Examination of Firefighting as an Occupational Exposure Criteria for Lung Cancer Screening.

PURPOSE: Firefighting is known to be carcinogenic to humans. However, current lung cancer screening guidelines do not account for occupational exposure. We hypothesize that firefighting is an independent risk factor associated with the development of high-risk lung nodules on low-dose CT (LDCT). METHODS: Members of a firefighter's union underwent LDCT at a single institution between April 2022 and June 2023 within a lung cancer screening program. Results were interpreted by designated chest radiologists and reported using the Lung-RADS scoring system. Demographic and radiographic data were recorded, and summary statistics are reported. RESULTS: 1347 individuals underwent lung cancer screening, with a median age of 51 years (IQR 42-58), including 56 (4.2%) females. Overall, 899 (66.7%) were never smokers, 345 (25.6%) were former smokers, and 103 (7.7%) were current smokers. There were 41 firefighters (3.0%) who had high-risk (Lung-RADS 3 or 4) nodules requiring intervention or surveillance, of which 21 (1.5%) were Lung-RADS 3 and 20 (1.5%) that were Lung-RADS 4. Of the firefighters with high-risk nodules, only 6 (14.6%) were eligible for LDCT based on current screening guidelines. There were 7 high-risk nodules (0.5%) that required procedural intervention, 6 (85.7%) of which were from the non-screening eligible cohort. There were also 20 never-smoking firefighters (57.1%) with high-risk nodules that were non-screening eligible. CONCLUSION: Firefighting, even in the absence of smoking history, may be associated with the development of high-risk lung nodules on LDCT. Carefully selected occupational exposures should be considered in the development of future lung cancer screening guidelines.

Women are Underrepresented in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review of clinical trials examining non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to better understand the equity afforded to women in the study of lung cancer. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted for all NSCLC clinical trials published between 2010 and 2020 with included words "carcinoma, non-small cell, lung" and "non-small cell lung cancer." Studies from PubMed, Cochrane, and SCOPUS were included and were uploaded into Covidence to assist with systematic review. All articles were screened by two separate individuals and reviewed for location, study type, cancer stage, field of study of the research team, and percentage of females included. Student's t-test was used to compare the means of males and females. RESULTS: Across the 269 studies that met inclusion criteria, fewer females than males were enrolled (38.7% vs. 61.1%; p < 0.0001). Compared with studies from 2010 to 2015, those from 2016 to 2020 had greater representation of females (36.7% vs. 41.4%, p = 0.0091, respectively). Both nonsurgical and surgical studies enrolled fewer female than male patients (38.1% vs. 61.7%, p < 0.0001; 43.1% vs. 57.2%, p = 0.0002, respectively). Clinical trials from the USA had the least difference between sexes with an average of 46.7% females enrolled. Less females compared with males were enrolled in early-stage NSCLC (37.6% female vs. 62.6% male, p < 0.0001) and late-stage NSCLC trials (37.6% female vs. 62.0% male, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite recent improvement, there continues to be significant underrepresentation of females compared with males in NSCLC clinical trials.

Pericardioesophageal fistulae after left atrial ablation: a case series.

Pericardioesophageal fistula is an uncommon, yet serious complication that can occur after left atrial ablation for cardiac arrhythmias. Timing of this complication is variable; however, it has been reported to occur from a week to over a month post-ablation. The incidence of this complication after ablation is <0.05%; however with increasing rates of left atrial ablations, early recognition is imperative. Nonspecific symptoms, including chest pain, dysphagia, and fever, can indicate the presence of a fistula within the first month after ablation. Early drainage with subsequent definitive treatment is key to limiting morbidity. Here we report four cases of pericardioesophageal fistula all occurring ~1 month post-ablation, with two patients surviving after prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment. Successful treatment in these two cases was achieved with fistula takedown and intercostal muscle flap interposition and esophageal stenting.

Predicting Non-home Discharge After Lung Surgery: Analysis of the General Thoracic Surgery Database.

BACKGROUND: Anticipating the need for non-home discharge (NHD) enables improved patient counseling and expedites placement, potentially reducing length of stay and hospital readmission. The objective of this study was to create a simple, preoperative, clinical prediction tool for NHD using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS GTSD). METHODS: The STS GTSD was queried for patients who underwent elective anatomic lung cancer resection between 2009 and 2019. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, percentage predicted diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide <20% or >150%, N3 or M1 disease, incomplete datasets, and mortality. The primary outcome was defined as discharge to an extended care, transitional care, rehabilitation center, or another hospital. Multivariable logistic regression was used to select risk factors and a nomogram for predicting risk of NHD was developed. The approach was cross-validated in 100 replications of a training set consisting of randomly selected two-thirds of the cohort and a validation set of remaining patients. RESULTS: A total of 35 948 patients from the STS GTSD met inclusion criteria. Final model variables used to derive the nomogram for NHD risk prediction included age (P < .001), percentage predicted diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (P < .001), open surgery (P < .001), cerebrovascular history (P < .001), and Zubrod score (P < .001). The receiver operating characteristic curve, using sensitivities and specificities of the model, yielded area under the curve of 0.74. In 100 replicated cross-validations, out-of-sample area under the curve ranged from 0.72-0.76. CONCLUSIONS: Using readily available preoperative variables, our nomogram prognosticates the risk of NHD after anatomic lung resection with good discriminatory ability. Such risk stratification can enable improved patient counseling and facilitate better planning of patients' postoperative needs.

Conditional survival analysis of patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Conditional survival (CS) analyses provide an estimate of survival accounting for years already survived after treatment. We aim to evaluate the difference between actuarial and conditional survival in patients following lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, CS analyses are used to examine whether prognosticators of survival change over time following surgery. Methods: Patients who underwent anatomic lung resection at a single institution for pathologic stage I-IIIA NSCLC between 2010 and 2021 were identified; those who underwent wedge resection for node-negative tumors ≤2 cm were also included. CS estimates were calculated as the probability of remaining disease-free after x years of nonrecurrence (CSx). Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Cox proportional hazard methods for examining CS were used for subgroup comparisons and assessing associations with baseline covariates. Results: Overall, 863 patients met the study inclusion criteria, with a median follow-up of 44.1 months. Conditional overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were greater than actuarial rates at all time points after surgery. At the time of resection, male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.72; P = .032), tumor size >3 cm (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11-1.23; P < .001), node positivity (HR, 3.31; 95% CI, 2.52-4.33; P < .001), and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (P < .001) were associated with DFS. However, if a patient lived 3 years without recurrence (CS3), these factors were no longer prognostic of DFS. Conclusions: Conditional survival analyses provide dynamic assessments of OS and DFS after NSCLC resection. After 3 years without recurrence, certain characteristics associated with DFS at the time of surgery no longer prognosticate recurrence.

The association between thoracic sarcopenia and survival is gender specific in early-stage lung cancer.

Background: Sarcopenia, as measured at the 3rd lumbar (L3) level, has been shown to prognosticate survival in cancer patients. However, many patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) do not undergo abdominal imaging. We hypothesized that preoperative thoracic sarcopenia is associated with survival in patients undergoing lung resection for early-stage NSCLC. Methods: Patients who underwent anatomic resection for NSCLC between 2010-2019 were retrospectively identified. Exclusion criteria included induction therapy, less than 90 days of follow-up, and absence of computed tomography (CT) imaging. Cross sectional skeletal muscle area was calculated at the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5), twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12), and L3 level. Gender-specific lowest quartile values and previously defined values were used to define sarcopenia. Overall survival and disease-free survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Overall, 221 patients met inclusion criteria with a median body mass index (BMI) of 26.5 kg/m2 [interquartile range (IQR), 23.3-29.9 kg/m2], age of 69 years (IQR, 62.4-74.9 years), and follow-up of 46.9 months (IQR, 25.0-70.7 months). At the T5 level, sarcopenic males demonstrated worse overall survival [median 41.0 (IQR, 13.8-53.7) vs. 42.0 (IQR, 23.1-55.1) months, P=0.023] and disease-free survival [median 15.8 (IQR, 8.4-30.78) vs. 34.8 (IQR, 20.1-50.5) months, P=0.007] when compared to non-sarcopenic males. There was no difference in survival between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic females when assessed at T5. Sarcopenia at T12 or L3 was associated with worse overall survival (P<0.05). Conclusions: Sarcopenia at T5 is associated with worse survival in males, but not females. When using upper thoracic vertebral levels to assess for sarcopenia, it is necessary to account for gender.

Understanding barriers to lung cancer screening in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan for lung cancer screening is underutilized. Studies suggest that up to one-third of providers do not know the current lung cancer screening guidelines. Thus, identifying the barriers to utilization of LDCT scan is essential. METHODS: Primary care providers in three different healthcare settings in the United States were surveyed to assess provider knowledge of LDCT scan screening criteria, lung cancer screening practices, and barriers to the utilization of LDCT scan screening. Fisher's Exact, Chi-Squared, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare provider responses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association between provider characteristics and the likelihood of utilizing LDCT scan for lung cancer screening. RESULTS: The survey was sent to 614 providers, with a 15.7% response rate. Overall, 29.2% of providers report never ordering LDCT scans for eligible patients. Providers practicing at a community or academic hospital more frequently order LDCT scans than those practicing at a safety net hospital. Academic- and community-based providers received a significantly higher mean knowledge score than safety net-based providers [academic 6.84 (SD 1.33), community 6.72 (SD 1.46), safety net 5.85 (SD 1.38); P<0.01]. Overall, only 6.2% of respondents correctly identified all six Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services eligibility criteria when challenged with three incorrect criteria. Common barriers to utilization of LDCT scan included failure of the electronic medical record (EMR) to notify providers of eligible patients (54.7%), patient refusal (37%), perceived high false-positive rate leading to unnecessary procedures (18.9%), provider time constraints (16.8%), and lack of insurance coverage (13.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Provider knowledge of lung cancer screening guidelines varies, perhaps contributing to underutilization of LDCT scan for lung cancer screening. Improved provider education at safety net hospitals and improving EMR-based best practice alerts may improve the rate of lung cancer screening.

Primary Mammary-Analogue Secretory Carcinoma of the Lung: A Rare Entity With an Unusual Location.

This is a case of a 55-year-old female with past medical history of tobacco smoking, hypertension, and lupus who presented with a left lung nodule, found on computed tomographic scan of the chest during workup for a recently diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma in a cervical lymph node. Resection of the lung nodule showed a 2.3-cm well-defined pale-tan mass, and histologic examination showed a well-circumscribed lesion with papillary, solid, and gland-like architectural patterns, with eosinophilic secretions, areas of comedonecrosis, and increased mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical stains showed the lesion to be positive for cytokeratin 7, S100 protein, and focally positive for mammaglobin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies confirmed rearrangement of the ETV6 gene at 12p13.2. To date, our case is the second reported case of a primary mammary-analogue secretory carcinoma arising in the lung, and the first to show evidence of tumor necrosis: an unusual feature in an unusual location.

Longer Operative Time and Intraoperative Blood Transfusion Are Associated with Postoperative Anastomotic Leak after Lower Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Anastomotic leak after lower gastrointestinal surgery is a complication with potential for high morbidity, mortality, and increased costs. A single-institution retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent lower gastrointestinal surgery between June 2009 and June 2013. Fifty-seven variables were included in our analysis and their association with postoperative anastomotic leak was examined. Nine hundred fifty-two patients underwent 983 lower gastrointestinal anastomoses with an overall leak rate in this series of 6 per cent. Type of intestinal anastomosis created (P < 0.00005), operative indication (P < 0.015), operation performed (P < 0.014), intraoperative blood transfusion (P < 0.017), and intraoperative surgical drain placement (P < 0.022) were all predictive of anastomotic leak. Anastomotic leak rate increased by 1.3 times for every additional hour in the operating room after three hours. Both increasing operation time and intraoperative blood transfusions were associated with an increased rate of anastomotic leak. When operative time extends beyond three hours or in those cases were blood transfusions are given, surgeons should consider taking steps to minimize the risks of a potential anastomotic leak.

Levamisole-induced Necrosis Syndrome: Presentation and Management.

Levamisole is an antihelminthic drug with immunomod- ulatory properties. Recent estimates suggest the majority of the cocaine in the United States is adulterated with levamisole. Le- vamisole-induced necrosis syndrome (LINES) is characterized by vasculitis, neutropenia, and purpura that progresses to skin necro- sis. Diagnosis relies on physical examination ndings and history of previous cocaine use. The purpose of this case series is to describe the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of LINES. The au- thors' institutional database was reviewed from 2008 to 2015, and they found 3 patients with LINES. Subsequent management and outcomes data are discussed. Patients had a variety of outcomes ranging from local wound care to necrosis and amputation of pha- langes. Patients with LINES can have a wide variety of outcomes; thus, this syndrome must be aggressively managed. Psychotherapy should also be utilized to help patients with further cocaine use. Levamisole-induced necrosis syndrome incidence is expected to in- crease, and all providers should be aware of this patient population.

Nonclassical symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism and their response to parathyroidectomy.

An estimated 100,000 new patients are diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) each year in the United States. In the past, patients with PHPT typically presented with "stones, bones, abdominal groans, and psychic moans" but today patients often present with more subtle symptoms and physiologic changes associated with earlier stages of disease. Patients without the classic symptoms of PHPT are often referred to as "asymptomatic." These patients frequently pose a conundrum for clinicians. Uncertainties remain as to which symptoms truly represent PHPT and which are related to comorbidities or the aging process. To address these uncertainties, we review most recent literature regarding the nonclassical manifestations of PHPT and their response to parathyroidectomy.

Robotic-assisted retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: making a good procedure even better.

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) is a minimally invasive procedure offering several advantages over a transabdominal laparoscopic operation. The three-dimensional optics and articulating instrumentation offered by current robotic surgical technology potentially improve this procedure. Robotic-assisted PRA (RA-PRA) was performed in patients meeting standard criteria for minimally invasive adrenalectomy. We prospectively collected demographic, clinical, perioperative, and pathologic data on patients undergoing RA-PRA. Thirty consecutive RA-PRAs were performed in 28 patients (26 unilateral and 2 bilateral). Indications for adrenalectomy included pheochromocytoma (8), hyperaldosteronism (3), hypercortisolism (8), oligometastases (5), and nonfunctional tumors (6). Mean tumor size was 3.8 ± 1.6 cm. Mean body mass index was 30.7 ± 6.5 kg/m(2). Mean operative time was 154 ± 43 minutes for unilateral total adrenalectomy. Four patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 2A-associated pheochromocytomas underwent cortical-preserving procedures. Three patients experienced perioperative complications (one pneumothorax, one urinary retention, one required postoperative blood transfusion). No patient required conversion to an open procedure. Robotic surgical technology is an excellent complement to retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. The three-dimensional view and ergonomic advantages of a robotic procedure promote better visualization and a more flexible approach to dissection. We believe these features may optimize the ability to maintain a vascularized remnant during minimally invasive cortical-sparing adrenalectomy.

Preoperative serum osteocalcin may predict postoperative elevated parathyroid hormone in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Persistent postoperative elevation of parathyroid hormone (POePTH) following successful parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is presumed to result from bone remineralization. Predicting which patients may need treatment is difficult. This study investigated whether preoperative serum osteocalcin (OC), a bone turnover marker involved in mineralization, can predict POePTH. METHODS: A total of 198 patients (155 women and 43 men) with parathyroidectomy from November 2007 to October 2009 in MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA, were included in our analysis. Separate multivariate regression models determined associations between preoperative OC and POePTH at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Regression models were adjusted for demographics (age, gender, race, height, weight, BMI), preoperative BMD and bisphosphonate use, adenoma weight, serum levels of PTH, calcium, vitamin D, creatinine, and phosphate. Patients with baseline GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and postoperative serum calcium >10.14 mg/dl at 6 and 12 months were excluded. RESULTS: Patients' mean age (±SD) was 60 (±14) years. POePTH (>80 pg/ml) occurred in 13 and 12% patients at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Preoperative serum creatinine and bisphosphonate use were positively associated with POePTH (p < 0.05) both at 6 and 12 months. Preoperative OC was predictive of POePTH (p < 0.05) at 6 months (ß 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.11-0.58) and at 12 months (ß 0.79; 95% CI, 0.27-1.31). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative OC may help to predict risk of POePTH in patients with PHPT. Research with longer follow-up in patients with no known baseline chronic kidney disease stratified by high versus normal preoperative serum creatinine is recommended.

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective alternative to transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is a safe minimally invasive approach for treatment of pheochromocytoma (PHEO). Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) is an alternative minimally invasive technique; however, there is a lack of data regarding the appropriateness of this approach in patients with PHEO. METHODS: Our endocrine surgery database was queried to identify patients who underwent LA or PRA for PHEO. Patient and tumor characteristics, as well as operative details and postoperative course were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: LA or PRA was attempted in 46 patients with PHEO (23 LA, 23 PRA). There were no differences in age, BMI, or tumor size between these groups. PRA was associated with significantly reduced operative times (99 min vs 145 min, P < .001), estimated blood loss (8.4 cc vs 123.8 cc, P = .02), and postoperative length of stay (1.9 nights vs 3.1 nights, P < .01). There was no significant difference in rates of conversion to an open procedure or perioperative complications between these groups. CONCLUSION: LA and PRA are both safe and effective approaches in patients with PHEO. In our experience, PRA results in decreased operative times, blood loss, and postoperative length of stay compared with LA. PRA has become our preferred approach for patients with PHEO.