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Cytopathology : Official Journal of the... Jan 2022There is growing evidence that molecular testing is feasible on all types of cytological preparation, which is fortunate as more diagnostic markers and biomarkers for... (Review)
Review
There is growing evidence that molecular testing is feasible on all types of cytological preparation, which is fortunate as more diagnostic markers and biomarkers for targeted therapies are discovered for use in pulmonary and pleural malignancies. In this article we will discuss the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic (interpretive) considerations for successful implementation of molecular tests for diagnostic and predictive markers in respiratory and pleural cytology. The vast majority of laboratories are familiar with, and have validated their molecular protocols for, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgical specimens, which are not directly applicable to cytology specimens. Thus, rigorous validation must be performed for each type of fixative and cytology preparation before it is implemented in the clinical setting.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Cytodiagnosis; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Pleura; Pleural Neoplasms
PubMed: 34333812
DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13045 -
Seminars in Roentgenology Oct 2023
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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 -
Seminars in Respiratory and Critical... Aug 2023Malignant pleural diseases involves both primary pleural malignancies (e.g., mesothelioma) as well as metastatic disease involving the pleura. The management of primary... (Review)
Review
Malignant pleural diseases involves both primary pleural malignancies (e.g., mesothelioma) as well as metastatic disease involving the pleura. The management of primary pleural malignancies remains a challenge, given their limited response to conventional treatments such as surgery, systemic chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. In this article, we aimed to review the management of primary pleural malignancy as well as malignant pleural effusion and assess the current state of intrapleural anticancer therapies. We review the role intrapleural chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and immunogene therapy, as well as oncolytic viral, therapy and intrapleural drug device combination. We further discuss that while the pleural space offers a unique opportunity for local therapy as an adjuvant option to systemic therapy and may help decrease some of the systemic side effects, further patient outcome-oriented research is needed to determine the exact role of these treatments within the armamentarium of currently available options.
Topics: Humans; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Pleural Neoplasms; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Mesothelioma; Pleura
PubMed: 37308112
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769094 -
Medical Ultrasonography Aug 2021Ultrasound (US) is an ideal diagnostic tool for paediatric patients owning to its high spatial and temporal resolution, real-time imaging, and lack of ionizing radiation... (Review)
Review
Ultrasound (US) is an ideal diagnostic tool for paediatric patients owning to its high spatial and temporal resolution, real-time imaging, and lack of ionizing radiation and bedside availability. The lack of superficial adipose tissue and favorable acoustic windows in children makes US the first line of investigation for the evaluation of pleural and chest wall abnormali-ties. Lung parenchyma was previously thought to be inaccessible to ultrasound due to the presence of the air and bony thorax. The change in attitude and growing awareness of the diagnostic possibilities has led to lung ultrasound (LUS) being accepted as a valuable point of care method. In addition, the application of LUS has widened with improvements in technology such as higher resolution transducers, harmonic imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. In the current World Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) paper series the topic will be introduced, the technical requirements explained and the use of ultrasound in the lung and pleura in pediatric patients are discussed.
Topics: Child; Humans; Lung; Pleura; Point-of-Care Systems; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33626123
DOI: 10.11152/mu-3058 -
Respiratory Medicine Jan 2022Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare, generally idiopathic form of interstitial pneumonia with unique clinical, radiological and histopathological features.... (Review)
Review
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare, generally idiopathic form of interstitial pneumonia with unique clinical, radiological and histopathological features. It is named after the presence of upper lobe pleural and subjacent parenchymal fibrosis, with accompanying elastic fibers. Although it is usually an idiopathic disease, it has been linked to other co-existent diseases. Diagnostic suspicion of PPFE is based on the identification of typical abnormalities on chest CT scan, which are prevailingly located in the upper lobes, adjacent to the apex of the lungs. Diagnosis can be confirmed by histological analysis, although biopsy is not always feasible. The disease is generally progressive, but not uniformly. The course of the disease is frequently slow and involves a progressive loss of upper lobe volume, which results in platythorax, associated with a significant reduction of body mass. PPFE concomitant to other interstitial lung diseases is associated with a poorer prognosis. The disease occasionally progresses rapidly causing irreversible respiratory insufficiency, which leads to death. Currently, there is no effective pharmacological therapy available, and lung transplantation is the best therapeutic option. The purpose of this review is to draw the attention to PPFE, describe its clinical, radiological and histopathological features, analyze its diagnostic criteria, and provide an update on the management of the disease.
Topics: Humans; Lung; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Lung Transplantation; Pleura; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 33992495
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106437 -
Respiratory Medicine Jan 2022A sarcoidosis associated pleural effusion (SAPE) is a pleural effusion caused by active granulomatous inflammation from sarcoidosis. We describe the epidemiology,... (Review)
Review
A sarcoidosis associated pleural effusion (SAPE) is a pleural effusion caused by active granulomatous inflammation from sarcoidosis. We describe the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic approach, treatment strategies and outcome of this condition. SAPE occurs in approximately 1% of sarcoidosis patients. The condition most commonly occurs at the initial presentation of sarcoidosis or within the first year. Dyspnea is the most common presenting symptom. Although a definitive diagnosis of SAPE requires a pleural biopsy, the diagnosis may be established on the basis of clinical features alone provided that alternative conditions can be reliably excluded. Pleural fluid analysis is essential in establishing the clinical diagnosis of SAPE. Corticosteroids are the drugs of choice for SAPE, and they are usually rapidly effective with courses of therapy often lasting less than two months. SAPE tends to have a low rate of recurrence that appears be to lower than for many other forms of sarcoidosis.
Topics: Biopsy; Exudates and Transudates; Humans; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Sarcoidosis
PubMed: 34954636
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106723 -
Der Radiologe Feb 2022In the case of lesions of the pleura, the thoracic wall and the diaphragm, chest x‑ray is of great relevance in everyday clinical practice. In many clinical... (Review)
Review
In the case of lesions of the pleura, the thoracic wall and the diaphragm, chest x‑ray is of great relevance in everyday clinical practice. In many clinical situations, it is already sufficient for the initial diagnosis or for monitoring the course of the disease; these include, for example, pleural effusion and pneumothorax. In some cases, however, supplementary cross-sectional imaging may be necessary, e.g., if there is a possible pleural empyema or if the soft tissues of the mediastinum and pleural wall are also affected. Further diagnostic workup is also necessary for more advanced questions such as staging or surgical planning. This article is intended to provide an overview of the most common diseases of the pleura, thoracic wall, and diaphragm with their typical appearances on radiographs and, at the same time, to demonstrate the importance and limitations of conventional diagnostics.
Topics: Diaphragm; Humans; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Thoracic Wall; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35029724
DOI: 10.1007/s00117-021-00958-5 -
APMIS : Acta Pathologica,... Mar 2022A diverse group of both benign and malignant spindle cell tumors can involve the pleura or the peritoneum. Due to their rarity and overlapping morphologic features,... (Review)
Review
A diverse group of both benign and malignant spindle cell tumors can involve the pleura or the peritoneum. Due to their rarity and overlapping morphologic features, these tumors can pose considerable diagnostic difficulty in surgical pathology. As these tumors differ in their prognosis and clinical management, their correct pathologic diagnosis is critical. In addition to histologic assessment, select immunohistochemical and molecular tools can aid the distinction among these tumors. In this review, we consider some of the major histologic differential diagnosis of spindle cell tumors involving these serosal membranes. This list of tumors includes solitary fibrous tumor, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, desmoid fibromatosis, synovial sarcoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, spindle cell melanoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and sarcomatoid mesothelioma. We describe their salient clinicopathologic and genetic findings, with a review on some of the recent discoveries on their molecular pathogenesis.
Topics: Humans; Peritoneum; Pleura; Pleural Neoplasms; Prognosis; Sarcoma
PubMed: 34942046
DOI: 10.1111/apm.13203