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1.
Circulation Conference: American Heart Association's ; 144(Supplement 2), 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2314877

ABSTRACT

Case Presentation: A 23-year-old previously healthy man presented with progressive dyspnea. Physical examination revealed jugular venous distension and lower extremity edema. Laboratory testing demonstrated elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (193 pg/mL) and normal high sensitivity troponin. Echocardiogram revealed small pericardial effusion, respiratory variation in diastolic flow across the mitral valve, diastolic septal bounce, and annulus reversus (Figure). The differential diagnosis for constrictive pericarditis was broadly considered in the context of a recent febrile illness and frequent travel to Hawaii and Vietnam;we included infectious, autoimmune, and malignant etiologies. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed thickening and diffuse enhancement in the pericardium as well as ventricular interdependence. Chest CT identified hilar and anterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Laboratory testing was positive for QuantiFERON gold and negative for COVID-19, HIV, and ANA. Transbronchial biopsy demonstrated non-necrotizing granulomas with negative acid-fast bacilli smear, culture, and polymerase chain reaction for mycobacterial DNA. Reexamination identified a red-brown plaque on the patient's thigh;biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation and rod-shaped organism with positive FITE staining. A presumed unifying diagnosis was made of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) complicated by constrictive pericarditis. Discussion(s): Despite being a primarily pulmonary disease, systemic involvement can occur with TB with the heart being one of the most common extrapulmonary sites. This case highlights 1) the utility of extra-cardiac diagnostic testing (e.g., dermatologic biopsy) in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis, and 2) the diagnostic challenge associated with extrapulmonary TB, particularly paucibacillary disease that requires a detailed social history with "out-of-the-box" thinking.

2.
Journal of Thoracic Oncology ; 18(4 Supplement):S94-S95, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2292223

ABSTRACT

Background Development of immunotherapy/molecular targeted therapy has significantly increased survival/QoL in advanced stages of NSCLC. Aim(s): to analyze outcome predictors, surrogate outcomes, and PROMs after neoadjuvant immunotherapy for initially unresectable NSCLC. Methods Initially unresectable NSCLC (2014-2021) patients who received immunotherapy +/- platinum-based chemo and/or radiotherapy evaluated after response (reduction of primary tumor and/or mediastinal lymphadenopathy/control of distant metastatic disease underwent surgical resection). PROMs were recorded using EORTC QLQ-29. Results 19 underwent salvage surgery after ICI. 14 had partial response (73.6%), 5 stable disease. Diagnosis was achieved by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) in 8 (42.1%), fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in 7 (36.8%), metastasis biopsy in 4 (21.0%). 11 (57.9%) were treated with neoadjuvant platinum-based chemo before or with ICI, 1 (5.2%) pemetrexed before ICI, 5 (26.3%) radiotherapy for metastatic control. 3 (15.7%) had ICI adverse effects. Radiotherapy was never used preoperatively for pulmonary/mediastinal disease. 7 (36.8%) received adjuvant therapy (5 [26.3%] pembrolizumab, 1 [5.2%] pemetrexed, 1 [5.2%] pemetrexed + pembrolizumab). 4 (21.0%) had local relapse (no systemic relapse). Median OS was 19 months (range: 2-57.4). At 2 months, 94.7% were alive (6 months: 89.5%;31 months: 79.5%). 2 (10.5%) had local recurrence. 2 (10.5%) died due to recurrence, 1 (5.2%) to COVID. 4 (21.0%) relapsed (median DFS: 5.3 months [range: 2.2-13.0]). PROMs were reviewed retrospectively at 30 days/1 year with significant decrease in coughing, side effects of treatment, surgery-related problems. [Formula presented] Conclusions Radical surgical resections following definitive immunotherapy/immune-chemotherapy in selected initially unresectable NSCLC are feasible and safe (low surgical-related mortality and morbidity). Symptoms and surgery-related outcomes were lower with higher QoL due to a selected group of highly motivated patients. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Ministero della Salute. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.Copyright © 2023 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc.

3.
Journal of Cardiac Failure ; 29(4):692-693, 2023.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2301571

ABSTRACT

Background: The role of genetic conditions in the development of cardiomyopathy is well established;however, recognition and referral for genetic testing remains underutilized. Systematic review of complex cases can increase general awareness in this area of practice. Here we describe the case of a patient with resolved severe stress induced cardiomyopathy (SIC), who was ultimately found to have heterozygous transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (TTRA). Case: A 27-year-old man (family history positive for a brother status post heart transplant) presented with ataxia and cough due to legionella pneumonia. TTE showed left ventricular (LV) diastolic diameter of 6.2cm, LV ejection fraction 20-25%. He suffered rapid decompensation with mixed cardiogenic/septic shock requiring peripheral VA ECMO and Impella-CP placement. Course notable for brief cardiac arrest on hospital day (HD) 2, incidental diagnosis of COVID 19 on HD 14, conversion to VV ECMO on HD 15, and ECMO decannulation on HD 23. Repeat TTE prior to discharge showed normalization of biventricular function. Discussion(s): Despite resolution of refractory shock and normalization of biventricular function prior to discharge, the TTE finding of mild LV dilation and strong family history prompted outpatient pursuit of genetic testing which revealed a heterozygous TTRA mutation (val142ile). Work-up to assess cardiac involvement included: a 99m-technetium pyrophosphate scintigraphy found to be indeterminate, an aborted endomyocardial biopsy due to inability to smoothly advance a bioptome (presumably related to ECMO cannulation), and a cardiac MRI (pending at the time of this submission). If a cardiac phenotype is discovered, the patient will be started on targeted treatment of cardiac amyloid. Screening of first-degree family members has been initiated. Conclusion(s): Given the current state of under-diagnosis of genetic cardiomyopathies and its association with significant morbidity and mortality, it is prudent to consider genetic testing in young patients based on clinical history. Examples of clinical scenarios to prompt further testing include: anatomical findings (i.e. cardiac chamber enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy), family history of cardiomyopathy, or clinical markers suggestive of alternative diagnoses (i.e. neuropathy, renal insufficiency, mediastinal lymphadenopathy). This thoughtful and algorithmic use of genetic testing may help improve long-term patient outcomes given improvements in both detection, family screening, and treatment for disease-specific cardiomyopathies.Copyright © 2022

4.
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection ; 40(5):333-337, 2020.
Article in Chinese | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2268750

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the value of low-dose CT in pregnancy with COVID-19. Method(s): A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, and chest CT findings of 12 pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnosed by nucleic acid testing in the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 20, 2020 to February 16, 2020. Two radiologists blinded to the reconstruction algorithm independently scored subjective image quality on a 5-point Likert scale. Image quality score >= 3 was acceptable in clinics. The CT radiation doses were recorded, including CT volume dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), and effective radiation dose (E). Two radiologists observed the distribution, shape, density, and other characteristics of lung lesions, and they also decided whether hilar, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and pleural changed. Result(s): A total of 12 pregnant women with COVID-19, 8 had cough, 4 had fever, 2 had chest tightness, and 1 had dyspnea and diarrhea each. The CT image quality score of all patients was 3-4, with an average of 3.46, which fully met the clinical diagnosis requirements. The CTDIvol value was 1.13-4.31 mGy, with an average of 3.02 mGy. The DLP value was 34.48-75.29 mGy*cm, with an average of 55.48 mGy*cm. The Evalue was 0.48-1.05 mSv, with an average of 0.78 mSv. In all cases, chest CT examination showed abnormal manifestations after clinical symptoms, including unilateral lung lesions in 5 cases and bilateral lung lesions in 7 cases, 1 case of ground-glass opacity, 1 case of solidification, 7 cases of ground-glass and consolidation, 1 case of strip opacity, ground-glass, and consolidation and strip cable shadow coexisted in 2 cases. Conclusion(s): The application of low-dose CT scan in pregnant women with COVID-19 is completely feasible. CT mainly manifested as bilateral lung patchy and flaky ground-glass opacity with consolidation. Active and effective treatment can help recover and improve prognosis.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.

5.
Rheumatology Advances in Practice ; 6(Supplement 1):i44-i45, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2227204

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Background: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), previously known as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, is a rare, small to medium vessel ANCA associated vasculitis. Hallmarks of EGPA include asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and peripheral neuropathy. EGPA is characterized by a prodrome of asthma and allergic rhinitis, followed by peripheral blood hyper-eosinophilia and accumulation of extravascular eosinophils, and finally systemic vasculitis. Extrapulmonary involvement is common, sometimes with fatal outcomes. The onset of EPGA is typically between 25-50 years;however, EGPA also occurs during childhood and has a significant morbidity and mortality. Description/Method: Our patient presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of lethargy, wheeze and left sided neck swelling. After testing COVID-19 positive eight months prior to this, she developed wheezy episodes and was subsequently diagnosed with asthma which was managed with bronchodilators as required. She was reviewed by an allergist who confirmed a dust mite allergy and prescribed Montelukast. She remained well during the summer months however during winter she had 3 distinctive episodes of wheeze and cough which were managed by antibiotics and prednisolone. In the emergency department, an echocardiogram was performed which showed a cardiac tamponade. She was transferred to CICU where she had a pericardial drain inserted. The fluid was abundant with inflammatory cells. Multiple investigations were performed as follows: Hb: 135g/L, wbc: 20.30 x 10 9/L, Eosinophils: 12.77 x 10 9/L, CRP: 51 mg/L, ESR: 75 mm/hr, LDH: 1188 IU/L, IgE: 8000 UI/ml, ANA, ANCA: negative. CT chest showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy and patchy bilateral infiltrate and cardiac MRI showed myopericarditis and LV fibrosis. BMA showed no malignant cells and sinusitis was confirmed by CT. On examination, she was underweight. Her nasal mucosa looked inflamed. Otherwise systemic examination was unremarkable. In the context of poor ejection fraction (20%) with LV fibrosis, urgent MDT was arranged and concluded that our working diagnosis was EGPA. The decision was made to start IV methylprednisolone 10mg/kg/day for 3 days and Ivermectin. That night our patient had a VF arrest which required a single shock conversion 4J/kg. There was 7-minute downtime. Treatment was escalated to include cyclophosphamide, rituximab and plasmapheresis. The patient made a remarkable recovery, extubated and transferred to a normal ward. Her eosinophils count and inflammatory markers improved dramatically following treatment. However, she developed severe neuropathic left leg pain and NCS confirmed peripheral neuropathy Discussion/Results: EGPA is a very rare disease and diagnosis can be challenging especially with the absence of histopathology diagnosis. Early empirical treatment especially in a very ill child in intensive care unit can save lives and divert the progress of the disease. This patient has fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria to diagnose EGPA including asthma, eosinophil count > 10% of upper normal, peripheral neuropathy, pulmonary infiltrates on CT thorax and paranasal sinuses abnormalities. Cardiac biopsy of the fibrotic mass may be a useful tool for diagnosis;however, this invasive procedure may expose this patient with high risk of fatal arrhythmias. Since other causes of eosinophilia were ruled out including parasitic infections, lymphoproliferative disorders, and rare primary immunodeficiency syndromes (hyper-IgE syndrome due to STAT3 or DOCK8 deficiency and Omenn syndrome) and the patient responded well to treatment, the diagnosis of EGPA was supported. Key learning points/Conclusion: Asthma not responding to bronchodilator could be another diagnosis Eosinophilia should be interpreted with caution. Defer the need for histopathology diagnosis in critically ill children Cardiac involvement is a life-threatening marker Early diagnosis prevents life threatening complications.

6.
Chest ; 162(4):A2237, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2060915

ABSTRACT

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: ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic disease that causes inflammation of small vessels in various organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. We report a case of AAV following SARS-CoV-2 infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old female from Albania with no known medical history, presented with intermittent low-grade hemoptysis and fever for 1 week prior to admission. She had chills, myalgias, fatigue, and poor appetite 6 weeks prior. On arrival, she was febrile (101F), and hypoxic (Spo2 92% on 3L O2). Labs were significant for anemia [Hb 6.8 g/dl], acute kidney injury (AKI) [Cr 2.5 mg/dl]. She was found to be Positive for Sars-CoV-2 by PCR. Chest X-Ray showed patchy bilateral airspace opacities with peripheral and lower lobe predominance, concerning for atypical pneumonia (Fig 1). Urinalysis was significant for proteinuria (2+) and hematuria (2+). CT (Computed Tomography) thorax showed extensive bilateral airspace disease (dense consolidations and ground-glass opacities) favoring multifocal infection and mediastinal lymphadenopathy(Fig 2). Due to the chronicity of her symptoms and atypical imaging for viral pneumonia, other diagnoses were explored including bacterial superinfection, Tuberculosis, and autoimmune disease. Sputum studies were negative for infections including Acid Fast Bacilli. Workup revealed elevated Antimyeloperoxidase antibodies (MPO) and positive COVID-19 Ig G. She was started on methylprednisolone 1g for AAV. Renal biopsy revealed pauci-immune glomerulonephritis with features of cellular crescent consistent with microscopic polyangiitis (Fig 3). Follow-up CT chest showed improved airspace abnormalities and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. After induction therapy with Rituximab was initiated, she continued to recover and was discharged home. DISCUSSION: The pathogenesis of AAV is believed to be an aberrant pathogenic autoimmune response that follows an initial insult which can include infections. SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with the emergence of autoimmune diseases in susceptible patients(1). The proposed mechanism is linked to elevated levels of circulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) observed in covid infection. These NETS are covered with proteins including neutrophilic enzymes which can activate complement pathways causing tissue destruction and vasculitis. The diagnosis of new-onset AAV can be challenging in COVID-19 patients as symptoms and clinical manifestations of both diseases can overlap. AAV should be considered strongly in patients who are currently infected or have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and present with atypical or non-resolving pneumonia and other organ involvement such as AKI to avoid permanent organ damage. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of non-resolving or atypical pneumonia and AKI in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 should prompt evaluation of immunological markers to assess or rule out AAV for early diagnosis and treatment. Reference #1: Caso F, Costa L, Ruscitti P, Navarini L, Del Puente A, Giacomelli R, Scarpa R. Could Sars-coronavirus-2 trigger autoimmune and/or autoinflammatory mechanisms in genetically predisposed subjects? Autoimmun Rev. 2020;19(5):102524. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102524 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Tarik Al-Bermani No relevant relationships by Anant Jain No relevant relationships by Ian Kaplan No relevant relationships by Alina Kifayat No relevant relationships by Lisa Paul

7.
Chest ; 162(4):A2157, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2060902

ABSTRACT

SESSION TITLE: Pulmonary Manifestations of Infections SESSION TYPE: Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 03:15 pm - 04:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Post-acute COVID-19 inflammatory syndrome is defined as persistent symptoms and/or delayed or long-term complications beyond 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms of original infection (1). These can manifest in various ways, but pulmonary, cardiac, and renal complications are the most common (1), with IL-6 thought to be an important mediator (2). We report what we believe to be the first case of Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman's Disease (iMCD) as a manifestation of post-acute COVID-19 inflammatory syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36-year old male with history of hypertension and childhood asthma (not on current therapy), and recently resolved COVID-19 from 4 weeks prior, is admitted to the hospital with progressive shortness of breath, cough, fevers and significant fatigue. Prior COVID-19 symptoms included fevers, cough, and shortness of breath, which improved after 2 weeks without treatment. Symptoms returned 2 weeks later and worsened. On admission, he was tachycardic to 108 with temp of 37.8C, and otherwise stable vitals. Pertinent labs included WBC 17 (neutrophil predominant), Hgb 11.6, Cr 2.52, Na 126 and albumin 2.7 (normal baselines). SARS-CoV2 PCR was negative. CT chest with PE protocol showed no PE but moderate bilateral pleural effusions and extensive mediastinal lymphadenopathy. 1.2L clear fluid (transudative with lymphocyte predominance) was removed via thoracentesis. Microbiology, flow cytometry and cytology were unremarkable. Renal and mediastinal lymph node biopsies were taken. Lymph node sampling was non-diagnostic x2, but renal biopsy showed acute microangiopathy without thrombi, concerning for acute glomerulonephritis. Serologic vasculitis and CTD workup were entirely negative. He was treated with a course of prednisone and improved, however as outpatient, had recurrence of all these issues. Repeat thoracentesis x3 was unrevealing. He was again admitted and had an excisional inguinal node biopsy, showing findings consistent with hyaline vascular Castleman Disease. Further heme/onc evaluation and discussion showed diagnosis meeting criteria for iMCD. DISCUSSION: Multicentric Castleman's Disease is most often associated with HHV-8 infection in the setting of HIV. If HHV-8 is negative, the disease is termed idiopathic (iMCD). In these cases, disease is mediated predominantly by IL-6, but the direct cause is unknown, though existing theories include non-specific viral infections, malignancy and autoimmune diseases (3). Our patient had no evidence of malignancy or autoimmune phenomena. Thus COVID-19 illness was the most plausible explanation, especially given known IL-6 activity in COVID-19 inflammatory syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Post-acute COVID-19 inflammatory syndromes are extensive and can affect any organ system. iMCD is another possible manifestation, and must be diagnosed with excisional lymph node biopsy. High index of suspicion should be maintained to make this diagnosis. Reference #1: Nalbandian, Ani et al. "Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome." Nature medicine vol. 27,4 (2021): 601-615. Reference #2: Phetsouphanh, Chansavath et al. "Immunological dysfunction persists for 8 months following initial mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection.” Nature immunology vol. 23,2 (2022): 210-216. Reference #3: Dispenzieri, Angela, and David C Fajgenbaum. "Overview of Castleman disease." Blood vol. 135,16 (2020): 1353-1364. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Kyle Halligan No relevant relationships by Chris Yan

8.
Chest ; 162(4):A1858, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2060875

ABSTRACT

SESSION TITLE: Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Disease Case Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Organizing pneumonia (OP) is a form of interstitial lung disease with a distinct histopathological pattern where bronchioles and alveoli become inflamed. It is associated with many clinical conditions including infections and connective tissue disease. OP has also been seen in patients with hematologic malignancies, however, primary pulmonary presentation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is uncommon. We present a rare case of OP as an initial presentation of CLL. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62 year-old male with a sixty pack year smoking history and COVID-19 infection one month ago presents with complaints of worsening dyspnea, headaches, productive cough, and congestion of 10 days duration. Patient is unvaccinated and did not require hospitalization for his COVID-19 infection. His vital signs on admission were significant for tachypnea with respiratory rate of 35 and hypoxia with oxygen saturation of 84% on room air. He initially required oxygen supplementation via non-rebreather mask to maintain oxygen saturation >88%. A chest tomography (CT) scan was completed and revealed bilateral dense consolidations with ground-glass opacities and air bronchograms consistent with OP. The scan was also significant for bulky mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The patient denied any personal or family history of autoimmune disease, occupational exposures, and recent travel. Evaluation for infection and for underlying connective tissue disease was unremarkable. He was started on broad spectrum antibiotics and high dose steroids. Due to fluctuating lymphocytosis, bulky lymphadenopathy, and negative infectious workup despite clinical improvement, he underwent a bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration of lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains of these samples were compatible with CLL. Additionally, peripheral blood flow cytometry was also diagnostic of CLL. Oncology was consulted for further evaluation and treatment of CLL. The patient's respiratory symptoms improved and oxygen requirements decreased with steroid treatment and he was discharged home. DISCUSSION: OP occurring in patients with hematologic malignancies has multiple etiologies. Most case reports describe patients with previous exposure to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or bone marrow transplant. However, our patient had no such exposure history and no prior diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy. Infectious and autoimmune etiology were considered, but serologic evaluation was unremarkable. Flow cytometric analysis of lymph node tissue along with lymphocytic bronchoalveolar lavage was consistent with initial diagnosis of CLL. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low incidence, hematologic malignancy should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all patients who present with organizing pneumonia. Prednisone therapy for 6-12 month duration has been shown to reduce respiratory symptoms and may improve survival. Reference #1: Craig E. Daniels, Jeffrey L. Myers, James P. Utz, Svetomir N. Markovic, Jay H. Ryu. Organizing pneumonia in patients with hematologic malignancies: A steroid-responsive lesion. Respiratory Medicine, 101 (1) (2007), pp. 162-168. Reference #2: M. Mokhtari, P.B. Bach, P.A. Tietjen, D.E. Stover. Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia in cancer: a case series. Respiratory Medicine, 96 (4) (2002), pp. 280-286. DISCLOSURES: no disclosure on file for Guillermo Garrido;No relevant relationships by Anita Gopalakrishnan No relevant relationships by Rameez Rao No relevant relationships by Mohammad Salimian

9.
Chest ; 162(4):A1720-A1721, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2060854

ABSTRACT

SESSION TITLE: Lung Cancer Imaging Case Report Posters 2 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia typically presents with ground-glass and consolidative pulmonary opacities, atypically small cavities may be seen in severe cases. In patients with cavities persisting beyond 12 weeks, an underlying malignancy is a worrisome concern. We present a case of a 39-year old female without significant risk factors for pulmonary malignancy who was found, surprisingly, to have a cavitating adenocarcinoma in the setting of COVID-19 Pneumonia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39 year old obese African American female, never smoker, with co-existing metabolic syndrome presented to our institution with a four day history of productive cough (without hemoptysis), body aches, fever and fatigue. She denied weight loss or loss of appetite. No known family history of malignancy. She tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. She was clinically stable, hence discharged home with recommendations for quarantine and supportive care. She returned the following day with worsening dyspnea. Her chest radiograph noted a supra-hilar opacity with central lucency, Chest CT revealed wedge-shaped ground-glass and consolidative density in the right lower lobe and a 3.8 x 4.1 cm cavitary right upper lobe mass with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. She received parenteral antibiotic therapy and underwent infectious and autoimmune workup, which was negative. Repeat CT imaging, approximately three months post discharge, revealed persisting cavitary lesion and enlarging mediastinal lymphadenopathy. She underwent Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy with biopsy and fine needle aspiration of mediastinal lymph nodes (stations 7 and 4R) via endobronchial ultrasound. Biopsy results and fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes revealed adenocarcinoma with tumor cells being positive for TTF-1 and negative for CK20, CDX2, GATA3, PAX8 and Synaptophysin. Next generation sequencing reported several variants including EGFR and Tp53, there was also noted amplification of CDK4 and MDM2. PDL-1 was negative. DISCUSSION: A cavity is a gas-filled space, seen as a lucency or low-attenuation area, within a nodule, mass, or area of parenchymal consolidation. Underlying etiologies are typically classified as infectious, autoimmune and malignant. Cavities are atypical findings on CT imaging in patients with viral pneumonias, including SARS-CoV-2. Those cavities persisting beyond 12 weeks are typically classified as being chronic, with malignancy a key concern in these patients. The most common type of primary cavitary lung cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, in fact Primary Pulmonary Adenocarcinomas are unlikely to cavitate. Treatment options, depending on the presence of targetable mutations, include concurrent chemoradiation, chemoimmunotherapy or oral targeted agent. CONCLUSIONS: Though an atypical presentation, Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma may present as a cavitary lesion, particularly in the presence of persisting or enlarging lymphadenopathy. Reference #1: Gafoor K, Patel S, Girvin F, Gupta N, Naidich D, Machnicki S, Brown KK, Mehta A, Husta B, Ryu JH, Sarosi GA, Franquet T, Verschakelen J, Johkoh T, Travis W, Raoof S. Cavitary Lung Diseases: A Clinical-Radiologic Algorithmic Approach. Chest. 2018 Jun;153(6):1443-1465. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2018.02.026. Epub 2018 Mar 6. PMID: 29518379. Reference #2: Radiological Society of North America Expert Consensus Document on Reporting Chest CT Findings Related to COVID-19: Endorsed by the Society of Thoracic Radiology, the American College of Radiology, and RSNA Scott Simpson, Fernando U. Kay, Suhny Abbara, Sanjeev Bhalla, Jonathan H. Chung, Michael Chung, Travis S. Henry, Jeffrey P. Kanne, Seth Kligerman, Jane P. Ko, and Harold Litt Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging 2020 2:2 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Mark Bowling, value=Consulting fee Removed 04/02/2022 by Mark Bowling No relevant relationships by Mark Bowling, value=Consulting fee Removed 04/02/2022 by Mark Bowling No releva t relationships by Mark Bowling, value=Consulting fee Removed 04/02/2022 by Mark Bowling No relevant relationships by Sulaiman Tijani

10.
Chest ; 162(4):A1276-A1277, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2060793

ABSTRACT

SESSION TITLE: Challenges in Asthma SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 10:15 am - 11:10 am INTRODUCTION: Dupilumab is one of the recently developed biological anti-asthma medications which is a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody. Dupliumab inhibits the biological effects of both IL-4 and IL-13. In 2018, Dupilumab was approved for treating moderate to severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma. Transient, laboratory eosinophilia is a common side effect of Dupilumab, but clinical consequences are hardly ever reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 66-year-old female patient with history of severe persistent asthma with an eosinophil's baseline of 1403 cells/mm3. She was started on Dupilumab a month prior to presenting to our hospital with shortness of breath, facial rash, recurrent fever and fatigue. Upon further investigations, patient was found to have severe peripheral eosinophilia (35%, absolute eosinophil count of 6100 cells/mm3), imaging studies that included CT scan of the chest showed patchy pulmonary consolidations, ground glass opacification and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Non-invasive infectious work up including COVID-19 was negative. Then, patient underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), transbronchial biopsy, ultrasound guided lymph node fine needle aspiration and endobronchial biopsy (for diffuse endobronchial nodular lesions). Infectious work up from the BAL was negative but the BAL cytology showed eosinophilic alveolitis (31%). Histopathologic examination of the above biopsies showed significant interstitial inflammation with predominant eosinophils. Subsequently, Dupilumab was discontinued, and patient was started on prednisone 60 mg daily with remarkable eosinophils count reduction from a peak of 11,232 to 84 cells/mm3 along with significant improvement in her symptoms. CT chest 8 weeks later showed near complete resolution of pulmonary opacities. DISCUSSION: Dupilumab is an effective treatment for moderate to severe persistent asthma, by lowering rates of asthma exacerbation, as well as better lung function and asthma control. However, it has been reported that dupilumab can rarely cause a state of significant hyper-eosinophilia, which can rarely lead to complications such as eosinophilic pneumonia. Our patient was treated with dupilumab for her severe persistent asthma and after an intensive work up, we reached a diagnosis of severe Dupilumab induced hyper–eosinophilia leading to eosinophilic pneumonia and skin rash. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this unique report is an important add to the reports in literature as it describes this rare entity in the differential diagnosis. Monitoring serum eosinophils count closely for the first few weeks of treatment with dupilumab should be considered, particularly for patients with unusual high level of eosinophils at baseline, to prevent severe complications. We believe that more studies are needed to better describe dupilumab induced severe hyper–eosinophilia Reference #1: Pelaia, Corrado, et al. "Dupilumab for the treatment of asthma.” Expert opinion on biological therapy 17.12 (2017): 1565-1572 Reference #2: Castro, Mario, et al. "Dupilumab efficacy and safety in moderate-to-severe uncontrolled asthma.” New England Journal of Medicine 378.26 (2018): 2486-2496 Reference #3: Menzella, Francesco, et al. "A case of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia in a patient treated with dupilumab.” Therapeutics and clinical risk management 15 (2019): 869 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Hamza Alsaid No relevant relationships by Mark Cowan No relevant relationships by Kamel Gharaibeh no disclosure on file for Kathryn Robinett;Consultant relationship with Medtronic Please note: 1 year Added 04/04/2022 by Ashutosh Sachdeva, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with Intuitive Inc Please note: Intermittent Added 04/04/2022 by Ashutosh Sachdeva, value=Consulting fee Consultant relationship with MErit Please note: 2 years Added 04/04/2022 by Ashutosh Sa hdeva, value=Consulting fee Scientific Medical Advisor relationship with AMBU Please note: 6 months Added 04/04/2022 by Ashutosh Sachdeva, value=Consulting fee

11.
Chest ; 162(4):A401, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2060585

ABSTRACT

SESSION TITLE: Pathology Identifying Chest Infections Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary histoplasmosis typically affects immunocompromised individuals. Symptomatic infection in immunocompetent patients is rare, however, important risk factors include living in an endemic region and the size of inoculation. We present a case of subacute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a healthy young male and discuss how availability bias during the COVID-19 pandemic may pose challenges in the diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A healthy 30-year-old male presented to our hospital complaining of left flank and bilateral chest pain for one week. The patient returned from Veracruz, Mexico three weeks prior after spending two months there studying to become a chef. While in Mexico, the patient experienced low-grade fevers, night sweats, and pleuritic chest pain for which he was treated with steroids and antibiotics for presumed COVID-19 infection despite negative testing. Treatment provided the patient temporary relief, however, some of his symptoms returned prompting him to present to the emergency department. Upon presentation, the patient was afebrile and had a normal resting pulse oximetry. CT angiogram of the chest demonstrated three lung nodules and prominent mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A complete infectious and rheumatologic workup was performed. BAL, transbronchial biopsies and EBUS-TBNA were performed. Lung biopsy showed reactive pneumocytes, focal intra-alveolar fibrinous material, congestion, and hemorrhage. Lymph node cytology revealed an aggregate of necrotizing and nonnecrotizing granulomas and GMS stain was positive for yeast. Fungitell and Histoplasma antibodies returned positive. The patient was discharged on Itraconazole and followed up with infectious disease specialists two months later in stable condition. DISCUSSION: Patients with subacute pulmonary histoplasmosis and viral pneumonia may present with similar clinical and radiological findings making the diagnosis arduous. In addition, the prevalence of COVID-19 pneumonia makes clinicians susceptible to using availability bias and further obscuring diagnosis. Some clues that help differentiate subacute pulmonary histoplasmosis include a longer duration of symptoms, pulmonary nodules, and mediastinal and hilar adenopathy. CONCLUSIONS: While pulmonary histoplasmosis is an uncommon finding in immunocompetent patients, suspicion should be raised in patients from endemic regions. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians should avoid anchoring biases and keep differential diagnoses in mind. Reference #1: Azar MM, Hage CA. Clinical Perspectives in the Diagnosis and Management of Histoplasmosis. Clin Chest Med. 2017;38(3):403-415. doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2017.04.004 Reference #2: Staffolani S, Buonfrate D, Angheben A, et al. Acute histoplasmosis in immunocompetent travelers: a systematic review of literature. BMC Infect Dis. 2018;18(1):673. Published 2018 Dec 18. doi:10.1186/s12879-018-3476-z DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Steven Douedi No relevant relationships by Justin Ilagan No relevant relationships by TAIMOOR KHAN No relevant relationships by Romany Nightingale No relevant relationships by Mihir Odak No relevant relationships by Noor Salam No relevant relationships by Kameron Tavakolian

12.
Lung Cancer ; 165:S76, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1996678

ABSTRACT

Introduction: It is rare for pulmonary SCLC to present as a cavitating lesion unlike non-small-cell-cancer (NSCLC). Hence, if a cavitating lesion is found with histo-pathology showing SCLC, it is important to rule out alternate diagnosis e.g., infection [1]. Case: We present the case of a 41-year-old-male of Bangladeshorigin. He was referred on 2ww-pathway to UHL Glenfield hospital lung cancer team for haemoptysis. Clinical assessment (05/12/2019) revealed that he had 4kg weight loss/haemoptysis/anorexia/fatigue. He was a current smoker (10 pack-years) with no significant past/ family history. He worked in a restaurant. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Chest x-ray showed left-hilar-mass. CT scan revealed 3.2cm mass with peripheral cavitation and mild focal enhancement without calcification/mediastinal-lymphadenopathy. Differentials included cancer/rheumatoid arthritis/infection. Bloods including ANCA/ANA/rheumatoid factor and bronchial-washings microbiology/cytology were unremarkable. He was given antibiotics. He did not attend subsequent 2 out-patient-appointments. Repeat CT scan (March 2020) showed growing lesion with focally dilated vessel. CT-guided biopsy was advised but he declined it due to COVID19 pandemic. In May 2020, he agreed to undergo CT-guided biopsy. However, pre-procedure CT scan showed possible pseudoaneurysm. CT-guided biopsy was deemed high-risk and not attempted. Lung cancer MDT advised lobectomy given diagnostic dilemma. Patient declined surgery. CT in November 2020 showed progressive lesion. Patient still was not keen for surgery. He was admitted in June 2021 with haemoptysis. CT scan showed progressive cavitating disease with necrotic left hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes. He underwent EBUS-TBNA that confirmed SCLC. Given cavitating lesion and long history, left lower lobe lesion was deemed unlikely to be due to SCLC. He was referred to infectious disease (ID) clinic. Blood parasitology screen revealed positive Hydatid ELISA. He did not attend subsequent outpatient appointments in Oncology/ID clinics and has been discharged. Learning points: There were two pathologies: hydatid cyst (Fig. 1a);SCLC developed between November 2020 and June 2021 (Fig. 1b). 1) To look for cause of a cavitating lesion even if SCLC is diagnosed. 2) To consider hydatidcyst in lung-cavity differentials.(Figure Presented) Fig. 1

13.
European Journal of Molecular and Clinical Medicine ; 9(3):1907-1915, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1812734

ABSTRACT

Introduction:COVID-19 usually manifests clinically as pneumonia with predominant imaging findings of an atypical or organizing pneumonia. The standard technique for confirming COVID-19 is molecular testing by RT-PCR however chest imaging by CT scan can show signs of pneumonia in patients with negative RT-PCR and results can be achieved significantly faster, thus offering a potential role in supporting rapid decision making. CT scan has been shown to have more sensitivity than RT-PCR and Chest X-ray. CT Severity scoring also helps in better assessment of severity of disease. Aim:To estimate typical and atypical chest CT findings in COVID-19 RTPCR positive patients for better assessment of the role of chest CT in COVID-19 management. Materials andMethods:100 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were included in study. Findings like ground glass haze (GGO), reticulations, crazy paving appearance, consolidation, subpleural curvilinear line, bronchiectasis, subpleural transparent line, vascular enlargement, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, nodules, pleural effusion, Inverted halo sign, Halo sign and pericardial effusion were documented in them and analysis was done. Results:The typical Chest CT features present in our COVID-19 cases were GGO in 93 patients (93%), reticulations in 71 patients (71%), crazy paving appearance in 59 patients (59%), consolidation in 47 patients (47%), subpleural curvilinear line in 39 patients (39%), bronchiectasis in 37 patients (37%) and subpleural transparent line in 30 patients (30%). Most cases had bilateral (98%), peripheral (57%) and patchy involvement (86%) by GGO and lower lobe predominance (55%) by consolidation. Conclusion:GGO, reticulations, crazy paving and consolidation involving bilateral lung, in a peripheral and patchy distribution with lower lobe predilection are the typical findings on chest CT in COVID-19. Chest CT scan may act as a quick diagnostic tool with high sensitivity taking into consideration that almost all COVID-19 patients demonstrate typical features.

14.
Open Microbiology Journal ; 15(1):87-91, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1598917

ABSTRACT

In this case report, we describe a Kawasaki-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-A) in a 33-year old man that occurred 19 days after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The main features at presentation were profound myocarditis, bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and acute kidney failure and laboratory evidence of hyperinflammation. He received ACE-inhibition and beta-blockers for his heart failure and made a fairly rapid spontaneous recovery over the subsequent 8 days.

15.
Italian Journal of Medicine ; 15(3):70, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1567758

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Several studies have shown high prevalence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy (ML) during CoViD-19. Many evidences in literature suggest correlations between pulmonary inflammation and immunological dysregulation. Aim of our study was to establish the incidence of ML in patients recovered from CoViD-19 and evaluate an eventual association between ML and the radiological features of CoViD-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: 40 patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were recruited from March 2021 to May 2021 and retrospectively evaluated 3 months after viral nucleic acid test turned negative. They underwent chest CT with Lung Score (LS) and Lung Ultrasound (US) with severity Score (LUS). Results: The prevalence of ML was 36.1%, 44.4% had fibrous stripes (FS) and in 77.8% of the cases ground glass opacities persisted. Mean LS was 4±3.99 (range 0-14) and mean LUS 2.94±4.64 (range 0-20). ML was directly related to FS (r= 0.491;p= 0.002). Patients affected by ML had worse LUS (5±7.43 vs 2.58±2.89;p= <0.0001), higher LS in LID (1.73±0.9 vs 0.83±0.9;p= 0.018) and in LIS (1.45±0.83 vs 0.78±0.73;p= 0.037), although there were no significant differences in total LS (6.55±3.67 vs 3.72±3.89;p= 0.062). Conclusions: In patients recovered from CoViD-19, ML associated with FS persists. In patients with ML, CT and US pictures appears to be worse than in patients without ML.

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