Intervention to severe lower trachea obstruction supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a human immunodeficiency virus patient: A case report and literature review.

Here we reported a case, male, 33 years old, diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection 5 months ago, but he didn't take antiretroviral drugs regularly. He was admitted to intensive care unit emergently due to hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and hypotension. CT showed severe lower trachea obstruction caused by soft tissue. After rapid bedside assessment, the patient was considered to need endotracheal operation, but he couldn't tolerate intubation and mechanical ventilation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was used. Hemodynamics improved significantly along with rehydration and low-dose vasoactive drugs. Subsequently, the patient underwent rigid bronchoscopy, airway tumor resection and Y-type silicone stent implantation. Postoperatively protective endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation was followed. ECMO was weaned off after the operation, and endotracheal cannula was removed 6 h later. The pathological examination of excisional tissue showed lung squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, the patient was discharged safely and went to local hospital for further treatment. From this case, we conclude that ECMO could play a key role for those who need endotracheal surgery while cannot endure conventional intubation and mechanical ventilation.

A Rare Case of Benign Hamartoma and Malignant Primary Pulmonary Lymphoma Coexisting in a Patient Mimicking Invasive Pulmonary Mycosis: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hamartomas are the most common benign tumors of the lungs and can occur anywhere in the lungs, normal hyperplasia, congenital malformation, inflammatory changes, and tumorigenesis are hypothesized to underlie the pathogeny, but the definite etiology remains to be elucidated. Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) refers to clonal lymphoid hyperplasia of one or both lungs in patients who have no detectable extrapulmonary lymphoma or bone marrow involvement at the time of diagnosis and during the subsequent 3 months. It is rare for both diseases to occur in the lungs of the same patient. METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests, Chest CT scan, bronchoscopy and CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy. RESULTS: Laboratory tests showed (1-3)-ß-D-glucan was 226.3 pg/mL and sputum culture of Aspergillus niger. Chest Computer Tomography (CT) scan showed multiple flaky high-density shadows in both lungs, proven to be right hamartoma with left lung pulmonary primary lymphoma by bronchoscopy biopsy and CT guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: When there are high density shadows or nodules in different parts of one patient's lung, these lesions may not be the same disease. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct biopsies of the lesions in different parts of the lung.

Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen and bronchial obstruction caused by a rotten vegetable leaf mimic lung cancer: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a potentially risky medical event, while the condition often requires early detection and rapid intervention to improve respiratory symptoms and prevent major morbidity. Notably, foreign bodies may not be identified and they are likely to be mistaken for neoplastic lesions. However, CEA, as one of tumor markers, presents to be available for assisting in lung cancer diagnosis, especially for non-small-cell lung cancer, while the specificity of CEA is not high. METHODS: Here, we described a case of bronchial opening obstruction with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) that was firstly misdiagnosed as lung cancer and proved as foreign body aspiration in the upper lobe bronchus of right lung by bronchoscopy. RESULTS: Carcinoembryonic antigen level increased. CT scan demonstrated a cavitation accompanied by multiple small nodular shadows appeared in the right upper lobe field. Bronchoscopy suggested right upper lobe bronchus was blocked by a brown smooth organism with plenty of purulent materials, which was proved as a rotten vegetable leaf. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated CEA and bronchial obstruction are not typical manifestations of lung cancer. Bronchoscopy is crucial for making a reliable diagnosis.

Serum Procalcitonin, Smoking History Combined Age Established a New Prediction Model for Predicting Dynamic Changes of Chest CT Images in Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chest CT is widely used in clinical diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of CAP. While repeated chest CT examinations to evaluate dynamic changes in chest CT images in a short period of time is a common phenomenon, it causes a lot of waste of medical resources, and due to the large dose of CT radiation, it can cause some harm to the human body. The purpose of this study is to establish a new model to predict the dynamic chest CT image changes of CAP patients by analyzing the age, smoking history, and serum inflammatory markers. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. All patients had received chest CT scan and serum inflammatory indexes were measured, including procalcitonin (PCT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The second chest CT examination was performed after a week of treatment. General information on the medical record was also recorded (including age, smoking history, drinking history, and others). Main outcome measures were the changes of chest CT images, including absorption and non-absorption (including patients with progressive inflammation). Single factor analysis and two-dimensional logistic regression analysis were used to explore the independent risk factors of the new CT image change prediction model for CAP patients. ROC was used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the new model. RESULTS: Among 220 patients with CAP, 150 patients had absorption in chest CT after a week of treatment (150/220), the remaining 70 patients had no absorption or even progression (70/220). Age, PCT, and smoking history were independent risk factors for inflammatory absorption. The AUC of ROC curve was 0.89 (95% CI 0.83 - 0.94), the sensitivity was 88.70%, and the specificity was 80.00%. CONCLUSIONS: A new prediction model consists of serum PCT, age, and smoking history has high specificity and sensitivity in predicting dynamic CT changes in adult CAP patients.

Serum Prealbumin Improves the Sensitivity of Pneumonia Severity Index in Predicting 30-day Mortality of CAP Patients.

BACKGROUND: Serum prealbumin (PAB) is an effective tool to evaluate patients with malnutrition. In recent years, studies have shown that PAB is statistically reduced during the course of disease infection. The pneumonia severity index (PSI) scoring system is one of the most widely used scoring tools to evaluate the condition and prognosis of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. However, few studies have reported on PSI combined with blood indicators to predict the prognosis of pneumonia. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of PAB combined with PSI in patients with CAP. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 400 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Death and survival were selected as prognostic indicators of pneumonia. On the first day after admission, venous blood samples were taken to test PAB and PSI scores. Subject operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate PSI, PAB, and PSI combined with PAB to predict 30-day mortality of CAP patients. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate of CAP patients was 10.5% (42/400). PAB and PSI score were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in CAP patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PAB predicting the death of CAP patients were 86.3%, 79%, 50.74%, and 95.83%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PSI predicting the death of CAP patients were 74.80%, 63%, 33.71%, and 90.99%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the combined index predicting the death of CAP patients were 95.20%, 77.80%, 51.70% and 98.41%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum prealbumin is a relatively simple acquired index and an independent risk factor for death in CAP patients. Serum prealbumin improves the sensitivity of pneumonia severity index in predicting 30-day mortality of CAP patients.

Serum Procalcitonin, White Blood Cell and Hypersensitive C-reactive Protein Combined with Age Established a New Prediction Model in Predicting ICU Admission in Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Patients.

BACKGROUND: CAP is the most common cause of death in infectious diseases in developing countries, while also an important cause of death and morbidity in developed countries. In recent years, CURB-65 (or CRB-65) and pneumonia severity index (PSI) scoring systems have been widely used in the prognosis scoring system of CAP. However, each of them has some shortcomings in predicting ICU admission in CAP patients. The aim of this study is to analyze serum inflammatory biomarkers combined age to established a new prediction model in predicting ICU admission in CAP patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. The enrolled CAP patients received serum inflammatory biomarker tests, including procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell count (WBC), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Body temperature and age were also recorded. The main outcome measures were ICU admission. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to explore the in-dependent risk factors which could be components of a new predicting model for ICU admission in CAP patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the new model, which consisted of the combination of all independent risk factors in predicting the main outcomes. RESULTS: Initially, 246 CAP patients were admitted to general wards, 61 of whom were subsequently transferred to ICU (61/246). Age, PCT, WBC, and hs-CRP were independent risk factors for subsequent admission to ICU for CAP patients in general wards. The AUC of the ROC curve of new prediction model (the joint model consists of age, PCT, WBC, and hs-CRP) was 0.93 (95% CI 0.85 - 0.96), the sensitivity and specificity were 85.2% and 88.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serum inflammatory biomarkers combined age have high specificity and sensitivity in predicting ICU admission in adult CAP patients.

Elevated Leukocytes Combined with Left Lung Consolidation on Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Scan in an Adult Patient Firstly Misdiagnosed as Pneumonia and Finally Diagnosed as Pulmonary Sequestration by Enhanced CT Scan and CT Angiography: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary sequestration is an uncommon pulmonary disorder. We presented an adult case with recurrent pulmonary infection firstly misdiagnosed as pneumonia, which proved as pulmonary sequestration by enhanced CT scan and CT angiography. METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests, chest CT scan, bronchoscopy, and CT angiography were performed for diagnosis. RESULTS: The white blood cells detected by routine blood test were 11.8 x 109/L, the plain chest CT scan showed the volume of the lower lobe of the left lung decreased and the density increased. Enhanced CT and maximum intensity projection (MIP) algorithms were used for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the images: no abnormally enhanced shadows were seen in the reduced lower lobe of the left lung, and tortuous vascular shadows were seen in the mediastinum. Bronchoscopy showed a narrowing of the opening in the dorsal segment of the lower lobe of the left lung. Thoracic aortography revealed an abnormal arterial supply to the lower left lung, the pathological results of thoracoscopic resection of the lower left lung were pulmonary sequestration. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary consolidation may be more than a simple pulmonary infection. Physicians should consider the possibility of pulmonary sequestration in patients with recurrent or refractory pneumonia. Enhanced CT findings of abnormal blood vessel supply are helpful for pulmonary sequestration diagnosis, and CT angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Elevated D-Dimer Combined with Persistent Acupuncture-like Chest Pain in An Elderly Patient Misdiagnosed as Pulmonary Embolism Finally Proved as Lung Hamartoma with Secondary Lung Infection by Bronchoscopy Biopsy: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hamartoma is one of the most common benign tumors of the lung, the symptoms are often atypical, so its diagnosis is not so easy. We presented an elderly man with elevated D-dimer combined persistent acupuncture-like chest pain misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism finally proved as lung hamartoma with secondary lung infection by bronchoscopy biopsy. METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests were carried out. The chest computed tomography (CT) scan and bronchoscopy were performed for diagnosis. RESULTS: Laboratory tests showed D-dimer was 2,615.88 ng/mL, the chest CT scan showed the right lung portal occupying lesions accompanied by obstructive changes in the middle of the right lung and mediastinal lymphade-nopathy with partial calcification. Bronchoscopy showed the new spherical neoplasm in the middle of the right lung completely blocked the opening of the bronchus, the surface of the neoplasm was smooth and blood vessels were abundant, pathological result was lung hamartoma. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated D-dimer is not a specific index of pulmonary embolism. When a patient's D-dimer rise combined with severe chest pain, the physician should be wary of pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, and other emergencies, and should also take into account serious infections, tumors, and other diseases. Diagnosis needs further related examination. Chest CT scan has guidance function, and when the chest CT scan suggests the occupying lesion, the pathology examination is the key to identify the benign tumor.

Increased Serum Sedimentation and Positive Tuberculosis Antibody Combined Multiple Pulmonary Nodules in Chest CT in a Middle-Aged Patient Firstly Misdiagnosed as Tuberculosis Proved as Sarcoidosis by CT Guided Percutaneous Lung Puncture Biopsy: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a common infectious disease in developing countries. Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are difficult to differentiate. We presented an adult case with increased serum sedimentation and positive tuberculosis antibody combined with multiple pulmonary nodules in chest CT in a middle-aged patient firstly misdiagnosed as tuberculosis proved as sarcoidosis by CT guided percutaneous lung puncture biopsy. METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests are carried out. The chest CT scan, bronchoscopy CT guided percutaneous lung puncture biopsy were performed for diagnosis. RESULTS: Serum sedimentation was increased and tuberculosis antibody was positive. The chest CT scan showed multiple pulmonary nodules in both lungs and multiple lymphadenopathy. The bronchoscopy demonstrated no abnormality. Pathology of CT guided percutaneous lung puncture biopsy showed non-caseous multiple granulomatous lesions and acid-fast staining was negative. CONCLUSIONS: When a patient has multiple pulmonary nodules and lymphadenopathy without obvious tuberculosis poisoning symptoms, physicians should pay attention to tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and lung cancer. Pathology is crucial for the ultimate diagnosis.

Negative (1,3)-ß-D-glucan and Elevated White Blood Cells Combined Procalcitonin Masquerading as Severe Pneumonia Eventually Diagnosed as Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Proven by Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Culture in a Diabetes Patient: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: We report an invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) with negative (1,3)-ß-D-glucan and dynamically elevated white blood cells combined with procalcitonin proven by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) culture. METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests are carried out. Chest CTs were performed to assess the lungs. The cause of infection was determined using BALF culture. RESULTS: Serum (1,3)-ß-D-glucan was negative, white blood cells and procalcitonin were significantly higher than normal. The bronchoscopy revealed obvious necrotic detritus and pseudo membrane in the trachea, left and right main bronchi, and branches. BALF culture revealed the presence of Aspergillus. CONCLUSIONS: Negative (1,3)-ß-D-glucan is not safe to rule out invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. BALF culture is critical for IPA diagnosis.

Increased Serum Sedimentation and Positive Tuberculosis Antibody Combined Left Lung Consolidation in Chest CT Scan in an Adult Patient Firstly Misdiagnosed as Tuberculosis Proved as Foreign Body Aspiration in the Left Main Stem Bronchus by Bronchoscopy: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Foreign body aspiration is a rare entity in adults. We presented an adult case with recurrent pulmonary infection firstly misdiagnosed as tuberculosis, which proved as foreign body aspiration in the left main stem bronchus by bronchoscopy. METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests are carried out. The chest CT scan and bronchoscopy were performed for diagnosis. RESULTS: Serum sedimentation was increased and tuberculosis antibody was positive. The chest CT scan showed left lung consolidation and small pleural exudate on the left side. Significant calcification can be seen near the left main bronchus. The bronchoscopy demonstrated plenty of yellow sputum in left main bronchus and a peanut shell completely obstructed the left main bronchus and peripheral granulation tissue hyperplasia. The peanut shell was removed and the left main trachea was unobstructed. CONCLUSIONS: When a patient has recurrent pulmonary infection, especially at the same site, physicians should pay attention to airway obstruction caused by foreign body, cancer and other causes of airway stenosis. Bronchoscopy is crucial for the ultimate diagnosis.

An Acute Pulmonary Embolism Patient with Negative D-dimer Masquerading as Right Pneumonia with Pleural Effusion Proven by CT Pulmonary Arteriography: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: We report an acute pulmonary embolism with negative D-dimer masquerading as right pneumonia with pleural effusion proven by CT pulmonary arteriography (CTPA). METHODS: Appropriate laboratory tests are carried out. The application of vascular ultrasound for the cause of left lower extremity edema. CTPA were performed when vascular ultrasound suggested the existence of venous thrombosis of left lower extremity. RESULTS: Serum D-dimer was negative. Vascular ultrasound revealed left lower extremity venous thrombosis, CTPA demonstrated large emboli in the main pulmonary artery and main pulmonary artery branches. CONCLUSIONS: Negative serum D-dimer is not safe to rule out acute pulmonary embolism. When CT shows peripheral triangle-shaped infiltrate with pleuritis or small pleural exudate, physicians should pay attention to pulmonary infarction.

Fever with Positive EBV IgM Antibody Combined Multiple Subcutaneous Nodules on Lower Extremities and Cervical Lymphadenopathy Masquerading as Infectious Mononucleosis Proven as Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-cell Lymphoma by Subcutaneous Nodule Biopsy Consultation: a Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: We report a case that presented as fever with positive Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) IgM antibody combined with subcutaneous nodules on lower extremities and cervical lymphadenopathy firstly misdiagnosed as infectious mononucleosis, which was proven as subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma by subcutaneous nodule biopsies. METHODS: Appropriate serum and bacteriological laboratory tests were carried out for the cause of fever. An ultrasound and subcutaneous nodule biopsies were performed. RESULTS: EBV IgM antibody was positive. An ultrasound revealed multiple subcutaneous nodules, which were prone to be lipoma on lower extremities and cervical lymphadenopathy. Subcutaneous nodule biopsies were firstly misdiagnosed as lipoma, while pathology consultation for the subcutaneous nodule biopsies diagnosed subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: When patients have persistent fever with positive EBV IgM antibody combined other system involvements, especially lymphadenopathy and multiple subcutaneous nodules, it should differentiate lymphoma from infectious diseases.

Anemia Combined Significantly Increased High-Sensitivity C Reactive Protein and Lung Lesions Lead to the Diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Proven by Lung Biopsy and Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Test.

Background: To report an atypical case misdiagnosed as lung abscess over the past 2 months, but persistent anemia combined with significantly increased hs-CRP and lung lesions indicated systemic lesion, which led to the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis proven by lung biopsy and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (ANCA).

Methods: The complete blood count, hs-CRP, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test were performed. The pathology consultation for the lung biopsy was arranged.

Results: Hemoglobin was 8.5 g/L, hs-CRP was > 200 mg/L, c-ANCA directed against anti-proteinase 3 (PR3) was positive, pathology consultation reported granulomatous inflammation.

 

 

 

 

Conclusions: When patients have multiple organ dysfunction combined with anemia and significantly increased hs-CRP, physicians should pay attention to systemic vasculitis.

Tuberculosis Antibody and Tuberculin Positive Tests Initially Misdiagnosed as Active Tuberculosis in a Broncholithiasis Patient with Recurrent Hemoptysis and Fever Proven by Lung Lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of broncholithiasis with recurrent hemoptysis and fever initially misdiagnosed as active tuberculosis. METHODS: The chest contrast-enhanced CT scan, electronic bronchoscope, and ultrathin bronchoscope were performed leading to the diagnosis of broncholithiasis, open lung lobectomy was done after thoracic surgery consultation. RESULTS: The chest contrast-enhanced CT scan showed a high-density intratracheal shadow and calcified lymph nodes. Ultrathin bronchoscopy manifested calcified lesions located at the distal portion of the right lower lobe bronchus. Histopathology of lobectomy showed lithiasis in the right lower lobe tracheobronchial tree. CONCLUSIONS: We should pay attention to calcified intratracheal lesions and make differential diagnosis with tuberculosis, especially when accompanied with calcified lymph nodes and fever.

Simultaneous identification and determination of major taxoids from extracts of Taxus chinensis cell cultures.

Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/ MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods have been used to identify and quantify the major taxoids from extracts of Taxus chinensis cell cultures. Chromatography was carried out on a reverse phase C18 column with isocratic-mode elution. By analytically comparing LC/ESI-MS/MS of the extracts with that of the available reference substances and literature, six taxoids were identified as taxuyunnanine C (Tc, 1), yunnanxane (2), 2alpha,5alpha10beta-triacetoxy-14beta-propionyloxytaxa-4(20),11-diene (3), 2alpha,5alpha, 10beta-triacetoxy-14beta-(2-methyl)butyryloxytaxa-4(20),11-diene (4), taxol (5), and baccatin III (B III, 6), respectively. Among them, 2, 3 and 4 were assigned in the absence of the corresponding reference substances, and 3 and 4 were detected in this cell line for the first time. The identification was validated by NMR spectra. The precise quantification of 1 and 5 was made using HPLC. The limit of detection (LOD), 0.5 microg/ml for 5, 1.5 microg/ml for 1, and the linearity and accuracy of the quantitative method were evaluated, indicating a wide linear range and satisfactory accuracy. The amounts of other identified taxoids were calculated on the basis of comparison of the absolute response factors of similar structural substances. The proposed method provides a rapid, conventional and reliable tool to characterize and study cell lines for elucidating the taxane biosynthesis.