Computed tomography-guided microwave ablation for right middle lobe pulmonary nodules: a retrospective, single-center, case-control study.

PURPOSE: This retrospective, single-center, case-control study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for pulmonary nodules located in the right middle lobe (RML), a challenging location associated with a high frequency of complications. METHODS: Between May 2020 and April 2022, 71 patients with 71 RML pulmonary nodules underwent 71 MWA sessions. To comparison, 142 patients with 142 pulmonary nodules in non-RML were selected using propensity score matching. The technical success, technique efficacy, complications, and associated factors were analyzed. The duration of the procedure and post-ablation hospital stay were also recorded. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 100% of all patients. There were no significant differences in technique efficacy rates between the RML and non-RML groups (97.2% vs. 95.1%, p = 0.721). However, both major (47.9% vs. 19.7%, p < 0.001) and minor (26.8% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.004) pneumothorax were more common in the RML group than non-RML group. MWA for RML pulmonary nodules was identified as an independent risk factor for pneumothorax (p < 0.001). The duration of procedures (51.7 min vs. 35.3 min, p < 0.001) and post-ablation hospital stays (4.7 days vs. 2.8 days, p < 0.001) were longer in the RML group than non-RML group. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided MWA for RML pulmonary nodules showed comparable efficacy compared with other lobes, but posed a higher risk of pneumothorax complications, necessitating longer MWA procedure times and extended hospital stays.

How I Do It: The prostatic urethral lift for obstructive median lobes.

Millions of men in North America suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are managed on medical therapy. Most patients, however, report poor adherence, and yet relatively few pursue more definitive surgical solutions. The Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) was designed to address many of the patient-identified barriers to surgery, namely iatrogenic sexual dysfunction, incontinence, lengthy recovery and postoperative catheterization. Randomized studies and large real world multicenter and database studies have demonstrated safety and effectiveness of PUL when addressing lateral lobe disease. In recent years further technique and device development has led to the FDA approval for PUL addressing obstructive median lobes as well. At 12 months, PUL median lobe patients in a controlled trial and a large retrospective study experienced average IPSS improvement of 13.5 and 11.6 points, QoL improvement of 3.0 and 2.1 points, and Qmax improvement of 6.4 and 7.1 mL/sec, respectively. In the controlled setting, both ejaculatory and erectile function were preserved and postoperative catheterization rates, while higher than lateral lobe PUL rates, were similarly short lived with a mean duration of 1.2 days. We describe the current technique for performing PUL to address the obstructive median lobe and detail a new device, which can make it easier to alleviate obstruction due to trilobar anatomy.

Temporary Right Middle Lobe Occlusion with a Blocking Device to Enable Collateral Ventilation Measurement of the Right Major Fissure.

BACKGROUND: Absence of interlobar collateral ventilation is essential to achieve lobar volume reduction after endobronchial valve (EBV) treatment and can be assessed using the Chartis measurement. However, especially in lower lobe measurements, Chartis can be complicated by the "no-flow phenomenon", during which a sudden cessation of flow is observed, leading to an unreliable measurement. If this phenomenon occurs in the right lower lobe, when measuring collateral flow over the right major fissure, the entrance to the right middle lobe should be occluded, and the Chartis balloon should be placed in the right upper lobe. Both Watanabe spigots and balloon catheters can be used to achieve occlusion. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to demonstrate that right middle lobe occlusion with a blocking device is helpful in obtaining a reliable Chartis outcome in case of the no-flow phenomenon in the right lower lobe. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients scheduled for EBV treatment in an EBV registry between September 2016 and September 2019. RESULTS: We included 15 patients with severe emphysema (median age 63 years [range 47-73], 73% female, and FEV1 24% [range 19-36] of predicted), who required temporary middle lobe occlusion (12 Watanabe spigot, 3 balloon catheter). After occlusion, a reliable Chartis outcome was obtained in all patients. CONCLUSION: Temporary middle lobe occlusion using a blocking device is helpful in obtaining a reliable Chartis outcome in case of a right lower lobe no-flow phenomenon.

Bronchial Thermoplasty Including the Middle Lobe Bronchus Significantly Improves Lung Function and Quality of Life in Patients Suffering from Severe Asthma.

PURPOSE: Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) is indicated in patients suffering from severe and symptomatic bronchial asthma despite maximal medical therapy. However, treatment of the right middle lobe (RML) bronchus is currently not recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of BT if the RML bronchus is included. METHODS: BT was performed in 17 consecutive patients, quality of life and pulmonary function were characterized before and 90 days after BT completion. Furthermore, we performed a clean-up bronchoscopy following every BT. This study was approved by the IRB of the University of Essen (No. 17-7356 BO) and registered as a retrospective observational study at the German Clinical Trials Registry (No. DRKS 00011550). RESULTS: The median baseline values of FEV1 and Asthma Questionnaire of Life Quality (AQLQ) were 1.33 l (0.91; 1.73) and 3.01 (2.76; 3.61), respectively, and significantly improved 90 days after treatment with FEV 1 at 1.75 l (p-value 0.002) and AQLQ 3.8 (p-value < 0.05). Also the amount of oral corticosteroid necessity decreased significantly. No severe adverse events occurred due to the procedure. Clean-up bronchoscopies-when performed-revealed significant fibrinous exudation after every BT procedure. CONCLUSION: BT including the RML bronchus is feasible. Functionally limited patients with severe asthma could potentially profit. Due to the relevant fibrinous exudation, BT should be followed by clean-up bronchoscopy, not only after RML treatment.

Predictive Factors for the Long-Term Deterioration of Pulmonary Function in Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Anti-Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Antibodies.

BACKGROUND: Little has been reported on long-term pulmonary function trends among patients with interstitial lung disease associated with anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies (ARS-ILD). OBJECTIVES: To clarify the factors predictive of progression in ARS-ILD based on patients' initial clinical and radiological features. METHODS: The clinical courses of 88 patients with > 1 year of follow-up data on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were retrospectively analyzed. Disease behavior was categorized into three groups: (1) improved or (2) worsened (defined as increases or decreases, respectively, of > 10% in forced vital capacity and > 15% in %diffusing capacity of lung carbon monoxide) or (3) stable based on PFT changes compared between 1-year results as the initial data and results at 3 years to assess the long-term course. RESULTS: In the initial course of 75 patients with ARS-ILD who received anti-inflammatory therapy within 6 months after diagnosis, 48 patients (64.0%) improved and 6 patients (8.0%) worsened. The radiological patterns in the patients with ARS-ILD included nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) in 46.7% and NSIP with organizing pneumonia overlap in 52.0% of the cases. One-third of the initially improved patients who worsened over the long-term course were assigned to the unstable group. By multivariate logistic analysis, middle lobe traction bronchiectasis was a significant predictive factor for the patients in the unstable group. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with ARS-ILD receiving anti-inflammatory therapy had improved or remained stable in the first year. However, over the long-term course, some patients worsened despite their initial improvement. Even though the extent of the disease is limited, middle lobe traction bronchiectasis in ARS-ILD may be a useful predictor of poor long-term disease behavior.

Patterns of Disease in Patients with Middle-Lobe Predominant Bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Middle-lobe predominant bronchiectasis affecting the right middle-lobe and/or lingula (RMLP) is classically described in asthenic, elderly females with skeletal abnormalities or associated nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the frequency and clinical characteristics of patients with an RMLP phenotype in a cohort of newly diagnosed bronchiectasis patients and determine associations with disease severity. METHODS: A retrospective observational cross-sectional cohort study of consecutive bronchiectasis patients in our institution was performed. Data were collected on baseline variables, microbiology status, lung function, and radiology according to the modified Bhalla score. Disease severity was assessed using bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED severity scores. RESULTS: Of 81 patients (mean age [SD] 62.6 [12.4], females 55 [67.9%], BMI 26.9 [5.7%]), 20 (24.7%) had RMLP disease. These patients were significantly younger, female, and with lower BMIs than patients with the classical bronchiectasis phenotype (p = 0.03, 0.01, and p <0.01, respectively). Fewer symptoms of cough and daily sputum (p = 0.01 and <0.01), prior exacerbation frequency (p = 0.03), and higher baseline forced expiratory volume (p = 0.04) were noted. A higher incidence of NTM at diagnosis was demonstrated (p = 0.01). BSI and FACED severity scores in RMLP patients were significantly lower than their counterparts (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The RMLP phenotype is associated with younger patients than classically described in the literature. An increased rate of NTM infection in this phenotype was noted, particularly in females, but much lower than previously described. Lung function and disease severity scores in this patient group are relatively normal, suggesting a milder phenotype in patients with this form of the disease.

Early postoperative complications after middle lobe-preserving surgery for secondary lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Preservation of the middle lobe during lung surgery is traditionally avoided, because its presence in the hemithoracic cavity is considered a cause of complications. We report a series of lung cancer patients who underwent a secondary pulmonary resection with the preservation of the middle lobe to explore the complications and feasibility of these procedures. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical courses of six patients who underwent surgery for metachronous lung cancers. Five patients underwent right upper lobectomy, including one sleeve lobectomy, after having undergone prior right lower lobectomy. The remaining patient underwent a right lower lobectomy after having undergone a prior right upper lobectomy. RESULTS: There were no treatment-related deaths. One patient was readmitted for surgery to treat delayed air leakage progressing to pyothorax. One patient was treated for persistent air leakage. Two patients required intermittent drainage of pulmonary effusion, because of middle lobe atelectasis. The postoperative forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were greater than the values predicted post-pneumonectomy in four evaluable patients. CONCLUSIONS: While postoperative complications after middle lobe-preserving surgery are manageable, their high incidence should be considered when performing this surgery.

Middle lobe syndrome: an extraordinary presentation of endobronchial tuberculosis.

Tuberculous infection of the tracheobronchial tree, termed as endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB), is more common in young adults and females. This clinical entity is poorly understood and the diagnosis is frequently delayed as sputum smears are often negative for acid fast bacilli and the chest radiograph can be normal, resulting in diagnostic confusion. Bronchoscopy continues to play a key role in its diagnosis. Though atelectasis is not uncommon in these patients, EBTB presenting as a middle lobe syndrome (MLS) has rarely been documented. MLS refers to chronic or recurrent collapse of the right middle lobe and has a myriad of causes. The pathogenesis of this entity too is not fully established. We report this exceptional clinical manifestation in a 19-year-old male, who presented for evaluation of respiratory symptoms for 6 months along with constitutional complaints. Imaging suggested the presence of MLS and bronchoscopy established the diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis. GeneXpert evaluation of bronchial aspirate detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Histopathology confirmed the presence of granulomatous lesions. Subsequently, the cultures of bronchial aspirate and post-bronchoscopy sputum grew M. tuberculosis. Appropriate therapy with anti-tuberculosis drugs resulted in a remarkable symptomatic and radiological improvement. EBTB presenting as a MLS is a distinct rarity.

Middle lobe syndrome in children today.

Middle lobe syndrome in children is a distinct clinical and radiographic entity that has been well described in the pediatric literature. However, issues regarding its etiology, clinical presentation, and management continue to puzzle the clinical practitioner. Pathophysiologically, there are two forms of middle lobe syndrome, namely obstructive and nonobstructive. Middle lobe syndrome may present as symptomatic or asymptomatic, as persistent or recurrent atelectasis, or as pneumonitis or bronchiectasis of the middle lobe and/or lingula. A lower threshold of performing a chest radiograph is warranted in children with persistent or recurrent nonspecific respiratory symptoms, particularly if there is clinical deterioration, in order to detect middle lobe syndrome and to initiate a further diagnostic and therapeutic workup.

Middle lobe syndrome: a rare presentation of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease predominantly seen in susceptible asthmatic subjects, due to a hypersensitivity phenomenon caused by colonisation of the airways by Aspergillus species. Although collapse, both lobar and segmental due to mucoid impaction, is not uncommon in ABPA, a middle lobe syndrome (MLS) secondary to ABPA is rather an uncommon association. We report this rare and unusual clinical presentation in a 36-year-old male, who presented for evaluation of a "non resolving pneumonia". Imaging suggested the presence of a MLS and central bronchiectasis. Further investigations revealed that the patient met 6/8 of the essential diagnostic criteria for ABPA. Appropriate therapy with oral corticosteroids resulted in remarkable symptomatic improvement.

Unveiling the complexity of right middle lobe syndrome: a case series highlighting the association with asthma.

Introduction and importance: Right middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is a rare lung disorder primarily affecting children with a history of asthma or atopy. It encompasses a range of pathological and clinical conditions, from recurrent collapses of the middle lobe to bronchiectasis. In this study, the authors present a case series featuring four individuals with MLS associated with asthma, aiming to deepen our understanding of this uncommon condition. Case presentation: Four paediatric patients with right MLS exhibited symptoms of persistent cough, dyspnoea, and recurrent asthma exacerbations. Radiographic evaluations confirmed features consistent with right MLS, and bronchoscopy revealed mucus plugs and oedematous airways obstructing the right middle lobe bronchus. Treatment with bronchodilators, antibiotics, and corticosteroids led to symptom improvement and resolution of atelectasis. Clinical discussion: MLS is a rare condition characterized by chronic collapse of the right middle lobe and bronchiectasis. It is challenging to diagnose MLS, but computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed lung images for confirmation. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, such as infections or mucus obstruction. Lobectomy may be considered in severe cases. This case series emphasizes the need for further research on MLS, as its rarity and characteristics remain unclear. Conclusion: These cases exhibited obstructive MLS with and without asthma. Accurate diagnosis is challenging, requiring imaging techniques. MLS has clinical implications, particularly in asthma patients. Future studies should focus on understanding the aetiology of non-obstructive MLS.

A very rare case of the right middle lobe torsion postlower lobectomy due to chronic lung abscess.

Middle lobe torsion (MLT) is an unusual complication in lung surgery that is usually associated with upper lobe lobectomy and rarely develops postlower lobectomy. In the case of MLT, urgent surgical intervention is required to decrease the risk of mortality and morbidity, and diagnosis is challenging due to the nonspecific symptoms of MLT. In this article, we present a case of a recurring lung abscess treated by the right lower lobectomy, complicated by the right MLT and to our knowledge MLT consider rarest complication postright lower lobectomy.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in a patient with prostate cancer complicated by benign prostate hypertrophy with middle lobe hypertrophy.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is difficult in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition causing frequent urination, because of the large prostate volume and particularly true when BPH is accompanied by an enlarged middle lobe. To overcome this difficulty, some surgeons elevate the middle lobe with a third arm or tow the urethral catheter to the edge to identify the resection line. Herein, we describe a method for lifting a prostate with an enlarged middle lobe, which was successfully applied in a patient with prostate cancer and BPH. This technique can help identify the resection line between the bladder and prostate, reducing surgical difficulty and the number of unnecessary sutures.

Navigating Middle Lobe Syndrome: Exploring the Impact of Mycobacterium avium.

Middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is characterized by recurrent or chronic collapse (atelectasis) of the middle lobe of the right lung. Despite its clinical significance, MLS often goes unnoticed in medical practice. It manifests with obstructive symptoms, either due to external compression or internal causes, commonly stemming from infectious agents such as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) or occasionally from tumors. We present a unique case of MLS induced by MAC in an immunocompetent 74-year-old female patient with a history of bronchiectasis. Imaging revealed typical findings associated with MLS. Additional testing confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient was successfully treated. This case presents the opportunity to recognize and correctly treat cases of MLS with infectious etiology.

Interfissural Fixation of the Right Middle Lobe after Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Right Upper Lobectomy: Bronchial Anatomical Changes and Efficacy in Preventing Torsion.

Background: Torsion of the right middle lobe following right upper lobectomy is a rare but potentially fatal complication. To prevent this, fixation of the right middle lobe has been suggested. This study was performed to examine the impact of right middle lobe fixation on postoperative outcomes and bronchial changes. Methods: We enrolled patients who underwent curative-intent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) right upper lobectomy for lung cancer from 2019 to 2022. Participants were grouped based on whether they did or did not receive right middle lobe fixation. Bronchial angles were measured using preoperative and postoperative chest computed tomography images, and postoperative outcomes and bronchial changes were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The study included a total of 50 patients, with 17 (34%) undergoing right middle lobe fixation. All procedures were performed using VATS. No significant differences between groups were observed in preoperative characteristics or postoperative outcomes. After surgery, both groups exhibited a significant increase in the right bronchus intermedius angle and a significant decrease in the branch angle. The postoperative right bronchus intermedius angle was significantly larger in the group without right middle lobe fixation compared to the group with fixation (47.38°±10.98° vs. 39.41°±9.21°, p=0.014). Three cases of atelectasis occurred in the group that did not undergo fixation while no cases were observed in the fixation group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Fixation of the right middle lobe reduced postoperative angulation of the right bronchus intermedius, which may help prevent postoperative atelectasis.

Segmental Shielding: A Rare Case of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome with Middle Lobe Sparing.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) presents a formidable challenge in critical care, often resulting in high mortality rates, particularly in severe cases or those compounded by preexisting conditions. Despite substantial advancements in critical care, the heterogeneous nature of ARDS necessitates nuanced clinical approaches. ARDS is generally diagnosed through clinical evaluation, radiographic imaging, and laboratory tests, as well as acute onset, bilateral lung infiltrates on imaging, and a partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2)/fraction of inspiratory oxygen concentration (FiO2) ratio of less than 300 mmHg. Management involves measurements to improve oxygenation and provide mechanical ventilation to assist breathing. The typical manifestation of ARDS is diffuse lung involvement, which affects multiple lobes symmetrically. Here, we report an unusual case of ARDS in a 53-year-old female who was brought into the hospital in an unresponsive state, exhibiting hypoxic and hypotension requiring intubation. Subsequent imaging revealed a distinctive pattern: the preservation of the right middle lobe, diverging from the conventional diffuse pulmonary affliction. This case underscores the need for clinical vigilance and adaptability, as such atypical presentations can confound diagnosis and management, posing unique clinical challenges. This case highlights the importance of recognizing ARDS' diverse presentations. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms behind the lobar sparing could provide greater insight into the disease heterogeneity and guide tailored therapeutic approaches. The imperative for further research into these uncommon presentations is clear, as it may be vital to improving outcomes for a broader spectrum of ARDS patients.

Bronchoscopy for management and identification of etiology of right middle lobe syndrome: Analysis of 66 cases.

BACKGROUND: Right middle lobe (RML) syndrome is a recurrent or chronic obstruction of the RML causing atelectasis of the right middle lobe due to mechanical and nonmechanical etiologies. The consequences of untreated RML syndrome range from chronic cough to post-obstructive pneumonia and bronchiectasis. We report here our bronchoscopy experience in patients with RML syndrome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of adult patients who underwent bronchoscopy for RML syndrome at Rabin Medical Center from 2008 through 2022. Demographic data and medical history, bronchoscopy findings and procedures, and follow-up results were collected. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients (57.6% male, mean age 63 ± 13 years) underwent bronchoscopy for RML syndrome during the study period. Bronchoscopy revealed a mechanical etiology in 49 (74.2%) cases, including endobronchial mass (21, 31.8%) and external compression (7, 10.6%). Malignancy was identified in 20 (30.3%) cases. In 62 patients (93.9%), the bronchoscopy resulted in partial or complete reopening of the RML bronchus. The therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures were balloon dilatation (19), laser ablation (17), mechanical debridement (12), endobronchial stent insertion (11), and cryoablation (6). CONCLUSIONS: Malignancy was identified as the etiology of RML syndrome in approximately 25% of cases, suggesting bronchoscopy should be performed in every case of RML atelectasis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported series of endobronchial stenting of the RML bronchus in the context of RML syndrome.

Asthma with recurrent middle lobe syndrome in children: Clinical features and lung function patterns.

Background: Middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is a complication of childhood asthma. This study aimed to compare the clinical features and lung function between asthmatic children with recurrent MLS and transient right middle lobe (RML) and/or lingula atelectasis. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed asthmatic children with RML and/or lingula atelectasis between 2010 and 2020 using data from the pediatric pulmonary department. According to the episodes of atelectasis, children were divided into recurrent (≥2 episodes) and non-recurrent (only 1 episode) MLS groups, to compare clinical features and lung function. Spirometry during acute asthma exacerbation and stable stages were recorded, and variations were calculated. Results: A total of 35 children with asthma and RML and/or lingula atelectasis were included, 15 of whom had recurrent MLS. The recurrent MLS group had a higher proportion of girls, infections, family allergy history, severe asthma, severe exacerbation, and higher levels of total IgE than the non-recurrent MLS group (P < 0.05). The recurrent MLS group had a significantly higher % predicted and z-scores for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), a greater proportion of high FEV1 and higher variations in FEV1 and FVC than that in the non-recurrent group (P < 0.05). After excluding children with mild to moderate asthma in the recurrent MLS group, the differences in clinical features disappeared, but the results regarding lung function remained similar, when compared to severe asthma patients without RML and/or lingula atelectasis. Conclusions: Childhood asthma with recurrent MLS has more frequent severe asthma and exacerbation but high lung function and variations.

Left middle lobectomy in a patient with Kartagener's syndrome.

The middle lobe is usually a part of the right lung as it is tri-lobar in normal anatomy. In patients with Kartagener's syndrome, the middle lobe belongs to the left lung due to situs inversus. They are prone to develop bronchiectasis due to ciliary dyskinesia and bronchial anatomy of the middle lobe. We hereby report an interesting case of left middle lobectomy done in a patient with Kartagener's syndrome with bronchiectasis.