ABTS Thoracic Surgery case studies
ABTS Thoracic Surgery · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1948 to provide board certification to surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, technical skills, and knowledge in the field of thoracic surgery. Initial certification is intended for surgeons who have finished thoracic surgery training and are pursuing primary certification across the specialty's practice areas, including adult cardiac, general thoracic, and congenital cardiac surgery; ABTS also runs a separate congenital initial certification pathway and a continuing certification process for practicing diplomates. The ABTS Thoracic Surgery case studies are 5 cases and about 2,255 words.
1Urgent CABG With Recent TIA, Recent DES, and Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
A 68-year-old man with insulin-treated diabetes (HbA1c 9.4%), eGFR 38 mL/min/1.73 m², and a transient ischemic attack 3 weeks ago presents with 30 minutes of rest angina. Angiography shows 90% left main, 80% proximal LAD, and 70% circumflex disease; the right coronary artery is occluded.
502 words, about 3 min2Acute Type A Dissection With Visceral and Limb Malperfusion
A 58-year-old man presents with sudden tearing chest pain. Blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg in the right arm and 110/70 mmHg in the left arm.
384 words, about 2 min3Early-Stage Lung Cancer With Severe COPD and Recent Coronary Stent
A 74-year-old man with a 50-pack-year smoking history presents with a 3.4 cm right upper lobe adenocarcinoma. PET/CT shows no mediastinal or distant uptake.
446 words, about 2 min4Loculated Empyema After Failed Chest Tube Drainage
A 56-year-old man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes presents 3 weeks after a right lower lobe pneumonia with fever, dyspnea, and weight loss. CT shows a loculated right pleural collection with a thick pleural peel and underlying consolidated lung.
462 words, about 2 min5Neonate With d-TGA and Restrictive Atrial Septum Awaiting Transfer
A 3-day-old term neonate with prenatally suspected d-transposition of the great arteries is admitted with cyanosis. Prostaglandin E1 was started at the referring hospital.
461 words, about 2 min