Resection of metastatic pulmonary lesion of osteosarcoma extended into the left atrium and ventricle via the pulmonary vein

A 35-year-old woman had underwent an amputation of the right hemimandibula for an osteosarcoma. Twenty months after the operation, she was admitted to our hospital with complaints of syncope. On chest computed tomography and echocardiography, an atrial tumor was disclosed, which extended from the lesion of the left pulmonary lower lobe. This tumor intravascularly developed through the left inferior pulmonary vein. The intracardiac tumor was resected through left atriotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass, and immediately after weaning of bypass left lower lobe was resected. On pathological study the tumor was diagnosed as metastasis of osteosarcoma. Despite postoperative chemotherapy including CDDP, she died of metastasis in pulmonary, adrenal gland and liver 12 months after the second operation.     

A case of primary fibrosarcoma caused by spontaneous intracerebral hematoma]

A rare case of repeated intracerebral hematoma associated with an intracerebral fibrosarcoma is reported. A 43-year-old man was referred to our clinic with headache and vomiting of sudden onset. On admission, he was lethargic. CT revealed a huge intracerebral hematoma in the left temporal lobe with midline shift. Angiography failed to demonstrate any evidence of an intracranial tumor. An operation was performed under the diagnosis of an idiopathic cerebral hematoma. The postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged without any deficits except for a left upper quadrant homonymous hemianopia. Four and a half months after the first operation, he was readmitted to our clinic with the same symptoms as he had at the first admission. Neuroradiological examination again revealed an intracerebral hematoma in the left temporal lobe. At operation, a pinkish-gray discolored mass at the hematoma wall was found. An intraoperative histological examination of the mass indicated a malignant tumor and the tumor was totally removed. However the patient did not recover from the severe neurological deficits and died 3 months after the second surgery. Histological examinations of the tumor demonstrated a typical fibrosarcoma. Intracerebral primary fibrosarcoma with hemorrhage is quite rare. In such a case with a large hematoma, the presence of a tumor may be obscured on CT scan and angiography. Detailed observation of the hematoma wall using an operating microscope should be performed to allow a correct diagnosis.     

Interesting pulmonary metastasis from spindle cell carcinoma of the breast

We experienced a case of interesting pulmonary metastasis from spindle cell carcinoma of the breast. A 68-year-old female who had undergone a radical mastectomy 32 months earlier was admitted to our hospital for the pulmonary tumor in the left S10 in January 2005. Pathological study of the breast tumor revealed mixture of carcinomatous portion and sarcomatoid portion with spindle cells. Because of the presence of transitional areas from one portion to the other, the tumor was diagnosed as spindle cell carcinoma of the breast. Partial resection of the left lower lobe was performed. Pathological examination of the pulmonary tumor revealed that the tumor was composed of the component similar to carcinomatous element of the breast cancer. In June 2005, She was admitted to our hospital again for the pulmonary tumor in the right S7. Partial resection of the right lower lobe was performed. The tumor was composed of both carcinomatous and sarcomatoid elements. After operation, as she complained of epigastralgia, a gastroscopic examination was performed. It showed 2 white polypi of the stomach. The biopsy specimen of the polypi were composed of the tumor similar to the sarcomatoid element of the breast cancer. She died of widespread metastasis 43 months after mastectomy.     

Pericardial reconstruction using a pedicle flap of the diaphragmatic central tendon

A 46-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of an abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray. Chest computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lobulated tumor arising from the left lower lobe. At operation, the tumor tissue was found to have invaded the lingula and pericardium, involving the left phrenic nerve. Resection of the left lower lobe, lingula and pericar-dium including the phrenic nerve was performed for extended pulmonary malignancy. A pedicle flap of the diaphragmatic central tendon was used as a pericardial patch for pericardial reconstruction with satisfactory results. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. The postoperative histological diagnosis was pulmonary adenocarcinoma with sarcomatous elements [pT3N2M0]. At present, 43 months after the operation, the patient is receiving chemotherapy after having undergone cyberknife radiotherapy for brain metastasis of the tumor. The use of a pedicle diaphragmatic flap was effective in repairing a pericardial defect after extensive resection of pulmonary malignancy.     

A case of pulmonary metastasis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma with left atrial infiltration via the pulmonary vein

We report a case of a woman who at age 58 had an operation on the right femur for malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). At age 63, a chest X-ray examination disclosed a tumor shadow, for which we suspected metastasis from the MFH. Chest computed tomography showed that the tumor had infiltrated to the left atrium via the pulmonary vein. We operated on the patient, first dividing the arterial supply to the lower lobe, and then opening the pericardium. We blocked the lower pulmonary vein and left atrium with a Cooley-Dera clamp and resected the tumor. The tumor was polypoid and had invaded the left atrium. Fifteen months after this lung surgery, the patient was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was resected. Invasive primary lung cancer to the left atrium via the pulmonary vein is common, but metastasis from a sarcoma such as MFH to the left atrium via the pulmonary vein is extremely rare.     

Peripheral arterial embolism arising from pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Bronchogenic carcinoma is a rare source of peripheral arterial embolism. We present the case of a 28-year-old female nonsmoker with an adenocarcinoma of the left main bronchus involving the pulmonary veins. While the patient was hospitalized awaiting operation, she presented embolization in her legs; embolectomy and fasciotomy were necessary to treat compartment syndrome. Echocardiography disclosed floating tumoral masses in the left atrium. Seven days later, an operation was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass to remove the tumor masses from the atrial lumen; pulmonary veins were sutured from within the atrium, and pneumonectomy was performed. Fulminant infection of the lower limbs developed that led to gangrene and multiple organ failure, and the patient died 8 days after the operation.     

Giant carcinoid tumor mimicking pulmonary sequestration

A 42-year-old woman who previously underwent two consecutive thoracotomies for a lower lobe mass in her right lung was referred to our clinic for further management. Both procedures were abandoned due to excessive bleeding. Computed tomographic angiography demonstrated an infra-diaphragmatic systemic arterial supply of the mass similar to pulmonary sequestration. However the lobe had a normal venous drainage to the left atrium. Then a right lower lobectomy was undertaken through a hemi-clamshell incision, and histopathology revealed an atypical carcinoid tumor. The patient was discharged home after a satisfactory postoperative period. She still remains disease free at 14 months follow-up.     

A rabbit model of highkinetic one-sided pulmonary hypertension induced by Pott's operation

This article presents a new rabbit model of pulmonary hypertension using rabbits. The left pulmonary artery of the rabbits was anastomosed on the descending aorta side-to-side and the proximal left pulmonary was banded. A portion of the arteries in the left upper lobe was ligated, and the majority of shunted blood was driven to the left middle and lower lobe. The left pulmonary hypertension was established in 86.7% of the rabbits within 1-3 months post operation and the left pulmonary hypertension was formed in all rabbits after 3 months post operation with pathological changes of pulmonary arteriole. The left pulmonary arterial pressure was higher than right pulmonary arterial pressure and the pathological changes were less evident in the right pulmonary arteriole.     

Lung adenocarcinoma with coexisting pulmonary cryptococcoma

A 73-year-old female was referred to our hospital in June 2000 for the evaluation of an abnormal shadow in the left upper lobe of her lung and two other shadows in the left lower lobe. A computed tomography examination revealed an ill-defined tumor with ground glass opacity in the left upper division segment, suggesting a primary lung adenocarcinoma, and two well-defined nodules in the left lower lobe, suggesting metastatic carcinomas. A transbronchial lung biopsy of the tumor in the upper division segment confirmed the presence of an adenocarcinoma but failed to provide a histological diagnosis for the nodules in the lower lobe. A partial resection of the left lower lobe using video-assisted thoracoscopy revealed granulomatous tissue with no signs of malignancy. A curative resection of the adenocarcinoma in the left upper division segment was therefore performed. Histologically, the resected specimens obtained from the left lower lobe were diagnosed as cryptococcomas. The patient was diagnosed as having a stage IA lung adenocarcinoma and two cryptococcomas. The patient is presently well and has not experienced any recurrences or relapse for 3 years since the resection.     

Atypical pulmonary carcinoid tumor with abnormal elevation of serum gastrin-releasing peptide precursor: report of a case

We report a rare case of atypical pulmonary carcinoid tumor accompanied by elevation of serum gastrin-releasing peptide precursor (ProGRP). A 55-year-old male presented to our hospital with a history of bloody sputum. The level of serum ProGRP was elevated to 781 pg/ml (normal < 46 pg/ml). Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a solitary pulmonary tumor in the left lower lobe with sub-carinal lymph node enlargement. Transbronchial lung biopsy showed a pulmonary carcinoid, therefore left lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection was performed. ProGRP decreased to normal level 1 month after operation. Histopathological diagnosis showed an atypical pulmonary carcinoid tumor.     

Endobronchial metastasis from a primary uterine osteosarcoma in a patient with multiple myeloma: Report of a case

We present herein the case of a 75-year-old woman with multiple myeloma who underwent a left lower lobectomy for endobronchial metastasis from an uterine osteosarcoma. She had initially been admitted to our hospital for chemotherapy more than 1 year earlier, soon after which a primary uterine osteosarcoma was discovered and a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy performed. One year after the operation, the patient developed hemoptysis. A flexible bronchofiberscopy demonstrated a polypoid mass obstructing the left basal bronchus, and computed tomographic scans showed three pulmonary nodules. Surgery was performed to control the hemoptysis. At thoracotomy, two metastatic nodules were identified in the left lower lobe, and the endobronchial extension of the tumor was resected en bloc with the left lower lobe. The tumor was diagnosed as lung metastasis from the uterine osteosarcoma. Although further lung tumors have recently appeared, the patient has remained well for the 3 years since her last operation without any hemoptysis.     

Right atrial myxoma complicated with pulmonary embolism

A 25-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with chest pain and dyspnea, and was diagnosed as having a right atrial myxoma complicated with pulmonary embolism. An emergency operation was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass. A papillary pedunculated tumor was found having a narrow-based attachment to the free atrial wall. After the tumor was carefully removed together with the atrial wall around the attachment, pulmonary embolectomy was performed. Several fragments of the tumor were removed, and sufficient back-flow from the pulmonary artery was established. The postoperative course was uneventful. However, a non-perfused area was observed in the left lower lung on pulmonary hemodynamic scintigraphy at 3 months after the operation. Long-term observation is required due to the high risk for metastasis and recurrence, and further surgical treatment remains the most appropriate treatment option. A second operation may be needed to prevent progression in complications.     

Living‐donor single‐lobe lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension due to alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins

This is a case report of a successful single‐lobe lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension secondary to alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV). A 6‐year‐old boy underwent living‐donor single‐lobe transplantation with the right lower lobe from his 31‐year‐old mother. The pretransplantation graft size matching was acceptable: the estimated graft forced vital capacity (FVC) was 96.5% of the recipient's predicted FVC, and the graft size measured by computed tomography (CT) volumetry was 166% of the recipient's chest cavity volume. Right pneumonectomy followed by implantation was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly decreased to 31/12 mm Hg immediately after transplantation, and the first PaO₂/FiO₂ in the intensive‐care unit (ICU) was 422 mm Hg. Lung perfusion scintigraphy showed 97.5% perfusion to the right implanted lung 3 months after transplantation. Chest CT showed a mass rapidly growing in the native left upper lobe 6 months after transplantation, which was diagnosed as posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) by a CT‐guided biopsy. After immunosuppressant reduction and six courses of chemotherapy with rituximab, he underwent native left upper lobectomy for salvage lung resection 13 months after transplantation. Seven months after lobectomy, he has returned to normal school life without any sign of tumor recurrence.     

Pulmonary blastoma

We describe a resected pulmonary blastoma in an 84-year-old male, the oldest of previously reported patients. A chest X-ray showed a 2 cm-sized abnormal shadow in the left lung field. Five months later computed tomography demonstrated a well-demarcated heterogenous mass, measuring 12 cm in diameter, in the left lower lobe of the lung. This mass was diagnosed as a carcinoma using echo-guided percutaneous biopsy. The patient underwent a left lower lobectomy. The resected specimen revealed the tumor to be a pulmonary blastoma arising from lung tissue. Preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary blastoma is extremely difficult because of the histological heterogeneity of tumor. Since it has been noted that pulmonary blastoma rapidly progresses in a short period of time, surgical treatment should be undertaken as quickly as possible when such a tumor is suspected.     

Pulmonary blastoma

We describe a resected pulmonary blastoma in an 84-year-old male, the oldest of previously reported patients. A chest X-ray showed a 2 cm-sized abnormal shadow in the left lung field. Five months later computed tomography demonstrated a well-demarcated heterogenous mass, measuring 12 cm in diameter, in the left lower lobe of the lung. This mass was diagnosed as a carcinoma using echo-guided percutaneous biopsy. The patient underwent a left lower lobectomy. The resected specimen revealed the tumor to be a pulmonary blastoma arising from lung tissue. Preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary blastoma is extremely difficult because of the histological heterogeneity of tumor. Since it has been noted that pulmonary blastoma rapidly progresses in a short period of time, surgical treatment should be undertaken as quickly as possible when such a tumor is suspected.     

Splenic and Pulmonary Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma: Report of a Case

We report herein the case of a patient in whom pulmonary and splenic metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were successfully treated by surgical excision. A 69-year-old man who underwent left nephrectomy for RCC 17 months before was suspected to have a pulmonary metastasis based on computed tomography (CT) findings. Partial resection of the left lower lobe was performed with thoracoscopic assistance. However, 4 months later, a splenic tumor, 6 cm in diameter, was detected by CT and ultrasonography, and a splenectomy was performed. Histologically, both resected specimens were diagnosed as metastasis from RCC. A second pulmonary metastasis of the left upper lobe was resected 4 years 8 months later. The patient was in good health when last seen 11 months after his last operation. Malignant neoplasms rarely metastasize to the spleen and most cases are found at autopsy, or feature multiple distant metastases. Only four other cases of splenic metastases from RCC have been reported. The prognosis associated with splenic metastasis is favorable when only a solitary lesion exists. Received: February 4, 2000 / Accepted: November 20, 2000     

Bilateral heterochronic spontaneous hemothorax caused by pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in a gravid: A case report

Bilateral heterochronic spontaneous hemothorax as a result of pulmonary ateriovenous malformation is a very rarely happened disease. A 34-year-old woman presented major symptoms with right-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. The following contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan of the chest showed a large amount of fluid in the right thorax with mediastinal shift, but without major vessel injury and 2 small dense opacities in the apical segment of the right lower lobe and in the posterior aspect of the left lower lobe. The patient underwent local resection of the right lower lobe. The pulmonary ateriovenous malformation was further identified by pathological examination. One month after she was discharged home, the symptoms described above recurred. A follow-up computed tomographic scan of the chest showed a large amount of fluid in the left thorax. During the emergency operation, we found a bullous lesion in the left lower lobe and a small blood vessel overlying the lesion that was actively bleeding. As stated above, local resection of the left lower lobe was performed once more. Pathological result was the same as observed previously. There were no postoperative complications and she was discharged from the hospital after two weeks. Two months later, she successfully delivered a healthy female infant. Up to now, regular follow-up observation has shown her to be perfectly asymptomatic.     

Solitary pulmonary chondroma: Self identity or incomplete carney’s triad

A young male presented with history of low grade intermittent fever and exertional dyspnea since six months. Computed tomography of the chest revealed a large soft tissue mass in the left hilar and infrahilar region causing splaying of lingular and apical bronchus of the left lower lobe. Biopsy revealed a chondroid neoplasm computed tomography of the abdomen ruled out the presence of gastric and other extra-adrenal lesions, which are the other components of the carney’s triad. He underwent thoracotomy and excision of the tumor.We thus report, a rare case of solitary pulmonary chondroma, as the only component of the triad.     

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration with aberrant lobulation of the lower lobe; report of a case

An adult case of extralobar pulmonary sequestration with aberrant lobulation of the right lower lobe is reported. A 32-year-old woman admitted to our hospital with a right intrathoracic tumor in the chest computed tomography (CT). Chest CT showed a mass lesion on the right diaphragm of a diameter 5 cm and abnormal fissure of the right lower lobe. Under the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration without clearly thick vessels, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The mass existed between the right diaphragm and posterior lower lobe with a thin stalk, and the lower lobe had aberrant lobulation. The resected mass was histopathologically diagnosed as extralobar pulmonary sequestration.