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Pulmonary siderosis cases diagnosed with minimally invasive surgical technique: A retrospective analysis of 7 cases
Erkan Akar1, Tekin Yildiz2, Safak Atahan3
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to report our patients with pulmonary siderosis (PS) who were exposed to iron oxide and diagnosed with the minimally invasive surgical technique (video-assisted thoracic surgery [VATS]), and to provide a discussion of the relevant literature.
Methods:
Hospital records of seven patients who were diagnosed with PS by VATS between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. VATS was performed for seven patients for whom no definitive diagnosis could be made with other diagnostic techniques.
Results:
All 7 patients included in our study were male, and their mean age was 54 years. As for the profession, two patients were founders, two were grinders, and three were welders. All patients were operated with VATS. The patients were followed with chest radiograms and spirometric tests for an average of 24 (15-36) months. At the follow-up, the patients were not only free of progression but also they even showed regression.
Conclusion:
VATS is currently an established technique used for many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, notably in chest surgery practice. We also advocate that VATS technique is an ideal method for making the pathological diagnosis of pneumoconioses when other methods fail to do so.
Insights
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) effectively diagnosed pulmonary siderosis (PS) in iron oxide-exposed patients. This minimally invasive technique showed no progression and even regression in patients during follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary siderosis (PS) is a lung condition caused by iron oxide exposure.
- Accurate diagnosis of PS can be challenging with conventional methods.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques offer potential diagnostic advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report outcomes of patients with PS diagnosed via video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).
- To evaluate the efficacy of VATS in diagnosing PS.
- To discuss the role of VATS in managing PS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven patients diagnosed with PS between 2008 and 2016.
- VATS was performed when other diagnostic techniques were inconclusive.
- Patients were followed using chest radiography and spirometry.
Main Results:
- All seven patients were male, with a mean age of 54 years.
- Occupations included founders, grinders, and welders, indicating occupational exposure.
- Post-VATS follow-up showed no disease progression, with some patients exhibiting regression.
Conclusions:
- VATS is a valuable tool for diagnosing pneumoconioses when other methods fail.
- VATS provides a definitive pathological diagnosis for challenging cases of PS.
- The study advocates for VATS in the diagnostic pathway for PS.
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