Tuberculosis and chest radiology

Tuberculosis is still a major public health problem, although it is decreasing worldwide. The World Health Organization is working to reduce the incidence and deaths of tuberculosis globally and aims to eradicate tuberculosis.Current Concepts: The world’s gradual eradication of tuberculosis would be virtually inconceivable without the outstanding scientific works of Robert Koch and Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen. In 1882, Koch’s discovery of the tuberculosis bacillus was the most important first step towards controlling and ending this deadly disease. In 1895, Röntgen’s discovery of the X-ray revolutionized humanity as it became the first technology used to create images of the human body. X-ray images became an essential tool in modern medicine within a short period.Discussion and Conclusion: Chest radiology plays a crucial role in tuberculosis screening, diagnosis, and management. Chest radiology has contributed to the control of tuberculosis, which has plagued humanity for a long time, and will continue to contribute to eradicating tuberculosis in the world.

Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: 2020 Clinical Practice Guideline

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) characterized by an inhaled inciting antigen that leads to the inflammation of the lung parenchyma and small airway with immunologic reactions. Over the last decades, the most effective therapeutic option for HP has been limited to antigen avoidance. The differential diagnosis of HP from other ILDs is the beginning of treatment as well as diagnosis. However, the presence of several overlapping clinical and radiologic features makes differentiating HP from other ILDs particularly challenging. In 2020, a multidisciplinary committee of experts from the American Thoracic Society, Japanese Respiratory Society, and Asociación Latinoamericana del Tórax suggested a new clinical practice guideline classifying HP into nonfibrotic and fibrotic phenotypes on the basis of chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings. Therefore, we introduced a new diagnostic algorithm based on chest HRCT in the clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis of HP.

Radiologic Diagnosis of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease

The incidence and prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is increasing worldwide, including in Korea, and the clinical importance of NTM-PD is also rapidly increasing. The diagnosis and management of NTM-PD is difficult. Radiologic evidence is mandatory to diagnose NTM-PD, and the radiologic findings may be the first evidence of the disease in many patients. Traditionally, NTM-PD demonstrates two different radiologic forms:fibrocavitary and nodular bronchiectatic. However, the disease also shows non-specific and a wide spectrum of radiologic features. Radiologists must be aware of the radiologic features of NTM-PD and should include them in the differential diagnosis. This review focuses on the epidemiology in Korea, diagnostic criteria, and radiological features of NTM-PD for radiologists.

Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis After Botulinum Toxin Injection: A Case Report

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection is widely used to improve spasticity. However, after the treatment, the patient may experience pain, inflammation, swelling and redness at the injection site. In this case, we addressed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after BoNT treatment of the upper limb. A male aged 37 years had spasticity and dystonia in his left upper extremity. BoNT-A 100 U was injected into the left biceps brachii and an equal amount into the brachialis to relieve spasticity. After three days, he developed redness and painful swelling in the left upper arm and the next day, through the upper extremity computed tomography venography, DVT was identified in the left cephalic vein. The thrombus resolved after the anticoagulation therapy with rivaroxaban (Xarelto). We hypothesized the role of mainly three mechanisms in the development of DVT in this case: repetitive strenuous activity, relative stasis due to reduced muscle tone, and possible direct mechanical damage to the vessel wall.

Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: 2020 Clinical Practice Guideline

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) characterized by an inhaled inciting antigen that leads to the inflammation of the lung parenchyma and small airway with immunologic reactions. Over the last decades, the most effective therapeutic option for HP has been limited to antigen avoidance. The differential diagnosis of HP from other ILDs is the beginning of treatment as well as diagnosis. However, the presence of several overlapping clinical and radiologic features makes differentiating HP from other ILDs particularly challenging. In 2020, a multidisciplinary committee of experts from the American Thoracic Society, Japanese Respiratory Society, and Asociación Latinoamericana del Tórax suggested a new clinical practice guideline classifying HP into nonfibrotic and fibrotic phenotypes on the basis of chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings. Therefore, we introduced a new diagnostic algorithm based on chest HRCT in the clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis of HP.

Radiologic Diagnosis of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease

The incidence and prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is increasing worldwide, including in Korea, and the clinical importance of NTM-PD is also rapidly increasing. The diagnosis and management of NTM-PD is difficult. Radiologic evidence is mandatory to diagnose NTM-PD, and the radiologic findings may be the first evidence of the disease in many patients. Traditionally, NTM-PD demonstrates two different radiologic forms:fibrocavitary and nodular bronchiectatic. However, the disease also shows non-specific and a wide spectrum of radiologic features. Radiologists must be aware of the radiologic features of NTM-PD and should include them in the differential diagnosis. This review focuses on the epidemiology in Korea, diagnostic criteria, and radiological features of NTM-PD for radiologists.

Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis After Botulinum Toxin Injection: A Case Report

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection is widely used to improve spasticity. However, after the treatment, the patient may experience pain, inflammation, swelling and redness at the injection site. In this case, we addressed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after BoNT treatment of the upper limb. A male aged 37 years had spasticity and dystonia in his left upper extremity. BoNT-A 100 U was injected into the left biceps brachii and an equal amount into the brachialis to relieve spasticity. After three days, he developed redness and painful swelling in the left upper arm and the next day, through the upper extremity computed tomography venography, DVT was identified in the left cephalic vein. The thrombus resolved after the anticoagulation therapy with rivaroxaban (Xarelto). We hypothesized the role of mainly three mechanisms in the development of DVT in this case: repetitive strenuous activity, relative stasis due to reduced muscle tone, and possible direct mechanical damage to the vessel wall.

Application of Dual-Energy Spectral Computed Tomography to Thoracic Oncology Imaging

Computed tomography (CT) is an important imaging modality in evaluating thoracic malignancies. The clinical utility of dual-energy spectral computed tomography (DESCT) has recently been realized. DESCT allows for virtual monoenergetic or monochromatic imaging, virtual non-contrast or unenhanced imaging, iodine concentration measurement, and effective atomic number (Zeff map). The application of information gained using this technique in the field of thoracic oncology is important, and therefore many studies have been conducted to explore the use of DESCT in the evaluation and management of thoracic malignancies. Here we summarize and review recent DESCT studies on clinical applications related to thoracic oncology.

Differences of Spinal Curvature, Thoracic Mobility, and Respiratory Strength Between Chronic Neck Pain Patients and People Without Cervical Pain

Objective@#To investigate the differences of spinal curvature, thoracic sagittal mobility, and respiratory strength between patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) and people without cervical pain, and to determine the correlation between respiratory strength and thoracic mobility in CNP patients. @*Methods@#A total of 78 participants were finally included in this study, of whom 30 had no cervical pain and 48 had CNP. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), cervical lordotic curvature, thoracic kyphotic curvature, thoracic sagittal range of motion (ROM), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured and analyzed. @*Results@#In males, thoracic sagittal ROMMEP-MIP and MEP showed a significant difference between the no cervical pain group and the CNP group. In females, thoracic kyphotic curvature, thoracic sagittal ROMMEP-MIP, MIP, and MEP were significantly different between the no cervical pain group and the CNP group. Thoracic kyphotic curvature was significantly correlated with MEP and MIP in all population groups, and significantly correlated with NDI in the female group. Thoracic sagittal ROMMEP-MIP had a significant linear relationship with NDI, MEP, and MIP in all population groups. @*Conclusion@#The thoracic mobility during forced respiration was reduced in patients with CNP and was correlated with respiratory strength. Changes in the biomechanics of the cervicothoracic spine and rib cage due to CNP may contribute to impairment of respiratory strength.

A Stepwise Diagnostic Approach to Cystic Lung Diseases for Radiologists

Lung cysts are commonly seen on computed tomography (CT), and cystic lung diseases show a wide disease spectrum. Thus, correct diagnosis of cystic lung diseases is a challenge for radiologists. As the first diagnostic step, cysts should be distinguished from cavities, bullae, pneumatocele, emphysema, honeycombing, and cystic bronchiectasis. Second, cysts can be categorized as single/localized versus multiple/diffuse. Solitary/localized cysts include incidental cysts and congenital cystic diseases. Multiple/diffuse cysts can be further categorized according to the presence or absence of associated radiologic findings. Multiple/diffuse cysts without associated findings include lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome. Multiple/diffuse cysts may be associated with ground-glass opacity or small nodules. Multiple/diffuse cysts with nodules include Langerhans cell histiocytosis, cystic metastasis, and amyloidosis. Multiple/diffuse cysts with ground-glass opacity include pneumocystis pneumonia, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. This stepwise radiologic diagnostic approach can be helpful in reaching a correct diagnosis for various cystic lung diseases.

Accuracy of Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction for CT Volumetry of Part-Solid Nodules and Solid Nodules in Comparison with Filtered Back Projection and Hybrid Iterative Reconstruction at Various Dose Settings: An Anthropomorphic Chest Phantom Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of model-based iterative reconstruction (MIR) for volume measurement of part-solid nodules (PSNs) and solid nodules (SNs) in comparison with filtered back projection (FBP) or hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) at various radiation dose settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scanning was performed for eight different diameters of PSNs and SNs placed in the phantom at five radiation dose levels (120 kVp/100 mAs, 120 kVp/50 mAs, 120 kVp/20 mAs, 120 kVp/10 mAs, and 80 kVp/10 mAs). Each CT scan was reconstructed using FBP, HIR, or MIR with three different image definitions (body routine level 1 [IMR-R1], body soft tissue level 1 [IMR-ST1], and sharp plus level 1 [IMR-SP1]; Philips Healthcare). The SN and PSN volumes including each solid/ground-glass opacity portion were measured semi-automatically, after which absolute percentage measurement errors (APEs) of the measured volumes were calculated. Image noise was calculated to assess the image quality. RESULTS: Across all nodules and dose settings, the APEs were significantly lower in MIR than in FBP and HIR (all p < 0.01). The APEs of the smallest inner solid portion of the PSNs (3 mm) and SNs (3 mm) were the lowest when MIR (IMR-R1 and IMR-ST1) was used for reconstruction for all radiation dose settings. (IMR-R1 and IMR-ST1 at 120 kVp/100 mAs, 1.06 ± 1.36 and 8.75 ± 3.96, p < 0.001; at 120 kVp/50 mAs, 1.95 ± 1.56 and 5.61 ± 0.85, p = 0.002; at 120 kVp/20 mAs, 2.88 ± 3.68 and 5.75 ± 1.95, p = 0.001; at 120 kVp/10 mAs, 5.57 ± 6.26 and 6.32 ± 2.91, p = 0.091; at 80 kVp/10 mAs, 5.84 ± 1.96 and 6.90 ± 3.31, p = 0.632). Image noise was significantly lower in MIR than in FBP and HIR for all radiation dose settings (120 kVp/100 mAs, 3.22 ± 0.66; 120 kVp/50 mAs, 4.19 ± 1.37; 120 kVp/20 mAs, 5.49 ± 1.16; 120 kVp/10 mAs, 6.88 ± 1.91; 80 kVp/10 mAs, 12.49 ± 6.14; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MIR was the most accurate algorithm for volume measurements of both PSNs and SNs in comparison with FBP and HIR at low-dose as well as standard-dose settings. Specifically, MIR was effective in the volume measurement of the smallest PSNs and SNs.

Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using Pioglitazone-Augmented Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells / 결핵

BACKGROUND: A recent study reported that mesenchymal stem cells possess potential cellular therapeutic properties for treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is characterized by emphysema. We examined the potential therapeutic effect of Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs), following pretreatment with pioglitazone, in lung regeneration mouse emphysema models. METHODS: We used two mouse emphysema models, an elastase-induced model and a cigarette smoke-induced model. We intravenously injected WJMSCs (1×104/mouse) to mice, pretreated or not, with pioglitazone for 7 days. We measured the emphysema severity by mean linear intercepts (MLI) analysis using lung histology. RESULTS: Pioglitazone pretreated WJMSCs (pioWJMSCs) were associated with greater lung regeneration than non-augmented WJMSCs in the two mouse emphysema models. In the elastase-induced emphysema model, the MLIs were 59.02±2.42 µm (n=6), 72.80±2.87 µm (n=6), for pioWJMSCs injected mice, and non-augmented WJMSCs injected mice, respectively (p<0.01). Both pioWJMSCs and non-augmented WJMSCs showed regenerative effects in the cigarette smoke emphysema model (MLIs were 41.25±0.98 [n=6] for WJMSCs and38.97±0.61 µm [n=6] for pioWJMSCs) compared to smoking control mice (51.65±1.36 µm, n=6). The mean improvement of MLI appeared numerically better in pioWJMSCs than in non-augmented WJMSCs injected mice, but the difference did not reach the level of statistical significance (p=0.071). CONCLUSION: PioWJMSCs may produce greater lung regeneration, compared to non-augmented WJMSCs, in a mouse emphysema model.

Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using Pioglitazone-Augmented Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND@#A recent study reported that mesenchymal stem cells possess potential cellular therapeutic properties for treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is characterized by emphysema. We examined the potential therapeutic effect of Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs), following pretreatment with pioglitazone, in lung regeneration mouse emphysema models.@*METHODS@#We used two mouse emphysema models, an elastase-induced model and a cigarette smoke-induced model. We intravenously injected WJMSCs (1×104/mouse) to mice, pretreated or not, with pioglitazone for 7 days. We measured the emphysema severity by mean linear intercepts (MLI) analysis using lung histology.@*RESULTS@#Pioglitazone pretreated WJMSCs (pioWJMSCs) were associated with greater lung regeneration than non-augmented WJMSCs in the two mouse emphysema models. In the elastase-induced emphysema model, the MLIs were 59.02±2.42 µm (n=6), 72.80±2.87 µm (n=6), for pioWJMSCs injected mice, and non-augmented WJMSCs injected mice, respectively (p<0.01). Both pioWJMSCs and non-augmented WJMSCs showed regenerative effects in the cigarette smoke emphysema model (MLIs were 41.25±0.98 [n=6] for WJMSCs and38.97±0.61 µm [n=6] for pioWJMSCs) compared to smoking control mice (51.65±1.36 µm, n=6). The mean improvement of MLI appeared numerically better in pioWJMSCs than in non-augmented WJMSCs injected mice, but the difference did not reach the level of statistical significance (p=0.071).@*CONCLUSION@#PioWJMSCs may produce greater lung regeneration, compared to non-augmented WJMSCs, in a mouse emphysema model.

Acute Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonitis Following Siphoning of Diesel Fuel: A Case Report

Acute exogenous lipoid pneumonitis is a kind of chemical pneumonitis following the aspiration of volatile hydrocarbon compounds. The clinical and radiological findings are nonspecific. However, it can be diagnosed by the presence of lipid-laden macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid on the basis of a history of petroleum-based product aspiration. Herein, we report acute exogenous lipoid pneumonitis after unintentional aspiration of diesel fuel during siphonage in a 31-year-old male. Initially the patient had cough, chest pain, and blood-tinged sputum. The purpose of this case report is to review the radiologic manifestations and the previous literatures.

Comparison of Filtered Back Projection, Hybrid Iterative Reconstruction, Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction, and Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction Images at Both Low- and Standard-Dose Settings in Measurement of Emphysema Volume and Airway Wall Thick

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of emphysema volume (EV) and airway measurements (AMs) produced by various iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms and virtual monoenergetic images (VME) at both low- and standard-dose settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) images were obtained on phantom at both low- (30 mAs at 120 kVp) and standard-doses (100 mAs at 120 kVp). Each CT scan was reconstructed using filtered back projection, hybrid IR (iDose4; Philips Healthcare), model-based IR (IMR-R1, IMR-ST1, IMR-SP1; Philips Healthcare), and VME at 70 keV (VME70). The EV of each air column and wall area percentage (WA%) of each airway tube were measured in all algorithms. Absolute percentage measurement errors of EV (APEvol) and AM (APEWA%) were then calculated. RESULTS: Emphysema volume was most accurately measured in IMR-R1 (APEvol in low-dose, 0.053 ± 0.002; APEvol in standard-dose, 0.047 ± 0.003; all p 0.05). VME70 showed a significantly higher APEvol than iDose4, IMR-R1, and IMR-ST1 (all p < 0.004). VME70 also showed a significantly higher APEWA% compared with the other algorithms (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: IMR was the most accurate technique for measurement of both EV and airway wall thickness. However, VME70 did not show a significantly better accuracy compared with other algorithms.

A Radiologic Overview of Aspiration-Induced Lung Disease in Adults

Aspiration is defined as accidental entrance of foreign matter into the lower respiratory tract, and is a common event and can occur in healthy individuals. The type of aspiration-induced lung diseases depends on the quantity and nature of the aspirated material, the chronicity, and the host responses. Aspiration into the airways and lungs can cause a wide spectrum of lung diseases with various manifestations in adults. Diseases with predominantly airway manifestation include foreign body aspiration and diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis. Diseases with predominantly lung parenchymal manifestation include acute diseases such as aspiration pneumonia, aspiration pneumonitis, and near drowning, and chronic diseases such as chronic exogenous lipoid pneumonia and chronic interstitial lung disease. Definitive diagnosis of aspiration-induced lung diseases is challenging to make. Awareness of radiologic findings associated with these diseases is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of these diverse aspiration-induced lung diseases.

CT Findings of Quadricuspid Pulmonary Valve with Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm

Quadricuspid pulmonary valve (QPV) with pulmonary artery aneurysm is an uncommon condition. QPV is typically clinically silent, so it is often diagnosed after death. However, recent advancements in imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), have allowed more frequent incidental diagnosis of QPV in living adults. We report a case of QPV with pulmonary artery aneurysm in an asymptomatic adult; the condition was detected by CT aortography but was not discernible in echocardiography. Following the case presentation, we review the prior related literature.

Intramuscular Hematoma Following Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification: A Case Report

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been reported to be a safe and effective method for decreasing pain and relieving range of motion (ROM) limitations caused by neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO), though there has been no report that it might cause hematoma if applied to NHO. We hereby report a case of massive hematoma after ESWT, specifically the radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) device at both hips in a 49-year-old female patient with NHO. She had developed NHO after extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage. We had applied RSWT according to the previous report. The pain and the ROM limitations were gradually improved. Six weeks later, she reported pain and ROM limitations on the right hip. From a medial aspect, swelling and bruising of the right thigh could be seen. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography suggested a large hematoma between right hip adductor muscles. The symptoms disappeared after conservative treatment for one month, and subsequent follow-up imaging studies demonstrated resolution of the hematoma.

Korean Database of Cerebral Palsy: A Report on Characteristics of Cerebral Palsy in South Korea

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the Korean Database of Cerebral Palsy (KDCP) and to provide the first report on characteristics of subjects with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: The KDCP is a nationwide database of subjects with CP, which includes a total of 773 subjects. Characteristics such as demography, birth history, onset and type of CP, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, functional ability and accompanying impairments, were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Preterm delivery and low birth weight were found in 59.51% and 60.28% of subjects, respectively. Postnatally acquired CP was 15.3%. The distribution of CP was 87.32%, 5.17%, and 1.81% for spastic, dyskinetic, and ataxic types, respectively. Functional ability was the worst in dyskinetic CP, as compared to other types of CP. Speech-language disorder (43.9%), ophthalmologic impairment (32.9%), and intellectual disability (30.3%) were the three most common accompanying impairments. The number of accompanying impairments was elevated in subjects with preterm birth and low birth weight. Brain MRI showed normal findings, malformations, and non-malformations in 10.62%, 9.56%, and 77.35% of subjects, respectively. Subjects with normal MRI findings had better functional ability than subjects with other MRI findings. MRI findings of a non-malformation origin, such as periventricular leukomalacia, were more common in subjects with preterm birth and low birth weight. CONCLUSION: The KDCP and its first report are introduced in this report, wherein the KDCP established agreement on terminologies of CP. This study added information on the characteristics of subjects with CP in South Korea, which can now be compared to those of other countries and ethnicities.

Ultrasonographic Measurement of Thickness of the Thyrohyoid Muscle: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the normal thickness of the thyrohyoid muscle, which is one of the key muscles related to swallowing, by ultrasonography. METHODS: The thickness of the left and right thyrohyoid muscles was measured in normal male and female adults ranging in age from 20 to 79 years by ultrasonography. The groups were classified according to age as follows: subjects ranging in age from 20 to 39 years were classified into group A, subjects ranging in age from 40 to 59 years were classified into group B, and subjects ranging in age from 60 to 79 years were classified into group C. The measurement level was the line that joins the upper tip of the superior thyroid notch and the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage. Also, a correlation with the thyrohyoid muscle was investigated by collecting information regarding height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and gender of subjects in the healthy group. RESULTS: The number of subjects in each group was as follows: group A (n=82), group B (n=62), and group C (n=60). Also, the thicknesses of the left and right muscles were 2.72±0.65 mm and 2.87±0.76 mm in group A, 2.83±0.61 mm and 2.93±0.67 mm in group B, and 2.59±054 mm and 2.73±0.55 mm in group C, respectively. Thyrohyoid muscle had a correlation with height, weight, and BMI. The thickness of the left and right thyrohyoid muscles was greater in male subjects than in female subjects and the right side muscle was thicker than the left side muscle. CONCLUSION: The average thickness of the left and right thyrohyoid muscles was 3.20±0.54 mm in male subjects and 2.34±0.37 mm in female subjects. The thickness of the thyrohyoid muscle was positively correlated with height, weight, and BMI, and the thyrohyoid muscle was thicker in male subjects than in female subjects and the right side muscle was thicker than the left side muscle.