Search

Introducción: Las lesiones de grandes vasos del tórax por traumatismo torácico (TTLGV) son un grupo heterogéneo de lesiones con alta morbimortalidad que constituyen un 0,3-10% de los hallazgos en el traumatismo torácico (TT).Objetivos: Describir características, tratamientos y variables asociadas a mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados con TTLGV. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico-observacional. Período enero-1981 y diciembre-2020. Revisión de protocolos de TT prospectivos y fichas clínicas. Se clasificaron los TTLGV según American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), se calcularon índices de gravedad del traumatismo: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score Triage (RTS-T) y Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Se realizó análisis univariado y multivariado con cálculo de Odds Ratio (OR) para variables asociadas a mortalidad. Se usó SPSS25Ò, con pruebas U Mann Whitney y chi-cuadrado, según corresponda.Resultados: Total 4.577 TT, 97 (2,1%) cumplieron criterios de inclusión. Hombres: 81 (91,8%), edad promedio: 32,3+14,8 años. TT penetrante: 65 (67,0%). Lesión de arterias axilo-subclavias en 39 (40,2%) y aorta torácica en 31 (32,0%) fueron las más frecuentes. Fueron AAST 5-6: 39 (40,2%). Tratamiento invasivo: 87 (89,7%), de estos, en 20 (20,6%) reparación endovascular, 14 (14,4%) de aorta torácica. Cirugía abierta en 67 (69,1%). Mortalidad en 13 (13,4%), fueron variables independientes asociadas a mortalidad el shock al ingreso (OR 6,34) e ISS > 25 (OR 6,03).Conclusión: En nuestra serie, los TTLGV fueron más frecuentemente de vasos axilo-subclavios y aorta torácica. El tratamiento fue principalmente invasivo, siendo la cirugía abierta el más frecuente. Se identificaron variables asociadas a mortalidad.

Objetivo: Presentar dos casos en que se empleó como soporte la circulación extracorpórea (CEC) durante cirugía por traumatismo torácico con lesión de grandes vasos del tórax (TTLGV). Materiales y método: Se presentan dos casos con TTLGV en que se empleó cirugía con CEC. Resultados: Caso 1; hombre de 31 años con TTLGV por cuerpo extraño (tubo pleural) intracavitario del tronco de la arteria pulmonar izquierda con entrada a través de parénquima pulmonar, en que se realizó cirugía abierta para retiro de cuerpo extraño más tractotomía pulmonar utilizando CEC como soporte. Caso 2; hombre de 21 años con TTLGV contuso y lesión de aorta en unión sino tubular, en que se realizó cirugía abierta y reemplazo de aorta ascendente con prótesis y uso CEC como soporte. Discusión: El uso de CEC como soporte es una alternativa para sustituir la función cardíaca y/o pulmonar durante cirugías excepcionales de reparación de TTLGV. Conclusión: El uso de técnicas de asistencia circulatoria como soporte durante la cirugía de reparación de TTLGV ocurre en casos muy seleccionados, siendo una alternativa ante lesiones particularmente complejas.

Prosthetic valve replacement is the standard treatment for aortic valvulopathy. Due to the structural valve deterioration of biological prosthesis and the anticoagulation requirements of mechanical valves, the repair of aortic valve disease is receiving more attention in recent years. The Ozaki technique consists in the reconstruction of a trileaflet valve using autologous pericardium. We report our first two cases of successful reconstruction of the aortic valve using this technique with 12-month echocardiographic and 24-month clinical follow up.

Introducción: El traumatismo penetrante cardíaco (TPC) es una lesión poco frecuente y con alta morbilidad y mortalidad.Objetivo: Analizar la evolución de características clínicas, anatómicas, gravedad, morbilidad y mortalidad de pacientes operados por TPC.Materiales y Método: Estudio analítico de pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente por TPC en Hospital Clínico Regional “Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente”, Concepción, Chile. Se analizaron los periodos: enero-1990 a diciembre-2004 y enero-2005 a diciembre-2019. Se comparó: sexo, edad, lesiones asociadas, agente y mecanismo del traumatismo, comportamiento fisiopatológico, ubicación anatómica de la lesión, clasificaciones del traumatismo cardíaco Attar, Saadia y OIS-AAST, IGT (índices de gravedad del traumatismo): ISS, RTS-T y TRISS, morbilidad y mortalidad según periodos. Se realizó análisis estadístico con SPSS25®, se utilizaron las pruebas chi-cuadrado, exacta de Fisher y Mann-Whitney. Se consideró significativo un valor p

Resumen Introducción: El traumatismo torácico (TT) es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad, presente en el 25-50% de la mortalidad por traumatismo. El TT contuso (TTC) es el tipo más frecuente de TT según las diferentes publicaciones internacionales. Objetivo: Nuestros objetivos son describir las características, tratamientos, morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por TTC en nuestra institución. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal desde enero-1981 a diciembre-2017. Revisión de una base de datos prospectiva, protocolos quirúrgicos y fichas clínicas. Se describen y comparan las características de los TTC. Se calcularon índices de gravedad de traumatismo (IGT): Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Resultados: Total 4.163 pacientes hospitalizados por TT, 1.719 (41,3%) TTC. Hombres 1.327 (77,2%), edad promedio 46,7±18,8 años. Se consideró TT aislado 966 (56,2%), asociado a lesiones extratorácicas 753 (43,8%) y de estos 508 (29,6%) eran politraumatizados. Mecanismo: Accidente de tránsito 838 (48,7%), caída de altura 279 (16,2%). Lesiones y hallazgos torácicos: fractura costal 1.294 (75,3%), neumotórax 752 (43,1%). Tratamiento: médico 874 (50,8%), pleurotomía 704 (41%) y cirugía torácica 141 (8,2%). Período de hospitalización 9,2 ± 9,5 días. Según IGT: ISS promedio 14,1 ± 11,1, RTS-Tpromedio 11,5 ± 1,5, TRISS promedio 6,6. Morbilidad en 297 (17,3%), mortalidad en 68 (4%). Discusión: La causa principal de los TTC fue el accidente de tránsito. La fractura costal correspondió a la lesión torácica más frecuente. La mayoría requirió solo tratamiento médico. La mortalidad fue menor a la esperada según IGT.

Embolic stroke secondary to cardiac tumors is uncommon. However, 25-30% of cardiac tumors may cause systemic emboli. We report a 29-year-old male consulting for a sudden episode of aphasia and right hemiparesis, compatible with infarct of the left middle cerebral artery territory. Transthoracic echocardiography reported an ovoid tumor of 8 × 7 × 7 mm in relation to the sub valvular apparatus of the mitral valve. After neurologic stabilization, surgical treatment was performed. Approached by median sternotomy and in cardiopulmonary bypass, the mitral valve was explored. A macroscopic tumor consistent with a papillary fibroelastoma curled in sub valvular chordae was found. It was deployed and resected from its base, while the anterior mitral leaflet was preserved intact. Histopathological examination confirmed the intraoperative macroscopic diagnosis. The patient recovered uneventfully postoperatively and was discharged on the fifth day after surgery. He currently is in functional capacity I without cardiovascular symptoms at five years follow-up.

Background: Boot camps are used to acquire skills in simple surgical procedures, such as sutures, in a short period of time. Aim: To assess the retention of the procedural skills of medical students who participated in a simulation-based suture workshop. Material and Methods: One hundred five medical students were trained using the EPROBA methodology (Entrenamiento PROcedimental BAsico), with prior informed consent. The instrument “Objective Structured Assessment Of Technical Skills” (OSATS) was applied prior to and after the workshop, and during retention module, which was carried out between three and four months after the suture workshop. Participants were classified according to the level of previous knowledge in sutures. Results: The students showed significant improvement in their scores after the workshop (improvement from 12.9 to 28.5 points, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between scores after the workshop and those obtained in the retention module (28.5 to 28.1 points, respectively, p = 0.235). No difference in scores were observed when retention was evaluated according to previous knowledge levels. Conclusions: Simulation programs are useful for the acquisition of procedural skills which are retained over time.

Resumen Introducción: El hemotórax masivo (HM) se puede definir como el acúmulo súbito de ≥ 1.500 ml de sangre en la cavidad pleural o débito ≥ 200 ml/h de sangre en 3-4 h por pleurotomía; es considerada una complicación traumática grave. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, índices de gravedad de traumatismo (IGT), morbilidad y variables asociadas a mortalidad en pacientes con hemotórax masivo por traumatismo torácico operados (HMTT). Materiales y Método: Estudio analítico longitudinal. Período enero de 1981 a diciembre de 2018. Revisión prospectiva de base de datos, protocolos quirúrgicos y fichas clínicas. Descripción de características de HMTT. Se calcularon IGT: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Para mortalidad se realizó análisis univariado con cálculo de Odds Ratio. Resultados: Total 4.306 traumatismos torácicos (TT), HMTT 119 (2,8%). Hombres 112 (94,1%), edad promedio 32 ± 13,2 años, 91 (76,5%) pacientes presentaron TT aislado, 28 (23,5%) asociado a lesiones extratorácicas, de estos, 23 (19,3%) fueron politraumatismos. Fueron traumatismos penetrantes 102 (85,7%). El HMTT se atribuyó principalmente a: lesión de pared en 38 (31,9%) y lesión pulmonar en 29 (24,4%). De las cirugías torácicas: 87 (73,1%) fueron urgentes (≤ 4 h), 10 (8,4%) precoces (> 4-24 h) y 22 (18,5%) diferidas (> 24 h). Hospitalización postoperatoria promedio 7,9 ± 6,4 días. Según IGT: ISS promedio 17,4 ± 9,6, RTS-T promedio 10,2 ± 2,7, TRISS promedio 12,7. Morbilidad 46 (38,7%) y mortalidad 15 (12,6%). Discusión: Los HMTT se atribuyeron principalmente a lesiones de pared y lesión pulmonar. En la mayoría se requirió cirugía torácica de urgencia. La mortalidad observada es semejante a la esperada según IGT. Existen variables asociadas a mayor mortalidad.

Resumen Introducción: Los traumatismos torácicos por armas de fuego (TTAF) son cada vez más frecuentes. Objetivos: Describir características clínicas, morbilidad, mortalidad y la evolución a través del tiempo de hospitalizados por TTAF. Materiales y Método: Estudio analítico longitudinal. Período enero de 1981-diciembre de 2018. Revisión base de datos, protocolos prospectivos y fichas clínicas. Se utilizó planilla Microsoft Excel® y programa SPSS24® con chi cuadrado y de Mann-Whitney. Descripción de características de TTAF en pacientes hospitalizados y comparación por períodos. Se calcularon índices de gravedad del traumatismo (IGT): Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Resultados: Total 4.306 pacientes hospitalizados por traumatismo torácico (TT), 205 (4,8%) hospitalizados por TTAF. Hombres: 188 (91,7%), edad promedio 28,8 ± 11,2 años, TTAF aislado 115 (56,1%), asociado a lesiones extratorácicas 90 (43,9%), de estos 55 (26,8%) se consideraron politraumatismos. Mecanismo: Agresión 193 (94,1%), autoagresión 11 (5,4%) y accidental 1 (0,5%). Lesiones y/o hallazgos torácicos más frecuentes: Hemotórax 127 (62,0%), neumotórax 96 (46,8%) y contusión pulmonar 51 (24,9%). Tratamiento definitivo: Pleurotomía 88 (42,9%), cirugía 71 (34,6%) y tratamiento médico 46 (22,4%). Mediana de hospitalización 7 días. Según IGT: ISS promedio 16,7 ± 11,7, RTS-T promedio 11,1 ± 2,1, TRISS promedio 9,6. Morbilidad: 44 (21,5%). Mortalidad: 14 (6,8%). En los diferentes períodos, se observó aumento de politraumatismos y TRISS, sin cambios en mortalidad. Discusión: La mayoría de los TTAF fueron aislados. Aproximadamente un tercio de los pacientes requirió cirugía. La mortalidad observada es menor a la esperada. Se observan cambios en los TTAF a través del tiempo.

Background Lungs are the second location in frequency of hydatidosis or cystic echinococcosis. Aim To characterize the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, findings and treatment of patients hospitalized for a pulmonary hydatid cyst (PHC). Materials and methods Review of databases, medical records, operation notes and death certificates of patients admitted to a Chilean regional hospital with a PHC. Results Four hundred twenty-nine cases were identified and complete data was obtained from 368 patients aged 34 ± 19 years, 224 (60,9%)men. The most common clinical manifestations were cough in 269 (73%) and chest pain in 217 (59%). The most frequent locations were the right lung in 210 (57%) and lower lobes in 218 (59%). One hundred eighty-seven cysts (51%) were complicated. Conservative surgery (cystectomy) was performed in 308 (84%). Postoperative morbidity was observed in 77 (21%) and mortality in 6 (2%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 28 (8%) patients. There was a significant reduction in morbidity, mortality, reoperations, and postoperative days over time. Conclusions In these patients, pulmonary hydatidosis was diagnosed mainly during working ages and half of patients had a complicated cyst.

Boot camps are used to acquire skills in simple surgical procedures, such as sutures, in a short period of time.To assess the retention of the procedural skills of medical students who participated in a simulation-based suture workshop.One hundred five medical students were trained using the EPROBA methodology (Entrenamiento PROcedimental BAsico), with prior informed consent. The instrument "Objective Structured Assessment Of Technical Skills" (OSATS) was applied prior to and after the workshop, and during retention module, which was carried out between three and four months after the suture workshop. Participants were classified according to the level of previous knowledge in sutures.The students showed significant improvement in their scores after the workshop (improvement from 12.9 to 28.5 points, p0.001). No significant differences were found between scores after the workshop and those obtained in the retention module (28.5 to 28.1 points, respectively, p = 0.235). No difference in scores were observed when retention was evaluated according to previous knowledge levels.Simulation programs are useful for the acquisition of procedural skills which are retained over time.

Background: Primary cardiac tumors have a low incidence, and their presentation form and clinical course are not well known. Aim: To describe the characteristics, treatment, follow up and survival of patients with primary cardiac tumors (PCT). Material and Methods: Review of all surgical procedures for PCT performed between 1984 and 2019 in a regional general hospital. The information was obtained from surgical protocols, surgical and pathology databases, medical records and registries of the Chilean National Identification Service. The clinical features of patients, immediate and long term outcomes are described. Results: Seventy-two surgical procedures for PCT were reviewed. Patients’ age was 55 ± 15 years and 60% were women. The most common histological types were myxoma in 49 patients (68%), papillary fibroelastoma in 13 (18%) and sarcoma in 6 (8.3%). Forty-nine (68.1%) were symptomatic and all tumors were found on echocardiography. Fifty-one (71%) were in the left atrium, 10 (14%) in the aortic valve and eight (11%) in the right atrium. The surgical procedures were tumor resection in 48 patients (67%) and resection and repair with patch in 23 (32%). Mean postoperative stay was 6.6 ± 4.4 days, eight patients (11%) had complications and no patient died in the immediate postoperative period. Long term survival was higher in patients with benign PCT as compared with those with malignant tumors. Conclusions: Most PCTs in this group of patients were benign neoplasms and the most common tumors were myxomas. The main diagnostic method is echocardiography and the prognosis of surgical treatment is excellent when the tumors are benign. (Rev Med Chile 2020; 148: 327-335)

Lungs are the second location in frequency of hydatidosis or cystic echinococcosis.To characterize the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, findings and treatment of patients hospitalized for a pulmonary hydatid cyst (PHC).Review of databases, medical records, operation notes and death certificates of patients admitted to a Chilean regional hospital with a PHC.Four hundred twenty-nine cases were identified and complete data was obtained from 368 patients aged 34 ± 19 years, 224 (60,9%)men. The most common clinical manifestations were cough in 269 (73%) and chest pain in 217 (59%). The most frequent locations were the right lung in 210 (57%) and lower lobes in 218 (59%). One hundred eighty-seven cysts (51%) were complicated. Conservative surgery (cystectomy) was performed in 308 (84%). Postoperative morbidity was observed in 77 (21%) and mortality in 6 (2%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 28 (8%) patients. There was a significant reduction in morbidity, mortality, reoperations, and postoperative days over time.In these patients, pulmonary hydatidosis was diagnosed mainly during working ages and half of patients had a complicated cyst.

Background Exclusive coronary revascularization with both mammary arteries could result in lower rates of adverse events in the long term. Aim To describe the five-year evolution of a cohort of patients operated on with this technique. Material and methods Follow up analyzing survival of 73 patients aged 59 ± 9 years (82% men) who underwent exclusive coronary surgery with two mammary arteries between December 1,2010 and April 12,2017. We studied their clinical characteristics, surgical results, operative morbidity and mortality and adverse events up to June 30, 2018. Results Six patients had two-vessel lesions and 67 three-vessel lesions. The operative risk calculated by additive and logistic EuroSCORE was 2.5 and 2.3%, respectively. A mean of 3.75 anastomoses /patient were performed, 116 with left mammary artery (73 to the anterior descending artery, 38 to a diagonal artery and 5 for other objectives) and 158 with right mammary artery (69 to a first marginal artery, 23 to a second marginal artery and 64 to posterior descending artery). There was one case of mediastinitis and one (1.5%) patient died. The mean follow-up was 64.6 ± 23.7 months. The 5-year survival was 90.4%. Conclusions Coronary revascularization with two exclusive mammary arteries allowed a complete revascularization of the heart with a low rate of complications and adverse effects at five years.

Exclusive coronary revascularization with both mammary arteries could result in lower rates of adverse events in the long term.To describe the five-year evolution of a cohort of patients operated on with this technique.Follow up analyzing survival of 73 patients aged 59 ± 9 years (82% men) who underwent exclusive coronary surgery with two mammary arteries between December 1,2010 and April 12,2017. We studied their clinical characteristics, surgical results, operative morbidity and mortality and adverse events up to June 30, 2018.Six patients had two-vessel lesions and 67 three-vessel lesions. The operative risk calculated by additive and logistic EuroSCORE was 2.5 and 2.3%, respectively. A mean of 3.75 anastomoses /patient were performed, 116 with left mammary artery (73 to the anterior descending artery, 38 to a diagonal artery and 5 for other objectives) and 158 with right mammary artery (69 to a first marginal artery, 23 to a second marginal artery and 64 to posterior descending artery). There was one case of mediastinitis and one (1.5%) patient died. The mean follow-up was 64.6 ± 23.7 months. The 5-year survival was 90.4%.Coronary revascularization with two exclusive mammary arteries allowed a complete revascularization of the heart with a low rate of complications and adverse effects at five years.

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the best treatment for a large group of patients with coronary artery disease. Aim: To describe early and late results of patients treated with CABG at our Center. Patients and Methods: Revision of data bases, surgical protocols and clinical registers of patients operated between January 2006 and December 2008. Results: Of 1.003 cardiac surgeries performed during the period, 658 corresponded to isolated CABG (78% in men). The median age of patients was 62 years. Left common coronary artery lesions was found in 135 cases (20%), 555 patients (84%) had hypertension and 231 (35%) were diabetics. Four-hundred thirty (65%) had stable angina and 211 (32%) had a recent myocardial infarction. Twenty-two had left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%. In 248 (38%), a low Additive EuroSCORE risk was found. Emergency surgery was required in 36 (6%) patients. Use of extracorporeal circulation was required in 466 patients (71%). Within 30 days of surgery, complications were recorded in 105 patients (16%) (15 (2%) stroke, 14 (2%) myocardial infarction, 7 (1%) mediastinitis, and in 14 (2%) a reoperation for bleeding). Thirteen patients died (2%). Among the 303 patients with stable angina and preserved left ventricular function, two died (0,7%). Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 97,4%, 93,8% y 90,9% respectively. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at five years occurred in 20%, stroke in 4%, myocardial infarction in 3% and reintervention in 2%. Seven percent of patients had recurrence of angina. Conclusions: We describe a heterogeneous series of patients. The immediate and late results are comparable with international communications.

Embolic stroke secondary to cardiac tumors is uncommon. However, 25-30% of cardiac tumors may cause systemic emboli. We report a 29-year-old male consulting for a sudden episode of aphasia and right hemiparesis, compatible with infarct of the left middle cerebral artery territory. Transthoracic echocardiography reported an ovoid tumor of 8 × 7 × 7 mm in relation to the sub valvular apparatus of the mitral valve. After neurologic stabilization, surgical treatment was performed. Approached by median sternotomy and in cardiopulmonary bypass, the mitral valve was explored. A macroscopic tumor consistent with a papillary fibroelastoma curled in sub valvular chordae was found. It was deployed and resected from its base, while the anterior mitral leaflet was preserved intact. Histopathological examination confirmed the intraoperative macroscopic diagnosis. The patient recovered uneventfully postoperatively and was discharged on the fifth day after surgery. He currently is in functional capacity I without cardiovascular symptoms at five years follow-up.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the best treatment for a large group of patients with coronary artery disease.To describe early and late results of patients treated with CABG at our Center.Revision of data bases, surgical protocols and clinical registers of patients operated between January 2006 and December 2008.Of 1.003 cardiac surgeries performed during the period, 658 corresponded to isolated CABG (78% in men). The median age of patients was 62 years. Left common coronary artery lesions was found in 135 cases (20%), 555 patients (84%) had hypertension and 231 (35%) were diabetics. Four-hundred thirty (65%) had stable angina and 211 (32%) had a recent myocardial infarction. Twenty-two had left ventricular ejection fraction30%. In 248 (38%), a low Additive EuroSCORE risk was found. Emergency surgery was required in 36 (6%) patients. Use of extracorporeal circulation was required in 466 patients (71%). Within 30 days of surgery, complications were recorded in 105 patients (16%) (15 (2%) stroke, 14 (2%) myocardial infarction, 7 (1%) mediastinitis, and in 14 (2%) a reoperation for bleeding). Thirteen patients died (2%). Among the 303 patients with stable angina and preserved left ventricular function, two died (0,7%). Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 97,4%, 93,8% y 90,9% respectively. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at five years occurred in 20%, stroke in 4%, myocardial infarction in 3% and reintervention in 2%. Seven percent of patients had recurrence of angina.We describe a heterogeneous series of patients. The immediate and late results are comparable with international communications.

Background: Thymectomy improves clinical outcomes and decreases the need for medical treatment in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Aim: To describe the immediate and long-term results of extended transsternal thymectomy (ETT) in patients with MG. Material and Methods: A review of databases, surgical protocols, clinical records and interviews of patients subjected to extended transsternal thymectomy for MG between 1990 and 2016. Perioperative clinical characteristics, anticholinesterase treatment, immediate and remote surgical results were analyzed and patients were followed from one to 10years. Results: We studied 58 patients aged 35 ± 14years (72%) women. In the preoperative period, according to Osserman classification, nine patients (15,5%) were in grade I, eight (13,8%) in grade IIA 8 and 40 (69%) in grade IIB. The pathological study of the surgical piece showed thymic hyperplasia in 39 cases (67,2%). Four patients had postoperative complications but none died. In the Follow-up at 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10years the Masaoka palliation rate was 71.7, 77.5, 67.7, 70.0 and 70,6% respectively. The figures for remission rate were 13.0, 15.0,19.4, 35.0 and 35,3% respectively. The figures for Zielinski positive results were 79.6, 87.5, 87.1, 90.0 and 82,4% respectively. The DeFilippi score improved by 80.4, 87.5, 87.1, 90.0 and 82.4% respectively. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Post-Intervention State improved by 67.4, 77.5, 77.5, 75.0 and 70,6% respectively. Mean Myasthenia Gravis Activities of daily living (MGADL) and Myasthenia Gravis Quality of life scale 15 (MGQOL 15) were 1.65 and 6.31 respectively. Conclusions: In selected patients with MG, extended transsternal thymectomy in MG has good immediate and long-term results.

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in young patients and thoracic trauma (TT) is responsible for 25-35% of trauma deaths. Aim: To describe and compare features, trauma severity indexes and morbidity of patients admitted for TT in the past three decades. Material and Methods: Review of a TT database, operative notes and medical records of patients. These were separated by decade of admission (1981-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010). TT characteristics were compared. Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were calculated. Results: A total of 3,068 TT were reviewed. In the 1981-1990 period, 604 cases of TT were registered (19.7%), in the 1991-2000 period, 1,070 cases (34.9%) and in the 2001-2010 period, 1,394 cases (45.4%) (p < 0.05). The ages of patients in each of these periods were 34.9 ± 15.5, 33.9 ± 16.2 and 35.7 ± 18.2 years respectively (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients aged 65 years or more were 6.6, 7.7 and 10.1% respectively, the proportion of females was 6.1, 9.4 and 12.0%, respectively. The causing agents per decade were knife wounds in 51.5, 61.1 and 60.0% of cases respectively, firearms in 2.5, 3.3 and 5.0% of cases respectively, multiple trauma in 13.9, 14.5 and 9.0% respectively and morbidity in 18.7, 19.7 and 11.7%, respectively. The ISS per decade was 11.9 ± 6.5, 12.9 ± 6.9 and 10.4 ± 6.8 respectively. No significant difference were found in mortality (1.5, 3.0, 2.0% respectively) or TRISS score (2.7, 3.2 and 3.8% respectively). Conclusions: An increase in the number of hospital admission for TT has occurred in the last three decades, with an increase in the proportion of admissions of subjects aged 65 years or more, females and with firearm injuries.

La cirugía de la aorta ascendente y cayado con circulación extra corpórea requiere de una canulación arterial que permita asegurar una perfusión sistémica adecuada y disminuir las complicaciones neurológicas. El sitio ideal de canulación es aún un tema de discusión entre los cirujanos. Entre las alternativas de abordaje están la canulación periférica (arteria femoral), la canulación central extratorácica (arterias axilar, subclavia o carótidas) y la canulación central intratorácica (aorta, arteria innominada). La canulación de la arteria innominada es una técnica que se puede realizar sin necesidad de una segunda incisión, es un vaso de fácil abordaje y habitualmente de gran calibre. Permite entregar un flujo cerebral y visceral anterógrado y, en caso de cirugía sobre el cayado, el pinzamiento de la arteria a nivel de su origen permite entregar una perfusión cerebral selectiva anterógrada. Se describen la técnica quirúrgica y los reparos operatorios que nos parecen importantes en su realización.

Penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) is an ulceration of an atherosclerotic plaque which disrupts the aortic internal elastic lamina and that can evolve to an intramural hematoma (IH), aortic dissection or aortic rupture. We report two cases with PAU. A 73-years-old-woman with a history of hypertension, presented with acute chest pain of three days of evolution and a hypertensive emergency. An electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation and elevated cardiac enzymes. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed and acute ascending aortic mural hematoma secondary to PAU and hemopericardium. Replacement of ascending aorta was performed with a vascular prosthesis with extracorporeal circulation (ECC). PAU and IH were confirmed by histopathology. A 62-years-old woman with a history of hypertension, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, consulted for abdominal pain of two days of evolution. A thoracic-abdominal CT scan visualized an uncomplicated PAU and an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Because of abdominal pain and signs of peritoneal irritation, an exploratory laparotomy was performed finding a typhlitis. Resection and ileo-ascendo-anastomosis were performed. A new CT scan showed PAU with high risk of rupture without a clinical acute aortic syndrome. The patient was operated replacing the ascending aorta with a vascular prosthesis using ECC. Three PAU were found. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Both patients evolved without postoperative complications.

Thymectomy improves clinical outcomes and decreases the need for medical treatment in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).To describe the immediate and long-term results of extended transsternal thymectomy (ETT) in patients with MG.A review of databases, surgical protocols, clinical records and interviews of patients subjected to extended transsternal thymectomy for MG between 1990 and 2016. Perioperative clinical characteristics, anticholinesterase treatment, immediate and remote surgical results were analyzed and patients were followed from one to 10years.We studied 58 patients aged 35 ± 14years (72%) women. In the preoperative period, according to Osserman classification, nine patients (15,5%) were in grade I, eight (13,8%) in grade IIA 8 and 40 (69%) in grade IIB. The pathological study of the surgical piece showed thymic hyperplasia in 39 cases (67,2%). Four patients had postoperative complications but none died. In the Follow-up at 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10years the Masaoka palliation rate was 71.7, 77.5, 67.7, 70.0 and 70,6% respectively. The figures for remission rate were 13.0, 15.0,19.4, 35.0 and 35,3% respectively. The figures for Zielinski positive results were 79.6, 87.5, 87.1, 90.0 and 82,4% respectively. The DeFilippi score improved by 80.4, 87.5, 87.1, 90.0 and 82.4% respectively. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Post-Intervention State improved by 67.4, 77.5, 77.5, 75.0 and 70,6% respectively. Mean Myasthenia Gravis Activities of daily living (MGADL) and Myasthenia Gravis Quality of life scale 15 (MGQOL 15) were 1.65 and 6.31 respectively.In selected patients with MG, extended transsternal thymectomy in MG has good immediate and long-term results.

Trauma is the leading cause of death in young patients and thoracic trauma (TT) is responsible for 25-35% of trauma deaths.To describe and compare features, trauma severity indexes and morbidity of patients admitted for TT in the past three decades.Review of a TT database, operative notes and medical records of patients. These were separated by decade of admission (1981-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010). TT characteristics were compared. Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were calculated.A total of 3,068 TT were reviewed. In the 1981-1990 period, 604 cases of TT were registered (19.7%), in the 1991-2000 period, 1,070 cases (34.9%) and in the 2001-2010 period, 1,394 cases (45.4%) (p0.05). The ages of patients in each of these periods were 34.9 ± 15.5, 33.9 ± 16.2 and 35.7 ± 18.2 years respectively (p0.05). The proportion of patients aged 65 years or more were 6.6, 7.7 and 10.1% respectively, the proportion of females was 6.1, 9.4 and 12.0%, respectively. The causing agents per decade were knife wounds in 51.5, 61.1 and 60.0% of cases respectively, firearms in 2.5, 3.3 and 5.0% of cases respectively, multiple trauma in 13.9, 14.5 and 9.0% respectively and morbidity in 18.7, 19.7 and 11.7%, respectively. The ISS per decade was 11.9 ± 6.5, 12.9 ± 6.9 and 10.4 ± 6.8 respectively. No significant difference were found in mortality (1.5, 3.0, 2.0% respectively) or TRISS score (2.7, 3.2 and 3.8% respectively).An increase in the number of hospital admission for TT has occurred in the last three decades, with an increase in the proportion of admissions of subjects aged 65 years or more, females and with firearm injuries.

Introducción: La Miastenia Gravis (MG) es el desorden primario más común de la transmisión neuro-muscular. Su tratamiento es multidisciplinario, médico y quirúrgico. La timectomía es en la actualidad parte del estándar de tratamiento con mejorías clínicas en aproximadamente el 85% de los casos. El mejor abordaje aún no se ha definido. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la timectomía por cirugía mínimamente invasiva (video-asistida) en pacientes con MG, con o sin timoma, analizando los resultados en la literatura disponible hasta la actualidad. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en la base de datos PubMed. Resultados: Se encontró 66 publicaciones relacionadas con la búsqueda, de los cuales se seleccionó 20 estudios para revisión. Se incluyó aquellos en los que se evaluó los resultados de la timectomía en pacientes con MG, con o sin timoma. Discusión: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva (video-asistida) es una vía segura, con tasas de morbilidad bajas, menor tiempo de hospitalización, buen resultado estético y tasas de remisión completa o de mejoría al parecer equivalentes a las vías de abordaje clásicas. Estos resultados deben evaluarse con cautela ya que no existe suficiente evidencia para asegurar que la cirugía mínimamente invasiva es el mejor abordaje.

podemos observar que se trato de pa-cientes relativamente jovenes (93% 50%), que recibieron en promedio 2,4 puentes / paciente y que correspondieron en su mayoria a injertos veno-sos. La arteria mamaria interna (AMI) se utilizo solo en un 9,9% de las cirugias.A principios de los 80, los cirujanos de la Cleve-land Clinic, en Estados Unidos, demostraron que la permeabilidad de los puentes venosos era inferior a la de la AMI, y que el uso de esta ultima se asociaba a una menor tasa de eventos (infartos, hospitaliza-ciones y necesidad de revascularizacion repetida) y a una mejor sobrevida de los pacientes

Los tumores del mediastino pueden tener múltiples formas de presentación y diversos orígenes anato-mopatológicos. A veces alcanzan gran tamaño y pueden comprometer por compresión o infiltración el sistema de la vena cava superior. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 48 años que consultó por disnea, cefalea y palpitaciones en decúbito de dos meses de evolución. En la radiografía y en la tomografía computada de tórax se demostró un tumor de mediastino anterior, el estudio anatomopatológico mediante biopsia trucut concluyó leiomiosarcoma. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico, se resecó la masa tumoral que comprometía el sistema de la vena cava superior, se ligó y resecó el tronco venoso braquiocefálico izquierdo o innominado y se reconstruyó parte de la vena cava superior con parche de pericardio autólogo. El nervio frénico derecho se encontraba rodeado por la masa tumoral y se resecó junto con el tumor. El paciente evolucionó satisfactoriamente y fue dado de alta al décimo primer día post operado. El estudio de anatomía patológica de la pieza operatoria confirmó un leiomiosarcoma G2 de 3.100 gramos. Se completó tratamiento con radioterapia post operatoria. A 15 meses post operado el paciente se encuentra en buenas condiciones generales, sin evidencias de recidiva y sin síndrome de vena cava superior.

Background Diabetic patients are a group of primary interest in the study of myocardial revascularization. Aim To compare coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) and percutaneous angioplasty with stents (PCI-S) in diabetic patients with coronary three-vessel or left main coronary artery disease. Material and methods Meta-analysis of MEDLINE randomized controlled studies comparing CABG and PCI-S in diabetic patients. The primary outcome measure was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACCE), death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and coronary re-intervention. Secondary outcomes were the individual components of MACCE. Results Three studies comparing CABG and PCI-S met the inclusion criteria. One thousand sixty two patients were studied: 565 in the CABG group and 597 in the PCI-S group. At one year follow up MACCE occurred in 24.9 and 12.7% of patients in PCI-S and CABG groups, respectively (Odds ratio (OR) 2.27; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.66-3.09). There were no differences in death or myocardial infarction. Strokes were less common in the PCI-S group (OR 0.25, 95% CI0.09-0.68) and coronary re-intervention was required with higher frequency in the PCI-S group (OR 5.32, 95% CI 3.27-8.67). Conclusions In diabetic patients with three-vessel coronary disease or left main coronary artery, revascularization with CABG had significantly less MACCE at one year than those treated with PCI-S. Stroke frequency was higher in CABG, coronary re-intervention was higher in PCI-S. These results must be interpreted cautiously.

Doege-Potter syndrome is characterized for hypoglycemia associated with solitary pleural fibrous tumors. We report a 38-year-old woman with a history of weight loss, malaise and edema. After an episode of symptomatic hypoglycemia, she was admitted to the hospital, where she had new episodes of hypoglycemia. A Chest X ray and scan showed a right pleural tumor that was surgically excised. After surgery the episodes of hypoglycemia subsided. The pathological study of the tumor revealed a solitary fibrous pleural tumor. After 15 months of follow up, the patient is symptom free and without evidence of tumor relapse.

Objectives: To describe and evaluate factors associated with morbidity and mortality in surgically treated parapneumonic empyemas (PNE). Method: Retrospective review between January 2000 and August 2006. We described clinical features and we performed univariate and multivariate analysis to find the factors associated with morbidity and mortality. SPSS 15.0 program was used in the statistical analysis. Results: 242 of343 surgically treated empyemas (70.6%) were paraneumonic. Of these 165 (68.2%) were men, average age 52.1 years, 229 (94.6%) were community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and 13 (5.4%) nosocomial. Germs were isolated in pleural fluid in 57 (23.6%). Surgical procedures were: 183 (75.6%) decortications, 49 (20.2%) pleurotomies, 7 (2.9%) video-assisted surgery and 3 (1.2%) decortications with pulmonary resection. Complications occurred in 65 cases (26.9%) and 16 patients died (6.6%). We found variables associated with morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: PNE is the most common cause of empyema, mostly associated with CAP and germs are difficult to identify. Decortication is the most common surgical treatment. Morbidity and mortality are present. Variables associated with morbidity and mortality were identified in this clinical series.

Pleural empyema. Retrospective review of 343 patients Background: Pleural empyema still has a dismal prognosis. Aim: To describe features and prognostic factors of patients with pleural empyema subjected to surgical procedures. Material and Methods: Retros-pective review of 343 patients with pleural empyema (mean age 52 years, 71% males), that were subjected to any type of surgical procedure. Criteria for diagnosis of empyema were a positive culture, a fluid pH of less than 7.2 or a compatible macroscopic appearance of the fluid. Results: Empyema was secondary to pneumonia in 243 patients (71%), secondary to surgical procedures in 41 patients (12%), secondary to trau-ma in 19 patients (5.5%), secondary to a lung abscess in 10 patients (3%), tuberculous in 10 patients (3%), neoplastic in two cases (0.6%), secondary to pneumothorax in 2 cases (0.6%) and of unknown origin in 13 patients (4%). A microorganism was isolated from pleural fluid in 89 patients (26%). The surgical procedures performed were 251 decortications by thoracotomy (73%), 70 pleurotomies (20%), 11 video assisted surge-ries (3%), seven decortications with lung resections and four fenestrations. Complications were recorded in 104 patients (30%), 29 patients were re-operated (8.5%) and 31 died (10%), all due to sepsis. Conclusions: The main cause of pleural empyema is pneumonia. In most patients, microorganisms are not isolated from pleural fluid, thoracotomy with decortication is the most frequent surgical procedure. There is a high rate of complications and mortality.Key words: Empyema, thoracotomy, pneumonia.ResumenObjetivos: Describir caracteristicas, resultados inmediatos y evaluar factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad de Empiema Pleural (EP) con tratamiento quirurgico. Metodo: Revision retrospectiva. Periodo: enero 2000 - agosto 2006. Se describen caracteristicas, resultados inmediatos y factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad. Se utilizo programa SPSS 15.0. Se considero significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: 343 pacientes

Diabetic patients are a group of primary interest in the study of myocardial revascularization.To compare coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) and percutaneous angioplasty with stents (PCI-S) in diabetic patients with coronary three-vessel or left main coronary artery disease.Meta-analysis of MEDLINE randomized controlled studies comparing CABG and PCI-S in diabetic patients. The primary outcome measure was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACCE), death, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and coronary re-intervention. Secondary outcomes were the individual components of MACCE.Three studies comparing CABG and PCI-S met the inclusion criteria. One thousand sixty two patients were studied: 565 in the CABG group and 597 in the PCI-S group. At one year follow up MACCE occurred in 24.9 and 12.7% of patients in PCI-S and CABG groups, respectively (Odds ratio (OR) 2.27; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.66-3.09). There were no differences in death or myocardial infarction. Strokes were less common in the PCI-S group (OR 0.25, 95% CI0.09-0.68) and coronary re-intervention was required with higher frequency in the PCI-S group (OR 5.32, 95% CI 3.27-8.67).In diabetic patients with three-vessel coronary disease or left main coronary artery, revascularization with CABG had significantly less MACCE at one year than those treated with PCI-S. Stroke frequency was higher in CABG, coronary re-intervention was higher in PCI-S. These results must be interpreted cautiously.

Los plasmocitomas son tumores originados por una proliferacion neoplasica de celulas plasmaticas. Los tumores primarios de esternon son infrecuentes, siendo los plasmocitomas solitarios de esternon excepcionales. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 72 anos con un plasmocitoma esternal que despues de 2 anos post tratamiento con radioterapia presento aumento de tamano tumoral asociado a enfermedad coronaria. Se realizo reseccion quirurgica del plasmocitoma solitario del esternon asociada a cirugia de revascularizacion miocardica con 4 bypass coronarios. La pared toracica fue reconstituida con una malla de polipropileno. A mas de 5 anos de seguimiento el paciente se encuentra asintomatico cardiovascular y libre proliferacion maligna de celulas plasmaticas.

Doege-Potter syndrome is characterized for hypoglycemia associated with solitary pleural fibrous tumors. We report a 38-year-old woman with a history of weight loss, malaise and edema. After an episode of symptomatic hypoglycemia, she was admitted to the hospital, where she had new episodes of hypoglycemia. A Chest X ray and scan showed a right pleural tumor that was surgically excised. After surgery the episodes of hypoglycemia subsided. The pathological study of the tumor revealed a solitary fibrous pleural tumor. After 15 months of follow up, the patient is symptom free and without evidence of tumor relapse.

Introducción: La técnica habitual para la cirugía coronaria incluye el uso de circulación extracorpórea (CEC) y cardioplejia. En pacientes de alto riesgo esta cirugía tiene alta morbi-mortalidad. La cirugía con CEC y corazón batiente es una alternativa para estos casos. Se describe nuestra experiencia con la técnica. Pacientes y Métodos: 11 pacientes operados entre 2007 y 2008, 10 hombres (promedio 59,5 años). Cuatro pacientes con infarto en evolución, dos con lesión de tronco coronario izquierdo y todos con lesión de tres vasos. Fracción de eyección (FE) promedio 31,5%. Cuatro cirugías se consideraron de urgencia. Resultados: Todas las cirugías se completaron con la técnica. Se realizaron 3,1 puentes/paciente y todos recibieron una arteria mamaria interna. Ventilación mecánica promedio 13,6 horas. Retiro de BCIA entre primer y segundo día. Estadía en unidad de cuidados intensivos 4,82 días. No hubo infartos perioperatorios, ni accidentes vasculares encefálicos. Un paciente presentó falla renal. Alta promedio 10,6 días. Ecocardiograma post operatorio (2 meses) mostró FE promedio de 38,3% (NS). Conclusiones: En esta serie, los pacientes coronarios de alto riesgo fueron intervenidos utilizando CEC y sin detener el corazón. La técnica permitió una revascularización completa, buen resultado inmediato y mejoría de la función ventricular en el mediano plazo. Background: The technique for coronary surgery involves the use of extra corporeal circulation (On-pump) and cardioplegia. In high-risk patients this surgery has high morbidity and high mortality. Surgery On-pump beating heart is an alternative for those cases. We describe our experience with this technique. Patients and Methods: 11 patients were operated between 2007 and 2008. Ten men (mean 59.5 years). Four patients with evolving myocardial infarction, 2 patients with left main coronary artery lesion and all with three-vessel lesion. Ejection fraction (EF) averaged was 31.5%. Four surgeries were considered urgent. Results: All procedures were completed with the technique, 3.1 by pass were performed per patient and all received an internal mammary artery. Mechanical ventilation averaged 13.6 hours. Removal of IABP between first and second day. Stay in ICU 4.82 days. There were no perioperative infarctions or stroke. One patient had renal failure. Postoperative hospital stay was 10.6 days. Postoperative echocardiogram (2 months) showed an average EF of 38.3% (NS). Conclusions: In this series, high-risk coronary patients were operated On-pump beating heart. This technique allowed complete revascularization, good immediate outcome and ventricular function improved in the medium term.

esta tecnica fue disenada para pacientes pediatricos pero su indicacion se ha am-pliado a pacientes adultos. El tratamiento tradicional de esta deformidad de la pared toracica implicaba plastias con extensas resecciones condro-costales. Esta nueva y revolucionaria tecnica, consiste en la instalacion de una barra metalica retroesternal por un periodo de 2 a 3 anos con lo que se corrige el defecto

Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 21 anos con un cuerpo extrano intra toracico post traumatismo penetrante. El cuerpo extrano que correspondia a la hoja de un cuchillo, fue extraido a traves de la misma herida traumatica, sin toracotomia ni cirugia toracica video asistida (VATS). El paciente evoluciono favorablemente. Los cuerpos extranos intra toracicos secundarios a un traumatismo penetrante son infrecuentes. Se recomienda la extraccion a traves de toracotomia o de VATS, ambos procedimientos permiten una adecuada exploracion de las estructuras intra toracicas y reparar potenciales lesiones. En pacientes estables y casos seleccionados se pueden extraer sin cirugia (sin toracotomia o VATS); siempre en pabellon quirurgico y bajo anestesia general, teniendo todo preparado para cirugia en caso de ser necesario.

A minimally invasive technique or Nuss procedure was devised for children with pectus excavatum (funnel chest), but it is also used in adult patients.To report the experience with the Nuss procedure in adults' patients with pectus excavatum.Prospective study of patients operated between January 2007 and January 2009. Clinical features, symptoms, operative time, postoperative complications, hospital stay and quality of life, using the Nuss questionnaire adapted for adults, was recorded.Eighteen patients aged 18+/-2 years (14 males) were operated. Seven patients had scoliosis, two had depression, two had asthma and one had a Marfan syndrome. AU patients were concerned about aesthetic issues, nine had dyspnea, three had compression of cardiac cavities and three had pulmonary function disturbances. Haller index was 3.8. Mean operative time was 92 minutes. Postoperative complications were a pneumothorax without chest tube management in two patients, a peridural hematoma in one patient and a bar stabilizer infection that required a reoperation in one patient. No patient died and the mean hospital stay was six days. The Nuss questionnaire scores in the pre and postoperative periods were 33 and 48, respectively (p0.05).Nuss operation is feasible and safe in adults with pectus excavatum.

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Report of one case Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome) is an autosomal dominant vas- cular disease that can be associated with pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas. We report a 16 years old female with an Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome and a history of frequent episodes of epistaxis since the age of 10 years. A Chest CAT scan performed on that occasion showed an arteriovenous fistula. The patient presented with progressive dyspnea, low arterial oxygen saturation and clubbing of fingers. An echocardiogram and lung perfusion scintigram confirmed the presence a right to left shunt. The patient was subjected to a lobectomy with a good postoperative evolution.

We report a 16-year-old boy, who suffered a right vent ride penetrating injury caused by a sharp blade that evolved to cardiac tampon. He underwent surgery and was discharged four days later. Thirteen days later, a cardiac murmur was found. An echocardiography showed an aorta-right ventricular fistula. Surgical closure was performed through an aortotomy on cardiopulmonary by pass. The control echocardiography showed a small residual fistula, which closed spontaneously three months later.

Background: A minimally invasive technique or Nuss procedure was devised for children with pectus excavatum (funnel chest), but it is also used in adult patients. Aim: To report the experience with the Nuss procedure in adults patients with pectus excavatum. Material and methods: Prospective study of patients operated between January 2007 and January 2009. Clinical features, symptoms, operative time, postoperative complications, hospital stay and quality of life, using the Nuss questionnaire adapted for adults, were recorded. Results: Eighteen patients aged 18±2 years (14 males) were operated. Seven patients had scoliosis, two had depression, two had asthma and one had a Marfan syndrome. All patients were concerned about aesthetic issues, nine had dyspnea, three had compression of cardiac cavities and three had pulmonary function disturbances. Haller index was 3.8. Mean operative time was 92 minutes. Postoperative complications were a pneumothorax without chest tube management in two patients, a peridural hematoma in one patient and a bar stabilizer infection that required a reoperation in one patient. No patient died and the mean hospital stay was six days. The Nuss questionnaire scores in the pre and postoperative periods were 33 and 48, respectively (p

Hombre de 80 anos con antecedentes de hiper-tension arterial y enfermedad pulmonar obstructivacronica. Consulto por disnea y angina progresivade un ano de evolucion. El ecocardiograma demos-tro una masa tumoral de 5 por 3 centimetros en laauricula izquierda, movil, pediculada y que protruyea traves de la valvula mitral hacia ventriculo izquier-do (Figura 1A). La masa tumoral tenia base de im-plantacion en el tabique inter auricular y era com-patible con mixoma.Se completo el estudio con coronariografia quedemostro enfermedad coronaria; presentaba una le-sion critica en la arteria coronaria descendente an-terior y oclusion de la arteria coronaria derecha. Enla coronariografia la masa tumoral se contrastabaen forma espontanea (Figuras 1B y 1C).