Primary malignant lesions of the heart are rare. Although myxomas have been extensively described, there is a paucity of large studies on non-myxomatous cardiac tumours. On the other hand, there are several case reports on specific histopathological variants, in small numbers. Consequently there exists no consensus on therapeutic modalities for cardiac sarcomas. The prognosis for these lesions remains dismal, despite the enhanced diagnostic ability of newer technology. The reasons for the dismal prognosis are (1) the advanced tumour stage at presentation, (2) non-specific symptomatolgy, (3) insufficient awareness of these lesions, due to their rarity, (4) delayed diagnosis and/or misdiagnosis, which leads to (5) advanced tumour stage at presentation. Thus a vicious cycle is created. This article addresses these issues, deals with the surgically relevant modes of presentation, rather than the histopathology, and reviews the diagnosis and management options for the various sarcomas, categorized by the site and extent of cardiac involvement. Clinicians should be familiar with the presentation of these tumours and have a high index of suspicion, since the potential for long-term survival following resection does exist. Wide surgical resection remains the cornerstone of sarcoma therapy. Complete characterization of tumour extent using echocardiography and CT/MRI is mandatory to achieve this goal. Radical resections such as 'bench surgery' and transplantation may reduce local recurrence, but the risk of metastatic disease remains. The clinical experience with such approaches is limited. The role of adjuvant therapy is not yet established. In no other field of cardiac surgery would a multidisciplinary approach be more useful, in achieving cure or long-term palliation.

Vasoplegic syndrome is a recognized complication following cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In several patients profound post-operative vasodilatation does not respond to conventional vasoconstrictor therapy. Methylene blue has been advocated as an adjunct to conventional vasoconstrictors in such situations. There is limited data pertaining to the use of methylene blue and a number of reports have been anecdotal observations. This article reviews the incidence and problems associated with the vasoplegic syndrome, the mechanism of action of methylene blue, its effects and adverse reactions and the literature supporting its intra-operative and post-operative use. In cases where first-line therapy fails, the use of methylene blue seems to be a potent approach to refractory vasoplegia. The early use of methylene blue may halt the progression of low systemic vascular resistance even in patients responsive to norepinephrine and mitigate the need for prolonged vasoconstrictor use. However, dosing regimens and protocols need to be clearly defined before widespread routine use. Whether methylene blue should be the first line of therapy in patients with vasoplegia is a matter of debate, and there is inadequate evidence to support its use as a first line drug. More scientific evidence is needed to define the role of MB in the treatment of catecholamine refractory vasoplegia.

We reviewed our institutional experience with pulmonary resection for congenital bronchopulmonary malformations and analysed the management and outcome of pregnancies with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital lung malformations. Between January 1993 and December 2003, 31 patients underwent evaluation and pulmonary resection for bronchopulmonary malformations. Common clinical presentations were respiratory distress (9), respiratory infections/pneumonias (22), and dyspnoea (9). Diagnostic modalities included chest radiography, CT scan (22), MRI scan (7), arteriography (1), and bronchoscopy (5). There were 13 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM), six pulmonary sequestrations, three bronchogenic cysts, and nine congenital lobar emphysemas (CLE). Fifteen patients who underwent resection were diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound. No foetus had hydrops or associated malformations. No pregnancy was terminated. There was no foetal demise. Regression of the sonographic appearance was observed in six cases. Amniotic puncture was required for hydramnios in three cases. Eight emergency resections were performed (CCAM 4; CLE 3; Bronchogenic cyst 1). Surgical procedures included 24 lobectomies, one right middle lobectomy with a wedge resection of the right lower lobe, one completion right lower lobectomy, four sequestrectomies, one mediastinal mass excision and one wedge resection for a bronchogenic cyst. There were no deaths. Postoperative complications included: persistent air leak (n=2; one requiring completion lobectomy) and pneumothorax (1). Persistent mild symptoms were present in five patients, at long-term follow-up. Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and congenital lobar emphysema were the commonest congenital anomalies. Congenital lung malformations are increasingly diagnosed antenatally, sometimes necessitating emergent surgical resection. The natural history is variable. All infants with a prenatal diagnosis require postnatal evaluation. Patients should be evaluated for associated disorders. The presence of mass effects is an indication for therapeutic decompression. The risk of pulmonary compression, infection and malignant degeneration makes resection imperative, even in asymptomatic patients. Lobectomy is the procedure of choice, is well tolerated, and leads to excellent outcomes.

No abstract