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[Combined repair of large defect caused by radical surgery of advanced tongue cancer with rib-major pectoralis myocutaneous flap carrying costal parietal pleura].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value and safety of using rib-major pectoralis myocutaneous flap carrying costal parietal pleura in combined repair of large soft and hard tissue defect caused by radical surgery of advanced tongue cancer. METHODS: Six patients with advanced tongue carcinoma involving the floor of mouth and mandible were performed combined radical neck dissection with glossectomy and mandibulectomy, which caused large soft and hard tissue defect. Six rib-major pectoralis myocutaneous flaps carrying costal parietal pleura were transferred for immediate repair of the large defects. The rib flaps were applied for the repair of mandible, and the major pectoralis myocutaneous flaps were applied for the reconstruction of tongue and floor of mouth. RESULTS: Six patients recovered well after operation. Six rib-major pectoralis myocutaneous flaps carrying costal parietal pleura survived well; the wounds of surgical incision of the oral cavity, neck, and chest healed up. The reconstructed tongue and the lower face appearance were satisfactory, the occlusion relationships were normal; the speaking as well as swallowing functions recovered. CONCLUSIONS: It's safe and reliable to use rib-major pectoralis myocutaneous flap carrying costal parietal pleura to repair large soft and hard tissue defect in oral and maxillofacial region. Opening pleural cavity and harvest costal parietal pleura would not influence patients' thoracic movement and breath function and would not cause other complications. It's simple and safe for harvesting the composite flap. Carrying costal parietal pleura assures the sufficient blood supply of rib in the composite flap.

Aged↗

The structure of the parietal pleura and its relationship to pleural liquid dynamics in sheep.

We studied the parietal pleura of six sheep to obtain information on pleural structure, blood supply, and lymphatic drainage. In the strict sense, the parietal pleura is composed of a single layer of mesothelial cells and a uniform layer of loose, irregular connective tissue (about 23 micron in width) subjacent to the mesothelial cells. The parietal pleural blood vessels are 10-15 micron from the pleural space. Tracer substances put in the pleural space are removed at specific locations. Colloidal carbon and chick red blood cells are cleared by the parietal pleural lymphatics located over the intercostal spaces at the caudal end of the thoracic wall and over the lateral sides of the pericardial sac. In these areas the mesothelial cells have specialized openings, the stomata, that directly communicate with the underlying lymphatic lacunae. Cells and particulate matter in the pleural space are cleared only by the parietal pleural lymphatics. Compared to the visceral pleura, we believe the thinness of the parietal pleura, the closeness of its blood vessels to the pleural space, and its specialized lymphatic clearance pathways, together indicate that the parietal pleura plays a major role in pleural liquid and protein dynamics in sheep.

Animals↗

Left-side catamenial pneumothorax with endometrial tissue on the visceral pleura.

We present here a rare case of left-side catamenial pneumothorax, in which endometrial tissue pleura was found on the visceral pleura histologically. A chest roentogenogram confirmed the left pneumothorax, but did not reveal bullae or any associated anomalies, in a 41-year-old woman with three documented episodes of left-side pneumothorax occurring every menstruation. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed not only tiny holes in the diaphragm, but also a scattered small brown spots on the visceral pleura. Histological examination of the lung sections revealed the existence of endometrial tissue on the visceral pleura with disrupted pleural elastic fibers. Our case suggests that cyclic erosion of the visceral pleura by the implanted endometrial tissue caused air leakage from the lung, in addition to the most accepted concept that air is aspirated into the thoracic cavity via the abdomen through the acquired fenestration of the diaphragm.

Adult↗

Respiratory dysfunction after coronary artery bypass grafting employing bilateral internal mammary arteries: the influence of intact pleura.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of intact pleurae regarding the postoperative respiratory functional status in patients undergoing coronary revascularization employing both internal mammary arteries (IMAs), according to the pedunculated or skeletonized technique (SKT) with opened or intact pleurae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using both IMAs, 299 patients underwent elective coronary revascularization. They were randomized and divided into group I (n=82, undergoing IMA harvesting according to the SKT without opening the pleurae); group II (n=186, undergoing IMA harvesting according the pedunculated technique with open pleurae); and group III (n=31, undergoing IMA harvesting according the SKT with incidentally opened pleurae). There were no differences regarding the preoperative patient characteristics and the anaesthetic and surgical management. RESULTS: There were two deaths in group I versus seven in group II and one in group III (P=ns). The number of total arterial myocardial revascularization and arterial composite grafts was significantly higher in groups I and III than in group II, (P<0.001 and P<0.005, respectively). The incidence of postoperative complications was similar between groups. Blood loss of >1000 ml was significantly higher in group II than group I (P<0.028); but the incidence of re-thoracotomy and blood transfusion was similar between groups. The mechanical ventilation time was significantly higher in groups II and III versus group I (P<0.018 and P<0.02, respectively). The incidence of prolonged ventilation (>24 h), pleural effusion, thoracocentesis and atelectasis, resulted in being significantly higher in group II than group I. The incidence of thoracocentesis was significantly higher in group III than group I. The pain score and analgesic requirements at 1-12 h after awakening were significantly higher in groups II and III versus group I, becoming similar after the chest tubes were removed. PaO(2) was significantly higher, and PaCO(2) and FiO(2) were significantly lower in group I than groups II and III at 1 and 4 h before extubation and at 1 and 4 h after extubation. PaO(2) and PaCO(2) became similar between groups at the 5th postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, we may conclude that pleural integrity has beneficial effects on the respiratory functional status after coronary revascularization using both IMAs. A meticulous and more careful IMA harvesting approach significantly reduces the postoperative morbidity regarding the pulmonary functional status, and as a consequence, reduces the hospital costs.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

[Sonographie von pleura und lunge].

The value of ultrasound examination of the pleura and lungs remains highly underestimated to this day. While the ventilated lungs and the osseous skeleton of the thorax represent potent obstacles for ultrasound, a multitude of pathological processes of the chest wall, pleura, and lungs results in altered tissue composition, providing markedly increased access and visibility for sonographic examination. These conditions support the sonographic diagnosis of pleural and pulmonary disorders. However, the main value of pleura and lung ultrasonography is not the primary diagnosis of chest lesions but the follow up, differential diagnosis, detection of complications, such as abscesses and post embolic lung infarction, and guidance of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in patients with pathological pleural and pulmonary findings. Punctures and drainages of fluids, e. g., haematothorax, empyema, chylothorax as well as biopsies of solid lesions can safely be performed under ultrasound-guidance. It is of special importance that pleura and lung ultrasonography, as a non-invasive method, can be repeated without discomfort or radiation exposure for the patient and is therefore valuable in the follow-up of pathological findings. Adequate interpretation of sonographic pleura and lung findings has to consider the patient's history, physical examination, chest X-ray and other results obtained by complementary imaging technologies (e. g. thoracic computed tomography).

Humans↗

Early response of the visceral pleura following asbestos exposure: an ultrastructural study.

The acute in vivo response of the visceral pleura following intracheal instillation of amosite asbestos was examined by light microscopy and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy in the guinea pig model. Asbestos fibers were observed close to the pleura in all time periods but were never found within the pleura or subpleural regions proper. Thus, pleural changes occurred in the absence of direct fiber contact. Morphological changes in the pleural and subpleural areas were seen as early as 2 h after exposure and were associated with pathological alterations of the underlying parenchyma. The normally squamous mesothelial cells became pleomorphic in experimental animals, ranging from slightly cuboidal, to protruding "columnar-like" cells, to more bizarre forms. While many organelles remained unaltered, an increase in vacuolization in portions of the pleura indicated localized and advanced intracellular responses. Beginning at 4 h postexposure, varied numbers of particulate-free macrophages were seen on the pleural surface, and were considered an extension of the inflammatory response occurring in the underlying parenchyma. Early proliferation of the mesothelial cells, in limited areas of the pleura, and cytoplasmic extensions into the pleural space were also observed. Distortions of the basal lamina and smooth-muscle bundles accompanied the morphological changes in the pleural cells. A trend toward normality was observed in the longer time frames, but some areas of pleural change persisted through 3 mo postexposure.

Animals↗

Costal pleura: appearances at high-resolution CT.

The appearance of the costal pleura at high-resolution computed tomography (CT) was evaluated with a cadaver and 25 normal subjects. This was contrasted with the high-resolution CT appearance of the costal pleura in 15 patients with mild pleural thickening, 13 of whom had been exposed to asbestos. On high-resolution CT scans in the normal subjects, a 1-2-mm-thick line of soft-tissue attenuation at the point of contact between lung and chest wall represents the visceral and parietal pleura, pleural contents, endothoracic fascia, and innermost intercostal muscle. In a paravertebral location, the innermost intercostal muscle is lacking, and a thin line seen on high-resolution CT scans reflects pleura and endothoracic fascia. Transverse thoracic and subcostal muscles and extrapleural fat pads can be seen as tissue internal to a rib and may be confused with pleural thickening. In 13 of the 15 patients with mild pleural thickening, the 1-3-mm-thick pleura was separable from the underlying normal intercostal muscle by a layer of extrapleural fat. High-resolution CT was more sensitive than CT with 1-cm collimation in depicting this degree of pleural abnormality.

Aged↗

Microvascularization of the pleura in rats and guinea pigs.

The microvascularization of the visceral and parietal pleura was studied in rats and guinea pigs using vascular corrosion casts and scanning electron microscopy. The visceral pleura was shown to be devoid of a vascular bed of its own. The capillary meshwork observed on the surface of the lung belongs to the pulmonary parenchyma. The parietal pleura, by contrast, possesses its own capillary network with an appropriate arterial supply and a venous drainage. The parietal pleural capillaries cover the costal regions completely, whereas the intercostal spaces are only provided by interspersed small patches of capillaries. That the feeding arteries of the parietal pleura are connected to the systemic circulatory system, supports the well-known fact that the parietal pleura is the main site for production of pleural fluid.

Animals↗

Primary malignant localized fibrous tumours of the pleura: clinical, radiological and pathological features.

Localized fibrous tumours of the pleura are rare primary pleural tumours that may exhibit malignant behaviour in approximately 20% of cases. The clinical, radiological and pathological features of five patients with malignant localized fibrous tumours of the pleura are presented. Clinical symptoms included chest pain, breathlessness and cough. Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA) occurred in one patient. Chest radiographs and thoracic computed tomography (CT) demonstrated large necrotic masses, with focal calcification and compressive atelectasis of the underlying lung. Histological features were variable and resulted in designation of these tumours as localized fibrous tumours of the pleura of low or high grade malignancy. The grading of malignancy did not correlate with final outcome, adequacy of surgical excision being the most important factor. These tumours have been referred to as benign pleural fibromas or localized mesotheliomas, but these names are inaccurate and the term localized fibrous tumour of the pleura is to be preferred. This term should also include tumours such as malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the pleura.

Aged↗

Solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura: surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT) of the pleura are rare tumours originated from the mesenchimal tissue underlying the mesothelial layer of the pleura. This tumours present unpredictable clinical course probably related to their histological and morphological characteristics. METHODS: Twenty-one patients affected by SFT of the pleura were referred to us for surgical resection from September 1984 to April 2000. They were 15 males and six females with median age of 51 (range 15--73) years. Nine patients (43%) were symptomatic and predominant clinical symptoms or signs were dyspnoea (19%), coughing (14.3%), chest pain (28.5%), finger clubbing (14.3%) and hypoglycaemia (14.3%). Hypoglycaemia was related to a pathological incretion of insulin-like growth factor 2 by the tumour. Chest radiograph and computed tomography of the chest revealed intra-thoracic homogeneous sharply delineated round or lobulated mass sometimes associated with ipsilateral pleural effusion (19%) or causing pulmonary atelectasis with opacification of the complete hemithorax (19%). Surgical excision required 14 posterolateral thoracotomies, six anterior thoracotomies and one video-assisted thoracoscopy. Thirteen tumours arose from visceral pleura and wedge resection was performed, seven tumours arose from parietal pleura and extrapleural resection was carried out without any chest-wall resection, one tumour growth within the upper left lobe and required lobectomy. Tumours weighted from 22 to 1942 g and measured from 22x12x8 to 330x280x190 mm. At cut section seven cases (34%) revealed focal necrosis and hemorrhagic zones and on light microscopy six cases (28.5%) were characterized by high mitotic count: characteristics related with uncertain clinical behaviour. Immuno-histochemical reactions were in all cases positive for CD34. RESULTS: In all our patients resections were complete. Paraneoplastic syndromes like hypoglycaemia and clubbing receded after surgery. No intraoperative or perioperative medical or surgical complications occurred. Median chest-drain duration timed 3 (range 2--5) days and median hospital stay was 5 (range 4--7) days. Perioperative mortality rate was 0%. Median follow-up was 68 (range 2--189) months: during this period patients were submitted to chest X-ray with 6-months interval to evaluate possible local recurrence. Only one patient experienced tumour recurrence after 124 months follow-up: the tumour was suspected after observation of finger clubbing. The tumour was detected and excised by redo-thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection of benign solitary fibrous tumours is usually curative, but local recurrences can occur years after seemingly adequate surgical treatment. Malignant solitary fibrous tumours generally have a poor prognosis. Clinical follow-up and radiological follow-up are indicated for both benign and malignant solitary fibrous tumours.

Adult↗

Disseminated malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura typically forms a localized pleura-based mass, and most are benign. A rare case of disseminated malignant SFT of the pleura is reported. The patient was a 71-year-old man who presented with complaints of shortness of breath to his primary care physician. A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma was suspected, based on clinical, radiological and needle biopsy findings. He was referred to our institution for surgery. An extrapleural pneumonectomy, encompassing all pleural masses, was performed. Gross examination of the resected specimen was remarkable for numerous masses, ranging in size from 0.2 to 13.5 cm, covering the majority of the visceral pleura. Histologically, the tumor was composed of short spindle cells admixed with variable proportions of collagenous stroma. There were great intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity in tumor growth pattern, cellularity, pleomorphism and mitoses. Histologically malignant areas were present in all of the masses examined. The neoplastic cells were diffusely and intensely positive for bcl-2. Most tumor cells were also strongly stained for CD34 and CD99. Staining for cytokeratin was negative. The tumor also revealed p53 over-expression. Thus, the histological and immunohistochemical features of the tumor were consistent with a disseminated malignant SFT. This report shows that SFT rarely presents with disseminated pleural involvement, and a panel with CD34, bcl-2 and cytokeratin are valuable for differentiating SFT from malignant mesothelioma and other malignant spindle cell neoplasms of the pleura.

Aged↗

Epithelioid angiosarcoma of the pleura: a case report.

Angiosarcomas of the pleura are very rare tumors and it is difficult to differentiate them from other common pleural tumors such as mesothelioma and metastasic carcinoma clinically and pathologically. We report a case of a young Korean woman with angiosarcoma arising in the pleura. A 34-yr-old woman presented with dyspnea and chest tightness and pain for several months. A computed tomographic scan of the chest showed diffuse thickening of the left pleura and effusion with passive atelectasis. At thoracotomy the left pleura was thick and indurated. Histologically, the decorticated pleura revealed infiltration of sheets or cords of polygonal and epithelioid tumor cells showing rudimentary vascular differentiation. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were strongly positive for CD31, CD34, and vimentin, whereas weakly positive for factor VIII, and negative for cytokeratin, which are characteristic and specific findings of angiosarcoma.

Adult↗

Obstructive jaundice caused by secondary pancreatic tumor from malignant solitary fibrous tumor of pleura: a case report.

A 77-year-old man on systemic chemotherapy against postoperative bilateral multiple lung metastases of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura suffered from pruritus and jaundice. Blood examination showed elevated levels of hepatobiliary enzymes. Abdominal computed tomography showed a tumor with peripheral enhancement in the pancreatic head, accompanied with the dilatation of intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts. He was diagnosed as having obstructive jaundice caused by a pancreatic head tumor. The pancreatic head tumor was presumably diagnosed as the metastasis of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura, because the findings on the pancreatic head tumor on abdominal CT were similar to those on the primary lung lesion of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. The pancreatic tumor grew rapidly after the implantation of metallic stent in the inferior part of the common bile duct. The patient died of lymphangitis carcinomatosa of the lungs. Autopsy revealed a tumor that spread from the pancreatic head to the hepatic hilum. Microscopically, spindle-shaped cells exhibiting nuclear atypicality or division together with collagen deposition were observed. Immunohistochemically the pancreatic head tumor cells were negative for staining of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) or CD117, but positive for vimentin, CD34 and CD99. These findings are consistent with those on malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. We report the first case of obstructive jaundice caused by a secondary pancreatic tumor from malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura.

Aged↗

[Thoracoscopic resection for benign solitary fibrous tumor of the parietal pleura].

We have experienced thoracoscopic surgery for benign solitary fibrous tumor of the parietal pleura. A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of chest abnormal shadow. Under thoracoscopy the tumor that was connected to the parietal pleura with a wide pedicle was completely resected with combined parietal resection of the pleura. Pathological diagnosis was a benign solitary fibrous tumor developed from the connective tissues under the parietal pleura. Thoracoscopic surgery is well indicated for a solitary fibrous tumor and wide excision of the tumor with combined resection of the pleura is important to prevent a local recurrence.

Female↗

Structure, blood supply, and lymphatic vessels of the sheep's visceral pleura.

We investigated the morphology of the visceral pleura of 36 sheep, using macroscopic, histologic, and ultrastructural approaches to quantify regional pleural thickness, blood supply, and lymphatic drainage, including the pulmonary ligament and hilar lymphatic distributions. Pleural thickness increased caudally and dorsally, such that the costal pleura of the caudal lobes had a mean minimum pleural thickness of 83 microns. The blood supply to the entire visceral pleura came exclusively from the bronchial arteries. Lymph vessels formed an extensive plexus throughout the serous membrane of all lobes. Trunk lymphatics (greater than 100 microns diameter) had a density of about 2/cm of pleural length on all lobar surfaces except for the cranial and middle lobes, where their density on the costal surfaces was less than 1/cm. Pleural trunk lymphatics coursed to the pulmonary ligaments and to the hilum on their way to regional lymph nodes. At the hilum they anastomose with intrapulmonary lymphatic trunks. The principal lymph nodes to receive pulmonary lymph were the caudal mediastinal node and tracheobronchial nodes. The visceral pleura of sheep is thick, showing considerable regional diversity in morphology.

Animals↗

Ultrastructure and three-dimensional study of the lymphatic stomata in the costal pleura of the rabbit.

The aim of this report was to investigate the ultrastructure and three-dimensional organization of the pleural lymphatic stomata in the adult rabbit costal pleura by electron microscopy. A computer image processing system attached to the scanning electron microscopy was used to get statistical evaluation of the dimensions of pleural lymphatic stomata. Mesothelial cells were digested by 2 mol/L NaOH solution in order to expose the submesothelial connective tissue with macula cribriformis. Two kinds of mesothelial cells were observed on the costal pleura: the flattened cells and the cuboidal ones. Both had microvilli on their surface. Pleural lymphatic stomata were located only in the regions of cuboidal mesothelial cells. The average area of a stoma was 7.20 +/- 3.69 microm2 and their average density 121 +/- 72/mm2. Pleural cavity is connected with the lympo-vascular system by lymphatic stomata and the interstitial layer with a dense network of lamina cribriformis. The macula cribriformis (7-60 microm in diameter) were found in subpleural connective tissue below the cuboidal mesothelial cells. Consequently on cross-section, the pathway represents a channel consisting of the stoma, the connective tissue space, and the gap between endothelial cells of the lymphatics. Closed lymphatic stomata and the milky spots composed of macrophages could be observed on the costal pleura. Our results suggest that the pleural cavity is connected with the lymphatic capillaries through the lymphatic stomata and the subpleural channel. This is the only "highway" from the pleural cavity to the vessels. This pathway may be importantly involved in the material exchange and the immunity of the pleura cavity.

Animals↗

Mechanical behavior of excised canine visceral pleura.

A computer-controlled optical electromechanical biaxial test system was employed to study the mechanical response of excised sheets of canine visceral pleura. Three classes of tests were performed: uniform biaxial stretching tests and tests in which the specimen was cyclically stretched along one axis while either the load or dimension was maintained at a prescribed level in the orthogonal direction. The tests were defined completely within the software. Strain was inferred from tracking four particles affixed to the central region of the specimen surface. The visceral pleura was found to behave similarly to other biological soft tissues and required preconditioning to yield repeatable responses. In addition, the visceral pleura appeared to possess in-plane transverse isotropic material symmetry and to exhibit strong in-plane mechanical coupling at lower loads. The data presented herein is sufficient for determination of certain three-dimensional constitutive laws which are essential for further biomechanical analyses of the visceral pleura's role in lung response.

Animals↗

Translocation of inhaled dust to the pleura.

Inhaled chrysotile asbestos or carbon dust that reaches the alveoli in guinea pig lungs is ingested by macrophages which move through the parenchyma of the lung toward the pleura. Some macrophages are eliminated from the lung by passing through blood vessel or bronchiolar walls. Those that reach the pleura are mainly aggregated in a few small areas. They may pass through the pleura. The active macrophages stain blue with Perls' reagent due to iron in the lysosomes. Occasionally, a macrophage may disintegrate while passing through the pleura and Perls-positive lysosomes become distributed over an area, presumably in the lymphatics.

Animals↗