Pragmatic Real-world Approach to Treat Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease in Logistically Constraint Situations: A Proposition

Understanding the etiology and the tempo of progression with inexorable and self-perpetuating fibrosis [identification of progressive-fibrotic (PF) phenotype of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (PF-ILD)] can help to decide the treatment of diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) in the real-world practice. An evidence-supported pragmatic approach has been forwarded for such circumstances.

Carbamazepine-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a patient with neuromyelitis optica: A case report

A 36-year-old female with serum anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) on carbamazepine (CBZ) therapy for paroxysmal tonic spasms (PTS) developed Type 1 respiratory failure. High-resolution computed tomography chest showed diffuse ground-glass opacities in both lungs predominantly in bilateral perihilar region sparing subpleural regions and predominantly upper lobes with a smooth interlobular septal thickening. A transbronchial lung biopsy was consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and following withdrawal of the CBZ and treatment with steroids her respiratory symptoms resolved. After stopping CBZ, PTS recurred, which was successfully treated with lacosamide. This is the first described biopsy-proven case of CBZ-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis in the NMOSD patient.

Impacto clínico de un grupo de discusión multidisciplinaria en el diagnóstico de fibrosis pulmonar idiopática en Colombia / Clinical impact of a multidisciplinary discussion group on the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI) es una enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPID) de mal pronóstico, considerada huérfana en Colombia. Un diagnóstico correcto tiene implicaciones para el paciente y los costos de atención. Los grupos de discusión multidisciplinaria (GDM) se consideran el estándar de oro en el diagnóstico. No hay estudios previos en Colombia de la experiencia de un GDM. Objetivos: evaluar el impacto de un GDM en una institución de cuarto nivel en Bogotá en cambio de diagnóstico de pacientes con EPID y la concordancia entre el diagnóstico inicial y final de FPI. Material y métodos: pacientes con EPID evaluados entre 2015-2018 por el GDM conformado por neumólogos, radiólogo, patólogo y reumatólogos. Criterios ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT de diagnóstico de FPI. Descripción del cambio en el diagnóstico y concordancia entre el diagnóstico inicial y del GDM en FPI. Resultados: de 165 pacientes con EPID se cambió el diagnóstico en 35.2%. En 77.3% pacientes con diagnóstico inicial de FPI y en 6.7% con diagnóstico inicial diferente a FPI el GDM confirmó FPI. Al descartar FPI, los principales diagnósticos fueron neumonitis de hipersensibilidad en fase crónica (29.4%) y neumonía intersticial no específica (23.5%). El índice kappa entre el diagnóstico inicial y final de FPI fue 0.71 (0.60-0.82). Conclusiones: el GDM en EPID tuvo un importante impacto clínico demostrado por un alto porcentaje de cambió del diagnóstico de remisión. Se descartó el diagnóstico inicial de FPI en un porcentaje significativo de pacientes y se ratificó en un grupo menor sin esta sospecha clínica inicial. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2017).

Abstract Introduction: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) with a poor prognosis, considered an orphan disease in Colombia. An accurate diagnosis has implications for the patient and healthcare costs. Multidisciplinary discussion groups (MDGs) are considered the gold standard for diagnosis. There are no prior studies in Colombia on the experience of an MDG. Objectives: to evaluate the impact of an MDG in a quaternary care institution in Bogotá on the change in the diagnosis of patients with ILD and the concordance between the initial and final diagnosis of IPF. Materials and methods: patents with ILD evaluated from 2015-2018 by the MDG made up of pulmonologists, a radiologist, a pathologist and rheumatologists. The ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT diagnostic criteria for IPF. A description of changes in the diagnosis and the agreement between the initial diagnosis and the MDG diagnosis of IPF. Results: out of 165 patients with ILD, the diagnosis was changed in 32.5%. The MDG confirmed IPF in 77.3% of patients with an initial diagnosis of ILD and 6.7% of those with a different initial diagnosis. When IPF was ruled out, the main diagnoses were chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (24.8%) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (23.5%). The Kappa index between the initial and final IPF diagnoses was 0.71 (0.60-0.82). Conclusions: the MDG on ILD had a significant clinical impact evidenced by a high percentage of change in the referral diagnosis. The initial diagnosis of IPF was ruled out in a significant percentage of patients and confirmed in a smaller group which did not have this initial clinical suspicion. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2017).

Radiological and histological characteristics of patients with interstitial lung disease undergoing lung biopsy in a reference institution from eastern Colombia / Características radiológicas e histológicas de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar intersticial llevados a biopsia pulmonar en una institución del oriente colombiano

Abstract Introduction: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis requires a mukidisciplinary approach and, in some cases, lung biopsy. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the radiological and histological findings, of patients with ILD who required lung biopsy after a mukidisciplinary board (pneumology, radiology, and pathology) of a reference center for respiratory diseases in Bucaramanga, Colombia, failed to reach the ILD diagnosis. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study. The medical records of 56 patients treated at the Instituto Neumológico del Oriente who underwent lung biopsy between 2015 and 2019 were reviewed. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated for demographic and clinical variables, respectively, to characterize them. A bivariate analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test to determine whether there were differences in the distribution of the sociodemographic and clinical variables according to the radiological patterns and the final histological diagnosis. Results: Participants' median age was 67 years (IQR: 59-72) and 55.35% were men. 43 patients had a radiological pattern inconsistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP); 4 had a pattern consistent with possible UIP; and 9 had a pattern consistent with UIP. The most common histologic diagnoses were hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) (32.14%), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (17.86%), and UIP (19.64%). Conclusion: In the study population, the primary reason for performing a lung biopsy was the presence of a radiologic pattern inconsistent with UIP, with HP being the predominant histopathological diagnosis. This is the first study to characterize patients with ILD who underwent lung biopsy in eastern Colombia, making a significant contribution to our understanding of the disease's epidemiology in the country.

Resumen Introducción. El diagnóstico de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) requiere un enfoque multidisciplinar y, en ocasiones, de una biopsia pulmonar. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas, y los hallazgos radiológicos e histológicos de pacientes con EPI que requirieron biopsia pulmonar luego de no lograrse un diagnóstico de esta enfermedad por la junta médica multidisciplinar (neumología, radiología y patología) de un centro de referencia en enfermedades respiratorias de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 56 pacientes atendidos en el Instituto Neumológico del Oriente y que fueron remitidos a biopsia pulmonar entre 2015 y 2019. Se analizaron variables demográficas y clínicas, calculando medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión para su respectiva caracterización. Se realizó un análisis bivariado mediante test exacto de Fisher para determinar si existían diferencias en la distribución de las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas de acuerdo con los patrones radiológicos y el diagnóstico histológico definitivo. Resultados. La mediana de edad fue 67 años (RIC: 59-72), 55.35% fueron hombres. 43 pacientes presentaron patrón radiológico inconsistente con neumonía intersticial usual (NIU); 4, patrón de posible NIU y, 9, patrón de NIU. Los diagnósticos histológicos más frecuentes fueron neumonitis por hipersensibilidad (NH) (32.14%), neumonía intersticial no específica (17.86%) y NIU (19.64%). Conclusión. La principal razón para realizar biopsia pulmonar en la población de estudio fue la presencia de un patrón radiológico inconsistente con NIU, siendo la NH el principal diagnóstico histopatológico. Este es el primer trabajo que caracteriza a pacientes con EPI del oriente colombiano llevados a biopsia pulmonar, lo que representa un importante aporte al conocimiento de la epidemiología de esta enfermedad en Colombia.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis / 결핵

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) one of the most common interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) is characterized by exposure to an inhaled inciting antigen that leads to a host immunologic reaction determining interstitial inflammation and architectural distortion. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are unclear. The absence of international shared diagnostic guidelines and the lack of a “gold-standard” test for HP combined with the presence of several clinical and radiologic overlapping features makes it particularly challenging to differentiate HP from other ILDs, also in expert contests. Radiology is playing a more crucial role in this process; recently the headcheese sign was recognized as a more specific for chronic-HP than the extensive mosaic attenuation. Several classification proposals and diagnostic models have been advanced by different groups, with no prospective validation. Therapeutic options for HP have been limited to antigen avoidance and immunosuppressant drugs over the last decades. Several questions about this condition remain unanswered and there is a need for more studies.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a population-based study in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Backgrounds@#Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease (ILD) that develops in response to the inhalation of various antigens. The clinical pathologies are very complex and undetermined. The clinical features and outcomes of HP have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of HP patients and construct a simple clinical model for diagnosing chronic HP (CHP).@*Methods@#The cohort study included 101 patients with HP admitted to the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2009 to December 2017. The patients were categorized into acute HP (AHP, n = 72) and CHP (n = 29) groups according to the updated international criteria. The clinical, imaging, treatment, and follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were followed up until December 31, 2017. Statistical analysis was performed, and a clinical scoring system for CHP was constructed by SPSS 20.0 software.@*Results@#The incidence of HP was 2.4% in ILD inpatients in our center. Patients in the CHP group were older (t = -2.212, P = 0.029), had more smokers (χ2 = 8.428, P = 0.004), and longer duration of symptoms (t = -4.852, P < 0.001) than those in the AHP group. Weight loss, crackles, digital clubbing, and cyanosis were more common in the CHP group than those in the AHP group (χ2 = 5.862, P < 0.001; χ2 = 8.997, P = 0.003; χ2 = 11.939, P = 0.001; and χ2 = 4.025, P = 0.045, respectively). On chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), reticular patterns, traction bronchiectasis, and accompanying honeycombing were more common in CHP cases than those in AHP cases (χ2 = 101.000, P < 0.001; χ2 = 32.048, P < 0.001; and χ2 = 36.568, P < 0.001, respectively). The clinical scoring system for CHP was established based on the clinical variables (age [A], duration of symptoms [D], smoking history [S], unidentified exposure [U], and chest HRCT [C]; ADSUC) (area under the curve 0.935, 95% confidence interval: 0.883–0.987, P < 0.001). Eleven patients (15.3%) in the AHP group developed CHP, and unidentified exposure was an independent risk factor for the progression of disease (P = 0.038). The survival of patients with CHP, smoking history, unidentified antigens and fibrosis on Chest HRCT were significantly worse (P = 0.011, P = 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.011, respectively) by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that unidentified exposure and total lung volume (TLC pred%) were independent prognostic predictors for HP patients (P = 0.017 and P = 0.017, respectively).@*Conclusions@#The clinical features and outcomes of the CHP patients differ from those of the AHP patients. ADSUC is a simple and feasible clinical model for CHP. Unidentified exposure is an independent risk factor for the progression of AHP to CHP. Unidentified exposure and a low baseline TLC pred% are independent predictors for survival in HP patients.

Risk Assessment for Metalworking Fluids and Respiratory Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are mixtures with inhalation exposures as mists, dusts, and vapors, and dermal exposure in the dispersed and bulk liquid phase. A quantitative risk assessment was performed for exposure to MWF and respiratory disease.METHODS: Risks associated with MWF were derived from published studies and NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluations, and lifetime risks were calculated. The outcomes analyzed included adult onset asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, pulmonary function impairment, and reported symptoms. Incidence rates were compiled or estimated, and annual proportional loss of respiratory capacity was derived from cross-sectional assessments.RESULTS: A strong healthy worker survivor effect was present. New-onset asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, at 0.1 mg/m3 MWF under continuous outbreak conditions, had a lifetime risk of 45%; if the associated microbiological conditions occur with only 5% prevalence, then the lifetime risk would be about 3%. At 0.1 mg/m3, the estimate of excess lifetime risk of attributable pulmonary impairment was 0.25%, which may have been underestimated by a factor of 5 or more by a strong healthy worker survivor effect. The symptom prevalence associated with respiratory impairment at 0.1 mg/m3 MWF was estimated to be 5% (published studies) and 21% (Health Hazard Evaluations).CONCLUSION: Significant risks of impairment and chronic disease occurred at 0.1 mg/m3 for MWFs in use mostly before 2000. Evolving MWFs contain new ingredients with uncharacterized long-term hazards.

Role of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis / 中国实用内科杂志

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a group of granulomatous lung disease caused by repeated exposure and sensitization to a variety of organic antigens. Establishing a diagnosis of HP is challenging as no gold standard for diagnosis of HP is currently available. The diagnosis is based on integration of history, clinical manifestations, pulmonary function, high-resolution chest CT(HRCT), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) analysis and histopathological features, which is a multidisciplinary diagnosis. The BALF cell profile in HP is characterized by a significant increase in the percentage of lymphocytes. BALF cellular analysis can provide additional supportive evidence of the diagnosis of HP, which narrows the differential diagnosis of HP and helps some patients avoid surgical lung biopsy.

High-resolution computed tomography findings of hypersensitivity pneumonitis / 中国实用内科杂志

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis(HP) is a diffuse granulomatous interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of specific organic antigens or low molecular weight substances in genetically susceptible individuals. In general, HP is difficult to diagnose because of its nonspecific clinical manifestations as well as imaging and histological features similar to other interstitial lung diseases. HP is divided into three phases, while the imaging performance between the three phases overlaps. As a key means of differential diagnosis between chronic HP and ILD, high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) is the most sensitive test for HP, especially in case where clinical lung biopsy is not available. This article reviews the essential features of HP with emphasis on imaging features, mainly to classify and summarize HP's various imaging performances, hoping to provide early diagnosis leads for the clinic.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a review on epidemiology / 中国实用内科杂志

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis(HP) is an interstitial lung disease associated with environmental exposure, which is related to individual susceptibility and environmental antigen exposures. Its clinical manifestations, severity and natural course are highly heterogeneous. This review on HP epidemiology includes the incidence and prevalence of HP, geographical distribution, gender differences and age characteristics, incidence data of smokers, antigens, clinical subtypes and mortality of HP.

Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis / 中国实用内科杂志

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis(HP) is an interstitial lung disease(ILD) that is characterized by a complex immunological response within the lung parenchyma to inhalation of an antigen that the individual is sensitized toward. Diagnosis of HP can be challenging and requires the consideration of a detailed history(emphasizing potential antigen exposures), high resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings, and laboratory and pathological examination. Despite increasing recognition, there is a lack of consensus regarding the definition and diagnostic criteria for HP. This article summarizes the recent developments in diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad: Serie de nueve casos con biopsia pulmonar quirúrgica / Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A series of nine cases with surgical lung biopsy

En una serie de nueve pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de neumonitis por hipersensibilidad, se revisaron en forma retrospectiva la historia clínica, los factores de exposición, las pruebas de función pulmonar y las tomografías computarizadas de tórax. La función pulmonar evidenció principalmente compromiso restrictivo con disminución de la difusión de monóxido de carbono. Las tomografías de tórax mostraron patrones fibróticos en la mayoría de los casos; áreas de vidrio esmerilado con patrón en mosaico y áreas de consolidación en el resto. Pudo detectarse exposición a antígenos aviarios, granos de cereales y acondicionadores de aire contaminados con esporas de hongos y bacterias, en dos tercios de los casos. Dado que no existen características únicas que permitan diferenciar la neumonitis por hipersensibilidad de otras enfermedades del intersticio pulmonar, se requiere de un alto índice de sospecha clínica y de una detallada búsqueda de exposición ambiental que deberán complementarse con los datos clínicos, radiológicos y de anatomía patológica para llegar al diagnóstico.

In a series of nine patients with histopathological diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, we retrospectively evaluated clinical data, exposure related factors, pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography scans. A restrictive abnormality with reduction of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide was mainly found. Chest scans showed fibrotic patterns in most cases; ground glass attenuation areas with mosaic pattern and consolidation in the rest. Exposure to avian antigens, cereal grains and air conditioners contaminated with fungi yeasts and bacteria, were suspected from clinical data in two-thirds of the cases. Since there are no unique features that allow differentiation from other interstitial lung diseases, a high clinical suspicion is required and a careful search of environmental exposure to possible antigens is needed that, together with clinical, radiological and pathological data, may lead to diagnosis.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Caused by Cephalosporins With Identical R1 Side Chains

Drug-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis results from interactions between pharmacologic agents and the human immune system. We describe a 54-year-old man with hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by cephalosporins with identical R1 side chains. The patient, who complained of cough with sputum, was prescribed ceftriaxone and clarithromycin at a local clinic. The following day, he complained of dyspnea, and chest X-ray revealed worsening of inflammation. Upon admission to our hospital, antibiotics were changed to cefepime with levofloxacin, but his pneumonia appeared to progress. Changing antibiotics to meropenem with ciprofloxacin improved his symptoms and radiologic findings. Antibiotics were de-escalated to ceftazidime with levofloxacin, and his condition improved. During later treatment, he was mistakenly prescribed cefotaxime, which led to nausea, vomiting, dyspnea and fever, and indications of pneumonitis on chest X-ray. We performed bronchoalveolar lavage, and the findings included lymphocytosis (23%), eosinophilia (17%), and a low cluster of differentiation (CD) 4 to CD8 ratio (0.1), informing a diagnosis of drug-induced pneumonitis. After a medication change, his symptoms improved and he was discharged. One year later, he was hospitalized for acute respiratory distress syndrome following treatment with ceftriaxone and aminoglycosides for an upper respiratory tract infection. After steroid therapy, he recovered completely. In this patient, hypersensitivity reaction in the lungs was caused by ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and cefepime, but not by ceftazidime, indicating that the patient's hypersensitivity pneumonitis was to the common R1 side chain of the cephalosporins.

A Case of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis with Giant Cells in a Female Dental Technician

OBJECTIVES: Dental technicians are exposed to methyl methacrylate(MMA) and hard metal dusts while working, and several cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by the exposure have been reported. The authors experienced a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a female dental technician who had 10 years' work experience and report the case with clinical evidence. METHOD: The patient's work, personal, social, and past and present medical histories were investigated based on patient questioning and medical records. Furthermore, the workplace conditions and tools and materials the patient worked with were also evaluated. Next, the pathophysiology and risk factors of pneumonitis were studied, and studies on the relationship between hypersensitivity pneumonitis and a dental technician's exposure to dust were reviewed. Any changes in the clinical course of her disease were noted for evaluation of the work-relatedness of the disease. RESULTS: The patient complained of cough and sputum for 1 year. In addition, while walking up the stairs, the patient was not able to ascend without resting due to dyspnea. She visited our emergency department due to epistaxis, and secondary hypertension was incidentally suspected. Laboratory tests including serologic, electrolyte, and endocrinologic tests and a simple chest radiograph showed no specific findings, but chest computed tomography revealed a centrilobular ground-glass pattern in both lung fields. A transbronchial biopsy was performed, and bronchoalveolar washing fluid was obtained. Among the findings of the laboratory tests, microcalcification, noncaseating granuloma containing foreign body-type giant cells, and metal particles within macrophages were identified histologically. Based on these results, hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed. The patient stopped working due to admission, and she completely quit her job within 2 months of restarting work due to reappearance of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: In this study, the patient did not have typical radiologic findings, but pathological evaluation of the lung biopsy from the bronchoscope led to the suspicion of pneumonitis. Under the microscope, the sample contained fibrotic changes in the lung, multinucleated giant cells, and particles in macrophages and was diagnosed as dental technician pneumoconiosis by the pathology. Working as a dental technician had directly exposed her to light metal dust and MMA, and her clinical symptoms and radiologic findings subsided after withdrawal from exposure to the workplace. These outcomes led to the diagnosis of hypersensitity pneumonitis due to MMA exposure and strong work-relatedness.

Sensibilización a alérgenos fúngicos como causa de enfermedad alérgica respiratoria. Extractos alergénicos de hongos para diagnóstico y tratamiento. Inmunoterapia / Sensitization to fungi allergens as a cause of respiratory allergic disease. Allergens for diagnosis and treartment for fungi allergy. Immunotherapy

La implicación de los hongos en las reacciones alérgicas se conoce desde hace mucho tiempo. Más de 80 géneros de hongos se han asociado con síntomas de alergias del tracto respiratorio. Se resume la clasificación taxonómica de los géneros de hongos que más se han relacionado con enfermedades alérgicas respiratorias y el mecanismo fisiopatológico de daño al huésped causado por hongos en asma, rinitis, sinusitis, micosis pulmonares y pneumonitis por hipersensibilidad, y se presentan las bases de la nomenclatura de los determinantes alergénicos fúngicos según su caracterización bioquímica. El uso de alérgenos recombinantes de hongos permite aclarar el perfil alergénico que presentan algunos pacientes polisensibilizados y reconocer la sensibilización a alérgenos potencialmente peligrosos, como es el caso de alérgenos alimentarios, e identificar la presencia de éstos en diversas fuentes; además, sirven para estudiar la reactividad cruzada entre alérgenos de la misma especie o de otras especies, y con éstos podría superarse la limitación de los extractos fúngicos convencionales los cuales son muy variables en cuanto a potencia y contenido alergénico. Se comentan la complejidad y las indicaciones de la inmunoterapia específica para desensibilización de pacientes hiperreactivos a hongos alergénicos. (AU)

The involvement of fungi in allergic reactions has been known for a long time. More than 80 genera of fungi have been associated with symptoms of respiratory allergies. This review summarize the taxonomic classification of genera of fungi that have been linked to the most prevalent allergic diseases and also commented the pathophysiological mechanisms of damage to the host caused by fungi in asthma, rhinitis sinusitis and pulmonary fungal hypersensitivity pneumonitis and presents the bases of nomenclature of fungal allergenic determinants according to their biochemical characterization. The use of recombinant allergens helps clarify the profile fungal allergen present in some patients polysensitized and recognize their presence in various sources. This also serves well to study cross-reactivity between allergens of the same species or other species. With the use of recombinant allergens could overcome the limitation of the conventional fungal extracts which are very variable in terms of potency and allergen content. We comment of the complexity and indications of specific immunotherapy for desensitization of hyperreactive patients to allergenic fungi. (AU)

Hot Tub Lung Due to Mycobacterium Avium Complex in a Public Bath / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Hot tub lung is a hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM); the primary causative agent is Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) post contaminated water exposure. Recently, 2 cases of hot tub lung were found in public bath bodyscrubbers working in Korea. However, the disease causing NTM was not identified in these cases. Here, we reported one case, along with clinical diagnostic approach to occupational medicine throughout worksite investigation. CASE: A 53 year-old woman working in the public bath for 13 months' duration developed shortness of breath. She had been cleaning the locker room, several pools and floors every day, and using scrubbers with detergent and warm water. After examination, the patient was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis based on high resolution computerized tomography and lung biopsy. Because the Mycobacterium avium was identified in both the patient's sputum and the warm pool, she was diagnosed with hot tub lung due to MAC. CONCLUSION: Hot tub lung due to MAC was confirmed in public bath housekeeper. However, few cases have been reported, even though there are many cases. To prevent damages caused by hot tub lung, general environmental management such as ventilation and cleaning is important for bath operators. Likewise, awareness needs to be increased in workers with potential NTM environmental exposure and in clinicians through education about hot tub lung in order to reduce adverse harm from misdiagnosis and mistreatment of tuberculosis.

Fcgamma Receptors Modulate Pulmonary Inflammation by Activating Innate Immune Cells in Murine Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease that develops following repeated exposure to inhaled particulate antigens. The family of Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaRs) has emerged as central regulators for modulating both pro-and anti-inflammatory responses. However, the role of FcgammaRs in the development of HP has not been investigated yet. METHODS: To explore the functional roles of FcgammaRs in HP, FcgammaR-/- and B6 mice were challenged with Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (SR) antigen intranasally, and compared these mice in terms of the histological change, infiltrated immune cells in BALF and in vitro immune responses. RESULTS: FcgammaR-/- mice exhibited attenuation of HP in terms of histological alterations, and reduced numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in and the increased CD4:CD8 ratio of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The lungs of FcgammaR-/- mice showed high production of Th2 cytokine such as IL-4 and slightly low production of Th1 cytokine, INF-gamma compared to those of B6 mice. However, SR-specific adaptive immune responses of FcgammaR-/- mice were similar to those of B6 mice. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that activating Fcgamma receptors play an important role in activating neutrophils and macrophages in pulmonary inflammation and inducing Th1 differentiation by regulating cytokine expression in SR-induced HP.

A Case of Hot Tub Lung / 결핵및호흡기질환

Hot tub lung is a lung disorder associated with exposure to hot tub water contaminated with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Although its pathogenesis remains unclear, it may be considered hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) rather than an infectious disease. We report a case which fulfilled the current diagnostic criteria of hot tub lung. A patient had worked as a cleaner in the public bath for approximately one year and presented with dyspnea for over one month. The computed tomographic finding of bilateral ground glass attenuation and pathologic finding of granulomatous inflammation were consistent with HP. MAC was isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and hot tub water. After corticosteroid treatment without antimycobacterial medication, the patient improved and there has been no recurrence. The patient has since discontinued working in the public bath.

A Case of Secondary Syphilis with Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction Presenting as Hypersensitivity Pneumonit

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a self-limited, acute febrile hypersensitivity reaction that occurs after antibiotic therapy against spirochetes disease. When occurring in the text of syphilis therapy, the JHR begins typically 1-2 hour after the administration of penicillin and is characterized by fever, chills, myalgias, and exacerbation of skin lesions. Rarely, severe JHR can occur in the form of endocarditis, fulminant hepatitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Recently, we experienced an interesting case of JHR complicated by the hypersensitivity pneumonitis after treating secondary syphilis. Proper differential diagnosis is required to differentiate this reaction from drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction.

A Case of Secondary Syphilis with Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction Presenting as Hypersensitivity Pneumonit

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a self-limited, acute febrile hypersensitivity reaction that occurs after antibiotic therapy against spirochetes disease. When occurring in the text of syphilis therapy, the JHR begins typically 1-2 hour after the administration of penicillin and is characterized by fever, chills, myalgias, and exacerbation of skin lesions. Rarely, severe JHR can occur in the form of endocarditis, fulminant hepatitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Recently, we experienced an interesting case of JHR complicated by the hypersensitivity pneumonitis after treating secondary syphilis. Proper differential diagnosis is required to differentiate this reaction from drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction.