[LEGACIES OF SURGERY FOR TUBERCULOSIS AND SUCCESSION TO THE NEXT GENERATION].

A symposium entitled "Legacies of surgery for tuberculosis and succession to the next generation" was held at the 89th annual meeting of The Japanese Society for Tuberculosis in Gifu. The purpose of the symposium was to look back at the history of surgery for tuberculosis and development of surgical techniques. The contribution of those techniques to the next generation was also discussed. Many unique and universal techniques such as segmentectomy, thoracoplasty, muscle flap plombage, greater omental plom- bage, open window thoracotomy, cavernostomy, and decortication have matured during a long history. Based on the development of antituberculous drugs, surgery seems to have a less important role. However, surgical techniques are still required for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and non- tuberculous mycobacteriosis. Core techniques are apjlied in the surgery for many thoracic diseases, such as lung cancer, mycosis, pyothorax, and mesothelioma. This manuscript summarizes the presentations.

Risk factors that affect the surgical outcome in the management of focal bronchiectasis in a developed country.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate our surgical experience for focal bronchiectasis in the setting of modern diagnostic modalities and state-of-the-art medical treatment in a developed country. METHODS: Thirty-one patients undergoing 33 lung resections for the treatment of focal bronchiectasis from 1991 to 2009 were reviewed. The mean age was 54 years. Twenty-nine patients (94%) were female; 21 patients (68%) had nontuberculous mycobacterial infection; and 22 patients (71%) received preoperative multiple-drug regimens containing clarithromycin. Five patients (16%) were in an immunocompromised status. All were diagnosed by chest computed tomography scan, and either the right middle lobe or left lingula were involved in 29 (94%). The curve for relapse-free interval was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. The factors that affected this curve were examined using Cox's regression analysis. RESULTS: Operative morbidity and mortality were 18% and 0%, respectively. All patients became asymptomatic postoperatively. During the median follow-up of 48 months (11 to 216), 8 patients (26%) experienced recurrence, and the mean relapse-free interval was 34 months (3 to 216). By univariate analysis, an immunocompromised status (p=0.017), Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (p=0.040), the preoperative extent of bronchiectatic lesion (p=0.013), and the extent of residual bronchiectasis after surgery (p=0.003) were significantly associated with the shorter relapse-free interval. By multivariate analysis, an immunocompromised status (p=0.039), Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (p=0.033), and the extent of residual bronchiectasis (p=0.009) were independent and significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: Complete resection of bronchiectasis while the disease is localized and is free from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is the key for a success. Also, immunocompromised status was suggested to be a risk factor.

[Evaluation of tuberculosis treatment including levofloxacin (LVFX) in cases who could not continue standard regimen].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate tuberculosis treatment including levofloxacin (LVFX) and to investigate the effectiveness of changing drug regimens at our hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 331 patients with tuberculosis admitted to Tokyo National Hospital in 2005. Out of these 331 patients, LVFX was used in 48 (14.5%), 41 of which were initial-treatment cases. We studied why and how LVFX was used and compared bacteriological negative conversion rates between the initial-treatment cases in which the initial standard regimen was changed to regimens including LVFX, and those in which the initial standard regimen was either maintained throughout or modified with drugs other than LVFX. Sputum cultures were examined with Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube System (BACTEC MGIT 960). RESULTS: LVFX was used in 41 (13.6%) of 302 initial-treatment cases and in 7 (24.1%) of 29 retreatment cases. Out of the 269 initial-treatment cases starting with the standard regimen, LVFX was later used in 26 cases (9.7%). The reasons for using LVFX were adverse reaction to antituberculosis drugs in 23 cases (88.5%) and resistance to antituberculosis drugs in 3 cases (11.5%). We investigated the bacteriological conversion rate in 228 patients who could be followed up for more than five months. The conversion rates in 105 cases under the standard regimen including PZA (PZA+) were 92.4% in three months, 98.1% in four months, and 100% in five months. The rates in 56 cases under the standard regimen without PZA (PZA-) were 92.9 %, 98.2% and 100%,respectively. The rates of 22 cases under the initial regimen modified with LVFX (LVFX +) were 68.2 %, 95.5% and 100%, respectively. In 45 cases under the initial regimen modified with drugs other than LVFX (LVFX-), the rates were 80.0%, 97.8% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that LVFX was an effective drug in terms of the bacteriological conversion rate, without adverse reaction. LVFX is not approved as an antituberculosis drug in Japan, but it is often used in cases of MDR-TB or in situations in which the patients cannot continue treatment with the standard regimen. We hope that LVFX will be approved as an antituberculosis drug as soon as possible in Japan.

[A case of tuberculous pleurisy developing contralateral effusion during anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy].

A 55-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of chest pain, fever, and right pleural effusion that was exudative and lymphocyte-dominant with a high level of adenosine deaminase (ADA). Since her blood QuantiFERON-TB 3G test (QFT) was positive, she was diagnosed with tuberculous pleurisy. After initiation of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, her symptoms improved. Later, liquid culture of the pleural effusion turned positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. On the 18th day of treatment, her chest X-ray and computed tomography exhibited pleural effusion in a moderate amount in the left thorax, with subsiding pleural effusion in the right thorax. Thoracocentesis demonstrated that the left thorax effusion was also exudative and lymphocyte-dominant, with elevated QFT response and high ADA concentration, suggesting tuberculous pleurisy. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in the culture of a left pleural biopsy specimen obtained by thoracoscopy. We assumed that the left pleural effusion was due to paradoxical worsening because (1) on admission no effusion or lung parenchymal lesion was detected in the left hemithorax, (2) on the 14th day of treatment she was afebrile without pleural effusion on both sides, and (3) the bacilli were sensitive to the drugs she had been taking regularly. We performed drainage of the left effusion and continued the same anti-tuberculosis drugs, which led to the elimination of all her symptoms and of the pleural effusion on both sides. In conclusion, paradoxical worsening should be included in the differential diagnosis when contralateral pleural effusion is detected during the treatment of tuberculosis.

[Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with hemoptysis; a resected case whose bleeding point is detected pathologically].

A 55-year-old man, who presented with recurrent episodes of hemoptysis, was referred to our hospital under the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis with a cavity in the right lung. Computed tomography showed a large thick-walled cavity in the right upper lung. He underwent right upper lobectomy. Pathological findings showed a large cavity in right upper lobe. Aspergillus was found in the cavity. A pseudoaneurysm, which was thought to be a cause of hemoptysis, originated from a ruptured pulmonary artery and protruded into the cavity. Hemoptysis is well-known symptom in aspergillosis patients, and surgery for aspergillosis with hemoptysis is sometimes performed. But it is very rare that bleeding point is detected microscopically.

[Malignant lymphoma of lung with hypersensitivity pneumonitis].

We report a resected case of malignant lymphoma with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A 62-year-old woman, who presented with fever, wheeze and dry cough was referred to our department under the diagnosis of malignant B cell lymphoma in lower lobe of the left lung and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. She underwent left lower lobectomy as a therapy for malignant lymphoma. Pathological findings showed multiple small nodules macroscopically, which was observed as bronchiolocentric interstitial pneumonitis with lymphocytes microscopically. Post operative course was uneventful and no sign of acute exacerbation was seen. It is rare that lung with hypersensitivity pneumonitis is observed as a macroscopical specimen. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis differs from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but we have to take care of post operative course because post operative acute exacerbation was reported.

Reversion rates of QuantiFERON-TB Gold are related to pre-treatment IFN-gamma levels.

OBJECTIVE: The quantitative interferon (IFN)-gamma in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific antigens declines in tuberculosis patients after starting treatment, however, in some cases remains high despite clinical improvements. Our aim was to evaluate clinical parameters associated with remaining QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) positive after treatment. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 101 culture-positive, positive QFT-G, HIV-uninfected patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. QFT-G was performed at diagnosis, at the end of intensive phase, at treatment completion, and 5-7 months post-treatment completion. RESULTS: There were 80 patients with complete results, 34 (43%) remaining QFT-G positive and 46 (58%) reverting to QFT-G negative at the 5-7 month post-treatment time point. There was a significant decline in IFN-gamma levels in response to both CFP-10 and ESAT-6 with tuberculosis treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between IFN-gamma levels detected before treatment and remaining QFT-G positive post-treatment after adjustment for smear status, presence of cavitation, and positive sputum culture two months after starting treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative QFT-G responses drop significantly in active tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment, with almost 60% becoming test negative. Reversion to a negative QFT-G result was closely associated with the magnitude of the IFN-gamma response prior to treatment and increasing age.

Stratified Threshold Values of QuantiFERON Assay for Diagnosing Tuberculosis Infection in Immunocompromised Populations.

Background. The detection of latent tuberculosis (TB) is essential for TB control, but T-cell assay might be influenced by degree of immunosuppression. The relationship between immunocompetence and interferon (IFN)-γ response in QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) is uncertain, especially in HIV-negative populations. Methods and Results. QFT has been performed for healthy subjects and TB suspected patients. Of 3017 patients, 727 were diagnosed as pulmonary TB by culture. The absolute number of blood lymphocyte in TB patients was significantly associated with QFT. Definitive TB patients were divided into eight groups according to lymphocyte counts. For each subgroup, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted from 357 healthy control subjects. The optimal cut-off for the patient group with adequate lymphocyte counts was found, but this was reduced for lymphocytopenia. Conclusions. The lymphocyte count was positively associated with QFT. Positive criteria should be calibrated in consideration of cell-mediated immunocompetence and risk of progression to active TB.

[The role and landscape of surgical treatment for mycobacteriosis].

[Surgery for pulmonary multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis] For pulmonary MDR tuberculosis the author (me) had been operating many cases in Fukujuji Hospital JATA in fifteen years. For treatment, the points of operations are as follows: 1) Surgery is one of many treatable events, 2) The strategy is that cavitary foci as major sites of tuberculous expectoration have to be removed and other small foci are treated by not strong chemotherapies, 3) Final goal of surgical treatments is set up preoperatively, and its procedures are stepped up gradually. [Surgery for pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis (NTM)] Major sites of pulmonary NTM expectorations are cavitary foci and bronchiectases. Main strategy of surgery for pulmonary NTM is the same as MDR tuberculosis, but multi-resections of cavitary and ectatic foci are more than MDR tuberculosis. Control rate of X-ray images is 80%, negative conversion rate is 88.9% in cases with more than one year postoperatively. But new or residual foci will be gradually growing up for several years postoperatively, so many discussions of surgical strategy for NTM are necessary now. [Surgery for pulmonary aspergillosis] Surgical treatments of pulmonary aspergillosis are difficult. Operations for them are mainly two procedures, resection of foci or no resection. The former is more radical than the later, but mortality rate is higher than usual pulmonary resection. However I think chest surgeons have to challenge to remove aspergillous foci, not aspergilloma but chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis.

Combined typical carcinoid and acinic cell tumor of the lung.

We report a case of combined typical carcinoid and acinic cell tumor of the lung in a 55-year-old female. A chest radiograph revealed an abnormal shadow. Computed tomography (CT) showed a tumor in the S3 segment of the right lung. The transbronchial biopsy yielded a diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer. Radical surgery was performed. The pathological diagnosis was combined typical carcinoid and acinic cell tumor of the right lung. This is third case of this tumor which has been reported.

Impact of peripheral lymphocyte count on the sensitivity of 2 IFN-gamma release assays, QFT-G and ELISPOT, in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of peripheral lymphocyte count on 2 interferon-gamma release assays [QuantiFERON TB-Gold (QFT-G) and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT)] and their sensitivity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, including HIV-negative immunocompromised patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred thirty patients with microbiologically confirmed active pulmonary tuberculosis were subjected to the tests. Lymphocyte counts were analyzed simultaneously. RESULTS: Overall sensitivity was 74% (159/215; 95% CI, 68-80%) for QFT-G and 92% (198/215; 89-96%) for ELISPOT (p<0.0001). In patients with peripheral lymphocyte counts of > or =1000/microL, sensitivity was high for both QFT-G (88%, 111/126; 82-94%) and ELISPOT (97%, 122/126; 94-100%). However, the sensitivity decreased significantly with decreasing peripheral lymphocyte count for both QFT-G (test for trend p<0.0001) and ELISPOT (test for trend p=0.007). When lymphocyte counts were <500/microL, the sensitivity was 81% (25/31; 66-96%) for ELISPOT, but only 39% (12/31; 21-57%) for QFT-G. CONCLUSION: Both QFT-G and ELISPOT are sensitive methods for detecting active pulmonary tuberculosis, but their sensitivity partly depends on peripheral lymphocyte counts. At low lymphocyte count conditions, ELISPOT is superior to QFT-G for detecting tuberculosis, irrespective of age, gender, and nutrition.

[Review of pulmonary Mycobacterium xenopi infection cases: 11 cases of our own and 18 other cases reported in Japan].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical features of patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium xenopi infection treated at our hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We diagnosed 11 cases of M. xenopi infection at Tokyo National Hospital between 2000 and 2008 and recorded the drug susceptibility, patient characteristics, radiographic findings, treatments given and clinical courses. Eighteen other Japanese cases from the literature were discussed along with our findings. RESULTS AND METHODS: The cases of M. xenopi infection at our hospital consisted of 10 men and 1 woman with a mean age (+/- SD) of 55.1 +/- 19.4 years. Among the patients, 10 were smokers, 4 were heavy drinkers, and 6 had sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis as an underlying disorder. Four patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 2 had diabetes mellitus, while there were 2 patients who had no underlying disease. All cases had radiographic opacities, predominantly found in the upper lung region, and cavernous lesions. These findings were demonstrated in both lungs in 5 patients, in the right lung only in 5 patients and in the left lung only in 1 patient. Concurrent aspergillosis was observed in 8 patients. The bacterial isolates from 7 cases were tested for drug sensitivity to levofloxacin (LVFX) and were found to be susceptible. M. xenopi disease was treated in 5 cases with INH+RFP+EB, in 2 cases with INH+RFP+Clarithromycin (CAM), and in 1 case with RFP+EB+CAM. Concurrent aspergillosis was treated with itraconazole in 2 cases. One patient underwent surgery for lung cancer. The duration of treatment was 16.4 +/- 12.8 months (range, 4-36 months). The radiographic findings were improved in 4 cases, deteriorated in 2 and unchanged in 5. M. xenopi was eradicated bacteriologically in 6 cases. The combination of radiographic and bacteriological findings indicated improvement in 3 cases, no change in 6 and deterioration in 2. DISCUSSION: The review of our cases disclosed that medical treatment alone was not sufficient in most cases for the control of clinical M. xenopi infection as reported overseas. Although we did not use LVFX for treatment, LVFX might be recommended for the treatment since all isolates tested proved to be susceptible to LVFX.

[Clinical investigation among elderly patients with tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVES: We discussed the factors which may confuse diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in elderly patients, in order to improve the situation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 414 patients who were hospitalized for active tuberculosis in Tokyo National Hospital were divided into three groups according to their ages (in years): less than 65, 65 to 74, and greater than 75. The three groups were compared in terms of performance status (PS), serum albumin level (whether over 3 g/dl or not), underlying diseases, symptoms at onset, sputum smear findings for acid-fast bacilli, presence or absence of cavitary lesion, regimen of treatment, adverse reaction to medications, and treatment outcome. RESULT: The older group had significantly poorer PS (3 or 4), lower albumin level, more complications, a larger proportion of non-respiratory to respiratory symptoms, less cavity formation, less likelihood of continuing to take drugs regularly and higher mortality. It is supposed that these characteristics are mostly due to the aging itself. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing and treating active tuberculosis among elderly people is difficult because of nonspecific and thus confusing findings due to other diseases or aging. Delay in diagnosis and start of treatment makes prognosis of their TB poorer. To improve this situation we should keep a high index to TB and make better use of novel diagnostic technologies. For satisfactory treatment that allows maintenance of a high level of activity of daily life, it is necessary to pay more attention to such aspects as nutrition and rehabilitation and to offer appropriate supports.

[A case of cold abscess of the chest wall due to thoracic drainage for tuberculous pleuritis].

A 56-year-old man underwent thoracic drainage for two weeks for tuberculous pleuritis. He was put on antituberculosis chemotherapy with INH (400 mg), RFP (450 mg), and EB (750 mg). Two months later, he developed an elastic hard subcutaneous mass in the area of the previous thoracic drainage. The mass was 10 cm in diameter, warm, reddish and painful. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed localized and encapsulated empyema in the left thoracic space and a subcutaneous abscess with rim enhancement in the left lateral chest wall. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a dumbbell abscess in the subcutaneous tissue communicating with the empyema through the chest wall. A needle aspiration of the subcutaneous abscess had acid-fast bacilli smears of 2+ and tested positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thus, he was diagnosed with a cold abscess of the chest, with the empyema in the thoracic space draining into the chest wall through the cut for artificial drainage. Continuation of the anti-tuberculosis treatment and the drainage of the empyema with repeated aspiration reduced the subcutaneous mass, and the clinical and radiological course was favorable. Both the smear and culture for acid-fast test became negative. After completion of chemotherapy, there has been no disease recurrence.

[Pulmonary histoplasmosis diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy].

A 34-year-old Japanese man working in Mexico City since April 2004, was referred to our hospital in December 2005 because of a nodule in the left lingular bronchus, first pointed out in September 2005. Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) revealed coagulation necrosis, which contained yeast-like cells stained with fungiflora Y stain. We diagnosed pulmonary histoplasmosis (histoplasmoma type) based on the shape of the fungi and on his residential history. The nodule, resected in January, presented histological findings in concordance with the TBLB specimen. We later confirmed his serum was positive for an anti-histoplasma antibody. The pathogen was identified as Histoplasma capsulatum by PCR using lung tissue. This is apparently the first report of Histoplasmosis diagnosed by TBLB. Since imported mycosis is increasing, we should accumulate cases to make guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.

[A case of tuberculosis with multiple lung nodules, abdominal lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly].

Abdominal tuberculous lymphadenitis is very rare. We report a case of pulmonary tuberculosis showing marked abdominal lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. A 95-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of abnormal chest X-ray and body weight loss in last 6 months. He had low grade fever with no abdominal pain. He did not have past history of tuberculosis. Laboratory examination showed mild renal dysfunction and mild glucose intolerance. Soluble interleukin 2 recepter was highly elevated (3800 U/ml). Tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA), and progastrin-releasing peptide (Pro GRP) were all within normal limit. Chest X-ray showed multiple nodules in bilateral lung fields. Chest computed tomography showed multiple nodules in bilateral lungs, especially in upper part of lungs, right hilar lymphadenopathy and upper mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Abdominal and pelvic enhanced computed tomography showed marked abdominal lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly (67 x 49 mm). Abdominal lymph nodes were hepatoduodenal (50 x 50 mm), splenic hilar (40 x 25 mm), upper paraaortic (30 x 60 mm), and small superior mesenteric (10 x 10 mm) lymph nodes. FDG-PET showed accumulation in the nodules of right lung field, right hilar lymph nodes, upper mediastinal lymph nodes, and abdominal lymph nodes. Bronchial lavage fluid (BAL) smear for acid-fast bacilli was positive, polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive and acid-fast bacilli was cultured. Transbronchial lung biopsy specimen demonstrated non-specific intraalveolar organization and alveolitis. The patient was diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis, but about abdominal lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly we had to differentiate malignant lymphoma, and for definite diagnosis, laparotomy was necessary. But considering his age and general condition, we followed up carefully with anti-tuberculosis therapy. Pulmonary tuberculosis, abdominal lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly all showed marked improvement 4 months after starting anti-tuberculosis therapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol, so we clinically diagnosed abdominal tuberculous lymphadenitis and splenic tuberculosis.

[Results of repeated QFT-2G checkings at two-year interval and their comparison with TST results introduced into infection control program for staffs working at a hospital with isolation wards for tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: In Fukujuji Hospital, we have been conducting TST to tuberculosis (TB) non-infected staffs to find new latent TB Infection (LTBI) every year, although almost of them were BCG vaccinated, and the reliability of TST is controversial in BCG vaccinated group. Recently, a new technique, QFT-2G, is evaluated highly to detect TB infection, especially in BCG vaccinated individuals. We examined hospital staffs twice at two-year interval using QFT-2G and TST, and compared these data. MATERIAL & METHOD: About four hundreds fifty staffs in Fukujuji Hospital with isolation wards for tuberculosis, provided with high level program against nosocomial infection of TB were examined. Almost all of them were BCG vaccinated. Because one fifth to one seventh of them were supposed as TB non-infected, they had been examined with TST to find new LTBI every year. QFT-2G was applied for about 80-85% of staffs twice, 2003 Jan. and 2005 Jan., with each person's consent. We compared the sequential changes of TST reactions and QFT-2G data. RESULTS: (1) The positive rate of QFT-2G was approximately 10% in both two-year interval checkings. (2) Two hundreds twelve persons, about half of staffs, were sequentially checked QFT-2G twice at two-year interval. 19 persons were positive at both checkings, 4 converted to negative and 7 converted to positive, suggesting that the rate of new LTBI in staffs would be 3.7% [7/(212-19-4)] during 2 years, 1.85% per year by QFT-2G conversion. (3) In comparison with data between TST and QFT-2G, QFT-2G was positive only in 13% of staffs with strongly reactors to TST. Moreover, even in 13 staffs converted by TST reaction to strong positive and highly suspected of new LTBI at two-year interval, there were no positive and positive converted persons based on QFT-2G checkings. Lastly, out of 7 staffs who converted to positive by QFT-2G checkings, only one was tested with TST, and no increase in the intensity of TST was observed. CONCLUSION: The QFT-2G positive rate was about 10% and the new TB infection rate was estimated to be 1.85% par year in staffs of a hospital with TB wards provided with high level programs against nosocomial TB infection. In addition, there are apparent disagreements between the results of QFT-2G and TST reactions, presumably affected by prior BCG vaccination. Therefore we must be cautious to detect new LTBI by ordinary TST in BCG vaccinated group.

[Usefulness of bronchofiberscopy for the diagnosis of pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis--an analysis mainly on pulmonary M. avium complex disease].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of bronchofiberscopy (BFS) in the diagnosis of pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis (PNTM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 909 PNTM patients admitted to our hospital during the period from 1995 to 2006, BFS was performed for the diagnosis of PNTM in 107 patients (12%) who had either a negative sputum-smear for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) (n = 100) or from whom it had been impossible to collect sputum (n =7). For these 107 cases, we retrospectively compared and analyzed the findings from specimens obtained by BFS, such as smears, cultures, polymerase-chain reaction (PCR), and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), with clinical, radiological, and sputum examination disease, was also seen in the positive ratios of other nontuberculous mycobacteriosis cases. Type and/or spread of MAC disease on chest radiographs did not relate to positive ratios of BFS obtained specimens. Based on overall BFS findings, including the examination of sputum immediately after BFS, 68 of 92 (74%) patients met the diagnostic criteria of MAC disease. Furthermore, through a combination of positive-TBLB findings and positive-PCR findings of BFS specimens, we were able to obtain an early and strong indication of MAC disease in 17 of 36 (47%) patients. CONCLUSION: Using BFS to obtain various kinds of specimens is a useful tool for the early and definite diagnosis of PNTM/pulmonary MAC disease.

[Case of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis with bilateral cavitary lesions successfully treated by surgical treatment].

A case was 38 years old male. He was pointed out abnormal shadow on chest X-ray and complained respiratory infection symptoms. He had not past history of tuberculosis. He was diagnosed as multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in a certain hospital and was referred to our hospital to undergo treatment. His drug sensitivity test by Ogawa medium was resistant to all anti-tuberculosis drugs except for kanamycin (KM) and enviomycin (EVM). His chest X-ray revealed large cavities in the right upper field and infiltrations in the right lower field and small cavitary lesions in the left lower field. The right pneumonectomy was done because he took anti-tuberculosis drugs but his sputum examinations continued to be smear and culture positive without improvement of the lesions. After the surgical treatment (right pneumonectomy), he continued anti-tuberculosis drugs therapy and the chest X-ray improved including the collapse of left lower cavitary lesions. This case was a difficult case to treat because of bilateral cavitary lesions. However he was successfully treated by the surgical treatment.