Beneficial effects of the combination of BCc1 and Hep-S nanochelating-based medicines on IL-6 in hospitalized moderate COVID-19 adult patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In the severe forms of COVID-19 and many other infectious diseases, the patients develop a cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) where pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α play a key role in the development of this serious process. Selenium and iron are two important trace minerals, and their metabolism is tightly connected to immune system function. Numerous studies highlight the role of selenium and iron metabolism changes in the procedure of COVID-19 inflammation. The immunomodulator effect of nanomedicines that are synthesized based on nanochelating technology has been proved in previous studies. In the present study, the effects of the combination of BCc1(with iron-chelating property) and Hep-S (containing selenium) nanomedicines on mentioned cytokines levels in hospitalized moderate COVID-19 patients were evaluated. METHODS: Laboratory-confirmed moderate COVID-19 patients were enrolled to participate in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in two separate groups: combination of BCc1 and Hep-S (N = 62) (treatment) or placebo (N = 60) (placebo). The blood samples were taken before medications on day zero, at discharge, and 28 days after consumption to measure hematological and biochemical parameters and cytokine levels. The clinical symptoms of all the patients were recorded according to an assessment questionnaire before the start of the treatment and on days 3 and discharge day. RESULTS: The results revealed that consumption of the nanomedicines led to a significant decrease in the mean level of IL-6 cytokine, and at the end of the study, there was a 77% downward trend in IL-6 in the nanomedicine group, while an 18% increase in the placebo group (p < 0.05). In addition, the patients in the nanomedicines group had lower TNF-α levels; accordingly, there was a 21% decrease in TNF-α level in the treatment group, while a 31% increase in this cytokine level in the placebo was observed (p > 0.05). On the other hand, in nanomedicines treated groups, clinical scores of coughing, fatigue, and need for oxygen therapy improved. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the combination of BCc1 and Hep-S inhibits IL-6 as a highly important and well-known cytokine in COVID-19 pathophysiology and presents a promising view for immunomodulation that can manage CSS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials RCT20170731035423N2 . Registered on June 12, 2020.

FDG PET/CT in Immune-Related Arthritis in a Patient Treated With Nivolumab.

ABSTRACT: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a new and different treatment option in many of solid tumors, but with many recognized immune-related adverse side effects. In this interesting image, we are presenting a 56-year-old woman with primary malignant melanoma who underwent nivolumab therapy for 5 months, and a posttreatment whole-body FDG PET/CT scan for treatment response evaluation demonstrated increased metabolic activity in the entire major joints of the upper and lower extremities. This was a new finding compared with previous FDG PET/CT scan and was interpreted as an immune-related arthritis complication.

Steatotic Hepatitis Presenting as a Huge Hypermetabolic Liver Mass.

ABSTRACT: FDG PET/CT scan is a diagnostic imaging modality for oncologic patients, but with false-positive findings in inflammatory diseases. In this interesting case, we present a 24-year-old woman with history of giant cell tumor of the bone (lumbar vertebrae) who underwent whole-body FDG PET/CT scan for treatment response evaluation. FDG PET/CT scan demonstrated a large hypermetabolic tumoral mass lesion in segment VI/VII of the right hepatic lobe. A range of malignant versus benign lesions should be considered as differential diagnoses, including metastasis, primary cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, and infection. Final diagnosis of "steatotic hepatitis" after CT-guided biopsy was established.

Rare Presentation of Inflammatory Lung Disease and Subcutaneous Nodules on FDG PET/CT Scan: Brief Discussion of Differential Diagnoses.

ABSTRACT: We present a 37-year-old man with cough and progressive dyspnea for the past 3 years. According to inconclusive chest CT scan and lung biopsy histopathology findings, the patient referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT scan for further evaluation. Classic pulmonary manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis were seen on CT images with intense FDG uptake on PET scan. Moreover, PET/CT revealed multiple hypermetabolic subcutaneous foci throughout his body. Finally, the patient was treated with corticosteroids. Follow-up chest CT images demonstrated improvement of lung lesions in accordance with improvement in the patient's symptoms. We are briefly discussing differential diagnoses in this patient.

Correction: ai-corona: Radiologist-assistant deep learning framework for COVID-19 diagnosis in chest CT scans.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250952.].

Correlation of quantified metabolic activity in nonsmall cell lung cancer with tumor size and tumor pathological characteristics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) with tumor size and tumor pathological characteristics as well as suggesting equations between SUVmax and tumor size in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to help differentiate between pathology types.We retrospectively analyzed the fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) findings of 98 patients with NSCLC. Statistical differences were considered significant when P < .05. Correlation between SUVmax and other variables was determined by Pearson and Spearman correlation. Both linear and nonlinear regression analysis were used to determine equations between SUVmax and tumor size to help differentiate between pathology types.The mean SUVmax in patients with squamous cell carcinoma was significantly higher than that of adenocarcinoma (21.35 ±â€Š1.73 vs 13.75 ±â€Š0.89, P = .000). The results of regression analysis indicated that among all equations determined with relative accuracy, the "cubic equation" has the highest accuracy when considering the relationship between SUVmax and tumor size in patients with adenocarcinoma. In patients with squamous cell carcinoma, the most accurate equation was obtained using the "quadratic equation."There was a significant correlation between SUVmax and tumor differentiation and tumor size in patients with adenocarcinoma. SUVmax of patients with squamous cell carcinoma also had a significant correlation with tumor size. Overall SUVmax of patients with NSCLC could be predicted by tumor size value. In patients with squamous cell carcinoma compared with those with adenocarcinoma, SUVmax with less accuracy can be determined by tumor size. Linear regression analysis line slope can be used as an index for distinguishing adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma.

Radiologic manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients of intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serpent disease with various pulmonary manifestations, and timely diagnosis of the disease is paramount, since delayed treatment is associated with severe morbidity, particularly in intensive care units (ICU). Therefore, it is imperative that intensivists understand the typical distribution, patterns, and imaging manifestations of TB. AIM: To describe different manifestations of pulmonary TB in patients in the ICU. METHODS: In a retrospective study, all patients with a clinical and a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of TB who were admitted to the ICU were entered in the study. All patients had a confirmatory laboratory diagnosis of TB including positive smears. The patterns of parenchymal lesions, involved segments and presence of cavity, bronchiectasis and bronchogenic spread of the lesions with computed tomography (CT) and chest/X-ray (CXR) were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Data of 146 patients with TB were entered in the study. The most common finding in CT was acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-like radiologic manifestations (17.1%), followed by parenchymal nodular infiltration (13.6%) and cavitation (10.9%), consolidation (10.2%), interstitial involvement (9.5%), calcified parenchymal mass (8.3%), ground-glass opacities (7.5%), and pleural effusion or thickening (6.9%). Radiologic evidence of lymphadenopathy was seen in up to 43% of adults. Miliary TB was observed in 2.3% of patients, mostly in those older than 60years of age. ARDS-like (64.5%) manifestations on CT and miliary TB (85.5%) had the highest mortality rates among other pulmonary manifestations. CONCLUSION: ARDS, interstitial involvement, and Parenchymal nodular infiltration are the most common manifestations of pulmonary TB. Various features of TB in ICU patients could be misleading for intensivists.

Extra-pulmonary Pneumocystis jiroveci infection: a case report

In physical examination abdominal tenderness, gate disturbance and penile herpetic lesions were detected. Decreased disc height at T11-T12 level was detected in chest X-ray. Abdominal sonography and CT scan revealed hypo dense lesions in Lt left Lobe of liver and multiple hypo dense splenic and pancreatic lesions, ascitis, Lt left sided pleural effusion, thickening of jejuneal mucosa and edema of bowel wall. Vertebral body lesion and paravertebral abscess, bony calvarial involvement and adjacent extra axial brain lesion were observed in imaging were other findings. RNA analysis for HIV was positive. Vertebral lesion biopsy and aspiration of splenic lesion were performed and pathology revealed Pneumocystis jirovecii suggestive of extra pulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection.

Thoracic Imaging Findings of Collagen Vascular Diseases: A CT Study.

BACKGROUND: Collagen vascular diseases (CVDs) are well known causes of pulmonary involvement, leading to significant morbidity. The purpose of this study was to identify several thoracic computed tomographic findings of CVDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 56 patients (15 males and 41 females) with histopathologically and clinically proven CVDs who were identified retrospectively. The presence, extent and distribution of various CT findings were evaluated by a radiologist. RESULTS: Lung parenchyma (96.4%) was the most common area of involvement. The lower lobes (89.2%) were the most frequent sites of involvement. The predominant CT patterns were reticulation (55.3%), peripheral subpleural interlobular septal thickening (51.7%) and ground glass opacity (50%). The most common histopathological findings according to CT features were obliterative bronchiolitis (OB, 44.6%) and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP, 33.9%). Usual interstitial pneumonia was seen in 12.5% and organizing pneumonia in 26.7% of patients. CONCLUSION: A combination of reticular pattern, peripheral subpleural interlobular septal thickening and ground glass opacity is seen in the majority of patients with CVDs. The results indicate that OB is more prevalent than what has been reported in previous studies. The CT patterns of pulmonary fibrosis are similar to those in most other studies.

Extra-pulmonary Pneumocystis jiroveci infection: a case report.

In physical examination abdominal tenderness, gate disturbance and penile herpetic lesions were detected. Decreased disc height at T11-T12 level was detected in chest X-ray. Abdominal sonography and CT scan revealed hypo dense lesions in Lt left Lobe of liver and multiple hypo dense splenic and pancreatic lesions, ascitis, Lt left sided pleural effusion, thickening of jejuneal mucosa and edema of bowel wall. Vertebral body lesion and paravertebral abscess, bony calvarial involvement and adjacent extra axial brain lesion were observed in imaging were other findings. RNA analysis for HIV was positive. Vertebral lesion biopsy and aspiration of splenic lesion were performed and pathology revealed Pneumocystis jirovecii suggestive of extra pulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection.

Multidrug resistant tuberculosis versus non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections: a CT-scan challenge

INTRODUCTION: Clinical, laboratory and imaging findings in patients with multidrug resistanttuberculosis (MDR-TB) and non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) are similar, and the majority of these patients present with positive smear for Acid Fast Bacilli (ADB) and no response to first line anti-TB treatment, so sputum culture and PCR are necessary, especially in NTM. OBJECTIVE: In this study we evaluate more details of imaging findings to help earlier diagnosis of pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 66 patients with positive smear for AFB and no response to first line anti-TB drugs were divided into two groups by PCR and culture: MDR-TB (43 patients) and NTM (23 patients). Age, sex, history of anti-TB treatment, smoking and CT-scan findings (parenchymal, pleural and mediastinal variables) by details and lobar distribution were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age of NTM patients was slightly higher (52 versus 45) and there is no significant difference in sex and smoking. In MDR-TB group, history of anti-TB treatment and evidence of chronic pulmonary disease such as calcified and fibrodestructed parenchyma, volume loss and pleural thickening were higher significantly. Cavities in MDR-TB were thickwall in the background of consolidation, while NTM cavities were more thin-walled with adjacent satellite nodules in same segment or lobe. Prevalence of bronchiectasis was similar in both groups, while bronchiectasis in MDR-TB group was in fibrobronchiectatic background in upper lobes, and in NTM group the distribution was more uniform with slightly middle lobes predominance. Prevalence and distribution of nodular infiltrations were similar more in Tree in Buds and scattered pattern. Calcified or non-calcified lymph nodes and also pleural changes were more frequent in MDR-TB but prevalence of lymphadenopathy was mildly higher in NTM. CONCLUSION: A check-list with multiple variables is helpful for differentiation between the two groups.

Multidrug resistant tuberculosis versus non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections: a CT-scan challenge.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical, laboratory and imaging findings in patients with multidrug resistant-tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) are similar, and the majority of these patients present with positive smear for Acid Fast Bacilli (ADB) and no response to first line anti-TB treatment, so sputum culture and PCR are necessary, especially in NTM. OBJECTIVE: In this study we evaluate more details of imaging findings to help earlier diagnosis of pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 66 patients with positive smear for AFB and no response to first line anti-TB drugs were divided into two groups by PCR and culture: MDR-TB (43 patients) and NTM (23 patients). Age, sex, history of anti-TB treatment, smoking and CT-scan findings (parenchymal, pleural and mediastinal variables) by details and lobar distribution were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age of NTM patients was slightly higher (52 versus 45) and there is no significant difference in sex and smoking. In MDR-TB group, history of anti-TB treatment and evidence of chronic pulmonary disease such as calcified and fibrodestructed parenchyma, volume loss and pleural thickening were higher significantly. Cavities in MDR-TB were thick-wall in the background of consolidation, while NTM cavities were more thin-walled with adjacent satellite nodules in same segment or lobe. Prevalence of bronchiectasis was similar in both groups, while bronchiectasis in MDR-TB group was in fibrobronchiectatic background in upper lobes, and in NTM group the distribution was more uniform with slightly middle lobes predominance. Prevalence and distribution of nodular infiltrations were similar more in Tree in Buds and scattered pattern. Calcified or non-calcified lymph nodes and also pleural changes were more frequent in MDR-TB but prevalence of lymphadenopathy was mildly higher in NTM. CONCLUSION: A check-list with multiple variables is helpful for differentiation between the two groups.

Chest CT Manifestations in Children with CVID: A 10-Year Report.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at evaluating HRCT pulmonary manifestations in children with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward of Masih Daneshvari Hospital during a 10-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 25 children hospitalized with the diagnosis of CVID in the Pediatric Ward of Masih Daneshvari Hospital from 2001 to 2011 and their pulmonary HRCT scans were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common pulmonary HRCT findings were lymphadenopathy (66.7%), bronchiectasis (50%), air trapping (33.3%) and peribronchial wall thickening (33.3%). The highest percentage of CT-scan findings was detected in patients aged 13-17 yrs. CONCLUSION: Most of the pulmonary changes due to CVID are preventable or treatable. Also, it is possible to prevent irreversible complications of disease if it is diagnosed early. Therefore, HRCT is strongly recommended as an accurate and effective method for monitoring and fast recognition of pulmonary manifestations of the disease especially bronchiectasis which is a very common finding indicative of poor prognosis.

Primary major airway tumors; management and results.

OBJECTIVE: Primary major airway tumors are rare. A retrospective analysis of referral centers experience could be helpful for their management. METHODS: Fifty-one patients, including 44 (86%) malignant and seven (14%) benign with primary tumors of subglottis, trachea, carina, and main stem bronchi, were managed in a 14-year period. Based on computed tomography (CT) scan and rigid bronchoscopy findings, those who evaluated as resectable underwent airway resection and reconstruction. The others were managed by one or a combination of these methods: core out, laser, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and tracheostomy. Follow-up was completed in 88.2%, mean (35.2 ± 33.2 months). RESULTS: Extraluminal extension of the tumor found in CT scan was significantly associated with unresectability (p = 0.006). Thirty-two patients underwent resection with three complications (9%) and one mortality (3%). Nineteen were managed by non-resectional methods; of these, 15 were found unresectable, because of tumor length, extensive local invasion or diffuse distant metastases, and four due to risk-benefit ratio or patient preference. Among 18 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma 13 (72%) were resected (seven with negative margins). Overall 1-, 2-, 5-, and 8-year survival was 90.9%, 90.9%, 77.9%, and 19.5%, respectively. In unresectable tumors with adenoid cystic carcinoma, overall 1- and 2-year survival was 60% and 40%, respectively. Data analysis found significant association of long-term survival with resection (p = 0.005) but not with negative margins in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Among 15 patients with carcinoid tumors, all were alive at the end of follow-up, except one who died after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Airway resection, if feasible, may extend survival and may even be curative, with low morbidity and mortality, in most patients with major airway tumors.

Correlation between the Pulmonary Artery Pressure Measured in Echocardiography and Pulmonary Artery Diameter in the CT-Scan of Patients Suffering from Interstitial Lung Disease.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from pulmonary parenchymal diseases. Diagnosis of PH has always been a major clinical dilemma due to its non-specific clinical manifestations. However, diagnosing PH and determining its severity are essential for the prognosis and treatment planning in PH patients. This study aimed at evaluating the correlation between the pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) in the CT-scan and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in echocardiography of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PAD was evaluated in the CT-scan of 117 patients suffering from interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the correlation between PAD and PAP was studied. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) which is indicative of the precision of the diagnostic test was drawn to find the cut off point for the MPAD representing PH. The area under the curve was also calculated in order to define the discriminative power of the test. RESULTS: PAP higher than 25 mmHg was considered as PH. PAD over 29 mm reported in the CT-scan for the diagnosis of PH in ILD patients had sensitivity of 63% and specificity of 41.5%. No significant linear correlation was found between PAD and PAP (P-value = 0.17, r = 0.15). The area under the ROC curve was calculated to be 0.49 in the cutoff point of 29 mm for determining PH (CI 95% = 0.38-0.60, P = 0.89). CONCLUSION: ROC curve showed a weak discriminative power. PAD had low sensitivity and specificity in the CT-scan for the diagnosis of PH. Therefore, we conclude that CT-scan alone is not helpful in finding PH cases and further examinations are required.

Anomalous unilateral single pulmonary vein mimicking pulmonary nodules on HRCT of the lungs and scimitar syndrome on chest radiograph: multidetector CT findings.

Anomalous unilateral single pulmonary vein is an extremely rare anomaly of the pulmonary venous system. It is often confused with other pulmonary abnormalities such as hypogenetic lung (scimitar) syndrome, pulmonary varices, pulmonary nodules, and arteriovenous malformations. We present imaging findings including multidetector computerized tomography in a case of anomalous unilateral single pulmonary vein mimicking pulmonary nodules on high-resolution computed tomography of the lungs and scimitar syndrome on chest radiograph in an asthmatic girl.