• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.155-157
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• 1989

Median sternotomy is the incision of choice to allow access to the anterior mediastinum, heart, or both lungs. The vertical skin incision generally gives a poor cosmetic result. In certain patients particularly those who are asymptomatic and undergoing short, low risk procedures, cosmetic considerations are of relatively greater importance. A bilateral horizontal submammary skin incision with dissection of a flap including the subcutaneous tissue and breast allows exposure of the sternum so that a median sternotomy can be performed. We have performed this incision in 12 patients undergoing open heart surgery. Although obtaining the usual midsternal exposure takes some extra time, results have shown the va1ue of this approach and its benefit to the patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.693-696
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• 2000

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis(DNM) is one of the most lethal form of mediastinitis originating from an oropharyngeal infection. It requires an early and aggressive sugical treatment, but the operative approach and optimal form of mediastinal drainage remains controversial. We report a case of DNM in a 45-year-old male who underwent right cervicomediastinotomy to drain the deep neck space, upper mediastinum and anterior mediastinal drainage was accomplished through a subxiphoid approach. After this procedure, he steadily improved and was dischrged on hospital day 36. We report this case with a brief review of the literature.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.312-315
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• 2013

In chest wall reconstruction after wide chest wall resection, the use of a musculocutaneous flap or prosthetic materials is inevitable for maintaining thoracic movement and a closed pleural cavity. We report a case of a 63-year-old male with a large invasive thymic carcinoma in the anterior mediastinum. The mass measured 6.8 cm and involved the sternum, left side of the parasternal area, ribs, and intercostal muscles. The patient underwent subtotal sternectomy, radical thymectomy, and reconstruction with biological mesh (Permacol). Successful chest wall reconstruction without any other complications was achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of Permacol.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.142-147
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• 1991

Diagnosis of a thymic carcinoid was made on transthoracic fine needle aspiration in a 36-year old woman who had an anterior mediastinal mass on chest X-ray and CT scan. The aspiration smears showed numerous anastomosing ribbons and cords of small round tumor cells. The tumor cells had slightly eccentric nuclei and some granular cytoplasm. The small and uniform nuclei of the tumor cells had finely granular chromatin and thin nuclear membrane. The cytologic diagnosis of a carcinoid was confirmed on histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and electromicroscopic examination of surgical specimen.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.50-52
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• 2011

Ectopic thyroid gland is a defined as thyroid tissue located in a site other than its usual pre-tracheal location. Ultrasound examination, CT scan, thyroid scan, and thyroid iodine uptake test are all valuable modalities for a differential diagnosis. Although most of cases are asymptomatic, treatment is indicated when there are symptoms related to progressive growth of mass. This article reports a ectopic thyroid cyst in the anterior neck that was similar to deep neck infection accompanied by acute airway obstruction.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.76-79
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• 2001

A 60-year-old male was admitted due to cervical spine injury (C7-T1 fracture dislocation) and quadriparesis after slip down. During conservative management in department of neurologic surgery, he complainted of fever, dyspnea, neck swelling. Follow up cervicothoracic CT revealed abscess pocket in paraglottic, retropharyngeal, anterior cervical spaces and mediastinum. Also noted bilateral pleural effusions. Under impression of descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM). cervical drainage and bilateral chest tube insertion was performed immediately. On next day. mediastinal drainage through mediastinotomy was performed with careful handling of cervical spine. Escherichia coli was identified in bacteriologic culture. Wire fixation of dislocated C7-T1 spine through Posterior approach was performed on 30th days after mediastinotomy. Right chest tube was removed on 40th days. At now, the patient is on rehabilitation and physical training program. DNM is relatively rare, but lethal disease with high mortality. Immedate and sufficient mediastinal drainage is essential in treatment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.543-553
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• 2005

Radiological analysis of chest lesions detected on chest radiographs or CT scans begins with their classification into parenchymal, pleural, or extrapleural lesions according to their presumed origin. The mediastinum is divided anatomically into the anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinal compartments, and localizing a mediastinal mass to one of these divisions can facilitate their differential diagnosis. A differential diagnosis of a mediastinal mass is usually based on a number of findings, including its location; the structure from which it is arising; whether it is single, multifocal (involving several different areas or lymph node groups), or diffuse; its size and shape; its attenuation (fatty, fluid, soft-tissue, or a combination of these); the presence of calcification along with its characteristics and amount; and its opacification following the administration of contrast agents.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.1
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• pp.212-217
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• 2022

An epidermoid cyst is a benign tumor found anywhere in the body. However, the occurrence of epidermoid cysts in the thymus is extremely rare, with only six cases reported worldwide. The correct diagnosis of thymic epidermoid cysts is often difficult due to the unusual location and nonspecific imaging findings. Herein, we present a case of a thymic epidermoid cyst in a 37-year-old female with clinical information and chest CT findings. Further, we have reviewed previous literature reports describing imaging findings of thymic epidermoid cysts.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.395-398
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• 2008

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign tumor that usually originates in children from the embryonic lipid cells of the extremities. This condition shows an early childhood occurrence, a benign nature without metastasis, a cellular composition of mainly mature lipid cells and an ability to differentiate into a simple lipoma. We have experienced a 15 month old girl who had developed a lipoblastoma in the right anterior mediastinum. Surgical resection was carried out without complications. Her postoperative course was uneventful. She has been well 6 months after the operation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.624-628
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• 1998

Postpneumonectomy syndrome is a rare and delayed complication of left pneumonectomy in most patients with normal mediastinal vascular anatomy. This syndrome is characterized by dyspnea and recurrent pulmonary infection in the remaining right lung that typically occur within the first postoperative year. The condition is believed to be secondary to postsurgical changes that include a marked shift of the mediastinum to the left, clockwise rotation of the heart and great vessels, and herniation of the right lung into the left anterior thorax. These changes lead to compression of the trachea or right main bronchus among the thoracic spine and the right pulmonary artery. We report a case of postpneumonectomy syndrome in 15 year-old girl that followed by left pneumonectomy for bronchiectasis 6 years ago. We have inserted an expandable prosthesis in the left thoracic cavity posterior to the heart. After implantation of an expandable prosthesis, an anatomic reposition of the shifted mediastinum was achieved, which resulted in instantaneous and sustained relief. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was followed in OPD from after discharge to now.