Objective: To report the results obtained in three patients with diffuse pulmonary emphysema during the pre- and post-operative periods following a new surgical technique: collateral ventilation with lung parenchyma drainage. Methods: Patients suffering from pulmonary failure and disabling dyspnea, despite having received the gold standard treatment, including pulmonary rehabilitation, were selected for the evaluation of pulmonary drainage. During the pre- and post-operative periods, patients were submitted to plethysmography and six-minute walk tests, as well as completing the following quality of life questionnaires: Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status and Medical Research Council Scale. In all three cases, the post-operative follow-up period was at least 300 days. The tests were performed at the following time points: during the pre-operative period; between post-operative days 30 and 40; and on post-operative day 300. Data were analyzed using profile plots of the means. Results: When the results obtained in the pre-operative period were compared to those obtained at the two post-operative time points evaluated, improvements were observed in all parameters studied. Conclusions: The results suggest that the surgical technique proposed for the treatment of patients suffering from severe diffuse emphysema successfully reduces the debilitating symptoms of these patients, improving their quality of life considerably.

Keywords: Pulmonary emphysema; Lung diseases, obstructive; Lung, hyperlucent.

We present a protocol to test a new surgical procedure for the treatment of patients with diffuse lung emphysema who, after having received the golden standard treatment (pulmonary rehabilitation), continue to present respiratory failure with disabling dyspnea. Ten patients with severe lung hyperinflation will be evaluated. The method proposed is designed to create alternative expiratory passages for air trapped in the emphysematous lung by draining the lung parenchyma, thereby establishing communication between the alveoli and the external environment. The ten patients selected will be required to meet the inclusion criteria and to give written informed consent. Those ten patients will be included in the study pending the approval of the Ethics in Research Committee of the São Paulo Santa Casa School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. The protocol we will employ in order to evaluate the proposed procedure is feasible and will show whether debilitated patients suffering from diffuse pulmonary emphysema can benefit from this procedure, which could represent an alternative to lung transplant or lung volume reduction surgery, the only options currently available.

Keywords: Pulmonary emphysema; Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Lung, hyperlucent.

Rhodococcus equi, the principal agent of rhodococcosis, is a pleomorphic, gram-positive, aerobic coccus bacillus that infects humans by inhalation or through a transcutaneous route. It is clinically manifested as a pulmonary abscess. The first two Brazilian cases of rhodococcosis are reported on. Both patients were immunocompromised and showed pulmonary infection. The first patient had AIDS and cavitating pneumonia in the left upper lobe, that was fatal. The second case presented Goodpasture syndrome and was under chronic corticotherapy. He displayed a cavitating nodular lesion in the right upper lobe, that was successfully treated with sulfametoxazol-trimethoprim.

Keywords: Actinomycetal infections. Pulmonary tuberculosis. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Goodpasture syndrome. Brazil.

Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal illness acquired by the inhalation of arthroconidia of Coccidioides sp., was first described in 1894. Coccidioidomycosis is mainly restricted to areas with arid climate, alkaline soil and low rainfall. Consequently, most of the reported cases in Brazil have occurred in the northeastern region. We report three cases of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis occurring between 2005 and 2006 in an endemic area in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The three patients were immunocompetent adult males, hunters of armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), with complaints of cough, fever, dyspnea and pleuritic pain. All three patients presented pulmonary involvement, and one also presented cutaneous lesions. Chest X-rays and CT scans of the patients revealed characteristic coccidioidomycosis lesions. The diagnosis was confirmed by serological testing. All of the patients evolved to cure after antifungal treatment.

Keywords: Coccidioidomycosis; Lung diseases, fungal; Coccidioides.

Here, we report the cases of three patients diagnosed with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis and admitted to a referral hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, showing the clinical and radiological evolution, as well as laboratory test results, over a one-year period. Treatment was based on the World Health Organization guidelines, with the inclusion of a new proposal for the use of a combination of antituberculosis drugs (imipenem and linezolid). In the cases studied, we show the challenge of creating an acceptable, effective treatment regimen including drugs that are more toxic, are more expensive, and are administered for longer periods. We also show that treatment costs are significantly higher for such patients, which could have an impact on health care systems, even after hospital discharge. We highlight the fact that in extreme cases, such as those reported here, hospitalization at a referral center seems to be the most effective strategy for providing appropriate treatment and increasing the chance of cure. In conclusion, health professionals and governments must make every effort to prevent cases of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, multidrug-resistant; Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis; Antitubercular agents; Antibiotics, antitubercular.

Post-intubation tracheal injury is a rare and potentially fatal complication. Among the most common causes, cuff overinflation and repetitive attempts of orotracheal intubation in emergency situations are paramount. Diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological suspicion, confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Both conservative and surgical management apply, and the decision-making process depends on the patient profile (comorbidities, respiratory stability), characteristics of the lesion (size and location) and the time elapsed between the occurrence of the injury and the diagnosis. We report the cases of three patients presenting tracheal laceration due to traumatic orotracheal intubation, two submitted to surgical treatment and one submitted to conservative treatment.

Keywords: Tracheal diseases; Rupture; Intubation.

The surgical treatment of patients with tracheobronchial stenosis requires individualized attention due to the complexity of its origin though tracheoplasty is considered to be the ideal procedure. The most common causes of stenosis are tracheal intubation and the development of neoplasias. These are the very conditions that most benefit from endoscopic treatment when surgical correction is not indicated. Today, endoscopic procedures include the application of different kinds of laser and dilators usually delivered with a rigid bronchoscope, as well as radiotherapy and stents that may be used separately or associated. Basically, there are two types of stents, metal or silicone. The metallic ones are more frequently indicated in cases of tracheomalacia and extrinsic compressive stenosis. Silicone are more applicable in cases of tracheobronchial obstruction resultant from acute inflammation or endoluminal tumor. Although these methods can be used interchangeably in some cases, the best way to correct tracheobronchial stenosis is to correctly decide upon the treatment as early as the preliminary steps.

Keywords: Tracheal stenosis. Orthopedics fixation devices. Angioplasty.

Pectus excavatum (PEX) is the most frequent congenital deformity of the anterior chest wall and is defined as the dislocation of the medial or inferior portion of the sternal region toward the spinal column. There are various ways to measure the deformity. In this study, we present an objective method of assessing such deformity, the anthropometric index for PEX (AI-PEX). The AI-PEX was developed in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Heart Institute - University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas. The anthropometric measurements are taken during the physical examination. We herein report two cases involving patients with PEX assessed using the AI-PEX and treated with the minimally invasive Nuss technique. The measurements were always taken at the point of greatest deformity. The patients were assessed on the day of the operation and again at 60 days after the surgery. The AI-PEX allowed us to obtain a satisfactory assessment of the defect. In both patients, the post-operative evolution was favorable.

Keywords: Thoracic wall; Thoracic surgery, Video-assisted; Funnel chest.

Ten surgeries have been performed on 8 patients for the relief of symptoms due to bullous disease. Closed intubation drainage of the bullae was used in all patients under local anesthesia. The technique, initially devised by Monaldi for the treatment of intrapulmonary tuberculous abscesses was modified. Symptomatic improvement and total collapse of the bullae was reported by 9 of the 10 procedures. The technique described provides a simple method for decompressing bullae by means of a minimally invasive surgical procedure. It has proved a suitable approach for all but those with the poorest lung function and is now the author's treatment of choice. Techniques using intracavitary intubation have potential advantages: no lung tissue is removed, in addition, the limited incision and a local anesthesia needed for the procedure are better tolerated by patients with poor lung function.

Keywords: pulmonary emphysema; drainage; lung surgery

Lymphangiomatosis, a rare diseases of controversial origin, occurs in individuals of any age, regardless of gender, but is predominantly seen in younger individuals. It often presents with thoracic involvement, although, the bones, spleen and liver can also be affected. Histologically, the pulmonar involvement includes proliferation, complex anastomoses and secondary dilatation of the lymphatic vessels. Clinically, the presentation is variable. Although radiographic findings can be suggestive of the disease, the final diagnosis is made histologically. We report two cases of lymphangiomatosis, both in females: one was oligosymptomatic and is being treated for the disease; the other had a more progressive form, was diagnosed quite late and ultimately died of the disease.

Keywords: Lymphangioma; Lymphatic System; Pleural Effusion; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphatic System/abnormalities; Lung Diseases, Interstitial.

Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung is a rare form of congenital pulmonary disease. It has been found in all lobes, it is rarely bilateral, and is associated to hydramnion, placental edema, and fetal hydrops. It is divided into three types, with different clinical and histologic characteristics. Intrauterine diagnosis is possible by means of ultrasound examination, and the treatment of choice is lobectomy. The authors describe four cases seen at their hospital and review the literature.

Keywords: Cystic adenomatoid malformation. Congenital malformation. Lung.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous vasoactive compound that contributes to pulmonary vascular homeostasis and is produced by three nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms-neuronal NOS (nNOS); inducible NOS (iNOS); and endothelial NOS (eNOS)-all three of which are present in the lung. Studies using pharmacological inhibitors or knockout mice have shown that eNOS-derived NO plays an important role in modulating pulmonary vascular tone and attenuating pulmonary hypertension. However, studies focusing on the role of iNOS have shown that this isoform contributes to the pathophysiology of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. This review aimed at outlining the role played by NO in the control of pulmonary circulation, both under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In addition, we review the evidence that the L-arginine-NO-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway is a major pharmacological target in the treatment of pulmonary vascular diseases.

Keywords: Nitric oxide; Arginine; Nitric oxide synthase; Cyclic GMP; Pulmonary circulation.

Paragonimiasis is a chronic infection caused by a trematode of the genus Paragonimus, the Paragonimus westermani being the one that most infects man. It is an endemic disease in East Asia, however, it is also seen in America. The authors report two cases of paragonimiasis, in which a patient showed a past history and clinical and radiological characteristics suggestive of this disease, diagnosed by the presence of eggs of P. westermani in the sputum, and another patient, a thoracic post-traumatism empyema whose paragonimiasis diagnosis was a histopathological finding in the pleura after a decortication. This diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of eggs of P. westermani in the sputum.

Keywords: paragonimiasis

Human pulmonary dirofilariasis is a rare disease caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. It is usually seen as a solitary pulmonary nodule that mimics lung cancer. Although this disease is considered benign, its diagnosis often requires an excisional lung biopsy. Herein we report the epidemiological, clinical and radiological features observed in seven cases of human pulmonary dirofilariasis from Florianópolis. Six of our seven patients, showed a radiological finding of pulmonary nodule and underwent excisional lung biopsy for diagnosis. In one case, the radiological image was unavailable for review. Therefore, it was not described in this work, and the diagnosis was established through transbronchial biopsy.

Keywords: Dirofilariasis. Dirofilaria immitis. Coin lesion pulmonary.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the pressure of the pulmonary artery is disproportionally high for a certain level of pulmonary blood flow. Values of mean pulmonary artery pressure of more than 25 mm Hg at rest or 30 mm Hg during exercise allow the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Sustained or chronic pulmonary hypertension may be secondary to known diseases, mainly to those of cardiac or pulmonary nature, or may be a primary abnormality of the pulmonary circulation, with or without identification of associated conditions. Advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms of vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling have brought better prospects for the treatment of the disease. The correct use of vasodilators and anticoagulants, the new vasodilators, as epoprostenol and its analogs, and surgical techniques have increased the survival of many patients. Pneumologists can view cases of pulmonary hypertension as complications of pulmonary diseases or as a result of dyspnea investigation. Despite its etiology, pulmonary hypertension represents a clear abnormality that affects the right ventricle and can be potentially fatal to patients. Image methods have made the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension more accessible and non-invasive. Six cases of patients with pulmonary hypertension of different causes are presented and discussed. In conclusion, according to new concepts, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is no longer an irreversible condition, and the identification of associated conditions with potential treatments can be favorable in the management of the patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Keywords: pulmonary hypertension, vascular resistance, lung diseases, vasodilator agents

Purpose: To assess the results of the surgical treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) by means of axillary thoracotomy, blebs resection and abrasive pleurodesis, by comparing the results with the different options of treatment, and to discuss the surgical approach as the best therapeutic option for patient with the first occurrence of PSP. Material and methods: 35 axillary thoracotomy with abrasive pleurodesis for the treatment of PSP were carried out at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the University of Caxias do Sul between January 1996 and March 1999. Results: 23 patients with their first episode of PSP and 12 patients in their second episode were treated. The pleural drains were kept for in an average period of 2.7 ± 1.6 days. The average time in hospital was about 4.9 ± 2.4 days. Morbidity was 8.5% and mortality rate was zero. There was no relapse in an average period of 22 months of follow-up. Conclusion: The indication of axillary thoracotomy and abrasive pleurodesis to the patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) at the first or recurrent episode showed low rates of morbidity and no relapse, besides short periods of hospitalization and pleural drain permanence. The possibility of indication as the first therapeutic method for the PSP should be considered.

Keywords: Pneumothorax. Thoracotomy.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disorder that is typically inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is clinically characterized by recurrent respiratory infections. However, its repercussions for patient quality of life should not be overlooked. Studies have shown that PCD has a significant impact on the lives of patients, although there are as yet no PCD-specific markers of quality of life. To address that problem, researchers in the United Kingdom developed a quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with PCD. The present communication focuses on the process of translating that questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese, through a partnership between researchers in Brazil and those in the United Kingdom, as well as its subsequent application in patients in Brazil.

Keywords: Quality of life; Kartagener syndrome; Surveys and questionnaires.