The Role of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis and Decision Algorithm for the Management of Pneumothorax after Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy

Respiration ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
David Barros Coelho ◽  
Rita Boaventura ◽  
Leonor Meira ◽  
Susana Guimarães ◽  
Conceição Souto Moura ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Pneumothorax is one of the main complications of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC). Chest ultrasound (CUS) is a radiation-free alternative method for pneumothorax detection. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We tested CUS diagnostic accuracy for pneumothorax and assessed its role in the decision algorithm for pneumothorax management. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the post-procedure pneumothorax occurrence and risk factors. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Eligible patients underwent TBLC, followed by chest X-ray (CXR) evaluation 2 h after the procedure, as our standard protocol. Bedside CUS was performed within 30 min and 2 h after TBLC. Pneumothorax by CUS was defined by the absence of lung sliding and comet-tail artefacts and confirmed with the stratosphere sign on M-mode. Pneumothorax size was determined through lung point projection on CUS and interpleural distance on CXR and properly managed according to clinical status. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Sixty-seven patients were included. Nineteen pneumothoraces were detected at 2 h after the procedure, of which 8 (42.1%) were already present at the first CUS evaluation. All CXR-detected pneumothoraces had a positive CUS detection. There were 3 discordant cases (κ = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.76–1.00, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), which were detected by CUS but not by inspiration CXR. We calculated a specificity of 97.5% (95% CI: 86.8–99.9) and a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 87.2–100) for CUS. Pneumothorax rate was higher when biopsies were taken in 2 lobes and if histology had pleural representation. Final diagnosis was achieved in 79.1% of patients, with the most frequent diagnosis being hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Regarding patients with large-volume pneumothorax needing drainage, the rate of detection was similar between CUS and CRX. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> CUS can replace CXR in detecting the presence of pneumothorax after TBLC, and the lung point site can reliably indicate its size. This useful method optimizes time spent at the bronchology unit and allows immediate response in symptomatic patients, helping to choose optimal treatment strategies, while preventing ionizing radiation exposure.

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 239-43
Author(s):  
Mia Elhidsi ◽  
Budhi Antariksa ◽  
Dianiati Kusumo Sutoyo

Diagnosis of a pneumothorax in some cases the can be difficult. Traditional gold-standard modalities may not be available or feasible to institute. In this situation, thoracic sonography for pneumothorax can be especially helpful, allowing a method of quickly ruling out this potentially life-threatening complication. Its sensitivity dan specificity of ultrasound is higher than conventional chest x-ray. The four sonograms useful to diagnose pneumothorax and their usefulness in ruling in and ruling out the condition are lung sliding, lung pulse, B-lines and lung point. (J Respir Indo. 2018; 38: 239-43)


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Colella ◽  
Claudia Ravaglia ◽  
Chiara Massaccesi ◽  
Vittorio D’Emilio ◽  
Gianluca Panella ◽  
...  

Introduction: Lung biopsy in asthmatic patients is justified in case of atypical presentations of asthma, when other differential diagnoses, such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, could be possible or for research purposes. Aim: We aim to describe the utility and the safety of TBLC (transbronchial lung cryobiopsy) in asthmatic patients, providing data on the pathological changes occurring in the airways and in the lung parenchyma. Methods: We reviewed asthmatic patients that underwent TBLC, that eventually had only a final diagnosis of asthma. Results: Three patients were detected. TBLC described pathological abnormalities in peribronchiolar and alveolar spaces already well identified with SLB (surgical lung biopsy); the pathological information provided could be useful to better understand the pathobiology of the disease. Finally, we had no complications, confirming a satisfactory safety profile of TBLC. Conclusion: We suggest the potential role of TBLC in asthmatic patients: its safety and its acceptable diagnostic accuracy lead to consider this procedure instead of SLB when histological changes in lung parenchyma are needed for the differential diagnosis. Furthermore, TLBC could be useful for research in the pathobiology of asthma and severe asthma.


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2232-2235
Author(s):  
Marius Moga ◽  
Mark Edward Pogarasteanu ◽  
Antoine Edu

The role of arthroscopy in incipient and mild arthrosis, even combined with proximal tibial ostetomy, is well known and well documented. On the other hand, its role in the treatment of advanced arthrosis of the large joints, especially the knee, is a subject of controversy. The proponents of the use of arthroscopy in advanced arthrosis claim that meniscectomy, synovectomy, ostophytectomy, chondral lesion stabilization, arthroscopic release, plica and loose body removal greatly improve the quality of life for most patients, especially if followed by the use of viscoelastic injection, by diminishing pain and improving joint range of motion. The opponents claim that, even though the advantages are clear in the cases that refuse arthroplasty, in all the other cases the surgical indication should be total knee arthroplasty, as the clinical relief is temporary, but with all the risks of a surgical intervention. We have conducted an overview of the recent literature, in order to find objective evidence to sustain either point of view. We focused on articles published that included an objective measurement of before and after clinical status through clinical scores and objective measurements. We also focused on the follow-up period and on the evolution of the pathology after arthroscopy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (34) ◽  
pp. 4234-4245
Author(s):  
Deepaneeta Sarmah ◽  
Aishika Datta ◽  
Swapnil Raut ◽  
Ankan Sarkar ◽  
Birva Shah ◽  
...  

Inflammation is a devastating outcome of cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), namely stroke and atherosclerosis. Numerous studies over the decade have shown that inflammasomes play a role in mediating inflammatory reactions post cellular injury occurring after a stroke or a rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. In view of this, targeting these inflammatory pathways using different pharmacological therapies may improve outcomes in patients with CVD. Here, we review the mechanisms by which inflammasomes drive the pathogenesis of stroke and atherosclerosis. Also, discussed here are the possible treatment strategies available for inhibiting inflammasomes or their up-stream/down-stream mediators.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 581-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambreen Fatima ◽  
Yasir Hasan Siddique

Flavonoids are naturally occurring plant polyphenols found universally in all fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. They have emerged as a promising candidate in the formulation of treatment strategies for various neurodegenerative disorders. The use of flavonoid rich plant extracts and food in dietary supplementation have shown favourable outcomes. The present review describes the types, properties and metabolism of flavonoids. Neuroprotective role of various flavonoids and the possible mechanism of action in the brain against the neurodegeneration have been described in detail with special emphasis on the tangeritin.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Hansheng Wang ◽  
Na Wei ◽  
Yijun Tang ◽  
Yunyun Wang ◽  
Guoshi Luo ◽  
...  

Background. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is commonly used to evaluate the adequacy of biopsy materials in fine-needle aspiration; however, the diagnostic performance of ROSE during fiber optic bronchoscopy (FOB) biopsy under direct vision is rarely reported. Here, we evaluated the role of ROSE during FOB biopsy of visible lesion in trachea or bronchi. Methods. The role of ROSE was prospectively evaluated in consecutive bronchoscopy specimens obtained between January 2016 and January 2018. The agreement and accuracy between ROSE and final histopathological interpretation were assessed. The frequency and possible reasons for discrepancy between ROSE and definitive histopathology results were identified. Histological and cytological classification was performed according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the American Thoracic Society, and the European Respiratory Society (IASLC/ATS/ERS) criteria of lung ADCs classification. Results. The study enrolled 651 patients, of which 33 were excluded because of insufficient cells. Final diagnosis of malignancy was achieved in 462 cases (74.8%), whereas 156 cases (25.2%) were nonmalignant. ROSE and pathology were well correlated for the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (Kappa = 0.718, p<0.05), adenocarcinoma (AdC) (Kappa = 0.662; p<0.05) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (Kappa = 0.955; p<0.05). In 24 cases diagnosed as malignant by ROSE and nonmalignant by pathology, the lesion tissues were surgically excised and re-analyzed, and the 24 cases were finally confirmed as malignant by pathology. Conclusions. ROSE technique allows bronchoscopists to obtain viable and adequate material for the diagnosis of histopathology, and provides them with an onsite preliminary diagnosis especially in cases with inconclusive macroscopic appearance. ROSE and pathology should be used in combination to increase the accuracy of diagnosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 3129
Author(s):  
Riyaz A. Kaba ◽  
Aziz Momin ◽  
John Camm

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a global disease with rapidly rising incidence and prevalence. It is associated with a higher risk of stroke, dementia, cognitive decline, sudden and cardiovascular death, heart failure and impairment in quality of life. The disease is a major burden on the healthcare system. Paroxysmal AF is typically managed with medications or endocardial catheter ablation to good effect. However, a large proportion of patients with AF have persistent or long-standing persistent AF, which are more complex forms of the condition and thus more difficult to treat. This is in part due to the progressive electro-anatomical changes that occur with AF persistence and the spread of arrhythmogenic triggers and substrates outside of the pulmonary veins. The posterior wall of the left atrium is a common site for these changes and has become a target of ablation strategies to treat these more resistant forms of AF. In this review, we discuss the role of the posterior left atrial wall in persistent and long-standing persistent AF, the limitations of current endocardial-focused treatment strategies, and future perspectives on hybrid epicardial–endocardial approaches to posterior wall isolation or ablation.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1490
Author(s):  
Osama M. Elzamzamy ◽  
Brandon E. Johnson ◽  
Wei-Chih Chen ◽  
Gangqing Hu ◽  
Reinhold Penner ◽  
...  

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a currently incurable hematologic cancer. Patients that initially respond to therapeutic intervention eventually relapse with drug resistant disease. Thus, novel treatment strategies are critically needed to improve patient outcomes. Our group has developed a novel cyclic peptide referred to as MTI-101 for the treatment of MM. We previously reported that acquired resistance to HYD-1, the linear form of MTI-101, correlated with the repression of genes involved in store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE): PLCβ, SERCA, ITPR3, and TRPC1 expression. In this study, we sought to determine the role of TRPC1 heteromers in mediating MTI-101 induced cationic flux. Our data indicate that, consistent with the activation of TRPC heteromers, MTI-101 treatment induced Ca2+ and Na+ influx. However, replacing extracellular Na+ with NMDG did not reduce MTI-101-induced cell death. In contrast, decreasing extracellular Ca2+ reduced both MTI-101-induced Ca2+ influx as well as cell death. The causative role of TRPC heteromers was established by suppressing STIM1, TRPC1, TRPC4, or TRPC5 function both pharmacologically and by siRNA, resulting in a reduction in MTI-101-induced Ca2+ influx. Mechanistically, MTI-101 treatment induces trafficking of TRPC1 to the membrane and co-immunoprecipitation studies indicate that MTI-101 treatment induces a TRPC1-STIM1 complex. Moreover, treatment with calpeptin inhibited MTI-101-induced Ca2+ influx and cell death, indicating a role of calpain in the mechanism of MTI-101-induced cytotoxicity. Finally, components of the SOCE pathway were found to be poor prognostic indicators among MM patients, suggesting that this pathway is attractive for the treatment of MM.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2878
Author(s):  
Claudia Maria Hattinger ◽  
Maria Pia Patrizio ◽  
Leonardo Fantoni ◽  
Chiara Casotti ◽  
Chiara Riganti ◽  
...  

High-grade osteosarcoma (HGOS), the most common primary malignant tumor of bone, is a highly aggressive neoplasm with a cure rate of approximately 40–50% in unselected patient populations. The major clinical problems opposing the cure of HGOS are the presence of inherent or acquired drug resistance and the development of metastasis. Since the drugs used in first-line chemotherapy protocols for HGOS and clinical outcome have not significantly evolved in the past three decades, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic biomarkers and targeted treatment strategies, which may increase the currently available spectrum of cure modalities. Unresponsive or chemoresistant (refractory) HGOS patients usually encounter a dismal prognosis, mostly because therapeutic options and drugs effective for rescue treatments are scarce. Tailored treatments for different subgroups of HGOS patients stratified according to drug resistance-related biomarkers thus appear as an option that may improve this situation. This review explores drug resistance-related biomarkers, therapeutic targets and new candidate treatment strategies, which have emerged in HGOS. In addition to consolidated biomarkers, specific attention has been paid to the role of non-coding RNAs, tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, and cancer stem cells as contributors to drug resistance in HGOS, in order to highlight new candidate markers and therapeutic targets. The possible use of new non-conventional drugs to overcome the main mechanisms of drug resistance in HGOS are finally discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Jan Traub ◽  
Leila Husseini ◽  
Martin S. Weber

The first description of neuromyelitis optica by Eugène Devic and Fernand Gault dates back to the 19th century, but only the discovery of aquaporin-4 autoantibodies in a major subset of affected patients in 2004 led to a fundamentally revised disease concept: Neuromyelits optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are now considered autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases, bringing the pivotal pathogenetic role of B cells and plasma cells into focus. Not long ago, there was no approved medication for this deleterious disease and off-label therapies were the only treatment options for affected patients. Within the last years, there has been a tremendous development of novel therapies with diverse treatment strategies: immunosuppression, B cell depletion, complement factor antagonism and interleukin-6 receptor blockage were shown to be effective and promising therapeutic interventions. This has led to the long-expected official approval of eculizumab in 2019 and inebilizumab in 2020. In this article, we review current pathogenetic concepts in NMOSD with a focus on the role of B cells and autoantibodies as major contributors to the propagation of these diseases. Lastly, by highlighting promising experimental and future treatment options, we aim to round up the current state of knowledge on the therapeutic arsenal in NMOSD.


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