Usefulness of gastric aspirate for the diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric aspirate can be useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in patients with smear-negative pulmonary TB or without sputum production. The gastric aspirate smear technique has low sensitivity, and a previous report demonstrated that no patient was diagnosed by only gastric aspirate analysis. However, some patients with TB have been negative on sputum examination but positive on gastric aspirate examination, and the incidence of such cases is uncertain. Therefore, this study investigated the usefulness of gastric aspirate in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB. METHODS: To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of gastric aspirate examination, the data of 513 patients with negative sputum smears or a lack of sputum production, including 203 patients with pulmonary TB (39.6%) and 93 patients with nontuberculous mycobacteriosis who underwent gastric aspiration at Fukujuji Hospital from January 2016 to March 2021, were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: The accuracy rates of gastric aspirate examination for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB were as follows: 21.2% sensitivity and 91.9% specificity for smear positivity, 55.8% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity for nucleic acid amplification test positivity, and 71.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity for culture positivity. Twenty-three patients (11.2%) were diagnosed by gastric aspirate examination alone. Among the 356 patients who underwent three repeated sputum examinations in addition to gastric aspirate examination, the cumulative diagnostic rate for the 3 mycobacterial examinations plus gastric aspirate examination was higher than that for only three sputum examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric aspirate is useful for the diagnosis of TB in patients with smear-negative pulmonary TB or without sputum production.

In-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation after completion of primary respiratory disease treatment improves physical activity and ADL performance: A prospective intervention study.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary rehabilitation improves the physical condition of patients with chronic respiratory disease; however, there are patients who cannot leave the hospital because of their low activities of daily living (ADLs), despite the completion of primary respiratory disease treatment and rehabilitation during treatment. Therefore, this study demonstrated that those patients recovered their ADLs through in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation after treatment completion. METHODS: We prospectively studied 24 hospitalized patients who had some remaining symptoms and showed low ADL scores of 9 points or less on the short physical performance battery after undergoing treatment for respiratory disease in Fukujuji Hospital from October 2018 to October 2019, excluding 2 patients who had re-exacerbation and 1 patient who could not be examined using the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). After completion of the primary respiratory disease treatment, patients moved to the regional comprehensive care ward, and they received pulmonary rehabilitation for 2 weeks. In the ward, patients who could not yet leave the hospital could undergo pulmonary rehabilitation for up to 60 days. Data were evaluated three times: upon treatment completion (baseline), postrehabilitation, and 3 months after baseline. The main outcome was an improvement in the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) postrehabilitation. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 80 (interquartile range (IQR): 74.8-84.5), and 14 patients (58.3%) were male. The ISWT distance significantly increased postrehabilitation (median [IQR]: 60 m [18-133] vs 120 m [68-203], P < .001). The Barthel Index (BI) (P < .001), the modified Medical Research Council (P < .001), and other scale scores were also improved. Among patients with acute respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and interstitial pneumonia, ISWT and other data showed improvement at the postrehabilitation timepoint. Ten patients who could perform examinations at 3 months after baseline were evaluated 3 months after taking baseline data prior to starting rehabilitation. The ISWT showed significant improvement 3 months after baseline compared to baseline (P = .024), and the ISWT distance was maintained after rehabilitation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity, symptoms, mental health, and ADL status in patients who had not recovered after primary treatment completion for respiratory diseases could improve through in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation.

Actinomyces meyeri pleural infection that was difficult to treat due to delayed culture: A case report and literature review of 28 cases.

An eighty-three-year-old man suffered from cough, right chest pain, and progressive dyspnea for sixteen days. He had hypoxemia, high white blood cells and C-reactive protein, and moderate right-sided pleural effusion on radiographic imaging. A pleural fluid examination revealed exudate. He was diagnosed with pleural infection and treated with intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam. On the second day of hospitalization, the treatment was changed to levofloxacin and clindamycin due to drug eruption. He improved gradually and was prescribed only oral levofloxacin on the eighteenth day of hospitalization. However, improvements in inflammation and imaging findings were poor. Actinomyces meyeri resistant to fluoroquinolones was cultured from a pleural effusion sample on the twenty-sixth day of hospitalization. The treatment was changed to oral clindamycin, and his medical condition subsequently improved. We reviewed twenty-eight patients with Actinomyces pleural infection and thirty-eight patients with other pleural infection phenotypes from our hospital and published case reports. Actinomyces pleural infection is a long-term process and results in a large amount of pleural effusion compared to other pleural infection phenotypes. These results might be related to the fact that Actinomyces is a slow-growing organism.

Waterproofing spray-associated pneumonitis review: Comparison with acute eosinophilic pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

ABSTRACT: Waterproofing spray-associated pneumonitis (WAP) proceeds to acute respiratory failure and is characterized by diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities on computed tomography; however, the detailed characteristics of WAP are unknown. Therefore, this study identified the characteristics of WAP from comparisons with those of acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), which show similar features to WAP.Adult patients with WAP, AEP, and HP treated in Fukujuji Hospital from 1990 to 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. Furthermore, data from patients with WAP were collected from publications in PubMed and the Japan Medical Abstracts Society and combined with data from our patients.Thirty-three patients with WAP, eleven patients with AEP, and thirty patients with HP were reviewed. Regarding age, sex, smoking habit, and laboratory findings (white blood cell count, C-reactive protein level, and serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 level), WAP and AEP were not significantly different, while WAP and HP were significantly different. The duration from symptom appearance to hospital visit was shorter in patients with WAP (median 1 day) than in patients with AEP (median 3 days, P = .006) or HP (median 30 days, P < .001). The dominant cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with WAP, AEP, and HP were different (macrophages, eosinophils, and lymphocytes, respectively).The characteristic features of WAP were rapid disease progression and macrophage dominance in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and these characteristics can be used to distinguish among WAP, AEP, and HP.

Analysis of risk factors for the development of a post-bronchoscopy respiratory infection in lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The development of pneumonia following bronchoscopy is a very important post-bronchoscopic complication, while lung abscesses after bronchoscopy are rare. However, bronchoscopic techniques have advanced, and recently, we have observed patients with lung abscess after bronchoscopy. Therefore, the risk factors might vary from those in past reports. This study was performed to identify the incidence of and risk factors for post-bronchoscopy respiratory infections. METHODS: We retrospectively studied adult patients diagnosed with lung cancer by bronchoscopy at Fukujuji Hospital from January 2017 to June 2019. The infection and noninfection groups were compared. The incidence of lung abscess was compared between recent periods and 2013, when endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) was not yet used in our hospital. RESULTS: We reviewed 327 patients, including 20 patients (6.1%) with infections. The risk factors for infection were necrosis and/or a cavity in the tumor (p < 0.001), a large tumor diameter (≥30 mm) (p = 0.010), and a low serum albumin level (<4.0 g/dL) (p = 0.010). We developed a predictive score with these risk factors, and the area under the curve was 0.737 (95% Cl: 0.610-0.864). No significant differences in age, current smoking status, or abnormal bronchoscopic findings were observed, although these were previously reported as risk factors. In total, 12 patients had lung abscesses (3.7%), which is a higher incidence than that in 2013 (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for developing post-bronchoscopy respiratory infection in our study varied from those in past reports, possibly because of the advancements in bronchoscopic techniques, such as EBUS-GS.

Clinico-microbiological analysis of 121 patients with pulmonary Mycobacteroides abscessus complex disease in Japan - An NTM-JRC study with RIT.

RATIONALE: No comprehensive analysis has previously been performed to evaluate the clinical aspects of and microbiological evidence associated with Mycobacteroides abscessus complex (MABC) infection in a region, such as Japan, with a low MABC incidence. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological characteristics of MABC, which included clinical relatedness to erm(41) sequevar, phenotype (as colony morphology and minimum inhibitory concentration), and genotype. METHODS: A total of 121 MABC patients (68 with M. abscessus subsp. abscessus and 53 with M. abscessus subsp. massiliense) were recruited into this retrospective clinical-biological study from tertiary hospitals in Japan between 2004 and 2014. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of MABC patients had a history of previous nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) disease. Furthermore, 24.8% of the patients had another concomitant NTM infection after they were diagnosed with MABC. Fewer than 10% of the patients in the M. abscessus group had T28C in erm(41). While we observed a higher conversion rate for M. massiliense than for M. abscessus (72.4% and 34.8%, respectively, p = 0.002), recurrence remained relatively common for M. massiliense (31.0%). In the M. abscessus patients, the MIC of clarithromycin (CLR) was significantly lower on day 3 in patients with a better treatment response than in refractory patients (The median MIC; 0.75 µg/ml v.s 2.0 µg/ml, p = 0.03). There was no significant relation between clinical manifestations and variable number of tandem repeat genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Because the history and simultaneous isolation of other NTM in MABC infection are relatively common, these information should be carefully translated into clinical actions. The evaluation of early CLR resistance in M. abscessus and the erm(41) functions should be important to improve the treatment strategy.

The Serum Ferritin Level Is Associated with the Treatment Responsivity for Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease with Amyopathic Dermatomyositis, Irrespective of the Anti-MDA5 Antibody Level.

We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease caused by clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis. Both the serum ferritin and anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody levels were elevated at the time of admission. Despite intensive treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, immunoglobulins and polymyxin B direct hemoperfusion, the patient died 75 days after symptom onset. Over the course of treatment, the anti-MDA5 antibody level continually decreased, while the serum ferritin level increased, suggesting that sequential measurements of the serum ferritin level might be useful for evaluating the treatment responsivity, irrespective of the anti-MDA5 antibody level.

Relapse of Yellow Nail Syndrome with Pulmonary Lymphedema.

Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare disorder characterized by the triad of yellow, thickened nails, lymphedema, and respiratory manifestations such as pleural effusions, bronchiectasis, and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. We report a case of YNS showing pulmonary interlobular septal thickening on thoracic computed tomography, implying the presence of lymphatic edema. The patient showed both the remission and relapse of yellow nail with different lung treatments over a long clinical course.

[A case of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome suspected from pulmonary hematoma due to disruption of the lung].

A 20-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to hemoptysis. Chest CT showed a ground-glass opacity, suggesting pulmonary bleeding; however, a diagnosis was not obtained. At a follow-up examination after 2 months, Chest CT showed improvement of the ground-glass opacity, however a cavitary nodule had newly appeared. Four months later, another new nodule was found on chest X-ray film. Video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy was performed for pathological diagnosis; disruption of the pleural, lung and blood vessels, and pulmonary hematoma were found. We thought of the fragility of the pleuro-pulmonary connective tissue and also thought of the probability of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). A biochemical analysis of cultured dermal fibroblasts and molecular biological examination revealed decreased production of type III collagen in fibroblasts and COL3A1 mutation. We diagnosed this case as vascular EDS. EDS is one of the differential diagnoses in patients presenting hemoptysis and pulmonary hematoma due to disruption of the lung.

[Primary ciliary dyskinesia. A case report and comparison with 4 previous cases].

We encountered a 59-year-old man, whose chief complaints were sputum and dyspnea on effort. He had suffered from sinusitis since childhood, and chest computed tomography showed bronchiectasis. Electron microscopic examination of bronchial mucosa biopsied by bronchoscopy showed defect of the inner dynein arm in most of his cilia. We diagnosed primary ciliary dyskinesia. Seminal analysis showed no abnormalities, and the etiology of infertility remains unclear. The present case is the fifth case treated at our hospital. In this paper, we compared this case with 4 cases (2 cases of Kartagener's syndrome and 2 cases of primary ciliary dyskinesia without situs invertus) of our hospital, and findings of previous reports. Primary ciliary dyskinesia should be included in the differential diagnosis even in cases of mild bronchiectasis or normal mobility of sperm. Primary ciliary dyskinesia has more variety in radiological and clinical findings than has been recognized.

[Case of pneumonia caused by beta-lactamase-producing and amoxicillin/clavulanate resistant strains of H. influenzae].

An 80-year-old woman presenting with fever and cough was given a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. She was hospitalized and treated with ampicillin/sulbactam (ABPC/SBT) and clarithromycin (CAM). Gram stain images and sputum culture results led us to believe that the causative agent was Haemophilus influenzae. Drug sensitivity testing indicated that the H. influenzae was a beta-lactamase-positive, ABPC-resistant (BLPAR) strain. Treatment with ABPC/SBT was not clinically effective. We considered the possibility of beta-lactamase-positive amoxicillin/clavulanate-resistant (BLPACR) strains. Further testing revealed that the MIC of ABPC was 128 microg/ml, that of SBT/ABPC was 8 microg/ml, and that of AMPC/CVA was 4 microg/ml. Furthermore, genetic analysis indicated the H. influenzae to be a BLPACR-I strain. The poor clinical course eventually led to a diagnosis of BLPACR. When beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae is cultured, the possibility of a BLPACR strain resistant to ABPC/SBT and AMPC/CVA must be considered.

Development of sarcoidosis during etanercept therapy.

This report describes a 65-year-old woman who developed granulomatous lesions consistent with sarcoidosis during etanercept therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy and multiple nodules in both lung fields developed 21 months after administration of etanercept. Noncaseating epithelioid cell granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis were detected in a lung biopsy specimen and in the parietal pleura obtained via thoracotomy. Diseases showing similar histologic changes were excluded, and a diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made. Etanercept was discontinued, which resulted in symptomatic relief, improvement of oxygenation and radiologic findings. There is substantial evidence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha involvement in the induction and maintenance of granuloma formation; however, we should keep in mind that granulomatous disease, such as sarcoidosis, can develop during treatment with a tumor necrosis factor-alpha blocking agent, such as etanercept.

[Long-term CT findings of X-linked agammaglobulinemia with bronchiectasis diagnosed in an adult].

We report a case of X-linked agammaglobulinemia who presented with bronchiectasis. The patient had suffered pneumonia about every five years since childhood until he presented to our hospital at age 34 years old. CT showed bronchiectasis predominantly in the right middle lobe, lingula, and lower lobes. Administration of antibiotics resulted in symptomatic relief. Episodes of recurrent pulmonary infection and bronchiectasis indicated congenital immunodeficiency disorder. Investigation of lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulin values showed remarkable reduction of B cells, IgG 772 mg/dl, IgA 216 mg/dl, and IgM 29 mg/dl. Flow cytometric assessment combined with genetic analysis was performed, and the results showed decreased expression of monocyte Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and missense mutation of Btk gene. We diagnosed X-linked agammaglobulinemia. IgG remained above 600 mg/dl in this case, we have not administered immunoglobulin after discharge. He suffered from pneumonia in 2004 and 2006 and bronchiectasis has progressed. In this report, we present a case including CT findings over a period of 8 years.

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia with a remarkable increase in the number of BAL eosinophils.

A 57-year old man with desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) showed a marked increase in eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The patient was referred to our hospital for abnormal shadows on his chest X-ray with no symptoms in May 2007. Computed tomography (CT) showed patchy, peripheral predominate ground-glass opacity. The BAL fluid revealed an increase of the total number of cells, including markedly elevated levels of eosinophils (62.1%), in contrast with only a slight increase of peripheral blood eosinophils, or minimal eosinophils in the alveolar spaces and interstitium of the thoracoscopic lung biopsy specimen. Since the specimens showed findings compatible with a DIP pattern, we diagnosed the patient with DIP. Although it is a rare entity, we should therefore consider DIP in the differential diagnosis when we encounter patients with a marked increase in the number of BAL eosinophils.

Pulmonary Schizophyllum commune infection developing mucoid impaction of the bronchi.

A 54-year-old woman was admitted for cough, sputum, and an abnormal chest X-ray shadow. Bronchoscopy showed mucoid impaction of the bronchi (MIB). Histopathologic evidence of mucous plugs was consistent with one component of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis. Schizophyllum commune (S. commune) was identified. Two attempts at removal of the mucous plugs were unsuccessful. Itraconazole was then administered, and the mucous plugs disappeared. There are few reports of MIB due to S. commune; we herein report a case of MIB due to S. commune infection.

[Successful surgical ligation and transection of racemose hemangioma of bronchial artery].

We report two cases of bilateral racemose hemangioma in patients with hemoptysis. Case 1 was a 62-year-old woman who visited a local clinic complaining of hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy revealed multiple pulsating tumorous lesions and she was referred to our department. Chest Multidetector CT (MDCT) disclosed bilateral enlarged and convoluted, abnormal bronchial arteries and primary racemose hemangioma was diagnosed. Bronchial artery embolization was selected, but not conducted because of concern regarding the arteriovenous shunt and escape into the greater circulation. In combination with thoracoscopic mini-thoracotomy, ligation and separation of the bronchial artery were performed. Case 2 was a 68-year-old man who was transferred to our department with a chief complaint of hemoptysis. MDCT revealed bilateral bronchiectasis and a convoluted and enlarged, abnormal bronchial artery along the mediastinum. He was diagnosed as having secondary racemose hemangioma. First, bronchial artery embolization was conducted, but hemostasis was difficult, thus surgical ligation was conducted. In both cases, MDCT was effective for diagnosis and surgical ligation is very important as a therapeutic option for racemose hemangioma.