Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2003;24:306
© 2003 Elsevier Science NL
Images in cardio-thoracic surgery |
Ossification of an intercostal flap after carinal resection: long-term concerns of a ‘protection maneuver’
W. Torrea*,
N. Rodriguez-Spiteria,
C. Garranb,
F. Bergazc
a Services of General Thoracic Surgery, Clinica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
b Services of Oncology, Clinica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
c Services of Radiology, Clinica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
Received 4 March 2003;
received in revised form 28 April 2003;
accepted 28 April 2003.
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +34-948-296-488; fax: +34-948-296-500
e-mail: wtorre{at}unav.es
Key Words: Intercostal muscle flap • Tracheal surgery • Postoperative complications
This CT-scan shows an ossification of the flap of two intercostal muscles 6 months after a carinal resection with reconstruction of the tracheo-bronchial tree using the Barclay's technique in a 39-year-old patient with a lower-third tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma. Some degree of stenosis can also be seen at the level of the right main bronchus. A stent was placed but migrated. The picture is striking, because it looks like a hangman's noose around the neck (Figs. 1 and 2
). Recurrence was ruled out. Two years later the images have not changed. The patient is asymptomatic and continues to lead an active life although there is a slight decrease in lung function tests.
