COVID-19 Infection and Late Manifestation of Pulmonary Aspergillosis

We present the case of a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia complicated by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome who was intubated for 19 days. She recovered from COVID-19 after a month. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, after a month, showed improved infiltrates with a small residual cavity within the lingula. A CT angiogram showed a more confluent density in the lingular portion on follow-up 2 months later. She developed intermittent hemoptysis after 3 months in December 2020, which persisted for almost 6 months, and CT of the chest showed the lingular nodular with resolution of the cavitation. She underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, confirming Aspergillus fumigatus by galactomannan assay and histology showing branching hyphae. Once she started treatment with itraconazole, her hemoptysis resolved. The follow-up CT of the chest after 2 months of treatment did not show a cavity or a nodule in the lingula. Our patient developed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) as a sequela of severe COVID-19 infection. COVID-19-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is an underrecognized complication that needs to be investigated on whether prophylactic treatment is required. Our case also demonstrates that the diagnosis of IPA needs to be considered months after COVID-19 infection when a superimposed fungal infection can occur after a viral infection if the patient continues to have persistent symptoms.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis

The results of treatment of 72 patients with echinococcosis of the liver were analyzed, women – 62 (86.2%), men – 10 (13.8%). Primary echinococcosis was detected in 69 (95.8%) patients, secondary – in 3 (4.2%). Among instrumental research methods, ultrasound and computed tomography examination were of diagnostic value. Single liver cysts were found in 63 (87.5%) patients, multiple – in 9 (12.5%). Among patients with solitary cysts, the right lobe was more often affected than the left – 48 (66.7%) vs 24 (33.3%) cases. Echinococcosis of central localization was less common and was noted in 8 (11.1%) cases. Echinococcosis complications were observed in 16 (22.2%) patients. Among them, most often there were suppurations of the cyst – in 13 (18.1%); a bursting of the cyst into the free abdominal cavity – in 1 (1.4%), in the pleural cavity – 1 (1.4%), in the biliary tract – in 1 (1.4%). Partial or complete liming of the hand was observed in 12 (16.7%) patients. In 20 (27.8%) cases, the operation was performed from the upper median access, in 42 (58.3%) – from oblique hypochondria accesses by Kocher or by Fedorov. Pericystectomy was performed in 48 (66.7%) patients, in 8 (11.1%) patients underwent resections of liver segments with an echinococcal cyst, in 4 (5.6%) – cyst opening with removal of contents and treatment of its cavity. Laparoscopic echinococectomy was used in 12 (16.7%) patients. In the postoperative period complications were observed in 16 (22.2%) patients. The use of the welding electrocoagulator EK-300M "Swarmed" in the thermal rehabilitation of the walls of the residual cavity after echinococectomy allowed to reduce blood loss from 2200±210 ml to 250±50 ml. With the use of laparoscopic echinococectomy, intraoperative blood loss was reduced by 9 times (р=0.0001); duration of operation – 2 times (р<0.05), stay in hospital – 3.3 times (р=0.002). There were no fatal outcomes. Before and after operation antirelapse antiparasitic therapy with albendazole (Vormil) was performed in two cycles of 28 days, separated by a 14-day break. The dose at body weight over 60 kg was 400 mg 2 times a day, and for less than 60 kg the drug was calculated at a rate of 15 mg/kg/day. There were 2 (2.8%) cases of relapse, there was no mortality.

Results of experimental research of wound ballistics of separate types and calibers of modern bullets

There was made the analysis of wound ballistics of modern expansive bullets in comparison with shell bullets on 25 blocks of ballistic plasticine (ROMA PLASTILINA No. 1, Ballistic Testing Backing Material), made in the USA, in which one shot from an AKS-74 automatic firearm and carbine ZBROYAR Z-10 with an optical sight was fired. The bullet speed was the highest in 5.45x39 caliber cartridge with a V-max bullet. – 1185 m/s, low in the bullet caliber cartridge .308 Win with a bullet SP, – 664 m/s. The difference is significant at the level of significance α=0.05. In terms of the size of the entrance hole, the largest is from the bullet of cartridge .308 Win with a bullet SP – 10.0 cm, the smallest - from the bullet "PS" with a steel core 5.45x39 mm, cartridge sample of the year 1974 (7H6) – 1.2 cm. The difference is significant at the level of significance α=0.05. In the expansive bullet of type "V-Max" of shortgun cartridge of caliber 5.45x39 mm, the size of the entrance hole was 9.1 cm, with asterial shape having radial gaps and turned edges of ballistic plasticine on the outside. All cartridges with expansive bullets did not have an exit hole after the shot. The dimensions of the formed residual cavity were the largest after firing with .308 Win caliber cartridge with a bullet SP – 25.0x5.0 cm., the smallest – bullet of a military caliber cartridge of 5.45x39 mm (7H6) – 6.0x4.0 cm. The difference is significant at significance level α=0.05. The shape and character of the residual cavity in ballistic plasticine was significant for all expansive bullets, in contrast to the bullet of a military cartridge 5.45x39 mm (7H6), where no such changes are detected. The considerable signs of expansion properties and deformation of the bullet in the form of a "flower of death" were identified in the bullet of caliber cartridge .308 Win with a bullet SP, other bullets with expansive properties showed significant fragmentation, with the location of fragments both in the residual cavity and outside its borders at different distances. Expansive bullets differ significantly at the level of significance α=0.05. The low flight speed of bullets (m/s) of .308 Win caliber cartridges with bullets BTHP and SP is due to their structure, weight, and caliber. Bullet of type V-max with cartridge 5.45x39 mm has the highest speed – 1185 m/s, and due to its design has significant expansive properties. Common to expansive bullets is a entrance hole, the blind nature of the lesion with the presence of a large residual cavity, which is due to kinetic energy return 114.37 E, J/mm2 inside the object of lesion. Fragmentation of expansion bullets occurs inside an object with fragments located at different distances. A .308 Win caliber cartridge with SP bullet causes deformation of s bullet by the type of "death flower" causing significant damage.

Woundary ballistics of biological tissue’s plastic deformation on the model of ballistic plastiline using hollow point and shape-stable bullets

Introduction. Modern military conflicts make many challenges for military surgeons associated with the use of new types of weapons – hollow point bullets. The solution to this problem, firstly, depends on studying the characteristics of the terminal ballistics of such ammunition and comparing the data obtained with the characteristics of traditional weapon. The aim of the work is to conduct experimental modeling of the wound canal and residual wound cavity, which is formed due to plastic deformation from hollow point and non-hollow point bullets. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out on 40 blocks of ballistic plasticine, in each of which one shot was fired from an AKS-74 assault rifle and a ZBROYAR Z-10 carbine. Depending on the type of ammunition, the blocks of ballistic plasticine were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 – 10 blocks into which shots were made with 5.45 mm non-hollow point military cartridges with "PS" bullets with a steel core "7N6"; Group 2 (10 blocks) – 5.45x39 mm cartridges with "V-Max" hollow point bullets; Group 3 (10 blocks) – with cartridges 7.62x39 mm; Group 4 (10 blocks) – cartridges 7.62x39 mm with hollow point bullets of the "SP" type. Results and discussion. Only for a 5.45 mm military cartridge with "PS" bullets, both inlet and outlet bullet holes were detected in all 10 observations. When using non-hollow point bullets, the outer area of ​​the bullet inlet correlates with the caliber of the projectile (1.6 times larger when using 7.62 mm bullets). For hollow point bullets, the caliber of the projectile does not significantly affect the area of ​​the inlet (P < 0.05). The expansive properties of the bullet significantly increase the area of ​​the bullet hole by 14.87-31.2 times compared to non-hollow point ammunition. Increasing the caliber of the non-hollow point bullet leads to a significant increase in the area of ​​the sagittal section of the residual wound cavity in 1.59-2.03 times; whereas the expansive properties of the bullet do not significantly affect either the perimeter or the area of ​​the sagittal section of the residual wound cavity. For non-hollow point bullets, the volume of the residual wound cavity is more correlated with the caliber of the bullet (increases by 3.36 times); whereas for an hollow point bullet, its caliber has a smaller effect on the volume of the residual cavity (increases by 1.37 times). The expansive properties of the bullet affect the volume of the residual wound cavity in two ways: for 5.45 mm bullets the residual wound cavity increases 1.49 times, for 7.62 mm bullets it decreases 1.65 times. The use of hollow point bullets of 7.62 mm leads to greater collateral damage (zone of secondary necrosis, molecular shock) due to the scattering of the kinetic energy of the bullet to the elastic deformation of near-woundary tissues compared to non-hollow point analogues. The use of 5.45 mm expansive bullets leads to the formation of a larger volume of irreversible damage due to plastic deformation compared to non-hollow point analogues. Conclusions. The resulting model of plastic deformation of soft tissues, depending on the type of modern small arms, showed the dependence of the spatial configuration of the inlet bullet hole, residual wound cavity and deformation and fragmentation of the bullet on the caliber of the cartridge and its expansive properties.

Clinical and pathogenetic aspects of the complications after surgical treatment of hepatic echinococcosis

Aim. To identify factors influencing effectiveness of surgical approaches in hepatic echinococcosis, depending on the location, size and stage of development of the cyst.Material and methods. From 2015 to 2017 the experience of surgical treatment of 98 patients with liver echinococcosis who underwent percutaneous (PAIR – 23 and PEVAC – 29 patients) and laparoscopic (46 patients) interventions was considered.Results. After the PAIR, a complication was noted in 1 (16.7%) case of isolated use with a CE3 cyst. Various complications were noted in 3 (60%) cases with a cyst puncture of more than 4 cm, and in 2 of them with CE2 and CE3. The average time for evacuating the cysts contents when performing the PEVAC technique was 5 days. Hemorrhagic fluid in drainage was noted in 6.9% of cases, biliary fistula – in 13.8%. Accumulation of fluid and suppuration in the residual cavity were identified in 34.5%. Taking into account the size of the cysts, the complication rate after PEVAC was 9.1% for cysts ≤6 cm vs 50% for cysts >6 cm. Various difficulties with manipulations during laparoscopic echinococcectomy were noted more often with CE2–4. So, difficulties with aspiration or removal of cyst contents more often arose with CE4. The incidence of complications after drainage removal was 17.9%, of which fluid accumulation was in 14.3% and residual cavity suppuration in 3.6% of cases.Conclusion. The US criteria, main indications and tactical and technical aspects for performing PAIR and PEVAC methods, as well as for performing laparoscopic echinococcectomy, and criteria for assessing the required volume of percytectomy for an adequate abdominalization of fibrous capsule have been clarified.

Rotation-hinged knee prosthesis for the treatment of Charcot arthropathy: a case report and literature review

Charcot arthropathy is a type of destructive osteoarthropathy characterized by neurotrophic and sensory disorders. The condition is relatively rare, with an insidious onset, and it is easily misdiagnosed. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can cause excessive joint wear, continuous inflammatory stimulation of the prosthesis, postoperative residual cavity, prosthesis loosening and subsidence, peripheral fracture, infection, and other complications. Furthermore, these complications are more likely to occur in patients with Charcot arthropathy because of disease-specific pathological characteristics, when TKA is performed. Therefore, Charcot arthropathy was once a contraindication to TKA. Recently, with the optimization of joint prostheses and the maturity of surgical techniques, more studies have reported successful cases of TKA in patients with Charcot arthropathy. We report a case of Charcot arthropathy in our hospital, and describe the patient’s medical history, clinical symptoms, signs, imaging findings, diagnosis, and the entire TKA process, to explore the TKA strategy and prosthesis selection in a patient with Charcot arthropathy.

Management of the Cavity After Removal of Giant Cell Tumor of the Bone

Purpose: To find out the most appropriate management scheme through the analysis and comparison of different inactivation methods and filling materials.Method: A systematic literature search was performed using the terms, anhydrous ethanol, phenol, hypertonic saline, cryotherapy, thermal therapy, bone reconstruction, GCTB, and etc., Selected articles were studied and summarized. The mechanism, clinical effects, and influence on bone repair of various methods are presented. Recent developments and perspectives are also demonstrated.Recent Findings: Compared to curettage alone, management of the residual cavity can effectively reduce the recurrence of giant cell tumours of bone. It is a complex and multidisciplinary process that includes three steps: local control, cavity filling, and osteogenic induction. In terms of local control, High-speed burring can enlarge the area of curettage but may cause the spread and planting of tumour tissues. Among the inactivation methods, Anhydrous ethanol, and hyperthermia therapy are relatively safe and efficient. The combination of the two may achieve a better inactivation effect. When inactivating the cavity, we need to adjust the approach according to the invasion of the tumour. Filling materials and bone repair should also be considered in management.

Primary hydatid cyst of the psoas adherent to the aortoiliac axis: a real therapeutic challenge

<p class="abstract">Hydatidosis of the psoas is an unusual entity even in countries endemic to hydatid disease. We reported a rare case of hydatid cyst of psoas in a 54 year old man without pathological history. The atypical clinical presentation and the uncharacterizable radiology have demonstrated the essential role of surgery and histological analysis in the management of this type of lesion. The patient underwent a resection of the protruding dome with drainage of the residual cavity because of the anatomical relationships of this hydatid cyst. Through this case and literature review, we aimed to discuss the diagnostic means, the natural course of the disease, the differential diagnoses as well as the therapeutic options for a hydatid cyst of the psoas.</p>

Preliminary Experience of Autologous Free Dermal Graft Combined With Free Myocutaneous Flap in the Treatment of Refractory Bronchopleural Fistula With Empyema

Background: To explore the effects of autologous free dermal graft combined with free myocutaneous flap on bronchopleural fistula with empyema. Methods: Two patients with refractory empyema and bronchopleural fistula were treated with autologous free dermal graft combined with free myocutaneous flap. The free dermal graft was harvested from the skin around the incision and the fistula was sutured intermittently. The lateral femoral myocutaneous flap was selected as the free flap. Using microsurgery techniques, the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery and the thoracodorsal blood vessel were anastomosed intermittently to maintain the blood supply of the myocutaneous flap. After surgery, the empyema, air leakage, and the survival of the myocutaneous flap were observed. Results: No necrosis of the myocutaneous flap was observed after surgery. There was no disease recurrence after follow-up for seven and six months, respectively. Re-examination of the chest computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging indicated that the empyema residual cavity had disappeared. Conclusion: Autologous free dermal graft combined with free lateral femoral myocutaneous flap transplantation is effective in the treatment of patients with bronchopleural fistula with refractory chronic empyema, with satisfactory clinical effects.

Management of giant hydatid cysts: a tertiary centre experience

Background Hydatid cyst (HC), the most parasitic disease of the lung, is still an important health problem in Tunisia. In this study, we reviewed our experience in a surgical management of 33 patients with giant pulmonary hydatid cyst (GPHC) (diameter ≥ 10 cm). Main body Between 1998 and 2019, a total of 33 patients with GPHC were operated in the Thoracic Surgery Department in Abderrahmane Mami Hospital. Seventeen were males (51.51) and 16 were females (48.48%). The median age was 33.9 years (range 7–83 years). The diameters of the cyst ranged between 10 and 20 cm (mean 13.15 cm). The most common symptoms were chest pain (63.63%) and cough (33.33%). Imaging showed a single GPHC in all cases. GPHC was intact in 75.75% cases and complicated in 24.25% cases. Posterolateral thoracotomy was performed in 27 cases (81.81%). For the residual cavity, parenchyma-saving procedures were performed in 54.54% and anatomical resection was performed in 45.46%. Morbidity was low, and no mortality was seen. Conclusion GPHC are considered more difficult to treat surgically than small cysts; parenchyma preserving should and could be the surgical method of choice with a good prognosis. The decision of anatomical pulmonary resection is taken in per-operative when conservative surgery is not possible.