Differentiation between malignant and benign pleural effusion in patients with extra-pleural primary malignancies: assessment with positron emission tomography-computed tomography.

Objectives: We sought to define an accurate diagnostic approach for differentiating benign from malignant pleural effusion on positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT).

Material And Methods: PET-CT studies of 31 patients with primary extrapleural malignancy and pleural effusion were reviewed retrospectively. CT parameters assessed were size and density (Hounsfield units, or HU) of the effusion and density (HU) and morphology of any solid pleural abnormality.

Transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis achieves results comparable to thymectomy by sternotomy.

Background: It remains controversial whether transcervical thymectomy offers results equivalent to thymectomy by way of a median sternotomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Furthermore, preoperative prognostic factors have not been clearly defined.

Methods: This study is a retrospective chart review and interview of 78 patients completing transcervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis between 1992 and 1999.

Incidental finding of myeloproliferative disorders during sternotomy.

We report 2 cases of myeloproliferative disorders discovered incidentally at the time of routine coronary bypass surgery. Suspicion of abnormal bone marrow tissue upon performing sternotomy and subsequent sampling for frozen section made the diagnosis. The surgical plan was changed, and partial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass was performed.

Suction vs water seal after pulmonary resection: a randomized prospective study.

Study Objective: To evaluate whether suction or water seal is superior in the management of chest tubes after pulmonary resection.

Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial. After an initial, brief period of suction, patients were randomized to water seal or - 20 cm H(2)O suction.