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The Journal of Thoracic and... May 2018
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Lung Diseases; Pleura
PubMed: 29397966
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.01.011 -
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology Feb 2015The value of ultrasound techniques in examination of the pleurae and lungs has been underestimated over recent decades. One explanation for this is the assumption that... (Review)
Review
The value of ultrasound techniques in examination of the pleurae and lungs has been underestimated over recent decades. One explanation for this is the assumption that the ventilated lungs and the bones of the rib cage constitute impermeable obstacles to ultrasound. However, a variety of pathologies of the chest wall, pleurae and lungs result in altered tissue composition, providing substantially increased access and visibility for ultrasound examination. It is a great benefit that the pleurae and lungs can be non-invasively imaged repeatedly without discomfort or radiation exposure for the patient. Ultrasound is thus particularly valuable in follow-up of disease, differential diagnosis and detection of complications. Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in patients with pathologic pleural and pulmonary findings can tolerably be performed under real-time ultrasound guidance. In this article, an updated overview is given presenting not only the benefits and indications, but also the limitations of pleural and pulmonary ultrasound.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Lung; Lung Diseases; Pleura; Pleural Diseases; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 25592455
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2014.10.002 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Aug 2016Described in Japan by Amitani et al in 1992, the entity of idiopathic upper lobe fibrosis was subsequently given the name pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) in the... (Review)
Review
Described in Japan by Amitani et al in 1992, the entity of idiopathic upper lobe fibrosis was subsequently given the name pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) in the English-speaking world. Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is believed to be a rare disease characterized by a fibrosing process affecting the pleura and the subpleural lung parenchyma, with a predilection for the upper lobes. Uniquely, the fibrosing process is elastotic in nature, being associated with intra-alveolar fibrosis. The etiology of PPFE is unclear at this juncture, with many cases being considered as idiopathic forms of the disease. Conditions associated with PPFE include infections, bone marrow transplantation, and autoimmunity. In this review, we explore the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features associated with PPFE in light of current understanding of the disease. Recent studies implicated that PPFE may not be as uncommon as claimed. The various differential diagnoses and implications of diagnosing PPFE are discussed.
Topics: Bone Marrow Transplantation; Diagnosis, Differential; Fibrosis; Humans; Infections; Lung; Pleura; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 27472241
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2015-0166-RS -
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine Jul 2019The causes of exudative pleural effusions are diverse and frequently remain unclear despite exhaustive examinations. Recently recognized IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD)... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The causes of exudative pleural effusions are diverse and frequently remain unclear despite exhaustive examinations. Recently recognized IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory disorder that can affect nearly any organ including the lungs. This review will focus on the involvement of IgG4 in exudative pleural effusion of unknown cause.
RECENT FINDINGS
IgG4 is found to be involved in a proportion of patients with undiagnosed pleural effusions. Pleural involvement in IgG4-RD can be seen in isolation or association with other organ disease. Pleural thickening and/or effusion are common clinical features of IgG4-related pleural lesions, and this condition is histologically characterized by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate enriched in IgG4-positive plasma cells in the pleura. Although the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD is poorly understood, there is a growing body of evidence that indicates an antigen-driven process requiring T-cell and B-cell interaction in which autoantibodies, plasmablasts, follicular helper T cells and CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes participate.
SUMMARY
The possibility of IgG4-related pleural lesion should be considered in patients with pleural effusion of unexplained cause when lymphoplasmacytic infiltration is seen in a pleural biopsy specimen. This condition is responsive to systemic steroid therapy.
Topics: Biopsy; Diagnosis, Differential; Exudates and Transudates; Humans; Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease; Pleura; Pleural Effusion
PubMed: 30883447
DOI: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000000581 -
Biomedical Papers of the Medical... Mar 2017Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines produced by leukocytes and other types of cells including tumor cells. Their action is determined by the expression of cognate... (Review)
Review
Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines produced by leukocytes and other types of cells including tumor cells. Their action is determined by the expression of cognate receptors and subsequent signaling in target cells, followed by the modulation of cytoskeletal proteins and the induction of other responses. In tumors, chemokines produced by neoplastic/stroma cells control the leukocyte infiltrate influencing tumor growth and progression. Tumor cells also express functional chemokine receptors responding to chemokine signals, promoting cell survival, proliferation and metastasis formation. Chemokines may be detected in serum of cancer patients, but due to the paracrine nature of these molecules, more significant concentrations are found in the tumor adjacent, non-vascular fluids, collectively called tumor proximal fluids. This review summarizes the expression of CC and CXC chemokines in these fluids, namely in interstitial fluid, pleural, ascitic, and cyst fluids, but also in urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, cervical secretions and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Most comparative clinical studies reveal increased chemokine levels in high-grade tumor proximal fluids rather than in low-grade tumors and benign conditions, indicating shorter survival periods. The data confirm peritumoral fluid chemokines as sensitive diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as offer support for chemokines and their receptors as potential targets for antitumor therapy.
Topics: Ascitic Fluid; Body Fluids; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Cervix Mucus; Chemokines; Extracellular Fluid; Humans; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Pleura; Receptors, Chemokine; Saliva; Urine
PubMed: 28115749
DOI: 10.5507/bp.2016.062 -
Annals of Oncology : Official Journal... Aug 2018Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy with some unique characteristics. Tumor biology is aggressive and prognosis is poor. Despite more knowledge on... (Review)
Review
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy with some unique characteristics. Tumor biology is aggressive and prognosis is poor. Despite more knowledge on histology, tumor biology and staging, there is still a relevant discrepancy between clinical and pathologic staging resulting in difficult prediction of prognosis and treatment outcome, making treatment allocation more challenging than in most other malignancies. After years of nihilism in the late 80s, a period of activism started evaluating different treatment protocols combined with research driven mainly by academic centers; at the time, selection was based on histology and stage only. This period was important to gain knowledge about the disease. However, the interpretation of data was difficult since selection criteria and definitions varied substantially. Not surprisingly, until now there is no common agreement on best treatment even among specialists. Hence, a review of our current concepts is indicated and personalized treatment should become applicable in the future. Surgery was and still is an issue of debate. In principle, surgery is an effective approach as it allows macroscopic complete elimination of a tumor, which is relatively resistant to medical treatment. It helps to set the clock back and other therapies that have also just a limited effect can be applied sequentially before or after surgery. Furthermore, to date best long-term outcome is reported from surgical series in combination with other modalities. However, part of the community considers surgery associated with too high morbidity and mortality when balanced to the limited life expectancy. This criticism is understandable, since poor results after surgery are reported. The present article will review the indication for surgery and discuss the different procedures available for macroscopic complete resection-such as lung-preserving (extended) pleurectomy/decortication as well as extrapleural pneumonectomy to illustrate that 'The surgeon is still there!'
Topics: Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease-Free Survival; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasm Staging; Organ Sparing Treatments; Pleura; Pleural Neoplasms; Pneumonectomy; Prognosis; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29905765
DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy195 -
Respiratory Medicine Mar 2017Pleural disease is common. Radiological investigation of pleural effusion, thickening, masses, and pneumothorax is key in diagnosing and determining management.... (Review)
Review
Pleural disease is common. Radiological investigation of pleural effusion, thickening, masses, and pneumothorax is key in diagnosing and determining management. Conventional chest radiograph (CXR) remains as the initial investigation of choice for patients with suspected pleural disease. When abnormalities are detected, thoracic ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) can each play important roles in further investigation, but appropriate modality selection is critical. US adds significant value in the identification of pleural fluid and pleural nodularity, guiding pleural procedures and, increasingly, as "point of care" assessment for pneumothorax, but is highly operator dependent. CT scan is the modality of choice for further assessment of pleural disease: Characterising pleural thickening, some pleural effusions and demonstration of homogeneity of pleural masses and areas of fatty attenuation or calcification. MRI has specific utility for soft tissue abnormalities and may have a role for younger patients requiring follow-up serial imaging. MRI and PET/CT may provide additional information in malignant pleural disease regarding prognosis and response to therapy. This article summarises existing techniques, highlighting the benefits and applications of these different imaging modalities and provides an up to date review of the evidence.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pleura; Pleural Diseases; Pleural Effusion; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Pneumothorax; Point-of-Care Systems; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prognosis; Radiography, Thoracic; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 28233652
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2017.02.013 -
Medical Ultrasonography Dec 2014Pleural ultrasonography (US) represents nowadays a useful diagnostic tool in the management of pleural diseases. Detection and evaluation of pleural effusions,... (Review)
Review
Pleural ultrasonography (US) represents nowadays a useful diagnostic tool in the management of pleural diseases. Detection and evaluation of pleural effusions, pneumothorax and pleural-based lesions can be performed with US, which has the advantages of wide availability, low cost, absence of radiation exposure, and portability. It is the best method for guiding interventional procedures in the pleural space. It has also limitations, due to the interposition of bony parts of the thorax, subcutaneous emphysema and inability to visualize the mediastinal pleura. US of the thorax is an operator dependent technique demanding an experienced operator in order to obtain reliable results. This pictorial essay presents various ultrasound findings of the diseases which concern the pleura.
Topics: Humans; Pleura; Pleural Diseases; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 25463891
DOI: 10.11152/mu.201.3.2066.164.racc -
The European Respiratory Journal Mar 2021Thoracic ultrasound is increasingly considered to be an essential tool for the pulmonologist. It is used in diverse clinical scenarios, including as an adjunct to... (Review)
Review
Thoracic ultrasound is increasingly considered to be an essential tool for the pulmonologist. It is used in diverse clinical scenarios, including as an adjunct to clinical decision making for diagnosis, a real-time guide to procedures and a predictor or measurement of treatment response. The aim of this European Respiratory Society task force was to produce a statement on thoracic ultrasound for pulmonologists using thoracic ultrasound within the field of respiratory medicine. The multidisciplinary panel performed a review of the literature, addressing major areas of thoracic ultrasound practice and application. The selected major areas include equipment and technique, assessment of the chest wall, parietal pleura, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, interstitial syndrome, lung consolidation, diaphragm assessment, intervention guidance, training and the patient perspective. Despite the growing evidence supporting the use of thoracic ultrasound, the published literature still contains a paucity of data in some important fields. Key research questions for each of the major areas were identified, which serve to facilitate future multicentre collaborations and research to further consolidate an evidence-based use of thoracic ultrasound, for the benefit of the many patients being exposed to clinicians using thoracic ultrasound.
Topics: Humans; Lung Diseases; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Pneumothorax; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33033148
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01519-2020 -
PloS One 2022Thoracic endometriosis-related pneumothorax is a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax caused by thoracic endometriosis. Diaphragmatic endometriosis is well-studied, but...
BACKGROUND
Thoracic endometriosis-related pneumothorax is a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax caused by thoracic endometriosis. Diaphragmatic endometriosis is well-studied, but visceral and/or parietal pleural lesions are not. Although surgery is an effective treatment, postoperative recurrence rates are unsatisfactory probably due to inadequate understanding of underlying pathophysiology. We aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features of thoracic endometriosis.
METHODS
In total, 160 patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery from a single institution with histopathologically proven thoracic endometriosis from January 2015 to December 2019 were included. Clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes were assessed retrospectively.
RESULTS
The cohort median age was 41 (range 22-53) years. Pneumothorax was right-sided in 159 (99.4%) and left-sided in only 1 (0.6%) case. Visceral and parietal pleural lesions were diagnosed in 79 (49.4%) and 71 (44.4%) patients, respectively. In total, 104 visceral pleural lesions and 101 parietal pleural lesions were detected. The S4 region and the dorsal 6th intercostal space contained the largest number of visceral pleural (66 lesions) and parietal pleural lesions (25 lesions), respectively. Histopathological evaluation revealed endometriotic tissues, existing in the outer external elastic layer in all lesions, were localized or invaded deeply. The median follow-up period was 370 (range, 6-1824) days. The Kaplan-Meier method revealed that the 1- and 2-year postoperative recurrence rates were 13.8% and 19.3%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Visceral pleural endometriotic lesions may be disseminated from the visceral pleural surface and infiltrate into the pleura. Intraoperatively, careful observation of the specific sites, such as the visceral pleura of S4 and the parietal pleura of 6th intercostal space, is important to reduce postoperative recurrence.
Topics: Adult; Chest Pain; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pleura; Pleural Cavity; Pneumothorax; Retrospective Studies; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Young Adult
PubMed: 35544515
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268299