scholarly journals Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica—Clinical, Radiological, and Endoscopic Correlation: Case Series and Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 232470962092160
Author(s):  
Carlos Alejandro García ◽  
Saveria Sangiovanni ◽  
Valeria Zúñiga-Restrepo ◽  
Eliana Isabel Morales ◽  
Luz Fernanda Sua ◽  
...  

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare idiopathic and benign disease that is often underdiagnosed. TO is characterized by multiple submucosal cartilaginous and osseous tracheobronchial nodules that spare the posterior wall. It usually affects the elderly, developing when the person is around 60 years old without gender preference and has a reported incidence of 0.11%. TO can be symptomatic and should be considered in patients with chronic cough, dyspnea, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Diagnosis is usually incidental by computed tomography or bronchoscopy, the latter being the gold standard diagnostic test for TO. Many thoracic imagers are not well acquainted with TO; thus, these patients are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. We came across 5 patients in our institution who were incidentally diagnosed with TO, inspiring us to review the available literature on this disease. A total of 33 patients diagnosed with TO between 2009 and 2019 were identified by our retrospective review. Clinical and imaging data were collected on these patients. We also included the clinical, radiological, and endoscopic data of our 5 cases. TO should be considered in patients with chronic cough, dyspnea, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Our experience is that both computed tomography and bronchoscopy can be used to make a reliable diagnosis. It is crucial for physicians, especially radiologists and pulmonologists, to be aware of the existence of TO in order to ensure proper diagnosis.

2020 ◽  
pp. 030089162094966
Author(s):  
Pietro Gino Barbieri ◽  
Dario Mirabelli

Background: The diagnosis of lung cancer (LC) may be difficult to make in the elderly. We report on the diagnostic elements available in life in an LC necropsy case series of asbestos-exposed workers and describe the frequency of non-neoplastic asbestos-related diseases as biological exposure indices. Methods: We reviewed pathologic and clinical records of an unselected series of autopsies (1997–2016) in patients with LC employed in the Monfalcone shipyards. We assessed the consistency with autopsy results of diagnoses based on, respectively, radiologic, cytologic, and histologic findings. Results: Data on 128 autopsy-confirmed LC cases were available; in life, 119 had been diagnosed as LC. Among these, 49 had histologic confirmation of diagnosis (17 with immunophenotyping); histology had been negative in 4. Cytology had been the main positive finding and the basis for diagnosis in 24 cases, but had been negative in 13. Chest computed tomography had been the basis for diagnosis in 45; in 18 cases, it had been negative. Nine patients had received a diagnosis different from LC, among whom 4 had been suspected to have malignant pleural mesothelioma by chest computed tomography. Pleural plaques were found in 124 and histologic asbestosis in 46 cases. Conclusions: Autopsies confirmed all LC diagnoses received in life, including 46 that would have been considered only possible LC based on clinical workup. The overall survival in this case series was poor. The high prevalence of pleural plaques and asbestosis suggest severity of asbestos exposures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Clark ◽  
Devang Butani

Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs) are a cause of debilitating low back pain that is often difficult to diagnosis and manage. The diagnosis of SIF is often delayed due to inaccurately attributing symptoms to spondylosis, which is a commonly present in the elderly population where SIFs are most prevalent. Historically, treatment consisted of medical management and open reduction internal fixation reserved for severe cases. However, percutaneous sacroplasty has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option which provides early pain relief without significant complications. The objective of this article is to raise awareness of SIFs and percutaneous sacroplasty as an effective and safe treatment method.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 388.2-389
Author(s):  
A. Rubbert-Roth ◽  
P. K. Bode ◽  
T. Langenegger ◽  
C. Pfofe ◽  
T. Neumann ◽  
...  

Background:Giant cell arteritis (GCA) may affect the aorta and the large aortic branches and lead to dissections and aortic aneurysms. Tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment has the capacity to control aortic inflammation as has been demonstrated by CRP normalization and imaging data. However, limited data are available on the histopathological findings obtained from patients who underwent surgery because of aortic complications during TCZ treatment.Objectives:We report on 5 patients with aortitis who were treated with TCZ and developed aortic complications.Methods:We describe a retrospective case series of patients with GCA treated with TCZ, who presented in our clinic between 2011 and 2019. Three patients underwent surgery. Histopathologic examination was performed in specimen from all of them.Results:Five female patients were diagnosed with GCA (4/5) or Takaysu arteritis (1/5) involving the aorta, all them diagnosed by MR angiography and/or FDG PET CT scan. Three patients (one with aortic aneurysm, one with dissection) underwent surgery after having been treated with TCZ for seven weeks, nine months and four years, respectively. Imaging before surgery showed remission on MRI and/or PET-CT in all cases. At the time of surgery, all patients showed normalized CRP and ESR values. Histopathological evaluation of the aortic wall revealed infiltrates, consisting predominantly of CD3+CD4+ T cells. Enlargement of pre-existing aneuryms was observed in the other two patients 10 weeks and 4 months after discontinuation of TCZ, respectively. Both patients were not eligible for surgical intervention and died during follow-up.Conclusion:Our case series suggests that during treatment with TCZ, regular imaging is necessary in this patient population to detect development of structural changes such as aneurysms or dissections. Despite treatment, residual inflammation might persist which could contribute to eventual aortic complications.Disclosure of Interests:Andrea Rubbert-Roth Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Chugai, Pfizer, Roche, Janssen, Lilly, Sanofi, Amgen, Novartis, Peter Karl Bode: None declared, Thomas Langenegger: None declared, Claudia Pfofe: None declared, Thomas Neumann: None declared, Olaf Chan-Hi Kim: None declared, Johannes von Kempis Consultant of: Roche


2021 ◽  
pp. 201010582110190
Author(s):  
Qin Jian Low ◽  
Mohd Nadzri Bin Misni ◽  
Seng Wee Cheo ◽  
Khai Lip Ng ◽  
Noorul Afidza Muhammad

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic, chronic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology that often affects the lungs. Diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis can be strenuous. Patients may be asymptomatic or experience cough, dyspnoea, fatigue, unintentional weight loss or night sweats. Computed tomography is valuable in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The typical histopathological lesion of sarcoidosis is granuloma without caseous necrosis in the involved organs. As tuberculosis is endemic in our region, clinicians should not forget this great mimicker. The cornerstone of treatment of sarcoidosis is corticosteroids but newer agents such as steroid-sparing agents and biological agents are available. We report a case of pulmonary sarcoidosis presenting with chronic cough.


Author(s):  
Liana Tripto-Shkolnik ◽  
Yair Liel ◽  
Naama Yekutiel ◽  
Inbal Goldshtein

AbstractDenosumab discontinuation is associated with rapid reversal of bone turnover suppression and with a considerable increase in fracture risk, including a risk for multiple vertebral fractures (MVF). Long-term follow-up of patients who sustained MVF after denosumab discontinuation has not been reported. This case-series was aimed to provide a long-term follow-up on the management and outcome of denosumab discontinuers who initially presented with multiple vertebral fractures. Denosumab discontinuers were identified from a computerized database of a large healthcare provider. Baseline and follow-up clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were obtained from the computerized database and electronic medical records. The post-denosumab discontinuers MVF patients consisted of 12 women aged 71±12. Osteoporotic fractures were prevalent before denosumab discontinuation in 6 of the patients. The majority received bisphosphonates before denosumab. MVF occurred 134±76 days after denosumab discontinuation. The patients were followed for a median of 36.5 (IQR 28.2, 42.5) months after MVF. Two patients passed-away. Two patients suffered recurrent vertebral fractures. Following MVF, patients were treated inconsistently with denosumab, teriparatide, oral, and intravenous bisphosphonates, in various sequences. Two patients underwent vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty. This long-term follow-up of real-world patients with MVF following denosumab discontinuation reveals that management is inconsistent, and recurrent fractures are not uncommon. It calls for clear management guidelines for patients with MVF after denosumab discontinuation and for special attention to this high-risk group.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Jouan ◽  
I Masari ◽  
V Bliah ◽  
G Soulat ◽  
D Craiem ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction In order to improve knowledge of the tricuspid valve (TV) function and its coupling with the right atrio-ventricular junction (RAVJ) and right ventricle (RV), new four-dimensional high-definition imagery methods are mandatory (3D+t). Purpose Using an innovative reconstruction method based on multiphase cardiac computed tomography imaging (4D-MCCTI), we finely analyzed the morphological & dynamical features of tricuspid annulus (TA) and RAVJ components in order to assess new functional parameters of TV and RV functions. Methods Volume imaging data sets through time were obtained from 4D-MCCTI of 30 subjects (sex ratio 1, mean age 57±11y.) with no rhythm, valvular or ventricular abnormalities on echocardiography and implemented in a custom software for 3D semi-automated delineation of 18 points around TA perimeter. Coordinates of these points in each of the 10 time-phases within an RR interval were used to calculate specific geometrical features of TA such as 3D/2D areas, perimeters, 360°-diameters and vertical deformation. Subsequently, RV and Right Atrium (RA) inner contours were also delineated (Figure). Results TA shape was elliptical in horizontal projection with a mean eccentricity index (EcI) of 0.58±0.12; and saddle-shapped in vertical projection with a horn nearby the antero-septal commissure. This feature remained throughout the cardiac cycle but TA was more planar (minimal TA-height: 4.47±1.04 mm) and circular (minimal EcI=0.44±0.14) in mid-diastole when TA-3Darea and TA-3Dperimeter reached a maximum of 6.98±1.21 cm2/m2 and 7.41±0.91 cm, respectively. Correlation between TA-3Darea, TA-2Darea and latero-septal diameter (LSD) were R2=0.99 and R2=0.73, respectively. LSD was minimal in early-systole (18.83±3.04 mm/m2) and maximal in mid-diastole (20.04±3.05 mm/m2). Correlation of TA-3Darea with RV and RA cross-sectional areas were R2=0.82 and R2=0.71, respectively. Conversely, there was no significant correlation between TA, RV and RA concentric contractions. Conclusions Our method for 4D-MTCCI analysis has allowed confirming the shape and dynamics function of RAVJ throughout the cardiac cycle in healthy subjects, and giving new reference parameters for TV and RV evaluation. Software multiplanar view of TA Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1798.2-1798
Author(s):  
C. Wang ◽  
H. Song ◽  
Z. Yu ◽  
M. Quan

Background:Takayasu arteritis (TA) is the most prevalent large-vessel vasculitis in children. Patients with TA have a high mobidity and mortality.It remains a therapeutic challenge because corticosteroids monotherapy can rarely cure TAK and the relapse rate is high during GC tapering.Objectives:The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ)in Chinese children with Takayasu arteritis(TAK).Methods:We retrospectively studied 6 TAK children treated with TCZ in our hospital from July 2017 to October 2018. The demographic and clinical data, laboratory examination results and vascular imaging data were collected.Results:Six pediatric patients with critical or refractory TAK treated with TCZ were analyzed, including 3 males and 3 females.The diagnosis age was ranging in age from 2 to 13 years(median age:7 years).Three patients were initially treated with TCZ and Mycophenolate Mofetil(MMF) as the first-line regimen without corticosteroid or with a quite rapid GC taper duration,two of which had lifte-threatening coronary arteries involved and heart failure.The other three paitients were swcithed to TCZ from conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or other biologics due to being refractory to them and recurrent relapses.Four patients were given TCZ at 4 weeks regular intervals for 10 to 22 months,while two patients withdrew TCZ because of disease deterioration and unbearable abdominal or chest pain after the second dose.After 6 months follow-up,four patients experienced significant clinical and biological improvement with angiographically progression in one patient. A corticosteroid-sparing effect is obvious. Drug-related side effects occur in 1 patients manifesting as a mild elevated liver fuction. Neither neutropenia nor infection was observed.Conclusion:Our study shows a clinical, biological, and radiological response in patients with refractory TAK treated with TCZ.References :[1]Hellmich B, Agueda A, Monti S,et al.2018 Update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of large vessel vasculitis. Ann Rheum Dis 2019;0:1–12. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215672.[2]BravoMancheño B, Perin F, Guez Vázquez Del ReyMDMR, García Sánchez A, Alcázar Romero PP. Successful tocilizumab treatment in a child with refractory Takayasu arteritis.Pediatrics 2012;130(6):e1720-724.[3]Goel R, Danda D, Kumar S, Joseph G. Rapid control of disease activity by tocilizumab in 10 «difficult-to-treat» cases of Takayasu arteritis. Int J Rheum Dis 2013;16(6):754–61.[4]Cañas CA, Cañas F, Izquierdo JH, Echeverri A-F, Mejía M, Bonilla-Abadía F, et al. Efficacy and safety of anti-interleukin 6 receptor monoclonal antibody (tocilizumab) in Colombian patients with Takayasu arteritis. J Clin Rheumatol Pract Rep Rheum Musculoskelet Dis 2014;20(3):125–9.[5]Batu ED, Sönmez HE, Hazirolan T, Özaltin F, Bilginer Y, Özen S. Tocilizumab treatment in childhood Takayasu arteritis: case series of four patients and systematic review of the literature. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2017 Feb;46(4):529–35.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


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