Environmental Impact of Bronchoscopy: Analysis of Waste Mass and Recyclability of Bronchoscopic Equipment and Consumables.

BACKGROUND: Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are significant contributors to climate change, and CO2 equivalent (CO2-e) is measured to compare emissions from GHGs. The healthcare sector contributes 4.4% of global CO2-e emissions, mainly with energy consumption and, in lesser extent, waste production. In this regard, bronchoscopy procedures produce a large amount of waste and are responsible for a significant consumption of energy. OBJECTIVE: We aimed at quantifying the impact on waste mass production, energy consumption, and recyclability of bronchoscopic procedures. METHODS: We conducted a prospective single-centre observational study; for each type of procedure (performed with either reusable or single-use instruments), the number of items used, their weight, and recyclability were evaluated, as well as the material of which recyclable waste was made of. We then calculated the total amount of waste produced, its recyclability, energy consumption, and CO2-e produced over 10 days of activity in our Interventional Pulmonology Unit. RESULTS: Sixty procedures generated 61,928 g of waste, of which only 15.8% was potentially recyclable. Single-use instruments generated nearly twofold more recyclable waste than reusable ones, 80% during the procedure phase. Reusable instruments generated 45% of waste during the reprocessing phase, of which 50% was recyclable. The recyclable material was totally composed of paper and plastic. During 10 days of activity, we consumed 64 kWh and produced more than 67 kg of CO2-e due to non-recyclable waste and energy consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the compelling need to recycle as many materials as possible, even if the amount of recyclable waste is limited. In this respect, official documents issued by international societies are urgently needed to align our activity with climate requirements and improve the sustainability of our work.

Decreased Gas6 and sAxl Plasma Levels Are Associated with Hair Loss in COVID-19 Survivors.

Post-acute conditions after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are quite common, although the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms leading to these conditions are not yet completely understood. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6) and its soluble receptors, Axl (sAxl) and MerTK (sMer), might be implicated. A total of 263 subjects underwent a structured clinical evaluation one year after their hospital discharge for COVID-19, and they consented to donate a blood sample to measure their circulating Gas6, sAxl, and sMer levels. A total of 98 (37.3%) post-COVID-19 subjects complained of at least one residual physical symptom one year after their hospital discharge. Univariate analysis revealed that sAxl was marginally associated with residual symptoms, but at the level of logistic regression analysis, only the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (OR 0.98, CI 95%: 0.96-0.99; p = 0.007) and the female sex (OR 2.49, CI 95%: 1.45-4.28; p = 0.001) were independently associated with long-lasting symptoms. A total of 69 (26.2%) subjects had hair loss. At the level of univariate analysis, Gas6, sAxl, DLCO, and the female gender were associated with its development. In a logistic regression analysis model, Gas6 (OR 0.96, CI 95%: 0.92-0.99; p = 0.015) and sAxl (OR 0.98, CI 95%; 0.97-1.0; p = 0.014), along with the female sex (OR 6.58, CI 95%: 3.39-12.78; p = 0.0001), were independent predictors of hair loss. Decreased levels of Gas6 and sAxl were associated with a history of hair loss following COVID-19. This was resolved spontaneously in most patients, although 23.7% complained of persistent hair loss one year after hospital discharge.

Severe asthma and COVID-19: lessons from the first wave.

OBJECTIVE: Severe asthma is considered a risk factor for SARS-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection but scientific evidences are lacking. METHODS: we performed a literature search and review based on PubMed database national, international recommendations as well as papers on severe asthmatic patients and their management during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. RESULTS: the majority of international recommendations, expert panels and editorials provide indications about management of severe asthmatic patients. No published studies evaluated the effects of biologic agents on severe asthmatic patients during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and asthma is variable worldwide and severe asthmatic patients were seldom reported in published cohorts. International recommendations suggest maintaining asthma under control to limit exacerbations occurrence, by using all available treatment. The minimum steroid dosage effective to control symptoms should be maintained to avoid exacerbations; biologic agents administration should be regularly scheduled encouraging patient support programmes.

COVID-19 Diagnosis in Case of Two Negative Nasopharyngeal Swabs: Association between Chest CT and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Results.

See also the editorial by Little in this issue.

4D Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy for the Sampling of Pulmonary Lesions: First European Real-Life Experience.

PURPOSE: The use of Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) for the diagnosis of pulmonary peripheral lesions is still debated due to its variable diagnostic yield; a new 4D ENB system, acquiring inspiratory and expiratory computed tomography (CT) scans, overcomes respiratory motion and uses tracked sampling instruments, reaching higher diagnostic yields. We aimed at evaluating diagnostic yield and accuracy of a 4D ENB system in sampling pulmonary lesions and at describing their influencing factors. METHODS: We conducted a three-year retrospective observational study including all patients with pulmonary lesions who underwent 4D ENB with diagnostic purposes; all the factors potentially influencing diagnosis were recorded. RESULTS: 103 ENB procedures were included; diagnostic yield and accuracy were, respectively, 55.3% and 66.3%. We reported a navigation success rate of 80.6% and a diagnosis with ENB was achieved in 68.3% of cases; sensitivity for malignancy was 61.8%. The majority of lesions had a bronchus sign on CT, but only the size of lesions influenced ENB diagnosis (p < 0.05). Transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy was the most used tool (93.2% of times) with the higher diagnostic rate (70.2%). We reported only one case of pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic performance of a 4D ENB system is lower than other previous navigation systems used in research settings. Several factors still influence the reachability of the lesion and therefore diagnostic yield. Patient selection, as well as the multimodality approach of the lesion, is strongly recommended to obtain higher diagnostic yield and accuracy, with a low rate of complications.

SARS-CoV-2 Detection on Bronchoalveolar Lavage: An Italian Multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) during the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) pandemic should be reserved to a limited number of clinical indications. The yield of BAL for the diagnosis of suspected or confirmed pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 infection is still unknown. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ratio of BAL in detecting SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection in patients undergoing bronchoscopy for different indications as well as describe the clinical, radiological, and endoscopic characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 on BAL. METHOD: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study including all patients who underwent bronchoscopy for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 on BAL. Clinical, computed tomography (CT), endoscopic, and microbiologic data were gathered from March 16th to May 27th, 2020. RESULTS: 131 patients were included. Bronchoscopy was performed for suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection (65.5%), alternative diagnosis (12.9%), suspected superinfections (19.8%), and lung atelectasis (1.5%). SARS-CoV-2 was isolated on BAL 43 times (32.8%) and the highest isolation rate was in patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection (74.4%); 76% of positive patients had a double-negative nasopharyngeal swab. Peripheral, posterior and multilobar CT opacities were more frequent in SARS-CoV-2 patients, and the number of CT findings was higher in positive patients, particularly those with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. We recorded a progressive reduction of SARS-CoV-2 isolation during the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: In our centers, the rate of detection of SARS-CoV-2 on BAL in patients with suspected infection was 37.2%. The agreement of BAL with nasopharyngeal swabs was high; CT alterations could predict the pretest probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but suspicion of viral infection should be always considered.

Overlapping polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorders.

Multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a rare clinical entity characterized by a polyclonal lymphoid proliferation, leading to generalized lymphadenopathy, organomegaly and systemic symptoms. It has been reported in association with either other monoclonal or polyclonal lymphoid disorders, such as POEMS syndrome and immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease. We present a patient showing a variant of MCD, sharing common features with POEMS syndrome and associated with the proliferation of IgG4-producing plasma cells.

Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy: Where Are We Now? Five Years of a Single-Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Electromagnetic navigation (ENB) is a guidance tool used in the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) and masses. Its diagnostic yield is highly variable (38-71%) and a recent study has put in doubt the role of ENB in sampling SPNs in a real-life setting. The aim of this study is to describe the 5-year experience of our center with ENB, analyzing the population, possible confounding factors, and the diagnostic yield and accuracy of this technique. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study including all consecutive patients who underwent ENB for SPNs and masses from January 2011 to December 2015. RESULTS: We included 113 patients; 79% had SPNs, 21% masses. The majority were localized in the upper and middle lobes (80%) and 61% presented a bronchus sign. 54% of the patients had a previous negative fluoroscopy-guided bronchoscopy. ENB achieved the diagnosis in 78 patients (69%) with 64 malignant and 14 were benign lesions. The diagnostic yield and accuracy of ENB were respectively 0.69 and 0.76. The only factor influencing the ability to reach a diagnosis was the presence of bronchus sign (p = 0.002). No procedural complications were reported. CONCLUSION: ENB is a safe procedure with a similar diagnostic yield in the real-life and research setting. Bronchus sign is an important factor in determining the diagnostic yield. ENB efficacy can be maximized by expertise and by a careful selection of each case.

Abdominal adenopathy found during a routine follow-up.

During routine follow-up of a 60-year-old man with an endoluminal lesion of the duodenum, we found a persistent reactive abdominal adenopathy of unknown origin, later diagnosed as an abdominal localization of sarcoidosis. This article focuses on the differential diagnosis of abdominal granulomatous lymphadenopathies, the management of abdominal adenopathy of unknown origin, and the difficult decision making about sampling lymph nodes with reactive and inflammatory echographic appearance.

Beyond diagnosis: a narrative review of the evolving therapeutic role of medical thoracoscopy in the management of pleural diseases.

Background and Objective: Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is an endoscopic technique performed by interventional pulmonologists with a favorable safety profile and few contraindications, providing diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in a single sitting. This narrative review was designed to summarize the therapeutic role of MT based on the latest results from the available literature. Methods: Pertinent literature published in English, relative to human studies, between 2010-2022 was searched in Medline/PubMed and Cochrane databases. Publications regarded as relevant were considered for inclusion in this review; additional references were added based on the authors' knowledge and judgment. The review considered population studies, meta-analyses, case series, and case reports. Key Content and Findings: MT has mostly been described and is currently used globally in the diagnostic approach to exudative pleural effusion of undetermined origin. Carefully evaluating the literature, it is clear that there is initial evidence to support the use of MT in the therapeutic approach of malignant pleural effusion, pneumothorax, empyema, and less frequently hemothorax and foreign body retrieval. Conclusions: MT is an effective procedure for treating the clinical entities presented in this document; it must be carried out in selected patients, managed in centers with high procedural expertise. Further evidence is needed to assess the optimal indications and appropriate patients' profiles for therapeutic MT. The endpoints of length of hospital stay, surgical referral, complications and mortality will have to be considered in future studies to validate it as a therapeutic intervention to be applied globally.

The Role of Medical Thoracoscopy with Talc Poudrage in Spontaneous, Iatrogenic, and Traumatic Pneumothorax: A Prolonged Experience of a Tertiary Care Center.

INTRODUCTION: Medical thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive and safe procedure mostly performed for unexplained exudative pleural effusions but may be considered for pneumothorax (PNX). METHODS: This retrospective study included participants affected by PNX who underwent medical thoracoscopy with talc poudrage at a single academic hospital from 2008 to 2021. The primary endpoint was the observation of complete radiographical lung re-expansion and absence of air supply from the chest drain within 7 days of medical thoracoscopy. The secondary endpoint was achieving no recurrence of ipsilateral PNX at 24 months post-discharge. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients affected by primary spontaneous PNX (PSP), secondary spontaneous PNX (SSP), iatrogenic, and traumatic PNX were enrolled. An additional procedure was required by 17.89% of patients, and only one patient with SSP required subsequent surgery. Recurrence of PNX occurred on the same side within 24 months after discharge in 9.47% of patients, with a median time to recurrence of 13.5 months. The PSP group was significantly more likely to achieve the primary endpoint. Pleural morphology was significantly associated with reaching the primary endpoint, while receiving a cumulative dose of talc greater than or equal to 4 g during hospitalization was associated with a lower risk of meeting it. Receiving a cumulative dose of talc greater than or equal to 4 g led in all cases to the achievement of the secondary endpoint. Patients with iatrogenic and traumatic PNX had an excellent prognosis in both the short- and long-term evaluation. CONCLUSION: Medical thoracoscopy is an effective procedure for treating PNX in the acute setting in selected cases while preventing long-term relapses. Large prospective clinical studies are needed to support and better define the role of medical thoracoscopy in current clinical practice.

Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19: Risk factors and outcomes from a multicentre case-control study.

BACKGROUND: An increased incidence of pneumomediastinum has been observed among patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. The study aimed to identify risk factors for COVID-19-associated pneumomediastinum and investigate the impact of pneumomediastinum on clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this multicentre retrospective case-control study, we included consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and pneumomediastinum hospitalized from March 2020 to July 2020 at ten centres; then, we identified a similarly sized control group of consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure who did not develop pneumomediastinum during the same period. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics, as well as respiratory support and outcomes, were collected and compared between the two groups. Risk factors of pneumomediastinum were assessed by multivariable logistic analysis. RESULTS: Overall 139 patients with pneumomediastinum and 153 without pneumomediastinum were analysed. Lung involvement ≥75 %, consolidations, body mass index (BMI) < 22 kg/m2, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 150 mg/L, D-dimer >3000 ng/mL FEUs, and smoking exposure >20 pack-year were all independently correlated with the occurrence of pneumomediastinum. Patients with pneumomediastinum had a longer hospital stay (mean ± SD 31.2 ± 20.2 days vs 19.6 ± 14.2, p < 0.001), higher intubation rate (73/139, 52.5 % vs 27/153, 17.6 %, p < 0.001), and in-hospital mortality (68/139, 48.9 % vs 36/153, 23.5 %, p < 0.001) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive lung parenchyma involvement, consolidations, low BMI, high inflammatory markers, and tobacco exposure are associated with a greater risk of pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 pneumonia. This complication significantly worsens the outcomes.

Combining three-dimensional fluoroscopy guide system with single-use bronchoscopes for diagnosis of peripheral lesions: First two cases.

Pulmonary Peripheral Lesions (PPLs) diagnosis is usually performed using a guidance system in combination with bronchoscopes and diagnostic tools. We report two cases of PPLs sampling procedures combining the use of the single-use bronchoscope Ambu aScope 5 Broncho and CIOS 3D Spin Mobile (Siemens Healthineers) fluoroscopy system. A 69-year-old-female was found to have a lesion located in right B6 segment and a 73-year-old-male with a mass in the upper right lobe. We used for both cases a single-use bronchoscope to reach the correct area and the fluoroscopy system to guide peripheral transbronchial aspiration needle (TBNA) sampling. After the confirmation of the correct location of the TBNA tool, the sampling was performed. Rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) confirmed the adequacy of the sample for molecular analysis and the final diagnosis. Thus, the use of ever-new disposable bronchoscopes for sampling peripheral lesions is a viable alternative to reusable bronchoscopes for advanced bronchoscopy procedures.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Post-COVID-19 Lung Fibrosis: Links and Risks.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is considered the paradigmatic example of chronic progressive fibrosing disease; IPF does not result from a primary immunopathogenic mechanism, but immune cells play a complex role in orchestrating the fibrosing response. These cells are activated by pathogen-associated or danger-associated molecular patterns generating pro-fibrotic pathways or downregulating anti-fibrotic agents. Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) is an emerging clinical entity, following SARS-CoV-2 infection; it shares many clinical, pathological, and immune features with IPF. Similarities between IPF and PCPF can be found in intra- and extracellular physiopathological pro-fibrotic processes, genetic signatures, as well as in the response to antifibrotic treatments. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection can be a cause of acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF), which can negatively impact on IPF patients' prognosis. In this narrative review, we explore the pathophysiological aspects of IPF, with particular attention given to the intracellular signaling involved in the generation of fibrosis in IPF and during the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the similarities between IPF and PCPF. Finally, we focus on COVID-19 and IPF in clinical practice.

Measure of lung dielectric proprieties in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: correlation with clinical, radiological and pulmonary functional parameters.

BACKGROUND: Dielectric properties of biological tissues are biophysical parameters; in lung they change with amount of air, blood and parenchyma. Remote Dielectric Sensing (ReDS™) technology measures dielectric properties of lung tissues quantifying the content of fluids inside the scan volume. We aimed to evaluate the reliability of ReDS™ measure in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) patients and in healthy volunteers, and to investigate the correlation of ReDS™ score with clinical, radiological and functional parameters. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study, including 52 patients with diagnosis of IPF and 17 healthy volunteers; for each patient we recorded: complete functional evaluation, dyspnoea score (mMRC scale), Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) Computed Tomography (CT) pattern (UIP definite or probable) and ReDS™ measure (expressed in %). RESULTS: ReDS™ measure was reported as correct both in patients and controls, the firsts with higher scores (33.8% vs 29.1%, p = 0.003). In IPF patients we observed a significant inverse correlation with ReDS™ score and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Vital Capacity (VC) and Total Lung Capacity (TLC) measures and, when we considered only patients with UIP definite CT pattern, the correlation was inverse with FVC, VC, TLC, DLCO. In IPF patients the higher was mMRC dyspnoea index, the higher was ReDS™ score. No significant correlations were observed between ReDS™ score and functional parameters in healthy controls. DISCUSSION: We demonstrated a correlation of ReDS™ scores with some functional (mainly indicative or diagnostic for restriction) and clinical parameters in IPF patients; the score was correlated with density of tissues possibly quantifying tissue fibrosis in IPF patients.

A Review: The Potential Involvement of Growth Arrest-Specific 6 and Its Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Lung Damage and in Coronavirus Disease 2019.

The tyrosine kinase receptors of the TAM family-Tyro3, Axl and Mer-and their main ligand Gas6 (growth arrest-specific 6) have been implicated in several human diseases, having a particularly important role in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammatory response. The Gas6/TAM system is involved in the recognition of apoptotic debris by immune cells and this mechanism has been exploited by viruses for cell entry and infection. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-systemic disease, but the lungs are particularly affected during the acute phase and some patients may suffer persistent lung damage. Among the manifestations of the disease, fibrotic abnormalities have been observed among the survivors of COVID-19. The mechanisms of COVID-related fibrosis remain elusive, even though some parallels may be drawn with other fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Due to the still limited number of scientific studies addressing this question, in this review we aimed to integrate the current knowledge of the Gas6/TAM axis with the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying COVID-19, with emphasis on the development of a fibrotic phenotype.

Endobronchial ultrasound: a pictorial essay.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: endobronchial ultrasound has gained widespread popularity in the last decade, becoming the primary technique for minimally invasive evaluation of the mediastinum and staging of lung cancer. Several tertiary and quaternary care institutes use this method, performed by trained and accredited specialists. Its main indications are (I) diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, (II) mediastinal lymphadenopathy diagnosis (III) sampling peripheral pulmonary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: this manuscript aims to describe the operational potential of both convex endobronchial ultrasound probe and radial endobronchial ultrasound probe technology, focusing on lung cancer. This narrative review is complemented with by the description of peculiar clinical cases in which endobronchial ultrasound played a pivotal role in reaching the diagnosis.

Herpes Virus Infection in Lung Transplantation: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention Strategies.

Lung transplantation is an ultimate treatment option for some end-stage lung diseases; due to the intense immunosuppression needed to reduce the risk of developing acute and chronic allograft failure, infectious complications are highly incident. Viral infections represent nearly 30% of all infectious complications, with herpes viruses playing an important role in the development of acute and chronic diseases. Among them, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, being associated with an increased risk of chronic lung allograft failure. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with transformation of infected B cells with the development of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs). Similarly, herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus and human herpesviruses 6 and 7 can also be responsible for acute manifestations in lung transplant patients. During these last years, new, highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests have been developed, and preventive and prophylactic strategies have been studied aiming to reduce and prevent the incidence of these viral infections. In this narrative review, we explore epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment options for more frequent herpes virus infections in lung transplant patients.

Interventional pulmonology techniques in lung transplantation.

Lung transplantation is a key therapeutic option for several end-stage lung diseases. Interventional pulmonology techniques, mostly bronchoscopy, play a key role throughout the whole path of lung transplantation, from donor evaluation to diagnosis and management of post-transplant complications. We carried out a non-systematic, narrative literature review aimed at describing the main indications, contraindications, performance characteristics and safety profile of interventional pulmonology techniques in the context of lung transplantation. We highlighted the role of bronchoscopy during donor evaluation and described the debated role of surveillance bronchoscopy (with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy) to detect early rejection, infections and airways complications. The conventional (transbronchial forceps biopsy) and the new techniques (i.e. cryobiopsy, biopsy molecular assessment, probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy) can detect and grade rejection. Several endoscopic techniques (e.g. balloon dilations, stent placement, ablative techniques) are employed in the management of airways complications (ischemia and necrosis, dehiscence, stenosis and malacia). First line pleural interventions (i.e. thoracentesis, chest tube insertion, indwelling pleural catheters) may be useful in the context of early and late pleural complications occurring after lung transplantation. High quality studies are advocated to define endoscopic standard protocols and thus help improving long-term prognostic outcomes of lung transplant recipients.