Respiratory investigation
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Cigarette smoking is the primary causative factor for lung carcinoma and respiratory bronchiolitis (RB), particularly RB-associated interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD). However, the link between lung cancer and RB/RB-ILD remains undefined. We examined whether pathological fibrosis lesions exist simultaneously in patients with lung carcinoma because the fibrous lesions could be precancerous. ⋯ Squamous cell carcinoma located in peripheral areas was primarily observed in patients with RB with fibrosis, whereas adenocarcinoma was primarily observed in patients with RB without fibrosis. Interstitial fibrosis with RB caused by continuous heavy cigarette smoking may increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.
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Respiratory investigation · Sep 2013
ReviewRecent progress in the diagnosis and management of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a form of pulmonary hypertension caused by non-resolving thromboembolisms of the pulmonary arteries. In Japan, in contrast to Western countries, CTEPH is more prevalent in women. A Japanese multicenter study reported that a form of CTEPH unrelated to deep vein thrombosis is associated with HLA-B⁎5201, suggesting that this form of CTEPH may be associated with vasculopathy. ⋯ Further investigations into treatments that target endothelial dysfunction and hyperproliferative CTEPH cells are needed. Recently, balloon pulmonary angioplasty has emerged as a promising treatment modality in Japan. A specialized medical team, including at least one expert surgeon, should make decisions regarding patients' candidacy for pulmonary endarterectomy and/or balloon pulmonary angioplasty.
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Respiratory investigation · Sep 2013
Visualized changes in respiratory resistance and reactance along a time axis in smokers: a cross-sectional study.
Early detection of changes in respiratory function in smokers is important for the prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this study was to investigate any changes in the respiratory impedance of smokers with normal FEV1/FVC. ⋯ Approximately 60% of smokers were shown to exhibit apparent impedance changes despite having normal FEV1/FVC values. Smoking-induced early remodeling of the small airways may be responsible for the observed changes in airway function of smokers. Further studies are necessary to determine if the change in respiratory impedance observed in smokers is an early indicator of COPD.
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Respiratory investigation · Sep 2013
Case ReportsSolitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: ultrasonographic imaging findings of 3 cases.
Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin. Although radiographic findings of thoracic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of SFTs of the pleura have been documented, the value of ultrasonography is uncertain. ⋯ In all the cases, thoracic ultrasonography demonstrated homogeneous, hypoechoic, hemicycle, extrapulmonary lesions, which showed respiratory movement with the adjacent lung, consistent with pedunculated tumors. Preoperative thoracic ultrasonography could be useful in the evaluation of patients with pleural tumors, especially SFTs.
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Respiratory investigation · Sep 2013
Association of IL-13 gene polymorphisms with airway hyperresponsiveness in a Japanese adult asthmatic population.
A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs20541) in the IL-13 gene has been recognized as a risk factor for asthma. This SNP causes Arg to Gln (Q) substitution at position 110 in the mature IL-13 protein. We have recently showed that FEV1 in asthmatics with the Q110 variant of IL-13 declined faster, and progressive airway remodeling was observed in these subjects (Wynn, 2003 [1]). However, the effects of the IL-13 variant on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) remain to be elucidated. We analyzed the relationship between SNP rs20541 in IL-13 and AHR in asthmatics. ⋯ The SNP rs20541 in IL-13 was associated with AHR in Japanese adult asthmatics.