Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis David S. Younger This chapter provides an overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). Historical Aspects The history of MG is controversial.39,40 The first…
The Use of Prosthetic Grafts to Replace the Superior Vena Cava
The Use of Prosthetic Grafts to Replace the Superior Vena Cava Sacha Mussot Philippe G. Dartevelle Unlike the inferior vena cava (IVC), the resection of which has been reviewed by…
Vein Grafts for the Superior Vena Cava
Vein Grafts for the Superior Vena Cava John R. Doty Donald B. Doty Obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) can present either as a chronic, progressive syndrome or as…
Vascular Masses of the Mediastinum
Vascular Masses of the Mediastinum Alberto de Hoyos Ali Dodge-Khatami Carl L. Backer Mediastinal lesions of vascular origin are responsible for approximately 10% of mediastinal masses. They may mimic neoplasms…
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment P. Michael McFadden The superior vena cava and its important intrathoracic venous tributaries are located in a tight compartment within the…
Lesions Masquerading as Primary Mediastinal Tumors or Cysts
Lesions Masquerading as Primary Mediastinal Tumors or Cysts Thomas W. Shields The most common cause of a mediastinal enlargement is metastatic disease in the lymph nodes of the visceral and,…
Primary Mediastinal Tumors and Cysts and Diagnostic Investigation of Mediastinal Masses
Primary Mediastinal Tumors and Cysts and Diagnostic Investigation of Mediastinal Masses James M. Donahue Francis C. Nichols Mediastinal masses are relatively uncommon and continue to be an interesting diagnostic and…
Acute and Chronic Mediastinal Infections
Acute and Chronic Mediastinal Infections Michael J. Liptay Anthony W. Kim Mediastinal infections are also known as mediastinitis. Acute mediastinitis is usually secondary to infections following operations requiring sternotomy or…
Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Diseases Within the Mediastinum
Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Diseases Within the Mediastinum Alberto de Hoyos Improved minimally invasive instrumentation and refinements in surgical techniques have allowed for increasing applications of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)…
Primary Pneumomediastinum
Primary Pneumomediastinum Matthew G. Blum Alberto de Hoyos Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is air dissection into the mediastinum not caused by infection, external trauma, or perforated viscus. It most commonly occurs in…
