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The Clinical Respiratory Journal Nov 2022
Topics: Humans; Therapeutic Irrigation; Pleural Diseases; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Empyema, Pleural; Fibrinolytic Agents
PubMed: 36173249
DOI: 10.1111/crj.13548 -
Japanese Journal of Radiology May 2015Pleurodesis is frequently performed to prevent recurrence of pneumothorax or recurrent pleural effusion in benign or malignant conditions. In essence, it involves... (Review)
Review
Pleurodesis is frequently performed to prevent recurrence of pneumothorax or recurrent pleural effusion in benign or malignant conditions. In essence, it involves producing an area of adhesion between the parietal and the visceral layers of the pleura. The approach to this procedure can be divided into chemical and mechanical methods. Chemical pleurodesis is performed by introducing various substances such as talc, bleomycin, povidone iodine or other chemicals into the pleural space typically using a pleural catheter. The instilled substances cause inflammation of the parietal and the visceral layers of the pleura and leads to adhesion of the pleural surfaces, preventing further fluid or air accumulation. Mechanical pleurodesis, which is performed with thoracotomy or thoracoscopy, involves mechanical irritation of the pleura or removal of parietal pleura. It is important for the radiologist to develop an understanding of the clinical indications for pleurodesis, methods for the procedure and post-procedure imaging appearance so the radiologist can provide a correct interpretation and avoid misdiagnosis of the radiologic appearance as chronic infection, tumor or other entities with a similar appearance. Thus, the aim of this article is to review the indications, techniques and post-procedural appearances of pleurodesis from an imaging perspective.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Pleurodesis; Pneumothorax; Recurrence; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 25791777
DOI: 10.1007/s11604-015-0412-7 -
Medicine Dec 2023Fungal pleural infections are infrequent and insidious, for which there are neither large clinical studies nor targeted guidelines to provide standardized treatment... (Review)
Review
Fungal pleural infections are infrequent and insidious, for which there are neither large clinical studies nor targeted guidelines to provide standardized treatment options. We reported 4 cases of fungal pleural infection and reviewed the cases of fungal pleural infections in previous studies to provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of fungal pleural infections. There were 2 females and 2 males with a mean age of 58.5 years in our data. The average time from onset to diagnosis was 30.25 days. Risk factors most frequently included pulmonary diseases (n = 4) and malignancy (n = 1). Two patients underwent pleural biopsy through a thoracoscope, and no pathogens were detected. Pleural fluid culture was positive in 2 out of 3 cases. The diagnoses were "possible" (n = 1), "probable" (n = 1), and "proven" (n = 2). All patients received systemic antifungal therapy, and 3 received combined thoracic drainage. The outcomes were cured (n = 1), improved (n = 2) and lost to follow-up (n = 1). We reviewed 12 cases of fungal pleural infection in previous studies. The diagnosis was confirmed via culture in 7 cases and via biopsy in 8 cases. The pathogen was Aspergillus in 7 cases. After a combination of systemic antifungal (n = 12) and local treatment (n = 11), 10 patients improved and 2 patients died. Diagnosis of fungal pleural infection should incorporate risk factors, clinical presentation and fungal evidence, with pleural fluid culture being an important and feasible mean of confirming the diagnosis; and treatment should be based on systemic antifungal therapy supplemented by topical therapy.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Antifungal Agents; Mycoses; Pleura; Prognosis; Communicable Diseases; Pleural Diseases
PubMed: 38050212
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036411 -
Infectious Diseases (London, England) Mar 2019A computer-based search of the English literature for articles relative to Human Herpesviruses (HHVs) infection and pleural effusions (PEs) in the immunocompetent host... (Review)
Review
METHODS
A computer-based search of the English literature for articles relative to Human Herpesviruses (HHVs) infection and pleural effusions (PEs) in the immunocompetent host was performed in PubMed and Scopus. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also reviewed for relevant articles.
RESULTS
A total of 20 articles satisfied the selection criteria and were included in the study. In the majority of the articles, PEs were reported as clinical complications of systemic HHV-induced infection. The frequency of HHVs within the reported cases was five for HHV-1/2, one for HHV-3, six for HHV-4, six for HHV-5 and one for HHV-6. One case involved HHV-4 and HHV-5 co-infection. No case of HHV-7 or HHV-8 related PE in the immunocompetent host was retrieved.
CONCLUSIONS
Pleural effusions in the immunocompetent host occur in severe viral infections and can be due to comorbidities (or septic complications) or due to the direct HHV pathogenicity although research relative to the susceptibility of pleural mesothelial cells to HHV infection is lacking. HHV pathogenicity needs to be studied further as it could explain undiagnosed PEs.
Topics: Herpesviridae Infections; Humans; Immunocompetence; Pleural Effusion
PubMed: 30676829
DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2018.1551620 -
Clinical Imaging Nov 2021Extrapleural space (EPS) is a potential space between the outer layer of the parietal pleura and the inner layer of the chest wall and the diaphragm. Many different... (Review)
Review
Extrapleural space (EPS) is a potential space between the outer layer of the parietal pleura and the inner layer of the chest wall and the diaphragm. Many different pathologies including chronic inflammatory conditions, infections, trauma, neoplastic disease (both benign and malignant) as well as many infiltrative disorders can involve the EPS. It is one of the frequently overlooked entity on imaging due to relative lack of understanding of the anatomy and the imaging appearances of the diseases localized to this space. The knowledge of the EPS is essential for the radiologists as the pathologies which involve the EPS may require different treatment approach compared to pleural or parenchymal lung disease. Additionally, the EPS involvement may influence the staging and treatment planning for chest malignancies. In this review, we give an overview of the anatomy and various pathologies involving EPS, utility of different imaging modalities in the evaluation of EPS lesions with emphasis on cross sectional imaging and emerging technologies like spectral CT and its role in recognizing the imaging features which enable specific diagnosis of various pathologies.
Topics: Diaphragm; Humans; Multimodal Imaging; Pleura; Pleural Neoplasms; Thoracic Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 33892397
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.03.038 -
Pediatric Pulmonology Jan 2021Bronchiolitis is the most common acute viral infection of the lower respiratory tract in infants. Clinical severity is associated with different risk factors; however,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Bronchiolitis is the most common acute viral infection of the lower respiratory tract in infants. Clinical severity is associated with different risk factors; however, no clinical, laboratory, or radiological findings are able to predict the course of the disease in full-term infants. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a valid technique for the diagnosis and evaluation of pediatric respiratory diseases.
AIMS
The aim of our study was to correlate an LUS score with a clinical score, to describe lung ultrasound findings in cases and controls, and to compare LUS findings with chest X-ray (CXR) in infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis.
METHODS
We conducted a single-center, longitudinal, prospective study on 92 infants. Sixty-three out of 92 infants were hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis (cases) and twenty-nine out of 92 for diseases not involving the respiratory system (controls). All patients with bronchiolitis underwent a clinical evaluation with the assignment of a clinical severity score and performed lung ultrasound with the assignment of an LUS score. Twenty-three out of 63 infants with bronchiolitis underwent also a CXR for clinical indications. Control infants performed only LUS.
RESULTS
In infants with bronchiolitis LUS score showed a positive correlation with the clinical score (r = .62, p < .001) and the length of hospitalization (r = .42; p < .001). The need of oxygen therapy was more frequent in the patients with higher LUS score (p < .001). LUS findings observed in the cases were the presence of B-lines, subpleural consolidations, and abnormalities of the pleural line. No LUS alterations were observed in the controls. In patients who performed LUS and CXR, we found a correlation between the presence of abnormalities of the pleural line with LUS and the presence of air trapping with CXR (r = .55; p = .007).
Topics: Bronchiolitis; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Infant; Lung; Male; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Pleura; Prospective Studies; Radiography, Thoracic; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33151023
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25156 -
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine 2023Real-time thoracic ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy (TUSPB) is an important diagnostic method for pleural diseases. Traditional two-dimensional thoracic ultrasound, as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Real-time thoracic ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy (TUSPB) is an important diagnostic method for pleural diseases. Traditional two-dimensional thoracic ultrasound, as well as newly developed contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and ultrasound elastography (UE), are all used as guidance tools for pleural biopsies. Herein, we aimed to determine the diagnostic yield of real-time TUSPB for pleural diseases to better inform the decision-making process.
METHODS
A literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed up to June 2023. A binary random-effects model was applied to determine the pooled diagnostic yield.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies comprising 1553 patients with pleural diseases were included and analyzed. The overall diagnostic yield of TUSPB for pleural diseases was 85.58% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.57-89.58%). The sensitivity was 77.56% for pleural malignancy and 80.13% for tuberculous pleurisy. The sub-analysis result revealed that CEUS-guided pleural biopsy provided a pooled diagnostic yield of 98.24%, which was higher than that of conventional TUSPB (78.97%; < 0.01). The overall proportion of adverse events for TUSPB was 6.68% (95% CI: 5.31-8.04%).
CONCLUSION
Conventional TUSPB has good pooled diagnostic yields and high safety. CEUS and UE are promising guidance tools for pleural biopsy with the potential to increase diagnostic yield.
Topics: Humans; Pleura; Ultrasonography; Image-Guided Biopsy; Tuberculosis, Pleural; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 37787485
DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2023.2266377 -
Radiographics : a Review Publication of... 2017The extrapleural space (EPS) is an anatomic space at the periphery of the chest that can be involved in a number of disease processes. This space lies between the inner... (Review)
Review
The extrapleural space (EPS) is an anatomic space at the periphery of the chest that can be involved in a number of disease processes. This space lies between the inner surface of the ribs and the parietal pleura and contains adipose tissue, loose connective tissue, lymph nodes, vessels, endothoracic fascia, and the innermost intercostal muscle. It is often overlooked on cross-sectional imaging studies and almost invariably overlooked on conventional radiographic studies. At conventional radiography, the EPS occasionally can be seen when there is extrapleural fat proliferation, which might be confused with pleural thickening or pleural effusion. Knowledge of the normal anatomy of the EPS depicted at computed tomography (CT) and of the relationship of the EPS with parenchymal, pleural, and chest wall processes is key to the detection of extrapleural abnormalities. Disease entities that most commonly affect the EPS include chronic inflammatory disorders, infection, trauma, and neoplasms. Chronic inflammatory conditions and infectious processes of the lungs and pleurae induce adipocyte proliferation adjacent to the inflamed tissue, resulting in increased extrapleural fat. Chest wall trauma with extrapleural hematoma formation causes characteristic CT findings that enable differentiation of the extrapleural hematoma from hemothorax and warrant a different treatment approach. Extrapleural air is commonly seen in patients with pneumomediastinum and should be distinguished from pneumothorax because it requires a different treatment approach. Intrathoracic neoplasms can cause an increase in the attenuation of normal extrapleural fat owing to pleural inflammation, lymphatic obstruction, lymphangitic spread, or direct invasion by tumor. The normal and pathologic appearances of the EPS, as depicted at thoracic CT, and the differential diagnosis of findings in the EPS are reviewed. RSNA, 2017.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Diaphragm; Humans; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Pleura; Ribs; Thoracic Diseases
PubMed: 28777699
DOI: 10.1148/rg.2017160180 -
The Clinical Respiratory Journal Aug 2018Pleural infection is a condition commonly encountered by the respiratory physician. This review aims to provide the reader with an update on the most recent data... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Pleural infection is a condition commonly encountered by the respiratory physician. This review aims to provide the reader with an update on the most recent data regarding the epidemiology, microbiology, and the management of pleural infection.
DATA SOURCE
Medline was searched for articles related to pleural infection using the terms "pleural infection," "empyema," and "parapneumonic." The search was limited to the years 1997-2017. Only human studies and reports in English were included.
RESULTS
A rise in the incidence of pleural infection is seen worldwide. Despite the improvement in healthcare practices, the mortality from pleural infection remains high. The role of oral microflora in the etiology of pleural infection is firmly established. A concise review of the recent insights on the pathogenesis of pleural infections is presented. A particular focus is made on the role of tPA, DNAse and similar substances and their interaction with inflammatory cells and how this affects the pathogenesis and treatment of pleural infection.
CONCLUSION
Pleural infection is a common disease with significant morbidity and mortality, as well as a considerable economic burden. The role of medical management is expanding thanks to the widespread use of newer treatments.
Topics: Cost of Illness; Empyema, Pleural; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Incidence; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Thoracoscopy; Thrombolytic Therapy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 30005142
DOI: 10.1111/crj.12941 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2017Corticosteroids used in addition to antituberculous therapy have been reported to benefit people with tuberculous pleurisy. However, research findings are inconsistent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Corticosteroids used in addition to antituberculous therapy have been reported to benefit people with tuberculous pleurisy. However, research findings are inconsistent and raise doubt as to whether such treatment is worthwhile. There is also concern regarding the potential adverse effects of corticosteroids, especially in HIV-positive people.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of adding corticosteroids to drug regimens for tuberculous pleural effusion.
SEARCH METHODS
In April 2016, we searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Current Controlled Trials, and the reference lists of articles identified by the literature search.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared any corticosteroid with no treatment, placebo, or other active treatment (both groups should have received the same antituberculous drug regimen) in people diagnosed with tuberculous pleurisy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened the search results, extracted data from the included trials, and assessed trial methodological quality using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. We analysed the data using risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We applied the fixed-effect model in the absence of statistically significant heterogeneity.
MAIN RESULTS
Six trials with 590 participants met the inclusion criteria, which were conducted in Asia (three trials), Africa (two trials), and Europe (one trial). Two trials were in HIV-negative people, one trial was in HIV-positive people, and three trials did not report HIV status.Corticosteroids may reduce the time to resolution of pleural effusion. Risk of residual pleural effusion on chest X-ray was reduced by 45% at eight weeks (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.78; 237 participants, 2 trials, low certainty evidence), and 65% at 24 weeks (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.66; 237 participants, 2 trials, low certainty evidence).Compared with control, corticosteroids may reduce the risk of having pleural changes (such as pleural thickening or pleural adhesions), on chest X-ray at the end of follow-up by almost one third (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.92; 393 participants, 5 trials,low certainty evidence), which translates to an absolute risk reduction of 16%.One trial reported deaths in people that were HIV-positive, with no obvious difference between the groups; the trial authors' analysis suggests that the deaths observed in this trial were related to HIV disease rather than pleural TB (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.31; 197 participants, 1 trial).We found limited data on long-term functional respiratory impairment on 187 people in two trials, which reported that average percentage predicted forced vital capacity was similar in the group receiving prednisolone and in the control group (very low certainty evidence).The risk of adverse events that led to discontinuation of the trial drug was higher in people with pleural TB receiving corticosteroids (RR 2.78, 95% CI 1.11 to 6.94; 587 participants, 6 trials, low certainty evidence). The trial in HIV-positive people reported on six different HIV-related infections, with no obvious differences. However, cases of Kaposi's sarcoma were only seen in the corticosteroid group (with 6/99 cases in the steroid group compared to 0/98 in the control group) (very low certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Long-term respiratory function is potentially the most important outcome for assessing the effects of adjunctive treatments for people with pleural TB. However, the information on the impact of pleural TB on long-term respiratory function is unknown and could be eclipsed by other risk factors, such as concurrent pulmonary TB, smoking, and HIV. This probably needs to be quantified to help decide whether further trials of corticosteroids for pleural TB would be worthwhile.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Antitubercular Agents; HIV Seronegativity; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Pleura; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tuberculosis, Pleural; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 28290161
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001876.pub3