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Respiratory Investigation Jan 2024Several markers for the diagnosis of pleural effusion have been reported; however, a comprehensive evaluation using those markers has not been performed. Therefore, this...
BACKGROUND
Several markers for the diagnosis of pleural effusion have been reported; however, a comprehensive evaluation using those markers has not been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a diagnostic flowchart for tuberculous pleurisy, pleural infection, malignant pleural effusion, and other diseases by using these markers.
METHODS
We retrospectively collected data from 174 patients with tuberculous pleurisy, 215 patients with pleural infection other than tuberculous pleurisy, 360 patients with malignant pleural effusion, and 209 patients with other diseases at Fukujuji Hospital from January 2012 to October 2022. The diagnostic flowchart for four diseases was developed by using several previously reported markers.
RESULTS
The flowchart was developed by including seven markers: pleural ADA ≥40 IU/L, pleural fluid LDH <825 IU/L, pleural fluid ADA/TP < 14, neutrophil predominance or cell degeneration, peripheral blood WBC ≥9200/μL or serum CRP ≥12 mg/dL, pleural amylase ≥75 U/L, and the presence of pneumothorax according to the algorithm of a decision tree. The accuracy ratio of the flowchart was 71.7 % for the diagnosis of the four diseases, with 79.3 % sensitivity and 75.4 % positive predictive value (PPV) for tuberculosis pleurisy, 75.8 % sensitivity and 83.2 % PPV for pleural infection, 88.6 % sensitivity and 68.8 % PPV for malignant pleural effusion, and 33.0 % sensitivity and 60.0 % PPV for other diseases in the flowchart. The misdiagnosis ratios were 4.6 % for tuberculosis pleurisy, 6.8 % for pleural infection, and 8.3 % for malignant pleural effusion.
CONCLUSION
This study developed a useful diagnostic flowchart for tuberculous pleurisy, pleural infection, malignant pleural effusion, and other diseases.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis, Pleural; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Retrospective Studies; Software Design; Pleural Effusion; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Pleurisy; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 38141528
DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.11.005 -
Pediatric Pulmonology Oct 2023Incidence of severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) reported in China has been increasing over the last decade. We aimed to evaluate the clinical features of pediatric...
INTRODUCTION
Incidence of severe M. pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) reported in China has been increasing over the last decade. We aimed to evaluate the clinical features of pediatric SMPP with pulmonary complications, according to laboratory tests and chest radiographic resolution patterns.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 93 SMPP patients between January 2016 and February 2019, and grouped them by pneumonia pattern: pulmonary complications (63 patients) and extensive lung lesions without pulmonary complications (30 patients).
RESULTS
SMPP patients with pleural effusion (medium or large) and necrotizing pneumonia showed longer duration of fever, high serum value of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), d-dimer, and LDH to albumin ratio (LAR). LAR and d-dimer were associated with moderate or massive pleural effusion, and d-dimer was associated with lung necrosis. The average time of radiographic resolution in the pulmonary complication group was 12 weeks, while those with elevated d-dimer were significantly more likely to have longer time for radiographic clearance.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that M. pneumoniae pneumonia in patients with pleural effusion (medium or large) or lung necrosis was more severe than those without pulmonary complications. LAR and d-dimer might be used as parameters to identify children susceptible to pleural effusion (medium or large) or lung necrosis, and longer time for radiographic clearance among pediatric patients of SMPP.
Topics: Child; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Pleural Effusion; Necrosis
PubMed: 37431970
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26593 -
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Jan 2024Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is emerging as a significant area of global interest. As the number of patients surviving tuberculosis (TB) increases, the... (Review)
Review
Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is emerging as a significant area of global interest. As the number of patients surviving tuberculosis (TB) increases, the subsequent long-term repercussions have drawn increased attention due to their profound clinical and socioeconomic impacts. A primary obstacle to its comprehensive study has been its marked heterogeneity. The disease presents a spectrum of clinical manifestations which encompass tracheobronchial stenosis, bronchiectasis, granulomas with fibrosis, cavitation with associated aspergillosis, chronic pleural diseases, and small airway diseases-all persistent consequences of PTLD. The spectrum of symptoms a patient may experience varies based on the severity of the initial infection and the efficacy of the treatment received. As a result, the long-term management of PTLD necessitates a detailed and specific approach, addressing each manifestation individually-a tailored strategy. In the immediate aftermath (0-12 months after anti-TB chemotherapy), there should be an emphasis on monitoring for relapse, tracheobronchial stenosis, and smoking cessation. Subsequent management should focus on addressing hemoptysis, managing infection including aspergillosis, and TB-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or restrictive lung function. There remains a vast expanse of knowledge to be discovered in PTLD. This review emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive, consolidated guidelines for management of patients with PTLD.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Constriction, Pathologic; Lung Diseases; Chronic Disease; Tuberculosis; Aspergillosis
PubMed: 38225822
DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2023.395 -
Journal of Bronchology & Interventional... Oct 2023Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing tubercular pleural effusion (TPE). Various thoracoscopic appearances like sago grain nodules, caseous...
BACKGROUND
Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing tubercular pleural effusion (TPE). Various thoracoscopic appearances like sago grain nodules, caseous necrosis, and adhesions have been described in TPE. However, none of these have high specificity for diagnosing TPE. In this study we evaluate a novel finding on thoracoscopy, the " Pleural Pustule."
METHODS
This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent thoracoscopy for undiagnosed pleural effusion. Visual inspection of the pleura was performed to identify abnormalities. Biopsies were obtained from those areas and sent for histopathology, acid fast bacillus (AFB) smear, culture, and Xpert MTB/Rif assay. Pleural pustule was defined as a pus filled nodule on the pleural surface.
RESULTS
Of the 259 patients included, 92 were diagnosed with TPE. Pleural pustule(s) were identified in 16 patients with TPE. Presence of pleural pustule had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 17.4%, 100%, 100% and 68.7%, respectively, for diagnosing TPE. Histopathology of pleural pustule demonstrated necrotizing granulomas in all. In patients with pleural pustule, a microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis was achieved in 93.7% patients (AFB smear, Xpert MTB/Rif assay, and MTB culture positive in 31.3%, 93.7%, and 43.7% cases, respectively). There is a strong association between pleural pustule and positive Xpert MTB/Rif assay ( P =0.002) and microbiologic confirmation of diagnosis ( P =0.017).
CONCLUSION
The presence of pleural pustule on thoracoscopy has a high positive predictive value for TPE. In tuberculosis-endemic countries, this can be considered suggestive for TPE. When identified, a biopsy from the pleural pustule should be performed as it will likely yield a positive microbiologic diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis, Pleural; Pleura; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Pleural Effusion; Mycobacterium tuberculosis
PubMed: 35968962
DOI: 10.1097/LBR.0000000000000887 -
Surgical Innovation Oct 2023Pleural empyemas carry a high morbidity and mortality. Some can be managed with medical treatment but most require some form of surgery with the goals to remove the...
BACKGROUND/NEED
Pleural empyemas carry a high morbidity and mortality. Some can be managed with medical treatment but most require some form of surgery with the goals to remove the infected material from the pleural space and to help re-expand the collapsed lung. Keyhole surgery by Video Assisted Thoracoscopy Surgery (VATS) is rapidly becoming a common approach to deal with early stage empyemas to avoid larger, more painful thoracotomies that hinder recovery. However, the ability to achieve those aforementioned goals is often hindered by VATS surgery due to the instruments available.
METHODOLOGY AND DEVICE DESCRIPTION
We have developed a simple instrument called the "VATS Pleural Debrider" to achieve those goals in empyema surgery that can be used in keyhole surgery.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS
We have used this device in over 90 patients with no peri-operative mortality and a low re-operation rate.
CURRENT STATUS
Used in routine urgent/emergency pleural empyema surgery across 2 cardiothoracic surgery centres.
Topics: Humans; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Empyema, Pleural; Pneumothorax; Thoracotomy; Pleural Cavity; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36796368
DOI: 10.1177/15533506231157170 -
Clinics and Practice May 2024Infective pleural effusions are mainly represented by parapneumonic effusions and empyema. These conditions are a spectrum of pleural diseases that are commonly... (Review)
Review
Infective pleural effusions are mainly represented by parapneumonic effusions and empyema. These conditions are a spectrum of pleural diseases that are commonly encountered and carry significant mortality and morbidity rates reaching upwards of 50%. The causative etiology is usually an underlying bacterial pneumonia with the subsequent seeding of the infectious culprit and inflammatory agents to the pleural space leading to an inflammatory response and fibrin deposition. Radiographical evaluation through a CT scan or ultrasound yields high specificity and sensitivity, with features such as septations or pleural thickening indicating worse outcomes. Although microbiological yields from pleural studies are around 56% only, fluid analysis assists in both diagnosis and prognosis by evaluating pH, glucose, and other biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase. Management centers around antibiotic therapy for 2-6 weeks and the drainage of the infected pleural space when the effusion is complicated through tube thoracostomies or surgical intervention. Intrapleural enzymatic therapy, used to increase drainage, significantly decreases treatment failure rates, length of hospital stay, and surgical referrals but carries a risk of pleural hemorrhage. This comprehensive review article aims to define and delineate the progression of parapneumonic effusions and empyema as well as discuss pathophysiology, diagnostic, and treatment modalities with aims of broadening the generalist's understanding of such complex disease by reviewing the most recent and relevant high-quality evidence.
PubMed: 38804400
DOI: 10.3390/clinpract14030068 -
American Journal of Respiratory and... Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Feasibility Studies; Communicable Diseases; Pleural Diseases; Sepsis; Enzyme Therapy
PubMed: 37934466
DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202310-1822ED -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine Sep 2023Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in adults remains less recognized and understood, both socially and clinically, compared to influenza virus infection. This...
BACKGROUND
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in adults remains less recognized and understood, both socially and clinically, compared to influenza virus infection. This retrospective study aims to delineate and compare the clinical manifestations of adult RSV and influenza virus infections in the lower respiratory tract, thereby enhancing awareness of RSV lower respiratory tract infection and providing strategic insights for its prevention and treatment.
METHODS
Clinical data from January 2019 to December 2020 were analyzed for 74 patients with RSV and 129 patients with influenza A/B virus lower respiratory tract infections who were admitted to respiratory or intensive care units. All patients had complete clinical data with positive IgM and negative IgG viral antibodies. Comparison parameters included onset timing, baseline data, clinical manifestations, supplementary examination results, treatment methods, and prognosis, while logistic regression was employed to ascertain the correlation of clinical features between the two patient groups.
RESULTS
In comparison to the influenza group, the RSV group presented less frequently with fever at admission but exhibited a higher incidence of dyspnea and wheezing on pulmonary auscultation (P < 0.01). RSV infection was more prevalent among patients with underlying diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and demonstrated a higher probability of co-infections, most notably with Mycoplasma (P < 0.01). The RSV group had significantly higher lymphocyte counts (P < 0.01) and exhibited more incidences of pleural thickening, pulmonary fibrosis, and emphysema (P < 0.05). The use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation was more common, and hospital stays were longer in the RSV group compared to the influenza group (P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis further revealed that age and tachypnea incidence were significantly higher in the RSV group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Compared to influenza virus infection, adults with COPD are more susceptible to RSV infection. Moreover, RSV infection elevates the risk of co-infection with Mycoplasma and may lead to conditions such as pleural thickening, pulmonary fibrosis, and emphysema. The requirement for non-invasive mechanical ventilation is higher in RSV-infected patients, who also tend to have longer hospital stays. Therefore, greater awareness and preventive strategies against RSV infection are imperative.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses; Retrospective Studies; Influenza, Human; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Respiratory Tract Infections; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Pulmonary Emphysema; Coinfection; Emphysema; Orthomyxoviridae
PubMed: 37715219
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02648-5 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Pleural tuberculosis (PlTB), the most common site of extrapulmonary TB, is characterized by a paucibacillary nature and a compartmentalized inflammatory response in the...
INTRODUCTION
Pleural tuberculosis (PlTB), the most common site of extrapulmonary TB, is characterized by a paucibacillary nature and a compartmentalized inflammatory response in the pleural cavity, both of which make diagnosis and management extremely challenging. Although transcriptional signatures for pulmonary TB have already been described, data obtained by using this approach for extrapulmonary tuberculosis and, specifically, for pleural tuberculosis are scarce and heterogeneous. In the present study, a set of candidate genes previously described in pulmonary TB was evaluated to identify and validate a transcriptional signature in clinical samples from a Brazilian cohort of PlTB patients and those with other exudative causes of pleural effusion.
METHODS
As a first step, target genes were selected by a random forest algorithm with recursive feature elimination (RFE) from public microarray datasets. Then, peripheral blood (PB) and pleural fluid (PF) samples from recruited patients presenting exudative pleural effusion were collected during the thoracentesis procedure. Transcriptional analysis of the selected top 10 genes was performed by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR).
RESULTS
Reanalysis of the public datasets identified a set of candidate genes (, and ) that demonstrated a global accuracy of 89.5% in discriminating pulmonary TB cases from other respiratory diseases. Our validation cohort consisted of PlTB ( = 35) patients and non-TB ( = 34) ones. The gene expressions of , , and in PF at diagnosis were significantly different between the two (PlTB and non-TB) groups ( < 0.0001). It was observed that the gene expressions of and were higher in PlTB PF than in non-TB patients. showed the opposite behavior, being higher in the non-TB PF. After anti-TB therapy, however, gene expression was significantly reduced in PlTB patients ( < 0.001). Finally, the accuracy of the three above-cited highlighted genes in the PF was analyzed, showing AUCs of 91%, 90%, and 85%, respectively. was above 80% (sensitivity = 0.89/specificity = 0.81), and showed significant specificity (Se = 0.69/Sp = 0.95) in its capacity to discriminate the groups.
CONCLUSION
, , and showed promise in discriminating PlTB from other causes of exudative pleural effusion by providing accurate diagnoses, thus accelerating the initiation of anti-TB therapy.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis, Pleural; Exudates and Transudates; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Pleural Effusion; Brazil; Butyrophilins; Antigens, CD
PubMed: 38288122
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256558 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Sep 2023A 91-year-old woman was brought to our hospital with altered consciousness. Blood tests showed an increased ammonia level of 468 μg/dL and a normal liver function....
A 91-year-old woman was brought to our hospital with altered consciousness. Blood tests showed an increased ammonia level of 468 μg/dL and a normal liver function. Chest computed tomography showed massive right pleural effusion with loculation. We immediately performed chest drainage using two drainage tubes. The pleural effusate pH was 8.5. We diagnosed her with right empyema leading to hyperammonemia and initiated ampicillin/sulbactam therapy. However, she developed progressive renal failure and died on the third day. Empyema caused by urease-producing bacteria can lead to hyperammonemia. This is the first report of hyperammonemia due to empyema in the English literature.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged, 80 and over; Hyperammonemia; Empyema; Pleural Effusion; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Drainage
PubMed: 36725045
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0922-22