Asma bronquial reagudizada y neumonitis por hipersensibilidad provocada por alergia a perros domésticos / Exacerbated Bronchial Asthma and Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Triggered by Allergy to Domestic Dogs

RESUMEN Se presenta un caso clínico interpretado al principio como asma alérgica al pelo de perro y, luego, documentado como neumonitis por hipersensibilidad no fibrótica vinculada al antecedente ambiental doméstico.

ABSTRACT We present a case initially interpreted as allergic asthma triggered by dog hair and later confirmed as non-fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) associated with domestic environmental conditions.

Patrón micronodulillar tras instilaciones de BCG intravesical, ¿neumonitis por hipersensibilidad o tuberculosis miliar? A propósito de un caso / Micronodular pattern after intravesical BCG instillations, hypersensitivity pneumonitis or miliar tuberculosis? Case report

La inmunoterapia con el bacilo Calmette-Guérin (BCG) es el agente intravesical más efectivo para el tratamiento de carcinoma vesical in situ tras la resección transuretral del tumor. Pese a ser un agente seguro y las complicaciones sistémicas son infrecuentes, las complicaciones locales leves son frecuentes. La afectación pulmonar es inusual (< 1%) suele ser grave, en forma de patrón micronodulillar y su mecanismo etiopatológico es controvertido. Se presenta el caso clínico de un varón con afectación pulmonar micronodulillar secundaria a instilaciones de BCG intravesical (AU)

Immunotherapy with Calmette-Guérin bacillus (BCG) is the most effective intravesical treatment of in situ bladder carcinoma besides the transurethral resection. Tough its known to be secure, and systemic complications are very rare, mild local complications are frequents. The lung involvement is unusual (< 1%), normally severe, with a micronodular pattern, and its etiopathogenic mechanism is a controversial issue. We present a case of a man with micronodular pattern secondary to intravesical BCG’s instillations (AU)

Radiological and histological characteristics of patients with interstitial lung disease undergoing lung biopsy in a reference institution from eastern Colombia / Características radiológicas e histológicas de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar intersticial llevados a biopsia pulmonar en una institución del oriente colombiano

Abstract Introduction: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis requires a mukidisciplinary approach and, in some cases, lung biopsy. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the radiological and histological findings, of patients with ILD who required lung biopsy after a mukidisciplinary board (pneumology, radiology, and pathology) of a reference center for respiratory diseases in Bucaramanga, Colombia, failed to reach the ILD diagnosis. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study. The medical records of 56 patients treated at the Instituto Neumológico del Oriente who underwent lung biopsy between 2015 and 2019 were reviewed. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated for demographic and clinical variables, respectively, to characterize them. A bivariate analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test to determine whether there were differences in the distribution of the sociodemographic and clinical variables according to the radiological patterns and the final histological diagnosis. Results: Participants' median age was 67 years (IQR: 59-72) and 55.35% were men. 43 patients had a radiological pattern inconsistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP); 4 had a pattern consistent with possible UIP; and 9 had a pattern consistent with UIP. The most common histologic diagnoses were hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) (32.14%), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (17.86%), and UIP (19.64%). Conclusion: In the study population, the primary reason for performing a lung biopsy was the presence of a radiologic pattern inconsistent with UIP, with HP being the predominant histopathological diagnosis. This is the first study to characterize patients with ILD who underwent lung biopsy in eastern Colombia, making a significant contribution to our understanding of the disease's epidemiology in the country.

Resumen Introducción. El diagnóstico de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) requiere un enfoque multidisciplinar y, en ocasiones, de una biopsia pulmonar. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas, y los hallazgos radiológicos e histológicos de pacientes con EPI que requirieron biopsia pulmonar luego de no lograrse un diagnóstico de esta enfermedad por la junta médica multidisciplinar (neumología, radiología y patología) de un centro de referencia en enfermedades respiratorias de Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 56 pacientes atendidos en el Instituto Neumológico del Oriente y que fueron remitidos a biopsia pulmonar entre 2015 y 2019. Se analizaron variables demográficas y clínicas, calculando medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión para su respectiva caracterización. Se realizó un análisis bivariado mediante test exacto de Fisher para determinar si existían diferencias en la distribución de las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas de acuerdo con los patrones radiológicos y el diagnóstico histológico definitivo. Resultados. La mediana de edad fue 67 años (RIC: 59-72), 55.35% fueron hombres. 43 pacientes presentaron patrón radiológico inconsistente con neumonía intersticial usual (NIU); 4, patrón de posible NIU y, 9, patrón de NIU. Los diagnósticos histológicos más frecuentes fueron neumonitis por hipersensibilidad (NH) (32.14%), neumonía intersticial no específica (17.86%) y NIU (19.64%). Conclusión. La principal razón para realizar biopsia pulmonar en la población de estudio fue la presencia de un patrón radiológico inconsistente con NIU, siendo la NH el principal diagnóstico histopatológico. Este es el primer trabajo que caracteriza a pacientes con EPI del oriente colombiano llevados a biopsia pulmonar, lo que representa un importante aporte al conocimiento de la epidemiología de esta enfermedad en Colombia.

Inhalational lung diseases.

The term inhalational lung disease comprises a group of entities that develop secondary to the active aspiration of particles. Most are occupational lung diseases. Inhalational lung diseases are classified as occupational diseases (pneumoconiosis, chemical pneumonitis), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and electronic-cigarette-associated lung diseases. The radiologic findings often consist of nonspecific interstitial patterns that can be difficult to interpret. Therefore, radiologists' experience and multidisciplinary teamwork are key to ensure correct evaluation. The role of the radiologist is fundamental in preventive measures as well as in diagnosis and management, having an important impact on patients' overall health. It is crucial to take into account patients' possible exposure to particles both at work and at home.

Pilot Study Using Recombinant Antigens r-PROE and r-IGLL1 for the Serodiagnosis of Feather Duvet Lung.

BACKGROUND: Feather duvet lung (FDL) is an underestimated form of acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Serological tests for FDL need to be validated. We investigated the ability of recombinant pigeon Proproteinase E (r-PROE) and Immunoglobulin-lambda-like-polypeptide-1 (r-IGLL1) proteins to support the serological diagnosis of FDL, and propose them as a serological tool for clinicians to differentiate cases from FDL and Bird fancier's lung (BFL). METHODS: Specific IgG antibodies against r-PROE and r-IGLL1, analyzed with ELISA, were measured in patients diagnosed with FDL (n=31), BFL (n=15) controls exposed (n=15) and unexposed to feathers (n=15). RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the r-PROE ELISA for the serological diagnosis of FDL cases versus exposed and unexposed controls were 74.2% and 86.7% respectively, with an index threshold of 0.5 (AUC: 0.89). In addition, this serological test was effective to support the serological diagnosis of FDL and BFL cases with significantly different thresholds. The r-IGLL1 ELISA was only effective for the serological diagnosis of BFL. Also, these two serological tests were useful for the diagnosis of both chronic and acute forms. CONCLUSIONS: The new diagnostic test for FDL using r-PROE protein should help to detect overt and hidden cases of FDL. The combination of both test will help the clinician in distinguish between the etiology of birds or feathers duvet.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and (Idiopathic) Pulmonary Fibrosis Due to Feather Duvets and Pillows.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to feather bedding may be an unnoticed cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Thus, an in-depth clinical study of the diagnosis of patients with suspected HP and IPF is required in order to determine their etiologies. The objective of the present study is to raise awareness of HP and pulmonary fibrosis due to exposure to feather bedding, and to study the prevalence and describe long-term outcomes. METHODS: We describe a series of 33 patients diagnosed with HP and pulmonary fibrosis due to feather bedding exposure and followed over a 10-year period. The patients were from a subgroup of 127 individuals with HP undergoing in-depth evaluation using a diagnostic protocol at a regional referral center. RESULTS: Eleven (33%) patients were clinically diagnosed with acute HP and 22 (67%) with chronic HP. Ten (45%) chronic HP patients showed a high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) with suspected IPF. The prevalence of HP was 6.2/100 000 feather bedding users (compared with 54.6 per 100 000 bird-breeders). The survival rates of patients over the 10-year period was 100% for acute HP and 64% for chronic HP. CONCLUSIONS: In a series of HP patients, the diagnosis was attributed to feather bedding exposure in 26%. UIP pattern on HRCT was present in nearly half of the chronic cases. The survival of patients with chronic HP at ten years was 64%, despite avoiding further exposure.

An Open-label Study With Pirfenidone on Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) represents a severe lung disease often evolving to fibrosis with the subsequent destruction of the lung parenchyma. There are no approved therapies with confirmed efficacy to deal with this disease. METHODS: We performed an open-label, proof of concept study, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone added to immunosuppressive drugs on the treatment of cHP. We included 22 patients assigned to two groups: Group 1, nine patients that received prednisone plus azathioprine and Group 2, thirteen patients, received prednisone plus azathioprine and pirfenidone (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02496182). There were no significant imbalances in clinically relevant baseline characteristics between two study groups. RESULTS: After 1 year of treatment, inclusion of pirfenidone was not associated with improved forced vital capacity (primary end-point). A not significant tendency to show higher improvement of diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was observed in the group receiving pirfenidone (p=0.06). Likewise, a significant improvement in the total score on the SGRQ was found in the group 2 (p=0.02) without differences in other two questionnaires related to quality of life (ATAQ-IPF and EQ-5D-3L). HRCT showed a decrease of the ground glass attenuation without changes in the fibrotic lesions and without differences between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the addition of pirfenidone to the anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with chronic HP may improve the outcome with acceptable safety profile. However, prospective randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in largest cohorts are needed to validate its efficacy.

Forced Oscillation Technique and Small Airway Involvement in Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

OBJECTIVE: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of specific organic antigens or low-molecular weight substances in genetically susceptible individuals. Although small airway involvement is prominent in patients with chronic HP, conventional pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are relatively insensitive to identify it. Thus, the authors aimed to evaluate resistance (R5) and reactance (X5) values at 5Hz on inspiration, expiration, and whole breath, as well as small airway resistance (R5-19) values using a forced oscillation technique (FOT) in patients with chronic HP, and their responses after bronchodilator. In addition, R5 and X5 values according to the presence or absence of mosaic attenuation on computed tomography (CT) were compared. METHODS: PFTs with plethysmography, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and FOT measurements were performed pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator. High-resolution CT was performed at the same visit, and classified according to the presence or absence of mosaic attenuation. R5 and X5 values were then compared according to the presence or absence of mosaic attenuation on CT. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients with chronic HP (57.1% female; mean age, 56±11.5 years; mean forced vital capacity 57±17% predicted) were evaluated. All patients had low X5 values, reflecting lower lung compliance, and only three (8%) demonstrated elevated R5 (whole-breath) values. No patients exhibited bronchodilator response in R5, X5 and R5-19 values. In patients who exhibited greater extension of mosaic attenuation (n=11), R5 and X5 values could not discriminate those with a greater presence of these areas on CT. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that FOT does not help to additionally characterise concomitant small airway involvement in patients with chronic fibrotic HP who demonstrate restrictive ventilatory pattern in conventional PFTs. Nevertheless, FOT appeared to better characterise decreased lung compliance due to fibrosis through X5. Bronchodilator therapy did not appear to induce an acute response in chronic HP patients with restrictive disease. The precise role of FOT in subacute HP and obstructive chronic HP, therefore, must be evaluated.

Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad: Serie de nueve casos con biopsia pulmonar quirúrgica / Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A series of nine cases with surgical lung biopsy

En una serie de nueve pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de neumonitis por hipersensibilidad, se revisaron en forma retrospectiva la historia clínica, los factores de exposición, las pruebas de función pulmonar y las tomografías computarizadas de tórax. La función pulmonar evidenció principalmente compromiso restrictivo con disminución de la difusión de monóxido de carbono. Las tomografías de tórax mostraron patrones fibróticos en la mayoría de los casos; áreas de vidrio esmerilado con patrón en mosaico y áreas de consolidación en el resto. Pudo detectarse exposición a antígenos aviarios, granos de cereales y acondicionadores de aire contaminados con esporas de hongos y bacterias, en dos tercios de los casos. Dado que no existen características únicas que permitan diferenciar la neumonitis por hipersensibilidad de otras enfermedades del intersticio pulmonar, se requiere de un alto índice de sospecha clínica y de una detallada búsqueda de exposición ambiental que deberán complementarse con los datos clínicos, radiológicos y de anatomía patológica para llegar al diagnóstico.

In a series of nine patients with histopathological diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, we retrospectively evaluated clinical data, exposure related factors, pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography scans. A restrictive abnormality with reduction of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide was mainly found. Chest scans showed fibrotic patterns in most cases; ground glass attenuation areas with mosaic pattern and consolidation in the rest. Exposure to avian antigens, cereal grains and air conditioners contaminated with fungi yeasts and bacteria, were suspected from clinical data in two-thirds of the cases. Since there are no unique features that allow differentiation from other interstitial lung diseases, a high clinical suspicion is required and a careful search of environmental exposure to possible antigens is needed that, together with clinical, radiological and pathological data, may lead to diagnosis.

Farmer's lung disease: Analysis of 75 cases. / Enfermedad del pulmón del granjero: análisis de 75 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is a common form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis possibly underdiagnosed in our midst. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics, evolution and factors that influence the prognosis of patients with FLD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed with FLD presenting an environmental exposure risk, a clinic, lung function and a compatible radiology, in which antigen sensitisation was demonstrated and/or a concordant pathology. RESULTS: We selected 75 patients with FLD, 50 with acute or subacute form (ASF) and 25 with chronic form (CF). Forty-four percent of patients (n=33) were diagnosed during the months of March and April, especially those with ASF compared to CF (52 vs. 28%; P=.0018). In the ASF group, DLco showed an improvement during follow-up (P=.047). The determination of specific IgG antibodies was positive in 39 patients (78%) with ASF (44% of them against Aspergillus) and CF 12 (48%). The realisation of antigenic avoidance (OR 9.26, 95% CI 1.3-66.7, P=.026) and the administration of immunosuppressive therapy (OR 16.13, 95% CI 1.26-200, P=.033) were predictors of better disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: FLD is predominantly seasonal in our environment. CF usually has a negative specific IgG antibodies unlike ASF, where antibodies against Aspergillus are the most common. The realisation of antigenic avoidance and immunosuppressive treatment are possible predictors of better disease progression.

Farmer's Lung Disease. A Review. / Revisión de la enfermedad del pulmón de granjero.

Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) caused by inhaling microorganisms from hay or grain stored in conditions of high humidity in the agricultural workplace. It is probably underdiagnosed, especially in northern Spain, where climatic conditions favor the development of this disease. According to previous studies, the most common antigens are usually thermophilic actinomycetes and fungi. The epidemiology of the disease is not well known, and is based on studies conducted by Central European and Asian groups. The clinical presentation may vary, differentiating the chronic (exposure to lower concentrations of the antigen over a longer period time) and the acute forms (after exposure to high concentrations of the antigen). In patients with respiratory symptoms and agricultural occupational exposure, radiological, lung function and/or anatomical pathology findings must be compatible with FLD, bronchoalveolar lavage must show lymphocytosis, and tests must find sensitivity to the antigen. The main treatment is avoidance of the antigen, so it is essential to educate patients on preventive measures. To date, no controlled studies have assessed the role of immunosuppressive therapy in this disease. Corticosteroid treatment has only been shown to accelerate resolution of the acute forms, but there is no evidence that it is effective in preventing disease progression in the long-term or reducing mortality.

Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad asociado al cuidado de aves / Hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated to birds care

La neumonitis por hipersensibilidad asociada al cuidado de las aves es uno de los tipos más frecuentes de esta que se presentan. Aunque no se tienen datos epidemiológicos claros sobre su prevalencia, en los hospitales llegan casos de este tipo. No es una patología muy común; sin embargo, una muestra representativa de la población se encuentra expuesta a las aves y, consecuentemente, a los antígenos que causan la enfermedad. Su diagnóstico temprano puede significar para el paciente evitar daños, al dejar de exponerse al antígeno; por el contrario, si no se realiza un diagnóstico temprano, puede generarse un daño pulmonar irreversible. En este artículo, se presenta un caso clínico de neumonitis por hipersensibilidad al cuidado de aves.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated to birds care, is one of the most common types of pneumonitis. Although there is no clear epidemiological data of prevalence, many cases of pneumonitis arrive to hospitals. It is a very rare disorder, however, much of the population is exposed to birds and consequently to antigens that cause this disease. The early diagnosis can mean a reversible damage to the patient if stop exposure to the antigen, but otherwise if the diagnosis isn't made early, can generate an irreversible lung damage. In this paper, it is presented a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in birds care.

Guía para el control y seguimiento de la salud en los trabajadores de los centros de reproducción de entomófagos y entomopatógenos / Guide for the control and monitoring of the workers' health in reproduction centers of entomophages and entomopathogens

Los bioplaguicidas provenientes de hongos son una útil alternativa para el control de plagas en los cultivos; sin embargo, la utilización de los mismos no está totalmente exenta de riesgos, pues se reportan reacciones adversas entre las personas que trabajan en su elaboración, relacionadas con la inhalación de esporas, pudiendo aparecer diferentes patologías, entre ellas la neumonitis por hipersensibilidad. Con vistas a lograr ambientes y condiciones seguras de trabajo para evitar la aparición de esta enfermedad y su evolución a formas graves, se hace necesario enfatizar en las acciones preventivas, p or lo que proponemos pautas básicas para el control y seguimiento de la salud y seguridad en los trabajadores de los centros de reproducción de entomófagos y entomopatógenos (CREE) del país(AU)

Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad / Pneumonitis related to hypersensitivity

Se presentó una paciente con antecedentes patológicos personales de asma bronquial leve persistente y de dermatitis atópica. Acudió por tener fiebre de 60 d de evolución, tos, disnea, anorexia y pérdida de peso, con empeoramiento progresivo. Se diagnosticó neumonitis por hipersensibilidad después de realizar estudios de imágenes e histológicos. Se describió la evolución clínica y radiológica.

Authors present the case of a woman with personal pathologic backgrounds of persistent light bronchial asthma and of an atopic dermatitis. She came to our service by fever of 60 days of evolution, cough, dyspnea, anorexia, and weight loss with a progressive worsening. A hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed after imaging and histological studies. Clinical and radiological course was described.

Neumonitis por hipersensibilidad / Pneumonitis related to hypersensitivity

Se presentó una paciente con antecedentes patológicos personales de asma bronquial leve persistente y de dermatitis atópica. Acudió por tener fiebre de 60 d de evolución, tos, disnea, anorexia y pérdida de peso, con empeoramiento progresivo. Se diagnosticó neumonitis por hipersensibilidad después de realizar estudios de imágenes e histológicos. Se describió la evolución clínica y radiológica(AU)

Authors present the case of a woman with personal pathologic backgrounds of persistent light bronchial asthma and of an atopic dermatitis. She came to our service by fever of 60 days of evolution, cough, dyspnea, anorexia, and weight loss with a progressive worsening. A hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed after imaging and histological studies. Clinical and radiological course was described(AU)

Prevalencia de iiabetes mellitus en pacientes con fibrosis pulmonar idiopática

La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) en México es del 10%. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de DM2 en pacientes con fibrosis pulmonar idiopática (FPI), neumonitis por hipersensibilidad (NH) y cáncer pulmonar (CP) en la ciudad de México. Casos: 136 pacientes con FPI; controles: 53 pacientes con NH y 263 con CP. El diagnóstico de DM2 se basó en dos glicemias en ayuno por arriba de 126mg/dL. Resultados: Veintinueve pacientes (21.3%) con FPI, 4 (7.5%) con NH y 25 (9.5%) con CP, tuvieron DM2, con una prevalencia significativamente mayor en la FPI en relación con la NH razón de momios 3.3 (intervalo de confianza 95% 1.1-9.6) p < 0.01 y con CP [razón de momios 2.5 (intervalo de confianza 95% 1.4-4.6) p<0.01]. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en relación con el género, obesidad y nivel socioeconómico Conclusión: La prevalencia de DM2 en FPI, es mayor que en los controles y en la población general. La obesidad, género y nivel socioeconómico no influyeron en la DM2.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in Mexico is 10%. Objective: to describe the prevalence of DM2 in Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and lung cancer patients (LC) in Mexico City. Cases: 136 patients with IPF. The control groups were 53 hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients (HP) and 263 lung cancer patients (LC). DM2 was determined by two preprandial serum glucose levels higher than 126 mg/dL. Results: 29 (21.3%) IPF patients, 4 (7.5%) HP patients and 25 (9.5%) LC patients had DM2, revealing a significantly higher prevalence of DM2 in IPF/HP [odds ratio 3.3 (95% CI 1.1-9.6) p<0.01] and IPF/LC [odds ratio 2.5 (95% CI 1.4-4.6) p<0.01]. No differences were seen when IPF patients were divided by gender, obesity and economic level. Conclusions: These results suggest that there is a higher prevalence of DM2 in IPF patients in comparison with HP, LC patients and the general population in Mexico City.