Lung ultrasound as a screening tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection in surgical patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound (LUS) in screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients requiring surgery. METHODS: Patients underwent a LUS protocol that included a scoring system for screening COVID-19 pneumonia as well as RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was determined for the relationship between LUS score and PCR test results for COVID-19. The optimal threshold for the best discrimination between non-COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 patients was calculated. RESULTS: Among 203 patients enrolled (mean age 48 years; 82 males), 8.3% were COVID-19-positive; 4.9% were diagnosed via the initial RT-PCR test. Of the patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, 64.7% required in-hospital management and 17.6% died. The most common ultrasound findings were B lines (19.7%) and a thickened pleura (19.2%). The AUC of the ROC curve of the relationship of LUS score with a cutoff value >8 versus RT-PCR test for the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia was 0.75 (95% CI 0.61-0.89; sensitivity 52.9%; specificity 91%; LR (+) 6.15, LR (-) 0.51). CONCLUSION: The LUS score in surgical patients is not a useful tool for screening patients with potential COVID-19 infection. LUS score shows a high specificity with a cut-off value of 8.

Recurrent Pneumonias in a Previously Healthy and Immunocompetent Young Adult: A Case Report Mounier-Kuhn Syndrome.

BACKGROUND Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is a rare clinical condition characterized by marked tracheal and bronchial dilatation. It is commonly associated with multiple respiratory infections due to the inability to mobilize secretions, chronic cough, and decline in lung capacity. Although it is a rare disease, the number of cases reported in the literature has increased, and physicians should be aware of its existence to be able to recognize and diagnose it. Suspicion should arise regarding young adults who develop recurrent airway infections when immunosuppression has been ruled out. CASE REPORT We present the case of a young adult, previously healthy and immunocompetent, who was diagnosed with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome after 5 years of multiple respiratory infections and multiple respiratory failures, who received intensive care management with multiple complications and difficulties in achieving adequate ventilation. Due to the risk of respiratory failure and major complications, its management was challenging. We were able to treat this patient and prevent complications with a multidisciplinary approach with a strong emphasis on constant and intense pulmonary therapy. CONCLUSIONS Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is rare but does occur, and physicians need to have a high index of suspicion to diagnose it. Its management must be done by a multidisciplinary team, and respiratory therapy should be constantly available at bedside.