RESUMO
Over the last decade, a fundamentally new type of computed tomography (CT) detectors has proved its superior capabilities in both physical and preclinical evaluations and is now approaching the stage of clinical practice. These detectors are able to discriminate single photons and quantify their energy and are hence called photon-counting detectors. Among the promising benefits of this technology are improved radiation dose efficiency, increased contrast-to-noise ratio, reduced metal artifacts, improved spatial resolution, simultaneous multi-energy acquisitions, and the prospect of multi-phase imaging within a single acquisition using multiple contrast agents. Taking the conventional energy-integrating detectors as a reference, the authors demonstrate the technical principles of this new technology and provide phantom and patient images acquired by a whole-body photon-counting CT. These images serve as a basis for discussing the potential future of clinical CT.
Assuntos
Fótons , Física , Humanos , Tomografia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
Interventional treatment of emphysema offers a wide range of surgical and endoscopic options for patientes with advanced disease. Multidsciplinary collaboration of pulmonology, thoracic surgery and imaging disciplines in patient selection, therapy and follow up ensures treatment quality. The present joint statement describes the required structural and quality prerequsites of treatment centres.
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Enfisema/terapia , Comunicação Interdisciplinar , Pulmão/fisiopatologia , Sociedades Médicas , Enfisema/diagnóstico , Alemanha , Humanos , Equipe de Assistência ao Paciente , Pneumonectomia , Pneumologia/normas , Radiografia , Cirurgia Torácica/normasRESUMO
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have improved prognosis in metastatic anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-driven lung adenocarcinoma, but patient outcomes vary widely. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course of all cases with assessable baseline TP53 status and/or ALK fusion variant treated at our institutions (n = 102). TP53 mutations were present in 17/87 (20%) and the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK variant 3 (V3) in 41/92 (45%) patients. The number of metastatic sites at diagnosis was affected more by the presence of V3 than by TP53 mutations, and highest with both factors (mean 5.3, p < 0.001). Under treatment with ALK TKI, progression-free survival (PFS) was shorter with either TP53 mutations or V3, while double positive cases appeared to have an even higher risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.9, p = 0.015). The negative effect of V3 on PFS of TKI-treated patients was strong already in the first line (HR = 2.5, p = 0.037) and decreased subsequently, whereas a trend for PFS impairment under first-line TKI by TP53 mutations became stronger and statistically significant only when considering all treatment lines together. Overall survival was impaired more by TP53 mutations (HR = 4.9, p = 0.003) than by V3 (HR = 2.4, p = 0.018), while patients with TP53 mutated V3-driven tumors carried the highest risk of death (HR = 9.1, p = 0.02). Thus, TP53 mutations and V3 are independently associated with enhanced metastatic spread, shorter TKI responses and inferior overall survival in ALK+ lung adenocarcinoma. Both markers could assist selection of cases for more aggressive management and guide development of novel therapeutic strategies. In combination, they define a patient subset with very poor outcome.
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Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/genética , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Mutação , Proteínas de Fusão Oncogênica/genética , Proteína Supressora de Tumor p53/genética , Idoso , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/tratamento farmacológico , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/metabolismo , Intervalo Livre de Doença , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Proteínas de Fusão Oncogênica/metabolismo , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/uso terapêutico , Estudos Retrospectivos , Proteína Supressora de Tumor p53/metabolismoRESUMO
Nosocomial pneumonia (HAP) is a frequent complication of hospital care. Most data are available on ventilator-associated pneumonia. However, infections on general wards are increasing. A central issue are infections with multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens which are difficult to treat in the empirical setting potentially leading to inappropriate use of antimicrobial therapy.This guideline update was compiled by an interdisciplinary group on the basis of a systematic literature review. Recommendations are made according to GRADE giving guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of HAP on the basis of quality of evidence and benefit/risk ratio.This guideline has two parts. First an update on epidemiology, spectrum of pathogens and antimicrobials is provided. In the second part recommendations for the management of diagnosis and treatment are given. New recommendations with respect to imaging, diagnosis of nosocomial viral pneumonia and prolonged infusion of antibacterial drugs have been added. The statements to risk factors for infections with MDR pathogens and recommendations for monotherapy vs combination therapy have been actualised. The importance of structured deescalation concepts and limitation of treatment duration is emphasized.
Assuntos
Pneumonia Associada a Assistência à Saúde/diagnóstico , Pneumonia Associada a Assistência à Saúde/terapia , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Alemanha , Pneumonia Associada a Assistência à Saúde/epidemiologia , HumanosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Serial chest CT is the standard of care to establish treatment success in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Data are lacking how response should be defined. METHODS: Digital CT images from a clinical trial on treatment of IPA were re-evaluated and compared with available biomarkers. Total volume of pneumonia was added up after manual measurement of each lesion, followed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: One-hundred and ninety CT scans and 309 follow-up datasets from 40 patients were available for analysis. Thirty-one were neutropenic. Baseline galactomannan (OR 4.06, 95%CI: 1.08-15.31) and lesion volume (OR 3.14, 95%CI: 0.73-13.52) were predictive of death. Lesion volume at d7 and trend between d7 and d14 were strong predictors of death (OR 20.01, 95%CI: 1.42-282.00 and OR 15.97, 95%CI: 1.62-157.32) and treatment being rated as unsuccessful (OR 4.75, 95%CI: 0.94-24.05 and OR 40.69, 95%CI: 2.55-649.03), which was confirmed by a Cox proportional hazards model using time-dependent covariates. CONCLUSION: Any increase in CT lesion volume between day 7 and day 14 was a sensitive marker of a lethal outcome (>50%), supporting a CT rescan each one and 2 weeks after initial detection of IPA. The predictive value exceeded all other biomarkers. Further CT follow-up after response at day 14 was of low additional value. KEY POINTS: ⢠CT evaluation offers good prediction of outcome for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. ⢠Predictive capability exceeds galactomannan, blood counts, and lesion count. ⢠Any progression between day 7 and day 14 constitutes a high-risk scenario.
Assuntos
Aspergilose Pulmonar Invasiva/diagnóstico por imagem , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Adulto , Idoso , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Galactose/análogos & derivados , Humanos , Interpretação de Imagem Assistida por Computador , Aspergilose Pulmonar Invasiva/mortalidade , Masculino , Mananas/metabolismo , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pneumonia/diagnóstico por imagem , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Análise de Sobrevida , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Pulmonary complications are frequent in patients with collagen vascular diseases (CVD). Frequent causes are a direct manifestation of the underlying disease, side effects of specific medications and lung infections. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: The standard radiological procedure for the work-up of pulmonary pathologies in patients with CVD is multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with thin-slice high-resolution reconstruction. PERFORMANCE: The accuracy of thin-slice CT for the identification of particular disease patterns is very high. The pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) representing the direct pulmonary manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be identified with a sensitivity of 45 % and a specificity of 96 %. ACHIEVEMENTS: Both direct pulmonary manifestations, drug-induced toxicity and certain infections can have a similar appearance in thin-slice MDCT in various forms of CVD. Knowledge of the patterns and causes contributes to the diagnostic certainty. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: At first diagnosis of a CVD and associated pulmonary symptoms thin-slice MDCT is recommended. Clinical, lung function and imaging follow-up examinations should be performed every 6-12 months depending on the results of the MDCT. In every case the individual CT morphological patterns of pulmonary involvement must be identified. The combination of information on the anamnesis, clinical and imaging results is a prerequisite for an appropriate disease management.
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Doenças do Colágeno/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais/diagnóstico por imagem , Tomografia Computadorizada Multidetectores/métodos , Doenças Vasculares/diagnóstico por imagem , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Humanos , Radiografia Torácica/métodos , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Granulomas as signs of specific inflammation of the lungs are found in various diseases with pulmonary manifestations and represent an important imaging finding. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: The standard imaging modality for the work-up of granulomatous diseases of the lungs is most often thin-slice computed tomography (CT). There are a few instances, e. g. tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and silicosis, where a chest radiograph still plays an important role. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Further radiological modalities are usually not needed in the routine work-up of granulomatous diseases of the chest. In special cases magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scans play an important role, e. g. detecting cardiac sarcoidosis by cardiac MRI or choline C11 PET-CT in diagnosing lung carcinoma in scar tissue after tuberculosis. PERFORMANCE: The accuracy of thin-slice CT is very high for granulomatous diseases. ACHIEVEMENTS: In cases of chronic disease and fibrotic interstitial lung disease it is important to perform thin-slice CT in order to diagnose a specific disease pattern. Thin-slice CT is also highly sensitive in detecting disease complications and comorbidities, such as malignancies. Given these indications thin-slice CT is generally accepted in the routine daily practice. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: A thin-slice CT and an interdisciplinary discussion are recommended in many cases with a suspected diagnosis of pulmonary granulomatous disease due to clinical or radiographic findings.
Assuntos
Granuloma/diagnóstico por imagem , Infecções por Mycobacterium não Tuberculosas/diagnóstico por imagem , Pneumonia/diagnóstico por imagem , Radiografia Torácica/métodos , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Tuberculose Pulmonar/diagnóstico por imagem , Diagnóstico Diferencial , HumanosRESUMO
Patients with diffuse airway instability due to tracheobronchomalacia or excessive dynamic airway collapse are typically highly symptomatic, with marked dyspnoea, recurrent bronchopulmonary infections and excruciating intractable cough. Silicone stents achieve immediate symptom control, but are - due to the typical complications associated with stent treatment - usually not an option for long-term treatment. The aim of surgical intervention is definitive stabilisation of the trachea and of both main bronchi by posterior splinting of the Paries membranaceus with a polypropylene mesh. This operation is an appropriate treatment option for patients with documented severe tracheobronchomalacia or excessive dynamic airway collapse and is ultimately the only therapy that can achieve permanent symptom control. The success of the operation, however, depends on many factors and requires close interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Brônquios/cirurgia , Traqueia/cirurgia , Traqueobroncomalácia/cirurgia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Anastomose Cirúrgica , Broncoscopia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tireoidectomia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Traqueobroncomalácia/diagnóstico , Traqueobroncomegalia/diagnóstico , Traqueobroncomegalia/cirurgiaRESUMO
Up to 25% of patients with profound neutropenia lasting for >10 days develop lung infiltrates, which frequently do not respond to broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy. While a causative pathogen remains undetected in the majority of cases, Aspergillus spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii, multi-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, mycobacteria or respiratory viruses may be involved. In at-risk patients who have received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) prophylaxis, filamentous fungal pathogens appear to be predominant, yet commonly not proven at the time of treatment initiation. Pathogens isolated from blood cultures, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or respiratory secretions are not always relevant for the etiology of pulmonary infiltrates and should therefore be interpreted critically. Laboratory tests for detecting Aspergillus galactomannan, ß-D-glucan or DNA from blood, BAL or tissue samples may facilitate the diagnosis; however, most polymerase chain reaction assays are not yet standardized and validated. Apart from infectious agents, pulmonary side-effects from cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy or pulmonary involvement by the underlying malignancy should be included into differential diagnosis and eventually be clarified by invasive diagnostic procedures. Pre-emptive treatment with mold-active systemic antifungal agents improves clinical outcome, while other microorganisms are preferably treated only when microbiologically documented. High-dose TMP/SMX is first choice for treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia, while cytomegalovirus pneumonia is treated primarily with ganciclovir or foscarnet in most patients. In a considerable number of patients, clinical outcome may be favorable despite respiratory failure, so that intensive care should be unrestrictedly provided in patients whose prognosis is not desperate due to other reasons.
Assuntos
Anti-Infecciosos/uso terapêutico , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar , Pneumopatias/diagnóstico , Pneumopatias/tratamento farmacológico , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar/microbiologia , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar/parasitologia , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar/virologia , Combinação de Medicamentos , Febre , Humanos , Pulmão/microbiologia , Pulmão/parasitologia , Pulmão/virologia , Pneumopatias/microbiologia , Neutropenia , Sulfadoxina/uso terapêutico , Supuração/microbiologia , Supuração/parasitologia , Supuração/virologia , Trimetoprima/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
In recent years, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been developed as a new tool in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in non-surgical patients. There is growing evidence that RFA-mediated necrosis can modulate host immune responses. Here we analysed serum inflammatory factors as well as immunosuppressive cells in the peripheral blood to discover possible prognostic indicators. Peripheral blood and serum samples were collected before RFA and within 3 months after the treatment in a total of 12 patients. Inflammatory cytokines and growth factors were measured in serum by the Bio-Plex assay. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs ) were evaluated in the peripheral blood via flow cytometry. In patients developing local or lymphogenic tumour relapse (n=4), we found an early significant increase in the concentration of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α as well as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL)-2 and CCL-4 compared to patients without relapse (n=4) and healthy donors (n=5). These changes were associated with an elevated activity of circulating MDSC indicated by an increased nitric oxide (NO) production in these cells. Elevated serum levels of TNF-α, CCL-2 and CCL-4 associated with an increased NO production in circulating MDSCs might be an early indicator of the incomplete RFA and subsequently a potential tumour relapse in NSCLC.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/sangue , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/imunologia , Mediadores da Inflamação/sangue , Neoplasias Pulmonares/sangue , Neoplasias Pulmonares/imunologia , Células Mieloides/imunologia , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Biomarcadores/sangue , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/diagnóstico , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/cirurgia , Ablação por Cateter , Contagem de Células , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/cirurgia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons , Prognóstico , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Resultado do Tratamento , Carga TumoralRESUMO
The increasing incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFD), most of all invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised patients emphasises the need to improve the diagnostic tools for detection of fungal pathogens. We investigated the diagnostic performance of a multifungal DNA-microarray detecting 15 different fungi [Aspergillus, Candida, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Scedosporium and Trichosporon species (spp.)] in addition to an Aspergillus specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Biopsies, bronchoalveolar lavage and peripheral blood samples of 133 immunocompromised patients (pts) were investigated by a multifungal DNA-microarray as well as a nested Aspergillus specific PCR assay. Patients had proven (n = 18), probable (n = 29), possible (n = 48) and no IFD (n = 38) and were mostly under antifungal therapy at the time of sampling. The results were compared to culture, histopathology, imaging and serology, respectively. For the non-Aspergillus IFD the microarray analysis yielded in all samples a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 80%. Best results for the detection of all IFD were achieved by combining DNA-microarray and Aspergillus specific PCR in biopsy samples (sensitivity 79%; specificity 71%). The molecular assays in combination identify genomic DNA of fungal pathogens and may improve identification of causative pathogens of IFD and help overcoming the diagnostic uncertainty of culture and/or histopathology findings, even during antifungal therapy.
Assuntos
Aspergilose/diagnóstico , Aspergillus fumigatus/isolamento & purificação , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Multiplex/métodos , Análise de Sequência com Séries de Oligonucleotídeos/métodos , Adulto , Antifúngicos/uso terapêutico , Aspergilose/sangue , Aspergilose/diagnóstico por imagem , Aspergillus fumigatus/genética , Aspergillus fumigatus/imunologia , Sequência de Bases , Biópsia por Agulha , Lavagem Broncoalveolar , DNA Fúngico/isolamento & purificação , Feminino , Humanos , Hospedeiro Imunocomprometido , Masculino , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Radiografia , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
This report gives an overview on the contributions presented in an expert meeting in February, 2015. They deal with the analysis and evaluation of the multiple dimensions of COPD. This complex disease not only interferes with pulmonary mechanics and gas exchange, but also with cardiopulmonary crosstalk and the ventilator pump. A bulk of inflammatory and microbial activity develops during the progression of disease. As a consequence, systemic effects on muscles, metabolism and psyche develop.The sections consider the value of multiple endpoints in clinical research. Quantifiable parameters of lung mechanics and gas exchange, of exercise tolerance and biomarkers improve the measurability of effects in interventions. However, do we really know in a biological sense what we are measuring? What conclusions can we draw in terms of prognosis?Vice versa, we have to look into the origin and meaning of integrative endpoints e.g. quality or life, dyspnoea and spontaneous physical activity. As a new dimension, the clinical significance of morphological findings in HRCT and MRT is analyzed.
Assuntos
Diagnóstico por Imagem/normas , Prova Pericial/normas , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde/normas , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica/diagnóstico , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica/terapia , Testes de Função Respiratória/normas , HumanosRESUMO
Beyond being a substitute for X-ray, computed tomography, and scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inherently combines morphologic and functional information more than any other technology. Lung perfusion: The most established method is first-pass contrast-enhanced imaging with bolus injection of gadolinium chelates and time-resolved gradient-echo (GRE) sequences covering the whole lung (1 volume/s). Images are evaluated visually or semiquantitatively, while absolute quantification remains challenging due to the nonlinear relation of T1-shortening and contrast material concentration. Noncontrast-enhanced perfusion imaging is still experimental, either based on arterial spin labeling or Fourier decomposition. The latter is used to separate high- and low-frequency oscillations of lung signal related to the effects of pulsatile blood flow. Lung ventilation: Using contrast-enhanced first-pass perfusion, lung ventilation deficits are indirectly identified by hypoxic vasoconstriction. More direct but still experimental approaches use either inhalation of pure oxygen, an aerosolized contrast agent, or hyperpolarized noble gases. Fourier decomposition MRI based on the low-frequency lung signal oscillation allows for visualization of ventilation without any contrast agent. Respiratory mechanics: Time-resolved series with high background signal such as GRE or steady-state free precession visualize the movement of chest wall, diaphragm, mediastinum, lung tissue, tracheal wall, and tumor. The assessment of volume changes allows drawing conclusions on regional ventilation. With this arsenal of functional imaging capabilities at high spatial and temporal resolution but without radiation burden, MRI will find its role in regional functional lung analysis and will therefore overcome the sensitivity of global lung function analysis for repeated short-term treatment monitoring.
Assuntos
Meios de Contraste/administração & dosagem , Pulmão/fisiologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Animais , Humanos , Pulmão/fisiopatologia , Oxigênio/administração & dosagem , Testes de Função Respiratória/métodos , Mecânica Respiratória/fisiologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a novel calcium-only imaging technique (VCa) with subtracted bone marrow in osteoporosis in dual-layer CT (DLCT) compared to conventional CT images (CI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Images of a multi-energy CT phantom with calcium inserts, quantitative CT calibration phantom, and of 55 patients (mean age: 64.6 ± 11.5 years) were acquired on a DLCT to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD). CI, calcium-suppressed images, and VCa were calculated. For investigating the association of VCa and CI with DXA a subsample of 30 patients (<90 days between DXA and CT) was used. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify further factors improving the prediction of DXA BMD. RESULTS: The calcium concentrations of the CT phantom inserts were significantly associated with CT numbers from VCa (R2 = 0.94) and from CI (R2 = 0.89-0.92). VCa showed significantly higher CT numbers than CI in the phantom (p ≤ 0.001) and clinical setting (p < 0.001). CT numbers from VCa were significantly associated with CI (R2 = 0.95, p < 0.001) and with DXA (R2 = 0.31, p = 0.007), whereas no significant association between DXA and CI was found. Prediction of DXA BMD based on CT numbers derived from VCa yielded R2 = 0.76 in multiple regression analysis. ROC for the differentiation of normal from pathologic BMD in VCa yielded an AUC of 0.7, and a cut-off value of 126HU (sensitivity: 0.90; specificity: 0.47). CONCLUSION: VCa images showed better agreement with DXA and known calcium concentrations than CI, and could be used to estimate BMD. A VCa cut-off of 126HU could be used to identify abnormal bone mineral density.
RESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of contrast media application on CT attenuation of the bone using a novel calcium-only imaging technique (VCa) from dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT), which enables CT-based bone mineral density measurement unimpeded by soft tissue components. For this, true non-contrast (TNC) and venous phase images (VP) of n = 97 patients were acquired. CT attenuation of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) was measured in TNC-VCa, VP-VCa, and in virtual non-contrast images (VNC). CT attenuation was significantly higher in VP-VCa than in TNC-VCa (p < 0.001), although regression analyses revealed a strong linear association between these measures (R2 = 0.84). A statistical model for the prediction of TNC-VCa CT attenuation was established (TNC-VCa[HU] = - 6.81 + 0.87 × VP-VCa[HU]-0.55 × body weight[kg]) and yielded good agreement between observed and predicted values. Furthermore, a L1 CT attenuation threshold of 293 HU in VP-VCa showed a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 96% for detecting osteoporosis. The application of contrast media leads to an overestimation of L1 CT attenuation in VCa. However, CT attenuation values from VP-VCa can be used within CT-based opportunistic osteoporosis screening eighter by applying a separate threshold of 293 HU or by converting measured data to TNC-VCa CT attenuation with the given regression equation.
Assuntos
Densidade Óssea , Cálcio , Meios de Contraste , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Humanos , Meios de Contraste/química , Feminino , Masculino , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Idoso , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Cálcio/metabolismo , Densidade Óssea/efeitos dos fármacos , Vértebras Lombares/diagnóstico por imagem , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Coluna Vertebral/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto , Osteoporose/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
Although it is a severe complication in immunocompromised patients, diagnosing invasive fungal disease (IFD), especially invasive aspergillosis (IA), remains difficult. In certain clinical scenarios, examining tissue samples for identification of the infectious organism becomes important. As culture-based methods rarely yield results, the performance of an Aspergillus-specific nested PCR in fresh tissue or pleural effusion samples was evaluated. Fresh tissue (n = 59) and effusion (n = 47) specimens from 79 immunocompromised patients were subjected to an Aspergillus-specific PCR assay. Twenty-six patients had proven (n = 20) or probable (n = 6) IFD, according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria, while the remaining patients were classified as having either possible IFD (n = 30) or no IFD (n = 23). IA was identified as the underlying IFD in 21/26 proven/probable cases. PCR positivity was observed for 18/21 proven/probable and 6 possible IA cases; cases classified as no IA did not show positive signals. Patients with proven IFD (n = 5) with cultures positive for non-Aspergillus molds also had negative Aspergillus PCR results. Aspergillus PCR performance analysis yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65% to 95%) and 100% (95% CI, 86% to 100%), respectively, thus leading to a diagnostic odds ratio of >200. In this analysis, good diagnostic performance of the PCR assay for detection of IA was observed for tissue samples, while effusion samples showed lower sensitivity rates. PCR testing represents a complementary tool; a positive PCR result strengthens the likelihood of IA, whereas IA seems unlikely in cases with negative results but findings could indicate non-Aspergillus IFD. Thus, PCR testing of these specimens enhances the diagnostic capabilities.
Assuntos
Aspergilose/diagnóstico , Aspergillus/isolamento & purificação , Técnicas Microbiológicas/métodos , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/métodos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Aspergillus/genética , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Pulmão/microbiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Derrame Pleural/microbiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
A 37-year-old female patient presented with sudden dyspnea and chest pain. Spontaneous pneumothoraces had been observed several times before in this patient and two members of the patient´s family in the last years. Moreover, she exhibited papular facial skin lesions. Radiomorphologically a pneumothorax apical on the left side and basal accentuated cystic lung destruction on both sides could be seen. Pleurodesis and several wedge resections with insertion of a drainage on the left side were performed therapeutically. Histology disclosed multiple cysts, whereby typical differential diagnoses could be excluded by immunohistochemistry. A molecular genetic investigation detected a heterozygous mutation in the gene coding for follikulin (FLCN). Thereby, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) was diagnosed. BHDS follows autosomal dominant inheritance and is characterized by cystic lung lesions with recurrent pneumothoraces, cutaneous fibrofolliculomas and an increased risk of renal carcinomas. It is based on mutations in the gene coding for the protein FLCN on chromosome 17.
Assuntos
Síndrome de Birt-Hogg-Dubé/diagnóstico , Malformação Adenomatoide Cística Congênita do Pulmão/diagnóstico , Adulto , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Dermatoses Faciais , Feminino , Humanos , Dermatopatias VesiculobolhosasRESUMO
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Establishing a definite diagnosis of IFI in immunocompromised patients is particularly challenging and time consuming, but delayed initiation of antifungal treatment increases mortality. The limited overall outcome has led to the strategy of initiating either 'empirical' or 'preemptive' antifungal therapy before the final diagnosis. However, diagnostic procedures have been vastly improved in recent years. Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of newer imaging techniques and non-culture methods, including antigen-based assays, metabolite detection and molecular detection of fungal DNA from body fluid samples. Though varying widely in cancer patients, the risk of IFI is highest in those with allogeneic stem cell transplantation and those with acute leukemia. The AGIHO presents recommendations for the diagnosis of IFIs with risk-adapted screening concepts for febrile episodes in patients with haemato-oncological disorders.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Hematológicas/complicações , Pneumopatias Fúngicas/diagnóstico , Infecções Oportunistas/diagnóstico , Hematologia , Humanos , Pneumopatias Fúngicas/complicações , Oncologia , Infecções Oportunistas/complicaçõesRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In recent years experience has been accumulated in percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of lung malignancies in nonsurgical patients. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we retrospectively evaluated a simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic approach including CT-guided biopsy followed immediately by RFA of solitary malignant pulmonary lesions. METHODS: CT-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy of solitary pulmonary lesions suspicious for malignancy was performed and histology was proven based on immediate frozen sections. RFA probes were placed into the pulmonary tumors under CT guidance and the ablation was performed subsequently. The procedure-related morbidity was analyzed. Follow-up included a CT scan and pulmonary function parameters. RESULTS: A total of 33 CT-guided biopsies and subsequent RFA within a single procedure were performed. Morbidity of CT-guided biopsy included pulmonary hemorrhage (24%) and a mild pneumothorax (12%) without need for further interventions. The RFA procedure was not aggravated by the previous biopsy. The rate of pneumothorax requiring chest tube following RFA was 21%. Local tumor control was achieved in 77% with a median follow-up of 12 months. The morbidity of the CT-guided biopsy had no statistical impact on the local recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic approach including CT-guided biopsy followed immediately by RFA of solitary malignant pulmonary lesions is a safe procedure. The potential of this combined approach is to avoid unnecessary therapies and to perform adequate therapies based on histology. Taking the local control rate into account, this approach should only be performed in those patients who are unable to undergo or who refuse surgery.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas , Ablação por Cateter/métodos , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Nódulo Pulmonar Solitário , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/cirurgia , Ablação por Cateter/efeitos adversos , Feminino , Humanos , Biópsia Guiada por Imagem/métodos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/cirurgia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pneumotórax/etiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Nódulo Pulmonar Solitário/patologia , Nódulo Pulmonar Solitário/cirurgia , Cirurgia Assistida por Computador/métodos , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodosRESUMO
Our objective was to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose of caspofungin for invasive aspergillosis (IA). The safety and pharmacokinetics of escalating dosages of caspofungin were investigated in IA. Eight patients each received caspofungin 70, 100, 150, or 200 mg once a day (QD). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as the same non-hematological treatment-related adverse event of grade ≥ 4 in 2 of 8 patients or ≥ 3 in 4 of 8 patients in a cohort. A total of 46 patients (median age, 61 years; 21 female; 89% with hematological malignancies) received caspofungin (9, 8, 9, and 20 patients in the 70-, 100-, 150-, and 200-mg cohorts) for a median of 24.5 days. Plasma pharmacokinetics were linear across the investigated dosages and followed a two-compartment model, with weight as the covariate on clearance and sex as the covariate on central volume of distribution. Simulated peak plasma concentrations at steady state ranged from 14.2 to 40.6 mg/liter (28%), trough concentrations from 4.1 to 11.8 mg/liter (58%), and area under the concentration-time curve from 175 to 500 mg/liter/h (32%) (geometric mean, geometric coefficient of variation). Treatment was well tolerated without dose-limiting toxicity. The rate of complete or partial responses was 54.3%, and the overall mortality at 12-week follow-up was 28.3%. In first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis, daily doses of up to 200 mg caspofungin were well tolerated and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Pharmacokinetics was linear. Response rates were similar to those previously reported for voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin.