Direct to CT screening pilot for patients with COPD in a deprived area: longitudinal analysis of the pulmonary nodule cohort outcomes

Introduction: Lung cancer is third most common cancer and highest cause of cancer death in the UK. COPD and smoking are known cancer risk factors so early intervention is essential. Incidence is higher in areas of deprivation where early presentation is less likely and outcomes poorer. Middlesbrough has some of the highest areas of deprivation. Aim(s): To evaluate diagnostic value of CT screening pilot in detecting lung cancer and follow-up outcomes for patients with incidental finding of pulmonary nodules. Method(s): Between March 2019 - December 2022 17 GP practices in Middlesbrough were invited to offer non-contrast CT thorax to asymptomatic COPD patients eligible for review, aged 50-75 with 20 pack year history and QCancer risk >5%. Pulmonary nodules followed up as per BTS guidelines. This pilot was conducted in partnership and with support from the Northern Cancer Alliance. Result(s): 407 patients referred for CT, 312 met the criteria and enrolled. 5 (1.6% conversion rate) lung cancers, also 1 renal cancer diagnosed. 51 (17%) had features of pulmonary nodules or groundglass opacities and selected for follow up. 2 died from COVID infection before follow-up CT. 32 (62.8%) discharged after followup CT revealed stable appearances or resolution, follow-up CT still outstanding for 2. 4 (7.8%) selected for further follow-up of sub-solid, new or increasing nodules. 2 (3.9%) received radiological diagnosis of lung cancer and referred for radiotherapy, 1 underwent surgical resection revealing lung tumourlets and 1 referred for surgical resection of enlarging nodule. Conclusion(s): Pulmonary nodules consisted significant part of the CT screening pilot findings in COPD patients with significant further conversion rate to lung cancer diagnosis after follow-up. Therefore, CT screening of high-risk population in deprived areas has a role in detecting lung cancer and identifying pulmonary nodules, with a proportion of those later diagnosed as early lung cancer. Disclosure: No significant relationships.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

The Compatibility of Chest CT Scan with RT-PCR in Suspected COVID-19 Patients

BACKGROUND: Thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan plays a role in detecting and assessing the progression of COVID-19. It can evaluate the response to the therapy given. In diagnosis, the CT scan of the chest may complement the limitations of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Several recent studies have discussed the importance of CT scans in COVID-19 patients with false-negative RT-PCR results. The sensitivity of chest CT scan in the diagnosis of COVID-19 is reportedly around 98%. AIM: This study aimed to determine the compatibility of CT scan of the thorax with RT-PCR in suspected COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was conducted in the Radiology Department of the Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar from April to December 2020 with 350 patients. The method used was a 2 x 2 table diagnostic test. RESULT(S): The study included 188 male patients (53.7%) and 162 female patients (46.2%). The most common age group was 46-65 years (35.4%). The most common types of lesions were ground-glass opacity (163 cases), consolidation (128 cases), and fibrosis (124 cases), mostly found in the inferior lobe with a predominantly peripheral or subpleural distribution. The sensitivity of the CT scan to the PCR examination was 86%, and the specificity was 91%. CONCLUSION(S): Thoracic CT scan was a good modality in establishing the diagnosis of COVID-19. CT scan of the chest with abnormalities could confirm the diagnosis in 88% of cases based on RT-PCR examination. It excluded the diagnosis in 91% based on the RT-PCR examination. The accuracy of the thoracic CT scan was 88% with RT-PCR as the reference value.Copyright © 2023 Sri Asriyani, Albert Alexander Alfonso, Mirna Muis, Andi Alfian Zainuddin, Irawaty Djaharuddin, Muhammad Ilyas.

A Quality Improvement Project to Improve the Efficiency of Pulmonary Nodule Service at a Tertiary Centre

Introduction: With the increasing detection of incidental pulmonary nodules (IPNs), there is a clinical need for a dedicated IPN service to ensure that growing PNs are managed in a timely manner. Pre COVID-19, our centre ran a virtual nodule service, delivered on an ad-hoc basis by the lung cancer physicians. We hypothesised that efficiency of the service would improve with a dedicated nodule team. We were awarded a pump priming grant by the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance to implement a nodule navigator run service. We report the initial outcomes of this project here. Objective(s): To evaluate the PN navigator service. Method(s): Retrospective data pre-service development was collected from patients presenting to the PN service between April and June 2022. The service was established in October 2022 and data from October and November 2022 collected. Student t-test was used to compare means. [Table presented] Results: 107 patients were included pre-service and 92 patients in the post-service development cohorts. Data for time to CT report and patient contact are summarised in Table 1. There was no reduction in mean time from CT scan date to CT report (Table 1;31vs 27;p=0.143) but a reduction was seen between CT report and patient contact (Table 1, 45 vs 20;p<0.001). Conclusion(s): This small cohort study shows an improvement in the time between CT scan and patient contact following the introduction of a dedicated PN service. This may reduce delays in the diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer. Whilst there was no significant difference between the CT scan date and CT report, these data highlight an area in the pathway that can improve. Further aims of the project are to collect patient satisfaction and IPN discharge. Disclosure: No significant relationships.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

Incidental tomographic findings in patients with a Confirmed Diagnosis of COVID-19: An Observational Study

Objective: Describe incidental tomographic in the sample, correlating them with risk factors for chest diseases and sociodemographic data. Method(s): This is a retrospective and observational study covering 162 patients admitted to the COVID sector of the HU/UFJF, from April 1, 2020, to July 7, 2021, with a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19. The variables were described in absolute and relative frequencies. The comparison of the correlation between the outcome variable (the tomographic findings) for independent samples was performed using Pearson's chi-square test (without correction) or Fisher's test when relevant. Result(s): Of the 162 patients, 15.4% had a solitary pulmonary nodule;14.8% had multiple pulmonary nodules;1.8%, lung mass;3.1%, mediastinal mass, and 9.3% had mediastinal adenomegaly. Findings such as excavations, pleural effusion, emphysema, PTE, pneumothorax, chronic interstitial disease, cavitation, aneurysms, and significant atheromatosis, classified in this study in the "Other" category showed impressive results, with an overall prevalence of 81.5%. This study demonstrated that 34% of patients had two or more types of incidental CT findings and that 88.3% of patients had at least some type of incidental CT finding. Conclusion(s): The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infections has brought a series of challenges and lessons learned to healthcare teams around the world. The massive implementation of highly sensitive diagnostic methods, such as chest tomography, ends up bringing an additional challenge, which is to deal with incidental findings, making good clinical reasoning necessary to avoid unnecessary investigations and not leave without diagnosis and treatment of diseases in early and asymptomatic stages.Copyright © 2023 Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto - U.S.P.. All rights reserved.

Preliminary Recommendations on the Timing of Lung Surgery after Novel Coronavirus Infection in Patients with Pulmonary Nodules and Lung Cancer.

In recent years, the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge impact on the global medical, political and economic fields. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 has grown exponentially. Recently, the COVID-19 epidemic has changed rapidly in China, and there has been controversy over how to carry out surgical operations for patients with lung neoplastic lesions. Some studies have shown that lung cancer patients undergoing surgery are more likely to experience respiratory failure and perioperative death after contract-ing COVID-19 than the general population, however, delays in cancer treatment are also associated with increased mortality among these patients. In particular, the novel coronavirus Omikron variant has a higher transmissibility and may escape the immunity obtained through the previous novel coronavirus infection and vaccination. In order to minimize the risk of novel coronavirus infection in surgical patients, it is necessary to develop new treatment guidelines, expert consensus and preventive measures. However, the current rapid change of the epidemic situation has led to insufficient time and evidence to develop guidelines and consensus. Therefore, thoracic surgeons need to evaluate specific patient populations at higher risk of severe complications before surgery and weigh the benefit of surgical treatment against the risk of novel coronavirus infection. We try to give some recommendations on lung surgery during the current domestic epidemic situation based on the guidelines and consensus of oncology and thoracic surgery organizations in different regions on lung surgery.Copyright © 2023, Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer. All rights reserved.

Preliminary Recommendations on the Timing of Lung Surgery after Novel Coronavirus Infection in Patients with Pulmonary Nodules and Lung Cancer.

In recent years, the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge impact on the global medical, political and economic fields. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 has grown exponentially. Recently, the COVID-19 epidemic has changed rapidly in China, and there has been controversy over how to carry out surgical operations for patients with lung neoplastic lesions. Some studies have shown that lung cancer patients undergoing surgery are more likely to experience respiratory failure and perioperative death after contract-ing COVID-19 than the general population, however, delays in cancer treatment are also associated with increased mortality among these patients. In particular, the novel coronavirus Omikron variant has a higher transmissibility and may escape the immunity obtained through the previous novel coronavirus infection and vaccination. In order to minimize the risk of novel coronavirus infection in surgical patients, it is necessary to develop new treatment guidelines, expert consensus and preventive measures. However, the current rapid change of the epidemic situation has led to insufficient time and evidence to develop guidelines and consensus. Therefore, thoracic surgeons need to evaluate specific patient populations at higher risk of severe complications before surgery and weigh the benefit of surgical treatment against the risk of novel coronavirus infection. We try to give some recommendations on lung surgery during the current domestic epidemic situation based on the guidelines and consensus of oncology and thoracic surgery organizations in different regions on lung surgery.Copyright © 2023, Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer. All rights reserved.

An unusually fulminant case of encephalomyelitis in an 80 year old

Background: There have been reports of demyelinating syndromes in association with COVID-19 and to a much lesser extent COVID 19 vaccines. The association between demyelination and vaccines, in general, remains controversial. We review a presentation of fulminant demyelination, and discuss antecedent COVID-19 vaccination, the formulation of a broader differential diagnosis and ultimately the pathologic diagnosis. Case presentation: An 80-year-old woman presented with seizure, encephalopathy, quadriparesis and ultimately expired. She received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine one day prior. Imaging revealed contrast enhancing cerebral lesions, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. CSF was markedly inflammatory. Pathologic examination of the CNS lesions revealed demyelination and inflammation beyond white matter, not restricted to a perivenular distribution. Conclusion(s): This case depicts a seemingly fulminant course of a diffuse demyelinating syndrome characterized clinicopathologically as Marburg's variant of multiple sclerosis. There are several unique aspects of this case including the extremely rapid course, the unusual evolution of CSF abnormalities, with hypoglycorrhachia and markedly elevated protein. The proximity to vaccination is a pertinent association to document, though we cannot unequivocally prove causation.Copyright © 2022 The Authors

Non-Detection of Post Covid Pulmonary Fibrosis (PCPF)through HRCT and PFT but possible throughTransbronchial Lung Biopsy

Background: 49 patients underwent Lung Biopsy due to different indications and Post-COVID Pulmonary Fibrosis(PCPF) was suspected in 25 patients. Objective(s): To document the evidence of PCPF in patients with history of suspected COVID 19 infection (in past oneyear) through Transbronchial Lung Biopsy(TBLB)with flexible bronchoscopy. PFT and HRCT gave variedpresentation. Method(s): we have evaluated patients who underwent Lung Biopsy on flexible Bronchoscopy between 08/07/2021 till31/01/2022 at Metro Hospitals and Heath Institute, Meerut, UP, India. The history of exposure to COVID 19 infectionwas taken. Most of these patients underwent Echocardiography (ECHO) for Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF)and Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAH), Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and High Resolution CT Scan Chest (HRCTChest). Result(s): 49 patients underwent Lung Biopsy. 25 patients gave the history of exposure to COVID 19 infection with complaint of breathlessness and chest discomfort in the last 1 year. HRCT chest was suggestive of Atelectasis in 3 patients, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in 6, Fibrosis in 8, Pulmonary Nodules in 4 and HRCT was not done in 4 patients. PFT showed Mixed Ventilator Defect in 8, Obstructive in 3, Restrictive in 7, small airway disease in 1 and 6 patients couldn't perform PFT. PAH was normal for 6,mild for 16, moderate for 2 and 1 severe. 4 patients had Coronary Artery Disease. 2 patients had major complications like pneumothorax who underwent TBLB. Conclusion(s): PCPF was detected with the help of TBLB in the patients with history of exposure to COVID 19 infection. However, TBLB may cause major complication like pneumothorax seen in 8% cases.

Impact of the lockdown in the pandemic period on admissions due to non-COVID-19 pneumonia: A retrospective, cohort study Lockdown on non-COVID pneumonia in pandemic

Aim: The pandemic period has led to social and individual behavioral changes all over the world. In this study, the differences in the admissions of non-coronavirus disease 2019 (non-COVID-19) community-acquired pneumonia cases during the pandemic lockdown period in Turkey were analyzed. Material(s) and Method(s): Patients with suspected COVID-19 and under the age of 18 were excluded, and non-COVID-19, hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia cases were included in this retrospective, cohort study. The analyzes were carried out by creating two groups as before the pandemic (March-May 2019) and the lockdown period of the pandemic (March-May 2020). The number of admissions and mortality rates were taken into consideration as primary outcomes. Result(s): There were 178 cases in the 2019 group and 63 cases in the 2020 group. Gender and age distribution were similar in these two groups. While the rate of intensive care hospitalization was high in the 2020 group, mortality was low (14.3% vs 19.1%);but these differences were not statistically significant. In addition, bilateral infiltration rates were significantly higher in the 2019 group (80.9% vs. 22.2%;p<0.001). Discussion(s): The low number of admissions during the lockdown period shows that there is awareness of the pandemic in society. Again, it can be said that this closure process plays a role in reducing the transmission of infectious diseases such as pneumonia.Copyright © 2022, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.

Applications of deep learning in disease diagnosis of chest radiographs: A survey on materials and methods

Recent advances in deep learning have given rise to high performance in image analysis operations in healthcare. Lung diseases are of particular interest, as most can be identified using non-invasive image modalities. Deep learning techniques such as convolutional neural networks, convolution autoencoders, and graph convolutional networks have been implemented in several pulmonary disease identification applications, e.g., lung nodule classification, Covid-19, and pneumonia detection. Various sources of medical images such as X-rays, computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scans make deep learning techniques favorable to identify lung diseases with great accuracy. This paper discusses state-of-the-art methods that use deep learning on various medical imaging modalities to detect and classify diseases in the lungs. A description of a few publicly available databases is included in this study, along with some distinct deep learning techniques developed in recent times. Furthermore, several challenges and open research areas for pulmonary disease diagnosis using deep learning are discussed. The objective of this work is to direct researchers in the field of diagnosis of lung diseases.

Lung disease detection using Self-Attention Generative Adversarial Capsule network optimized with sun flower Optimization Algorithm

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. This is one of the dangerous diseases. A lot of feature extraction with classification methods were discussed previously regarding this disease, but none of the methods give sufficient results, not only that, those methods have high over fitting problem, as a result, the detection accuracy was minimizing. Therefore, to overcome these issues, a Lung Disease Detection using Self-Attention Generative Adversarial Capsule Network optimized with Sun flower Optimization Algorithm (SA-Caps GAN-SFOA-LDC) is proposed in this manuscript. Initially, NIH chest X-ray image dataset is gathered through Kaggle repository to diagnose the lung disease. Then, the chests X-ray images are pre-processed by using the contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) filtering method to eliminate the noise and to enhance the image quality. These pre-processed outputs are fed to feature extraction process. In the feature extraction process, the empirical wavelet transform method is used. These extracted features are given into Self-Attention based Generative Adversarial Capsule classifier for detecting the lung disease. The hyper parameters of SA-Caps GAN classifier is optimized using Sun flower Optimization Algorithm. The simulation is implemented in MATLAB. The proposed SA-Caps GAN-SFOA-LDC method attains higher accuracy 21.05%, 33.28%, 30.27%, 29.68%, 32.57% and 44.28%, Higher Precision 30.24%, 35.68%, 32.08%, 41.27%, 28.57% and 34.20%, Higher F-Score 32.05%, 31.05%, 36.24%, 30.27%, 37.59% and 22.05% analyzed with the existing methods, SVM-SMO-LDC, CNN-MOSHO-LDC, XGboost-PSO-LDC respectively. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Role of Chest Radiography as the Imaging Tool in COVID Pandemic Era

Background: The present radiological COVID literature is mainly confined to the CT findings. Using High Resolution Computed tomography (HRCT) as a regular 1st line investigation put a large burden on radiology department and constitute a huge challenge for the infection control in CT suite. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 700 consecutive COVID positive cases who underwent Chest Xray (CXR) and HRCT thorax were included in the study. Many of these CXR were repeated and followed up over a duration of time to see the progression of disease. Results: 392/700 (56%) were found to be negative for radiological thoracic involvement. 147/700 (21%) COVID positive patients showed lung consolidations, 115/700 (16.5%) presented with GGO, 40/700 (5.7%) with nodules and 42/700 (6%) with reticular–nodular opacities. 150/700 patients (21.4 %) had mild findings with total RALE severity score of 1-2. More extensive involvement was seen in 104/700 (14.8 %) and 43/700 (6.2%) patients, who had severity scores of 3-4 and 5-6 respectively. 11/700 patients had a severity score of >6 on their baseline CXR. Those with severity score of 5 or more than 5 (54/700, 7.7%) required aggressive treatment with mean duration of stay of 14 days, many of them died also (23/54, 42.5%). Conclusion: In cases of high clinical suspicion for COVID-19, a positive CXR may obviate the need for CT. Additionally, CXR utilization for early disease detection and followup may also play a vital role in areas around the world with limited access to CT and RT-PCR test.

Tsukamurella and mycobacterium tuberculosis pneumonia co-infection

Case Report: Tsukamurella species are aerobic, partially acid fast saprophytes commonly isolated from soil and water. They are opportunistic pathogens known to infect multiple organs and can contribute to significant pathologies such as bacteremia, peritonitis, and respiratory tract infections. Moreover, Tsukamurella shares certain characteristic properties to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Actinomyces species, including the acid fast stain, which can contribute to misdiagnosis of patients. A 68 year old female patient presented to the ED for shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss for 6 months. The patient's past medical history includes pulmonary fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease with stent, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and M. tuberculosis infection when she was 3 years old in Finland. On admission, labs revealed thrombocytosis (reactive 555 000/microL), leukocytosis (14 450/microL), and microcytic anemia (9.4 microg/dl). Moreover, C reactive protein was elevated and procalcitonin was normal (0.06 microg/l);a COVID-19 PCR was negative. An X-ray revealed severe patchy and interstitial infiltrates throughout both lungs with parenchymal scarring and pleural thickening in the periphery of the left mid-lung zone with multifocal pneumonia. Blood and sputum cultures were performed under the impression of pneumonia, and treatment with azithromycin and ceftriaxone was started. A M. tuberculosis infection was suspected due to a positive AFS. Further chest CT suggested multifocal pneumonia within the left lung in addition to apparent cavitary lesions versus bulla, a chronic interstitial lung disease with traction bronchiectasis, calcified right lower lung nodule, and calcified hilar lymph nodes suggesting a history of granulomatosis diseases. A bronchoscopy with Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. The initial sputum specimen direct smear showed acid-fast stain positive with Actinomyces growth, and Penicillin G was added to the treatment. Samples were sent to the state department lab, and biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation negative for malignant cells. One month later, the patient's sputum culture showed Tsukamurella for High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, a rifampicin sensible M. tuberculosis complex by NAA was also positive six weeks later. The patient was started on a complete TB regimen and continued in the outpatient pulmonology clinic with the addition of levofloxacin for three months and rifampicin substituted for rifabutin. As demonstrated in the case above, a Tsukamurella infection can present similarly to a Mycobacterium infection. Patients may be misdiagnosed or potentially be co-infected. Our patient was further tested and appropriately treated for Tsukamurella after further extensive diagnostic screenings. Due to a high rate of missed cases, it is important to keep Tsukamurella infection on the differential diagnosis as the patient presentation may initially appear to be a Mycobacterium or other pulmonary infection. Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.

PP01.22 First Lung Cancer Screening Program in Greece - Initial Experience, Preliminary Data and Pitfalls

Background: Poor prognosis of lung cancer is linked to its late diagnosis, typically in the advanced stage 4 in 50-70% of incidental cases. Lung Cancer Screening Programs provide low-dose lung CT screening to current and former smokers who are at high risk for developing this disease. Greece is an EU country, returning strong from a long period of economic recession, ranked 2nd place in overall age-standardized tobacco smoking prevalence in the EU. In December 2020, at the Metropolitan Hospital of Athens, we started the 1st Screening Program in the country. We present our initial results and pitfalls met. Method(s): A weekly outpatient clinic offers consultation to possible candidates. LDCT (<=3.0mGy), Siemens VIA, Artificial Intelligence multi-computer-aided diagnosis (multi-CAD) system and LungRADS (v.1.1) are used for the validation of any abnormal findings with semi-auto measurement of volume and volume doubling time. Patients get connected when necessary with the smoking cessation and Pulmonology clinic. USPSTF guidelines are used, (plus updated version). Abnormal CT findings are discussed by an MDT board with radiologists, pulmonologists/interventional pulmonologists, oncologists and thoracic surgeons. A collaboration with Fairlife Lung Cancer Care the first non-profit organization in Greece is done, in order to offer the program to population with low income too. An advertisement campaign was organized to inform family doctors and the people about screening programs, together with an anti-tobacco campaign. Result(s): 106 people were screened, 74 males & 32 females (mean age 62yo), 27/106 had an abnormal finding (25%). 2 were diagnosed with a resectable lung cancer tumor (primary adenocarcinoma) of early-stage (1.8%). 2 with extended SCLC (lung lesion & mediastinal adenopathy). 1 with multiple nodules (pancreatic cancer not known until then). 3 patients with mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy (2 diagnosed with lymphoma, 1 with sarcoidosis). 19 patients were diagnosed with pulmonary nodules (RADS 2-3, 17%) - CT follow up algorithm. Conclusion(s): We are presenting our initial results, from the first lung cancer screening program in Greece. Greece represents a country many smokers, who also started smoking at a young age, with a both public and private health sector, returning from a long period of economic recession. COVID-19 pandemia has cause practical difficulties along the way. LDCT with AI software, with an MDT board and availability of modern diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives should be considered as essential. A collaboration spirit with other hospitals around the country is being built, in order to share current experience and expertise. Copyright © 2022

"Tool-in-Lesion" Accuracy of Galaxy System: Robotic-Assisted, Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy with Integrated Tool-in-Lesion-Tomosynthesis Technology: The Match Study

SESSION TITLE: Late Breaking Procedures Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm PURPOSE: The Galaxy SystemTM (Noah Medical, San Carlos, CA) is a novel robotic endoluminal platform using electromagnetic navigation combined with integrated tomosynthesis technology and augmented fluoroscopy. It provides intraprocedural imaging to correct CT-to-body divergence and novel confirmation of tool-in-lesion. The primary aim of this study was to assess the tool-in-lesion accuracy of the robotic bronchoscope with integrated digital tomosynthesis and augmented fluoroscopy. METHOD(S): Over four separate days, four operators (the authors) conducted the experiment using four pigs. Each physician performed between 4 and 6 nodule biopsies for 20 lung nodule biopsies. A porcine model (S. s. domesticus) was utilized. Each pig was anesthetized with volatile gas and underwent tracheostomy with an 8.5 endotracheal tube and bilateral chest tube thoracostomy. Anesthesia was monitored by a veterinarian with invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Under CT fluoroscopic guidance, simulated lung nodules were created by percutaneous injection of a gelatinous agar solution containing purple dye and radiopaque material into the lung periphery. A CT was then performed for pre-procedure planning. Using Galaxy's "Tool in Lesion TOMO+" with augmented fluoroscopy, the physician navigated to the lung nodules and a tool (needle) was placed into the lesion. Tool in lesion was defined by the needle in or tangential to the lesion determined by CBCT. Center strike was defined as the needle in the middle third in three orthogonal angles (axial, sagittal, and coronal) on CBCT. RESULT(S): Lung nodules' average size was 16.3+/-0.97 mm and were predominantly in the lower lobes (65%). Only 15% (3/20) had a bronchus sign and the average distance to the pleura was 6.88+/-5.5 mm. All four operators successfully navigated to all (100%) of the lesions in an average of 3 minutes and 39 seconds. The median number of tomosynthesis sweeps was 3 and augmented fluoroscopy was utilized in most cases (17/20 or 85%). Tool in lesion after final tomography sweep was 100% (20/20). Biopsy yielding purple pigmentation on microscopic or gross examination was also 100% (20/20). Center strike rate was 60%. CONCLUSION(S): The Galaxy SystemTM demonstrated successful digital tomography confirmed tool in lesion success in 100% (20/20) of lesions as confirmed by CBCT. Successful biopsy was achieved in 100% of lesions as confirmed by intralesional pigment acquisition. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The combination of robotic navigation, catheter maneuverability and real-time correction for CT body divergence capitalizes on the strengths of all three technologies to improve diagnosis. Additional clinical trials are warranted to see if high success rates can be reproduced in patients. DISCLOSURES: Consultant relationship with Medtronic ILS Please note: $20001 - $100000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Veractye Please note: $1-$1000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Bodyvision Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Merit Endotek Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Human Factor Testing relationship with Auris Surgical Robotics Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Intuitive Surgical Robotics Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Biodesix Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Noah Medical Please note: 5/2020 Added 06/01/2022 by Krish Bhadra, value=Consulting fee Speaker relationship with Body Vision Please note: 2015 - present Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Ownership interest Consultant relationship with Magnisity Please note: 2021 - present Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Ownership interest Consultant relationship with Auris (J&J Ethicon) Please note: 2014-present Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Honoraria Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Please note: 2008 - present Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Medtronic Please note: 2010-2019 Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Broncus Please note: 2017-2021 Added 05/29/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with PulmonX Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Removed 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth Consultant relationship with Spiration Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Removed 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth Consultant relationship with Eolo Please note: $20001 - $100000 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Ownership interest Removed 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth Consultant relationship with Noah Please note: 2019 - present Added 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Ownership interest Consultant relationship with Noah Please note: 2019 - present Added 06/08/2022 by Douglas Hogarth, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Medtronic Corporation Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Boston Scientific Corporation Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Pulmonx Corporation Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Ambu USA Please note: $1-$1000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Circulogene Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Amit Mahajan, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Medtronic/Covidien Please note: $1001 - $5000 by Otis Rickman, value=Consulting fee Copyright © 2022 American College of Chest Physicians

COVID-19-INDUCED PULMONARY SARCOIDOSIS: A CASE REPORT

SESSION TITLE: Unique Inflammatory and Autoimmune Complications of COVID-19 Infections SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a disorder with multisystem involvement of unclear, and likely multifactorial, etiology. A majority of cases (up to 90%) include lung involvement, and hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy is frequently seen. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple complications of COVID-19 have been reported. We present a case of a female patient who developed new-onset, biopsy-proven Pulmonary Sarcoidosis after having COVID-19 pneumonia. CASE PRESENTATION: A forty-eight-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension presented to the emergency department with a complaint of fever, shortness of breath, and cough. She was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19 infection/pneumonia. A computed tomography angiogram of the chest was completed to evaluate an abnormal chest radiograph and to rule out pulmonary embolism and revealed pulmonary nodules throughout both lungs with mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. She was referred to the pulmonary clinic for further evaluation of her abnormal computed tomography scan of the chest and presented after quarantine for her COVID-19 infection. She denied any history of Sarcoidosis and denied any mold exposure. She underwent bronchoscopy, and pathology results were consistent with non-caseating granulomas concerning for Sarcoidosis. Over the course of a few days, her symptoms improved. Repeat computed tomography scan of the chest was completed, which showed complete resolution of the previously identified pulmonary nodules with interval improvement of mediastinal adenopathy. DISCUSSION: With the increased number of COVID-19 cases worldwide, an ever-growing list of pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 have been reported. To our knowledge based on literature review, there have only been a few case reports of COVID-19 induced Sarcoidosis. Although the pathophysiology of Sarcoidosis largely remains unknown, inflammation is mediated through the dysregulation of several different cytokines (1). Behbahani, et al. proposed noncaseating granulomas formation as a sarcoid-like immune reaction to SARS-CoV-2. Ekinci et al. reported type-I IFN and IFN-γ role in triggering granuloma formation (2). In our patient, the biopsy-proven presence of non-caseating granuloma formation and subsequent rapid improvement of radiological lesions on computed tomography scan after recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia supports the diagnosis of COVID-19 induced Sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, physicians must be aware of the pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 infection. Further studies are required in order to manage such cases and to evaluate COVID-19 infection as an infectious antigen capable of triggering granulomatous inflammation resulting in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis. Reference #1: Capaccione KM, McGroder C, Garcia CK, Fedyna S, Saqi A, Salvatore MM. COVID-19-induced pulmonary sarcoid: A case report and review of the literature. Clin Imaging. 2022;83:152-158. doi:10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.12.021 Reference #2: Polat Ekinci A, Büyükbabani N, Meşe S, Pehlivan G, Okumuş NG, Ağaçfidan A, Özkaya E. COVID-19-triggered sarcoidal granulomas mimicking scar sarcoidosis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Aug;35(8):e477-e480. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17286. Epub 2021 May 1. PMID: 33871106;PMCID: PMC8250646. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Zachary Anderson No relevant relationships by Sakina Batool No relevant relationships by Adnan Khan No relevant relationships by Bireera Muzaffar No relevant relationships by Ramsha Zafar

ADJUNCTIVE USE OF DISPOSABLE 1.1-MM CRYOPROBE WITH ROBOTIC-ASSISTED BRONCHOSCOPY

SESSION TITLE: Tales in Bronchoscopy SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Peripheral pulmonary nodule biopsy can be challenging based on its location and size. Robotic bronchoscopy is augmenting peripheral navigation, allowing for approximation of peripheral nodules. The diagnostic yield is variable and is primarily dependent upon operator experience, selection of biopsy equipment and nodule texture. Hard pulmonary nodules are difficult to biopsy with a needle, brush and forceps. We report a case of utilizing combined disposable 1.1 mm cryoprobe and robotic bronchoscopy to diagnose a right lower lobe nodule. CASE PRESENTATION: A 83-year-old woman with a remote history of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presented with dyspnea and fatigue. 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed a 2.7 cm hypermetabolic nodule with central photopenia in the right lower lobe (RLL) along with patchy bilateral ground-glass opacities related to COVID-19 infection. After a few weeks, robotic navigation was used for approximation of the RLL superior segment nodule. Under fluoroscopic and radial guidance with circumferential signal, 6 forcep biopsies and 5 fine needle aspirations with 21-gauge needle yielded a non-diagnostic sample. A decision was made to utilize a 1.1 mm disposable cryoprobe, which was inserted through the opening made by the forceps into the target lesion. Six cryo biopsies were obtained with 4-6 seconds freeze time. Minimal bleeding was encountered and no pneumothorax occurred. Histopathological examination revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of combination 1.1 mm disposable cryoprobe biopsy with robotic bronchoscopy. Interventional pulmonologists are primarily using cryo probe for mechanical tumor debulking and peripheral lung biopsy for diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. The use of a 1.1 mm cryoprobe under robotic guidance allows for well-preserved tissue samples and possibly boosting diagnostic yield. The advantage of the 1.1 mm cryoprobe lies with its size and excellent flexibility. The robotic platform also corrects for any unwanted deflection. One limitation of using a flexible cryoprobe is its blunt tip, requiring an additional step in gaining access to nodules located outside the airway with either the biopsy needle or forceps. Future improvements in cryoprobe design with a sharp tip may address this limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Combining 1.1 mm disposable cryoprobe with robotic bronchoscopy is safe and can be considered as an adjunct to conventional biopsy, allowing for well-preserved tissue. Further prospective studies to evaluate its performance and safety is warranted. Reference #1: Kho SS, Chai CS, Nyanti LE, et al. Combination of 1.1 mm flexible cryoprobe with conventional guide sheath and therapeutic bronchoscope in biopsy of apical upper lobe solitary pulmonary nodule. BMC Pulm Med. 2020. 158(20). doi.org/10.1186/s12890-020-01199-3 Reference #2: Chen AC, Pastis NJ Jr, Mahajan AK, et al. Robotic Bronchoscopy for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: A Multicenter Pilot and Feasibility Study (BENEFIT). Chest. 2021;159(2):845-852. doi:10.1016/j.chest.2020.08.2047 Reference #3: Sahajal Dhooria, Inderpaul Singh Sehgal, Ashutosh NA Digambar Behera, Ritesh Agarwal. Diagnostic Yield and Safety of Cryoprobe Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Respiratory Care. 2016. 61(5):700-712. doi.org/10.4187/respcare.04488 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Sailendra Chundu No relevant relationships by Moiz Javed No relevant relationships by Abid Khokar No relevant relationships by Ali Saeed No relevant relationships by Andrew Talon No relevant relationships by Melinda Wang

A CASE OF GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS

SESSION TITLE: Critical Systemic Disease Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis(GPA) is an autoimmune small vessel vasculitis that is included in the group of anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)- associated small vessel vasculitides (AAVs). GPA is a systemic disease, however acronym ELK is used to describe the most common involvement of Ear, nose, throat, Lungs, and Kidneys. We report a case of GPA, highlighting its presentation. CASE PRESENTATION: 59-year old female presented with vaginal bleeding, malaise, blurry vision, non productive cough and shortness of breath few days after receiving COVID-19 vaccine. Physical exam was remarkable for bilateral conjunctival injection with right sided ptosis and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Laboratory findings were significant for acute kidney injury and anemia. Computed tomography (CT) of chest revealed bilateral bronchovascular nodules and masses with interlobular septal thickening and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Fine needle aspiration of left inguinal lymph node was negative for malignancy. Bronchoscopy with bronchial brush revealed alveolar hemorrhage with capillaritis;bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) showed hemosiderin laden macrophages. Tissue biopsy was negative for malignancy. Testing for pulmonary renal syndrome was positive for C-ANCA and proteinase-3 (PR-3) antibodies. Anti-GBM antibody and anti-MPO antibody was negative. Plasmapheresis (PLEX) and pulse dose steroids were initiated however the patient was unable to tolerate the treatment. Her clinical condition continued to decline requiring multiple pressors, broad spectrum antibiotics and continuous renal replacement therapy. She was transitioned to comfort care per family's wishes and passed away. DISCUSSION: GPA is a rare necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of small to medium sized vessels that can affect any organ but mainly involves the upper and lower respiratory tract. Necrotizing glomerulonephritis is common. Pulmonary involvement can include consolidation, tracheal or subglottic stenosis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, pleural effusion and interstitial lung disease. Lymphadenopathy, as seen in our patient is a rare presentation. Tissue biopsy is crucial for the diagnosis. Association with PR-3 ANCA is seen in more than 80% of GPA patients. Cases of AAVs after administration of COVID vaccine have been reported in the literature, although it is difficult to demonstrate causal relationship. Treatment of GPA with immunosuppression, usually corticosteroids, rituximab or cyclophosphamide, is recommended. The role of PLEX continues to evolve with emerging data, but use of this therapy is reasonable for patients with severe kidney injury and DAH secondary to active vasculitis refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of GPA is challenging as it can mimic metastatic lung malignancy. It should be considered in a broad range of differentials when evaluating patients presenting with pulmonary nodules. Reference #1: Greco A, Marinelli C, Fusconi M, Macri GF, Gallo A, De Virgilio A, Zambetti G, de Vincentiis M. Clinic manifestations in granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2016 Jun;29(2):151-9. doi: 10.1177/0394632015617063. Epub 2015 Dec 18. PMID: 26684637;PMCID: PMC5806708. Reference #2: Kitching, A. R., Anders, H. J., Basu, N., Brouwer, E., Gordon, J., Jayne, D. R., Kullman, J., Lyons, P. A., Merkel, P. A., Savage, C., Specks, U., & Kain, R. (2020). ANCA-associated vasculitis. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 6(1), 71. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-020-0204-y Reference #3: Szymanowska-Narloch, A., Gawryluk, D., Błasińska-Przerwa, K., & Siemińska, A. (2019). Atypical manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: the diagnostic challenge for pulmonologists. Advances in respiratory medicine, 87(6), 244–253. https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.2019.0062 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Sean Davidson No relevant relationships by Eric Flenaugh No relevant relationships by Marilyn Foreman No relevant relationships by KOMAL KAUR No relevant relationships by Gabriela Oprea-Ilies