A man having 'cyst' in the 'cyst'!

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic infestation caused by tapeworms, particularly Echinococcus granulosus. The lung is the second most site followed by liver accounting for 10%-30% of the cases. Rupture of hydatid cyst can occur into pleura or bronchus. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for pulmonary hydatid.

A case of tracheobronchopathia ostochondorplastica.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a disorder caused by the accumulation of calcium phosphate in the submucosa of large airways. Benign proliferation of bone and cartilage lead to the narrowing of airways. Bronchoscopy is the diagnostic test for TO. It shows characteristic smooth nodules emerging from tracheal rings that never involves the posterior membranous wall.

Performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay on thoracoscopic pleural biopsy in undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay in diagnosing tuberculosis on thoracoscopic pleural biopsies in exudative pleural effusion. METHODS: Patients who underwent thoracoscopic pleural biopsy in the defined period were included in the study. Histopathology was done for all and Xpert MTB RIF assay and AFB culture of pleural biopsy specimen and pleural fluid were done as per the clinician's discretion. RESULTS: Total of 110 patients underwent pleural biopsy and tissue Xpert MTB/RIF and MTB culture were done in 29 patients. XpertMTB/RIF assay and MTB culture had a sensitivity of 59% and 35% respectively and specificity of specificity of 100. CONCLUSION: The study described the ability of XPERT MTB/RIF in getting additional diagnostic information from thoracoscopic Pleural biopsy. Pleural biopsy Xpert MTB/RIF had sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 100% in diagnosing TPE. In addition to the diagnosis, Xpert MTB/RIF can also give valuable information about rifampicin resistance too. XPERT MTB/RIF assay also helped in getting diagnosis when histopathology alone was not able to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of TPE. Pleural fluid ADA of 38 IU/L had a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 86% for diagnosis of TPE in present study.

Prevalence of overlap syndrome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea in a quaternary care center of Kerala.

Background: The coexistence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is termed "Overlap syndrome (OS)." Objectives: The present study aimed at estimating the prevalence of OS among patients diagnosed with OSA. Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted on patients presenting to respiratory medicine outpatient department (sleep clinic) with symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and was found to have OSA by overnight polysomnography. These patients were then subjected to spirometry to diagnose COPD. Results: The prevalence of OS in the study population was found to be 41.3%. Excessive daytime sleepiness was found to be higher in overlap group patients (P = 0.033), the difference was statistically significant. The mean age (59.9 ± 9.6 years) was found to be high in the OS group compared to those without the same. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC (pre- and postbronchodilator) spirometry parameters were found to be lower in patients with OS. Conclusion: The study showed that the prevalence of OS in the present study was 41.3%. Excessive daytime sleepiness and age >60 years were risk factors for OS in a patient with OSA. OS patients had lower pulmonary function values.

Retrospective observational study to compare Xpert MTB/RIF assay with other diagnostic tests in lymph node tuberculosis.

Background: Lymph node tuberculosis (TB) is the most common form of extrapulmonary TB in India. Standards for TB care in India recommend microscopy/culture/CBNAAT/molecular test/histopathology examination and drug sensitivity testing on appropriate specimens from the presumed sites of involvement for all patients with presumptive extrapulmonary TB. Objectives: To analyze the utility of Xpert MTB/Rif assay in lymph node TB. Methods: All patients who underwent lymph node sampling between July 2014 and June 2017 and for whom Xpert MTB/Rif assay was done were included. Demographic profile, Xpert MTB/Rif assay result, histopathology/cytology findings, smear acid-fast bacillus (AFB), and AFB culture results were noted. A composite reference score (CRS) was made. Results: Xpert MTB/Rif assay was positive in 63 of the 81 patients. Xpert had a sensitivity of 82.14% and specificity of 86.18%when compared against AFB culture and 75.61% and 98.97% when compared against CRS. Conclusion: Xpert MTB/Rif assay is a valuable test for rapid diagnosis of lymph node TB.

Impact of early pulmonary rehabilitation in postacute COVID Disease: A single-center experience from India - A quasi-experimental study.

Background: It was observed that post-COVID patients reported persistent exertional dyspnea, cough, fatigue, or chest pain. About 10%-20% of patients may progress to pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been proven to be useful in improving effort tolerance and quality of life in chronic respiratory diseases. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in improving 6-min walk distance (6 MWD), peak flow, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in early postacute COVID disease. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted during January 2021 to March 2021. The patients who recovered from COVID-19 and having persistent exertional dyspnea and fatigue after 3 weeks of recovery were included in the study. Baseline and postintervention assessment of 6 MWD, Visual Analog Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), peak flow, and Hamilton rating scales (HAM) scales after 4 weeks were done. Compliance was ensured with weakly telemonitoring. Results: Significant improvement in peak flow, 6 MWD, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and VAS-F (P < 0.01) after 4 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. Conclusion: Early pulmonary rehabilitation in post-COVID syndrome can contribute to statistically significant improvement in functional and psychological parameters as well as post-COVID fatigue.

Study on factors associated with post bronchodilator reversibility among patients presenting with dyspnea: An experience at a tertiary care academic hospital in Kerala.

Background: The change in FEV1 after administration of a short-acting bronchodilator has been widely used for diagnosis of obstructive airway diseases. Many factors can influence the post bronchodilator reversibility. Aim: The aim of the present study was to estimate the presence of reversibility among the patients of obstructive airway disease and to identify the factors affecting it. Methods: Patients who presented to the department of respiratory medicine with symptoms of dyspnea were evaluated with spirometry. Spirometry and post bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) was defined as per international guidelines. SPSS 17 was used for statistical analysis and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 100 patients studied, 33 had BDR. Median age of the population was 58 ± 17 years. There were 72 non-smokers and 58 men. A total of 32 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 56 had asthma, and 12 had normal spirometry. The median pre and post bronchodilator FEV1 was 1.34L/Sec and 1.46 L/sec respectively. Twenty-seven of asthma (41%) and 6 of COPD (19%) had BDR (P = 0.05). Other factors associated with BDR were smoking (P = 0.035). There was no statistically significant correlation found between eosinophilia, gender, severity of obstruction, BMI, height, weight and age. Conclusion: The prevalence of post BDR in the study population was 33%. The factors affecting BDR were smoking status, and asthma. The study did not show any significant correlation between BDR and eosinophilia, gender, height and age.

Clinical Profile of Lung Cancer in Females- A Single Institution Study.

The global incidence of lung cancer among women is rising. By 2030, lung cancer in women is expected to increase by 43%. The factors thought to predispose women to lung cancer are exposure second hand smoke, air pollution and biofuels used for cooking. Our objectives was to study the clinical and pathological features of lung cancer in women. Material: A retrospective review of medical records of women with lung cancer who attended Amrita institute of medical sciences, Kochi, between 2015-2019 was done. Data was collected using our institution's Electronic medical records (EMR). Demographic details and clinicopathologic features were extracted from the EMR manually. Data was tabulated using Microsoft Excel. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages., Observation :Out of the 1683 lung cancer cases seen during 2015-2019, 389 (23.1%) were females. 250 patients for whom complete data was available was included in this study. Majority of the women were above 50 years old (N= 216, 86.4%). The median age of diagnosis was 64 years (range 33- 95 years). 14 patients (5.0%) had history of pulmonary tuberculosis. The median duration of symptoms was 8.7 weeks (IQR 4.3 -13). Cough (N=173, 69.2%), dyspnoea (N=117, 46.8%) and chest pain (N = 105, 42%) were the most common symptoms. Data regarding the use of cooking medium used (biofuel/LPG) was available only in 107 patients. 15/107 (14%) patients were using biofuels for cooking. 75.2% of them presented in advanced stages (Stage IV N=188). The most common sites of metastasis were bone (N=88, 35.2 %), lung (N = 55, 22%), lymph nodes (N=55, 22%) brain (N= 38, N= 15.2%), liver (N=32, 12.8%) and adrenal gland (N=31, 12.4%). 113 patients had one and 77 patients had multiple metastatic sites. The site of primary tumour was-right upper lobe N=67 (26.8%), Right middle lobe N =11 (4.4 %%), Right Lower lobe N=46 (18.4%), Left upper lobe N=65 (25%) and left lower lobe N=52(20.8%). Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type (N=224, 89.6%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma (N=12, 4.8%). Actionable mutations observed were EGFR in 44% and ALK 2% and BRAF 1.2%. Conclusion: Male to female ratio in our study (4.3:1) was higher compared to the lung cancer demographics from other states in India. This finding along with rising global incidence warrants special attention and screening for women with suspicious symptoms. The incidence of EGFR mutation was also high (44%) compared to other studies from India.

Case series of concurrent occurrence of sarcoidosis and breast cancer - A diagnostic dilemma.

Sarcoidosis is a multi-system granulomatous disorder characterized by involvement of multiple systems with or without lymphadenitis. Pulmonary complications are common and may lead to morbidity. Breast cancer is one of the commonest malignancy among women across the world. There is an increased risk of malignancies in sarcoidosis. This association with cancer creates a diagnostic dilemma due to the predominant involvement of nodes and organ systems in both conditions. Here we report three cases of sarcoidosis with breast cancer diagnosed over one year.

Validation of MuLBSTA score to derive modified MuLB score as mortality risk prediction in COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19pandemic was started in December 2019. It has variable presentation from mild sore throat to severe respiratory distress. It is important to identify individuals who are likely to worsen. The Research question is how to identify patients with COVID-19 who are at high risk and to predict patient outcome based on a risk stratification model? We evaluated 251 patients with COVID-19 in this prospective inception study. We used a multi-variable Cox proportional hazards model to identify the independent prognostic risk factors and created a risk score model on the basis of available MuLBSTA score. The model was validated in an independent group of patients from October2020 to December 2021. We developed a combined risk score, the MuLBA score that included the following values and scores: Multi lobar infiltrates (negative0.254, 2), lymphopenia (lymphocytes of <0.8x109 /L, negative0.18,2), bacterial co- infection (negative, 0.306,3). In our MuLB scoring system, score of >8 was associated with high risk of mortality and <5 was at mild risk of mortality (P < 0.001). The interpretation was that The MuLB risk score model could help to predict survival in patients with severe COVID-19 infection and to guide further clinical research on risk-based treatment.

Prognostic role of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide for patients in the medical intensive care unit with severe sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is an important cause of mortality in intensive care units worldwide. The increased levels of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) are related with dysfunction of the cardiovascular system and systemic inflammation. It is uncertain whether this increase reflects sepsis-related cardiac dysfunction that translates to poorer outcomes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of NT-pro BNP on the outcome and duration of hospital stay of patients admitted with sepsis. The secondary objective was to identify other associated risk factors for mortality in sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients who presented to emergency room with diagnosis of suspected sepsis were studied. Risk factors associated with outcome were studied by univariate analysis. The variables having statistical significance were further included in multivariate analysis to identify the independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients with sepsis were included in this study. In univariate analyses, NT-pro BNP, procalcitonin, need of mechanical ventilation (MV), blood culture positivity, chronic kidney disease-chronic liver disease CKD-CLD, and diabetes mellitus were predictors of prolonged hospital stay, and it was same for multivariate analysis excluding procalcitonin. In univariate analysis, NT-pro BNP, MV, and DM were risk factors associated with mortality but in multivariate analysis showed significance only with MV and DM. CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant correlation between NT-pro BNP levels and mortality. The other factors associated with increased mortality were diabetes mellitus and need of MV. In addition to the above factors, the presence of CKD and CLD was associated with increased duration of hospital stay. There was concordance between increased NT-pro BNP and elevated trop I, s creatinine, need of MV, and CKD.

EGFR analysis on scrapings from cytology smears in lung carcinoma, an effective alternative to testing on trucut biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Lung carcinomas are a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Many cases present at an advanced stage of disease where definitive treatment by surgical resection is not feasible. Molecular testing using materials derived from minimally invasive procedures aid in targeted therapy with least iatrogenic burden to the patient. METHODS: Cases diagnosed as non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) on cytology were included in the study. Scrapings from the smears with adequate tumor cell load were submitted for molecular testing. The DNA was extracted and quantified. Mutations in exons 18, 19, 20, and 21 of the EGFR gene were detected using Sanger sequencing. DNA quantity and EGFR mutation status on equal number of consecutive trucut biopsy specimens were also analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy cases of NSCLC tested for EGFR mutation had a median DNA concentration of 40.2 ng/µl and 31% cases showed mutation. Majority of mutations (14/21, 66.66%) were identified in exon 19. Among 70 trucut biopsy samples, DNA concentration was 41.42 ng/µl and 30% cases showed mutation. No significant difference was seen in DNA quantity and EGFR mutation between cytology smears and trucut biopsies. CONCLUSION: EGFR testing on cytology smears provides adequate DNA yield with minimal invasiveness and is equally effective as biopsies. Testing on samples like pleural effusion allows for concomitant diagnosis, staging, and molecular testing in one procedure. Tests done on the smears rather than on cell block or trucut biopsies ensures superior quality DNA from the tumor cells as they are unexposed to cross linking formalin fixative.

Anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease: report of two cases.

Melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis (DM) displays unique cutaneous and pathologic features. We describe two cases of myositis-associated rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). The patients were two women from Kerala, India. Both patients had anti-MDA5 antibody-positive myositis. Both patients presented with RP-ILD without any clinical features of myositis and succumbed to their illness despite aggressive medical treatment. Anti-MDA5-antibody-positive DM is characterised by amyopathic disease with rapidly progressive and fatal ILD.

Diagnostic utility of pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with exudative pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion (PE) is presenting symptoms of many different diseases and is often a diagnostic challenge. Negative cytology in the malignant PE requires more complicated diagnostic procedures, such as closed pleural biopsy or thoracoscopic pleural biopsy. Not all the patients will be fit for such invasive procedures due to high risk. Tumor markers seem to be a promising alternative and have been proposed to aid in the differentiation of the PE etiology. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in differentiation between malignant and nonmalignant PEs and to compare adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels with respect to malignant and nonmalignant PE. METHODOLOGY: It was a prospective observational study. Patients who presented with undiagnosed exudative PE during the time period 2016-2018 were studied. Pleural fluid was subjected to all routine investigations such as sugar, protein, lactate dehydrogenase, ADA, and CEA. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Fifty-one patients had malignancy. Univariate analysis showed that smoker, previous history of cancer, ADA <20, and CEA of >2.15 were variables associated with malignancy. Multivariate analysis showed pleural fluid CEA >2.15 as only independent risk factor associated with malignancy. The sensitivity of 91.5% and 65% and specificity of 92.5% and 81.4%, respectively, were found for CEA 2.15 ng/dl and ADA <16.5 U/L as plotted from receiver operating characteristic curve. The combined CEA and ADA (2.39 ng/ml and 16.5 U/L) values in pleural fluid had higher sensitivity of 100%. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that pleural fluid CEA levels have a sensitivity of 93.5% and specificity of 73% in diagnosing of malignant PE. ADA levels lesser than 16.5 U/L were seen in patients with malignant PE, but less sensitive and specific compared to CEA. Combined ADA and CEA levels had higher sensitivity than CEA alone.

A systematic review of clinical and laboratory parameters associated with increased severity among COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been an extremely difficult pandemic to contain and it has affected more than 148 countries worldwide. The main aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive summary of clinical and laboratory parameters that are associated with and indicative of increased severity among COVID-19 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All the available data from high-quality research articles relevant to the epidemiology, demographics, trends in hospitalization and outcomes, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment methods of COVID-19 were retrieved and evaluated for inclusion. RESULTS: As per our review, the mean age of patients in the severe group was 59.3 years compared to 46.5 years in non severe group. COVID-19 was more severe among men than women. Clinical presentation was variable among different studies. and dyspnea was the factor indicating severe disease. Laboratory parameters associated with increased severity were lymphopenia <0.8 × 109/L, thrombocytopenia 100 × 109/L, leucocytosis TC > 11 × 109/L, procalcitonin >0.5 ng/mL, d dimer >2 mcg/mL, aspartate transaminase elevation >150U/L, LDH >250U/L. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that COVID-19 is a disease with varied clinical presentation and laboratory parameters. The commonest clinical symptoms were fever, cough and dyspnea. The laboratory parameters associated with severe disease were lymphopenia, elevated LDH, D dimer and Procalcitonin.

Diagnostic utility of medical thoracoscopy in T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma presenting with pleural effusion.

Adult lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurring among predominantly adolescent and young adult men, accounting for 1%-2% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. In contrast to B-LBL, T-cell LBL is much more common, accounting for up to 90% of disease in adults. Mediastinal mass, pleural and/or pericardial effusions are the major characteristics of T-LBL. We report an 27-year-old male with a pleural effusion, mediastinal lymphadenitis, and a normal hemogram. The cytology of the pleural effusion initially was lymphocytic exudative and ADA was high. For definitive diagnosis a medical thoracoscopy was done. The partial pleura showed multiple irregular nodules and thickening in sheets. It was picked and immunophenotypic study revealed the following: CD3, TdTþ, CD7 with Ki 67 index of 70-80%. The patient was finally diagnosed with T-LBL. He was treated with chemotherapy and is on regular follow up with resolution of effusion. The case highlight the point that medical thoracoscopy is a safe and accurate diagnostic procedure for pleural diseases, and partial pleura biopsy yielded the correct diagnosis.

Assessing the Utility of GeneXpert MTB/Rif Assay in a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern India with Established Microscopy and Liquid Culture Facilities.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for the detection of M. tuberculosis in pulmonary and extra pulmonary specimens and to compare it with conventional techniques. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with the introduction of GeneXpert in a tertiary care hospital which relied on microscopy and culture for diagnosis of tuberculosis. All patients for whom geneXpert was ordered by the physician were included in the study. Samples which did not have accompanying microscopy or MGIT culture requests were excluded from the analysis of the results. Sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert was calculated using liquid culture as the reference test. RESULTS: Xpert MTB/RIF assay was performed on 742 samples of which 116 were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Rifampicin resistance was seen in 6 samples. The pulmonary samples showed a positivity rate of 16.8% while 17.1% of the extrapulmonary samples were positive by GeneXpert. A comparative analysis of microscopy, liquid culture and GeneXpert could be done for 88 samples. Of the 88 geneXpert positive samples, 42 were positive by smear microscopy and MGIT culture while 46 showed discordant results. Of these, 18 samples were positive by geneXpert but showed no growth in MGIT culture. 15 of these patients had undergone anti-tuberculous treatment (ATT) within the past 12 months. The sensitivity of geneXpert was 89.7% and specificity was 95.1% when compared to liquid culture as a gold standard. Sensitivity for extrapulmonary samples was 85.7% and specificity was 98.05%. CONCLUSION: To conclude, though GeneXpert detects tuberculosis within the shortest possible time, it still suffers from intermediate level sensitivity, which makes culture facilities relevant even in settings that offer an Xpert/Rif assay.