Ana Margarida Correia, Rafael Ribas Fernandes, José Carlos Vidoedo, Jorge Guimarães, João Almeida Pinto
{"title":"A rare case of epithelioid angiosarcoma.","authors":"Ana Margarida Correia, Rafael Ribas Fernandes, José Carlos Vidoedo, Jorge Guimarães, João Almeida Pinto","doi":"10.48729/pjctvs.301","DOIUrl":"10.48729/pjctvs.301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epithelioid angiosarcoma is a rare high-grade vascular neoplasm with a poor prognosis. We present an anticoagulated 77-year-old man, with a history of popliteal/soleal vein thrombosis in the previous month, complaining of ipsilateral persistent lower limb pain and claudication. Absent popliteal/distal pulses prompted an arterial doppler ultrasound (DUS), revealing thrombosis of the distal superficial femoral artery and a popliteal mass. As the arterial wall's integrity could not be appropriately evaluated by DUS, adventitial cystic disease of the popliteal artery was suspected. Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging findings were also suggestive. Due to refractory pain, he was submitted to a popliteal mass excision along with a femoral-posterior tibial bypass. Pathology revealed an epithelioid angiosarcoma. He was referred to a Sarcoma Center, requiring hospitalization for agitation and fever. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed extensive lower limb disease persistence and distant metastases. He died on the 56th day after surgery. To our knowledge, there are only 15 cases of angiosarcoma of the popliteal artery described in the literature. Ours stands out as the first one unrelated to a popliteal aneurysm. Being a highly-aggressive tumor, an early diagnosis is challenging but essential to a successful treatment, warranting the need for suspicion of this neoplasm. An early core biopsy or surgical sample may expedite the diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":74480,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese journal of cardiac thoracic and vascular surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"47-51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Agata Nawojowska, Samuel Mendes, Daniel Cabral, Cristina Rodrigues, Mariana Antunes, Magda Alvoeiro, Carolina Torres, Telma Calado, Francisco Felix
{"title":"Results Of Minimally Invasive Vats Thymectomy In Miastenia Gravis Patients Compared With More Invasive Approaches - 10-Year Experience In A Single Center.","authors":"Agata Nawojowska, Samuel Mendes, Daniel Cabral, Cristina Rodrigues, Mariana Antunes, Magda Alvoeiro, Carolina Torres, Telma Calado, Francisco Felix","doi":"10.48729/pjctvs.345","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.48729/pjctvs.345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune, neurologic disease that causes a wide range of symptoms. While the transsternal, transcervical and thoracotomy approaches are accepted as effective, there is still debate regarding the VATS approach.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We analyzed our center's surgical experience with thymectomy for myasthenia gravis, comparing the results of patients operated on using VATS and more invasive approaches, over a period of 10 years. A search of the department's surgical database for myasthenia gravis cases between January 2010 and January 2021, revealed a total of 40 cases. Twenty-four patients were included in the final analysis and were distributed into two groups: the VATS procedure group (group A) and the open procedure group (group B). The latter included sternotomy, thoracotomy, transcervical and hemiclamshell approaches. Only radical thymectomies were included. The established outcomes were clinical improvement defined as asymptomatic remission, reduction, or discontinuation of the medication necessary to achieve optimal symptom control.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median follow-up time was 27 months (ranging from 4 to 75 months). Videothoracoscopy radical thymectomy was performed on 12 patients. Complete remission with no medication was achieved in 1 case (8.3%), while 2 patients (16.7%) became asymptomatic with reduced medication. An improvement (reduced symptoms or decreased medication) was observed in 8 cases (66.6%). No change in clinical outcome was noted in 1 patient (8.3%). None of the patients reported worsening symptoms. Open thymectomy was performed on 12 patients. Complete remission with no medication was achieved in 1 case (8.3%), while 2 patients (16.7%) became asymptomatic with reduced medication. An improvement was noted in 6 cases (50%). No change in clinical outcome was observed in 3 patients (25%) whereas 2 of them (16.7%) experienced slightly better symptom control but with a significant increase in medication. One patient (8.3%) described the clinical results as without any significant change. None of the patients reported worsening symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The videotoracoscopic approach in the treatment of myasthenia gravis is non-inferior compared to the open approach and effective in a long-term follow-up, offering all the additional benefits of less invasive surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":74480,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese journal of cardiac thoracic and vascular surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"23-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carolina María Peixoto Vieira Viseu Ferreira, Souhayla Souaf, Amparo Martínez Monzonís, Mohammad M El-Diasty, Angel L Fernandez
{"title":"Purulent Pericarditis as the First Manifestation of Esophageal Carcinoma.","authors":"Carolina María Peixoto Vieira Viseu Ferreira, Souhayla Souaf, Amparo Martínez Monzonís, Mohammad M El-Diasty, Angel L Fernandez","doi":"10.48729/pjctvs.423","DOIUrl":"10.48729/pjctvs.423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Purulent pericarditis secondary to esophago-pericardial fistula is a serious complication that has been previously reported in patients with esophageal cancer treated with radio/chemotherapy and esophageal stenting. However, the presence of esophago-pericardial fistula as the first manifestation of advanced carcinoma of the esophagus is exceedingly infrequent. We report the case of a 61-year-old male who presented with sepsis, cardiac tamponade and septic shock who was found to have an esophago-pericardial fistula secondary to squamous carcinoma of the esophagus. Emergency pericardiocentesis was performed with subsequent hemodynamic improvement. The drained pericardial fluid was purulent in nature and cultures were positive for Streptococcus anginosus. A CT scan followed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with tissue biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. A self-expanding covered stent was endoscopically placed to exclude the fistula and restore the esophageal lumen. In this report, we discuss some aspects related to the diagnosis and management of this serious clinical entity.</p>","PeriodicalId":74480,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese journal of cardiac thoracic and vascular surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"59-62"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdelrahman Elsebaie, Victor Rafael Bucheli Enriquez, Adrian Baranchuk, Marcelo Antonio Nahin, Mohammad El-Diasty
{"title":"Atrial Arrhythmias Following Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy: A Comprehensive Review Of Current Literature.","authors":"Abdelrahman Elsebaie, Victor Rafael Bucheli Enriquez, Adrian Baranchuk, Marcelo Antonio Nahin, Mohammad El-Diasty","doi":"10.48729/pjctvs.403","DOIUrl":"10.48729/pjctvs.403","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) presents as a progressive vascular condition arising from previous episodes of acute pulmonary embolism, contributing to the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is the gold-standard surgical treatment for CTEPH; however, it may be associated with postoperative sequelae, including atrial arrhythmias (AAs). This comprehensive literature review explores the potential mechanisms for PTE-induced AAs with emphasis on the role of PH-related atrial remodelling and the predisposing factors. The identified preoperative predictors for AAs include advanced age, male gender, elevated resting heart rate, previous AAs, and baseline elevated right atrial pressure. Furthermore, we explore the available data on the association between post-PTE pericardial effusions and the development of AAs. Lastly, we briefly discuss the emerging role of radiomic analysis of epicardial adipose tissue as an imaging biomarker for predicting AAs.</p>","PeriodicalId":74480,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese journal of cardiac thoracic and vascular surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"41-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Armanda Duarte, Tony R Soares, Gonçalo Cabral, Tiago Costa, José Tiago, José Gimenez, Diogo Cunha E Sá
{"title":"Infrapopliteal Bypass In Patients On Dialysis: Patency And Survival.","authors":"Armanda Duarte, Tony R Soares, Gonçalo Cabral, Tiago Costa, José Tiago, José Gimenez, Diogo Cunha E Sá","doi":"10.48729/pjctvs.421","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.48729/pjctvs.421","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Portugal has one of the highest prevalence of patients on a regular dialysis program. This population has a higher incidence of peripheral arterial disease with higher rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Our goal was to compare outcomes between dialysis and non-dialysis patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) submitted to infrapopliteal bypass.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A retrospective single-center study of infrapopliteal bypass for CLTI was performed between 2012 and 2019. Patients were divided in two groups based on dialysis status (group 1 incorporated patients on dialysis). Primary end point was 1-year freedom from CLTI. Secondary end points were limb-salvage, survival and primary (PP) and tertiary patency (TP) rates at 3 years of follow-up.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 352 infrapopliteal bypasses were performed in 310 patients with CLTI. Fourteen percent of the revascularizations were performed on dialysis patients (48/352). Median age was 73 years (interquartile range - IQR 15) and 74% (259/352) were male. Median follow-up was 26 months (IQR 42). Overall, 92% (325/352) had tissue loss and 44% (154/352) had some degree of infection. The majority of revascularization procedures were performed with vein grafts (61%, 214/352). The 30-day mortality was 4% (11/310), with no difference between groups (p = 0.627). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference between groups regarding freedom from CLTI (76% vs. 79%; HR 0.96, CI 0.65-1.44, p=0.857), limb-salvage (70% vs. 82%; HR 1.40, CI 0.71-2.78, p=0.327) and survival (62% vs. 64%; HR 1.08, CI 0.60-1.94, p=0.799). PP rates were 39% in group 1 and 64% in group 2 (HR 1.71, CI 1.05-2.79, p=0.030). TP rates were not different between groups (57% and 78%; HR 1.79, CI 0.92-3.47, p=0.082).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Infrapopliteal bypass for CLTI, on dialysis patients, resulted in lower PP rates. No differences were observed in freedom from CLTI, TP, limb salvage and survival.</p>","PeriodicalId":74480,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese journal of cardiac thoracic and vascular surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"33-39"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yara Lopes Diaz, Thiago Magalhaes Ramos, Miguel Lia Tedde, Diego Arley Gomes da Silva
{"title":"The The Sandwich Technique For Minimally Invasive Repair Of Pectus Carinatum.","authors":"Yara Lopes Diaz, Thiago Magalhaes Ramos, Miguel Lia Tedde, Diego Arley Gomes da Silva","doi":"10.48729/pjctvs.404","DOIUrl":"10.48729/pjctvs.404","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Minimally invasive repair of pectus carinatum (MIRPC) has been performed using the Abramson technique in which the bar that compresses the sternum is fixed with steel wires on the ribs. A 14-year-old patient underwent to a MIRPC using a sandwich technique in which two metallic bars fixed with bridges were implanted below the sternum under thoracoscopic vision, and another bar in a subcutaneous tunnel was implanted above. This technique has the potential to avoid specific problems related to the original technique like loosening of support for correction (broken wire), avoidance of induction of pectus excavatum or subcutaneous tissue adhesion.</p>","PeriodicalId":74480,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese journal of cardiac thoracic and vascular surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"53-55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eduardo Silva, Joana Iglésias, Pedro Lima, Luís F Antunes, Manuel Fonseca
{"title":"Pedal Acceleration Time An Alternative Tool To Ankle-Brachial Index In Peripheral Arterial Disease.","authors":"Eduardo Silva, Joana Iglésias, Pedro Lima, Luís F Antunes, Manuel Fonseca","doi":"10.48729/pjctvs.409","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.48729/pjctvs.409","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a well-established diagnostic tool for evaluating peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Limitations in its application led to the development of alternative diagnostic methods, including Toe-Brachial Index (TBI) and Transcutaneous Pressure of Oxygen (TcPO2), yet these are not as widely available as ABI. Recently, Pedal Acceleration Time (PAT), has gained popularity as a new tool to assess PAD, requiring only an ultrasound. This study seeks to further establish the correlation between ABI and PAT, determining whether PAT can be a reliable alternative for diagnosing and assessing the severity of PAD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>ABI and PAT were measured in patients attending our consult with no history of vascular or endovascular surgery. Limbs with unmeasurable ABI were excluded. Patients were categorized into groups based on their PAD stage according to the Fontaine classification. Patient demographics, comorbidities and respective ABI and PAT were analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-nine patients (114 limbs) were included in the study. Mean age 68 ± 11.7 years, 78.3% male and 33.3% diabetic patients. Fifty-three claudicant limbs (46.5%) and 26 limbs (22.8%) with chronic limb threatening ischemia. Pearson correlation coefficient between ABI and PAT, showed a strong negative correlation (r= -0.78; p<0.01). Mean ABI and PAT for limbs in Fontaine stage I were 0.94 ± 0.17 and 82.0 ± 27.4 ms; Fontaine stage IIa 0.69 ± 0.21 and 141.3 ± 57.8 ms; Fontaine stage IIb 0.54 ± 0.14 and 173.4 ± 65.1 ms; Fontaine stage III 0.43 ± 0.15 and 216 ± 33.2 ms; Fontaine stage IV 0.49 ± 0.17 and 206.7 ± 78.1 ms, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study suggests an inverse correlation between ABI and PAT, in accordance with the findings published in the literature, thus supporting the use of PAT as an easily reproducible and efficient alternative to ABI for evaluating the severity of PAD.</p>","PeriodicalId":74480,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese journal of cardiac thoracic and vascular surgery","volume":"31 1","pages":"29-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140924131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Unique Case Of A Giant Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Presenting As Popliteal Mass.","authors":"Panagiotis Volteas, Stefanos Giannopoulos, Sonakshi Vatsa, Edwin C Cheung, Dimitrios Virvilis","doi":"10.48729/pjctvs.390","DOIUrl":"10.48729/pjctvs.390","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) can be very challenging, especially in cases of very large PAAs, with a minimal number of case reports published in the literature.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a case report of a 68-year-old male patient with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and schizophrenia who was found to have a giant (10x8x6cm) partially thrombosed PAA, treated with interposition polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft via a posterior approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Under general anesthesia, the patient was placed in a prone position, and an extended lazy \"S\" incision was made on the popliteal fossa. After obtaining proximal and distal exposure, the aneurysm sac was skeletonized, preserving the popliteal vein and the tibial nerve. After proximal and distal control was obtained, the patient was systemically heparinized, and the aneurysm sac was opened. Some genicular branches were ligated inside the aneurysm, and part of the aneurysm sac was excised. A 7 mm PTFE graft was used for reconstruction in an end-to-end fashion. Suction drains were placed in the popliteal space, and the fascia and skin were approximated. The patient was discharged home on the 2nd postoperative day on aspirin and statin with ultrasound surveillance. The patient has remained asymptomatic during follow-up with a patent graft.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Open surgical repair constitutes the gold standard of care for huge PAAs to prevent distal thromboembolic events and mass pressure effects from the aneurysm. Documentation of additional experience with open repair of huge PAAs would be beneficial and could help clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":74480,"journal":{"name":"Portuguese journal of cardiac thoracic and vascular surgery","volume":"30 4","pages":"75-79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139725280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}