7 DOACs: a new skyline in cancer-associated thrombosis resistant to heparin. A clinical case of seminoma in BEP chemotherapy protocol solved with edoxaban

Aims TEV is a common cancer complication with 20% incidence. LMWH is the standard therapy for efficacy, safety and ease of use. However, some scenarios are deeply challenging for intercurrent prothrombotic anticancer drugs. Methods A 35-year-old man reported dysphagia, EGDS: oesophagus ulcers, thyroid echography: thoracic mass compressing proximal borders. Vascular ultrasound: thrombosis of left internal giugular, subclavian, axillary and brachial veins; he began enoxaparin 6000 IU ×2/die (65 kg). CT-scan: solid anterior–superior mediastinum vascularized mass (16 × 13 cm) incorporating great thoracic vessels with 20 cm cranio-caudal longitudinal extension with trachea dislocation. PET-CT: massive superior-anterior mediastinum pathological 18F-FDG accumulation suggestive for malignancy. Lung perfusion scan: absence of left lung perfusion. Angio-CT: showed compression of pulmonary artery trunk and of branches. He presented marked asthenia, sweating and presyncope. D-dimer: 6026 µg/L, NT-proBNP: 1417 pg/mL. Mediastinum biopsy exhibited seminoma (ki67+: 65%), he started BEP Protocol (etoposide, cisplatin, bleomycin). TTE: periaortic cuff from mediastinum mass which ab extrinseco compressed pulmonary artery trunk and branches with occlusion of left one, right chambers dilatation, sovra-epatic veins and inferior vena cava (21 mm) ectasia, decreased inspiratory collapse, pulmonary hypertension (SPAP: 52 mmHg), EF: 55%. After 2 months of enoxaparin, vein ultrasound: persistent DVT and positive CUS. So, we replaced enoxaparin with edoxaban 60 mg/die. After 2 months of edoxaban, overall regression of vein thrombosis with minimal residual thrombosis of left internal giugular vein; D-dimer: 1554 µg/L. Results After 2 months of BEP Protocol, CT-scan: decrease mediastinum mass (6 × 12 cm) dimensions. Conclusions Cancer associated thrombosis is a frequent complication, worsening mortality, morbidity and decision-making. Cancer stage and drugs favour development of severe thrombosis, not solvable with LMWH, the cornerstone of anticoagulant therapy in cancer-related thrombosis. DOACs appear as a new and successful therapeutical option, especially in the most challenging cases of highly thrombotic profile after ‘heparin failure’.

Iatrogenic esophageal perforation with mediastinitis, multidisciplinary management: a case report

Acute mediastinitis is a low incidence pathology, but it is associated with a high mortality rate. Iatrogenic lesions are the most common cause of mediastinitis secondary to esophageal perforation. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are the most important factors in the treatment of patients with this condition. 83-year-old female patient, with a history of left saphenectomy due to venous insufficiency with difficult intubation two days prior to the emergency consultation. She was admitted to the emergency room due to dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest pain, and right hemifacial edema. A chest tomography was performed with findings suggestive of esophageal perforation or airway injury. Later, in an upper digestive tract study, extravasation of the contrast medium was documented in the right posterolateral wall of the cervical esophagus with a collection in the middle mediastinum. The patient was taken for drainage of mediastinitis by right thoracoscopy and the presence of a perforation in the cervical esophagus was confirmed with an intraoperative endoscopy. Esophageal repair was performed, with drainage of the prevertebral space and the superior mediastinum by a left longitudinal cervicotomy. Postoperatively, she received antibiotic and enteral nutritional support by a nasojejunal tube. Low output fistula of the cervical esophagus, organized by a drain, was documented, which closed after 4 weeks of conservative management. Iatrogenic esophageal perforation with mediastinitis is a very rare entity with a high mortality. Early surgical treatment is the most important prognostic factor in patients with mediastinitis due to esophageal perforation.

Thoracoscopic resection of bilateral multiple superior mediastinal neurofibromas

Background The indications for surgical resection concerning multiple bilateral neurofibromas in the superior mediastinum remain controversial, because vascular injury or development of postoperative Horne syndrome are concerned. Case presentation A 60-year-old woman presented with multiple nodules in her right neck and bilateral chest cavity tops which indicated neurofibromatosis. The thoracic masses grew slowly over 9 years, and she then underwent a 2-stage resection starting with the left to right side. Bilateral tumors were completely removed via video-assisted thoracic surgery. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, without postoperative Horner syndrome. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of multiple bilateral superior mediastinal neurofibromas resected from the pulmonary apices via thoracoscopy. We selected a minimally invasive pure video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery approach and enucleated some tumors to avoid nerve injury. This approach may be safe and useful for multiple neurofibromas in patients with neurofibromatosis.

Branching patterns and anatomical variations of human aortic arch in Indian population

Knowledge of the aortic arch branching pattern is important during supra-aortic angiography, aortic instrumentation, thoracic and neck surgery. The aortic arch (AA) is located in the superior mediastinum. In 65–80% of the cases, the three branches arise from the aortic arch, namely, the brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), the left common carotid artery (LCCA), and the left subclavian artery (LSA). The purpose of this study is to describe different branching patterns of the arch of the aorta in Indian subjects. This observational study is based on dissection performed on Sixty embalmed arches of the aorta in adult Indian cadavers (in manuscript it was written as, 20 dissected heart specimens were collected of still-born fetuses) were exposed and their branches examined during cadaveric dissection in the department of Anatomy. The anatomical variations of the arch of the aorta and its branches, its branches at site of origin, and the distance of each branch from the point of origin to the median plane were measured. The usual three-branched pattern of arch of aorta was found in 44 specimens (73.33%). The common trunk for both brachiocephalic trunk and left common carotid artery was present in 11 specimens (18.33%). In 2 specimens (3.33%), the arch gives four branches. In 1 specimen (1.67%), give three branches. The wide spectrum of variations in the anatomical arrangement of the human aortic arch and its branches offer valuable information to catheterize the aortic arch and its branches for safely performing endovascular surgery. These anatomical and morphologic variations in the arch of the aorta and its branches are significant for diagnostic and surgical procedures in the thorax, head and neck regions.

Life-threatening hemoptysis accompanied by internal thoracic artery aneurysms in a 28-year-old perinatal woman: a case report

Background Life-threatening hemoptysis presents an immediate diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, especially during the perinatal period. Case presentation A 28-year-old perinatal woman with no significant past medical or surgical history presented with repeating hemoptysis and respiratory failure. Computed tomography revealed a 2.1 × 3.2 cm2 inhomogeneous tumorous lesion in the right superior mediastinum and a right main bronchus obstruction along with atelectasis of the right lung. Bronchoscopy showed a tumorous protrusion blocking the right main bronchus with active hemorrhage, and malignancy was suspected. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was performed to control the bleeding. The arteriogram revealed tortuosity, dilation and hypertrophy of the right bronchial arteries and aneurysms of the internal thoracic artery (ITA). The bleeding completely stopped after BAE. Bronchoscopy was performed again to remove residual blood clots. The patient recovered soon after the procedure and was discharged. Conclusions Life-threatening hemoptysis concomitant with ITA aneurysms, which may have a misleading clinical diagnosis and treatment options, has not been reported previously in perinatal women. BAE could be used as a first-line treatment irrespective of the underlying causes.

Parathyromatosis Recurrent Hyperparathyroidism and Refractory Hypercalcemia Successfully Managed With Addition of Denosumab: A Case Report

Introduction: Parathyromatosis is a rare cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism in which multiple nodules of hyperplastic parathyroid tissue are scattered throughout the neck and superior mediastinum. It is proposed to be a result of spillage and seeding of parathyroid tissue during parathyroid surgery. It presents as recurrent or persistent PTH mediated hypercalcemia. Management of Parathyromatosis is challenging and frequently refractory to surgical intervention; hence there is a need for an effective medical treatment. Case: 34 year old female was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism in 2003 at the age of 16 years. She presented with fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain and markedly elevated calcium and PTH levels. Sestamibi scan showed parathyroid adenoma with a cystic lesion. She underwent surgical removal, which was complicated by parathyroid cyst rupture. However, the patient remained asymptomatic for 4 years of follow-up. Then in 2007, she had a recurrence of the same initial presentation with laboratory values confirming relapse of hyperparathyroidism. A nuclear parathyroid scan showed remnant parathyroid tissue inferior and posterior to the right thyroid lobe along with multiple subcutaneous nodules. Neck exploration was performed, and histopathological examination showed multiple nodules of hyperplastic parathyroid tissue and cystic changes consistent with the diagnosis of Parathyromatosis. Attempts at satisfactory surgical resection failed, and the patient had recurrent replaces with multiple hospitalizations for nephrolithiasis and had undergone 4 more surgical interventions for remnant parathyroid tissue in a span of 10 years (2008–2018). We started the patient on cinacalcet in August 2018 with an initial dose of 60 mg/day that was gradually increased to 180 mg/day, besides vitamin D analog. This helped in achieving a partial but not full control of calcium levels, so we decided to add Denosumab in April 2019 at the dose of 60 mg SC every 6 months. Dexa scan was done before starting treatment and showed a normal Z score. This regimen has successfully maintained a stable calcium level with normal corrected calcium, and our patient has been in remission with no recurrence of renal stones or other symptoms for the past 18 months, with the last follow-up showing a calcium level of 2.64 mmol/l (2.2–2.65), PTH of 23 pmol/l (1.1–8.43), vitamin D of 24 ng/ml (20–32), albumin of 38 g/L (35–52) and creatinine of 58 umol/l (49 - 90), compared to calcium level of 2.93 mmol/l, PTH of 50 pmol/l and Vitamin D 13 ng/ml before starting treatment. Conclusion: Although it is a rare condition, Parathyromatosis should be kept as a differential diagnosis in the event of recurrent hyperparathyroidism. The Addition of Denosumab to Cinacalcet can make a big difference in achieving a successful medical treatment of the condition, therefore avoiding the detrimental effects of long-standing hypercalcemia.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid: a case report

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid (PSCCT) is a rare and rapidly progressive malignancy that carries a poor prognosis. PSCCT is easily misdiagnosed as acute thyroiditis or as another thyroid malignancy. We have reported a 76-year-old woman who presented with progressive neck pain for 1 month. Thyroid function tests revealed subclinical thyrotoxicosis. Ultrasound disclosed a solid nodule with calcification in the right thyroid lobe. Laboratory findings included neutrophilic leukocytosis and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The patient’s condition was diagnosed as subacute thyroiditis, and she was treated with cefixime and ibuprofen. However, her treatment response was poor. She was then treated with oral prednisone. Her neck pain gradually resolved. The patient subsequently developed dysphagia, choking, dyspnea, and dysphonia with an insidious onset. Further examinations including computed tomography and painless gastroscopy revealed that the volume of the thyroid gland had increased significantly, extending to the anterior superior mediastinum. The trachea and esophagus were stenotic because of external compression. Partial thyroidectomy and tracheotomy were performed under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The diagnosis of PSCCT was established via histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

The Spontaneous Retropharyngeal Space Hematoma: How to Manage?

Introduction: Spontaneous Retropharyngeal Hematoma (SRH) is a rare affection which occurs without traumatism. Case report: A 68 years old woman brought to the emergency department with a cervico-thoracic swelling rapidly increasing in size without any previous traumatic history or anticoagulant medication. Complicated by dysphagia and dysphonia without signs of dyspnea. The clinical examination revealed a painful anterior cervico-thoracic swelling with an ecchymotic cupboard on it. Cervico-thoracic CT scan found a voluminous retro-pharyngeal collection, spontaneously hyperdense, extended to the oropharynx and antero-superior mediastinum without further lesions. Biological assessment was without abnormalities. The diagnosis of retropharyngeal hematoma was retained. The treatment was based on corticosteroids and antibiotics drugs with strict clinical and radiological monitoring. With conservative treatment, the evolution was favorable, marked by progressive regression of the hematoma until its disappearance and an absence of recurrence after a retreat of one year. Conclusion: The clinical presentation of a retropharyngeal hematoma out of an evocative context is misleading and lead to radiological investigation without delaying the treatment which varies from supervision to surgery according to respiratory status and evolution under strict control.

Covered Stent of the Left Common Carotid and Subclavian Arteries Assist the Invasive Tumor Resection

Background. Some recent reports have described the usefulness of thoracic aortic stent grafts to facilitate en bloc resection of tumors invading the aortic wall. We report on malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor resection in the left superior mediastinum of a 16-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 1. The pathological margin was positive at the time of the first tumor resection, and radiation therapy was added to the same site. After that, a local recurrence occurred. The tumor was in wide contact with the left common carotid and subclavian arteries and was suspected of infiltration. After stent graft placement of these arteries to avoid fatal bleeding and cerebral ischemia by clamping these arteries and bypass procedure, we successfully resected the tumor without any complications. Conclusions. Here, we report the usefulness of the prior covered stent placement to aortic branch vessels for the resection of invasive tumor.