Lung
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Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is defined as the presence of air in the mediastinum, developing in the absence of traumatic, iatrogenic, or preceding pulmonary pathologies (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer). The aim of this study was to review our experiences with SPM, underlining its symptomatology, diagnosis, treatment, and followup, and defining a reasonable course of assessment and management. A retrospective case series was conducted to identify adult patients with SPM who were diagnosed and treated in our institution between 1998 and 2005. ⋯ SPM is an uncommon pathology with a usually benign course. The authors discuss SPM. A diagnostic algorithmic approach is necessary to rule out severe secondary entities and consequences that need urgent treatment.
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The aim of this study was to determine whether combined inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta(2) agonists can suppress eosinophilic inflammation in chronic dostructive plumonary disease (COPD) and to investigate the association between the level of eosinophilia and the degree of bronchodilator reversibility. Sixty-two patients with stable COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 [FEV(1)] of 30%-70% predicted before bronchodilation) were enrolled from our outpatient clinic. Patients received inhaled fluticasone (100 microg)/salmeterol (50 microg) twice daily for two months. ⋯ Sputum eosinophilia was not related to the degree of bronchodilator reversibility. The degree of bronchodilator reversibility did not predict the increase in FEV(1) and FVC after treatment with inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta(2) agonists. Suppression of eosinophilic inflammation and bronchodilator responsiveness indices were not correlated with clinical outcomes in COPD patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta(2) agonists.
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In recent years, pumpless arteriovenous systems for extracorporeal gas exchange have become a new therapeutic option for the treatment of patients suffering from acute respiratory failure. Experiences with the pumpless extracorporeal membrane lung in animal experiments and in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome published in the current literature are reviewed. ⋯ This is the first report of a patient with a life-threatening varicella pneumonia successfully treated with pumpless extracorporeal lung assist device. This review provides an update on interventional lung assist devices and a critical discussion of their advantages and limitations.
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Comparative Study
Pleurodesis induced by talc or silver nitrate: evaluation of collagen and elastic fibers in pleural remodeling.
This study evaluated the extracellular matrix (collagen and elastic fibers) in pleurodesis induced by intrapleural talc (TL) or silver nitrate (SN). Study subjects were 420 rabbits divided into two groups and sacrificed from 15 min to 12 months after the injection of the sclerosing agents at intervals previously defined. Pleural adhesions and fibrosis were graded (0-4), and the collagen and elastin were quantified. ⋯ In conclusion, intrapleural 0.5% silver nitrate and talc (400 mg/kg) are effective in the induction of pleurodesis. However, the intensity of adhesions and the richness of collagen after SN, in combination with the early onset of tissue remodeling, demonstrate the local superiority of this agent. Considering the easy availability and instillation, the low cost, and the absence of important side effects, silver nitrate might be considered as a sclerosing agent to induce pleurodesis in humans.
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Amiodarone (AD)-induced pulmonary toxicity is one of the major complications of long-term AD therapy. Technetium-99m-labeled D: ,L: -hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (Tc-99m HMPAO) scintigraphy has been used to assess lung injury. We designed this study to clarify lung uptake changes of Tc-99m HMPAO using low doses of AD (5 mg/kg/day) during long-term therapy in a rabbit model. ⋯ There was no significant increase in L/B and H/B ratios of Tc-99m HMPAO in Group 1 compared with Group 2. Both scintigraphic studies and histopathologic examinations showed nonspecific changes. Longitudinal studies investigating Tc-99m HMPAO lung uptake may be planned in patients carrying risk factors for AD-induced lung toxicity.