Thoracic Infection Research Articles

Acute management of aortobronchial and aortoesophageal fistulas using thoracic endovascular aortic repair

Aortobronchial fistula (ABF) and aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) are rare but lethal if untreated; open thoracic surgery is associated with high operative mortality and morbidity. In this case series, we sought to investigate outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for emergency cases of ABF and AEF. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with AEF and ABF undergoing TEVAR in three European teaching hospitals between 2000 and January 2009. Eleven patients were identified including 6 patients with ABF, 4 patients with AEF, and 1 patient with a combined ABF and AEF. In-hospital outcomes and follow-up after TEVAR were evaluated. Median age was 63 years (interquartile range, 31); 8 were male. Ten patients presented with hemoptysis or hematemesis; 4 developed hemorrhagic shock. All patients underwent immediate TEVAR, and 3 AEF patients required additional esophageal surgery. Five patients died (45%), including 3 patients with AEF, 1 patient with ABF, and 1 patient with a combined ABF and AEF, after a median duration of 22 days (interquartile range, 51 days). The patient with AEF that survived had received early esophageal reconstruction. Causes of death were: sepsis (n = 2), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 1), thoracic infections (n = 1), and aortic rupture (n = 1). Median follow-up of surviving patients was 45 months (interquartile range, 45 months). Six additional vascular interventions were performed in 3 survivors. TEVAR does prevent immediate exsanguination in patients admitted with AEF and ABF, but after initial deployment of the endograft and control of the hemodynamic status, most patients, in particular those with AEF, are at risk for infectious complications. Early esophageal repair after TEVAR appears to improve the survival in case of AEF. Therefore, TEVAR may serve as a bridge to surgery in emergency cases of AEF with subsequent definitive open operative repair of the esophageal defect as soon as possible. In patients with ABF, additional open surgery may not be necessary after the endovascular procedure.

Surgical treatment for chronic lung and thoracic cavity infection

To avoid the complication of aspiration pneumonia, we attempted a new anterior approach of extrapleural pneumonectomy combined with thoracoplasty in four patients with chronic empyema, a bronchopleural fi stula, and severely destroyed lung. The thoracic cage was exposed by an L-shaped parasternal incision making a muscle-skin flap of the anterior chest. The anterior portions of ribs were removed at fi rst, and exfoliation was started in the mediastinal area. After detaching the lung from the mediastinum, an extrapleural pneumonectomy was completed. The backside ribs were then resected by way of the thoracic cavity. The muscle-skin flap was sutured to close the thoracic cavity completely. The procedure was tolerable for three cases. One patient died from accidental rupture of the descending aorta owing to atherosclerotic degeneration. Of the three successful outcomes, recurrence was observed in one case, although it was recurrence of malignant lymphoma associated with chronic empyema.

Co-infection by Streptococcus anginosus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis: three case reports.

IntroductionBacterial infections may appear as sequelae of remote tuberculous infections, especially thoracic infections. The simultaneous appearance of tuberculosis and bacterial infection is not common, and, to our knowledge, the association of infection by Streptococcus anginosus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis has not been reported previously in the literature.Case presentationWe report three cases of dual infection with Streptococcus anginosus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis that were first diagnosed as pyogenic abscesses because of an isolation of Streptococcus anginosus. Despite a course of antibiotics and drainage, the outcome of this initial treatment was unfavourable. A re-evaluation yielded a diagnosis of mixed infection with Streptococcus anginosus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.ConclusionIn a geographical area with a high prevalence of tuberculous disease, the rare possibility of dual infection with Streptococcus anginosus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be considered.

呼吸器外科術後に手術部位感染（SSI）として発症した MRSA 膿胸に関する検討

The incidence of empyema as a thoracic surgical site infection (SSI) is relating low, but empyema related to MRSA poses an unenviable therapeutic challenge. We review 3 cases of MRSA-related empyema as SSI seem in the last 10 years, and evaluate therapeutic measures. All 3 subjects began being administered vancomycin (VCM) systemically once the diagnosis was established. Subject 1 developed MRSA-related empyema following pulmonary segmentectomy for small-cell lung cancer. The subject was treated following a diagnosis of incisional SSI, with delayed adequate pleural drainage, resulting in treatment difficulties, but was cured without becoming MRSA-negative. Subject 2 developed MRSA-related empyema following pulmonary lobectomy for advanced lung cancer associated with pneumoconiosis. Following bronchoplasty, a chest tube was placed for long-term drainage. The subject did not become MRSA-negative after VCM administration, but became so after linezolid treatment, facilitating a cure. Subject 3, who had secondary pneumothorax, underwent thoracoscopic partial hepatic resection. Intraoperative findings suggested pleural cavity infection, necessitating a prophylactic drain, but MRSA-related pyothorax developed. Fibrinolysis with urokinase effectively cleared up the poor drainage and the subject was cured without becoming MRSA-negative. In conclusion, in controlling MRSA-related empyema as SSI noted that: (1) long-term postperative thoracic drain retention may lead to retrograde infection; (2) surgical procedures reducing the extent of pulmonary resection may effectively prevent pyothorax progression; (3) for poor drainage in advanced pyothorax, fibrinolytic therapy is worth attempting before thoracoscopic surgery; and (4) the timing for discontinuing anti-MRSA drugs should be determined based on the clinical course rather than negative conversion of bacteria.

Computed tomography for the diagnosis of infectious diseases of the chest

Pulmonary infection is a common reason for imaging of the lung in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Findings on chest radiography are nonspecific and encompass poor sensitivity. The role of computed tomography (CT) has been evolving in the diagnosis of lung infections. This paper reviews recent developments in the efficacy and utility of CT in the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary infections in a variety of patient populations. Recent published literature was reviewed to prepare this treatise on the role of CT. Knowledge and skills at pattern recognition are crucial for the CT interpretation in lung infections. Computed tomography scan is increasingly used to increase the sensitivity of the radiologic diagnosis of thoracic infections. The greatest value of CT is when the radiograph is normal, findings are equivocal, and to differentiate infection from non-infectious disorders.

Variations of maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure from residual functional capacity or total pulmonary capacity and residual volume in normal individuals

The aim of this work was to verify if there exist variations in the two distinct methods that assist the evaluation of maximal inspiratory pressure(PImax) and maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax). We enlisted 41 voluntary individuals, both male and female, having as inclusion criteria age (20-59years), body mass index (18-29,9 kg/m2) and exclusion criteria be a chronic smoker, having lung illnesses, thoracic infections of superior and inferioraerial ways in the last year, neuromuscular illnesses, deformities, and BMI > 30 kg/m2. The research was approved by the Committee of Ethics of theUniversity Center Sao Camilo; the volunteers had signed the term of free and informed consent. We used a Gerar manuvacuometer, bocals, tracheas andplastic nasal clamps. We observe in results of the comparison of averages of the different methods p < 0.001 both for PImax and PEmax. PImax averagefrom VR and CRF was, respectively, 96.10 and 78.78 cm H2O, with a standard deviation of respectively 32.70 and 27.50 cm H2O. Between Pemax, fromCPT and CRF, it was noticed, respectively, a average of 115.37 and 93.90 cm H2O, with a standard deviation of, respectively, 37.95 and 33.08 cm H2O.There was a significant difference in PImax values from CRF and VR and those of PEmax from CRF and CPT, and the method based on CRF underestimatesPImax in relation to the measure done with VR, as well as underestimates PEmax in relation to CPT. We conclude that a method cannot substitute theother without loss of information.

Inferior Vena Cava Approach to Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

A 89-year-old woman required permanent pacemaker implantation because of symptomatic bradyarrhythmia with multiple falls and repeated fractures. Because of the obstruction of the thoracic veins and infection of both groins, an alternative approach via directly punctured inferior vena cava was performed. At follow-up, the patient remained well with an excellent symptomatic response to pacing. The method seems simple to perform and is an alternative when the usual pectoral implantation site is inaccessible.

High thoracic spinal infection following upper gastrointestinal work-up

Spinal infections originating from the gastrointestinal tract are rare. We report a patient in whom esophageal rupture during endoscopy led to spinal infection with neurological deficit. An 80-year-old Asian man with a history of recent endoscopic gastrointestinal investigation presented to our clinic with the chief complaints of upper thoracic discomfort, chest pain and mild intermittent fever. Progressive weakness and numbness in both lower extremities had developed during the previous two weeks. A thoracic spine MRI showed a space-occupying lesion with involvement of the T2 and T3 vertebral bodies including an epidural abscess. After surgical decompression, the patient gradually recovered power in his lower extremities. Early diagnosis is a key factor to avoid neurologic sequelae in the treatment of patients with spinal infection. Physicians need to be aware of this potential complication following endoscopic gastrointestinal investigation.

Relevance of Group Milleri Streptococci in Thoracic Surgery: A Clinical Update

Group Milleri streptococci (GMS), a heterogeneous group of streptococci, are associated with purulent infections. This study was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive thoracic infections of GMS between 2001 and 2004. Of 246 surgical GMS infections, thoracic infections accounted for 4.5 per cent, including 10 pleural infections (eight empyemas and two infected pleural effusions) and one mediastinal infection. The etiology of pleural infection was parapneumonic (7), second to esophageal perforation (1), liver transplantation (1), and liver resection (1). Polymicrobial infections were present in 64 per cent. All patients underwent removal of the infected masses, including drainage (3), thoracoscopic decortication (5), thoracotomy with debridement (2), and incision with drainage (1). The case fatality rate was 9 per cent (there was one patient with congestive heart disease unfit to undergo surgical empyema evacuation) and the recurrence rate was 27.3 per cent (three patients). Combined antibiotic/surgical treatment was successful in all other cases. GMS isolates were susceptible to clindamycin and all beta-lactam antibiotics except ceftazidime, but were resistant to aminoglycosides. If found intrathoracically, GMS frequently progress to severe empyema. Therefore, timely removal of pleural collection by percutaneous drainage or surgical intervention seems indicated. If surgery is required, thoracoscopic decortication may be the preferred approach.

Thoracic Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Thoracic Infections in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

SINGLE-STAGE POSTERIOR CIRCUMSPINAL DEBRIDEMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION FOR THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINAL INFECTIONS

Anterior debridement and fusion is an accepted method to treat spinal infections. However, rehabilitation after anterior debridement and fusion is prolonged because of minor primary instability, making postoperative bed rest, casting, and orthotic devices necessary. To shorten and simplify the postoperative period, several authors have reported the addition of anterior or dorsal instrumentation, the latter referring to anterior–posterior exposure. In our opinion, single posterior circumspinal exposure can be used to debride and reconstruct the spine, and posterior fixation can also be added through it. Twelve patients who had infections of the thoracic and lumbar spine were treated surgically at Sohag University Hospital, Egypt. The patients were seven males and five females with a mean age of 47.5 years. Eight patients were infected in the thoracic spine, while the other four were infected in the lumbar spine. All patients were operated through a single posterior exposure. Posterior stabilization by transpedicular screw fixation was performed. Anterior dissection enabled debridement of the lesion and evacuation of any abscess. Then, reconstruction of the anterior column was performed followed by posterior fusion. Causative organisms were tuberculosis (TB) in eight patients, while bacteriologic testing of intraoperative samples did not find germs in four patients. The mean follow-up time was 12.7 months (range, 3–32 months). At the end of follow-up, 11 patients were still living, while 1 patient died 3 months postoperatively due to complications during a kidney operation. No active infection occurred by the end of follow-up. In conclusion, in cases of thoracic and lumbar spinal infections, single posterior exposure — although technically demanding — is sufficient to debride the infected material, decompress the neural elements, and reconstruct the spine both anteriorly and posteriorly.

Spontaneous aortic arch rupture with pseudoaneurysm and constrictive-effusive pericarditis formation

Spontaneous aortic rupture, without any history of previous thoracic trauma, infection or acute thoracic pain is an extremely rare and potentially life-threatening event. Its diagnosis, in the absence of acute symptoms, is usually delayed and relies on secondary signs. While the etiology is atherosclerotic in most cases, the exact mechanisms of rupture have only recently been uncovered. Treatment may be surgical, endovascular or by a combined procedure, according to the anatomy, location and expertise of the medical team.

Prospective Study of Infection Risk Factors in 988 Lung Resections

To evaluate the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI), as related to risk factors, in patients undergoing lung resections (LR). We evaluated 988 consecutive patients prospectively who underwent LR between 1996 and 2005 at the Center for Thoracic Surgery of the University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. Patients were divided into four groups: Pneumonectomy (n=104), lobectomy/bi-lobectomy (n=438), wedge resection by thoracotomy (n=155), and wedge resection by video-thoracoscopy (VATS) (n=291). The recorded risk factors for SSI were hemoglobin concentration, serum albumin concentration, lymphocyte count, percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), duration of surgery, blood transfusion, age>70 years, and comorbidity. The postoperative SSIs (superficial and deep incisional SSI, pneumonia, empyema) were recorded in they occurred within 30 days, and the final outcome was recorded. Postoperative infections were found in 141 patients (14.3%) and included 166 thoracic infections, among them 32 incisional SSIs (3.2%), 103 cases of pneumonia (10.4%); and 24 empyemas (2.4%). The overall incidence of SSI was significantly lower in patients having wedge resections by VATS (5.5%) than in the other three groups (17.9%) (p<0.001). The overall mortality rate was 1.2% (12/988), of which six deaths (0.6%) were caused by complications of infection. The infection rate correlated with duration of surgery>180 min, age>70 years, serum albumin<3.5 g/dL, and the presence of any comorbidity. Moreover, 18% of patients with FEV1>70% had postoperative pneumonia, a significant increase (p<0.01) compared with patients with FEV1>or=70%. In this prospective study, the SSI rate after LR was 14.3%, and the 30-day operative mortality rate was 1.2%, with most of the deaths caused by pneumonia. After VATS LR procedures, the incidence of SSI was lower at 5.5%. Finally, SSI correlated with the duration of surgery, serum albumin, concurrent comorbidity, age, and FEV1.

Pyogenic spinal infections and outcome according to the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey

Pyogenic vertebral infections are rare. In most papers investigators have focused on risk factors, clinical characteristics, and diagnostic findings, and discussed different management strategies. The optimal strategy for dealing with spinal infections, however, remains controversial. Additionally, outcome data regarding quality of life (QOL) after pyogenic spinal infections are sparse. The aim of this study was to provide further data in this field. The authors retrospectively investigated 62 patients suffering from pyogenic spinal infections. In 37 patients (59%), lumbar lesions were observed; thoracic and thoracolumbar infections were documented in 19 (31%) and a cervical infection was demonstrated in six patients (10%). Overall 28 patients (45%) underwent conservative treatment, and 34 (55%) underwent surgery with or without the placement of instrumentation. At follow-up examination the authors recorded each patient's satisfaction as well as QOL according to the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Quality of life after treatment of pyogenic spine infections did not reach the level of the normative sample. Most patients continued to suffer some sort of pain. Despite different indications, the surgically treated patients experienced a slightly better QOL and self-reported satisfaction levels, as well as a statistically significant better outcome, than patients treated conservatively. The results obtained in the present study suggest that surgery, especially in conjunction with the placement of instrumentation, may be more beneficial than conservative treatment in patients with a spinal infection.

Two Hundred Forty Minimally Invasive Mitral Operations Through Right Minithoracotomy

This study reports of our 7-year experience with minimally invasive mitral valve operations using the transthoracic clamp technique, reviewing morbidity and mortality as well as echocardiographic follow-up results. Between 1997 and 2004, 241 patients (121 male; aged 56 +/- 14 years) underwent minimally invasive mitral valve surgery through right thoracotomy using the transthoracic clamp technique. Reconstructions were done in 199 patients, and 42 valves were replaced. Mean length of incision was 7.0 +/- 1.2 cm. Mean preoperative New York Heart Association functional class was 2.6 +/- 0.9. Thirty-day mortality was 3.3% (n = 8). Operating, bypass, and cross-clamp times averaged 241 +/- 52, 142 +/- 40, and 84 +/- 26 minutes, respectively. Seven patients (2.9%) had conversion to sternotomy. Nine patients (3.7%) underwent reexploration for bleeding. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stay were 18 hours and 8.1 days, respectively. Mean follow-up was 30 +/- 18 months (range, 3 to 76). Echocardiographic follow-up documented persistently competent valve function in all but 6 patients who had grade III regurgitation. Five of them underwent mitral valve re-reconstruction and 1 underwent transplantation. At 76 months, freedom from nontrivial recurrent mitral regurgitation and reoperation were 92.3% and 96.2%, respectively. Actuarial survival at 76 months, including early mortality, was 90.7%. Thoracic wounds were free from infection in all patients. This study demonstrates that the direct vision, transthoracic clamp technique for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery is reproducible with low mortality and morbidity rates. It results in excellent cosmesis and abolished the risk of thoracic wound infection. Results are comparable to midterm outcomes of conventional operations.

Surgical treatment of perforation with esophageal carcinoma

Perforation in esophageal carcinoma usually occurs at late stage, and is often accompanied with thoracic infections. Conventional conservative treatments, including parenteral nutritional support and stent placement under the endoscope, can neither eliminate the carcinoma nor control the infection completely. The mortality soon after perforation is fairly high. This study was to investigate the ideal operation patterns and perioperative treatment of perforation in esophageal carcinoma. A total of 41 patients with esophageal carcinoma perforated the right lung (19 cases), the mediastinum (17 cases) and the trachea (5 cases) were treated with operations: 39 underwent open thoracic operation, and 2 only underwent palliative gastric ostomy. Of the 39 patients, 16 received operation through the right thoracic approach with 3 incisions, and 23 received staging operation; 35 received retrosternal substitution of esophagus with stomach or colon, 4 underwent substitution of the esophagus with stomach via the esophageal bed. The operations were success in 36 cases. The patients could eat and take care of themselves. The patients were followed up for 3-72 months after operation: 2 survived for 3 months, 31 survived for 6-12 months, 2 survived for 24 months, and 1 survived for 72 months; 2 died during operation and 3 dead in 1 month after discharge. Of the latter 3 patients, 2 had underwent palliative gastric ostomy, 1 had stoma tracheal fistula recanalization. The surgical treatment of perforation in esophageal carcinoma could improve the survival rate and life quality of the patients. We suggest to perform retrosternal replacement of esophagus with stomach or colon through the right thoracic approach with 3 incisions or staging operations for the patients with perforation in carcinoma.

Does use of a right internal thoracic artery increase deep wound infection and risk after previous use of a left internal thoracic artery?

To determine whether adding right internal thoracic artery to previous left internal thoracic artery bypass at reoperation increases deep sternal wound infection and hospital mortality, particularly in diabetic patients. Reoperations (n = 2875; 2381 men) in patients with previous left internal thoracic artery bypass were performed between January 1990 and January 2003; 1939 (67%) had no repeat internal thoracic artery grafting, 923 (32%) received an additional right internal thoracic artery graft, and 13 (0.5%) had bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting with reuse of the left internal thoracic artery. Of the patients, 352 (12%) were insulin-treated and 590 (21%) non-insulin-treated diabetics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify preoperative variables associated with right versus non-right internal thoracic artery use in diabetics and nondiabetics and to formulate propensity models. Propensity scores were used for matching and adjusted multivariable analyses of deep wound infection and hospital mortality. Deep wound infection occurred in 3.0% (7/230) of diabetics receiving right internal thoracic artery grafts, 2.2% (5/230) of propensity-matched diabetics receiving non-right internal thoracic artery grafts (P = .6), in 1.1% (6/538) of nondiabetics receiving right internal thoracic artery grafts, and in 1.0% (5/538) of matched non-diabetic patients receiving non-right internal thoracic artery grafts (P = .8). Corresponding hospital mortality in these matched groups was 1.7% (4/230) versus 6.1% (14/230) for diabetics (P = .02) and 2.6% (14/538) versus 3.5% (19/538) for nondiabetics (P = .4). Risk factors for deep wound infection included higher weight (P = .0003), higher New York Heart Association functional class (P = .03), and less severe left anterior descending disease (P = .03). Risk factors for death were (P < .02) emergency operation, mitral valve replacement, and greater number of saphenous vein grafts. Use of the right internal thoracic artery for reoperations does not increase the risk of deep wound infections in diabetics or nondiabetics and does not increase mortality.

Disseminated Streptococcus anginosus Infection with Empyema Thoracis in a Patient with Sarcoma

Streptococcus anginosus is a member of the normal flora of the oral cavity and a pathogen of thoracic infection. However, disseminated infection that was identified from different body fluids at the same time has never been reported. We report a 52-year-old man with advanced pulmonary sarcoma who developed neutropenia, bronchopleural fistula and thoracic empyema after chemotherapy. Viridans group Streptococcus was isolated from both empyema and urine, which was confirmed as S. anginosus according to the biochemical reaction profiles and 16S rRNA gene sequencing results. The patient recovered uneventfully after tube drainage and treatment with imipenem. Disseminated S. anginosus infection should be considered as a possible pathogen in immunocompromised patients with empyema and can be rapidly identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

The use of closed-suction irrigation systems to manage spinal infections

Management of infection in the hardware system-fixated spine has proven to be problematic. In many cases, instrumentation is required to provide stability or to maintain correction of deformity, and removal could be hazardous. The authors describe the use of closed continuous irrigation to treat spinal wound infections in patients with fixation systems; irrigation can be used in all parts of the spine with excellent results. The authors conducted a retrospective chart-based review of cases in which spinal instrumentation procedures were performed consecutively during a 10-year period. Infection developed in 36 patients. The infections involved the cervical, thoracic or thoracolumbar, and lumbar regions. Anterior and posterior drains were placed in one patient. In one patient refractory infections responded to replacement of the dual-inflow port drainage system. In all cases the wound infection completely resolved. There were no cases that required the removal of the fusion mass or instrumentation. In all cases progression to solid fusion was achieved. Closed irrigation systems can be used effectively to manage anterior or posterior cervical, thoracic, and lumbar wound infections. These systems preclude the explantation of the instrumentation and allow spinal stability to be preserved. The authors noted no evidence of recurrent infection or failed fusion.

Textilomes thoraciques

Intrathoracic gossypiboma are exceptional, but diagnosis and treatment are difficult. The purpose of this study was to recall the clinical and radiological aspects of intrathoracic gosssyibomas and discuss the medicolegal consequences. From January 1990 to June 2003, eight cases of gossypiboma were treated in our unit. The patients were aged 31 to 60 years (mean 40.5). Six had a history of thoracic surgery and two a history of biliary surgery. Clinically, the main symptom was hemoptysia (7 patients, 87.5%). Four patients (50%) presented thoracic pain and one a pleurocutaneous fistula. The chest x-ray revealed a poorly delimited opacity in six patients, a liquid effusion in one and a raised left diaphragm in one. The thoracic scan performed in two patients demonstrated an air image in one and a liquid image in the other. Surgical removal was difficult in all eight patients. Pulmonary parenchyma had to be sacrificed in certain patients. Two patients developed postoperative complications (one pneumothora and one thoracic wall infection). The diagnosis of intrathoracic gossypiboma should be suggested in all patients with a pulmonary mass and a history of thoracic surgery, more rarely laparotomy. Prevention remains the best treatment.