Sex and Gender in Lung Diseases and Sleep Disorders: A State-of-the-Art Review: Part 2.

There is now ample evidence that differences in sex and gender contribute to the incidence, susceptibility, presentation, diagnosis, and clinical course of many lung diseases. Some conditions are more prevalent in women, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and sarcoidosis. Some life stages-such as pregnancy-are unique to women and can affect the onset and course of lung disease. Clinical presentation may differ as well, such as the higher number of exacerbations experienced by women with cystic fibrosis (CF), more fatigue in women with sarcoidosis, and more difficulty in achieving smoking cessation. Outcomes such as mortality may be different as well, as indicated by the higher mortality in women with CF. In addition, response to therapy and medication safety may also differ by sex, and yet, pharmacogenomic factors are often not adequately addressed in clinical trials. Various aspects of lung/sleep biology and pathobiology are impacted by female sex and female reproductive transitions. Differential gene expression or organ development can be impacted by these biological differences. Understanding these differences is the first step in moving toward precision medicine for all patients. This article is the second part of a state-of-the-art review of specific effects of sex and gender focused on epidemiology, disease presentation, risk factors, and management of selected lung diseases. We review the more recent literature and focus on guidelines incorporating sex and gender differences in pulmonary hypertension, CF and non-CF bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, restless legs syndrome and insomnia, and critical illness. We also provide a summary of the effects of pregnancy on lung diseases and discuss the impact of sex and gender on tobacco use and treatment of nicotine use disorder.

Midodrine in Liver Cirrhosis With Ascites: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ascites is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis. Midodrine is a vasoconstrictor that improves splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics, reduces ascites, and improves clinical outcomes. Here, we aimed to examine the role of midodrine in cirrhosis-related ascites. Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and PubMed Central databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials comparing midodrine with other interventions in patients with cirrhotic ascites on November 25, 2020, using appropriate keywords like "midodrine", "ascitic cirrhosis", "peritoneal paracentesis" and suitable Boolean operators. Odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) were used to analyze pool data as appropriate with a 95% confident interval (CI). A total of 14 studies were included in our analysis including 1199 patients. The addition of midodrine resulted in statistically significant improvement in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (MD, 3.95 mmHg; 95% CI, 1.53-6.36) and MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score (MD, -1.27; 95% CI, -2.49 to -0.04) compared to standard medical treatment (SMT). There was also a significant improvement in plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration. However, there was no significant improvement in mortality or serum creatinine compared to SMT. In addition, there was no statistically significant improvement in MAP, plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone concentration, MELD score, overall mortality, and paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction comparing midodrine with albumin. Midodrine alone leads to significant improvement in various clinical parameters in patients with cirrhotic ascites compared to standard medical care. At the same time, it was found to be non-inferior to albumin. Therefore, further well-designed studies need to be carried out on midodrine in addition to albumin for optimal clinical benefits among patients with ascites due to cirrhosis.

Vasopressin versus norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor in septic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and Aim: Norepinephrine is currently the first-line vasopressor for septic shock. We conducted this meta-analysis to examine the outcomes of adult patients with septic shock who received vasopressin instead of norepinephrine. Methods: We selected studies in adults with septic shock that compared the outcomes of patients treated with vasopressin versus norepinephrine. Cochrane ROB 2.0 and the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tools were used to assess the risk of bias in RCTs and observational studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4. Results: Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in 28-day mortality rates (OR, 1.07; CI, 0.80-1.44) and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality (OR, 0.74; CI, 0.21-2.67) between the two groups. Similarly, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, mean arterial pressure at 24 h, urine output at 24 h, and serious adverse events also did not differ significantly. However, the odds of renal replacement therapy (RRT) requirement in the vasopressin group were substantially lower than in the norepinephrine group (OR, 0.68; CI, 0.47-0.98). Conclusion: There were no differences in mortality, duration of hospitalization, and adverse effects in adults with septic shock across the two groups. However, the patients treated with vasopressin had lower chances of requiring RRT. Relevance for Patients: Vasopressin use as the first-line vasopressor in septic shock showed a significant reduction in RRT, though there were no significant differences in terms of mortality and other adverse events. Therefore, vasopressin can be considered as a first-line vasopressor in septic shock patients with other risk factors which may contribute to renal failure requiring RRT.

Sex and Gender in Lung Disease and Sleep Disorders: A State-of-the-Art Review.

The terms sex and gender often are used interchangeably, but have specific meaning when it comes to their effects on lung disease. Ample evidence is now available that sex and gender affect the incidence, susceptibility, presentation, diagnosis, and severity of many lung diseases. Some conditions are more prevalent in women, such as asthma. Other conditions are seen almost exclusively in women, like lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Some life stages-such as pregnancy-are unique to women and can affect the onset and course of lung disease. Clinical presentation may differ as well, such as higher number of exacerbations experienced by women with COPD and greater cardiovascular morbidity in women with sleep-disordered breathing. In addition, response to therapy and medication safety may also differ by sex, and yet, pharmacogenomic factors often are not addressed adequately in clinical trials. Various aspects of lung and sleep biology and pathobiology are impacted by female sex and female reproductive transitions. Differential gene expression or organ development can be impacted by these biological differences. Understanding these differences is the first step in moving toward precision medicine for women. This article is a state-of-the-art review of specific effects of sex and gender focused on epidemiology, disease presentation, risk factors, and management of lung diseases. Pathobiological mechanisms explaining sex differences in these diseases are beyond the scope of this article. We review the literature and focus on recent guidelines about using sex and gender in research. We also review sex and gender differences in lung diseases.

eARDS: A multi-center validation of an interpretable machine learning algorithm of early onset Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) among critically ill adults with COVID-19.

We present an interpretable machine learning algorithm called 'eARDS' for predicting ARDS in an ICU population comprising COVID-19 patients, up to 12-hours before satisfying the Berlin clinical criteria. The analysis was conducted on data collected from the Intensive care units (ICU) at Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN and the Cerner® Health Facts Deidentified Database, a multi-site COVID-19 EMR database. The participants in the analysis consisted of adults over 18 years of age. Clinical data from 35,804 patients who developed ARDS and controls were used to generate predictive models that identify risk for ARDS onset up to 12-hours before satisfying the Berlin criteria. We identified salient features from the electronic medical record that predicted respiratory failure among this population. The machine learning algorithm which provided the best performance exhibited AUROC of 0.89 (95% CI = 0.88-0.90), sensitivity of 0.77 (95% CI = 0.75-0.78), specificity 0.85 (95% CI = 085-0.86). Validation performance across two separate health systems (comprising 899 COVID-19 patients) exhibited AUROC of 0.82 (0.81-0.83) and 0.89 (0.87, 0.90). Important features for prediction of ARDS included minimum oxygen saturation (SpO2), standard deviation of the systolic blood pressure (SBP), O2 flow, and maximum respiratory rate over an observational window of 16-hours. Analyzing the performance of the model across various cohorts indicates that the model performed best among a younger age group (18-40) (AUROC = 0.93 [0.92-0.94]), compared to an older age group (80+) (AUROC = 0.81 [0.81-0.82]). The model performance was comparable on both male and female groups, but performed significantly better on the severe ARDS group compared to the mild and moderate groups. The eARDS system demonstrated robust performance for predicting COVID19 patients who developed ARDS at least 12-hours before the Berlin clinical criteria, across two independent health systems.

Outcomes of critically ill solid organ transplant patients with COVID-19 in the United States.

National data on patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) solid organ transplant (SOT) patients are limited. We analyzed data from a multicenter cohort study of adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at 68 hospitals across the United States from March 4 to May 8, 2020. From 4153 patients, we created a propensity score matched cohort of 386 patients, including 98 SOT patients and 288 non-SOT patients. We used a binomial generalized linear model (log-binomial model) to examine the association of SOT status with death and other clinical outcomes. Among the 386 patients, the median age was 60 years, 72% were male, and 41% were black. Death within 28 days of ICU admission was similar in SOT and non-SOT patients (40% and 43%, respectively; relative risk [RR] 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-1.22). Other outcomes and requirement for organ support including receipt of mechanical ventilation, development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and receipt of vasopressors were also similar between groups. There was a trend toward higher risk of acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy in SOT vs. non-SOT patients (37% vs. 27%; RR [95% CI]: 1.34 [0.97-1.85]). Death and organ support requirement were similar between SOT and non-SOT critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Prognostication via early computed tomography head in patients treated with targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated computed tomography head (CTH) imaging obtained prior to targeted temperature management (TTM) in patients after cardiac arrest, and its role in prognostication. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study in a tertiary-care hospital, 341 adults presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest received a CTH prior to TTM. Associations between outcomes and neuroimaging variables were evaluated with Chi-square analysis for significant associations that yielded a composite neuroimaging score-Tennessee Early Neuroimaging Score (TENS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis including TENS as an independent variable and the four outcome dependent variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Four of the neuroimaging variables-sulcal effacement, partial gray-white matter effacement, total gray-white matter effacement, deep nuclei effacement-had significant associations with each of the four outcome variables and yielded TENS. In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders, TENS was associated with poor discharge CPC (OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.16-3.98, p = .015), poor disposition (OR 2.62, 95%CI 1.37-5.02, p = .004), in-hospital mortality (OR 1.99, 95%CI 1.09-3.62, p = .024), and ICU mortality (OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.12-3.20, p = .018). CONCLUSION: Imaging prior to TTM may help identify post-cardiac arrest patients with severe anoxic brain injury and poor outcomes.

Endobronchial Lesions in Patients Presenting with Hemoptysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of endobronchial lesions in patients presenting with hemoptysis. We also aimed to characterize features that would predict whether bronchoscopy would be useful. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 185 consecutive patients who presented with hemoptysis from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015 at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare-affiliated hospitals in Memphis, Tennessee. Data collection included demographic information, description of hemoptysis, imaging results, bronchoscopy results, and the final diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients presented with hemoptysis during our study period. Of these, 14 patients were excluded because of age (younger than 18 years) and incomplete data (inadequate information about the procedure performed, lack of imaging studies, incorrect International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding). The final analysis was performed in 171 patients; 87 underwent bronchoscopy either to determine etiology or to aid in management. Most patients (73%) had mild hemoptysis, with approximately half of the patients having hemoptysis for ≤1 day. Of 87 people who underwent bronchoscopy, 12 (13.8%) were found to have endobronchial lesions, and 35 (51.7%) patients were found to have either active bleeding or had fresh blood in their airway during bronchoscopy. Final diagnoses included pneumonia/bronchitis in 30 (18.9%) patients, malignancy in 24 (15.1 %), and anticoagulation toxicity in 23 (14.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopy should be strongly considered in patients presenting with hemoptysis, especially if it is frank blood, of >1 week's duration, or both, because the information obtained can be vital for management. This appears to hold true even for patients who have no abnormalities seen on computed tomography chest imaging upon initial workup.

Pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis: A fatal case report.

Purpose Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody which inhibits the programmed cell death 1 receptor, has been shown to efficaciously enhance pre-existing immune responses to malignancies. However, safety concerns must also be considered as pembrolizumab use has been associated with several life-threatening immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We report a fatal case of pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis in a patient with no prior myasthenia gravis history. Case report A 63-year-old male presented with right eyelid drooping, puffiness, blurred vision, and shortness of breath two weeks after an initial infusion of pembrolizumab. He was subsequently diagnosed with new onset acetylcholine-receptor positive myasthenia gravis. Despite aggressive treatment with corticosteroids, pyridostigmine, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasmapheresis, the patient clinically deteriorated and ultimately expired from acute respiratory failure after a 12-day hospitalization. Discussion Current package labeling for pembrolizumab warns against various irAEs associated with its use including pneumonitis, colitis, and endocrinopathies. To date, only one case of new onset myasthenia gravis and two case reports of myasthenia gravis exacerbation have been identified. This case further highlights the mortality risk associated with development of irAEs. Conclusion While rare, evidence for the development of MG associated with pembrolizumab is growing. Prompt recognition of symptoms and discontinuation of pembrolizumab is necessary to help improve prognosis.

Atrio-Esophageal Fistula: A Case Series and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous catheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation of the left atrium and pulmonary vein ostia have become successful therapeutic modalities in the management of atrial fibrillation. Atrio-esophageal fistula is a rare complication. Awareness of complication risk is imperative because without prompt diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention, the outcome is often fatal. We present 3 cases of atrio-esophageal fistula following percutaneous catheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA). CASE REPORT Case 1: A 72-year old white male presented 27 days after percutaneous RFA for atrial fibrillation with fever, altered mental status, and melena. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a 1-cm defect in the mid-esophagus. Upon thoracotomy, severe hemorrhage ensued from a concomitant injury to the left atrium. Multiple attempts to repair the left atrial perforation were unsuccessful and the patient died. Case 2: A 71-year old white male presented 29 days after percutaneous RFA for atrial fibrillation with fever and tonic-clonic seizure. Recognition of possible atrio-esophageal fistula was considered and confirmed on thoracotomy. Surgical fixation of the left atria and esophagus were performed. The patient survived and was discharged to a skilled care facility. Case 3: A 75-year old white male presented 24 days after percutaneous RFA for atrial fibrillation with chest pain. An echocardiogram revealed a large pericardial effusion and pericardiocentesis was performed. Despite aggressive measures, the patient died. The autopsy demonstrated a communicating esophageal fistula with the right pulmonary vein. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians tending to patients who have recently undergone atrial ablation need to be aware of atrio-esophageal fistula as a rare but highly fatal complication.

Therapeutic plasmapheresis for hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis: case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is the third leading cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) in the United States. The current standard of care includes management of HTG using pharmacological therapy. More recently, plasmapheresis has been proposed as a therapeutic tool for decreasing triglyceride (TG) levels, especially in critically ill patients. Few studies are available to ascertain overall benefits of plasmapheresis over traditional management. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of patients treated with plasmapheresis for severe HTG-associated pancreatitis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of three patients with severe HTG- associated (TGs greater than 1000 mg/dl; 11.29 mmol/l) AP at the Methodist University Hospital. All the patients underwent plasmapheresis as part of their treatment. RESULTS: The average TG level before plasmapheresis was 3532 mg/dl (range: 2524-4562 mg/dl; 39.9 mmol/l; range: 28.5-51.6 mmol/l). All patients made a full recovery, with a significant improvement in TG levels after plasmapheresis. The mean number of sessions was 1.3 (range 1-2), and mean TG level after plasmapheresis was 1051 mg/dl (range: 509-1771 mg/dl; 11.9 mmol/l; range: 5.8-20 mmol/l). After the first session, the average reduction of TG level was 2481 mg/dl (range 753-3750 mg/dl; 28 mmol/l; range: 8.5-42.4 mmol/l) or approximately 70%. None of the patients developed complications related to plasmapheresis. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmapheresis can be an effective and rapid treatment option in patients with severe HTG and complications. However, further research, including randomized controlled studies, is necessary.

Chronic Granulomatous Disease Presenting as Aspergillus Fumigatus Pneumonia in a Previously Healthy Young Woman.

BACKGROUND Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) is a rare immunodeficiency disease caused by a genetic defect in the NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase enzyme, resulting in increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. The inheritance can be X-linked or autosomal recessive. Patients usually present with repeated infections early in life. We present an unusual case of a 23-year-old patient diagnosed with CGD. CASE REPORT A 23-year-old white woman with no previous history of recurrent infections presented with complaints of fever, shortness of breath, and diffuse myalgia. She had been treated twice for similar complaints recently, but without resolution. She was febrile, tachypneic, tachycardic, and hypoxic at presentation. Physical examination revealed diffuse inspiratory rales. Laboratory results showed leukocytosis. Her initial chest X-ray and CT chest showed reticular nodular interstitial lung disease pattern. Despite being on broad-spectrum antibiotics for 5 days, she continued to require supplemental oxygen and continued to be tachypneic, with minimal activity. Initial diagnostic tests, including bronchoscopy with biopsy and lavage, did not reveal a diagnosis. She then underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung biopsy. The biopsy slides showed suppurative granulomatous inflammation affecting greater than 50% of the parenchymal lung surface. Fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus were present in those granulomas. A diagnosis of CGD was made and she was started on Voriconazole. She improved with treatment. Her neutrophil burst test showed negative burst on stimulation, indicating phagocytic dysfunction consistent with CGD. Autosomal recessive CGD was confirmed by genetic testing. CONCLUSIONS CGD can present in adulthood without any previous symptoms and signs. Clinicians should consider this disease in patients presenting with recurrent or non-resolving infections. Timely treatment and prophylaxis has been shown to reduce serious infections as well as mortality in these patients.

Role of Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (Conventional and EBUS Guided) in the Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis in Patients Presenting with Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The superior performance of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis and staging of malignancy has been demonstrated, with some investigators suggesting the same for sarcoidosis. The role of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of histoplasmosis is not clear, however. In this study we estimate the diagnostic yield of conventional TBNA (cTBNA) and EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted on 452 consecutive patients who underwent cTBNA or EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal lymphadenopathy from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2014 at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare-affiliated hospitals in Memphis, Tennessee. Data collection included demographic information, reason for the procedure, size of the lymph nodes, procedures performed, and the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 452 cases reviewed, 146 underwent cTBNA and 306 underwent EBUS-TBNA. Final diagnoses include malignancy (41.5%), sarcoidosis (11.2%), and histoplasmosis (8.1%). Among 146 patients who underwent cTBNA, a final diagnosis was obtained by this modality in 58 patients (39.7%). The diagnostic rate for cTBNA for malignancy was 68% (40/59), 30% (4/13) for sarcoidosis, and 43% (6/14) for histoplasmosis. In 306 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA, 188 had a final diagnosis (61.4%) obtained by this modality. For EBUS-TBNA, the diagnostic rates were 79.5% (101/127) for malignancy, 74% (28/38) for sarcoidosis, and 78% (18/23) for histoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-TBNA had a higher yield than cTBNA for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Clinicians practicing in areas with a high prevalence of histoplasmosis and sarcoidosis should use EBUS-TBNA, whenever available, for this reason.

Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Pleura: A Rare Complication of Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), also known as Marjolin ulcer, is a rare complication of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Metastatic SCC from HS typically involves the axial skeleton or abdominopelvic viscera. Metastatic disease to the lungs is a rare phenomenon with only three reported cases of lung parenchyma. We present a biopsy proven case of metastatic SCC to the pleura from gluteal HS. CASE REPORT A 46-year-old male with a history of recently diagnosed Marjolin ulcer secondary to gluteal HS was transferred to our intensive care unit for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to recurrent pleural effusion. On examination, patient was febrile (38.3 °C), normotensive (blood pressure 98/65 mm Hg), tachycardic (116 beats/minute) and tachypneic (40 breaths/minute) with oxygen saturation of 93% on room air. He was in moderate distress requiring endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Chest examination revealed decreased breath sounds bilaterally and skin examination was significant for 18 cm wide sacral lesion. CT thorax showed bilateral pleural effusions, pleural thickening, and scattered nodular densities within both lungs concerning for metastatic disease. Thoracentesis showed lymphocyte predominant exudate with negative cytology for malignant cells. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) illustrated thickened pleural rind with histopathology and positive p40 stain consistent with invasive well-to-moderately differentiated keratinizing SCC.  CONCLUSIONS SCC arising from HS is rare and metastatic disease to the pleura has not been reported previously. Strong clinical suspicion for malignancy is warranted in patients with advanced HS and evolving pulmonary symptoms despite negative cytology.

Vitamin D Supplementation: Not So Simple in Sarcoidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Americans are increasingly receiving vitamin D supplementation, often based on low-measured 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-vit D). In sarcoidosis, there is often increased metabolism of 25-OH-vit D to 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (1,25-OH-vit D), so 25-OH-vit D may remain low, despite high levels of 1,25-OH-vit D. In such cases, vitamin D supplementation may lead to hypercalcemia. METHODS: We randomly selected 196 patients with sarcoidosis who received at least 1 prescription of vitamin D between 2005 and 2011 and 196 control patients. Primary outcome was the incidence of hypercalcemia during the 2 years following the vitamin D prescription. A secondary outcome was the proportion of patients who had received vitamin D prescriptions and who had adequate blood work performed before the prescription. RESULTS: The 25-OH-vit D and 1,25-OH-vit D levels were measured in only 70% and 23%, respectively, of those receiving supplementation. Hypercalcemia was noted more frequently in the group that received vitamin D (42.3%) as compared with the nonsupplemented group (18.3%), P < 0.0001. Patients who received a vitamin D prescription developed moderate and severe hypercalcemia more frequently (12.8%) as compared to the group that did not receive vitamin D (3.6%), P = 0.001. In multivariate analysis, having a prescription for vitamin D increased the risk of developing hypercalcemia to approximately 2-fold. The risk of developing hypercalcemia (odds ratio = 4.1) was increased with renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that a substantial proportion of patients with sarcoidosis who receive vitamin D are not getting appropriate pretesting. This increases their risk for developing hypercalcemia.

Concurrent Myelomatous Pleural Effusion and Extramedullary Mediastinal Involvement as an Initial Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma.

BACKGROUND Myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE) is a rare occurrence in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Fewer than 20 cases of MPE have been reported as an initial manifestation of MM. Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) occurs in fewer than 5% patients with MM, and mediastinal EMP is even rarer, with only about 80 cases reported in the literature. We present a case study involving a patient with concurrent MPE and mediastinal EMP as an initial manifestation of MM. CASE REPORT The patient was a 74-year-old nonsmoking female with a 3-month history of exertional dyspnea and back pain. On exam, the patient was afebrile (temperature 37.2°C), blood pressure was 160/74 mm Hg, heart rate was 92 bpm, respiratory rate was 22/min, and oxygen saturation was 87% on room air. Patient was in mild distress and had decreased breath sounds over right lung fields about halfway up with dullness to percussion. Computed tomography of the chest showed a moderate-sized right pleural effusion and an anterior mediastinal mass. Thoracentesis showed a lymphocyte-predominant exudate. Cytology showed numerous plasma cells including immature forms. Stains for CD138 were positive, confirming plasma cell origin of cells. The anterior mediastinal mass was also biopsied and showed diffuse infiltrate of lymphocytes with plasma cell features that were also positive for CD138. Systemic protein electrophoresis showed a monoclonal immunoglobulin G kappa spike, and bone marrow biopsy was consistent with MM. CONCLUSIONS MPE and EMP are extremely rare manifestations in MM. In addition, it is extremely rare for these to be the presenting features of MM. We report concurrently occurring MPE and EMP in a patient as her initial manifestation of MM.

Pleural Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: An Unusual Culprit in Pleural Effusion.

BACKGROUND: Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) usually presents as lung or mediastinal lesions. It is very rare for SCLC to present primarily as an isolated pleural effusion with no lung or mediastinal lesions. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 77-year-old white male with a 60-pack year history of smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (stage IV), and asbestos exposure who presented with shortness of breath and left lateral chest pain for 7 days. On physical examination, he was very short of breath, with a prolonged expiratory phase on chest auscultation. Laboratory results were normal except for leukocytosis and chest radiograph revealing left-sided pleural effusion. Computerized tomography (CT) scanning of the chest with IV contrast showed left-sided pleural effusion without any lung or mediastinal lesions. Thoracentesis was performed and fluid was sent for analysis. Repeat CT chest/abdomen/pelvis, done immediately following thoracocentesis, did not show any masses or lymphadenopathy. Fluid analysis, including cytology and immunostain pattern, was consistent with small cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Small cell lung cancer presenting as an isolated pleural effusion is extremely rare. It requires close attention to cytology and immunohistochemistry of pleural fluid samples. It also has implications for management and should be managed as limited-stage SCLC.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: A Rare Cause of Pleural Mass.

BACKGROUND: A solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura is a rare but usually benign mesenchymal tumor arising from the pleura. Patients are often asymptomatic, resulting in the majority of tumors being detected incidentally on chest imaging. We present a case of a large solitary pleural tumor and review the typical radiographic and pathologic findings associated with this finding. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old white man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was found to have a large pleural mass on chest radiography during a pre-operative assessment. The tumor was biopsied and findings were consistent with solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. CONCLUSIONS: SFTPs are generally considered benign tumors although there is a risk of malignant transformation and recurrence. Imaging studies play an important role in identifying the tumor and planes of resection, and histologic diagnosis is critical in differentiating SFTP from other type of pleural masses. Surgical resection is main therapy of choice.

Wait!!! No Steroids for this Asthma .

BACKGROUND: Strongyloides stercoralis (SS) is a parasite seen in certain parts of the USA and in people from other endemic areas. In these patients steroids might precipitate or exacerbate asthma. Apart from worsening of asthma, serious complications like hyperinfection syndrome and even death can occur in these patients if treated with steroids. Treatment is either ivermectin or albendazole based on severity of the disease. Clinicians have to be very careful when prescribing steroids in patients presenting with an exacerbation of asthma from areas endemic for Strongyloides stercoralis. CASE REPORT: A young woman with history of asthma presented with complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, wheezing, and dry cough. Physical examination revealed diffuse expiratory wheezing and mild diffuse abdominal pain without rebound or guarding. Laboratory results showed leukocytosis with eosinophilia. Stool studies showed Strongyloides stercoralis. Imaging revealed ground-glass opacities in the right upper and lower lobe along with an infiltrate in the lingular lobe on the left side. Bronchoscopy showed Strongyloides stercoralis. The patient was diagnosed with hyperinfection syndrome due to Strongyloides stercoralis most probably exacerbated by prednisone given for her asthma. Steroids were then discontinued and the patient was started on ivermectin. The patient improved with treatment. Repeat stool examination was negative for Strongyloides stercoralis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians have to be very careful when prescribing steroids in patients presenting with an exacerbation of asthma who are from areas endemic for Strongyloides stercoralis and should test for it (preferably with serology test) before starting treatment.