Molecular analysis of endobronchial ultrasound needle aspirates in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Results from the SCOPE database.

OBJECTIVE: Molecular subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is critical in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with advanced disease. This study aimed to examine whether samples from endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) of intrathoracic lymph nodes and/or lung lesions are adequate for molecular analysis across various institutions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of linear EBUS-TBNA with a final bronchoscopic diagnosis of NSCLC entered in the Stather Canadian Outcomes registry for chest ProcEdures database. The primary outcome was specimen inadequacy rate for each molecular target, as defined by the local laboratory or pathologist. RESULTS: A total of 866 EBUS-TBNA procedures for NSCLC were identified. Specimen inadequacy rates were 3.8% for EGFR, 2.5% for ALK-1 and 3.5% for PD-L1. Largest target size was not different between adequate and inadequate specimens, and rapid onsite evaluation did not increase specimen adequacy rates. One centre using next-generation sequencing for EGFR had lower adequacy rates than 2 others using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrophotometry. CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBNA specimens have a very low-specimen inadequacy rate for molecular subtyping of non-small cell lung cancer.

The Global Burden of Pleural Diseases.

Pleural diseases include a spectrum of disorders broadly categorized into pneumothorax and pleural effusion. They often cause pain, breathlessness, cough, and reduced quality of life. The global burden of diseases reflects regional differences in conditions and exposures associated with pleural disease, such as smoking, pneumonia, tuberculosis, asbestos, cancer, and organ failure. Disease burden in high-income countries is overrepresented given the availability of data and disease burden in lower-income countries is likely underestimated. In the United States, in 2016, there were 42,215 treat-and-discharge visits to the emergency room for pleural diseases and an additional 361,270 hospitalizations, resulting in a national cost of $10.1 billion.

Predicting malignant pleural effusion during diagnostic pleuroscopy with biopsy: A prospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pleuroscopy with pleural biopsy has a high sensitivity for malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Because MPEs tend to recur, concurrent diagnosis and treatment of MPE during pleuroscopy is desired. However, proceeding directly to treatment at the time of pleuroscopy requires confidence in the on-site diagnosis. The study's primary objective was to create a predictive model to estimate the probability of MPE during pleuroscopy. METHODS: A prospective observational multicentre cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing pleuroscopy was conducted. We used a logistic regression model to evaluate the probability of MPE with relation to visual assessment, rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of touch preparation and presence of pleural nodules/masses on computed tomography (CT). To assess the model's prediction accuracy, a bootstrapped training/testing approach was utilized to estimate the cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Of the 201 patients included in the study, 103 had MPE. Logistic regression showed that higher level of malignancy on visual assessment is associated with higher odds of MPE (OR = 34.68, 95% CI = 9.17-131.14, p < 0.001). The logistic regression also showed that higher level of malignancy on ROSE of touch preparation is associated with higher odds of MPE (OR = 11.63, 95% CI = 3.85-35.16, p < 0.001). Presence of pleural nodules/masses on CT is associated with higher odds of MPE (OR = 6.61, 95% CI = 1.97-22.1, p = 0.002). A multivariable logistic regression model of final pathologic status with relation to visual assessment, ROSE of touch preparation and presence of pleural nodules/masses on CT had a cross-validated AUC of 0.94 (95% CI = 0.91-0.97). CONCLUSION: A prediction model using visual assessment, ROSE of touch preparation and CT scan findings demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy for MPE. Further validation studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Refinement of estimates of mortality risk using the Radiologic Severity Index in hematologic malignancy patients with respiratory syncytial virus infection.

BACKGROUND: Immunocompromised hematologic malignancy (HM) patients experience high mortality after respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). We measured radiologic severity to determine whether it could improve the performance of 60-day mortality models based only upon immunodeficiency severity. METHODS: We studied 155 HM patients, including 84 hematopoietic cell transplant recipients, who developed RSV LRTI from 2001 to 2013. We measured immunodeficiency using lymphopenia (lymphocyte count <200 cells/mm3 ), Immunodeficiency Severity Index (ISI), and Severe Immunodeficiency (SID) criteria. Radiologic severity was measured by the Radiologic Severity Index (RSI, range 0-72) at time of LRTI (baseline-RSI) and peak severity (peak-RSI). Delta-RSI was defined as the difference between baseline-RSI and peak-RSI. We used logistic regression models to measure the association of immunodeficiency and RSI with 60-day all-cause mortality, and measured model discrimination using areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curves, calibration using Brier scores, and explained variance using pseudo-R2 values. RESULTS: Forty-one patients died within 60 days of RSV LRTI. Severe immunodeficiency was associated with higher mortality. Peak-RSI (odds ratio [OR] 1.06/point, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.08), and delta-RSI (OR 1.07/point, 95% CI 1.05-1.10) were associated with 60-day mortality after RSV LRTI, but not baseline-RSI. Addition of peak-RSI or delta-RSI to baseline immunodeficiency improved the discrimination, calibration, and explained variance (P < 0.001) of 60-day mortality models. CONCLUSIONS: Although baseline immunodeficiency in HM patients helps predict 60-day mortality after RSV LRTI, mortality risk estimates can be further refined by also measuring LRTI progression using RSI. RSI is well-suited as a marker of LRTI severity in RSV infection.

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with sarcoma treated with Pazopanib, a case control study.

BACKGROUND: The tyrosine kinase inhibitor pazopanib is used for treatment of sarcoma. Recent studies have suggested that the use of pazopanib may lead to the development of pneumothorax, an unexpected adverse effect in patients with sarcoma metastatic to the chest. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case control study of patients with sarcoma with metastases to the chest with pneumothorax (cases) and without pneumothorax (controls). The control population was selected from tumor registry in a 1:4 (cases to controls) ratio. The primary outcome of interest was the association between pazopanib and pneumothorax risk in patients with sarcoma metastatic to the chest. Secondary objective was to evaluate risk factors for pneumothorax. RESULTS: We identified 41 cases and 164 controls. Using purposeful selection method the odds of developing pneumothorax while being on pazopanib was not significant in univariate (p = .06) and multivariable analysis (p = .342). On univariate analysis risk factors of pneumothorax in patients with sarcoma were age, male sex, African American race, the presence of cavitary lung nodules/masses, and the presence of pleural-based nodules/masses. On multivariate analysis, only the presence of cavitary lung nodules/masses (P < .001) and the presence of pleural-based nodules/masses (P < .001) remained as risk factors for developing pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: Pazopanib does not increase the risk of pneumothorax in patients with sarcoma and evidence of metastatic disease to the chest. Presence of cavitary lung nodules/masses and the presence of pleural-based nodules/masses were found to be risk factors for pneumothorax.

Pleural effusions in hematologic malignancies and their management with indwelling pleural catheters.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pleural effusions in patients with hematologic malignancy may represent malignant pleural effusion (MPE) or occur secondary to infection, treatment effects, and other common causes. The impact of MPE on prognosis in this cohort remains unclear. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are routinely placed for palliation of recurrent symptomatic MPEs, but perceived concerns over infection and bleeding may limit their use in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, recent evidence suggests IPCs are both well tolerated and effective in this cohort. In this review, the evaluation of pleural effusions in hematologic malignancies and their management with an IPC are outlined. RECENT FINDINGS: Two retrospective studies have been published regarding the use of IPCs in hematologic malignancies. Lymphomatous effusions are the most common cause of MPE in this cohort. The rates of complications and pleurodesis with IPC in hematologic malignancies are similar to those with solid organ tumors. SUMMARY: Pleural effusions in patients with hematologic malignancies may be managed safely with an IPC. Sterile technique, barrier protection, standardized algorithms for placement and removal, and quality assurance initiatives are crucial to centers that place IPCs for all patients. The safety of IPC in hematologic malignancies warrants a paradigm shift in the management of pleural disease for this cohort.

Risk factors for mortality after respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection in adults with hematologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is associated with high mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies (HM). We sought to determine whether allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients would be at higher risk for 60-day mortality. METHODS: We examined a retrospective cohort of adults with HM with or without HCT treated for RSV LRTI (n = 154) at our institution from 1996-2013. We defined possible RSV LRTI as RSV detected only in the upper respiratory tract with new radiologic infiltrates and proven RSV LRTI as RSV detected in BAL fluid with new radiologic infiltrates. Immunodeficiency Scoring Index (ISI) and Severe Immunodeficiency (SID) criteria were calculated for HCT recipients. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with 60-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Mortality was high in HM patients (25%), but there was no difference between those without HCT, autologous or allo-HCT recipients in logistic regression models. Separate multivariate models showed that at RSV diagnosis, neutropenia (OR 8.3, 95% CI 2.8-24.2, P = 0.005) and lymphopenia (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.7-8.2, P = 0.001) were associated with 60-day mortality. Proven LRTI was associated with higher 60-day mortality (neutropenia model: OR 4.7, 95%CI 1.7-13.5; lymphopenia model: OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2-8.8), and higher ICU admission. In HCT recipients, high ISI and very severe immunodeficiency by SID criteria were associated with higher 60-day all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality is similarly high among HM patients without HCT and HCT recipients. High-grade immunodeficiency and detection of RSV from BAL fluid are associated with higher 60-day mortality.

Non-specific pleuritis in patients with active malignancy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pleuroscopy is the test of choice for patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion and negative cytology. Biopsies negative for malignancy are frequently attributed to non-specific pleuritis, which poses a dilemma in patients with a known active malignancy, raising concern for a false-negative result. Our primary objective was to determine the outcomes of patients with active malignancy who had a non-malignant diagnosis on pleuroscopy. METHODS: Retrospective review of all pleuroscopy cases from January 2005 to January 2015 at our institution was conducted. Biopsies were categorized by histopathology as malignant, eosinophilic or non-specific pleuritis. Malignant histopathology was considered a true positive. Eosinophilic or non-specific pleuritis was categorized as malignant, if malignancy was later identified during follow-up, or chemotherapy induced, possible radiation induced, other paramalignant, other benign or idiopathic. RESULTS: Of the 199 pleuroscopy cases reviewed, 172 (86%) had a history of active malignancy. On histopathology, 73 (42%) had malignancy, 9 (5%) had eosinophilic pleuritis and 90 (52%) had non-specific pleuritis. Three patients with non-specific pleuritis were diagnosed with malignancy at follow-up. Pleuritis in 24 patients was chemotherapy induced, 27 were possibly radiation induced, 11 were other paramalignant and 3 were other benign. Idiopathic pleuritis was diagnosed in 31 patients. Patients were monitored for a mean of 23 ± 11 months. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malignant pleural disease was lower than expected for our patient population. Patients with no malignancy on histopathology were most likely to have non-specific pleuritis, a cause for which was identified in a majority of patients after clinical review.

Sensitivity of Initial Thoracentesis for Malignant Pleural Effusion Stratified by Tumor Type in Patients with Strong Evidence of Metastatic Disease.

BACKGROUND: Thoracentesis with cytological examination of pleural fluid is the initial test of choice for evaluation of pleural effusions in patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion (MPE). There is limited data on the sensitivity of thoracentesis stratified by tumor type. A better understanding of stratified sensitivities is of clinical interest, and may guide early and appropriate referral for pleural biopsy. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was sensitivity of thoracentesis with pleural fluid cytology stratified by tumor type. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with a solid tumor malignancy with proven or strong suspicion for metastatic disease with new pleural effusions that underwent an initial thoracentesis. Only patients with metastatic disease were included. RESULTS: Of the 725 patients examined, 63% had pleural fluid cytology positive for malignancy. Sensitivity of thoracentesis varied from a low of 0.38 (95% CI 0.13-0.68) in head and neck malignancy, 0.38 (95% CI 0.15-0.65) in sarcoma, and 0.53 (95% CI 0.34-0.72) in renal cancer to a high of 93 (95% CI 88-97) in breast cancer, and 100 (95% CI 0.82-100) in pancreatic cancer. Factors associated with an increased risk of MPE included larger amount of fluid drained (p = 0.014) and higher pleural fluid protein (p = 0.002). The only factor associated with decreased risk of MPE if first cytology was negative for malignancy was the presence of contralateral effusion (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity of thoracentesis for solid tumors varies significantly depending on the type of tumor and is lowest in those with sarcomas, head and neck malignancies, and renal cell cancers.

Safety of Monitored Anesthesia Care Using Propofol-Based Sedation for Pleuroscopy.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach to sedation for pleuroscopy remains undefined. Propofol is the favored sedative-hypnotic for many proceduralists but has a narrow therapeutic window and the risk for oversedation is high. Propofol-based sedation administered by anesthesiologists and the routine use of end-tidal capnography and bispectral index (BIS) monitoring may attenuate risks of complications. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of monitored anesthesia care for pleuroscopy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent pleuroscopy. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of anesthesia complications in patients undergoing pleuroscopy. Hypoxia was defined as oxygen saturation of less than 90% for 2 min and hypotension was defined as the need for vasopressors. RESULTS: Of 199 enrolled patients, there were no significant complications attributed directly to anesthesia. Minor complications included hypoxia in 9 patients (4.5%), hypotension in 76 patients (38.2%), and insertion of a nasopharyngeal tube airway in 2 patients (1.0%). There was no significant difference in anesthesia-related complications between those with BIS monitoring and those without. Lower mean oxygen saturations (p = 0.028) and hypoxia (p = 0.021) were found in patients receiving the combination of propofol plus narcotics plus sedatives compared to those receiving propofol only, propofol plus narcotics or propofol plus sedatives. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that pleuroscopy using propofol with end-tidal capnography monitoring, with or without BIS monitoring, is safe and effective. The combination of propofol with narcotics and sedatives is associated with more hypoxia and lower mean oxygen saturation compared with propofol alone, propofol plus narcotics or propofol plus sedatives.

Influenza and coronary artery disease: exploring a clinical association with myocardial infarction and analyzing the utility of vaccination in prevention of myocardial infarction.

Both coronary artery disease and influenza outbreaks contribute significantly to worldwide morbidity and mortality. An increasing number of epidemiologic studies have concluded that a temporal association exists between acute viral illnesses and myocardial infarction. Viral illnesses such as influenza can cause or exacerbate coronary atherosclerosis by activating inflammatory pathways. Data from a large case-controlled trial and two randomized controlled trials suggest that influenza vaccination in patients with coronary artery disease may lead to a decrease in incidence, morbidity, and mortality from acute myocardial infarction. A meta-analysis of the two randomized controlled trials for cardiovascular death demonstrated a pooled relative risk of 0.39 (95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.77) for patients who received the influenza vaccine compared with placebo.

Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration With a 19-Gauge Needle vs 21- and 22-Gauge Needles for Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy.

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is commonly used to evaluate mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Studies focusing on malignant lymphadenopathy have compared 21- and 22-gauge (21G and 22G, respectively) needles and have not identified an advantage of one needle size over the other in terms of diagnostic yield. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does the 19-gauge (19G) EBUS needle offer greater diagnostic yield and sensitivity vs the 21G and 22G EBUS needles for a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, lymphoma, or mediastinal lymphadenopathy not yet diagnosed? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study retrospectively examined records of 730 patients from the Stather Canadian Outcomes Registry for Chest Procedures (SCOPE) database who underwent EBUS-TBNA for a diagnosis of suspected sarcoidosis, lymphoma, or mediastinal lymphadenopathy not yet diagnosed. A propensity score analysis of two groups was performed. One group comprised patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA with a 19G needle, the other with a 21G or 22G needle. Cases for analysis were selected with a 1:2 ratio of 19G vs 21/22G using logistic regression and random matching with all eligible 19G cases included. RESULTS: There were 137 patients (312 targets) in the 19G group and 274 patients (631 targets) in the 21/22G group in the propensity score analysis. The diagnostic yield was 107 of 137 (78.1%) in the 19G group vs 194 of 274 (70.8%) in the 21/22G group (difference, 7.3%; 95% CI, -1.9 to 15.6; P = .116). The sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA for sarcoidosis was 80 of 83 (96.4%) in the 19G group vs 150 of 156 (96.2%) in the 21/22G group (difference, 0.24%; 95% CI, -6.6 to 85.1; P = .93). In patients with a final diagnosis of lymphoma, EBUS was diagnostic in 10 of 13 (76.9%) in the 19G group vs 12 of 12 (100%) in the 21/22G group (difference, 23.1%; 95% CI, -5.4 to 50.3; P = .08). INTERPRETATION: The study did not identify an advantage of the 19G EBUS needle over the 21/22G EBUS needles for diagnostic yield nor sensitivity for sarcoidosis or lymphoma.

Protocol for the Stather Canadian Outcomes Registry for Chest ProcedurEs (SCOPE).

INTRODUCTION: The Stather Canadian Outcomes registry for chest ProcedurEs (SCOPE registry) is a Canadian multicentre registry of chest procedures. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The SCOPE registry is designed as a multicentre prospective database of specific bronchoscopic or other pulmonary procedures. Each procedure of interest will be associated with a registry module, and data capture designed to evaluate effectiveness of procedures on relevant patient outcomes. Participating physicians will be asked to enter data for all procedures performed in a given module. The anonymised dataset will be housed in a web-based electronic secure database. Specific modules included will be based on participating physician suggestions, capacity and consensus of the steering committee and relevance of hypotheses/research potential. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The central registry is under approval from the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board at the University of Calgary. We aim for registry data to lead to publication of manuscripts in international medical journals as the primary mode of dissemination. Data may also be used by local investigators for personal and/or institutional quality control purposes as well as to inform health policies. Data requests from non-participating investigators for use under ethics approved research protocols can be considered.

Optimizing Diagnostic and Staging Pathways for Suspected Lung Cancer: A Decision Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal diagnostic and staging strategy for patients with suspected lung cancer is not known. RESEARCH QUESTION: What diagnostic and staging strategies are most cost-effective for lung cancer? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A decision model was developed by using a hypothetical patient with a high probability of lung cancer. Sixteen unique permutations of bronchoscopy with fluoroscopy, radial endobronchial ultrasound, electromagnetic navigation, convex endobronchial ultrasound with or without rapid-onsite evaluation (ROSE), CT-guided biopsy (CTBx), and surgery were evaluated. Outcomes included cost, complications, mortality, time to complete the evaluation, rate of undetected N2-3 disease at surgery, incremental cost-complication ratio, and willingness-to-pay thresholds. Sensitivity analyses were performed on primary outcomes. RESULTS: For a peripheral lung lesion and radiographic N0 disease, the best bronchoscopy strategy costs $1,694 more than the best CTBx strategy but resulted in fewer complications (risk difference, 14%). The additional cost of bronchoscopy to avoid one complication from a CTBx strategy was $12,037. The cost and cumulative complications of bronchoscopy strategies increased compared with CTBx strategies for small lesions. The cost and cumulative complications of bronchoscopy strategies decreased compared with CTBx strategies when a bronchus sign was present, but bronchoscopy remained more costly overall. For a central lesion and/or radiographic N1-3 disease, convex endobronchial ultrasound with ROSE followed by lung biopsy with incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, if required, was more cost-effective than any CTBx strategy across all outcomes. Strategies with ROSE were always more cost-effective than those without, irrespective of scenario. Trade-offs also exist between different bronchoscopy strategies, and optimal choices depend on the value placed on individual outcomes and willingness-to-pay. INTERPRETATION: The most cost-effective strategies depend on nodal stage, lesion location, type of peripheral bronchoscopic biopsy, and the use of ROSE. For most clinical scenarios, many strategies can be eliminated, and trade-offs between the remaining competitive strategies can be quantified.

Sensitivity of Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Bronchoscopy for Lung Cancer in Patients With Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: An Updated Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Registry trials have found radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS) sensitivity to vary between institutions, suggesting that in clinical practice, r-EBUS sensitivity may be lower than reported in clinical trials. We performed a meta-analysis to update the estimates of r-EBUS sensitivity and to explore factors contributing to heterogeneity of results. METHODS: A systematic review using PubMed was performed through July 2018 to determine the sensitivity of r-EBUS for lung cancer, and to construct a summary receiver operating characteristic curve. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to weight results. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression was used to identify sources of heterogeneity. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS tool, and publication bias was tested using funnel plots. RESULTS: Fifty-one studies with a total of 7,601 patients were included. r-EBUS pooled sensitivity was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.70-0.75), and area under the sROC curve was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94-0.97). Significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 76%; heterogeneity P < .01). We failed to demonstrate an association between sensitivity and air bronchus sign, average nodule size, use of fluoroscopy, virtual bronchoscopy, guide sheath, cancer prevalence, multicenter status, or consecutive enrollment. Rapid onsite cytology was associated with increased sensitivity (P = .01). The pooled pneumothorax rate was 0.7% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.1%). Funnel plots were asymmetrical, demonstrating sample size-related effects and possible publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: r-EBUS has an excellent safety profile, but there is significant between-study heterogeneity. Sample size-related effects and possibly publication bias have led to overly optimistic estimates of the sensitivity of r-EBUS.

Combined pleuroscopy and endobronchial ultrasound for diagnosis and staging of suspected lung cancer.

The standard approach to staging of lung cancer in patients with pleural effusion (clinical M1a) is thoracentesis followed by pleural biopsies if the cytologic analysis is negative. If pleural biopsy findings are negative, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is used to complete the staging process and, in some cases, obtain diagnosis. In this case series we report 7 patients in which a combined procedure was performed for staging of known or suspected lung cancer. We found that the combined approach was both feasible and safe in this case series.

Bronchoscopic Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy: An Experimental Study in Normal Porcine Lung Parenchyma.

BACKGROUND: Population aging and lung cancer screening strategies may lead to an increase in detection of early-stage lung cancer in medical inoperable patients. Recent advances in peripheral bronchoscopy have made it a suitable platform for ablation of small peripheral tumors. METHODS: We investigated the tissue-ablative effect of a diode laser bronchoscopically applied by a laser delivery fiber (LDF) with wide aperture on porcine lung parenchyma. Laser was tested ex vivo and in vivo to identify the most effective power settings and LDF. Chest computed tomography (CT) were obtained immediately after ablation and after 3 days of observation. At day 3, necropsy was performed. RESULTS: On the basis of our ex vivo and in vivo experiments, we selected the round-tip LDF to be activated at 25 W for 20 seconds. Ten ablations were performed in 5 pigs. One ablation resulted in a pneumothorax requiring aspiration. All animals remained stable for 72 hours. CT findings at days 1 and 3 showed an area of cavitation surrounded by consolidation and ground glass. Median size of CT findings (long axis) was 26 mm (range, 24 to 38) at day 1, and 34 mm (range, 30 to 44) at day 3. Necropsy showed an area of central char measuring from 0.8×0.7×0.9 cm to 2.4×3.5×1.2 cm, surrounded by a gray-brown to dark red area. On histology, variable degrees of necrosis were evident around the charred areas. CONCLUSION: Bronchoscopic laser interstitial thermal therapy can achieve relatively large areas of ablation of normal lung parenchyma with a low rate of periprocedural complications.

Viral Pneumonia in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy or Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Viral pneumonias in patients with hematologic malignancies and recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation cause significant morbidity and mortality. Advances in diagnostic techniques have enabled rapid identification of respiratory viral pathogens from upper and lower respiratory tract samples. Lymphopenia, myeloablative and T-cell depleting chemotherapy, graft-versus-host disease, and other factors increase the risk of developing life-threatening viral pneumonia. Chest imaging is often nonspecific but may aid in diagnoses. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage is recommended in those at high risk for viral pneumonia who have new infiltrates on chest imaging.

Pleural Touch Preparations and Direct Visualization of the Pleura during Medical Thoracoscopy for the Diagnosis of Malignancy.

RATIONALE: During diagnostic thoracoscopy, talc pleurodesis after biopsy is appropriate if the probability of malignancy is sufficiently high. Findings on direct visual assessment of the pleura during thoracoscopy, rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) of touch preparations (touch preps) of thoracoscopic biopsy specimens, and preoperative imaging may help predict the likelihood of malignancy; however, data on the performance of these methods are limited. OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of ROSE of touch preps, direct visual assessment of the pleura during thoracoscopy, and preoperative imaging in diagnosing malignancy. METHODS: Patients who underwent ROSE of touch preps during thoracoscopy for suspected malignancy were retrospectively reviewed. Malignancy was diagnosed on the basis of final pathologic examination of pleural biopsy specimens. ROSE results were categorized as malignant, benign, or atypical cells. Visual assessment results were categorized as tumor studding present or absent. Positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) findings were categorized as abnormal or normal pleura. Likelihood ratios were calculated for each category of test result. RESULTS: The study included 44 patients, 26 (59%) with a final pathologic diagnosis of malignancy. Likelihood ratios were as follows: for ROSE of touch preps: malignant, 1.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-4.34); atypical cells, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.21-2.27); benign, 0.11 (95% CI, 0.01-0.93); for direct visual assessment: tumor studding present, 3.63 (95% CI, 1.32-9.99); tumor studding absent, 0.24 (95% CI, 0.09-0.64); for PET: abnormal pleura, 9.39 (95% CI, 1.42-62); normal pleura, 0.24 (95% CI, 0.11-0.52); and for CT: abnormal pleura, 13.15 (95% CI, 1.93-89.63); normal pleura, 0.28 (95% CI, 0.15-0.54). CONCLUSIONS: A finding of no malignant cells on ROSE of touch preps during thoracoscopy lowers the likelihood of malignancy significantly, whereas finding of tumor studding on direct visual assessment during thoracoscopy only moderately increases the likelihood of malignancy. A positive finding on PET and/or CT increases the likelihood of malignancy significantly in a moderate-risk patient group and can be used as an adjunct to predict malignancy before pleurodesis.