Histiocitosis de células de Langerhans, una afección pulmonar infradiagnosticada en fumadores: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Langerhans cell histiocytosis, an underdiagnosed lung condition in smokers: case report and literature review

La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL) es una enfermedad que puede afectar a pacientes de cualquier edad, siendo en adultos un trastorno poco común de etiología desconocida, que ocurre predominantemente en fumadores jóvenes, sin diferencias en género. Aunque ciertas particularidades de la enfermedad pueden compartirse con las manifestaciones presentes en la población pediátrica, la proporción de casos con afectación pulmonar es mucho mayor en adultos. A menudo evoluciona a través de brotes sucesivos y su gravedad varía desde formas benignas hasta potencialmente mortales. Algunos pacientes desarrollan un importante deterioro funcional con repercusión psicosocial, que impacta en la calidad de vida y se asocia a discapacidad prolongada. La clave diagnóstica estará determinada por el antecedente de tabaquismo, la presencia de nódulos, nódulos cavitados y quistes de paredes gruesas y delgadas en la tomografía computarizada de tórax de alta resolución (TACAR). Sin embargo, el diagnóstico definitivo requiere la identificación de granulomas de células de Langerhans, que generalmente se logra mediante la realización de una biopsia pulmonar y su estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico. En la actualidad, podríamos considerar a esta entidad como una enfermedad huérfana, de la cual aún no se tiene claridad del mecanismo patogénico, y que, por ende, aún no dispone de estrategias terapéuticasespecíficas. El objetivo de esta revisión está centrado en la aproximación diagnóstica y terapéutica de la histiocitosis de células de Langerhans en adultos,que permita facilitar su reconocimiento en etapas tempranas y mejorar el pronóstico en las personas que la padecen

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease that can affect patients of any age, but in adults it is a rare disorder of unknown etiology that occurs predominantly in young smokers, without differences in gender. Although certain peculiarities of the disease can be the same than in the pediatric population, the proportion of cases with pulmonary involvement is much higher in adults. It often evolves through successive flare-ups and its severity ranges from benign tolife-threatening. Some patients develop significant functional impairment with psychosocial repercussions, that impact the quality of life and are associated with prolonged disability. The diagnostic key will be determined by the history of smoking, and the presence of nodules, cavitated nodules, and thick and thin-walled cysts on high-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT). However, the definitive diagnosis requires the identification of Langerhans cell granulomas, which is generally achieved by performing a lung biopsy and its histopathological and immunohistochemical study. Today, we could consider this a rare entity, of which there is no clear pathogenic mechanism, and therefore, does not have yet specific therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this review is centered on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adults, which allows its recognition in early stages and improve the prognosis in people who suffer from it

Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia: computed tomography findings in 36 patients / Pneumonia intersticial linfocítica: achados na tomografia computadorizada em 36 pacientes

Abstract Objective: To analyze the computed tomography (CT) findings of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and CT findings of 36 patients with LIP, including 25 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 52.5 years (age range, 22-78 years). Results: The main associated diseases with LIP were Sjögren syndrome (42%), human immunodeficiency virus infection (17%), amyloidosis (17%), Sjögren syndrome associated with secondary amyloidosis (11%), idiopathic (8%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (5%). The predominant CT abnormalities were multiple cystic airspaces (n = 35), small nodules (n = 15), ground-glass opacities (n = 13), bronchiectasis and/or bronchiolectasis (n = 8), and thickening of the bronchovascular bundles (n = 8). Other CT findings included reticular opacities (n = 7), calcified nodules (n = 4), airspace consolidation (n = 4), emphysema (n = 3), honeycombing (n = 3), lymph node enlargement (n = 2), mosaic attenuation pattern (n = 1), and cavitated nodules (n = 1). Conclusion: The main CT findings of LIP were multiple cysts, small nodules, and ground-glass opacities.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar os achados da tomografia computadorizada da pneumonia intersticial linfocítica. Materiais e Métodos: Trinta e seis pacientes com diagnóstico de pneumonia intersticial linfocítica (25 mulheres, 11 homens; faixa etária de 22 a 78 anos; idade média de 52,5 anos) tiveram os achados clínicos e tomográficos revisados retrospectivamente. Resultados: As principais doenças associadas à pneumonia intersticial linfocítica foram síndrome de Sjögren (42%), infecção pelo HIV (17%), amiloidose (17%), síndrome de Sjögren associada a amiloidose secundária (11%), síndrome de Sjögren idiopática (8%) e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (5%). As alterações predominantes na TC consistiram em múltiplos espaços aéreos císticos (n = 35), pequenos nódulos (n = 15), opacidades em vidro fosco (n = 13), bronquiectasias e bronquiolectasias (n = 8) e espessamento de feixes broncovasculares (n = 8). Outros achados da TC incluíram opacidades reticulares (n = 7), nódulos calcificados (n = 4), consolidação do espaço aéreo (n = 4), enfisema (n = 3), faveolamento (n = 3), linfonodomegalia linfática (n = 2), padrão de atenuação em mosaico (n = 1) e nódulos escavados (n = 1). Conclusão: Os principais achados tomográficos observados em pacientes com pneumonia intersticial linfocítica foram múltiplos cistos, pequenos nódulos e opacidades em vidro fosco.

Diagnostic dilemmas, course, management and prognosis of traumatic lung cysts in children.

The patients were 8 and 9 years old respectively. Both were passengers in a vehicle and suffered multisystem injuries. Case no.1 suffered a fractured occipital bone, lung contusions and a small pneumothorax in addition to the traumatic lung cysts in the left lung. Case 2 sustained contused and lacerated liver and right lung cysts. CT examination showed cystic areas in the lung which were diagnostic in case 2. In case 1 a traumatic rupture of diaphragm could not be ruled out and the patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy to deal with the same. The lung cysts in both the patients were treated conservatively and both showed resolution in repeat CT scans done at 6 months.

Lung cysts following pulmonary artery operations: Diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

We describe the case of a child suffering from congenital cyanotic heart disease — double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with transposition of great vessels (TOGV). She underwent a left Blalock-Tausig (BT) shunt at one month of age followed by a Glen procedure with left pulmonary artery augmentation at six months. Following the second procedure she developed extensive cyst formation in the upper lobe of the left lung and pneumothorax. She was managed by intercostal drainage of the pneumothorax. The cysts were observed and on a CT scan X-rays taken at one month and six months no cysts were seen. This case illustrates the occurrence of pneumatoceles after pulmonary artery manipulation, their proclivity for causing pneumothoraces and involution on follow-up. Cysts noted in such a setting should be monitored carefully and followed up to resolution.

DILD (diffuse infiltrative lung disease); Radiologic Diagnostic Approach According to High-Resolution CT Pattern / 결핵및호흡기질환

The introduction of high-resolution CT (HRCT) in recent years has improved the ability of radiologists to detect and characterize the diffuse infiltrative lung disease (DILD). The detection and diagnosis of diffuse lung disease using HRCT are based on the recognition of specific abnormal findings. In this article, pattern recognition of HRCT findings is reviewed in the differential diagnosis of diffuse infiltrative lung disease. In general, HRCT findings of lung disease can be classified into four categories based on their appearances. These categories consist of (1) nodules and nodular opacities, (2) linear and reticular opacities, (3) increased lung opacity, and (4) decreased lung opacity, including cystic lesions.

A Case of Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation(CCAM) of the Lung in Adult / 결핵

A congenital cystic adenoid malformation of the lung(CCAM) is characterized by an anomalous fetal development of the terminal respiratory structures, resulting in the adenomatoid proliferation of the bronchiolar elements and cystic formation. CCAM has been detected on the fetus, premature babies and stillborn as well as infants and children. An adult presentation of CCAM is extremely rare. When cystic lesions occur with a repeated infection, an evaluation of the cystic lesions requires a differential diagnosis of CCAM, sequestration, a lung abscess, a pneumatocele and a bronchogenic cyst. The definite treatment of CCAM is the surgical removal of the involved lobe. We report a case of a CCAM in a 24-year-old female with a brief review of the relevant literature.

Cystic Lung Disease: a Comparison of C ystic Size, as Seen on Expira tory and Inspiratory HRCT Scans

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of respiration on the size of lung cysts by comparing inspiratory and expiratory high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors evaluated the size of cystic lesions, as seen on paired inspiratory and expiratory HRCT scans, in 54 patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (n = 3), pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis (n = 4),confluent centrilobular emphysema (n = 9), paraseptal emphysema and bullae (n= 16), cystic bronchiectasis (n = 13), and honeycombing (n = 9). Using paired inspiratory and expiratory HRCT scans obtained at the corresponding anatomic level, a total of 270 cystic lesions were selected simultaneously on the basis of five lesions per lung disease. Changes in lung cyst size observed during respiration were assessed by two radiologists. In a limited number of cases (n = 11), pathologic specimens were obtained by open lung biopsy or lobectomy. RESULTS: All cystic lesions in patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, lymphangiomyomatosis, cystic bronchiectasis, honeycombing, and confluent centrilobular emphysema became smaller on expiration, but in two cases of paraseptal emphysema and bullae there was no change. CONCLUSION: In cases in which expiratory CT scans indicate that cysts have become smaller, cystic lesions may communicate with the airways. To determine whether, for cysts and cystic lesions, this connection does in fact exist, paired inspiratory and expiratory HRCT scans are necessary.

Cystic Lung Disease: a Comparison of C ystic Size, as Seen on Expira tory and Inspiratory HRCT Scans

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of respiration on the size of lung cysts by comparing inspiratory and expiratory high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors evaluated the size of cystic lesions, as seen on paired inspiratory and expiratory HRCT scans, in 54 patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (n = 3), pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis (n = 4),confluent centrilobular emphysema (n = 9), paraseptal emphysema and bullae (n= 16), cystic bronchiectasis (n = 13), and honeycombing (n = 9). Using paired inspiratory and expiratory HRCT scans obtained at the corresponding anatomic level, a total of 270 cystic lesions were selected simultaneously on the basis of five lesions per lung disease. Changes in lung cyst size observed during respiration were assessed by two radiologists. In a limited number of cases (n = 11), pathologic specimens were obtained by open lung biopsy or lobectomy. RESULTS: All cystic lesions in patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, lymphangiomyomatosis, cystic bronchiectasis, honeycombing, and confluent centrilobular emphysema became smaller on expiration, but in two cases of paraseptal emphysema and bullae there was no change. CONCLUSION: In cases in which expiratory CT scans indicate that cysts have become smaller, cystic lesions may communicate with the airways. To determine whether, for cysts and cystic lesions, this connection does in fact exist, paired inspiratory and expiratory HRCT scans are necessary.