Journal List > J Breast Cancer > v.9(4) > 1036806

Lee, Son, Choi, Sung, Hong, Kim, Kim, Kwak, Ahn, Lee, and Eom: Pulmonary Thromboembolism following Mastectomy with Immediate TRAM in the Patients with Breast Cancer: a Prospective Study

Abstract

Purpose

Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction provides psychological satisfaction and a good cosmetic effect for patients with breast cancer. However, this procedure takes longer operation time than mastectomy, and the risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and deep vein thrombosis may be increased. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of PTE.

Methods

Between January and May in 2005, 54 breast cancer patients who underwent skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate transverse rectus abdominalis myocutaneous flap (TRAM) at Asan Medical Center were prospectively investigated according to the clinicopathologic data. Patients were placed in compression stockings on the day of operation, and lung perfusion, inhalation scans,and serum D-dimer assays were performed on the first three postoperative days. If findings were suspicious, we performed embolism computed tomography. We compared patient age, body mass index (BMI), clinical risk factors, operative findings, pathologic results, and the clinical course between PTE patients and non-PTE patients.

Results

There were 9 cases of intermediate probability and 6 cases of high probability for PTE according to lung perfusion and inhalation scans, and they underwent embolism CT. Eleven patients (20.4%) were diagnosed with embolism CT or with lung perfusion and inhalation scans;2 patients were symptomatic and 9 patients were asymptomatic. There was significant difference between PTE and non-PTE patients for age, but none for BMI, clinical risk factors, operation time, serum D-dimer, or stage.

Conclusion

The incidence of PTE after mastectomy with immediate TRAM is relatively high, and a strategy for the prevention and treatment of PTE is required. Although age is a risk factor for PTE on this study, future studies are needed to determine the risk factors for and to confirm proper treatment and prevention of PTE.

Figures and Tables

Fig 1
Study Design. USG= Ultrasonography; LMMH= low molecular weight heparin; CT= Pulmonary Embolism Computerized Tomography.
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Fig 2
Lung perfusion and inhalation scan of high-probability pulmonary embolism patients: a)Large sized V/Q mismatched perfusion defect in medial segment of right middle lobe and posterior segment of right upper lobe in perfusion scan. b)Computerized-Tomgraphy finding of pulmonary embolism: pulmonary thromboembolism involving right upper pulmonary artery.
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Table 1
Clinicopathologic charateristics of the study population
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BMI = Body Mass Index.

Table 2
The incidence of pulmonary thromboembolism with diagnostic method.
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V/Q= Ventilation/ Perfusion scan; CT= Pulmonary Embolism CT; PTE= Pulmonary

Thromboembolism.

* 2 cases had no thromboembolus on lung CT.

* intermediate and high probability on lung scan took lung CT.

Table 3
Clinicopathologic charateristics of pulmonary thromboembolism patients .
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BMI= Body Mass Index; Risk Factor= Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Smoking, Alcohol, Hormone Replacement Therapy; OP=operation, LVI= Lymphovascular invasion; PTE= Pulmoanry Thromboembolism; LMWH= Low Molecular Weight Heparin; NC= Not Checked DVT= Deep Vein Thrombosis; Tx= treatment; Intermediate= Intermediate Probability; High= High probability.

Table 4
Comparision between pulmopanry thromboembolism group and non-pulmonary thromboembolism group
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PTE= Pulmonary thromboembolism; BMI= Body Mass Index; Risk Factor= Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Smoking, Alcohol, Hormone Replacement

Therapy.

* Postoperative one day

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