Bilateral Fungus Ball: An Uncommon Complication Post Severe COVID 19 Infection.

COVID 19 is one of the world's worst hit pandemics. WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of cluster of cases of 'viral pneumonia' in Wuhan, China. Covid 19 causes systemic infection but it worst hits the lungs and can cause ARDS ( 5%). Bilateral lung fibrosis is a commonly observed sequela after severe Covid 19 infection. Covid 19 pneumonia also acts as a nidus for superadded bacterial and fungal infections. However we haven't come across fibrocavitation and fungus ball as post Covid 19 sequelae.brbrWe here present a case report of a patient who was diagnosed as ARDS due to SARS CoV2, was treated as per standard Covid 19 protocols, required NIV and discharged on home oxygen. The HRCT on discharge showed bilateral fibrosis. The follow up HRCT after 45 days of discharge showed evidence of Bilateral cavities with Fungus ball.

Comparison in Outcome of Patients with Post TB-Destroyed Lung and COPD Admitted with Respiratory Failure.

INTRODUCTION: The term post TB sequelae is usually used to describe the destructive lung parenchymal changes due to pulmonary tuberculosis, which occur over years, and cause chronic airway obstruction as well as restriction. Furthermore, post TB sequelae and COPD are common causes of acute exacerbation with respiratory failure in Indian setting. AIM OF THE STUDY: To compare the outcome of patients with post TB sequelae and COPD admitted with respiratory failure Methodes: 62 Post TB sequelae and 79 COPD patients admitted in respiratory failure were treated as per standard ICU protocols. Outcome of these patients in these groups were compared with respect to mortality, morbidity and requirement of type ventilatory support. RESULTS: It was observed that duration of stay, morbidity and mortality in these groups was comparable and difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The presentation and outcome of COPD and Post TB destroyed lung patients is similar, so Post TB Destroyed lung patients should be treated as per COPD guidelines.

Association of Environmental Factors, Prevalence of Asthma and Respiratory Morbidity in Mumbai: Need of a Public Health Policy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between environmental factors, prevalence of asthma and respiratory morbidity in relation to air quality levels in a mega city. To study modifiable environmental factors in people with diagnosed asthma and increased respiratory morbidity. METHODS: Cross sectional survey of population (N-3233) from 6 localities near air quality stations was done to study prevalence of asthma and respiratory morbidity (n-1006) followed by case control study of environmental factors by air sampling to study biological contamination. RESULTS: Univariate analysis was performed to study effect of various risk factors. Respiratory morbidity was significantly high in areas with high SPM levels. Odd's ratio was 10.3 for wheezing, 9.16 for cough, and 12.6 for breathlessness. Presence of biological contamination of air [bacterial spores] was associated with respiratory morbidity with odds ratio of 2.2 in areas with open drainage system. Pigeon droppings were found to be the source of fungal spores and associated with respiratory symptoms with odds ratio of 1.8. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory morbidity significantly rises in areas with high particulate matter levels and biological contamination of air. Identification of environmental risk factors in different localities will be useful for undertaking specific mitigation measures at local level as a public health measure.

Disseminated cryptococcosis with caverno-oesophageal fistula in a case of idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia.

Idiopathic CD4+ T-Lymphocytopenia is a rare immunodeficiency disorder characterised by significantly low absolute CD4 lymphocytes in absence of any viral infections. We present a case of Disseminated Cryptococcosis with Caverno- Oesophageal Fistula in a case of Idiopathic CD4+ T-Lymphocytopenia. 29 year old lady was referred to Institute in view of lung mass not responding to anti-TB treatment. Subsequently patient had developed headache. Radiological evaluation showed presence of ring enhancing lesion in the occipital region. On evaluation with Fibre-optic bronchoscopy, there was no evidence of malignancy or tuberculosis. Sputum showed presence and growth of Cryptococcus neoformans. Patient's investigations were negative for virus infection, with normal immunoglobulin levels. Her CD4 counts were 129 cells/mm3. Patient was treated with injectable antifungals. Patient developed a Caverno-oesophageal fistula which was confirmed on endoscopy and radiology. Patient was managed with percutaneous jejunal feeding (PEJ). Patient improved symptomatically with CD4 count of 475 cells/mm3.

Outcome of severe leptospirosis presenting with ARDS in respiratory ICU.

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a rare presentation and a major complication of leptospirosis associated with high mortality despite advances in management. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study, in 48 patients presenting with ARDS due to leptospirosis. Clinical presentation, risk factors, management and outcome of patients were noted. Factors associated with survival and mortality were studied. Results: Our study showed a male preponderance (87%) with a mean age of presentation of 31.5 years. All patients presented with multiorgan failure. PaO2/FiO2 ratio less than 100 on 3rd day was associated with 90% mortality. The requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation carried a mortality risk of 70.4%. Overall mortality was 39.6%. Conclusion: Leptospirosis can cause serious ARDS with a high case fatality. Prompt treatment with non-invasive mechanical ventilation to maintain haemodynamic stability and intravenous steroids can improve the outcome.

A case of post renal transplant PTLD of lung.

Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) is a heterogeneous group of Lymphoid proliferative disorders that occur in patients post Hematogenous or Solid organ transplants. They are closely associated with Ebstein-Barr Virus and can range from polyclonal lesions to frank lymphomas. PTLD is usually a rare post-transplant complication, with the incidence being higher post Lung or Heart Transplantation and less commonly seen post-renal transplantation. The incidence post renal transplantation is less than 1%, with most of the cases being limited to the Gastro-Intestinal Tract and Lymph nodes, and incidence in the lungs being extremely rare. Here we present a case report of PTLD of the lung in a post-renal transplant recipient.