Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Our medical research library holds 13 studies published in Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery (2006–2026). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 13 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Published: 2006 to the present, England
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1749-8090 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Surgical resection of pleural lipoma after 9 years of serial imaging. C. Nahal, C. Purohit, A. Toma, et al. 2026;21(1). Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Pleural lipomas are rare benign intrathoracic mesenchymal neoplasms. Although typically asymptomatic, they can enlarge and cause symptoms secondary to compression of surrounding intrathoracic structures. There is minimal reporting of pleural lipoma observed with computed tomography throughout prolonged periods of surveillance; therefore, differentiating well-differentiated malignant liposarcoma from imaging alone remains a diagnostic challenge. We present the case of a 74 year-old male with tobacco use and asbestos exposure who underwent surveillance of a pleural neoplasm over 9 years. Continued enlargement and morphological changes concerning for malignancy prompted video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical resection. The pleural mass was diagnosed as a pleural lipoma and the patient recovered well. Pleural lipomas, especially in patients with risk factors for malignancy, should be resected for accurate diagnosis and prevention of complications associated with compression of adjacent structures.

  © 2026. The Author(s).

• Pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in a 39-Year-old female: a case report. P. Mardani, R. Shahriarirad, M. Nekooeian, et al. 2024;19(1):118. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignancy of vascular origin which can be primarily be seen in various tissues. EHE originating from the pleura is an even more uncommon subtype which may mimic mesothelioma and pleural carcinomatosis. The prognosis of pleural EHE is poor and there is no consensus on the optimal therapeutic approach.

  Case Presentation: A 39-year-old middle-eastern female presented with progressive dyspnea and left shoulder discomfort. Chest computed tomography scan revealed a left side pleural effusion and pleural thickening. Pleuroscopy was done and biopsies were taken which were positive for CD31, CD34, CK, factor 8-R-antigen, and vimentin. Patient was diagnosed with pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEHE) and chemotherapy was started and underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy 7 months later. Unfortunately, the patient passed away 10 months after diagnosis due to disease complications.

  Conclusions: Once PEHE is suspected in histology it can be confirmed with immunohistochemistry. Chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of both is currently used as the treatment but the standard treatment remains a question.

  © 2024. The Author(s).

• Diaphragm reconstruction by GORE DUALMESH in patients undergoing resection for thoracic malignancies. A. Sano, Y. Azuma, T. Sakai, et al. 2021;16(1):65. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: We used GORE DUALMESH for the reconstruction of diaphragms in patients with thoracic malignancies. Here, we report the results.

  Methods: Between July 2015 and August 2017, diaphragm reconstruction using 2-mm GORE DUALMESH was performed in 7 patients undergoing surgical resection for thoracic malignancies. After resection of the diaphragm, the mesh was trimmed to the size of defect and placed with the smooth surface facing the chest cavity and the rough surface facing the abdomen. It was fixed with interrupted sutures consisting of synthetic monofilament nonabsorbable 1-0 to 2 threads.

  Results: Indications for resection were malignant pleural mesothelioma and primary lung cancer in 5 and 2 patients, respectively. Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma underwent pleurectomy with decortication; patients with primary lung cancer underwent lung lobectomy. Right and left diaphragm reconstruction was performed for 4 and 3 patients, respectively. Neither complications related to diaphragm reconstruction nor displacement of mesh occurred during a follow-up period ranging from 11 days to 37 months.

  Conclusions: GORE DUALMESH is a good synthetic material for diaphragm reconstruction, because its smooth surface prevents adhesions to the lung and its rough surface allows adherence to abdominal tissue.

• Malignant primary pericardial mesothelioma presenting as effusive constrictive pericarditis: a case report study. A. Savarrakhsh, A. Vakilpour, S.Z. Davani, et al. 2021;16(1):298. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Primary pericardial mesothelioma (PPM) is a rare malignancy with a high prevalence of mortality. The diagnosis is usually challenging using a variety of imaging modalities and invasive procedures and is generally performed at the later stages of the disease or in autopsy. This case study points to an unconventional presentation of PPM and the challenges in diagnosing this rare mortal malignancy.

  Case Presentation: This study presents a 44-year-old woman with no remarkable medical history with an initial diagnosis of effusive constrictive pericarditis at first hospitalization. Imaging evaluations, including transthoracic echocardiography and chest computed tomography scan, demonstrated visible thickened pericardium, pericardial effusion, and mass-like lesions in pericardium and mediastinum. The definite diagnosis of primary pericardial mesothelioma was established after pericardiectomy and histopathology examinations. Chemotherapy with pemetrexed and carboplatin was administrated to the patient, and she has been through four cycles of chemotherapy with no complications to date.

  Conclusion: Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon presentation of PPM. Due to the high mortality rate and late presentation, difficulties and uncertainties in diagnosis, being aware of this rare malignant entity in different cardiac manifestations, particularly when there is no clear explanation or response to treatment in such conditions, is highly important.

  © 2021. The Author(s).

2010s

• Pericardial windows have limited diagnostic success. L. Volk, H. Ikegami, L.Y. Lee, et al. 2018;13(1):87. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Pericardial effusion (PE) is a common finding in patients who have chronic cardiac failure, who had undergone cardiac surgery, or who have certain other benign and malignant diseases. Pericardial drainage procedures are often requested for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The perceived benefit is that it allows for diagnosis of malignancy or infection for patients with PEs of unclear etiology. The purpose of the study is to determine the diagnostic yield of surgical drainage procedures.

  Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical drainage procedures of PEs from July 1st, 2011 to January 1st, 2017 at a single institution. The variables included data on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative findings; morbidity; and survival.

  Results: A total of 145 patients with an average age of 61 ± 5 and primarily men (53%) were evaluated. All of the surgical drainage procedures were performed through the sub-xiphoid approach. Twenty-five of the 145 patients (17.2%) had diagnostic findings in either the pericardial tissue or fluid. The cytology alone was diagnostic in 4.8% (N = 7) of patients with mixed findings including adenocarcinoma of the lung and breast. The pathology was diagnostic for cancer in 1.4% (N = 2) of patients with Melanoma and Lung cancer identified. The cytology and pathology were concordant in 4.0% (N = 6) identifying cancers that included mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma. Infection was identified in the pericardial fluid in 6.9% (N = 10) of the patients.

  Conclusion: Surgical pericardial drainage procedures allow for removal of PE that may lead to tamponade physiology and potential mortality. Although there is therapeutic benefit from these procedures there is only a small diagnostic benefit.

• Intrathoracic splenosis - lesson learned: a case report. L. Tulinský, P. Ihnát, M. Mitták, et al. 2016;11(1):72. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Intrathoracic splenosis presents an extremely rare thoracic lesion occurring after a simultaneous rupture of the spleen and diaphragm as a consequence of heterotopic autotransplantation and implantation of splenic tissue. Intrathoracic splenosis is usually an asymptomatic, incidental finding, which should be ideally managed without surgical intervention.

  Case Presentation: We present a case of 68-year old woman with intrathoracic splenosis. Patient presented with a 2-month history of a dry cough unresponsive to administered antibiotics and antimycotics. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed two homogeneous pleural nodules (diameters of 2 and 4 cm) in the left upper lung field. Two consequent CT-assisted transthoracic core-cut biopsies were performed. Histopathology examination of both biopsy specimens was inconclusive (haemorrhagic and non-specific tissue). After that, patient was referred to the department of thoracic surgery with a suspicion of malignant mesothelioma or metastatic lesions. Thoracoscopic revision of the left pleural cavity was performed and the presence of pleural nodules was confirmed. Bloody looking nodules were resected (standard thoracoscopic resection). Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The histopathology examination of the specimen showed normal splenic tissue. Only with the histopathology report in hand, a detailed medical history was taken. It revealed a gunshot injury requiring splenectomy (without known diaphragm or lung injury) 44 years ago (one of the longest time periods in the literature).

  Conclusions: We would like to point out that following the recommendations regarding splenosis may be very difficult in daily routine practice. The simple question regarding abdominal trauma in a patient's history can lead the clinician to the diagnosis of splenosis, which can be unequivocally established via scintigraphy. The importance of thorough medical history taking, therefore, cannot be underestimated.

• An exception that proves the rule: recurrence free survival five years after extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma. T. Treasure, F. Macbeth. 2014;9:181. Comment PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Are case reports at all relevant and useful? A case report of an unusual case of mesothelioma prompts a discussion and concludes that they do have a role but that their observations and conclusions need to be treated with care.

• Extrapleural pneumonectomy plus rib resection for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a case report. Y. Yamashita, H. Harada, H. Mukaida, et al. 2014;9:176. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  We report a case of a 58-year-old Japanese man with epithelioid-type MPM, with a left chest wall protruding tumor, who underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy and chest wall resection. Postsurgical pathology showed that surgical margins were free of mesothelioma cells. Positron emission tomography taken 5 years after surgery showed no recurrence at any site, suggesting that long-term survival could be dependent on margin-free tumor resection or that specific MPM subgroups have lower malignant potential, leading to improved survival.

• Primary pleural squamous cell carcinoma misdiagnosed as localized mesothelioma: a case report and review of the literature. X.M. Lin, C. Chi, J. Chen, et al. 2013;8:50. Case report · Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Primary pleural squamous cell carcinoma is very rare, and there is a lack of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. An asymptomatic 75-year-old man was referred to us after a right pleural nodule was found on computed tomography during a routine health examination. He underwent surgery for his pleural tumor twice over the following 2 years. Histopathological examination eventually led to a diagnosis of primary pleural squamous cell carcinoma.

• Early and late morbidity and mortality and life expectancy following thoracoscopic talc insufflation for control of malignant pleural effusions: a review of 400 cases. N. Barbetakis, C. Asteriou, F. Papadopoulou, et al. 2010;5:27. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Malignant pleural effusion is a common sequelae in patients with certain malignancies. It represents a terminal condition with short median survival (in terms of months) and the goal is palliation. Aim of our study is to analyze morbidity, mortality and life expectancy following videothoracoscopic talc poudrage.

  Materials And Methods: From September 2004 to October 2009, 400 patients underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for malignant pleural effusion. The conditions of patients were assessed and graded before and after treatment concerning morbidity, mortality, success rate of pleurodesis and median survival.

  Results: The median duration of follow up was 40 months (range 4-61 months). All patients demonstrated notable improvement in dyspnea. Intraoperative mortality was zero. The procedure was well tolerated and no significant adverse effects were observed. In hospital mortality was 2% and the pleurodesis success rate was 85%. A poor Karnofsky Performance Status and delay between diagnosis of pleural effusion and pleurodesis were statistically significant factors for in-hospital mortality. The best survival was seen in breast cancer, followed by ovarian cancer, lymphoma and pleural mesothelioma.

  Conclusions: Video-assisted thoracoscopic talc poudrage is an effective and safe procedure that yields a high rate of successful pleurodesis and achieves long-term control with marked dyspnea decrease.

2000s

• Oesphageal stenting for palliation of malignant mesothelioma. E. Akowuah, J. Rahamim. 2008;3:3. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Dyspahgia in patients with malignant mesothelioma is usually due to direct infiltration of the eosophagus by the tumour. It can be distressing for the patient and challenging for the physician to treat. We describe three cases in which this condition has been successfully palliated with self expanding esophageal stents.

• Healing of bronchopleural fistula using a modified Dumon stent: a case report. G.M. Ferraroli, A. Testori, U. Cioffi, et al. 2006;1:16. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Bronchopleural fistula following lung resection is a therapeutic challenge for thoracic surgeons.

  Case Presentation: We describe a case of late bronchopleural fistula after right extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant mesothelioma. Bronchoscopic attempts to repair it were unsuccessful.

  Conclusion: The use of a modified Y Dumon stent associated with glue apposition on the bronchial stump allowed us to close the fistula without the need of any surgical repair.

• Mesothelioma with non-pleural malignancy: a red herring or just an uncommon pairing?. A.J. Drain, K. Saeb-Parsy, A.K. Shah, et al. 2006;1:39. Case report PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive cancer of the pleura with a well-established male predominance and causative link with asbestos exposure. We report four cases of female patients with MPM referred for palliation of symptoms thought to be due to previous non-pleural malignancy.With emerging novel treatments for MPM, this article discusses four unusual cases of MPM occurring in the setting of other malignancy, highlights the importance of considering a primary diagnosis of MPM even in patients with other malignancy, and reinforces the benefits of video-assisted surgical biopsy which allows simultaneous diagnosis and treatment.

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