The association of clinically relevant variables with chest radiograph lung disease burden quantified in real-time by radiologists upon initial presentation in individuals hospitalized with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to correlate lung disease burden on presentation chest radiographs (CXR), quantified at the time of study interpretation, with clinical presentation in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 5833 consecutive adult patients, aged 18 and older, hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 with a CXR quantified in real-time while hospitalized in 1 of 12 acute care hospitals across a multihospital integrated healthcare network between March 24, 2020, and May 22, 2020. Lung disease burden was quantified in real-time by 118 radiologists on 5833 CXR at the time of exam interpretation with each lung annotated by the degree of lung opacity as clear (0%), mild (1-33%), moderate (34-66%), or severe (67-100%). CXR findings were classified as (1) clear versus disease, (2) unilateral versus bilateral, (3) symmetric versus asymmetric, or (4) not severe versus severe. Lung disease burden was characterized on initial presentation by patient demographics, co-morbidities, vital signs, and lab results with chi-square used for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Patients with severe lung disease were more likely to have oxygen impairment, an elevated respiratory rate, low albumin, high lactate dehydrogenase, and high ferritin compared to non-severe lung disease. A lack of opacities in COVID-19 was associated with a low estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypernatremia, and hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 lung disease burden quantified in real-time on presentation CXR was characterized by demographics, comorbidities, emergency severity index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, vital signs, and lab results on 5833 patients. This novel approach to real-time quantified chest radiograph lung disease burden by radiologists needs further research to understand how this information can be incorporated to improve clinical care for pulmonary-related diseases.. An absence of opacities in COVID-19 may be associated with poor oral intake and a prerenal state as evidenced by the association of clear CXRs with a low eGFR, hypernatremia, and hypoglycemia.

Terapia de reemplazo renal continua. Presentación de un caso / Continuous renal replacement therapy. Case report

RESUMEN La insuficiencia renal aguda es definida como la pérdida de función del riñón ocasionada por diversas causas, entre ellas infección e ingesta de fármacos. Esta entidad tiene alta morbilidad y mortalidad en las unidades de cuidados críticos. El tratamiento de la misma va desde la propia protección renal hasta la sustitución artificial de las funciones del riñón lesionado. En la actualidad la terapia de reemplazo renal continua se ha utilizado como soporte renal, y ofrece mayor estabilidad clínica a los pacientes más inestables. En esta revisión se comentan conceptos, indicaciones y los más recientes estudios que validan el uso de esta terapéutica, así como el método de programación que se utilizó en un paciente con diagnóstico de una leptospirosis icterohemorrágica (síndrome de Weil), que estuvo en shock séptico con disfunción multiorgánica, donde se empleó esta terapia con resultados satisfactorios (AU).

ABSTRACT Acute kidney failure is defined as the loss of kidney function caused by various causes, including infection and drug intake. This entity has high morbidity and mortality in critical care units. Treatment ranges from renal protection to artificial replacement of the functions of the injured kidney. Currently, continuous renal replacement therapy has been used as renal support, and offers greater clinical stability to the most unstable patients. In this review, authors discuss concepts, indications and the most recent studies that validate the use of this therapeutic, as well as the programming method that was used in a patient with diagnosis of icteric-hemorrhagic leptospirosis (Weil syndrome), who was in septic shock with multiorgan dysfunction, where this therapy was used with satisfactory results (AU).

Natural Language Processing to Identify Pulmonary Nodules and Extract Nodule Characteristics From Radiology Reports.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for population-based studies on managing patients with pulmonary nodules. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is it possible to identify pulmonary nodules and associated characteristics using an automated method? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We revised and refined an existing natural language processing (NLP) algorithm to identify radiology transcripts with pulmonary nodules and greatly expanded its functionality to identify the characteristics of the largest nodule, when present, including size, lobe, laterality, attenuation, calcification, and edge. We compared NLP results with a reference standard of manual transcript review in a random test sample of 200 radiology transcripts. We applied the final automated method to a larger cohort of patients who underwent chest CT scan in an integrated health care system from 2006 to 2016, and described their demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: In the test sample, the NLP algorithm had very high sensitivity (98.6%; 95% CI, 95.0%-99.8%) and specificity (100%; 95% CI, 93.9%-100%) for identifying pulmonary nodules. For attenuation, edge, and calcification, the NLP algorithm achieved similar accuracies, and it correctly identified the diameter of the largest nodule in 135 of 141 cases (95.7%; 95% CI, 91.0%-98.4%). In the larger cohort, the NLP found 217,771 reports with nodules among 717,304 chest CT reports (30.4%). From 2006 to 2016, the number of reports with nodules increased by 150%, and the mean size of the largest nodule gradually decreased from 11 to 8.9 mm. Radiologists documented the laterality and lobe (90%-95%) more often than the attenuation, calcification, and edge characteristics (11%-14%). INTERPRETATION: The NLP algorithm identified pulmonary nodules and associated characteristics with high accuracy. In our community practice settings, the documentation of nodule characteristics is incomplete. Our results call for better documentation of nodule findings. The NLP algorithm can be used in population-based studies to identify pulmonary nodules, avoiding labor-intensive chart review.

The Role of Chest Radiograph, Procalcitonin and Moxifloxacin in Diagnosis and Management of Breast Cancer Patients with COVID-19.

Global widespread of current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged huge predicament to healthcare systems globally. This disease caused by a new beta-type coronavirus, known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), may lead to systemic multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and subsequently cause death due to abundant angiotensin converting enzyme 2 as its functional receptors throughout body. Oncology patients even have a worse prognosis with greater infection susceptibility because they are in a state of suppression of the systemic immune system due to malignancy and anticancer therapy. This problem makes adequate and appropriate treatment urgently needed. Through randomized clinical trials, various drugs were known to have good responses in COVID-19 patients. Here, we reported a-49-year-old-woman that was confirmed for COVID-19 by clinical manifestation, radiology profile, high procalcitonin concentration, and positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The patient also had breast and thyroid cancers history and had undergone various therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy, thyroid surgery, and breast surgery. She was undergoing hormone therapy but experiencing disease progression after achieving complete remission based on PET-CT scan 4 months before. The patient was treated with various antibiotics but showed a significant clinical improvement by administering moxifloxacin.

Chagas cardiomyopathy and heart failure: From epidemiology to treatment.

Chagas disease is among the neglected tropical diseases recognized by the World Health Organization that have received insufficient attention from governments and health agencies. Chagas disease is endemic in 21 Latin America regions. Due to globalization and increased migration, it has crossed borders and reached other regions including North America and Europe. The clinical presentation of the disease is highly variable, from general symptoms to severe cardiac involvement that can culminate in heart failure. Chagas heart disease is multifactorial, and can include dilated cardiomyopathy, thromboembolic phenomena, and arrhythmias that may lead to sudden death. Diagnosis is by methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the degree of cardiac involvement should be investigated with complementary exams including ECG, chest radiography and electrophysiological study. There have been insufficient studies on which to base specific treatment for heart failure due to Chagas disease. Treatment should therefore be derived from guidelines for heart failure that are not specific for this disease. Heart transplantation is a viable option with satisfactory success rates that has improved survival.

Ascitis quilosa en el posoperatorio de hepatectomía derecha / Chylous ascites after right liver resection

La ascitis quilosa posoperatoria (AQP) se debe a acumulación de líquido rico en triglicéridos en la cavidad peritoneal tras una lesión en la cisterna del quilo o en sus afluentes. Es infrecuente verla después de una hepatectomía. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 44 años con adenocarcinoma a 16 cm del margen anal T3N1, con metástasis que ocupaba casi la totalidad del lóbulo hepático derecho. Luego de quimioterapia se realizó hepatectomía derecha, observándose al cuarto día postoperatorio líquido del drenaje endotorácico de aspecto lechoso, con triglicéridos 223 mg/dL y 77 mg/dL de triglicéridos séricos. Se inició dieta sin grasas, hiperproteica, con ácidos grasos de cadena media y octreótide (100 microgramos subcutáneos cada 8 horas), con resolución del cuadro. En conclusión, la complicación quilosa puede tratarse exitosamente con un abordaje menos agresivo, sin suprimir la ingesta oral, utilizando octreótide subcutáneo, dieta exenta de grasas, suplementada con proteínas y ácidos grasos de cadena media.

Postoperative chylous ascites is an intraperitoneal collection of lymphatic fluid enriched with long-chain triglycerides that results from injury of the cisterna chyli or its main tributaries. This complication is rare after liver resections. Here, we report on the case of a 44 year-old man with a T3N1 rectal adenocarcinoma 16 cm above the anal margin, with metastatic compromise of almost the entire right liver lobe. Following chemotherapy, he underwent right liver resection. On postoperative day four, the thoracic drain evidenced milky fluid containing triglyceride 223 mg/dL with serum triglycerides 77 mg/dL. A fat-free diet was indicated with fat-free protein supplements, medium chain triglycerides and octreotide (100 μg subcutaneously every 8 hours), with complete resolution. In conclusion, postoperative chylous complications may be treated successfully by a less aggressive approach, with oral diet, subcutaneous octreotide, fat-free diet supplemented with proteins and medium chain fatty acids.

Incidence of myopotential induction in subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients: Is the oversensing issue really solved?

BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) has established its role in the prevention of sudden cardiac death in a defined population. Inappropriate shocks and device malfunction in S-ICD therapy may be caused by myopotential (MP) oversensing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate a cohort of consecutive S-ICD patients for MP inducibility. METHODS: After S-ICD implantation, all vectors (primary [PrimV], secondary [SecV], alternative [AltV]) were analyzed during isometric chest press (ICP), lifting and holding a 20-kg weight, and side plank exercise (SPE), supporting the body weight on the left arm. When MPs were induced, signal classification was assessed: adequate noise detection, induced undersensing (R waves classified as noise), and oversensing (noise annotated as R waves). In case of noise induction in the current vector, device reprogramming to a noise-free vector was done. RESULTS: We systematically assessed 41 patients. In nearly all patients (90.2%), MPs were inducible. ICP was the most potent inductor of MPs. Whereas SecV (70.7%) and AltV (75.6%) were most vulnerable during ICP, PrimV was most affected during SPE (51.2%). In only a few cases did the S-ICD software distinguish correctly between MPs and QRS. MPs predominantly led to undersensing (up to 65.9%), but in up to 22% of patients MP-induced oversensing occurred but did not lead to tachycardia detection. No relation was seen between S-ICD lead and generator position and MP inducibility. CONCLUSION: Induction of MPs during physical exercise was observed frequently. Although in most cases MP noise led to undersensing, oversensing events were commonly observed.

Sudden-onset severe presyncope in a 67-year-old man.

A 67-year-old man presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe presyncope. He reported that he had a permanent pacemaker implanted in 2006 following atrioventricular node ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). After suffering increasing shortness of breath, he underwent upgrade to cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) in 2016. He denied any recent falls, interventions or changes in medication. ECG monitoring showed AF with a broad ventricular escape rhythm at around 25 bpm with pauses of up to 3 s. Placement of a magnet over the device resulted in pacing (figure 1A). The implanted device (Medtronic Syncra C2TR01) was interrogated (figure 1B), and a chest radiograph was obtained (figure 2). heartjnl;105/8/657/F1F1F1Figure 1(A) Twelve-lead ECG demonstrating intrinsic rhythm and pacing after application of magnet. (B) Device interrogation with right ventricular threshold test. heartjnl;105/8/657/F2F2F2Figure 2(C) Anteroposterior chest radiograph demonstrating lead position on admission. QUESTION: What was the cause of this presentation?Noise oversensing on the right ventricular (RV) lead due to lead fracture.The RV septal lead has displaced into the right atrial (RA).RA and RV leads were switched in the can during the CRT upgrade.Increase in threshold of RV and left ventricular (LV) leads resulting in loss of capture.

Colesteatoma congénito gigante en paciente octogenario / Giant congenital cholesteatoma in an octogenarian patient

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Bilateral tension pneumothorax after acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an ancient complementary medicine which is currently used worldwide. Many serious adverse events have been reported which include a spectrum of mild-to-fatal complications. However, the level of awareness with regard to complications is still low both to physicians and patients. We report a 63-year-old who presented with acute shortness of breath 2 hours after having had acupuncture. On examination, there was absent breath sound heard on the left lung and slightly reduced breath sound on the right lung. She had type 1 respiratory failure. Urgent chest radiograph confirmed bilateral pneumothorax which was more severe on the left with tension pneumothorax and mediastinal shift. Chest tubes were inserted bilaterally after failed needle aspiration attempts. Subsequently, the pneumothoraces resolved, and she was discharged well. The bilateral pneumothoraces caused by acupuncture were curable but could have been potentially fatal if diagnosis was delayed. This case report adds to the limited current literature on the complications of acupuncture leading to bilateral pneumothoraces.

Enfermedad del pulmón del granjero: análisis de 75 casos / Farmer's lung disease: Analysis of 75 cases

Introducción: La enfermedad del pulmón de granjero (EPG) es una forma frecuente de neumonitis por hipersensibilidad, posiblemente infradiagnosticada. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características clínicas, la evolución y los factores que influyen en el pronóstico de los pacientes con EPG. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes diagnosticados de EPG por haber presentado una exposición ambiental de riesgo, una clínica, una función pulmonar y una radiología compatible, en los que se demostró sensibilización antigénica y/o una anatomía patológica concordante. Resultados: Se incluyeron 75 pacientes con EPG, 50 con forma aguda o subaguda (FAS) y 25 con forma crónica (FC). Un 44% de los pacientes (n=33) fue diagnosticado durante los meses de marzo y abril, especialmente aquellos con FAS en comparación con las FC (52 vs. 28%; p=0,0018). En las FAS la DLco presentó una mejoría durante el seguimiento (p=0,047). La determinación de anticuerpos IgG específicos fue positiva en 39 pacientes (78%) con FAS (44% de ellos frente a Aspergillus) y en 12 con FC (48%). La realización de la evitación antigénica (OR 9,26, IC 95% 1,3-66,7, p=0,026) y la administración de tratamiento inmunodepresor (OR 16,13, IC 95% 1,26-200, p=0,033) fueron los factores predictores de mejor evolución de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: La EPG presenta un inicio con predominio estacional en nuestro medio. Las FC presentan habitualmente determinación de anticuerpos IgG específicos negativos, a diferencia de las FAS, donde los anticuerpos frente Aspergillus son las más frecuentes. La evitación antigénica y el tratamiento inmunodepresor son posibles predictores de mejor evolución de la enfermedad (AU)

Introduction: Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is a common form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis possibly underdiagnosed in our midst. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics, evolution and factors that influence the prognosis of patients with FLD. Patients and methods: A retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed with FLD presenting an environmental exposure risk, a clinic, lung function and a compatible radiology, in which antigen sensitisation was demonstrated and/or a concordant pathology. Results: We selected 75 patients with FLD, 50 with acute or subacute form (ASF) and 25 with chronic form (CF). Forty-four percent of patients (n=33) were diagnosed during the months of March and April, especially those with ASF compared to CF (52 vs. 28%; P=.0018). In the ASF group, DLco showed an improvement during follow-up (P=.047). The determination of specific IgG antibodies was positive in 39 patients (78%) with ASF (44% of them against Aspergillus) and CF 12 (48%). The realisation of antigenic avoidance (OR 9.26, 95% CI 1.3-66.7, P=.026) and the administration of immunosuppressive therapy (OR 16.13, 95% CI 1.26-200, P=.033) were predictors of better disease progression. Conclusions: FLD is predominantly seasonal in our environment. CF usually has a negative specific IgG antibodies unlike ASF, where antibodies against Aspergillus are the most common. The realisation of antigenic avoidance and immunosuppressive treatment are possible predictors of better disease progression (AU)

Terapia anticoagulante no tromboembolismo venoso / Anticoagulant therapy in venous thromboembolism

Introdução: O tromboembolismo venoso (TEV), incluindo a embolia pulmonar (EP) e a trombose venosa profunda (TVP), é a terceira causa de mortalidade em todo o mundo. O diagnóstico ainda é subestimado nas emergências. Os fatores desencadeantes são bem definidos, o que auxilia a estratificação de risco e o diagnóstico de TEV provocada ou não e influenciará muito o tempo de tratamento. O aumento do ventrículo direito e de marcadores biológicos tem desempenhado grande papel no prognóstico. O quadro clínico é bem definido e tem várias ferramentas, tanto para o diagnóstico como para a estratificação de risco, tais como os critérios de Wells e de Genebra, além de outros. Os exames complementares atualmente estão bem definidos, com a angiografia pulmonar sendo o padrão de referência; porém, com a melhora da tecnologia e a alta sensibilidade e especificidade, a angiotomografia computadorizada ocupou um lugar de destaque. Outros exames ainda são importantes em várias situações, como o D-dímero e outros biomarcadores, a radiografia de tórax, a cintilografia de perfusão/ventilação, eletrocardiograma, ecocardiografia e doppler venoso de membros inferiores. Método: Neste artigo, revisamos aspectos básicos de epidemiologia, diagnóstico e estratificação de risco. O foco principal foi o tratamento com a terapia anticoagulante, sobre a qual revisamos os seis estudos clínicos descritos entre 2009 e 2013, que abordam os novos anticoagulantes orais, hoje denominados anticoagulantes orais diretos. Esses estudos têm desenhos diferentes, com três deles começando com anticoagulantes orais desde o início do quadro agudo de TVP e EP (rivaroxabana e edoxabana). Os outros três iniciaram com enoxaparina e varfarina durante os primeiros dias e depois seguiram com a medicação do grupo em avaliação (dabigatrana e apixabana). Resultados: Nos estudos analisados, todos obtiveram uma redução (valor de p de não inferioridade) dos eventos de recorrência de TEV com relação à varfarina. Nos desfechos de segurança, definidos como sangramento fatal, clinicamente relevante e outros, os novos anticoagulantes orais obtiveram uma diminuição significativa. Conclusões: Os anticoagulantes orais diretos tiveram redução da recorrência de eventos tromboembólicos (periférico e pulmonar), com redução significativa dos índices de sangramentos fatais ou não. A segurança coloca-os como opção segura e eficaz para o tratamento desses pacientes com risco baixo e intermediário de TEV

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is the third leading cause of death worldwide. The diagnosis is still underestimated in emergencies. The triggering factors are well defined, which assists in the stratification of risk and in the diagnosis of VTE, whether provoked or not, and will greatly influence the treatment time. Increased right ventricle and biological markers have played a large role in the prognosis. The clinical features are well defined, and there are various tools for diagnosis and for risk stratification, such as the Wells and Geneva criteria, among others. Complementary exams are now well defined, with pulmonary angiography being the gold standard, but with improved technology and high sensitivity and specificity, computerized angiotomography has played a prominent role. Other exams are still important in certain situations, such as D-dimer and other biomarkers, chest radiography, perfusion/ventilation scintigraphy, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and lower limb venous Doppler. Method: In this article we review basic aspects of epidemiology, diagnosis, and risk stratification. The main focus was treatment with anticoagulant therapy, under which we reviewed the six clinical studies described between 2009 and 2013 that address the new oral anticoagulants, now called direct oral anticoagulants. These studies have different designs; three of them start with oral anticoagulants from the onset of acute DVT and PE (rivaroxaban and edoxaban), and the other three start with enoxaparin and warfarin during the first days and then with the medication of the study group being evaluated (dabigatran and apixaban). Results: In the analyzed studies, all of them obtained a reduction (non-inferiority p-value) of the events of VTE recurrence in relation to warfarin. In the safety outcomes, defined as clinically relevant fatal bleeding and others, the new oral anticoagulants achieved a significant reduction. Conclusions: Direct oral anticoagulants had a reduction in the recurrence of thromboembolic events (peripheral and pulmonary), with a significant reduction in rates of fatal or non-fatal bleeding. Their safety makes them a reliable and effective option for the treatment of these patients, with low and intermediate risk of VTE

Diagnose of occult bronchial foreign body: A rare case report of undetected Chinese medicine aspiration for 10 long years.

BACKGROUND: Occult bronchial foreign body can be very difficult to diagnose early in an adult patient without acute symptoms. This report describes a rare case of undetected Chinese medicine "Coptis chinensis" aspiration for 10 long years. METHODS: A case was reported that a female patient complained of a 10-year history of productive cough. A battery of tests were given to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Chest computed tomography (CT) showed extensive bronchiectasis and multiple nodules, along with stenosis of left lower lobar bronchus. An extensive solid lesion with surrounding inflammatory granulation tissue was seen on her first bronchoscopy and biopsy revealed chronic mucosal inflammation. A neglected history of Coptis chinensis regularly kept in-mouth while sleeping for the last 10 years in this patient provided clues for a final diagnosis. Confirmatory diagnosis of bilateral tracheobronchial foreign bodies caused by recurrent inhalation of Coptis chinensis was made by a second bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: This case clearly demonstrates that a precise medical history is often overlooked. A high index of suspicion, a precise medical history, radiographic features of chronic respiratory symptoms not explained by other conditions were keys to diagnosing this case.

Mujer de 83 años con disnea y edemas en miembros inferiores / An 83 year old woman with dyspnoea and oedema of the lower limbs

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Pancreatitis inducida por cannabis / Cannabis-induced pancreatitis

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Lung Cancer Screening: Computed Tomography Radiation and Protocols.

Recent studies have supported the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) of the chest as a screening tool for lung cancer. Several professional organizations have now included LDCT screening in high-risk populations in their guidelines. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has added LDCT to its lung cancer-screening guidelines as of December 2013. Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acknowledged that the evidence for LDCT lung cancer screening is adequate, provided that eligibility criteria are met. As widespread use of LDCT is anticipated, the radiation dose associated with LDCT needs to be optimized. The American College of Radiology-Society of Thoracic Radiology collaboration and the National Comprehensive Cancer Care Network recently provided some guidelines for LDCT utilization for lung cancer screening. There are several scanning and image reconstruction techniques that can be used for reducing radiation dose in LDCT lung cancer screening. This review article presents protocols and guidelines for use of LDCT in lung cancer screening and describes our early experience in implementing LDCT at our institution.

Talc pleurodesis through indwelling pleural catheters for malignant pleural effusions: retrospective case series of a novel clinical pathway.

Malignant pleural effusions cause significant morbidity, but there is no gold standard minimally invasive treatment. A new therapeutic approach combines talc pleurodesis and indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) to enable outpatient management. This case series summarizes the safety and efficacy data of all patients (24) with a symptomatic malignant pleural effusion who underwent talc pleurodeses via IPCs between December 2010 and July 2013. Successful pleurodesis was achieved in 22 procedures (92%). There was one empyema, one hydropneumothorax, one recurrent effusion, and two minor complications: one drain site wound infection and one complaint of chest pain. Twenty-two procedures (92%) were performed in the outpatient setting. This report confirms the safety and efficacy of administering talc slurry through IPCs in an outpatient setting. Studies in a larger cohort are necessary to define the role of this novel approach in the treatment algorithm of patients with this condition.

Imaging of iatrogenic conditions of the thorax.

Common medical interventions performed by cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons, dentists, and alternative practitioners can result in complications within the thorax that lead to significant patient morbidity. Prompt radiologic identification of iatrogenic complications of medical procedures in the thorax is essential to guide patient triage and treatment. Understanding the approach to common thoracic interventions and the placement of thoracic medical devices can aid radiologists in the evaluation of iatrogenic complications.

Reexpansion pulmonary edema following local anesthetic thoracoscopy: correlation and evolution of radiographic and ultrasonographic findings.

Local anesthetic (medical) thoracoscopy is used with increasing frequency by pulmonologists worldwide for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, notably in comorbid patients who may not be physiologically robust enough for general anesthesia. Understanding the complications that can arise and how to manage them is crucial for any physician performing this procedure. Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare but recognized complication of draining pleural effusions and pneumothoraces that has not been described previously in association with physician-led thoracoscopy. This case provides an opportunity for an overview of what is known about this unusual but potentially fatal condition. Data correlating ultrasonographic, radiographic, and clinical progression are also presented to highlight the potential usefulness of ultrasonography in identifying lung parenchymal abnormalities such as extravascular lung water.

The effects of a physiotherapy programme on patients with a pleural effusion: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a physiotherapy protocol on patients with pleural effusion. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 104 consecutive inpatients with a medical diagnosis of pleural effusion. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly allocated to a control group receiving standard treatment (medical treatment and drainage) or an intervention group treated with physiotherapy added to standard treatment. The physiotherapy programme included deep breathing exercises, mobilizations and incentive spirometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Spirometric predicted values and chest radiographs were measured before treatment and at discharge and the length of hospital stay was recorded. Assessors were blinded to the intervention. RESULTS: A comparative analysis showed a significant improvement of spirometric parameters in the intervention group; pre-to-post hospitalization predicted values showed significant changes in vital capacity (73.1 ± 12.6% to 72.13 ± 13.7 %, P<0.001 ), forced expiratory volume in first second (72.13 ± 13.7% to 78.98 ± 16.9%, P<0.001) and forced expiratory flow at 25-75 % (64.8 ± 35.1% to 76.78 ± 35.3%, P=0.198) compared to the control group that showed no significant changes across treatment. The radiographic findings showed better scores on the affected side of the thorax at discharge in the physiotherapy group. Length of hospital stay was also significantly (P=0.014) shorter in the intervention group (26.7 ± 8.8 days) compared to the control group (38.6 ± 10.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: A physiotherapy programme added to standard treatment improves the spirometric parameters and the radiological findings and reduces the hospital stay in patients with a pleural effusion.