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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 year-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 an 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-year 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.

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.

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. Surgery of the ascending aorta and its arc with extracorporeal circulation require an arterial cannulation that assures and adequate systemic circulation and reduces the risk of neurological complications. A peripheral cannulation such as the femoral artery, a central extra-thoracic approach such as axillary, subclavian or carotid arteries or a central intra-thoracic approach such as aorta and innominate arteries, are valid alternatives. Innominate artery cannulation can be carried out without the need of a second incision. It is an easily accessible and large bore vessel. It allows an anterograde brain and visceral flow. In cases of aortic arch surgery, the clamping of the artery in its origin, allows a selective anterograde brain perfusion. The surgical technique for innominate artery cannulation is herein described.

Objetivos: Describir características, tratamiento y variables asociadas a supervivencia de neoplasias epiteliales del Timo (NET). Material y Método: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes con NET. Período: enero de 2000 - agosto de 2010. Se describen características, tratamiento, morbilidad, mortalidad y supervivencia global. Se comparó supervivencias según variables seleccionadas. Se utilizó programa SPSS 15.0. Se consideró significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: 54 pacientes, 33 mujeres, edad promedio 52,5 años. Sintomáticos 42 pacientes. Se realizó cirugía resectiva en 47. Histología: 46 Timomas y 8 Carcinomas Tímicos. Complicaciones en 14 y 1 falleció. Rango seguimiento: 12-156 meses. Tiempo promedio supervivencia 101,8 ± 10,2 meses. Supervivencia global a 1, 3 y 5 años: 90,7 ± 3,9%, 81,4 ± 5,7% y 71,8 ± 8,2% respectivamente. Se encontraron variables asociadas a supervivencia. Conclusiones: Las NET son más frecuentes en mujeres, la mayoría son sintomáticos e histológicamente son timoma. La cirugía es resectiva en la mayoría. Se identifican variables asociadas a supervivencia. Background: Thymic epithelial tumors are uncommon and can be associated with myasthenia gravis. Aim: To describe variables associated with survival and treatment of thymic epithelial tumors. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of surgical databases of a respiratory diseases hospital, identifying patients operated for a thymic epithelial tumor between 2000 and 2010. Follow up lasted from 12 to 156 months and information was obtained from medical records and death certificates of the Chilean national identification service. Results: Data from 54 patients aged 52.5 ± 16.4 years (33 women) was retrieved. Forty two patients were symptomatic and 47 were subjected to resective surgery. The pathological diagnosis was thymoma in 46 cases and thymic carcinoma in eight. Fourteen patients had postoperative complications and one died. Mean survival time was 101.8 ± 10.2 months. One, three and five years survival was 90.7 ± 3.9, 81.4 ± 5.7 and 71.8 ± 8.2%, respectively. Preoperative performance status of patients, histological type of the tumor and associated myasthenia gravis were predictors of survival. Conclusions: More commonly, thymic epithelial tumors appear in women, their histological type corresponds to thymomas and their resection is feasible.

Objetivos: Describir características y resultados inmediatos del tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes con Bocio Intratorácico (BIT). Material y Método: Revisión retrospectiva. Período: octubre de 2003 - marzo de 2010. Se describen características generales y morbi-mortalidad. Resultados: 33 pacientes, 23 mujeres, edad promedio 59,1 ± 14,3 años. Comorbilidades: 12 hipertensos y 1 diabético. Función tiroidea preoperatoria: 32 eutiroideos y 1 hipertiroideo. Asintomáticos 10 pacientes. Tipo BIT: 31 cérvico-mediastínicos y 2 medias-tínicos. Abordaje: 24 cervicotomía, 7 cervicotomía más esternotomía y 2 esternotomía. Tipo de resección: 19 tiroidectomía total y 14 tiroidectomía subtotal. Histología: 29 benignos y 4 neoplasias malignas. Estadía postoperatoria: mediana de 4,5 días. Complicaciones en 12 pacientes: 10 hipoparatiroidismos (9 transitorios y 1 permanente), 2 disfonías, 2 hematomas cervicales (uno se reexploró), 1 infección herida operatoria y 1 neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica. Fallece un paciente (neumonía). Conclusiones: El BIT es más frecuente en mujeres, la mayoría son eutiroideos y pueden ser asintomáticos. La mayoría pueden ser resecados por cervicotomía. La histología es benigna en la mayoría aunque pueden corresponder a neoplasias malignas. La cirugía no está exenta de morbi-mortalidad.

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.

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.

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.

Objetivos: Describir las características y evaluar los factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad en el empiema paraneumónico (EPN) tratado quirúrgicamente. Método: Revisión retrospectiva entre Enero 2000 y Agosto 2006. Se describen características y factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad, se realizó análisis univariado y multivariado utilizando programa SPSS 15.0. Resultados: 242 pacientes tenían EPN (70,6% de los empiemas tratados), 165 (68,2%) fueron hombres, edad promedio 52,1 años, 229 (94,6%) fueron neumonías adquiridas en la comunidad (NAC) y 13 (5,4%) intrahospitalarias. Se aisló gérmenes en líquido pleural en 57 (23,6%). Se realizaron 183 (75,6%) decorticaciones, 49 (20,2%) pleurotomías, 7 (2,9%), cirugías video-asistidas y 3 (1,2%) decorticaciones con resección pulmonar. Presentaron complicaciones 65 (26,9%). Fallecieron 16 pacientes (6,6%). Se identificaron variables asociadas a morbi-mortalidad. Conclusiones: El EPN es la causa más frecuente de empiema, la mayoría está asociado a NAC y en pocos se identifican gérmenes. La decorticación es el procedimiento más frecuente. Se identificaron las variables asociadas a morbi-mortalidad en esta serie clínica. 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.

Objetivos: Describir características, resultados inmediatos y evaluar factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad de Empiema Pleural (EP) con tratamiento quirúrgico. Método: Revisión retrospectiva. Período: enero 2000 - agosto 2006. Se describen características, resultados inmediatos y factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad. Se utilizó programa SPSS 15.0. Se consideró significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: 343 pacientes, 243 (70,8 %) hombres (relación 2,4:1), edad promedio 51,7 años. Etiología: 242 (70,6%) paraneumónico, 41 (12,0%) postquirúrgico, 19 (5,5%) postraumático, 10 (2,9%) absceso pulmonar, 10 (2,9%) tuberculoso, 6 (1,7%) neoplásico, 2 (0,6%) neumotórax y 13 (3,8%) desconocido. Se aisló germen en líquido pleural en 89 (25,9%). Se realizaron: 251 (73,2%) decorticaciones por toracotomía, 70 (20,4%) pleurotomías, 11 (3,2%) cirugías video-asistidas, 7 (2,1%) decorticaciones con resección pulmonar y 4 (1,2%) fenestraciones. Presentaron complicaciones 104 (30,3%) pacientes. Se reoperaron 29 (8,5%). Fallecieron 31 (9,6%), todos por sepsis. Se encontraron variables asociadas a morbi-mortalidad. Conclusiones: El EP tiene como causa más frecuente el empiema paraneumónico seguido de los postoperatorios, en la mayoría no se identifican gérmenes en líquido pleural. La toracotomía con decorticación es el procedimiento quirúrgico más frecuente. El EP tiene una considerable morbi-mortalidad. Se identifican variables asociadas a morbilidad y mortalidad. 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: Retrospective 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 trauma 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 surgeries (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.

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.

Hamman syndrome or spontaneous pneumomediastinum is uncommon and its clinical manifestations are chest pain, dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema.To report a series of patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum.Medical records of patients with the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum, managed between 2002 and 2007 in a public hospital, were retrieved and reviewed.Eight patients aged between 16 and 41 years (five males) were identified. The most common symptom was chest pain and the most common sign was subcutaneous emphysema. A chest X ray was performed in all and a chest CT scan in seven. AH were managed conservatively with oxygen, analgesia and rest. No patient required surgery and the evolution was favorable.The most common presenting complaint of spontaneous pneumomediastinum is chest pain and its management does not require surgery.

Background: Hamman syndrome or spontaneous pneumomediastinum is uncommon and its clinical manifestations are chest pain, dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema. Aim: To report a series of patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Material and methods: Medical records of patients with the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum, managed between 2002 and 2007 in a public hospital, were retrieved and reviewed. Results: Eight patients aged between 16 and 41 years (five males) were identified. The most common symptom was chest pain and the most common sign was subcutaneous emphysema. A chest X ray was performed in all and a chest CT scan in seven. All were managed conservatively with oxygen, analgesia and rest. No patient required surgery and the evolution was favorable. Conclusions: The most common presenting complaint of spontaneous pneumomediastinum is chest pain and its management does not require surgery (Rev Med Chile 2009; 137: 1045-50). (Key words: Chest pain; Mediastinal emphysema; Subcutaneous emphysema)

Background: Hamman syndrome or spontaneous pneumomediastinum is uncommon and its clinical manifestations are chest pain, dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema. Aim: To report a series of patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Material and methods: Medical records of patients with the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum, managed between 2002 and 2007 in a public hospital, were retrieved and reviewed. Results: Eight patients aged between 16 and 41 years (five males) were identified. The most common symptom was chest pain and the most common sign was subcutaneous emphysema. A chest X ray was performed in all and a chest CT scan in seven. AH were managed conservatively with oxygen, analgesia and rest. No patient required surgery and the evolution was favorable. Conclusions: The most common presenting complaint of spontaneous pneumomediastinum is chest pain and its management does not require surgery.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is a rare condition. We report a 78 year-old man with progressive pain in his right thigh and hip lasting one week. The pain subsequently was associated with abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant. Physical examination revealed pain to deep palpation of the area, associated with a diffuse positive rebound pain. An abdominal and pelvis CT scan showed an extensive mesenteric hematoma. During surgery, a large retroperitoneal encapsulated hematoma, without evidence of active bleeding, was found and drained. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis and was negative for cancer.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is a rare condition. We report a 78 year-old man with progressive pain in his right thigh and hip lasting one week. The pain subsequently was associated with abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant. Physical examination revealed pain to deep palpation of the area, associated with a diffuse positive rebound pain. An abdominal and pelvis CT scan showed an extensive mesenteric hematoma. During surgery, a large retroperitoneal encapsulated hematoma, without evidence of active bleeding, was found and drained. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis and was negative for cancer (Rev Med Chile 2007; 135: 1044-7). (Key words: Hematoma; Mesenteric arteries; Radiography; Dual-energy Scanned projection)

Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is a rare condition. We report a 78 year-old man with progressive pain in his right thigh and hip lasting one week. The pain subsequently was associated with abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant. Physical examination revealed pain to deep palpation of the area, associated with a diffuse positive rebound pain. An abdominal and pelvis CT scan showed an extensive mesenteric hematoma. During surgery, a large retroperitoneal encapsulated hematoma, without evidence of active bleeding, was found and drained. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis and was negative for cancer (RevMéd Chile 2007; 135:1044-7)