Pulmonary function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: A close relationship between upper and lower respiratory tract diseases has been reported. However, little is known about pulmonary function in patients with upper respiratory tract diseases. METHODS: Pulmonary function was measured in: 68 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, 135 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, 89 patients with allergic rhinitis and 100 normal control subjects. The relationships between pulmonary function and clinical parameters were assessed. These parameters included radiographic severity of chronic rhinosinusitis, serum total immunoglobulin E levels, concentrations of cytokines in nasal secretions and exhaled nitric oxide levels. RESULTS: The pulmonary function of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis was significantly affected. The level of interleukin-5 in nasal secretions was significantly correlated with pulmonary function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. CONCLUSION: The findings indicated latent obstructive lung function changes in chronic rhinosinusitis patients. The cytokines in nasal secretions might be related to obstructive lung function changes in chronic rhinosinusitis.

COX/PGE(2) axis critically regulates effects of LPS on eosinophilia-associated cytokine production in nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has shown heterogeneous effects on eosinophilic inflammation in airways. However, little is known about how LPS regulates pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, a major form of eosinophilic inflammation in the upper airway. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the effect of LPS on cytokine production by dispersed nasal polyp cells (DNPCs). METHODS: Either diclofenac-treated or untreated DNPCs were cultured with or without staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in the presence or absence of LPS, after which the levels of IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A and IFN-γ within the supernatant were measured. The effects of PGE(2) on LPS-induced responses by diclofenac-treated DNPCs were also examined. LPS-induced PGE(2) production and mRNA expression of COX-1, COX-2 and microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1 (m-PGES-1) were measured. RESULTS: Staphylococcal enterotoxin B induced IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A and IFN-γ production by DNPCs. Pre-treatment with LPS prior to SEB stimulation inhibited production of these cytokines. After stimulation with LPS, PGE(2) production and expression of COX-2 and m-PGES-1 mRNA by DNPCs increased significantly. In the presence of diclofenac, the suppressive effects of LPS were eliminated. LPS pre-treatment enhanced SEB-induced IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17A production in diclofenac-treated DNPCs, while addition of PGE(2) inhibited IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ production. LPS alone induced IL-5, IL-13 and IFN- γ production by diclofenac-treated DNPCs, while the addition of EP2 and EP4 receptor-selective agonists, as well as PGE(2) itself, inhibited IL-5 and IL-13 production. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results suggest that the regulatory effects of LPS on eosinophilic airway inflammation are controlled via the COX-2/PGE(2) axis. For clinical implications, indiscreet use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

[Squamous cell carcinoma of the chest wall in a patient with chronic empyema].

We report a rare case of squamous cell carcinoma of the chest wall in a patient with chronic empyema. The patient was a 74-year-old male who had been treated by closed chest drainage for empyema for 20 years until the development of carcinoma. He received chest wall resection followed by radiation therapy because of disseminated lesions comfirmed at surgery. However, his condition worsened gradually, and he died 2 months postoperatively. In the treatment of chronic empyema, we must pay attention to the possible association of malignant tumor for treating as early as possible, because the associated malignant tumor usually has a poor prognosis.

Lipopolysaccharide induces proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in experimental otitis media through the prostaglandin D2 receptor (DP)-dependent pathway.

Otitis media is one of the most common and intractable ear diseases, and is the major cause of hearing loss, especially in children. Multiple factors affect the onset or development of otitis media. Prostaglandin D2 is the major prostanoid involved in infection and allergy. However, the role of prostaglandin D2 and prostaglandin D2 receptors on the pathogenesis of otitis media remains to be determined. Recent studies show that D prostanoid receptor (DP) and chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on T helper type 2 (Th2) cells (CRTH2) are major prostaglandin D2 receptors. In this study, homozygous DP single gene-deficient (DP⁻(/)⁻) mice, CRTH2 single gene-deficient (CRTH2⁻(/)⁻) mice and DP/CRTH2 double gene-deficient (DP⁻(/)⁻ CRTH2⁻(/)⁻) mice were used to investigate the role of prostaglandin D2 and its receptors in otitis media. We demonstrate that prostaglandin D2 is induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of Gram-negative bacteria, and that transtympanic injection of prostaglandin D2 up-regulates macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 in the middle ear. We also show that middle ear inflammatory reactions, including infiltration of inflammatory cells and expression of MIP-2, IL-1ß and IL-6 induced by LPS, are reduced significantly in DP⁻(/)⁻ mice and DP⁻(/)⁻ CRTH2⁻(/)⁻ mice. CRTH2⁻(/)⁻ mice display inflammatory reactions similar to wild-type mice. These findings indicate that prostaglandin D2 may play significant roles in LPS-induced experimental otitis media via DP.

Role of fungal antigens in eosinophilia-associated cellular responses in nasal polyps: a comparison with enterotoxin.

BACKGROUND: Fungi and/or Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SEs) may participate in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic inflammation in cases of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Objective We sought to determine the effects of fungal antigens on eosinophilia-associated cellular responses in nasal polyps. METHODS: Dispersed nasal polyp cells (DNPCs) were prepared from 13 patients with CRSwNP. DNPCs were cultured with fungal extracts (Aspergillus, Alternaria and Candida) or SEB for 72 h, after which the levels of IL-5, IL-13 and RANTES were measured within the supernatant. Responses to ß-d-glucan, mannan and chitin were also examined. RESULTS: 38.5%, 69.2% and 30.8% of DNPCs produced IL-5, IL-13 and RANTES, respectively, in response to 200 µg/mL of Aspergillus. 53.8%, 53.8% and 7.7% of DNPCs produced IL-5, IL-13 and RANTES, respectively, in response to 200 µg/mL of Alternaria. 53.8%, 38.5% and 15.4% of DNPCs produced IL-5, IL-13 and RANTES, respectively, in response to 200 µg/mL of Candida. All DNPCs produced these cytokines in response to 0.1 µg/mL of SEB. SEB induced significantly greater cytokine levels than the fungal extracts. No correlation between cytokine production following exposure to each of the fungal extracts or SEB and various clinical features, including nasal polyp eosinophilia and radiological severity of sinusitis was observed. Neither sensitization to fungus nor comorbidity with bronchial asthma was correlated with the fungal extract-induced cytokine production by DNPCs. ß-d-glucan, mannan and chitin did not induce significant cytokine production. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, although DNPCs produce IL-5, IL-13 and RANTES in response to fungal extracts, fungal antigens including major carbohydrates are less capable of inducing eosinophilia-associated cellular responses in nasal polyps than SEB.

[Bilateral pneumothorax of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient under mechanical ventilation].

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal disease. To support breathing of some patients with ALS in its severe condition, mechanical ventilation is indispensable. However, mechanical ventilation has been known to induce pneumothorax by the damage of lung cells in response to mechanical stretch. An ALS 50-year-old male on mechanical ventilation was referred to our department for left pneumothorax. After an unsuccessful drainage for a couple of weeks, he underwent a partial resection of the left lung. On 3rd postoperative day (POD) the left lung collapsed again. Moreover, on 6th POD, the right pneumothorax occurred. Regarding the right pneumothorax, drainage was effective with a continuous pressure of -10 cm H2O, and the chest tube was removed soon. An air leak from the left chest tube persisted, and the left lung expansion was not enough with its apex line around the clavicle. On 42nd POD, a drainage pressure was increased up to -15 cm H2O. Then an air leak disappeared, and the lung expansion was obtained. The adjustment of a chest tube drainage pressure seems to be important, especially when a pneumothorax patient on mechanical ventilation is treated.

[Recurrent tuberculous abscess in the chest wall; report of a case].

A case of recurrent tuberculous abscess in the chest wall which was successfully treated by resection of the rib and transposition with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap is reported. A 70-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for the purpose of receiving tuberculostatic treatment after an operation for tuberculous abscess in the chest wall at another hospital. When he first visited the another hospital, he had complained of a left chest wall tumor and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from the pus. After admission to the hospital, tuberculous abscess recurrenced in the left chest wall 2 months after the operation. We performed resection of the abscess, 5th and 6th ribs, as well as transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap. There have been no signs of recurrence and is followed in the clinic, as of 4 months after the operation. We think that resection of the abscess, ribs, and, transposition of the muscle flap are useful methods for tuberculous abscess in the chest wall.

[A case of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma diagnosed by a segmental resection].

A 66-year-old man who underwent an extirpation of thymoma in stage I on September 16 1997 was followed in the outpatient clinic. In October 1998, a chest CT scan revealed a 2.0 x 1.0 cm faint frosted glass like shadow in the right S9. On September 13 1999, the patient was admitted to the hospital for close examination. Two times of transbronchial lung biopsy could not offer any clear diagnosis because the lesion was present so as to encircle the central segment of the B9 gronchus. A segmental resection (S9 + 10) under thoracotomy was performed. Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis was bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (type A according to Noguchi's classification), and a resection of the remnant lower lobe and mediastinal lymph nodes dissection (ND 2 a) were added. With expected increase in frequency of detecting early pulmonary cancer's through CT, clinical cases for which we are obliged to diagnosed the disease by segmental resection may increase, if the lesion develops in the vicinity of the hilum of lung like this case.

[A case of schwannoma arising in brachial plexus with intrathoracic extension].

A case of benign schwannoma arising in the brachial plexus with intrathoracic extension was presented. The patient was a 55-year-old man, who was pointed out an abnormal shadow in the left apical region on routine chest X-ray examination. MRI showed that the mass extended to the lowest trunk of the brachial plexus. He had no complaint. Therefore, a diagnostic operation was performed. The tumor was subcapsularly resected with thoracoscopic surgery. Histopathological examination revealed a schwannoma (Antoni type A and B). It should be kept in mind that tumors arising in the brachial plexus are a probable differential diagnosis for tumors at the pulmonary apex, even if no neurological symptoms are seen in the upper extremities.

[Video-assisted thoracoscopical surgery for pericardial cyst: report of two cases].

Two cases of pericardial cyst are reported. Case 1: A 51-year-old man, was admitted to the hospital because of an abnormal shadow on a chest CT scan. We confirmed a cystic mediastinal tumor situated between the superior vena cava and azygos vein. The cystic tumor was excised with a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical procedure. Histopathological examination revealed a mesothelial-lined structure. Patient 2, a 34-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of an abnormal shadow on a chest radiographic film. Chest CT scan showed a cystic mediastinal tumor. The cystic tumor was excised with a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical procedure. Histopathological examination revealed a mesothelial-lined structure. We would recommend video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery which is of great value in the treatment of pericardial cyst.

[A case report of a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst with back pain].

We performed thoracoscopic surgery for a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst with complaining of back pain. The patient, a 38-year-old male, was admitted with an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray. Chest CT showed a localized tumor on the mediastine. MRI showed a cyst. Under thoracoscopy the tumor was based on parietal pleura and movable in chest cavity. We concluded that back pain was caused by a stimulus of a nerve in parietal pleura. Pathological diagnosis was a bronchogenic cyst.

[An effective case of a new biological adhesive agent, gelatin-resorcinol formaldehyde-glutaralhyde glue (GRFG-glue) in treating refractory pulmonary fistula following lobectomy for pulmonary aspergilloma].

We report a successful case of thoracoscopic therapy using a new biological adhesive agent, Gelatin-Resorcinol Formaldehyde glue (GRFG glue) for refractory pulmonary fistula. A 69-year-old male underwent right upper lobectomy for lung aspergilloma. Air leakage began 11 days after lobectomy. Closing alveolar fistula was performed 28 days after first operation. Relapsing air leakage began 2 days after second operation. The insertion of fibrin glue through thoracoscope at two times was not effective for refractory pulmonary fistula. But the insertion of GRFG glue was effective to close the fistula completely.

[A resected case under thoracoscopic surgery of bilateral pulmonary metastases of renal cell carcinoma ten years after radical nephrectomy].

A 68-year-old male had received a left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma of the clear cell type in October, 1987. He had been given Interferon alpha (IFN alpha) for one year since then. He was referred to our hospital for bilateral abnormal shadows on the chest roentgenogram in December, 1997. He underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy of bilateral lung in January, 1998, 11 years after his nephrectomy. The resected specimens contained a coin lesions measuring approximately 2 cm in diameter, and the lesions were microscopically diagnosed as a renal cell carcinoma of the clear cell type metastatic to the lung. The patient is doing well with no signs of re-recurrence five months after the resection of the metastatic lesion.

Thallium-201-chloride and technetium-99m-MIBI SPECT of primary and metastatic lung carcinoma.

We compared technetium-99m-MIBI (Tc-99m MIBI) with thallium-201-chloride (Tl-201) SPECT imaging in patients with lung carcinoma. In addition, we compared the imaging characteristics of Tl-201 and Tc-99m MIBI after radiation therapy. Thirty-seven patients with primary lung carcinoma were evaluated with SPECT imaging for metastasis to the mediastinal lymph nodes and brain. Patients were imaged with Tl-201 chloride images 10 and 180 min after injection. Patients were also imaged 10 min after injection of Tc-99m MIBI. The sensitivity of Tl-201 SPECT for the primary lesion and brain metastasis was 97.1% and 70.0% respectively at 10 min and 97.1% and 60.0% at 180 min. The sensitivity of Tc-99m MIBI SPECT was 97.1% (for the identification of the primary lesion) and 50.0% (for the detection of brain metastasis) at 10 min. The uptake ratios (count in tumor/count in normal lung or brain) at 10 min on the Tl-201 SPECT and on the Tc-99m MIBI SPECT were not significantly different for the primary tumor or for brain metastasis. The uptake ratios were better for Tc-99m MIBI than for Tl-201 [2.82 vs. 1.99 (p<0.05)] for mediastinal lymph nodes. Decreasing uptake ratios and retention index with both agents after radiation therapy are concordant to the follow-up clinical course. Tc-99m MIBI SPECT is more sensitive in the detection of metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes than Tl-201 SPECT.

Bronchial atresia with transient spontaneous disappearance of a mucocele.

We report the transient spontaneous disappearance of a mucocele due to bronchial atresia. Two years before presentation, a chest radiograph showed a hyperlucent right upper lung and a mucocele near the right hilum. A chest radiograph taken 1 year later showed that the mucocele had disappeared leaving an ovoid outline of a dilated bronchus. A chest radiograph obtained 3 months before presentation showed that the mucocele was present again. Atresia of the B3b bronchus of the right upper lobe was noted on thoracotomy. The "disappearance" of the mucocele probably was due to the clearance of mucoid material through collateral airways.

[A case of intrathoracic lipoma arising from the chest wall resected by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery].

We present a case of lipoma arising from the chest wall spreading into the thoracic cavity. Although asymptomatic, a 65-year-old female was pointed out an abnormal shadow on the chest X-ray film taken at the mass survey. The tumor, measuring 3.4 x 3.0 x 2.0 cm in diameter, was surgically removed under thoracoscopic visualization through a small thoracotomy incision of lt. 1st intercostal space, and the diagnosis of lipoma was confirmed postoperatively by histopathologic examination.

[A resected case of a bronchiolo-alveolar cell carcinoma of the lung accompanying pneumonia-like shadow on chest roentgenogram].

A 67-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of pneumonia-like shadow on chest roentgenogram with persistent cough and sputum of 4 months duration. Diagnosis as lung cancer was delayed more than 4 months. She showed fever and inflammatory reactions. Antibiotics were effective to inflammatory reactions, but not effective to pneumonia-like shadow. Transbronchial lung biopsy was useful for the diagnosis. Right lower lobectomy was performed. In this case, tumor extents were limited within one lobe. Tumor cells did not invade blood and lymphatic vessels, and extrathoracic metastases were not detected. The prognosis of bronchiolo-alveolar cell carcinoma was determined by intra-pulmonary tumor extent. Based on a comparison with the outcome of unresected cases, bronchiolo-alveolar cell carcinoma limited within one lobe should be surgically resected.

[Three resected cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis].

Case 1 was a 53-year-old female who had a small nodule in the right S3 segment on chest CT. As she was not diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), open thoracotomy was performed. Case 2 was a 65-year-old female who had a nodule with pleural indentation in the right S6 segment. As this nodule showed difficulty to differentiate from small lung carcinoma, thoracoscopic surgery was performed. Case 3 was a 63-year-old female who had multiple lesions with cavity in the left S4 and S5 segments, which was preoperatively diagnosed by TBLB. She was performed thoracoscopic partial resection of the lingular segment because of poor response to antimycotic agents. All cases received preventive antimycotic agents for one or two months after the operation. There was no recurrence or postoperative meningitis. Thoracoscopic surgery is the effective procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of the localized pulmonary cryptococcosis.

Microbial flora of the normal esophagus.

The endogenous flora of the skin and some mucous membranes are well known, however, we were unable to find descriptions about normal esophageal flora in literature. We believe that knowledge about normal esophageal flora is important for therapeutic implications. We compiled data on 30 patients without infection of the oropharynx or esophagus who were admitted for an endoscopy of the upper digestive tract to determine normal esophageal flora. The samples were collected by injecting 10 ml of 0.9% physiological solution into the esophagus and oropharynx and removing it by suction. Esophageal samples from 30 patients and oropharingeal samples from 10 of these patients were collected. We identified mixed flora being Streptococcus viridans the most frequent microorganism found. Where samples from both the esophagus and oropharynx were collected, three occurrences of this same microorganism were found. We concluded that the isolation frequency of germs in the esophagus by the method used was high and the most frequently found germ was S. viridans. There is therefore a possible correlation between the flora from the oropharynx and the esophagus.