Usefulness of thoracic ultrasound in the assessment of removal of indwelling pleural catheter in patients with malignant pleural effusion.

INTRODUCTION: There are no defined criteria for deciding to remove a non-functioning indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) when lung re-expansion on chest X-ray is incomplete. Chest computed tomography (chest CT) is usually used. The objective of this work is to validate the usefulness of chest ultrasound performed by a pulmonologist and by a radiologist compared to chest CT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, descriptive, multidisciplinary and multicenter study including patients with malignant pleural effusion and non-functioning IPC without lung reexpansion. Decisions made on the basis of chest ultrasound performed by a pulmonologist, and performed by a radiologist, were compared with chest CT as the gold standard. RESULTS: 18 patients were analyzed, all of them underwent ultrasound by a pulmonologist and chest CT and in 11 of them also ultrasound by a radiologist. The ultrasound performed by the pulmonologist presents a sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 100%, PPV 100% and NPV 66% in the decision of the correct removal of the IPC. The concordance of both ultrasounds (pulmonologist and radiologist) was 100%, with a kappa index of 1. The 4 discordant cases were those in which the IPC was not located on the ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic ultrasound performed by an expert pulmonologist is a valid and simple tool to determine spontaneous pleurodesis and remove a non-functioning IPC, which would make it possible to avoid chest CT in those cases in which lung reexpansion is observed with ultrasonography.

Analysis of invasive diagnostic techniques for pathological confirmation of pleural mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mesothelioma is an infrequent neoplasm with a poor prognosis that is related to exposure to asbestos and whose peak incidence in Europe is estimated from 2020. Its diagnosis is complex; imaging techniques and the performance of invasive pleural techniques being essential for pathological confirmation. The different diagnostic yields of these invasive techniques are collected in the medical literature. The present work consisted of reviewing how the definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma cases in our centre was reached to check if there was concordance with the data in the bibliography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in the period 2019-2021, analysing demographic data and exposure to asbestos, the semiology of the radiological findings and the invasive techniques performed to reach the diagnosis. RESULTS: Twenty-six mesothelioma cases were reviewed. 22 men and 4 women. Median age 74 years. 9 patients had a history of asbestos exposure. Moderate-severe pleural effusion was the most frequent radiological finding (23/26). The sensitivity of the invasive techniques was as follows: Cytology 13%, biopsy without image guidance 11%, image-guided biopsy 93%, surgical biopsy 67%. CONCLUSIONS: In our review, pleural biopsy performed with image guidance was the test that had the highest diagnostic yield, so it should be considered as the initial invasive test for the study of mesothelioma.

Contribución de PET/CT a la diferenciación de derrame pleural benigno y maligno en pacientes con cáncer de ovario / The contribution of PET/CT to the differentiation of benign and malignant pleural effusion in patients with ovarian carcinoma

Objetivo En nuestro estudio el objetivo fue investigar la contribución de los hallazgos de la tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET)/tomografía computarizada (TC) en la diferenciación no invasiva entre el derrame pleural (DP) de origen benigno (DPB) y maligno (DPM) en pacientes diagnosticadas de un carcinoma de ovario (CO). Material y método Se incluyeron en el estudio a 32 pacientes diagnosticadas de CO con DP. Se efectuó análisis comparativo entre el DPB y el DPM para los siguientes parámetros: SUVmáx. del DP, índice objeto/fondo (TBRp: target/background ratio) del DP, dividiendo el SUVmáx. del DP por el SUVmedio del flujo sanguíneo mediastínico (MBP: medistinal blood pool), engrosamiento pleural, adenopatías supradiafragmáticas, DP unilateral o bilateral, diámetro del DP, edad de la paciente y niveles de CA125. Resultados La edad media de las 32 pacientes fue de 57±2,8 años. Se observó mayor frecuencia significativa de un TBRp>1,1, engrosamiento pleural y ganglios linfáticos supradiafragmáticos en el DPM respecto al DPB. Aunque no se detectó ningún nódulo pleural en las pacientes con DPB, estos estuvieron presentes en 7 pacientes con DPM. En la distinción DMP-DBP la sensibilidad del TBRp fue del 95,2% y la especificidad del 72,7%, la sensibilidad del engrosamiento pleural fue del 80,9%, y la especificidad del 81,8%, la sensibilidad de los ganglios linfáticos supradiafragmáticos fue del 38% y la especificidad del 90,9%, y la sensibilidad del nódulo pleural fue del 33,3% y la especificidad del 100%. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los 2 grupos respecto al resto de factores. Conclusión El engrosamiento pleural y el valor de TBRp determinados en la PET/TC pueden contribuir a la diferenciación entre DMP y DBP, especialmente en aquellas pacientes con CO en estadio avanzado y mal estado general, o que no son tributarias de ser sometidas a tratamiento quirúrgico (AU)

Objective The present study investigates the ability of non-invasive contribution of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to distinguish between benign pleural effusions (BPE) and malignant pleural effusions (MPE) in patients diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma (OC). Material and method Included in the study were 32 OC patients with a PE diagnosis. The cases with BPE and MPE were compared in terms of the PE maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), PE SUVmax/mean standardized uptake (SUVmean) value of the mediastinal blood pool (TBRp), the presence of pleural thickening, the presence of supradiaphragmatic lymph node, unilateral or bilateral PE, pleural effusion diameter, patient age and CA125 value. Results The mean age of the 32 patients was 57±2.8 years. TBRp>1.1, pleural thickening and supradiaphragmatic lymph node were observed significantly more frequently in the MPE than the BPE cases. While no pleural nodules were detected in patients with BPE, they were present in 7 of the patients with MPE. The rates of distinction between the MPE and BPE cases were as follows: the sensitivity of the TBRp value was 95.2% and specificity was 72.7%; the sensitivity of pleural thickness was 80.9% and specificity was 81.8%; the sensitivity of supradiaphragmatic lymph node was 38% and specificity was 90.9%; and the sensitivity of the pleural nodule was 33.3% and specificity was 100%. There were no significant differences between two groups in any other factors. Conclusion Pleural thickening and TBRp values ascertained through PET/CT may aid the distinction between MPE-BPE, especially in patients with advanced stage OC with a poor general condition, or those who cannot undergo surgery (AU)

¿Tuberculosis, sarcoidosis o ambas? / Tuberculosis, sarcoidosis or maybe both?

Presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente de 34 años con diagnóstico simultáneo de sarcoidosis y tuberculosis, sin ser inmunodeprimida ni tener factores de riesgo para ello. Esto supone un hallazgo muy poco común, y cuando aparece suele deberse a la inmunosupresión ocasionada por el tratamiento con esteroides de la sarcoidosis. En el caso que vamos a describir a continuación este hecho no sucede, motivo por el que se le otorga relevancia. Para llegar a los dos diagnósticos se realizaron las pruebas complementarias necesarias (analíticas sanguíneas, biopsias transbronquiales, pruebas de imagen, toracocentesis y biopsias pleurales), lo que permitió instaurar el tratamiento adecuado y, en consecuencia, la mejoría de la paciente. Con la presentación de este caso se pretende recalcar la importancia de hacer un buen enfoque diagnóstico en el servicio de urgencias, haciendo un hincapié en todos los signos y síntomas tanto directos como indirectos. (AU)

We report a case study of a 34-year-old patient with a simultaneous diagnosis of sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. The patient was not immunosuppressed and did not have risk factors for this. This is a very rare finding, and when it appears it is usually due to immunosuppression caused by corticosteroid treatment of sarcoidosis. In the case reported below, this does not occur, which is why it is relevant. To make both diagnoses, the necessary complementary tests were performed (blood tests, transbronchial biopsies, imaging tests, thoracentesis and pleural biopsies), which enabled appropriate treatment to be established and, consequently, the patient's improvement. Reporting this case enables us to emphasize the importance of making a good diagnosis in A&E, emphasizing all direct and indirect signs and symptoms. (AU)

Biliotórax: una entidad rara para un diagnóstico frecuente. Un reporte de caso / Bilothorax: a Rare Entity for a Frequent Diagnosis. A Case Report

Introducción: El biliotórax es una condición infrecuente definida por la presencia de bilis en el espacio pleural. Actualmente, hay alrededor de 70 casos descritos en la litera-tura. Sigue siendo relativamente desconocido, por lo tanto, poco sospechado. Esta entidad suele ser el resultado de una lesión iatrogénica, a menudo secundaria a cirugías o traumatismos del tracto biliar, que conduce a la formación de una fístula pleurobiliar.

Introduction: Bilothorax is a rare condition defined by the presence of bile in the pleural space. Currently, there are around 70 cases described in the literature. It remains relatively unknown and, therefore, little suspected. This entity is usually the result of an iatrogenic injury, often secondary to surgery or trauma to the biliary tract, leading to the formation of a pleurobiliary fistula

A PET-CT score for discriminating malignant from benign pleural effusions / Desarrollo de una categorización de la PET-TAC para la diferenciación entre derrames pleurales benignos y malignos

Background and objectives The results of previous PET-CT studies are contradictory for discriminating malignant from benign pleural effusions. We purpose to develop a PET-CT score for differentiating between benign and malignant effusions. Patients and methods We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with pleural effusions undergoing PET-CT from October 2013 to October 2019 (referral cohort). PET-CT scan features evaluated using the SUV were: linear thickening; nodular thickening; nodules; masses; circumferential thickening; mediastinal and fissural pleural involvement; intrathoracic lymph nodes; pleural loculation; inflammatory consolidation; pleural calcification; cardiomegaly; pericardial effusion; bilateral effusion; lung mass; liver metastasis and other extra-pleural malignancy. The results were validated in an independent prospective cohort from November 2019 to June 2021. Results One hundred and ninety-nine patients were enrolled in the referral cohort (91 with malignant effusions and 108 benign). The most useful parameters for the development of a PET-CT score were: nodular pleural thickening, pleural nodules with SUV>7.5, lung mass or extra pleural malignancy (10 points each), mammary lymph node with SUV>4.5 (5 points) and cardiomegaly (−1 point). With a cut-off value of >9 points in the referral cohort, the score established the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion with sensitivity 87.9%, specificity 90.7%, positive predictive value 88.9%, negative predictive value 89.9%, positive likelihood ratio 7.81 and negative likelihood ratio 0.106. These results were validated in an independent prospective cohort of 75 patients. Conclusions PET-CT score was shown to provide relevant information for the identification of malignant pleural effusion (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos Los estudios PET-TAC previos en el análisis del derrame pleural son contradictorios. Nuestro objetivo es desarrollar una puntuación mediante PET-TAC para diferenciar entre derrames benignos y malignos. Pacientes y métodos Estudio prospectivo en pacientes con derrame pleural a los que se realizó una PET-TAC desde octubre de 2013 hasta octubre de 2019 (cohorte de referencia). Los datos analizados fueron: engrosamiento lineal; engrosamiento nodular; nódulos; masas; engrosamiento circunferencial; afectación pleural mediastínica y cisural; ganglios linfáticos torácicos; loculación pleural; consolidación; calcificación pleural; cardiomegalia; derrame pericárdico; derrame bilateral; masa pulmonar; metástasis hepáticas y otras neoplasias malignas extrapleurales. Se calculó el SUV de todos estos parámetros. Los resultados se validaron en una cohorte independiente. Resultados Se incluyó a 199 pacientes en la cohorte de referencia (91 derrames malignos y 108 benignos). Los parámetros que mostraron más utilidad para discriminar ambos derrames y desarrollar una puntuación fueron: engrosamiento pleural nodular, nódulos pleurales con SUV > 7,5, masa pulmonar o malignidad extrapleural (10 puntos cada uno), ganglio en cadena mamaria con SUV > 4,5 (5 puntos) y cardiomegalia (–1 punto). Con un punto de corte > 9 en la cohorte de derivación, se estableció el diagnóstico de derrame pleural maligno con una sensibilidad del 87,9%, especificidad del 90,7%, valor predictivo positivo del 88,9%, valor predictivo negativo del 89,9% razón de verosimilitud positiva del 7,81 y razón de verosimilitud negativa del 0,106. Estos resultados fueron validados en una cohorte prospectiva independiente de 75 pacientes. Conclusiones Una puntuación basada en PET-TAC proporciona información relevante para el diagnóstico del derrame pleural maligno (AU)

Derrame pleural unilateral tras migración espontánea de port a cath al hemitóraxizquierdo / Unilateral pleural effusion after spontaneous migration of port a cath to the left hemithorax

Introducción: la migración espontánea del catéter venoso central es una complicación rara de causa desconocidaque ocurre entre el 0,9 y el 2 % de los pacientes. Su etiopatogenia no es muy clara, pero se asocia a eventos dearqueo y vómito intenso que pueden provocar una inversión temporal del fl ujo sanguíneo torácico.Caso clínico: mujer que cursa con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama. Se coloca catéter (port a cath) para quimioterapia. Siete días después ingresa en urgencias por dolor en el hemitórax izquierdo. Se realiza tomografíacomputarizada del tórax y se encuentra una imagen sugestiva de migración de la punta del catéter, con manejopor toracoscopia. Discusión: un acceso vascular central es importante para los pacientes que necesitan recibir tratamiento médicooncológico. es un procedimiento frecuente que en la actualidad se relaciona con una mayor comodidad parael paciente, ya que, una vez que se inserta quirúrgicamente, puede usarse varias veces convenientemente. Sinembargo, no está exento de complicaciones. estas pueden dividirse en tempranas y tardías. Las primeras puedenincluir punciones arteriales, malposiciones, neumotórax o hemotórax. La infección y la trombosis del catéter sonlas complicaciones tardías más frecuentes. en cambio, la migración espontánea de la punta del catéter se reportacomo una complicación infrecuente.(AU)

Introduction: spontaneous central venous catheter migration is a rare complication of unknown cause that occurs in about 0.9 to 2 % of patients. its etiopathogenesis is not very clear, however, it is associated with retching eventsand intense vomiting that can cause a temporary inversion of thoracic blood flow. Case report: women with a diagnosis of breast cancer, a catheter (port a cath) was placed for chemotherapy,7 days later she was admitted to the emergency department due to pain in the left hemithorax, a chest com-puted tomography was performed, finding an image suggestive of migration of the breast. catheter tip, withmanagement by thoracoscopy. Discussion: a central vascular access is important for patients who need to receive medical oncological treatment,being a common procedure that is currently related to greater comfort for the patient, since, once it is surgicallyinserted, it can be conveniently used several times. However, it is not without complications. these can be dividedinto early and late. the former may include arterial punctures, malpositions, pneumothorax or hemothorax, andinfection and catheter thrombosis are the most common late complications. on the other hand, spontaneousmigration of the catheter tip is reported as a rare complication.(AU)

Síndrome de Contarini: ¿una entidad olvidada? / Contarini’s syndrome: a forgotten entity?

El síndrome de Contarini es una presentación infrecuente de derrame pleural bilateral en la cual el líquido pleural en cada hemitórax presenta diferentes características, y puede explicarse por diferentes causas. Hay escasa literatura al respecto, por lo que presentamos un caso de derrame pleural bilateral que sería compatible con dicho síndrome (AU)

Contarini’s syndrome is an infrequent presentation of bilateral pleural effusion, in which the pleural fluid in each hemithorax has different characteristics and can be explained by different causes. There is limited literature on this syndrome, so we present a case of bilateral pleural effusion that would be compatible with this syndrome (AU)

Epidemiología del derrame pleural paraneumónico en la infancia durante la implementación de la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada de 13 serotipos / Epidemiology of pediatric parapneumonic pleural effusion during 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine implementation

Introducción: La incidencia del derrame pleural paraneumónico, incluyendo el empiema, ha sufrido variaciones en las últimas décadas, que se han relacionado con la implantación de distintos tipos de vacuna antineumocócica conjugada. Métodos: Se han revisado retrospectivamente los datos de los 10 hospitales públicos de la provincia de Alicante (España), que abarcan una población de 279.000 niños menores de 15 años, entre 2010 y 2018. Se desglosaron los derrames menores de 10mm (DP−) y los de 10mm o más (DP+). Resultados: Se han analizado 366 episodios de derrame pleural paraneumónico, 178 DP− (48,6%) y 188 DP+ (51,4%), con una mediana de edad de 4 años (rango intercuartílico: 2-7 años) y una evidente estacionalidad con máximo en invierno y mínimo en verano. Se identificó al agente etiológico por cultivo en 34 pacientes (9,3%), destacando Streptococcus pneumoniae (24 pacientes) seguido por Streptococcus pyogenes (7 pacientes). El serotipo de S. pneumoniae más frecuente fue el 19A (6 pacientes) y se han identificado 3 fallos vacunales. La tasa anual media de incidencia fue de 14,3 casos por 100.000 menores de 15 años (7,0 para DP− y 7,3 para DP+), sin cambios significativos a lo largo del tiempo, aunque sí se apreciaron diferencias marcadas de la incidencia entre los distintos departamentos sanitarios. Conclusiones: No hemos encontrado variaciones temporales en la incidencia del derrame paraneumónico pese a la implementación de la vacuna antineumocócica conjugada de 13 serotipos. Es destacable la variabilidad de la incidencia entre departamentos vecinos sin motivo aparente.(AU)

Introduction: The reported incidence of parapneumonic pleural effusion, including empyema, has shown fluctuations in the last decades. It has been related to the implementation of different types of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines. Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed data from all 10 public hospitals in Alicante Province (Spain) covering a population of 279,000 children under 15 years of age, between 2010 and 2018. Effusions less than 10mm (PE−) and those of 10mm or more (PE+) were separated. Results: A total of 366 episodes of parapneumonic pleural effusion have been analyzed, 178 PE− (48.6%) and 188 PE+ (51.4%), with a median age of 4 years (interquartile range: 2-7 years) and marked seasonality with the maximum in winter and the minimum in summer. A culture proven bacterial agent was identified in 34 patients (9.3%), mainly Streptococcus pneumoniae (24 patients) followed by Streptococcus pyogenes (7 patients). The most frequent S. pneumoniae serotype was 19A (6 patients) and 3 vaccine failures were observed. The mean annual incidence rate was 14.3 cases per 100,000 children under 15 years of age (7.0 for PE− and 7.3 for PE+). No significant changes were observed in incidence over time, but noticeable differences in incidence were observed in different health departments. Conclusions: We have not found temporal variations in incidence of parapneumonic effusion despite the implementation of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The unexplained disparity in incidence between close departments is noteworthy.(AU)

Síndrome de las uñas amarillas. Presentación de un caso con estudio autópsico / Yellow nail syndrome. A case report with postmortem study

El síndrome de las uñas amarillas es una enfermedad rara de etiología desconocida, caracterizado por una coloración amarillenta de las uñas, manifestaciones respiratorias y linfedemas primarios1. Existe poca literatura científica en referencia a estudios autópsicos de pacientes con este síndrome, así como respecto a su etiología, si bien se postula que es causada por una malformación de los conductos linfáticos. En este artículo presentamos el caso de una paciente diagnosticada en vida de síndrome de las uñas amarillas en cuyo estudio autópsico se encontraron algunos hallazgos previamente no descritos, como dilatación de los senos de ganglios linfáticos mediastinales y esplénicos.(AU)

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. Patients with YNS have a characteristic yellowish-coloured nails, pulmonary alterations and primary lymphedema. To the best of our knowledge, only a few reports of autopsy findings in these patients have been published. Its aetiology possibly involves a primary malformation of larger lymph vessels. We describe autopsy findings not previously associated with yellow nail syndrome, such as expansion of mediastinal lymph-nodes and splenic sinusoids.The present autopsy reveals hitherto unreported findings associated with YNS, such as alterations in splenic sinusoids and mediastinal lymph-node sinuses.(AU)

Características clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento de mulher com síndrome de Meigs: relato de caso e revisão narrativa / Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of a woman with Meigs syndrome: case report and narrative review

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever o caso de mulher com síndrome de Meigs e apresentar a revisão narrativa sobre o tema. Paciente do sexo feminino, 30 anos, nulípara, encaminhada ao hospital por massa anexial e história prévia de drenagem de derrame pleural. Evoluiu com instabilidade hemodinâmica por derrame pleural hipertensivo à direita, sendo submetida a drenagem torácica, com citologia do líquido negativa. Após, foi submetida a laparotomia: realizada salpingo-ooforectomia esquerda. A congelação e a análise histopatológica diagnosticaram fibroma ovariano. A citologia ascítica foi negativa. CA-125 elevado, presença de derrames cavitários e exame de imagem suspeito podem mimetizar um cenário de neoplasia maligna de ovário em estágio avançado. Entretanto, na síndrome de Meigs clássica, o tratamento é cirúrgico, sendo o diagnóstico obtido por meio da análise histopatológica do tumor ovariano. O manejo da síndrome de Meigs clássica é cirúrgico e, após a remoção do tumor, o derrame pleural e a ascite desaparecem.

To describe a case of Meigs syndrome and present a narrative review of the condition. Female patient, 30 years old, nulliparous, referred to the hospital due to an adnexal mass and a previous drainage of pleural effusion. She developed hemodynamic instability due to a hypertensive right pleural effusion being submitted to chest drainage, with negative cytology of the fluid. She underwent laparotomy: Left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and frozen section and histopathological analysis diagnosed an ovarian fibroma. Ascites cytology was negative. Elevated CA-125, presence of cavitary effusions, suspicious imaging exam can mimic a scenario of ovarian cancer at an advanced stage. However, in classical Meigs syndrome, treatment is surgical, and the diagnosis is obtained through histopathological analysis of the ovarian tumor. Classical Meigs syndrome' management is surgical. After tumor removal, pleural effusion and ascites resolve.

[Yellow nail syndrome. A case report with postmortem study]. / Síndrome de las uñas amarillas. Presentación de un caso con estudio autópsico.

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. Patients with YNS have a characteristic yellowish-coloured nails, pulmonary alterations and primary lymphedema. To the best of our knowledge, only a few reports of autopsy findings in these patients have been published. Its aetiology possibly involves a primary malformation of larger lymph vessels. We describe autopsy findings not previously associated with yellow nail syndrome, such as expansion of mediastinal lymph-nodes and splenic sinusoids. The present autopsy reveals hitherto unreported findings associated with YNS, such as alterations in splenic sinusoids and mediastinal lymph-node sinuses.

A PET-CT score for discriminating malignant from benign pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The results of previous PET-CT studies are contradictory for discriminating malignant from benign pleural effusions. We purpose to develop a PET-CT score for differentiating between benign and malignant effusions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with pleural effusions undergoing PET-CT from October 2013 to October 2019 (referral cohort). PET-CT scan features evaluated using the SUV were: linear thickening; nodular thickening; nodules; masses; circumferential thickening; mediastinal and fissural pleural involvement; intrathoracic lymph nodes; pleural loculation; inflammatory consolidation; pleural calcification; cardiomegaly; pericardial effusion; bilateral effusion; lung mass; liver metastasis and other extra-pleural malignancy. The results were validated in an independent prospective cohort from November 2019 to June 2021. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-nine patients were enrolled in the referral cohort (91 with malignant effusions and 108 benign). The most useful parameters for the development of a PET-CT score were: nodular pleural thickening, pleural nodules with SUV>7.5, lung mass or extra pleural malignancy (10 points each), mammary lymph node with SUV>4.5 (5 points) and cardiomegaly (-1 point). With a cut-off value of >9 points in the referral cohort, the score established the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion with sensitivity 87.9%, specificity 90.7%, positive predictive value 88.9%, negative predictive value 89.9%, positive likelihood ratio 7.81 and negative likelihood ratio 0.106. These results were validated in an independent prospective cohort of 75 patients. CONCLUSIONS: PET-CT score was shown to provide relevant information for the identification of malignant pleural effusion.

The contribution of PET/CT to the differentiation of benign and malignant pleural effusion in patients with ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the ability of non-invasive contribution of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to distinguish between benign pleural effusions (BPE) and malignant pleural effusions (MPE) in patients diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma (OC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Included in the study were 32 OC patients with a PE diagnosis. The cases with BPE and MPE were compared in terms of the PE maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), PE SUVmax/mean standardized uptake (SUVmean) value of the mediastinal blood pool (TBRp), the presence of pleural thickening, the presence of supradiaphragmatic lymph node, unilateral or bilateral PE, pleural effusion diameter, patient age and CA125 value. RESULTS: The mean age of the 32 patients was 57±2.8 years. TBRp>1.1, pleural thickening and supradiaphragmatic lymph node were observed significantly more frequently in the MPE than the BPE cases. While no pleural nodules were detected in patients with BPE, they were present in 7 of the patients with MPE. The rates of distinction between the MPE and BPE cases were as follows: the sensitivity of the TBRp value was 95.2% and specificity was 72.7%; the sensitivity of pleural thickness was 80.9% and specificity was 81.8%; the sensitivity of supradiaphragmatic lymph node was 38% and specificity was 90.9%; and the sensitivity of the pleural nodule was 33.3% and specificity was 100%. There were no significant differences between two groups in any other factors. CONCLUSIONS: Pleural thickening and TBRp values ascertained through PET/CT may aid the distinction between MPE-BPE, especially in patients with advanced stage OC with a poor general condition, or those who cannot undergo surgery.

Diagnóstico y evolución de los pacientes con derrames pleurales idiopáticos / Diagnosis and outcome of patients with idiopathic pleural effusions

Introducción No se ha determinado la evolución de los pacientes con derrames pleurales idiopáticos con un seguimiento a largo plazo. Métodos Entre octubre de 2013 y junio de 2021 se hizo un seguimiento prospectivo de todos los pacientes con derrame idiopático mediante exploración clínica y estudios de imagen al cabo de 1, 3 y seis meses y cada seis meses durante un mínimo de un año. Resultados Veintinueve pacientes fueron diagnosticados de derrame idiopático y objeto de seguimiento. Durante el seguimiento se detectó un mesotelioma en dos pacientes al cabo de siete y 18 meses; en uno de ellos se observó líquido pleural teñido de sangre y el otro refirió una pérdida de peso de 10%. En ninguno de los pacientes con derrame que cubriera menos de dos tercios del hemitórax y sin síntomas constitucionales ni aparición de líquido teñido de sangre se diagnosticó un mesotelioma. La mayoría de los derrames desaparecieron o mostraron una clara mejoría en los primeros seis meses. Conclusiones Los pacientes sin pérdida de peso y con derrames no hemáticos pequeños pueden beneficiarse de un tratamiento conservador y un seguimiento clínico-radiológico (AU)

Introduction Long-term follow-up course for patients with idiopathic pleural effusions has not been established. Methods From October 2013 to June 2021 all patients with idiopathic effusion were prospectively followed up with clinical examination and imaging at 1,3,6 and every 6 months for a minimum of 1 year. Results Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed with idiopathic effusion and followed up. Mesothelioma was detected during the follow-up in two patients at 7 and 18 months, one of whom had blood-tinged pleural fluid and the other reported a 10% weight loss. Mesothelioma was not diagnosed in any of the patients with effusion covering less than two thirds of the hemithorax, and without constitutional symptoms or a blood-tinged fluid appearance. Most of the effusions resolved or showed a clear improvement in the first six months. Conclusions Patients without weight loss and with small, non-hematic effusions, may benefit from conservative treatment and clinical-radiological follow-up (AU)

Diagnosis and outcome of patients with idiopathic pleural effusions.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term follow-up course for patients with idiopathic pleural effusions has not been established. METHODS: From October 2013 to June 2021 all patients with idiopathic effusion were prospectively followed up with clinical examination and imaging at 1, 3, 6 and every 6 months for a minimum of 1 year. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed with idiopathic effusion and followed up. Mesothelioma was detected during the follow-up in two patients at 7 and 18 months, one of whom had blood-tinged pleural fluid and the other reported a 10% weight loss. Mesothelioma was not diagnosed in any of the patients with effusion covering less than two thirds of the hemithorax, and without constitutional symptoms or a blood-tinged fluid appearance. Most of the effusions resolved or showed a clear improvement in the first six months. CONCLUSION: Patients without weight loss and with small, non-hematic effusions, may benefit from conservative treatment and clinical-radiological follow-up.

Esquema antituberculoso modificado por hepatotoxicidad causada por Pirazinamida: reporte de caso

Introducción: La tuberculosis es una de las 10 principales causas de muerte a nivel mundial. En 2020, causó 1,5 millones muertes. Se estima que llegó a 10,0 millones de nuevos casos durante el mismo año. Reporte de caso: varón de 93 años, antecedente de TBC pulmonar hace 15 años y contacto TBC actual. Presenta disnea y dolor pleurítico por 4 meses. Toracocentesis concluye exudado, biopsia pleural compatible con pleuritis granulomatosa no caseificante. Recibe esquema antituberculoso, desarrollando RAFA hepática. Se realiza reto farmacológico para diseñar un nuevo esquema de tratamiento. Paciente logra recuperarse. Se concluye que el manejo de tuberculosis debe individualizarse según paciente.

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the 10 leading causes of death worldwide. In 2020, it caused 1.5 million deaths. It is estimated that it reached 10.0 million new cases during the same year. Case of report: 93-year-old male, history of pulmonary TB 15 years ago and current TB contact. He presented dyspnea and pleuritic pain for 4 months. Thoracocentesis concludes exudate, pleural biopsy compatible with non-caseating granulomatous pleurisy. Receive antituberculosis regimen, developing hepatic RAFA. Pharmacological challenge is performed to design a new treatment scheme. Patient manages to recover. It is concluded that the management of tuberculosis should be individualized.

Epidemiology of pediatric parapneumonic pleural effusion during 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine implementation.

INTRODUCTION: The reported incidence of parapneumonic pleural effusion, including empyema, has shown fluctuations in the last decades. It has been related to the implementation of different types of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines. METHODS: We have retrospectively reviewed data from all 10 public hospitals in Alicante Province (Spain) covering a population of 279,000 children under 15 years of age, between 2010 and 2018. Effusions less than 10 mm (PE-) and those of 10 mm or more (PE+) were separated. RESULTS: A total of 366 episodes of parapneumonic pleural effusion have been analyzed, 178 PE- (48.6%) and 188 PE+ (51.4%), with a median age of 4 years (interquartile range: 2-7 years) and marked seasonality with the maximum in winter and the minimum in summer. A culture proven bacterial agent was identified in 34 patients (9.3%), mainly Streptococcus pneumoniae (24 patients) followed by Streptococcus pyogenes (7 patients). The most frequent S. pneumoniae serotype was 19A (6 patients) and 3 vaccine failures were observed. The mean annual incidence rate was 14.3 cases per 100,000 children under 15 years of age (7.0 for PE- and 7.3 for PE+). No significant changes were observed in incidence over time, but noticeable differences in incidence were observed in different health departments. CONCLUSIONS: We have not found temporal variations in incidence of parapneumonic effusion despite the implementation of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The unexplained disparity in incidence between close departments is noteworthy.

Ensayo controlado y aleatorizado del uso de Heberkinasa® en el derrame pleural paraneumónico en niños / Randomized Controlled Trial of the Use of Heberkinase® in Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion in Children

Introducción: El derrame pleural paraneumónico resulta la complicación más frecuente de la neumonía bacteriana, de manejo complejo y muchas veces quirúrgico. No existen publicaciones en Cuba provenientes de ensayos clínicos controlados y aleatorizados ni del uso de la estreptoquinasa recombinante (Heberkinasa®) en el derrame pleural. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la Heberkinasa® en el tratamiento del derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo y el empiema en niños. Métodos: Ensayo clínico fase III, abierto, aleatorizado (2:1), en grupos paralelos y controlado. Se concluyó la inclusión prevista de 48 niños (1-18 años de edad), que cumplieron los criterios de selección. Los progenitores otorgaron el consentimiento informado. Los pacientes se distribuyeron en dos grupos: I- experimental: terapia estándar y administración intrapleural diaria de 200 000 UI de Heberkinasa® durante 3-5 días y II-control: tratamiento estándar. Las variables principales: necesidad de cirugía y la estadía hospitalaria. Se evaluaron los eventos adversos. Resultados: Ningún paciente del grupo I-experimental requirió cirugía, a diferencia del grupo II-control en el que 37,5 por ciento necesitó cirugía video-toracoscópica, con diferencia altamente significativa. Se redujo la estadía hospitalaria (en cuatro días), las complicaciones intratorácicas y las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria en el grupo que recibió Heberkinasa®. No se presentaron eventos adversos graves atribuibles al producto. Conclusiones: La Heberkinasa® en el derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo y empiema resultó eficaz y segura para la evacuación del foco séptico, con reducción de la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico, de la estadía hospitalaria y de las complicaciones, sin eventos adversos relacionados con su administración(AU)

Introduction: Paraneumonic pleural effusion is the most frequent complication of bacterial pneumonia, with complex and often surgical management. There are no publications in Cuba from randomized controlled clinical trials or the use of recombinant streptokinase (Heberkinase®) in pleural effusion. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heberkinase® in the treatment of complex complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema in children. Methods: Phase III, open-label, randomized (2:1), parallel-group, controlled clinical trial. The planned inclusion of 48 children (1-18 years of age), who met the selection criteria, was completed. Parents gave informed consent. The patients were divided into two groups: I-experimental: standard therapy and daily intrapleural administration of 200,000 IU of Heberkinase® for 3-5 days; and II-control: standard treatment. The main variables: need for surgery and hospital stay. Adverse events were evaluated. Results: No patient in group I-experimental required surgery, unlike group II-control in which 37.5 percent required video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with a highly significant difference. Hospital stay (to 4 days), intrathoracic complications and infections associated to healthcare in the group that received Heberkinase® was reduced. No serious adverse events attributable to the product occurred. Conclusions: Heberkinase® in complex complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema was effective and safe for the draining of the septic focus, with reduction of the need for surgical treatment, hospital stay and complications, with no adverse events related to its administration(AU)