Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic fissureless right upper lobe anterior segmentectomy for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are exceptionally rare neoplasms with intermediate malignant potential. Surgery is the accepted treatment option, aiming for complete resection with clear margins.

CASE SUMMARY

A 39-year-old woman presented with a growing solitary pulmonary nodule measuring 2.0 cm in the right upper lobe (RUL) of the lung. The patient under-went a RUL anterior segmentectomy using uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy. A preliminary tissue diagnosis indicated malignancy; however, it was later revised to an IMTs. Due to the absence of a minor fissure between the right upper and middle lobes, an alternative resection approach was necessary. Therefore, we utilized indocyanine green injection to aid in delineating the intersegmental plane. Following an uneventful recovery, the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Thereafter, annual chest tomography scans were scheduled to monitor for potential local recurrence.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing IMTs, showing the importance of accurate pathologic assessments and tailored surgical strategies.

Key Words: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery; Fissureless; Anterior segmentectomy; Inflammatory fibroblastic tumor; Case report

Core Tip: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are rare neoplasms with intermediate malignant potential. Accurate diagnosis and tailored surgical strategies are crucial for successful management. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating such tumors, emphasizing the importance of precise pathological assessment and individualized surgical approaches.

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs), previously termed “inflammatory pseudotumors” are exceptionally uncommon intermediate neoplasms characterized by relatively high postsurgical recurrence rates and a low propensity for metastasis[1,2]. Predominantly observed in children and young individuals, this tumor has a prevalence of 0.04%-0.7% across sex and racial groups worldwide[3,4]. Of the various primary sites, IMTs in the abdominal cavity show greater prevalence. However, primary lesions of the lungs, pelvis, limbs, skin, and even brain have been documented[2]. Patients typically present with painless masses that often remain asymptomatic until size-related complications arise[5]. The standard treatment for localized IMTs is surgery; however, therapy for advanced disease has not been clearly established[6].

Herein, we describe the case of a 39-year-old woman who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for fissureless right upper lobe (RUL) anterior segmentectomy of an asymptomatic IMT. The tumor was deemed malignant upon frozen section examination.

CASE PRESENTATION

Chief complaints

A 39-year-old female outpatient with no history of smoking presented to our department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery with an enlarging solitary pulmonary nodule (2.0 cm) of the RUL.

History of present illness

A right-lung nodule had been detected 3 years prior and was under surveillance at another medical facility.

History of past illness

The patient had no substantial medical history, aside from a uterine myomectomy at another institution 7 years prior.

Personal and family history

The patient reported no relevant personal or family history.

Physical examination

The patient exhibited no apparent signs or symptoms during physical examination.

Laboratory examinations

The results of the preoperative pulmonary tests were within normal ranges.

Imaging examinations

Chest radiography revealed a solitary right hilar nodule (Figure 1A) that measured 2.0 cm × 1.7 cm on computed tomography (CT) of the chest and was situated within the anterior segment of the RUL (Figure 1B and C).

Figure 1 Preoperative imaging studies. A: Chest radiograph showing a solitary pulmonary nodule of the right hilar area (orange arrow); B and C: Similar findings are observed on chest computed tomography (axial and sagittal views), with the nodule situated in the anterior segment of the right upper lobe.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with pulmonary hamartoma.

TREATMENT

We performed a RUL anterior segmentectomy (rather than wedge resection) using uniportal VATS (Video). This decision was influenced by the nodule’s proximity to the anterior segment bronchus at its origin. Under general anesthesia, the patient was positioned in the left lateral decubitus. Subsequently, a small surgical incision (2.5 cm) was made at the fourth intercostal space along the anterior axillary line. To ensure a well-defined operative field, the working port was equipped with a small wound protector. Thereafter, a 5-mm, 30 scope was positioned at its upper rim by the surgical assistant, with various instruments introduced through the single incision, including a curved suction tip, grasping tools, and articulating endostaplers.

The solitary pulmonary nodule was solid, round, and movable, measuring 2.0 cm. However, when inspecting the right lung, no discernible minor fissure was observed (Figure 2A). To achieve fissureless anterior segmentectomy of the RUL, initial anterior hilar dissection was required to expose branches of the superior pulmonary vein. Subsequently, one of two anterior segmental veins (V³b) was dissected and ligated using a Harmonic scalpel [Ethicon (Johnson and Johnson), Cincinnati, OH, United States], and Prolene sutures (Ethicon) were used to control bleeding. In turn, the other anterior segmental vein (V³a) was clipped (Hem-o-lok; Teleflex, Morrisville, NC, United States) and transected using a Harmonic scalpel (Figure 3A). The anterior segmental artery (A³) was then isolated and ligated using a Hem-o-lok clip (Figure 2B). This was followed by a thorough lymphadenectomy procedure, which was conducted at levels 11–13 and exposed the anterior segmental bronchus.

Figure 2 Operative views of the segmentectomy. A: A solid, round, and mobile pulmonary nodule is observed; however, there is no minor fissure; B: The anterior segmental artery (A3) and bronchus (B3) are identified (white arrows); C: The resected anterior segment of the right upper lobe, with visible vascular and bronchial stumps (orange arrow).

Figure 3 Right upper lobe stumps at the resection line. A: Anterior segmental veins (V³b and V³a) are clearly visible; B: The surgical edge at the completion of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobe anterior segmentectomy.

Before advancing further, we reinstated two-lung ventilation to verify the correct inflation of the RUL-including the apical and posterior segments-and the middle lobes. Subsequently, we proceeded to divide the anterior segmental bronchus using a 45-mm stapler with a purple load. We administered an indocyanine green (ICG) injection to delineate and mark the intersegmental plane (Figure 2B). Once divided along this plane, RUL anterior segmentectomy was completed using four 45-mm staplers (purple cartridges) (Figure 3B).

We secured the resected specimen in an Endo Catch bag (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, United States), passing it through the working port for frozen section examination (Figure 2C). Based on a provisional diagnosis of likely malignancy and the solid growth pattern that we observed, systematic lymph node dissection was also undertaken. We applied a water-sealing method to check for and verify the absence of any air leaks. After the irrigation process, we administered an intercostal nerve blockade using 1 mL of bupivacaine at each lower margin of the third to seventh ribs. Subsequently, a 20-Fr chest tube was carefully inserted at the lower incisional edge and the working incision was closed in a layered manner. The chest tube was then connected to a digital drainage system with a suction pressure set at 15 cm H₂O. The overall operative time was 130 min, while the duration of anesthesia was 160 min and the estimated blood loss was 50 cc.

In the recovery room, a clear upright anteroposterior chest radiograph was obtained 20 min after completing the procedure (Figure 4A). On the first postoperative day, we removed the chest tube without incident, and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day.

Figure 4 Postoperative findings. A: A clear upright film (anteroposterior) acquired in the recovery room; B: Image of the gross specimen revealing a well-demarcated, unencapsulated, yellowish-gray mass without necrosis, measuring 2.2 cm × 2.0 cm. This solitary pulmonary nodule was situated in close proximity to the anterior segmental bronchus of the right upper lobe.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

During the first outpatient visit (1 week postoperatively), a follow-up chest radiograph revealed no abnormalities. Consistent with radiographic findings, the resected lung specimen harbored a solitary pulmonary nodule (2.2 cm × 2.0 cm) in close proximity to the anterior segmental bronchus of the RUL (Figure 4B). Microscopic examination revealed a hypercellular nodule comprising spindle-shaped cells with a fascicular growth pattern (Figure 5A). A high-power view exposed plump spindle cell proliferation intermingled with chronic inflammatory cells (Figure 5B). Notably, nuclear atypia was minimal, with two mitotic figures per 2 mm². To pathologically diagnose an IMT, multiple immunohistochemical stains were performed to differentiate the tumor from conditions such as pleomorphic carcinoma, benign metastasizing leiomyoma, solitary fibrous tumor, and others. Immunohistochemically, the spindle cells exhibited diffuse and strong positivity for anaplastic lymphoma kinase ventana anti-anaplastic lymphoma kinase, focal positivity for smooth-muscle actin, and negative staining for cluster of differentiation 34, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, desmin, estrogen receptor, S-100 protein, and thyroid transcription factor 1 (Figure 5C). In addition, the tumor exhibited a low Ki-67 proliferative index. These morphological and immunohistochemical findings were indicative of an IMT. Furthermore, the pleural surface appeared smooth and glossy, and all lymph nodes collected from paratracheal (upper, lower), subcarinal, and hilar regions were tumor-free.

Figure 5 Microscopic morphology. A: Microscopic examination showing a hypercellular nodule comprising spindle-shaped cells arranged in a fascicular growth pattern; B: At higher magnification, plump spindle cell proliferation is observed, interspersed with chronic inflammatory cells; C: Immunohistochemically, the spindle cells exhibit diffuse and strong positivity for anaplastic lymphoma kinase ventana anti-anaplastic lymphoma kinase.

DISCUSSION

In this case, we performed uniportal VATS to achieve fissureless RUL anterior segmentectomy for an asymptomatic IMT. This patient had no obvious symptoms at the time, showing only a solitary, well-circumscribed, and growing RUL pulmonary nodule (2.0 cm). Pulmonary hamartoma was our preoperative diagnosis. In fact, imaging findings of IMTs reflect the chief morphologic characteristics displayed in this case, ranging from ill-defined, infiltrative lesions to well-circumscribed soft tissue masses. The multiplicity of manifestations of this tumor type is attributed to varying inflammatory, stromal, and myofibroblastic tumor components[4,7].

Unfortunately, this morphologic diversity may prove problematic for the histological diagnosis of IMTs[6]. For example, few spindle cells may exist within a largely hyalinized and chronically inflamed background, or an intense myofibroblastic proliferation with atypical features may prevail[6]. The spectrum of phenotypic variability entailed, which offers no distinct immunostaining profile, has thus rendered IMT a diagnosis by exclusion, ruling out other possibilities. The many pertinent differential considerations include local inflammatory processes, idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis, and inflammatory fibrosarcoma[6].

Surgical intervention-if feasible-is the usual treatment for localized IMT, aiming for en bloc resection with clear margins[8]. In these cases, both tumor and surrounding normal tissues are removed in continuity to ensure that the excision is complete[6]. In our patient, we fully achieved the desired goal through the use of uniportal VATS, performing fissureless RUL anterior segmentectomy. However, circumstances forced us to abandon our customary approach, which involves tunneling to divide the minor fissure (absent in this case)[9]. Instead, the anterior hilum was initially dissected to expose branches of the superior pulmonary vein, and ICG injection played a valuable role in facilitating clear and unencumbered delineation of the intersegmental plane[9].

The local recurrence rates for IMT widely range from < 2% to 25%, with distant metastasis developing in < 5% of patients[10,11]. Adjuvant therapy is not currently recommended in cases of complete resection[6]; however, recurrences should warrant repeat surgical attempts[6,12,13]. Therefore, our patient will undergo annual chest CT scans to monitor for any signs of local recurrence meriting further intervention.

CONCLUSION

In this case, fissureless RUL anterior segmentectomy of an asymptomatic IMT was achieved using uniportal VATS. This case underscores the inherent difficulties in diagnosing and managing IMT. Moreover, accurate pathological assessments and tailored surgical strategies are critical to optimize patient outcomes in this setting.