RESUMO
In this report, a case of 62-year-old female is described who came to the hospital with chief complaints of breathlessness and productive cough with salty whitish expectoration, which she had for two months, along with fever and right-sided chest pain, for three days. The case was identified as a ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst with pyopneumothorax using contrast-enhanced computed tomography and chest X-ray. This was further supported by the Echinococcus antibody IgG test. Right thoracostomy, the placement of an intercoastal drain, and four days of continuous aspiration of 750 ml of serous fluid were used for managing the case. Following this, oral albendazole was used as a conservative measure.
RESUMO
Tuberculosis (TB) is among the most predominant infectious illnesses in developing areas around the globe. As stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of instances of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) has increased lately. This case report describes the effective diagnosis and customized treatment for primary extra-pulmonary multidrug-resistant tubercular pleural effusion, a disease which is difficult to identify due to relatively low bacterial count as well as frequently negative staining on Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). The bacteria causing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is resistant to a minimum of two drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin, the most effective TB medications. We are going to present the case of a 60-year-old male who complained of breathlessness, cough, and loss of weight for one month and chest pain and fever for 12 days. The patient's pleural fluid examination was carried out, which showed exudative fluid (according to Light's criteria) with adenosine deaminase (ADA) positive. Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) and line probe assays (LPAs) were carried out, which suggested mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) with rifampicin and isoniazid resistance. The patient was started an oral regimen with bedaquiline in accordance with WHO standards, leading to significant improvement. This case reveals that to promptly diagnose and treat DR-TB, pleural effusions, and pleural biopsies need to be exposed early to investigations such as Xpert (MTB)/resistance to rifampicin assay, culturing, and genotype drug sensitivity testing (DST).
RESUMO
Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is an obligate aerobic microbe. Tuberculosis is a multisystemic disease that can attack the respiratory system, genitourinary system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and the skeletal framework of the body. However, the most commonly affected system is the respiratory system (pulmonary tuberculosis). Tuberculosis is an ancient infection that affects millions of people every year, and even after adequate treatment, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which can be attributed to reinfections, complications, extrapulmonary spread, and the long-term effects of tuberculosis on the lungs, leading to various restrictive and obstructive diseases. One of the most hazardous sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis is the destroyed lung, which is predominately seen in the culminating stage of progressive disease or after reactivation of the disease. Here we present the case of a 46-year-old female patient who presented with complaints of breathlessness, cough with expectoration, and chest pain. With a history of recurrent tuberculosis infections and appropriate antituberculosis treatment for 30 years, the primary infection was recognized at 16 years of age. On examination, the patient was suspected to have developed fibrosis of the left lung, which, on radiological investigation, was confirmed to be a case of a destroyed left lung because of a recurrent tuberculosis infection. The patient was given symptomatic treatment along with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.
RESUMO
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a highly infectious and prevalent disease. It is the leading cause of death among communicable diseases and the fifth leading cause of all diseases in India. The diagnosis can be challenging due to the disease's unique appearance and various presentations. Disseminated TB is characterized by the involvement of two or more non-contiguous sites resulting from hematogenous extension of the disease. Clinical confirmation of the diagnosis of disseminated TB is based on bacteriological or histological evidence. Based on various studies, there is evidence that satisfactory results are obtained from treatment with first-line anti-tubercular drugs. When there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment, it can become a life-threatening condition. We present a case of a 38-year-old alcoholic male who presented with generalized edema, pain, and distension of the abdomen. According to the initial presentation, the provisional diagnosis made was alcoholic liver disease, but it was later diagnosed as disseminated TB with sputum-positive pulmonary TB with abdominal involvement in the form of ascites and hepatosplenomegaly along with hematological involvement as pancytopenia. The patient started showing drastic improvement after the initiation of anti-tubercular therapy.
RESUMO
Pulmonary tuberculosis is a notorious disease as it can cause severe morbidity and mortality. In this case, we discuss a 75-year-old male tuberculosis patient from a rural area with no underlying comorbidities who failed to continue anti-tubercular medication after two months. The case discusses the diagnostic modalities confirming the diagnosis, sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, imaging studies, including X-ray and CT of the chest, and laboratory parameters for identifying pulmonary mycetoma. The patient is now on anti-tubercular therapy (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol combination) and the anti-fungal drug itraconazole. Though pharmacotherapy for the treatment of mycetoma in patients with tuberculosis has a minimal role, the more appropriate treatment is surgical excision via lobectomy. As the occurrence of tuberculosis and mycetoma is a rare phenomenon, it is essential to rule out aspergillosis as both have similar presenting symptoms. Diagnosis of this co-infection can be the crucial difference between morbidity and mortality.
RESUMO
Chylothorax delineates a state marked by the accumulation of chyle, an opalescent fluid laden with lipids, within the pleural cavity. This occurrence commonly ensues from the seepage of chyle originating from the thoracic duct, occasioned by trauma, surgical interventions, or underlying pathological conditions. This phenomenon induces respiratory distress, necessitating intricate and tailored interventions for its resolution. In this report, we present the case of a 27-year-old male who was admitted with a two-month history of symptoms, including dry cough, weakness, weight loss, and intermittent fever. Previously treated for pleural effusions and ascites, he was referred to our hospital with an intercostal drainage tube in place. Initial examinations revealed respiratory distress, fever, and bilateral pleural effusions. Laboratory results and fluid analysis indicated significant abnormalities, prompting further investigations, including CT scans and biopsies. The patient was diagnosed with chylothorax with chylous ascites due to abdominal tubular lymphadenopathy and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and started on anti-tubercular therapy (AKT4) and octreotide. The patient was also initially managed with non-invasive ventilatory (NIV) support, intravenous antibiotics, nebulizations, an intercostal chest drain (ICD), and a thoracic duct embolization (TDE). Regular monitoring and collaboration between specialties were crucial, ultimately resulting in the removal of the drainage tube and the patient's stable discharge.
RESUMO
Aplasia of the lung is an uncommon congenital anomaly that can resemble several common illnesses radiologically and presents as an opaque hemithorax with ipsilateral displacement of the mediastinum. This case scenario involves a young woman who has been experiencing recurrent pulmonary tract infections and worsening dyspnea since childhood, presenting as pneumonic consolidation on a chest X-ray. The case explores the importance of lung scans, CT pulmonary angiography, and bronchoscopy to elicit the absence of lung parenchyma on one side.
RESUMO
Esophagopleural fistula (EPF) is a rare complication often associated with underlying esophageal malignancies. We present the case of a 64-year-old male who presented with left-sided pyopneumothorax and was diagnosed with EPF secondary to esophageal carcinoma. Imaging studies revealed a hydropneumothorax with an esophageal-pulmonary fistula communicating with the pleural cavity. The diagnosis was confirmed through computed tomography (CT) scan with oral contrast administration, highlighting the utility of this modality in diagnosing EPF. The patient was further referred to the surgical oncology team for esophageal resection and fistula closure.
RESUMO
Hyperinflation is the rise in functional residual capacity, i.e., the volume of air left in the lung after normal expiration. One lung is wholly damaged and nonfunctional, while the other lung increases its surface area to compensate for the loss of the respiratory system. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a respiratory disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily targeting the lungs. However, if left untreated, it could lead to life-threatening conditions, such as systemic manifestations, and increase the mortality rate. When TB causes severe damage to one lung, the other lung may compensate by hyperinflating excessively to keep the body's oxygenation levels healthy. It was seen in the case of a 60-year-old male who presented to the Outpatient Department (OPD) with complaints of hearing loss, blood-tinged sputum, and cough. In investigations, compensatory hyperinflation was seen. TB and hyperinflation of the lung are not associated together, and hyperinflation is not a clinical sign of TB. This distinction is what distinguishes this particular case.
RESUMO
Infected emphysematous bullae of the lung present a diagnostic challenge due to their rarity and diverse clinical manifestations. We report the case of a 52-year-old female with chronic respiratory symptoms, including breathlessness and dry cough, persisting for six months. Imaging studies revealed characteristic features of infected emphysematous bullae, including large thick-walled cavities with air-fluid levels and associated parenchymal compression. Biomass exposure history and microbiological analysis, which isolated methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MRCoNS), further supported the diagnosis. The patient responded well to antimicrobial therapy with doxycycline and linezolid. This case underscores the importance of considering environmental factors and multidisciplinary collaboration in managing complex respiratory conditions. Further research is warranted to elucidate optimal management strategies for infected emphysematous bullae of the lung.
RESUMO
This comprehensive review examines the diagnostic potential of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in interstitial lung disease (ILD), emphasizing its accuracy and significance in various ILDs, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and connective tissue disease-associated ILD. The analysis underscores the importance of abnormalities in both cellular and non-cellular components of BAL fluid for precise ILD diagnosis. Recommendations advocate for the integration of BAL into clinical guidelines, a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach, and further standardization of procedures. Looking toward the future, ongoing research highlights technological advancements, biomarker discovery, and the integration of artificial intelligence in BAL interpretation. These developments not only promise to enhance ILD diagnosis but also offer prospects for a more personalized approach to patient management based on insightful patient stratification guided by BAL findings. This abstract encapsulates the key findings, recommendations, and future prospects identified in the review, providing a concise overview of the diagnostic potential of BAL in ILD.
RESUMO
Cryptogenic organising pneumonia (COP) is a form of idiopathic diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) that develops in response to a variety of unknown irritants. An essential component of the development of organising pneumonia (OP) is damage to type II pneumocytes and the alveolar basement membrane. An autoimmune illness called systemic sclerosis (SSc) has a significant death rate from cardiopulmonary involvement such as pulmonary hypertension and ILD. Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, in which the patients experience extra-articular symptoms such as ILD during the course of their disease, and COP frequently coexists with these conditions. It is exceedingly uncommon for OP to occur as the initial sign of arthritis, and its clinical characteristics are still unclear. Scleroderma and inflammatory polyarthritis related to COP are presented in this report.
RESUMO
Pleural effusion, characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges across various medical conditions. This comprehensive review explores the role of medical thoracoscopy in assessing pleural effusions, providing insights into its historical context, procedural intricacies, diagnostic performance, safety considerations, and clinical applications. Medical thoracoscopy, a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, offers advantages such as high diagnostic yield, therapeutic interventions, real-time assessment, and a minimally invasive nature. The review critically analyzes the procedure's advantages and disadvantages, including technical expertise, risk of complications, resource intensity, and patient selection criteria. Comparative analyses with alternative diagnostic modalities highlight the unique benefits of medical thoracoscopy in specific clinical scenarios. The diagnostic yield of medical thoracoscopy is examined, considering sensitivity and specificity in various contexts. Patient selection criteria, complications, and safety measures are discussed, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration in integrating thoracoscopy into clinical practice. The review further explores its clinical applications, including differentiating exudative and transudative effusions, identifying specific etiologies, and its role in treatment planning. In conclusion, medical thoracoscopy emerges as a valuable tool in the comprehensive management of pleural effusions, offering a nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment. The evolving landscape of diagnostic modalities underscores the continued significance of medical thoracoscopy and potential advancements in the field.
RESUMO
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare benign condition characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy and constitutional symptoms mimicking tuberculosis. We present the case of a 22-year-old male who presented with fever, dry cough, loss of appetite, multiple joint pains for 15 days, and loss of weight for one month. Physical examination revealed palpable cervical, occipital, axillary, and inguinal lymphadenopathy, and laboratory investigations were within normal limits except for raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy with no pleuroparenchymal abnormality of the lung. Excision biopsy of a cervical lymph node confirmed necrotizing lymphadenitis consistent with KFD. The patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids, resulting in the resolution of symptoms and regression of lymphadenopathy. This case signifies the importance of considering KFD in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and highlights the significance of histopathological evaluation for accurate diagnosis and management guidance.
RESUMO
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a severe fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. However, rare cases of IPA in immunocompetent patients have been reported, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Here, we present a case of a 41-year-old immunocompetent male who presented with fever, cough with mucoid expectoration, and breathlessness. Despite the absence of traditional risk factors, imaging and laboratory findings led to the diagnosis of IPA. Prompt initiation of antifungal therapy resulted in clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering IPA in the differential diagnosis of respiratory symptoms, even in immunocompetent individuals.
RESUMO
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imposes a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems globally. While bronchodilators, such as glycopyrronium and formoterol, are cornerstone therapies for COPD management, combining these agents has gained attention for potentially improving outcomes compared to monotherapy. This comprehensive review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of glycopyrronium/formoterol (GFF) combination therapy versus glycopyrronium monotherapy in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Through a systematic evaluation of clinical trials and real-world evidence, we analyze the impact of combination therapy on lung function, symptom control, exacerbation rates, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Furthermore, we examine the safety profile of combination therapy, including adverse cardiovascular and respiratory events. Comparative analyses with glycopyrronium monotherapy provide insights into the relative benefits and considerations for treatment selection. Factors influencing treatment choice and future directions in COPD management are also discussed. This review underscores the potential of combination therapy in optimizing COPD treatment outcomes and highlights areas for further research and clinical practice refinement.
RESUMO
This case report describes the clinical course of a 73-year-old postmenopausal female presenting with a persistent cough, breathlessness, and hypertension. Upon examination, she exhibited signs of respiratory distress, prompting transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) where type 1 respiratory failure was diagnosed. Chest imaging revealed bilateral lung opacities, leading to a diagnosis of lung metastasis. Subsequent screening investigations unveiled endometrial carcinoma with atypical respiratory symptoms, highlighting the importance of thorough evaluation. Despite prompt management and biopsy confirmation, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, underscoring the aggressive nature of metastatic endometrial carcinoma. This case underscores the necessity of considering atypical presentations and timely intervention in managing such malignancies.
RESUMO
Pleural infection, or pleural empyema, is a severe medical condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Timely and accurate prognostication is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and resource allocation. Rapid scoring systems have emerged as promising tools in pleural infection prognostication, integrating various clinical and laboratory parameters to assess disease severity and quantitatively predict short-term and long-term outcomes. This review article critically evaluates existing rapid scoring systems, including CURB-65 (confusion, uremia, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age ≥ 65 years), A-DROP (age (male >70 years, female >75 years), dehydration, respiratory failure, orientation disturbance, and low blood pressure), and APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II), assessing their predictive accuracy and limitations. Our analysis highlights the potential clinical implications of rapid scoring, including risk stratification, treatment tailoring, and follow-up planning. We discuss practical considerations and challenges in implementing rapid scoring such as data accessibility and potential sources of bias. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of validation, transparency, and multidisciplinary collaboration to refine and enhance the clinical applicability of these scoring systems. The prospects for rapid scoring in pleural infection management are promising, with ongoing research and data science advances offering improvement opportunities. Ultimately, the successful integration of rapid scoring into clinical practice can potentially improve patient care and outcomes in pleural infection management.
RESUMO
Intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid disease is an uncommon variant of hydatidosis. In this report, we describe a rare case of a 53-year-old female who presented with a left-side massive hydropneumothorax, initially treated as tubercular empyema and later came out to be intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid disease, with no signs of primary lesion in the lung. This case was managed with an intercostal drain insertion followed by a thoracoscopic-guided excision of the cyst, which on histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Also, the Echinococcus antibody IgG test confirmed the same. The patient was then initiated on oral albendazole which showed a drastic reduction in the intrapleural cysts, but the patient later developed non-resolving pyopneumothorax with a bronchopleural fistula. The patient is being managed conservatively at present with oral albendazole and chest drain and is later advised to undergo decortication surgery of the lung.
RESUMO
Once considered rare, nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections have garnered increasing attention in recent years. This comprehensive review provides insights into the epidemiology, clinical diversity, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, prevention, and emerging research trends in NTM infections. Key findings reveal the global prevalence of NTM infections, their diverse clinical presentations affecting respiratory and extra-pulmonary systems, and the diagnostic challenges addressed by advances in microbiological, radiological, and immunological methods. Treatment complexities, especially drug resistance and patient adherence, are discussed, along with the vulnerability of special populations. The importance of early detection and management is underscored. Prospects in NTM research, including genomics, diagnostics, drug development, and multidisciplinary approaches, promise to enhance our understanding and treatment of these infections. This review encapsulates the multifaceted nature of NTM infections, offering a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals.