Role of Flexible Bronchoscopy using Biopsy Forceps as the Initial Attempt for Headscarf Pin Aspiration Extraction.

Introduction: Flexible bronchoscopy is a less invasive procedure for extracting foreign bodies from the airways. However, studies on the extraction of headscarf pins are still very limited to determine the efficacy and safety of headscarf pin extraction using flexible bronchoscopy with biopsy forceps. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, on patients who had been treated in this hospital for headscarf pin extraction between January 2013 and February 2023. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed under general anaesthesia. The pin was removed using Radial Jaw 4 mm single-use pulmonary biopsy forceps. The impacted sharp tip of the pin was freed first, and the proximal part of the pin body was gripped using biopsy forceps. Once a firm hold of the sharp end or the proximal part of the pin was secured, the bronchoscope and forceps were both slowly withdrawn under direct vision. Results: Thirty-two cases with headscarf pin aspiration were managed by fibreoptic bronchoscopy. A total of 12 patients (37.5%) came without any respiratory complaints; however, an equal number complained of cough and 6 cases (18.7%) of haemoptysis. All the cases in which the pins were visible in the airway were found with the round head down and the sharp tip oriented superiorly in the airway and impacted in the mucosa. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy extraction succeeded in 31 cases (96.8%). Only one case was converted to surgery. There were no major complications. Conclusion: Fibreoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy forceps under general anaesthesia is safe and effective for the removal of headscarf pin aspiration.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 antibody response after Moderna vaccine booster on healthcare providers.

INTRODUCTION: As an endeavor to control SARS-CoV-2 infection, the Moderna vaccine booster was given to healthcare workers to prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of complications from COVID-19. A heterologous booster vaccine is also thought to provide better protection against the current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. However, research that evaluates the effectiveness of the Moderna vaccine booster and the resulting SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentration is needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after the Moderna vaccine booster and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection before and after the Moderna vaccine booster. RESULTS: A total of 93 healthcare providers who received Moderna vaccine booster were included in the study. Examination of antibody concentration 3 months after the booster showed an average concentration of 10081.65 U/mL. There was an increase in antibody concentration before the booster and 3 months after, from a median of 1.7 U/mL to 9540 U/mL. Every subject showed a statistically significant increment of antibody concentration 3 months after the booster (p < 0.01). Thirty-seven (39.8%) subjects received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine and were confirmed to have COVID-19 with the Delta variant. After the booster, 26 (28%) subjects were infected with the Omicron Variant. Among the subjects who received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine and were confirmed with COVID-19, 36 (30.1%) had mild symptoms, and 1 (1.1%) was asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Heterologous Moderna vaccine booster effectively increases antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 variants and shows mild symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

Video-assisted surgical diagnosis and pleural adhesion management in catamenial pneumothorax: A case and literature review.

Catamenial pneumothorax is a rare primary spontaneous pneumothorax associated with the menstrual phase and is the most common manifestation of thoracic endometriosis syndrome. We report a case of a 32-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis who presented to the emergency ward with a chief complaint of dyspnea and right-sided chest pain, and a chest X-ray showed a right pneumothorax. Initial management was by placing a chest tube to expand the right lung. The patient underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopy and talc pleurodesis, during which we found multiple perforations in the tendinous part of the diaphragm. A partial resection of the tendinous part of the diaphragm was done. Our review indicated that primary spontaneous pneumothorax in women should be suspected as catamenial pneumothorax due to thoracic endometriosis. The gold standard procedure for diagnosis and treatment is surgery. Hormonal therapy is an effective choice to prevent and reduce post-operative recurrence.

Bronchoscopy Laser and Silicone Y-Stents as Emergency Airway Management in Central Airway Stenosis Due to Secondary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Total airway obstruction in thyroid cancer is rare and has high morbidity and mortality. Airway management in such cases is challenging, especially in cases in which thyroid masses cannot be totally resected. It is important to choose the appropriate airway treatment modality. Currently, therapeutic rigid bronchoscopy procedures and endoluminal lasers, as well as airway stent insertion, are a management modality of near-total malignant airway obstruction. We report a rigid bronchoscopy procedure combined with laser and Y-stent silicone insertion in thyroid cancer with extension infiltration, as well as compression in the trachea covering the subglottic tracheal area up to the main carina and tracheo-bronchomalacia, manifesting as acute respiratory failure.

Adenocarcinoma of the lung with positive epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in pregnancy.

Lung cancer during pregnancy is a rare condition. We report a case of 28-year-old nonsmoker female, who was admitted to our hospital with massive left pleural effusion in the 21st week of gestation. Chest radiograph showed total left hemithorax opacity with contralateral mediastinal deviation. Pleural biopsy and cytological examination of pleural fluid revealed adenocarcinoma invasion with positive epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status. Cesarean section was performed at 32 weeks of pregnancy, and targeted therapy was given to this patient after delivery. Computed tomography of the thorax showed a mass lesion in the left hemithorax with liver metastases. Unfortunately, the patient died 10 days after delivery.