Rare case of anti-CV2 paraneoplastic polyneuropathy associated with lung adenocarcinoma.

We describe the first case of anti-CV2 paraneoplastic polyneuropathy associated with lung adenocarcinoma. Our patient presented with progressive unsteadiness and numbness involving bilateral upper and lower limbs. He had symmetrical length-dependent lower motor neuron pattern of weakness and numbness involving both small and large fibres with prominent sensory ataxia. An extended workup for the polyneuropathy involving a serum paraneoplastic antineuronal antibody panel showed a positive reaction for anti-CV2 antibody. CT scan of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis revealed a right upper lung nodule and histopathological examination of the nodule revealed lung adenocarcinoma. He was scheduled for chemotherapy following his discharge and there was improvement of his sensorimotor polyneuropathy following his chemotherapy.

Massive lung necrosis due to microwave ablation in an octogenarian required urgent lobectomy.

We present a rare complication of microwave ablation (MWA) in a male patient in his 80s. His massive pulmonary necrosis and tension pneumothorax required urgent surgery. However, the damage to the lung tissue was too large, deep and fragile. We failed to suture or conduct wedge resection on the lung lesion, so, left upper lobectomy was necessary. Therefore, we suggest that it is probably possible to reduce the frequency and time threshold when performing MWA for the elderly with comorbidities.

Haemodialysed patient with lung cancer in the COVID-19 era: a clinical challenge.

A 66-year-old man was referred to the oncological pneumology consultation due to a mass in the right upper lobe observed in a routine X-ray of the chest. The CT scan confirmed a mass in the same location. The biopsy revealed a lung adenocarcinoma. It was decided to start chemotherapy adapted to kidney function. In April 2020, the patient contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection and developed bilateral pneumonia with partial respiratory failure. He was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he had a positive evolution. In the next 5 months, there was a clinical improvement; however, the CT scan of the chest showed disease progression. After a new multidisciplinary approach, it was decided to start a second line with atezolizumab. After four cycles of atezolizumab, there was a clear clinical improvement, and a reduction by more than 50% in the tumour size, without significant adverse effects.

Early presentation of pembrolizumab-associated pneumonitis.

Pembrolizumab is a selective anti-PD-L1 humanised monoclonal antibody approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating multiple cancers, including cervical cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and squamous head and neck cancer. Pneumonitis is a rare but known complication of pembrolizumab treatment for NSCLC. The median time frame of its appearance is 2.8 months. However, we present a case of pneumonitis appearing within 48 hours. The patient presented with rapidly progressive respiratory failure, and imaging demonstrated diffuse bilateral patchy involvement of the upper lung lobe and pre-hilar regions, which likely indicate pneumonitis. Because of likely grade 3 pneumonitis, he was treated with steroids and showed immediate improvement of symptoms. Repeated CT imaging showed resolution of bilateral patchy infiltrates. He was discharged to the rehabilitation unit. Rapid recognition of pneumonitis as a side effect of pembrolizumab is important because early treatment can help prevent respiratory failure and possible death.

Transoesophageal endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle aspiration (EUS-B-NA) for poorly accessible thoracic lesions: a case series.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) has long been a common diagnostic tool used in the diagnosis of pulmonary pathologies. In the last decade, increased interest has been shown in its usage via the oesophagus for sampling lesions inaccessible via the airways. We describe three cases in which we used this modality to biopsy lesions not visualised via conventional EBUS and which would be too risky to be attempted via a CT-guided biopsy with a high likelihood of complications. More focused education on using EBUS via the oesophagus for respiratory trainees could greatly improve overall clinical practice. It improves the diagnostic yield of lesions and prevents subsequent referral to gastrointestinal colleagues which may delay diagnosis especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as was the case in our patient cohort where services are already limited. EBUS, due to its smaller size, is less irritant to the upper airways and requires less sedation than endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) scopes. It is also shorter than an EUS scope improving manoeuvrability. Each of our cases resulted in early histological diagnosis and subsequent appropriate treatment.