D-Dimers Variability in the Perioperative Period of Breast Cancer Surgery Helps to Predict Cancer Relapse: A Single-Centre Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The importance of D-dimers (DD) assessment in the diagnostic algorithm of venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease is well known. Increase of DD concentration may be also associated with neoplastic disease. Many studies documented that high concentration of DD before solid tumour surgery indicates more advanced disease and poor life expectancy. The prognostic value of the DD concentration variability in the perioperative period, in women undergoing breast cancer surgery, has not been analysed so far. Thus, the aim of the present prospective study was to assess whether the trend of DD concentration changes in the perioperative period may predict cancer recurrence in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 189 consecutive women with histopathological diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) referred for surgical treatment were included. DD concentration was measured twice in each patient: at the time of admission to hospital and at the time of discharge home. Enoxaparin in standard dose of 40 mg daily s. c. was used as primary VTE prophylaxis in all of the patients. RESULTS: The recurrence of BC, within 1 year observation time, occurred in 13 patients (6.8%), in 11 (5.8%) patients with DD increase after surgery and only in 2 (1.1%) without an increase in DD, P = .0179. Increase in DD concentration after BC surgery was an independent positive predictor of disease relapse (OR 8.600, LCI 1.451, UCI 96.80, P = .0371) together with the lack of postoperative radiotherapy (OR 6.009, LCI 1.305, UCI 31.95, P = .0245), whereas the lack of postoperative chemotherapy predicted no BC relapse (OR .07355, LCI .0056, UCI .58, P = .0245). CONCLUSIONS: Increase of DD in the early postoperative period may be considered as additional independent predictor of recurrence of BC within 1 year.

The Presence of T Allele (rs35705950) of the MUC5B Gene Predicts Lower Baseline Forced Vital Capacity and Its Subsequent Decline in Patients with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an exposure-related interstitial lung disease with two phenotypes-fibrotic and non-fibrotic. Genetic predisposition is an important factor in the disease pathogenesis and fibrosis development. Several genes are supposed to be associated with the fibrosing cascade in the lungs. One of the best-recognized and most prevalent is the common MUC5B gene promoter region polymorphism variant rs35705950. The aim of our study was to establish the frequency of the minor allele of the MUC5B gene in the population of patients with HP and to find the relationship between the MUC5B promoter region polymorphism and the development of lung fibrosis, the severity of the disease course, and the response to the treatment in patients with HP. Eighty-six consecutive patients with HP were tested for the genetic variant rs35705950 of the MUC-5B gene. Demographic, radiological, and functional parameters were collected. The relationship between the presence of the T allele and lung fibrosis, pulmonary function test parameters, and the treatment response were analyzed. The minor allele frequency in the study group was 17%, with the distribution of the genotypes GG in 69.8% of subjects and GT/TT in 30.2%. Patients with the GT/TT phenotype had significantly lower baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) and significantly more frequently had a decline in FVC with time. The prevalence of lung fibrosis in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was not significantly increased in GT/TT variant carriers compared to GG ones. The patients with the T allele tended to respond worse to immunomodulatory treatment and more frequently received antifibrotic drugs. In conclusions: The frequency of MUC5B polymorphism in HP patients is high. The T allele may indicate a worse disease course, worse immunomodulatory treatment response, and earlier need for antifibrotic treatment.

Venous Thromboembolic Disease in COVID-19, Pathophysiology, Therapy and Prophylaxis.

For over two years, the world has been facing the epidemiological and health challenge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Growing problems are also complications after the development of COVID-19 in the form of post and long- COVID syndromes, posing a challenge for the medical community, both for clinicians and the scientific world. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, especially thromboembolic complications, which are associated with both thrombosis of small and very small vessels due to immunothrombosis, and the development of venous thromboembolism. Low molecular wight heparin (LMHW) are the basic agents used in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic complications in COVID-19. There is still a great deal of controversy regarding both the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic complications, including the prophylaxis dose or the optimal duration of anticoagulant treatment in patients with an episode of venous thromboembolism.

Predictive value of chest HRCT for survival in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Little attention has been paid to chest high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients so far, while a couple of small studies suggested that presence of centrilobular ground-glass opacifications (GGO) on lung scans could have a significant negative prognostic value. Therefore, the aims of the present study were: to assess frequency and clinical significance of GGO in IPAH, and to verify if it carries an add-on prognostic value in reference to multidimensional risk assessment tool recommended by the 2015 European pulmonary hypertension guidelines. METHODS: Chest HRCT scans of 110 IPAH patients were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into three groups: with panlobular (p)GGO, centrilobular (c)GGO, and normal lung pattern. Association of different GGO patterns with demographic, functional, haemodynamic, and biochemical parameters was tested. Survival analysis was also performed. RESULTS: GGO were found in 46% of the IPAH patients: pGGO in 24% and cGGO in 22%. Independent predictors of pGGO were: positive history of haemoptysis, higher number of low-risk factors, and lower cardiac output. Independent predictors of cGGO were: positive history of haemoptysis, younger age, higher right atrial pressure, and higher mixed venous blood oxygen saturation. CGGO had a negative prognostic value for outcome in a 2-year perspective. This effect was not seen in the longer term, probably due to short survival of cGGO patients. CONCLUSIONS: Lung HRCT carries a significant independent prognostic information in IPAH, and in patients with cGGO present on the scans an early referral to lung transplantation centres should be considered.

Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis share commonalities in pathogenesis shifting haemostasis balance towards the procoagulant and antifibrinolytic activity. Several studies have suggested an increased risk of venous thromboembolism in IPF. The association between venous thromboembolism and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis has not been studied yet. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of IPF and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients diagnosed in single tertiary referral center between 2005 and 2018 was conducted. The incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism was evaluated. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism and survival among those with and without venous thromboembolism were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 411 (259 IPF and 152 chronic hypersensitivity) patients were included (mean age 66.7 ± 8.4 vs 51.0 ± 13.3 years, respectively). There were 12 (4.6%) incident cases of venous thromboembolism in IPF and 5 (3.3%) in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis cohort. The relative risk (RR) of venous thromboembolism in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis was not significantly different to that found in patients with IPF (7.1 vs 11.8/1000 person-years, RR 1.661 95% CI 0.545-6.019, respectively). The treatment with systemic steroids (OR 5.38; 95% CI 1.65-18.8, p = 0.006) and GAP stage 3 (OR 7.85; 95% CI 1.49-34.9; p = 0.037) were significant risk factors for venous thromboembolism in IPF. Arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There were no significant differences in survival between patients with and without venous thromboembolism. CONCLUSIONS: The patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis have a marked increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism, similar to the patients with IPF. Venous thromboembolism does not affect the survival of patients with IPF and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in Severe SARS-CoV-2 Lung Disease.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), built from mitochondrial or nuclear DNA, proteinases, and histones, entrap and eliminate pathogens in the course of bacterial or viral infections. Neutrophils' activation and the formation of NETs have been described as major risk factors for acute lung injury, multi-organ damage, and mortality in COVID-19 disease. NETs-related lung injury involves both epithelial and endothelial cells, as well as the alveolar-capillary barrier. The markers for NETs formation, such as circulating DNA, neutrophil elastase (NE) activity, or myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes, were found in lung specimens of COVID-19 victims, as well as in sera and tracheal aspirates obtained from COVID-19 patients. DNA threads form large conglomerates causing local obstruction of the small bronchi and together with NE are responsible for overproduction of mucin by epithelial cells. Various components of NETs are involved in the pathogenesis of cytokine storm in SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary disease. NETs are responsible for the interplay between inflammation and thrombosis in the affected lungs. The immunothrombosis, stimulated by NETs, has a poor prognostic significance. Better understanding of the role of NETs in the course of COVID-19 can help to develop novel approaches to the therapeutic interventions in this condition.

Intrapericardial recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in purulent pericarditis- case series.

BACKGROUND: Pericardial constriction is one of the complications of purulent pericarditis (PP). Most difficult to treat, which may develop both in early and in the late period of the disease, resulting in a very poor prognosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We present case series of 4 patients with purulent pericarditis, in whom direct intrapericardial administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) was used. Management of PP requires a combined surgical and medical approach. The most important is complete drainage of the effusion by subxiphoid pericardiotomy connected with complementary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Despite the use of broad- spectrum antibiotics, in some patients a large volume of daily drainage is still present. Constrictive pericarditis as a complication of PP is observed in majority of patients. Intrapericardial administration of fibrinolytic agents, although not strongly recommended, can improve efficacy of antibiotic treatment especially in patients with loculation fluid and can prevent the development of constrictive pericarditis. r-tPA was applied at a dose of 20 mg dissolved in 100 ml of normal saline in a 100 ml syringe, administered by a large pericardial drain (Pezzer drain) installed into the pericardial cavity during pericardioscopy. The tube was closed and re-opened after 24 h. No serious complications, such as bleeding, allergy or hypotension, were noted. CONCLUSION: We present case series of 4 patients with purulent pericarditis, in whom direct intrapericardial administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA), prevented the development of constrictive pericarditis, and increased efficacy of antibiotic treatment without any significant complications.

Can a New Scoring System Improve Prediction of Pulmonary Hypertension in Newly Recognised Interstitial Lung Diseases?

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a well-recognised complication of interstitial lung diseases (ILD), which worsens prognosis and impairs exercise capacity. Echocardiography is the most widely used, non-invasive method for PH assessment. The aim of our study was to identify the factors predictive for echocardiographic signs of PH in newly recognised ILD patients. METHODS: Ninety-three consecutive patients (28F/65M) with different ILD were prospectively evaluated from January 2009 to March 2014. Pulmonary function testing, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), initial and sixth minute room air oxygen saturation, NT-proBNP and echocardiography were assessed in each patient. Echocardiographic PH probability was determined according to the 2009 ESC/ERS guidelines. RESULTS: In 41 patients (Group B) increased PH possibility has been diagnosed on echocardiography, in 52 patients (Group A)-low PH probability. Most pronounced differences (p ≤ 0.0005) between groups B and A concerned: age, 6MWD, room air oxygen saturation at 6 min, DLCO and TLC/DLCO index (57.6 vs 43.8 years; 478 vs 583 m; 89.1% vs 93.4%; 54.8% predicted vs 70.5% predicted and 1.86 vs 1.44; respectively). Univariate analysis showed four-fold increased probability of PH when TLC/DLCO exceeded 1.67. A scoring system incorporating age, TLC/DLCO index, 6MWD and room air oxygen saturation at 6 min provided high diagnostic utility, AUC 0.867 (95% CI 0.792-0.867). CONCLUSION: ILD patients with TLC/DLCO index > 1.67 have a high likelihood of PH and should undergo further evaluation. The composite model of PH prediction, including age, 6-min walk test and TLC/DLCO was highly specific for recognition of PH on echocardiography.

Correlation of bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocyte count with the extent of lung fibrosis and with plethysmographic lung volumes in patients with newly recognized hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

INTRODUCTION: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an increasingly recognized interstitial lung disease, presenting with elevated total cell counts and high percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Despite many publications, there is no consensus in the literature concerning BALF cellular composition in patients with prolonged course of HP. AIM: The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the influence of disease duration, smoking habits, and the extent of lung fibrosis on BALF cells' population in patients with newly recognized HP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 94 patients (49 females, 45 males), mean age 52 (±12) years, with HP recognized according to recently proposed criteria, were enrolled into the present study. Chest CT scans were retrospectively reviewed by two independent radiologists. BALF evaluation was performed as a part of routine diagnostics according to recent recommendations. RESULTS: Percentage of lymphocytes in BALF was significantly lower in patients with lung fibrosis (stage 1 and 2) comparing to those without lung fibrosis (stage 0). Significant correlation was also found between the percentage of BALF lymphocytes and plethysmographic lung volumes, but not with lung transfer capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO% pred). Smoking did not influence BALF results in our study group. CONCLUSIONS: BALF lymphocytosis correlated with the presence and the extent of lung fibrosis on chest CT as well as with plethysmographic lung volumes but did not with TLCO and smoking habits in newly recognized HP pneumonitis.

The value of serum precipitins against specific antigens in patients diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis - retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is the third most common interstitial lung disease, and is often under-recognized, especially in patients who are not aware of their occupational or environmental contact with organic antigens. The aim of the present study was to assess the results of serum specific IgG antibodies (ssIgG) in HP patients and their correlation with clinical data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 128 HP patients, median age 53 years, participated in the study. The control group consisted of 102 patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) other than HP. Assessment of pretreatment ssIgG to thermophilic actinomycetes and protein antigens from bird droppings (pigeons, hens, ducks, parrots, turkeys) was performed by double diffusion in agar gel according to Ouchterlony method. RESULTS: Positive precipitins were obtained in 57% of all HP patients and in 61% of those exposed to above mentioned antigens. Positive results in the control group were obtained in 7% of patients. Sensitivity of ssIgG in HP group was 0.57 and specificity 0.93. Precipitins to at least one bird antigen was confirmed in 64% of HP patients exposed to birds. Precipitins to thermophilic bacteria were found in 29% of HP patients exposed to hay or hay products. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that ssIgG against birds' allergens were the valuable diagnostic tool in HP patients. Low-rate of confirmation of ssIgG to thermophilic bacteria in patients exposed to hay or hay products indicate that other microorganisms, most likely molds, could be responsible for the disease development.

[Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Diagnostic criteria, treatment, prognosis and prevention]. / Alergiczne zapalenie pecherzyków plucnych - kryteria rozpoznania, leczenie, rokowanie i zapobieganie.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is caused by inhalation of environmental antigens. Farmers and bird keepers are most frequently affected by this desease. The HP diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms (cough, dyspnea) in a person exposed to environmental antigens, and the presence of characteristic changes in high resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) (bilateral, mosaic, ground glass opacities in the middle and lower lung zones, ill-defined centrilobular nodules and the sign of air-trapping on expiration). This type of HRCT pattern is most frequently found in the patients with subacute HP. Bronchioloalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) examination is helpful in establishing the HP diagnosis, when the increased total number of cells, with the predominance of T lymphocytes (> 50%), and the increased number of neutrophils (> 3%) and mastocytes (> 1%) are found. The presence of specific serum precipitins increases the likelihood of HP. In case of atypical clinical presentation, lung biopsy is recommended. The diagnostic criterion of HP is the presence of ill-defined non-necrotising granulomas, after excluding other granulomatous lung diseases. The prevention and treatment of HP is based on the elimination of the antigen from the environment. Corticosteroids may contribute to the improvement in the acute and sub-acute form of the disease but their long term effectiveness is uncertain. The prognosis of HP patients is generally perceived as good, especially in those patients in whom antigen avoidance is possible. Nevertheless, in some patients progressive pulmonary fibrosis and development of severe respiratory insufficiency is observed. Med Pr 2016;67(4):517-527.

What factors may influence epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Poland and in the world?

The authors present the review of factors influencing epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Poland and in the world. The groups of increased risk of tuberculosis, and clinical conditions predisposing to activation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) such as HIV, uremia, diabetes mellitus, transplantation of organs, treatment with glucocorticosteroids and with antibodies to TNF and to its receptors, were presented. The higher prevalence and worse prognosis of tuberculosis in elderly people was emphasised. The methods of LTBI recognition, according to recent recommendations, with special consideration to patients in immunosupression, were shown. Methods of treatment to prevent LTBI activation, according to WHO experts, were also presented. All data were discussed in relation to the actual epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Poland.

Centrilobular nodules in high resolution computed tomography of the lung in IPAH patients - preliminary data concerning clinico-radiological correlates.

INTRODUCTION: Inhomogeneity of lung attenuation pattern is observed in high resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) in some IPAH patients despite lack of interstitial lung disease. Such radiological changes are described either as ill-defined centrilobular nodules (CN) or as focal ground glass opacities (FGGO). There is no consensus in the literature, whether they indicate the distinct type of IPAH, or pulmonary venoocclusive disease (PVOD) with subtle radiological changes. Thus the aim of the present pilot study was to assess the frequency and clinical significance of inhomogenic lung attenuation pattern in IPAH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 52 IPAH patients (38 females, 14 males, mean age 41 years ± 15 years), entered the study. All available chest CT scans were reviewed retrospectively by the experienced radiologist, not aware about the clinical data of the patients. RESULTS: CN were found in 10 patients (19%), FGGO - in 12 patients (23%). No lymphadenopathy or interlobular septal thickening suggestive of PVOD were found. The significant differences between CN and the remaining patients included: lower mean age - 31 and 43.5 years, (p = 0.02), lack of persistent foramen ovale (PFO) - 0% and 43% (p = 0.03), and higher mean right atrial pressure (mRAP) - 12.5 mm Hg and 7.94 mm Hg (p = 0.01). No significant survival differences were observed between the groups of CN, FGGO and the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Centrilobular nodules in IPAH were combined with lack of PFO, higher mRAP and younger age of patients.

Low DLCO in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension - clinical correlates and prognostic significance.

INTRODUCTION: Decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is observed in some idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients, but its clinical significance is uncertain. We aimed to assess clinical correlates and prognostic significance of low DLCO in IPAH patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the group of 65 IPAH patients the cut off value for low DLCO was set up based on histogram as < 55% of predicted value. Demographic data, exercise capacity, lung function tests, hemodynamic parameters and survival of the patients were compared depending on DLCO value. RESULTS: Low DLCO was found in 18% of the patients, and it was associated with male sex, older age, worse functional status and exercise capacity, and higher prevalence of coronary artery disease. Low DLCO carried a 4-fold increase of death risk in 5-year perspective. CONCLUSIONS: Low DLCO was a marker of worse functional capacity and increased risk of death in studied IPAH patients.

Pulmonary hypertension in the course of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases - state of art and future considerations.

Lung diseases are one of the most frequent causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The development of PH influences the course of lung disease, worsening the clinical symptoms and prognosis. According to the most recent publications, PH in the course of lung diseases develops as a result of both "parenchymal" and vascular pathology, in the patients with genetic predisposition. Prolonged infection (especially viral one) may be an additional promoting factor. Right heart catheterization (RHC), which is an invasive procedure, is the only objective method of diagnosing PH. According to the latest recommendations, the management algorithm of PH and coexisting interstitial lung disease is based on RHC and the results of pulmonary function tests. Majority of the patients develop mild PH in the course of advanced lung disease. Best treatment of underlying lung pathology combined with long term oxygen treatment is recommended in this group. In case of severe PH (mean resting pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥ 35 mm Hg) the alternate cause of PH has to be sought. PAH-specific drugs use should be limited to patients with severe PH participating in clinical trials. In this review, the value of various non-invasive methods (echocardiography, radiological examination, exercise capacity and brain natriuretic peptides assessment) in the process of screening for PH is presented, and the results of recent randomized clinical trials with PAH-specific drugs in patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases are discussed.

Non-high risk PE in the patients with acute or exacerbated respiratory disease: the value of the algorithm based on D-dimer evaluation and Revised Geneva Score.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic algorithm of non-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is based on probability scoring systems and plasma D-dimer (DD) assessment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of Revised Geneva Scoring (RGS) and DD testing for the excluding of non-high risk PE, in the patients admitted to the hospital due to acute respiratory diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The consecutive patients, above 18 years of age, referred to the department of lung diseases, entered the study. The exclusion criteria were: the pregnancy and the suspicion of high risk PE. Plasma DD was measured with quick ELISA test, VIDAS D-dimer New, bioMerieux, France. Multislice computed tomography angiography was performed in all of the patients. RESULTS: 153 patients, median age 65 (19-88) years entered the study. The probability of PE was: low - in 58 patients (38%), intermediate - in 90 (59%), high - in 5 (3%). DD < 500 ng/ml was found in 12% of patients with low and intermediate probability of PE. PE was recognized in 10 out of 153 patients (7%). None of the patients with DD < 500 ng/ml was diagnosed with PE (NPV 100%). Median DD value was significantly higher in PE patients comparing to non-PE (4500 ng/ml and 1356 ng/ml respectively, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: In the group of the patients with acute respiratory symptoms, low or intermediate clinical probability scoring combined with normal DD had a high NPV in excluding PE. Nevertheless, such approach was not very effective, as the increased DD was noted in 88% of the examined population.

Prognostic value of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokeratin 19 fragments (Cyfra 21-1) but not carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in surgically treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic value of cytokeratin 19 fragments (Cyfra 21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in surgically treated NSCLC patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 NSCLC patients (25 adenocarcinoma, 21 squamous cell and 4 adenosquamous), clinical stages I and II, age 42-89 years, entered the study. CEA, Cyfra 21-1 and CRP concentrations were measured in serum taken before surgery, CEA and Cyfra 21-1 in 50 patients, CRP - in 46 patients. The survival was calculated from the date of surgical treatment until death or until the end of the observation time. The results were expressed as medians (95%CI). RESULTS: Cyfra 21-1 concentration was 2.1 (0.7-14.5) ng/mL. Survival time in the patients with Cyfra 21-1 ≤ 2 ng/mL, and > 2 ng/ /mL was 79 (14.85-88.2) and 29 (5.7-87.6) months, (p < 0.026). CEA concentration was 2.68 (0.87-72.7) ng/mL, significantly higher in adenocarcinoma than in squamous cell lung cancer - 4.38 ng/mL (1.67-41.35) vs. 2.2 ng/mL (1.0-6.1), p = 0.002. CRP concentration was 5.45 (0-122.6) mg/L. Significant dependence was found between CRP and pathological tumour size (pT). Median CRP values in pT1, pT2 and pT3+4 tumours were: 2.8 mg/L, 6.9 mg/L and 23.5 mg/L, respectively. Survival time of the patients with CRP ≤ 10 mg/L and CRP > 10 mg/L was 79 (14.85-88.2) and 29.5 (5.7-87.6) months, respectively (p = 0.045). CRP > 10 mg/L and Cyfra 21-1 > 2 ng/mL were the only significant preoperative prognostic indicators (HR 2.08 and 2.04, respectively). Among the postoperative parameters, pathological stage of disease (p-stage) and pT were the significant prognostic indicators (HR 2.1 and 2.42, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, concerning surgically treated NSCLC patients, preoperative CRP > 10 mg/L and Cyfra 21-1 > 2 ng/mL were the only negative prognostic indicators, while pT and p-stage were significant postoperative prognostic indicators.

Pulmonary pathology in patients with ulcerative colitis treated with mesalazine--a challenging and complex diagnostic problem. Case series and literature review.

Pulmonary involvement in the course of inflammatory bowel disease has been a subject of interest to clinicians for long time, but despite this, its epidemiology and potential pathomechanisms remain obscured. Equally unclear is the role of medications used for bowel disease treatment in lung disease development. We present three patients with ulcerative colitis, all treated with mesalazine, in whom unexplained lung disease developed. Due to different clinical and radiological presentation, different conditions were initially placed on the top of the differential list in each of them. The outcome was favourable in all patients despite differences in management. We compared our patients with similar cases from literature. We show the level of difficulty and complexity in the issue of lung disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NT MLD ) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung diseases (NTMLD) occur rarely and are diagnosed mainly in patients belonging to risk groups. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not been recognised as a risk factor for NTMLD yet. The aim of the study was to analyse the clinical course and predisposing factors of NTMLD recognised in our centre between 2002 and 2012 in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients (10 - CTEPH, 3 - IPAH) entered the study. PH was recognised during right heart catheterisation. Median value of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 49 mm Hg (39-65 mm Hg). NTMLD was diagnosed according to ATS guidelines (2007). RESULTS: M. kansasii was the most frequent pathogen. Most patients complained of the exaggeration of dyspnoea and productive cough. Computed tomography of the chest with angiography revealed infiltrations with cavitation in seven patients and cavities surrounded by micronodules in six patients. In all CTEPH patients, NTMLD developed in the hypoperfused lung areas. No parenchymal abnormalities preceded the development of NTMLD. After diagnosis all of the patients received antituberculous treatment; in 12/13 improvement was achieved. By the end of March 2014 seven patients died due to right heart insufficiency, no deaths due to NTMLD were noted. CONCLUSIONS: NTMLD should be suspected in patients with CTEPH or IPAH, presenting with productive cough and a new pulmonary infiltrate with cavitation. In patients with CTEPH, special attention should be paid to a new cavitary lesions without accompanying thrombus in the artery supplying the area. High mPAP (CTEPH/IPAH) and hypoperfusion (CTEPH) are predisposing to NTMLD.

Lung Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Late Sequelae of COVID-19 Pneumonia-A Comparison with Chest Computed Tomography: A Prospective Study.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic allowed physicians to gain experience in lung ultrasound (LUS) during the acute phase of the disease. However, limited data are available on LUS findings during the recovery phase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of LUS to assess lung involvement in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. This study prospectively enrolled 72 patients who underwent paired LUS and chest CT scans (112 pairs including follow-up). The most frequent CT findings were ground glass opacities (83.3%), subpleural lines (72.2%), traction bronchiectasis (37.5%), and consolidations (31.9%). LUS revealed irregular pleural lines as a common abnormality initially (56.9%), along with subpleural consolidation >2.5 mm ≤10 mm (26.5%) and B-lines (26.5%). A strong correlation was found between LUS score, calculated by artificial intelligence percentage involvement in ground glass opacities described in CT (r = 0.702, p < 0.05). LUS score was significantly higher in the group with fibrotic changes compared to the non-fibrotic group with a mean value of 19.4 ± 5.7 to 11 ± 6.6, respectively (p < 0.0001). LUS might be considered valuable for examining patients with persistent symptoms after recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Abnormalities identified through LUS align with CT scan findings; thus, LUS might potentially reduce the need for frequent chest CT examinations.