Mediastinal Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection in Children: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinal infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria remain an exceedingly rare entity. Most cases in the published literature do not include pediatric patients. Due to their clinical infrequency, poor response to antimicrobial therapy and often precarious anatomical location, the optimal management of these lesions can be challenging. METHODS: Retrospective medical record review of 4 pediatric cases of mediastinal nontuberculous mycobacteria infection was undertaken. Each child presented with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, including significant acute airway obstruction and required a range of investigations to confirm the diagnosis. Nonresponsiveness to conservative measures and antimycobacterial therapy ultimately resulted in surgical intervention to obtain clinical improvement. RESULTS: All 4 children had extensive evaluation and multidisciplinary involvement in otolaryngology, respiratory medicine, pediatric surgery, infectious diseases and cardiothoracic surgery. They all eventually had their disease debulked via thoracotomy in addition to prolonged antimycobacterial therapy, with successful clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Mediastinal nontuberculous mycobacteria infections in the pediatric population are rare and diagnostically challenging. A high clinical suspicion should be maintained, and multidisciplinary input sought. Targeted surgery with adjuvant medical therapy can reduce disease burden with minimal long-term morbidity.

Benign Broncho-esophageal Fistula Presenting as Unresolved Pneumonia.

Benign acquired broncho-esophageal fistula (BEF) in adults is a very rare entity and has not been reported properly in the literature, compared to malignant BEF. Nonetheless, infection has predisposed most of the reported benign acquired BEF cases. We report here a case of tuberculous BEF, in a patient with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). He presented with recurrent chest infections, and choking. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy showed BEF due to tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and the patient was managed by surgery successfully. He was prepared for surgery for one month by nutritional support and anti-tuberculous treatment.

The role of flexible bronchoscopy in lung tuberculosis mimicking mediastinal mass in an Infant: A rare case report.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a systemic disease that can affect all parts in the body. The clinical manifestations sometimes mislead to other diagnoses. Mediastinal mass-like of TB in children is a rare manifestation. A 5-month-old boy presented to our hospital with respiratory distress, fever for 2 months, body weight loss, cough, and history of recurrent pneumonia. The lung sound decreased on the right hemithorax. Lung computed tomography revealed multiple irregular cysts with thick walls on the anterosuperior mediastinal area, consolidation on the right lobe, and suspected gangrenous lung disease. The right main bronchus stenosis with cheesy-like vegetation was found on flexible bronchoscopy procedure. Xpert/MTB RIF from bronchoalveolar lavage revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis and sensitive to rifampicin. Anti-TB drugs were given for 12 months. He has clinical and radiological improvement. We must increase the awareness of TB disease in case of mediastinal mass-like appearance in the high-endemic area. The flexible bronchoscopy plays an important role in diagnostic purpose.

Invasive mediastinal aspergillosis presenting as superior vena cava syndrome in an immunocompetent patient.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a disease of the immunocompromised with a predilection for the lungs, although dissemination to all organs is possible. Its diagnosis remains a challenge due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. In most cases, diagnosis is eventually made via invasive methods. It carries with it a high mortality due to late diagnosis and delayed treatment. Here, we report a fascinating case of a young, otherwise healthy, immunocompetent patient that presented to us with superior vena cava syndrome and a mediastinal mass. It was anticipated that a malignancy would be found on further workup but, in fact, what was eventually discovered was a case of IA. Our report accentuates the significance of including IA as a differential while diagnosing a mediastinal mass in an immunocompetent host as patient outcome is determined by timely diagnosis and treatment.

Risks and benefits in treatment of mediastinal abscess by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.

INTRODUCTION: Mediastinal abscess is a fatal condition, treatment of mediastinal abscess is with antibiotics and sometimes surgery for debridement and drainage. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a safe assessment and candidate treatment method of mediastinal lesions. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to HYPERLINK "javascript:void(0);" discuss risks and benefits in treatment of mediastinal abscess by EBUS-TBNA. METHODS: We noticed a 56-year-old man with developed bilateral pneumonia and sepsis after puncture of mediastinal abscess by EBUS-TBNA. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of systemic anti-infection treatment and intracavitary administration of antibiotics, antifungal and repeated drainage and lavage via EBUS-TBNA, in 1 year follow-up without recurrence. RESULTS: This study indicated infection spread risk of mediastinal abscess after EBUS-TBNA, and mediastinal abscess was successfully cured by combination of systemic anti-infection and local intervention through EBUS-TBNA. CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBNA is a potential effective minimally invasive treatment for mediastinal abscess, and it is necessary to be aware of clinical complications after puncture of mediastinal infectious lesions by EBUS-TBNA.

The diagnostic accuracy of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis

Background/aim: Mediastinal lymph nodes are the second most commonly affected lymph nodes in tuberculous lymphadenitis. It is often difficult to diagnose tuberculosis in patients with lymphadenopathy without parenchymal lesions. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in patients with isolated mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis (MTLA). Materials and methods: This study included 527 patients who had undergone EBUS-TBNA between December 2012 and December 2014. Patients with the final diagnosis of MTLA were evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of EBUS-TBNA were calculated.Results: The prevalence of MTLA in all patients who had undergone EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal lymphadenopathy of unknown etiology was 5.2% (28/527). EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 21/28 (75%) patients, and the remaining 7 patients required additional procedures for confirmation of diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of combined cytopathological and microbiological examinations of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of MTLA were 87.5%, 98.5%, 91.4%, 98%, and 94.4%, respectively. There were no major complications.Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA is a safe and effective procedure for the diagnosis of MTLA. When microbiological and cytopathological examinations of samples are combined, EBUS-TBNA demonstrates good diagnostic accuracy and NPV for the diagnosis of MTLA.

[A case of mediastinum actinomycosis by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans]. / Un cas d'actinomycose médiastinale à Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

The actinomycosis is a suppurative infection due to an anaerobic and microaerophillic bacteria called actinomyces. Only few case reports are described for the mediastinal locations of this rare entity. We report a new case of inflammatory pseudotumor in the mediastinum due to Aggregatibacte actinomycetemcomitans revealed by hemoptysis. The mediastinoscopy procedure with biopsy was needed to confirm the definitive bacteriological diagnosis by a positive culture. During the postoperative course, a cutaneous fistula was found which had a favourable evolution after appropriate antibiotherapy. Through this case report, the authors insist upon the importance of considering the diagnosis of mediastinal actinomycosis when facing non-specfic mediastinal mass symptoms and also about the interest of systematic bacterioscopic examination and histopathologic examination on nodes' biopsies to avoid to be lost on pathology of mediastinal tumor or tuberculosis. In practise, we caution the non-expert during biopsies because of this lesion's invasive characteristic especially in the confined space of the mediastinum.

"Cryptic" mediastinal tuberculosis with myasthenia-thymoma complex.

Mediastinal tuberculosis, although common in endemic areas, is rare in association with myasthenia-thymoma complex. Immunosuppressive therapy for myasthenia with thymoma might increase the susceptibility for mediastinal tuberculosis. Previous reports suggest aggravation of myasthenic symptoms with this association. This rare combination of pathologies adds to the diagnostic dilemma of the surgeon. Further research is warranted in the management aspects of this combination as regards to the timing of radiotherapy, weaning of immunosuppression and anti-tubercular therapy after maximal thymectomy. This case report emphasises the possibility of mediastinal tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis for mediastinal lymphadenopathy in the setting of a preoperative diagnosis of invasive thymoma.

A Case of a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Retropharyngeal Abscess With Mediastinal Extension in an 11-Month-Old Girl.

We present the case of an 11-month-old girl with Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated pneumonia who was subsequently diagnosed with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus retropharyngeal abscess with mediastinal extension.

Complications of Convex-Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Infrequent serious complications of convex-probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess serious complications related to convex-probe EBUS-TBNA and to determine the complication rate in a large group of subjects. METHODS: In this retrospective study, a 15-item questionnaire on features of cases with EBUS-TBNA complications was sent to experienced bronchoscopists performing convex-probe EBUS-TBNA at 3 pulmonary centers. The medical records were then reviewed by these bronchoscopists to complete the questionnaire. Hemorrhage responsive to topical treatment, temporary laryngospasm/bronchospasm, transient oxygen desaturation, and fever lasting <24 h were excluded. Only complications requiring further treatment/intervention were considered serious. The rate of serious complications was calculated from the obtained data. RESULTS: In a total of 3,123 cases within a 5-y period, EBUS-TBNA was performed for staging lung cancer in 15.8%, diagnosis in 67.5%, and diagnosis and staging in 16.3%. Of the 3,123, 11.6% had parenchymal lesions adjacent to major airways. EBUS-TBNA was performed 11,753 times (3.76/case) at 6,115 lymph node stations and lesions (1.92/station or lesion). Five serious complications were recorded (0.16%): fever lasting >24 h, infection of bronchogenic cyst, mediastinal abscess, pericarditis, and pneumomediastinitis with empyema, each in one case. Four complications occurred in cases diagnosed with benign disease by EBUS-TBNA. All complications were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Four subjects were hospitalized for 21.7 ± 20.7 d. CONCLUSIONS: Convex-probe EBUS-TBNA is a safe method in general. However, serious complications, including infections, can be encountered rarely. All precautions should be taken for complications before and during the procedure.

Histoplasmosis: Up-to-Date Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosis and Management.

Histoplasmosis is the most common endemic mycosis in the North America, Central America, and many countries of South America and also occurs in China, India, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Clinical syndromes are not specific and histoplasmosis often is overlooked in the evaluation of patients with community-acquired pneumonia, chronic cavitary pneumonia resembling tuberculosis or anaerobic infection, granulomatous inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis or Crohn disease, and malignancy. The diagnosis depends on understanding the geographic distribution, common clinical presentations, and tests used for diagnosis of histoplasmosis. While histoplasmosis resolves without treatment in most patients, treatment is indicated in all immunocompromised patients and those with progressive disseminated disease or chronic pulmonary disease. Treatment is appropriate in most patients with acute pulmonary disease but rarely in those with other pulmonary or mediastinal manifestations. The preferred agents include liposomal amphotericin B for more severe cases and itraconazole for milder cases and "step-down" therapy following response to amphotericin B.

Bronchomediastinal fistula caused by endobronchial aspergilloma.

RATIONALE: Endobronchial aspergilloma is a rare condition affecting immunocompromised patients. We present three cases resulting in airway fistulae. CASE PRESENTATIONS: A 68-year-old male with orthotopic heart transplantation presented with fatigue, cough, and dyspnea. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest and bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial right mainstem mass and airway fistula to the mediastinum. The mass was debrided and biopsy showed Aspergillus fumigatus. He was treated with antifungals and recovered. A 52-year-old male with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome presented with cough, dyspnea, and hypoxemia. Chest CT showed a bronchus intermedius mass and fistula to the mediastinum. Bronchoscopy revealed a necrotic endobronchial mass and pseudomembranes and confirmed the presence of a fistula. The mass was resected bronchoscopically and Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated. He was treated with antifungals and the fistula healed. A 63-year-old male with chronic lymphoid leukemia was admitted for dyspnea, cough, weakness, and dysphagia. Chest CT and bronchoscopy showed a mass causing obstruction of the subglottic trachea and a fistula to the mediastinum. Biopsy showed Aspergillus fumigatus and he was treated with antifungals. The sinus healed but the patient died of leukemia. MAIN RESULTS: Risk factors for airway aspergilloma include immune deficiency, mucosal damage, and ischemia. We report airway fistula formation as a complication of this infection, which has not been previously emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: Endobronchial aspergillomas may form fistulae to the mediastinum. Aggressive treatment with antifungals and bronchoscopic interventions are required.

Performance of Xpert MTB/RIF in the diagnosis of tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy by endobronchial ultrasound.

RATIONALE: The Xpert (GeneXpert) MTB/RIF, an integrated polymerase chain reaction assay, has not been systematically studied in extrapulmonary and in particular mediastinal tuberculosis (TB). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF in the diagnosis of intrathoracic nodal TB in a large tertiary urban medical center in the UK. METHODS: We collected clinical, cytological, and microbiological data from two cohorts: 116 consecutive patients referred with mediastinal lymphadenopathy with detailed diagnostic information obtained, and an immediately subsequent second cohort of 52 consecutive patients with microbiologically confirmed mediastinal TB lymphadenopathy. All data were derived between January 2010 and October 2012. All patients underwent endobronchial ultrasound and transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). The performance of a single Xpert MTB/RIF assay alongside standard investigations, cytology, and microscopy/culture was evaluated against culture-confirmed TB. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Microbiologically confirmed TB mediastinal lymphadenopathy was diagnosed in a total of 88 patients from both cohorts. Three culture-negative cases with associated caseating granulomatous inflammation on TBNA were given a probable diagnosis. A single Xpert MTB/RIF assay demonstrated overall sensitivity for culture-positive TB of 72.6% (62.3-81.0%). Xpert specificity from cohort 1 was 96.3% (89.1-99.1%). The positive predictive value was 88.9% (69.7-97.1%), negative predictive value was 86.5% (76.9-92.1%), and odds ratio was 51.3 (24.0-98.0) for correctly identifying culture-positive disease. Xpert captured all microscopy-positive cases (14 of 14) and the majority of microscopy-negative cases (48 of 71, 67.6%). Among the cases that were culture positive by TBNA, Xpert identified two-thirds of the multiple drug-resistant TB cases, leading to immediate regimen change up to 5 weeks ahead of positive cultures. The use of Xpert combined with cytology increased the sensitivity to 96.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Xpert MTB/RIF provides a rapid, useful, and accurate test to diagnose mediastinal nodal TB in intermediate-incidence settings. The additional use of TBNA cytology further enhances the sensitivity of Xpert. This combination can facilitate rapid risk assessment and prompt TB treatment.

Closed suction drainage for deep neck infections.

PURPOSE: There have been various incision and drainage methods for deep neck infection (DNI). Closed-suction drainage (CSD) has been used to decrease hematoma or to drain pus in other forms of medical surgery. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the usefulness of CSD for DNI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 30 patients who underwent CSD after incision and drainage for DNI between January 2006 and December 2011. The patients' demographics, systemic diseases, methods of airway control, involved spaces, incision, CSD results, duration of hospitalization, and complications were investigated. RESULTS: CSD was used to treat 30 DNI patients. Eleven patients (37%) had underlying systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hepatitis, asthma, etc. Twenty four patients (80%) had odontogenic infections in the mandibular molar region. Tracheostomy was performed in 5 patients (17%). The involved spaces were various from parapharyngeal space to mediastinum (mean: 4.8 spaces), and CSD was applied with drainage lines (mean: 3; 2-7 drains) over the course of 4-37 days (mean 14.6 days). The total amount of drained pus was 8-1344 cc (mean: 406 cc) and the daily amount was 1-61 cc (mean: 28 cc) from each patient. The mean length of hospital stay was 26 days, with a range of 9-83 days. Wound rupture happened in 7% of 56 total incision sites and spontaneous removal of the drain tube occurred in 3% of 91 total tubes. Four patients died because of cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema, and hypoxia. A statistical significance was accepted about total and daily amount of drainage at Pearson's correlation test (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Accurate diagnosis, safe airway management, and early surgical drainage were important in DNI treatment. Compared to other drainage systems, CSD is clinically useful for treating DNI due to minimal incision, convenience of post-operative management, and less postoperative complications.