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Oral Oncology Mar 2022To assess the anatomical relationships and variations in the pretracheal space and to guide tracheotomy procedures in a safe manner with image-based evidence.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the anatomical relationships and variations in the pretracheal space and to guide tracheotomy procedures in a safe manner with image-based evidence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted on unirradiated patients requiring elective tracheotomies. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT (CECT)/CT venography (CTV) was applied for an anatomical evaluation of the pretracheal region. Vascular morphologies were compared for three vessels: the anterior jugular vein (AJV), the innominate artery (IA) and the inferior thyroid vascular plexus (ITVP). The relationships between the thyroid isthmus and the 2nd-4th tracheal rings were also analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 120 patients were identified, most of whom (n = 110, 91.7%) had head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Patients with recognizable AJVs (n = 118) were divided into 3 groups: single-branch (n = 11, 9.2%), double-branch (n = 105, 87.5%), and multibranch (n = 2, 1.7%). In addition, IAs were categorized as low-bifurcation (n = 51, 42.5%), high-bifurcation (n = 40, 33.3%), platform (n = 27, 22.5%) and variant types (n = 2, 1.7%). Within the platform types, high-lying IAs (n = 15, 8.3%) might have interfered with the standard tracheal incisions due to possible IA-tracheal overlay. This interference was also related to the height of intraoperative tracheal incisions (r = 0.364, P = 0.001). Within ITVPs, independent-trunk types were found in 71 cases (59.2%), while common-trunk types were found in 45 (37.5%). In addition, a low thyroid isthmus (suprasternal-isthmus distance <3 cm) was found in 83 cases (69.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
CT image-based evidence can prepare junior practitioners with important pretracheal anatomical information, thereby facilitating safer tracheotomy procedures. Our results shed light on vascular relationships for emergent tracheotomy.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Trachea; Tracheostomy; Tracheotomy
PubMed: 35121399
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105719 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Jun 2017Idiopathic pretracheal deep neck space infection is an extremely rare condition with potentially devastating complications. We present a series of 3 cases of pretracheal...
Idiopathic pretracheal deep neck space infection is an extremely rare condition with potentially devastating complications. We present a series of 3 cases of pretracheal deep neck space infection that arose in the absence of trauma or a congenital lesion and that exhibited mediastinal spread. To the best of our knowledge, these cases represent the first reported series of this rare condition to be published in the English-language literature. All cultures grew Streptococcus milleri, and all patients had a favorable outcome. A high index of suspicion for a deep neck space infection is warranted in view of the devastating complications of this condition. Computed tomography is the investigation of choice. Treatment with intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage, particularly when mediastinitis is present, is recommended. This rare presentation warrants a thorough investigation to identify the source of infection.
Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drainage; Female; Humans; Male; Mediastinitis; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Neck; Neck Dissection; Soft Tissue Infections; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus milleri Group; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28636733
DOI: 10.1177/014556131709600622 -
Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke... Jun 2016To study the pathological and clinical features and the surgical results of the mass in the pretracheal space.
OBJECTIVE
To study the pathological and clinical features and the surgical results of the mass in the pretracheal space.
METHODS
From 1999 to 2004, 8 females and 3 males with an average of 43 years (from 32 to 61 years) were included CT scan, nuclear imaging, ultrasound and ultrasound-guided aspiration, endoscopic and laboratory measure were used in the evaluation for the masses before operation. Complete removal of mass was carried out in all patients under general anesthesia, and continuous negative pressure draining was routinely used.
RESULTS
Six masses with firm consistency could be moved easily transversely, but slightly moveable with swallowing. On contrast CT or ultrasound, all the masses had clear circumscription and showed rounded or lobular shape. No hemorrhage, chylous or lymph leakage, or recurrent laryngeal injury was encountered. Goiter was found in 6 cases, parathyroid adenoma in 2 cases, and thymoma, parathyroid cyst or lymphatic cyst was diagnosed in the rest three patients respectively. No recurrence was found with the following-up of 7 - 42 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Goiter, parathyroid adenoma and thymoma were common lesions presenting as mass in the pretracheal space and surgically curable without complications.
Topics: Adult; Cysts; Endoscopy; Female; Goiter; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Parathyroid Diseases; Parathyroid Neoplasms; Thymoma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 27345882
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1673-0860.2016.06.010 -
Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic... Jan 2018Surgical staging of lung and pleural cancers is crucial for planning treatment and assessing prognosis. In some cases, we need to explore both the mediastinum and the...
Surgical staging of lung and pleural cancers is crucial for planning treatment and assessing prognosis. In some cases, we need to explore both the mediastinum and the pleural cavity to confirm or rule out tumor dissemination. The combination of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) and thoracoscopy through a single transcervical incision allows the surgeon to widen the range of the exploration and improve the staging for lung and pleural cancers. VAMLA consists of complete removal of the mediastinal fat and lymph nodes of the subcarinal space, the right paratracheal and pretracheal areas, and the left paratracheal space. Once this mediastinal tissue is removed, the right mediastinal pleura can be identified and incised. A 30o thoracoscope is then inserted through the video-mediastinoscope into the pleural cavity to obtain samples of pleural fluid and biopsies of the parietal pleura and lung nodules, if present. In the case of left-sided thoracoscopy the access route to the left pleural cavity is anterior to the aortic arch, as for extended cervical mediastinoscopy. The combination of VAMLA and thoracoscopy is useful for exploring the mediastinum and the pleural space from a single incision and in the same surgical setting as the transcervical approach.
Topics: Biopsy; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Mediastinoscopy; Mediastinum; Neoplasm Staging; Pleural Cavity; Pleural Neoplasms; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Thoracoscopy; Video-Assisted Surgery
PubMed: 29384599
DOI: 10.1510/mmcts.2018.004 -
European Archives of... May 2022Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is the most serious complication of deep neck infections (DNI). The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate...
OBJECTIVES
Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is the most serious complication of deep neck infections (DNI). The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate prognostic factors for DNM development in deep space neck infections.
METHODS
The study enrolled patients admitted to the Emergency Center of Vojvodina with the diagnosis of multispace DNI with or without DNM either as the primary diagnosis or with discharged diagnosis after surgical treatment during 7-year period. The data were obtained from patient medical records.
RESULTS
After final analysis total of 141 charts were randomized for statystical analysis, 124 charts in DNI and 17 in DNI + DNM groups. The most common cause of infection in both groups was odontogenic. On multivariate regression analysis of collected data infection of retropharyngeal, pretracheal and carotid space, C-reactive protein and procalcitonine values were statistically significant predictors for DNM development.
CONCLUSIONS
Treatment and diagnosis of DNM requires multidisciplinary approach, with prompt clinical and radiological examinations, empirical broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and radical surgical debridement. Multispace neck infection and especially infection of retropharyngeal, carotid and pretracheal spaces are the most sensitive predictors for DNM development in deep space neck infections.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
If the infection from deep neck spaces reach retropharyngeal, carotid or pretracheal space, the DNM is probable to occur.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04865003. Date of registration 27.4.2021.
Topics: Drainage; Humans; Mediastinitis; Neck; Necrosis; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34542654
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-07081-0 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Oct 2017Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of facial fractures, always persuading the physicians to search for other and potentially more serious injuries such as...
Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of facial fractures, always persuading the physicians to search for other and potentially more serious injuries such as esophageal or tracheal rupture. A 75-year old man presented to the Emergency Department (ED) reporting an accidental fall while walking on the road. He did not report loss of consciousness (LOS), was not taking anticoagulant drugs, did not report chest, abdomen or limb trauma. On physical examination he only showed swelling of nose and right orbit. The patient underwent a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of head and facial bones, showing a complex fracture involving right nasal bone, ethmoid, right orbital lateral wall, and right maxillary sinus lateral wall. No intracranial lesions were found. Due to the finding of subcutaneous emphysema in the right cheek, the scan was extended to the whole neck and chest. The exam showed a massive pneumomediastinum, extending till the diaphragmatic hiatus. The patient thus underwent bronchoscopy and esophagogastroscopy, but no further lesions could be found. Antibiotics therapy was then administered, and was discharged in good conditions after a five-days observation. In our patient, air had probably escaped into the pharyngo-maxillary space from the right maxillary sinus and tracked into both the retropharyngeal space and, for contiguity, into the pre-tracheal space. As our case report shows, if the airway is secure, the pneumomediastinum does not necessarily require treatment other than clinical observation and management of the fracture. If no other injuries are present, resolution of the pneumomediastinum may be expected without further medical interventions.
Topics: Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Orbital Fractures; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 28734704
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.07.059 -
Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China) 2019Surgical techniques remain the gold standard to diagnose and staging lung and pleural tumours. Non-invasive techniques have become more accurate but actually they are...
Surgical techniques remain the gold standard to diagnose and staging lung and pleural tumours. Non-invasive techniques have become more accurate but actually they are not enough to plan and evaluating prognosis of lung and pleural tumours. In some cases, we need to explore the pleural cavity and the mediastinal lymph node status to confirm or rule out tumour dissemination. The combination of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) and thoracoscopy through a single transcervical incision allows the surgeon to widen the range of the exploration and to improve the staging for lung and pleural cancers. VAMLA allows to perform a complete lymphadenectomy of the subcarinal space, the right and pretracheal areas. We consider sampling more safety on the left side to avoid left recurrent nerve injuries. Once this mediastinal tissue is removed, the right mediastinal pleura can be identified and incised. Once mediastinal pleura is opened, a 5 mm 30º thoracoscope is inserted through the video- mediastinoscope into the pleural cavity. It allows to obtain samples of parietal or visceral pleural, pleural fluid or lung nodules if present. In case of left-sided thoracoscopy the access to the left pleural cavity is anterior to the aortic arch as for extended cervical mediastinoscopy. The combination of VAMLA and thoracoscopy is useful to explore the mediastinum and the pleural space from a single incision and in the same surgical setting through the transcervical approach.
PubMed: 35118249
DOI: 10.21037/med.2019.05.02 -
Respirology Case Reports Mar 2023Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are conditions that carry significant morbidity. They are uncommonly seen as complications of lung abscess formation and...
Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are conditions that carry significant morbidity. They are uncommonly seen as complications of lung abscess formation and prompt recognition and treatment is necessary. We present a 59-year-old male patient who complained of shortness of breath and chest pain for 2 weeks. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax showed a left lower lobe lung abscess. This was associated with leucocytosis and raised C-reactive protein. Ultrasound-guided drainage revealed viscous pus requiring manual aspiration for adequate drainage. The patient later developed extensive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema involving the pretracheal space, without evidence of pneumothorax. Left lower lobectomy was performed to control sepsis. The patient achieved a complete recovery following his surgery and antibiotic treatment, with interval resolution of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. We present the radiological and clinical features leading to the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema.
PubMed: 36751398
DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1090 -
Clinical Medicine Insights. Ear, Nose... 2019Deep neck spaces are regions of loose connective tissue filling areas between the 3 layers of deep cervical fascia, namely, superficial, middle, and deep layers. The...
Deep neck spaces are regions of loose connective tissue filling areas between the 3 layers of deep cervical fascia, namely, superficial, middle, and deep layers. The superficial layer is the investing layer, The pretracheal layer is the intermediate layer and the prevertebral layer is the deepest layer. Deep neck space infection (DNI) is defined as an infection in the potential spaces and actual fascial planes of the neck. Once the natural resistance of fascial planes is overcome, spread of infection occurs along communicating fascial boundaries. More recent trends include the increasing prevalence of resistant bacterial strains, a decline in DNIs caused by pharyngitis or tonsillitis, and a relative increase in DNIs of odontogenic origin. Most DNIs are polymicrobial. Only 5% are purely aerobic and 25% with isolated anaerobes. The epidemiology of DNIs needs to be monitored for changing trends and the impact of underlying host immunity and developing microbial multidrug resistance is established. Surveillance at laboratory level should include mandatory susceptibility testing of all empiric antibiotics against microbes commonly identified in adult DNI microscopy, culture, and sensitivity (MC&S) specimens. The role of susceptibility testing of microbes not commonly identified in adult DNI MC&S specimens needs further review, on a clinical case-by-case basis.
PubMed: 31496858
DOI: 10.1177/1179550619871274