• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.10
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• pp.1690-1696
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• 2021

Objective: To describe the anatomic locations and imaging features of posterior lung herniation in unilateral pulmonary agenesis and aplasia, focusing on radiograph-CT/MRI correlation. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients (seven with pulmonary agenesis and three with pulmonary aplasia, male: female = 1:9, mean age 7.3 years, age range from 1 month to 20 years) were included. Chest radiographs (n = 9), CT (n = 9), and MRI (n = 1) were reviewed to assess the type of lung underdevelopment, presence of anterior and posterior lung herniation, bronchus origin, supplying artery, and draining vein of the herniated lung. Results: Pulmonary agenesis/aplasia more commonly affected the left lung (n = 7) than the right lung (n = 3). Anterior lung herniation was observed in nine of the 10 patients. Posterior lung herniation was observed in seven patients with left pulmonary agenesis/aplasia. Two patients showed posterior lung herniation crossing the midline but not beyond the aorta, and five patients showed the posteriorly herniated right lower lobe crossing the midline to extend into the left hemithorax farther beyond the descending thoracic aorta through the space between the esophagus and the aorta. This anatomical configuration resulted in a characteristic radiographic finding of a radiolucent area with a convex lateral border and a vertical medial border in the left lower lung zone, revealing a tongue-like projection on CT and MRI. Conclusion: Posterior lung herniation occurs in unilateral left lung agenesis/aplasia. Approximately 70% of the cases of posterior lung herniation reveal a unique radiolucent tongue-like projection in the left lower lung zone on imaging studies, which is caused by the extension of the posteriorly herniated right lung farther beyond the descending aorta.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.624-628
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• 1998

Postpneumonectomy syndrome is a rare and delayed complication of left pneumonectomy in most patients with normal mediastinal vascular anatomy. This syndrome is characterized by dyspnea and recurrent pulmonary infection in the remaining right lung that typically occur within the first postoperative year. The condition is believed to be secondary to postsurgical changes that include a marked shift of the mediastinum to the left, clockwise rotation of the heart and great vessels, and herniation of the right lung into the left anterior thorax. These changes lead to compression of the trachea or right main bronchus among the thoracic spine and the right pulmonary artery. We report a case of postpneumonectomy syndrome in 15 year-old girl that followed by left pneumonectomy for bronchiectasis 6 years ago. We have inserted an expandable prosthesis in the left thoracic cavity posterior to the heart. After implantation of an expandable prosthesis, an anatomic reposition of the shifted mediastinum was achieved, which resulted in instantaneous and sustained relief. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was followed in OPD from after discharge to now.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.432-439
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• 1982

Congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia [Bochdalek hernia] is the result of a congenital diaphragmatic defect in the posterior costal part of the diaphragm in the region of the tenth and eleventh ribs. There is usually free communication between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The defect is most commonly found on the left [90%], but may occurs on the right, where the liver often prevents detection. The male to female ratio is 2:1. Owing to the negative intrathoracic pressure, herniation of abdominal contents through the defects occurs, with resultant collapse of the lung. Shifting of mediastinum to the opposite side and compression of the opposite lung occurs. Most often these hernias are manifestated by acute respiratory distress in the newborn. A second, but less well recognized, group of patient with Bochdalek hernia survive beyond the neonatal period, usually present at a later time with "failure of thrive, intermittent vomiting, or progressive respiratory difficulty. " The diagnosis can often be made on clinical ground from the presence of respiratory distress, absence of breath sounds on the chest presence of bowel sounds over the chest . Roentgenogram of the chest confirm the diagnosis. Obstruction and strangulation have been reported but are rare. Treatment consists of early reliable identification of these congenital diaphragmatic hernia with high risk and surgical repairment. and postoperative pharmacological management with extracorporeal membranous oxygenation [=ECMO] support in the period of intensive care. On the surgical approach, for defects on left side, an abdominal incision is preferred, because of the high incidence of malrotation and obstructing duodenal bands. In the neonate, the operative mortality may be appreciable, but, later repair almost always is successful. During the period from 1972 to 1982, 4 cases of congenital Bochdalek hernia were experienced at the Kyung-Hee University Hospital.