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A case of solitary plasmacytoma of the thyroid is reported. A monoclonal component (IgG lambda) was identified in the serum of the patient and disappeared after total thyroidectomy and radiotherapy. The use of the immunoperoxidase technique on thyroid, bone marrow, and lymph node specimens allowed us to demonstrate the production of IgG lambda by the tumor, and to rule out the possibility of multiple myeloma. Previously reported cases are reviewed (15 cases). The diagnostic criteria, the association with thyroiditis, and the treatment of this rare disorder are discussed.

A case of idiopathic aortic thrombosis in a term neonate is reported. Ultrasound examination led to diagnosis and an embolectomy was carried out. Literature data concerning etiology and treatment of neonatal aortic thrombosis are reviewed.

Between 1977 and 1987, eleven isthmic ruptures and three chronic posttraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the thoracic aorta have been seen in our cardiovascular surgery service. The hemorrhagic intraabdominal wounds were treated first during the same or a staged procedure. Two patients died prior to the vascular intervention. In the other cases, partial femorofemoral extracorporeal circulation has been used after systemic heparinization (3 mg/kg). The perfusion flow was approximately 2 to 3 l/min. Three patients (25%) died following operation. Only one death caused by decerebration is potentially related to heparinization. No paraplegia occurred. The partial extracorporeal circulation is a reliable method to prevent paraplegia and to diminish the left ventricular post-charge during aortic clamp time.

Five cases of Marfan's syndrome with cardiovascular lesions are presented. Among these five patients, two with type I aortic dissection, one with true aneurysm of the ascending aorta and one with aortic regurgitation underwent composite grafting of the ascending aorta according to the Bentall technique. The fifth patient died preoperatively, due to extensive dissection of the transverse aorta. Marfan's syndrome is transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. Fifty percent of the patients die at a mean age of 32 years, and 95 p. 100 of the deaths are caused by cardiovascular lesions. These lesions predominantly affect the left cardiac valves (aortic or mitral regurgitation) and the ascending aorta. Except in emergencies, replacement of the ascending aorta by a composite graft must be envisaged in subjects with Marfan's syndrome presenting with aortic regurgitation and dilatation of the aortic root.

One hundred and fourteen consecutive totally implantable catheters were inserted in 114 patients between April 1984 and April 1987. Catheters were inserted under neuroleptanalgesia, through the jugular vein in 101 cases or the internal saphenous vein in 13 cases. No problem was encountered during the insertion procedure. Infection occurred in 5.2% of the patients but removal of the device was required in only 2.6%. Occlusion of the catheter occurred in 6.1% of the patients but never during the first 2 months. This complication rate is lower than the one observed with external tunnelled catheters. The comfort of the patient is substantially improved and nursing care is greatly facilitated.

From 1984 to 1987, a cholecystectomy for biliary lithiasis was carried out at the same time as aortic vascular surgery in 21 patients. Seventy six percent of patients presented an abdominal aortic aneurysm and 24% occlusive atherosclerosis. Thirty eight percent had previously presented symptoms related to biliary lithiasis. Biliary surgery was conducted after closure of the retroperitoneum. The gall bladder region was drained separately. The technique did not increase operative morbidity or mortality. Combined cholecystectomy and vascular surgery depends on two arguments. Firstly, patients with stones present a higher risk of post-operative cholecystitis. Secondly, a significant percentage of non-cholecystectomized patients will present with biliary symptomatology in the months following vascular surgery.