled chylous output. Therapy duration, inpatient stay and the incidence of complications were evaluated as secondary end points.RESULTSOf the 36 patients included (22 men; median age 63 years), 24 patients (67%) suffered from a postoperative accumulation of chylous fluid in the pleural space; in the remaining 12 (33%) patients, chylothoraces occurred spontaneously. Initial conservative treatment was successful in 42% (n = 15); in the other 20 cases (56%) additional invasive therapeutic strategies were followed. A complicated course requiring more than 1 treatment was seen in 54% (n = 13) of the postoperative and in 58% (n = 7) of the spontaneous cases. The median length of hospitalization was significantly longer in the postoperative group (37.5 vs 15.5 days; P = 0.016). Serious complications were observed only in the postoperative group (P = 0.28). There were no in-hospital deaths.CONCLUSIONSBasic treatment of both postoperative and spontaneous chylothorax should include dietary measures in all patients. Additional sclerosing radiotherapy and interventional or surgical therapy are often necessary. The choice of therapeutic approach should be indicated, depending on the aetiology and development of the chylothorax. Early, multimodal treatment is recommended.     

Successful management of a large fetal mediastinal teratoma complicated by hydrops fetalis

This report describes a case of fetal mediastinal teratoma complicated by hydrops fetalis managed successfully by aspiration of the tumor cyst fluid. Fetal mediastinal teratomas are rare tumors that cause hydrops fetalis or fetal demise in the prenatal period and respiratory distress in the neonatal period. The patient presented with a large cystic mass in the thoracic cavity complicated by hydrops fetalis. The hydrops resolved after fetal aspiration of the tumor cyst fluid. The infant was born without respiratory distress, and tumor resection was performed at the age of 30 days. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was in good health 6 months postoperatively.