[Measurement of the Dose Rate Using Dosimeters in Interventional Radiology and Its Difficulty].

In equipment used for interventional radiology (IVR), automatic exposure control (AEC) is incorporated to obtain the X-ray output suitable for the treatment of targeted lesions. For the AEC, users select a region as the signal sensing region (measuring field, MF) in the flat panel detector; MFs with various sizes and shapes were pre-defined and prepared in the system. The aim of this study was to examine the change of measured dose rate with the selection of MFs, the type of dosimeters (the ionization chamber dosimeter and the semiconductor dosimeter), and the dosimeter placement relative to the direction of X-ray tube (from cathode to anode). The IVR equipment was Allura Xper FD20/10 (Philips Medical Systems), and six kinds of built-in MFs were used. It was found that dose rate measured by the ionization chamber dosimeter showed a variation of -2 mGy/min with the MFs and the ionization chamber dosimeter placement. The dose rate measured by the semiconductor dosimeter showed more variation than the ionization chamber dosimeter. The change of dose rate with the dosimeter placement would be caused by the MF overlapping the dosimeter which would affect the AEC (the X-ray output). Also, the change of dose rate with the dosimeter placement was considered to be related to the heel effect of the X-ray beam. When performing dose rate measurements, we should notice that the selection of MFs, the type of dosimeters, and the dosimeter placement would affect the measured values.

Tuberculous peritonitis developing during chemotherapy for pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis: a case report.

This report is of a case of tuberculous peritonitis that developed during antituberculous chemotherapy. A 54-year-old man had been diagnosed as all-drug susceptible pulmonary and intestinal tuberculosis, and treatment with isoniazid, ethambutol and rifampicin had been initiated. About 5 months later, while still undergoing therapy, a large amount of ascites developed. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed but due to the adhesion between the greater omentum and the parietal peritoneum, intestinal perforation occurred. An emergency operation was performed and the diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis was confirmed. There are few reports of abdominal tuberculosis developing during antituberculous chemotherapy. In this case a paradoxical response may have been involved in the pathogenesis.

The peripheral blood Valpha24+ NKT cell numbers decrease in patients with haematopoietic malignancy.

Valpha24TCR+ CD161+ NKT (Valpha24+ NKT) cells are activated by alpha-galactosylceramide and can exert anti-tumor activity against a variety of tumor cells. In this study, we assessed the Valpha24+ NKT cell numbers in peripheral blood (PB) from 30 healthy donors and 70 patients with haematopoietic malignancy including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), malignant lymphoma (ML), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Here, we demonstrated that PB Valpha24+ NKT cell numbers were significantly decreased in all the patients with haematopoietic malignancy in comparison with that in healthy donors (P < 0.005). In particular CD4- CD8- Valpha24+ NKT cell numbers were more significantly decreased in the patients with haematopoietic malignancy (P < 0.0001).

[Results of survey of adult community-acquired pneumonia utilizing flow chart of diagnostic guideline for management of respiratory infections].

We performed a nationwide survey of 1,258 patients to assess the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in Japan. Cases were classified as bacterial pneumonia in which the causal organism was unknown (Type A) or presumed (Type B), atypical pneumonia (Type C), severe pneumonia (Type D), or pneumonia in certain specific morbid states (Type E). Our objectives were to assess the actual use of antimicrobials and to determine the usefulness of the "Guidelines on Respiratory Infections--Basic Concepts in the Medical Care of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults", developed by the Guideline-Drafting Committee of the Japanese Respiratory Society (JRS), in differentiating these categories of patients. We also hoped to elicit constructive opinions that would contribute to future revisions of these guidelines. The findings showed that pneumonia was classified as "bacterial pneumonia in which the causal organism was unknown" in approximately half (50.2%) of the patients studied. The next most common classification was "severe pneumonia", followed by "atypical pneumonia", "bacterial pneumonia in which the causal organism was presumed", and "pneumonia in certain specific morbid states", in that order. Our results suggest that the JSR guidelines, including the methods for differentiating between bacterial pneumonia and atypical pneumonia, are useful and appropriate, and that antimicrobial agents were generally selected in accordance with the guidelines. We also identified a number of issues to be addressed in future updates of the guidelines, including criteria for physiological assessment, handling of cases in which physical findings and laboratory test results are not in agreement, age-related issues (especially the treatment of patients 65 years of age and older), the differentiation between bacterial pneumonia and atypical pneumonia, the weighing of underlying diseases and complications, and guidelines regarding the use of adjuvant therapy.

Translocation model of Candida albicans in DBA-2/J mice with protein calorie malnutrition mimics hematogenous candidiasis in humans.

To elucidate the mechanism of translocation of Candida albicans from the intestine to the bloodstream, we attempted to establish a murine model for hematogenous translocation of C. albicans using DBA-2/J mice with protein calorie malnutrition (PCM). PCM severely affected the development of the intestinal epithelia; thereby, the keratin and mucinous layers became very thin. Oral inoculation with C. albicans resulted in long-term colonization in the intestine of the PCM mice but not the well-nourished animals. Chemotherapy with a combination of cyclophosphamide and methotrexate, which started four days after oral inoculation of C. albicans, resulted in the systemic dissemination of C. albicans from the intestine in the PCM mice. Among systemic organs, C. albicans was first isolated from the liver, in which focal necrosis, containing fungal balls of yeast-like forms and/or hyphae, was formed. Subsequently, C. albicans was first recovered from the blood of the infected PCM mice at one day after the isolation from the liver, and thereafter, candidemia continued to increase its intensity until death. Histological study indicated that C. albicans gained entry into the systemic organs from the epithelia of the esophago-cardiac junction as well as the Ileo-cecal portions of the infected mice. The results of our present study therefore suggest that this PCM mouse model may be useful for better understanding of the chemotherapy-induced translocation by C. albicans from the gut to the systemic organs in compromised humans.

Aerosolized pentamidine prophylaxis against AIDS-related Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and its short- and long-term effects on pulmonary function in the Japanese.

We evaluated the incidence of prophylaxis failure with aerosolized pentamidine (AP) for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in Japanese patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and we examined the short- and long-term effects of AP on pulmonary function. The patients inhaled 300 mg of pentamidine by ultrasonic nebulizer, after the inhalation of procaterol (80 micrograms), every 4 weeks. PCP developed in 2 of 16 patients receiving primary prophylaxis with AP, and in 4 of 13 patients with secondary prophylaxis. The CD4(+) T-lymphocyte count was very low in the patients with prophylaxis failure. The chest radiographic presentations were atypical in 4 of the 6 patients with prophylaxis failure. There were no significant changes in the vital capacity (VC), VC/predictive VC (%VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1.0)), FEV(1.0)/forced vital capacity (FEV(1.0)%), and maximum expiratory flow rate at 25% of vital capacity (MEF(25))/height comparing values before and after initial AP treatment. However, a reduction of oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) of over 3% was noted in 4 patients during the initial AP administration. In 9 patients receiving AP prophylaxis for more than 36 months, we compared the pulmonary function parameters between the baseline and final observations (mean, 52.7 months). There were no changes in VC, %VC, FEV(1.0,) FEV(1.0)%, and SpO(2), but there was a statistically significant decline in MEF(25)/height after long-term AP treatment. We concluded that the incidence of prophylaxis failure with AP for PCP in Japanese patients was similar to that in Western patients, and that long-term AP treatment affected MEF(25)/height in spite of the safe pulmonary effects in short-term AP inhalation.

AIDS-related Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia with disappearance of cystic lesions after treatment.

A 21-year-old hemophiliac with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was admitted to our hospital because of bilateral pneumothoraces associated with Pneumocysis carinii pneumonia (PCP). He underwent chest tube drainages and intravenous pentamidine therapy, resulting in clinical improvement. Two months after treatment for PCP, cystic lesions that had existed before treatment disappeared on chest computed tomography. We concluded that Pneumocystis carinii infection might be associated with lung destruction and cyst formation, and that inflammatory exudates in the small bronchioles might act as a ball-valve with subsequent spontaneous pneumothoraces.

[A case of pleural malignant lymphoma associated with chronic tuberculous pyothorax].

We report a case of pleural malignant lymphoma associated with chronic tuberculous pyothorax. A 67-year-old male was hospitalized because of left lateral chest swelling and pain. He had suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis at the age of six and tuberculous pleurisy at the age of 24. We made a histologic diagnosis of malignant lymphoma diffuse large B-cell type. He was medicated THP-COP (THP, CY, VCR, PSL) therapy and his chest pain and swelling has improved gradually. From the view point of molecular biology, we detected Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the pyothorax wall. In conclusion, we should be more careful about medical examination in patients with EBV positive tuberculous pyothorax considering the complication of malignant lymphoma.

[A case of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation treated by transcatheter embolization using coils].

The patient was a 21-year-old woman who, at 16 years old, had had no subjective symptoms. She was referred to our hospital because of abnormal shadows in the middle of the left lung that were seen on a chest radiograph during a school medical screening. In her first examination at our hospital, CT revealed tumor-like shadows with diameters of 2.0 cm in Lt-S6 and 0.5 cm in Rt-S5, together with arteries and veins. Lung ventilation and blood flow scintigraphy was used to obtain images of both kidneys and the head, and as a result, a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) was diagnosed. Because of a low shunt fraction of 10.8%, the patient was only kept under observation. However, at 21 years of age, she complained of dyspnea with exercise and was admitted to the hospital for further examination. Chest CT showed an increase in the diameter of the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) to 2.7 cm, and 3-D image reconstruction clearly revealed the position of the tumor in relation to the pulmonary artery and vein. The shunt fraction had increased to 18.3%. Coil embolization was therefore performed to A6b, the artery feeding the AVM (using interlocking detachable coils of 6 mm-10 cm and 8 mm-20 cm, and Trufill coils of two 7 mm-6 cm and 5 mm-4 cm). The patient had no serious postoperative complications. A decreased AVM diameter of 1.7 cm and an improved shunt fraction of 11% were observed, and she was discharged from the hospital. Since then, she has been well, without dyspnea, and her chest films show only coils and no aggravation of other AVMs. AVMs generally have no symptoms, but they can cause severe complications such as hypoxia from a right-to-left shunt, hemoptysis, hemothorax, and brain abscesses. Coil embolization should be considered more often for the treatment of AVM because it is safer, more effective and less invasive than traditional operations.

[A case of AIDS-associated Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia with diffuse reticulonodular shadows].

A 32-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of fever and dyspnea on effort. Laboratory data on admission indicated leukocytosis and elevation of C-reactive protein. A chest radiograph showed diffuse reticulonodular shadows in both lower lung fields, and a chest computed tomography showed centrilobular reticulonodular opacity. Bronchoscopic findings revealed a large amount of slightly yellowish secretion in all bronchi. Cells found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) included 61% neutrophils. Haemophilus influenzae was isolated from cultures of the BALF and sputum. Transtracheal lung biopsy specimens showed focal infiltration of neutrophils in the alveoli, and the pathological findings in the lung were compatible with bronchiolopneumonia. Since the CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.09 and a positive reaction was obtained for anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody, HIV-associated pneumonia due to H. influenzae was diagnosed. Seven days' administration of cefozopran improved the patient's condition. It is interesting that radiological findings are often unusual in HIV-infected patients with H. influenzae pneumonia.

[An elderly case with Listeria monocytogenes sepsis and pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection].

A 88-year-old woman, who had lived in a nursing home, was admitted to our hospital because of the suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis. She had a cough, fever and diarrhea on admission. She suffered from sepsis because Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from only the blood culture twice. We immediately administered imipenem/cilastatin to her on admission. She simultaneously had pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection because the chest roentgenogram showed a cavity in the right upper lung field and Mycobacterium intracellulare was isolated from the sputum many times. She was treated with isoniazid, rifampicin and clarithromycin for the pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. Her condition improved soon after the administration of IPM/CS but a low grade fever and cough persisted. L. monocytogenes and M. intracellulare are important pathogens in the elderly because cell-mediated immunity mainly works as host defenses against both organisms.

Clinical trial of in-situ hybridization method for the rapid diagnosis of sepsis.

We evaluated the utility of in-situ hybridization (ISH) for the rapid diagnosis of sepsis. We applied this approach to polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-rich smears from patients with suspected bacterial infection. Positive results by ISH were obtained in the smears of 123 of 292 patients (42%), while only 32 of the 292 (11%) were positive by blood culture. These findings indicate that ISH is almost four times more sensitive than the culture method for the detection of sepsis. ISH results are obtained within 1 day, while 1 day to 2 weeks is required for the results of blood culture. Blood culture and ISH methods detected the same bacteria in two patients. ISH also successfully identified the same bacteria in blood and PMN-rich body fluid (bronchoalveolar lavage samples) in 6 patients. In 19 patients, ISH of blood detected the same bacteria as those found in subcultures from other sources (e.g., stool, sputum, nasal cavity). We discuss these results in comparison with blood culture results in terms of evaluating a rapid approach to the management of patients with sepsis.