Evaluation of chronic dyspnea

Chronic dyspnea is defined as dyspnea lasting more than one month. In approximately two thirds of patients presenting with dyspnea, the underlying cause is cardiopulmonary disease. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment differs depending on the underlying condition. Asthma, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, cardiac ischemia, interstitial lung disease, and psychogenic causes account for 85 percent of patients with this principal symptom. The history and physical examination should guide selection of initial diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram, chest radiograph, pulse oximetry, spirometry, complete blood count, and metabolic panel. If these are inconclusive, additional testing is indicated. Formal pulmonary function testing may be needed to establish a diagnosis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or interstitial lung disease. High-resolution computed tomography is particularly useful for diagnosing interstitial lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or pulmonary embolism. Echocardiography and brain natriuretic peptide levels help establish a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. If the diagnosis remains unclear, additional tests may be required. These include ventilation perfusion scans, Holter monitoring, cardiac catheterization, esophageal pH monitoring, lung biopsy, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.     

Fatal acute interstitial pneumonitis complicating polymyositis in a 41-year-old man

We report a case of a previously healthy 41-year-old man who was admitted for progressive dyspnea and cough, which culminated in respiratory failure, shock, and death. Lung and muscle biopsy results were consistent with interstitial lung disease secondary to polymyositis. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are rare autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the muscles and skin, with frequent extramuscular and specifically pulmonary manifestations. Respiratory complications are in 2 categories: primary (the interstitial lung diseases, which can be acute or chronic) and secondary (aspiration pneumonia/pneumonitis, muscle weakness, infection, drug-induced disease, pulmonary congestion secondary to heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and pneumomediastinum). Diagnosis of a specific interstitial lung disease relies mainly on high-resolution computed tomography of the chest and on tissue diagnosis. Prognosis depends on the histopathology findings and the specific form of interstitial lung disease and its response to therapy, which consists of high-dose steroids and immunomodulating agents. Unfortunately, patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis associated with pulmonary complications have a worse prognosis than patients with isolated forms.     

Diseases to differentiate from COPD, with emphasis on bronchial asthma

Differential diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from asthma is not a difficult task for many clinicians. Patients with COPD have a history of heavy smoking and show a slowly progressive dyspnea on exertion and there is little variability in symptoms, and they show a poor response to bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Asthma usually begins in early childhood with atopy, shows episodic dyspnea with wheezing, especially during night and early morning. Some patients, however, show adult onset, irreversible airflow limitation, and neutrophilic airway inflammation. The airway remodeling in asthma may be the cause of confusing pathophysiology. Other diseases showing airway hyperresponsiveness, such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, and left heart failure presenting cardiac asthma, may sometimes show similar clinical pictures to COPD. Chronic airway diseases are also possible candidates for differential diagnosis of COPD. Bronchiectasis, sinobronchial syndrome, diffuse panbronchiolitis, obliterative bronchiolitis, and other chronic airway diseases should be considered. Some interstitial lung diseases, such as smoking-related interstitial lung diseases and lymphangioleiomyomatosis, often show obstructive ventilatory impairment, and therefore should be considered in differential diagnosis of COPD.     

慢性肾功能衰竭心肺异常X线表现（附35例分析）

目的 通过对35例慢性肾功能衰竭(CRF)病人的胸片分析,提高对其心肺异常X线表现的认识。方法 选择35例来自肾病科的CRF病人,对其胸部X线表现进行分析讨论。结果 CRF胸片异常主要为肺水肿。根据不同的X线表现结合临床,可分为肾衰肺水肿和肾衰合并心衰肺水肿。结论 X线胸片检查是诊断肺水肿的简单和有效的方法,而对复杂的CRF胸部的多种X线表现经仔细分析也可对不同类型肺水肿作出鉴别。     

160例呼吸衰竭患者的诊治研究

目的探讨呼吸衰竭的临床特点,总结诊断和治疗的要点。方法对160例呼吸衰竭患者诊治过程进行回顾性分析。结果160例患者中,急性呼吸衰竭74例,其中严重肺部感染所致10例,胸部外伤严重累及呼吸肌或肺组织14例,尿毒症或肺癌胸膜腔积液短期内大量增多18例,自发性气胸8例,心源性肺水肿6例,重度中枢神经系统感染累及呼吸中枢6例,其他病因12例;慢性呼吸衰竭86例,其中慢性阻塞性肺病（COPD）64例,间质性肺疾病8例,硅肺、石棉肺6例,其他疾病8例。动脉气血分析：Pa02〈8.00kPa、PaC02正常为I型呼吸衰竭者70例;Pa02〈8.00kPa、PaC02〉6.67kPa为Ⅱ型呼吸衰竭者90例。160例患者经积极救治后6例死亡（4例严重胸部外伤、肺挫裂伤,2例尿毒症、全身多器官功能衰竭）,病死率为3.75％。其余154例均存活。结论呼吸衰竭的诊断依赖于疾病的临床表现、动脉气血分析、呼吸功能检查及胸部影像学检查等。呼吸衰竭的治疗应依呼吸衰竭的类型和病因个性化治疗。     

Diagnosis and evaluation of heart failure

Heart failure is a common clinical syndrome characterized by dyspnea, fatigue, and signs of volume overload, which may include peripheral edema and pulmonary rales. Heart failure has high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in older persons. Many conditions, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, valvular heart disease, and diabetes mellitus, can cause or lead to decompensation of chronic heart failure. Up to 40 to 50 percent of patients with heart failure have diastolic heart failure with preserved left ventricular function, and the overall mortality is similar to that of systolic heart failure. The initial evaluation includes a history and physical examination, chest radiography, electrocardiography, and laboratory assessment to identify causes or precipitating factors. A displaced cardiac apex, a third heart sound, and chest radiography findings of venous congestion or interstitial edema are useful in identifying heart failure. Systolic heart failure is unlikely when the Framingham criteria are not met or when B-type natriuretic peptide level is normal. Echocardiography is the diagnostic standard to confirm systolic or diastolic heart failure through assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction. Evaluation for ischemic heart disease is warranted in patients with heart failure, especially if angina is present, given that coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart failure. (Am Fam Physician. 2012;85(12):1161-1168. Copyright ? 2012 American Academy of Family Physicians.).     

Interstitial lung disease

The interstitial lung diseases are comprised of a group of pulmonary disorders characterized clinically by diffuse infiltrates on the chest radiograph and histologically by distortion of the gas exchanging portion of the lung. The physiologic correlates are restriction of lung volumes and impaired oxygenation. The term "interstitial" when applied to these diseases is actually a misnomer because it implies that the inflammatory process is limited specifically to the area between the alveolar epithelial and capillary endothelial basement membranes. The diseases currently grouped as "interstitial" also frequently involve the alveolar epithelium, alveolar space, pulmonary microvasculature, and less commonly, the respiratory bronchioles, larger airways, and even the pleura. The enormous differential diagnosis of interstitial lung disease can be made manageable by understanding that pneumoconiosis, drug-induced disease, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis account for over 80% of the responsible entities and can usually be identified from the patient's history. The nine remaining diseases/disease categories include: sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia, histiocytosis X, chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, collagen vascular disease-associated interstitial lung disease, granulomatous vasculitis (Wegener's granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, lymphomatoid granulomatosis), Goodpasture's syndrome, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The diagnosis of a specific interstitial lung disease can be made via various means including the patient's history, specific serologies, bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsy, and biopsy of extrathoracic tissues or open lung biopsy. A directed diagnostic approach can be formulated based on an understanding of these techniques and a thorough knowledge of the clinical presentations and specific diagnostic criteria for each of the major diseases. This monograph will serve as a guide for the clinician to use in evaluating and treating patients with interstitial lung disease. We begin by reviewing the clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and management of specific interstitial lung diseases excluding pulmonary infection, neoplasm, and sarcoidosis. Pneumoconiosis and drug-induced syndromes are not discussed in detail, but the agents responsible and pertinent exposures are presented in tabular form in the discussion of the general diagnostic approach.     

Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare disease of unknown etiology, whereas secondary pulmonary hypertension is a complication of many pulmonary, cardiac and extrathoracic conditions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, left ventricular dysfunction and disorders associated with hypoxemia frequently result in pulmonary hypertension. Regardless of the etiology, unrelieved pulmonary hypertension can lead to right-sided heart failure. Signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are often subtle and nonspecific. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with increasing dyspnea on exertion and a known cause of pulmonary hypertension. Two-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler flow studies is the most useful imaging modality in patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension. If pulmonary hypertension is present, further evaluation may include assessment of oxygenation, pulmonary function testing, high-resolution computed tomography of the chest, ventilation-perfusion lung scanning and cardiac catheterization. Treatment with a continuous intravenous infusion of prostacyclin improves exercise capacity, quality of life, hemodynamics and long-term survival in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Management of secondary pulmonary hypertension includes correction of the underlying cause and reversal of hypoxemia. Lung transplantation remains an option for selected patients with pulmonary hypertension that does not respond to medical management.     

Diagnosing the cause of chest pain

Chest pain presents a diagnostic challenge in outpatient family medicine. Noncardiac causes are common, but it is important not to overlook serious conditions such as an acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism, or pneumonia. In addition to a thorough history and physical examination, most patients should have a chest radiograph and an electrocardiogram. Patients with chest pain that is predictably exertional, with electrocardiogram abnormalities, or with cardiac risk factors should be evaluated further with measurement of troponin levels and cardiac stress testing. Risk of pulmonary embolism can be determined with a simple prediction rule, and a D-dimer assay can help determine whether further evaluation with helical computed tomography or venous ultrasound is needed. Fever, egophony, and dullness to percussion suggest pneumonia, which can be confirmed with chest radiograph. Although some patients with chest pain have heart failure, this is unlikely in the absence of dyspnea; a brain natriuretic peptide level measurement can clarify the diagnosis. Pain reproducible by palpation is more likely to be musculoskeletal than ischemic. Chest pain also may be associated with panic disorder, for which patients can be screened with a two-item questionnaire. Clinical prediction rules can help clarify many of these diagnoses.     

Chronic cough. Diagnosis and treatment

Cough is a common symptom in the smoking and non-smoking patient seeking medical attention from the office-based physician. Often, a comprehensive history and physical examination suggest the correct diagnosis, and specific therapy can be directed to the underlying disease. A chest roentgenogram is an essential part of the workup; it may suggest tuberculosis, chronic fungal infection, bronchiectasis, or lung abscess. In addition, bronchogenic carcinoma, which is increasing in frequency in the population, has several common manifestations that can be recognized on the chest roentgenogram. Pulmonary function studies are often helpful in the workup of the patient with chronic cough. A pattern of obstructive lung disease is seen with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis. Diseases that cause lung fibrosis, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and pneumoconiosis, give a restrictive ventilatory defect. Bronchoprovocation testing can be helpful when baseline pulmonary function tests are normal and the diagnosis of postviral bronchitis or cough-variant asthma is suggested. If the bronchial inhalation challenge is negative, these diagnoses can be excluded. Chronic rhinosinusitis with associated postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of chronic cough and is often difficult to confirm because the physical examination and roentgenogram of the paranasal sinuses may be normal. In a great majority of patients with chronic cough, a diagnosis can be established by simple, clinical and laboratory procedures used in the outpatient setting.     

Breath biomarkers in diagnosis of pulmonary diseases

Breath analysis provides a convenient and simple alternative to traditional specimen testing in clinical laboratory diagnosis. As such, substantial research has been devoted to the analysis and identification of breath biomarkers. Development of new analytes enhances the desirability of breath analysis especially for patients who monitor daily biochemical parameters. Elucidating the physiologic significance of volatile substances in breath is essential for clinical use. This review describes the use of breath biomarkers in diagnosis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), lung cancer, as well as other pulmonary diseases. A number of breath biomarkers in lung pathophysiology will be described including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and other hydrocarbons.     

Acute pancreatitis with pulmonary embolism: A case report

BACKGROUNDAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a common critical disease of the digestive system that is often associated with multiple complications. Vascular complications are relatively rare and are one of the causes of death. AP complicated with pulmonary embolism (PE) is even rarer, and there are no reports of AP complicated with PE in elderly patients.CASE SUMMARYWe describe a rare case of AP complicated with PE and review the literature. A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed with AP due to widespread abdominal pain. During the course of treatment, the patient had shortness of breath and progressively worsening dyspnea without chest pain or hemoptysis with a progressive increase in D-dimer and fibrin degradation product. Respiratory failure and right heart failure occurred, and refractory hypoxemia remained after mechanical ventilation. Plain chest computed tomography revealed a small amount of left pleural effusion and external pressure atelectasis in the lower lobe of the left lung but no findings that could lead to refractory hypoxemia. Color Doppler ultrasound indicated pulmonary hypertension and extensive venous thrombosis in the lower extremities. Chest computed tomography angiography finally suggested pulmonary thromboembolism. The patient’s dyspnea symptoms disappeared after anticoagulation treatment.CONCLUSIONDuring the diagnosis and treatment of AP, it is necessary to dynamically monitor D-dimer and consider PE.     

An uncommon cause of dyspnea in the emergency department

Chest pain and shortness of breath are chief complaints frequently evaluated in the emergency department. ACS, pulmonary embolism, and disorders involving the lung parenchyma are some of the disease processes commonly screened for. Occasionally, patients presenting with histories and clinical exams consistent with these common illnesses may end up having more rare pathology. We present the case of a young patient who presented with chest pain and dyspnea with ECG changes and history concerning for pulmonary embolism who was ultimately diagnosed with idiopathic primary pulmonary hypertension. The importance of a prompt diagnosis of this condition along with emergency department management of complications related to the disease is discussed in this report.     

Should Acute Treatment with Inhaled Beta Agonists be Withheld from Patients with Dyspnea Who May Have Heart Failure?

In patients with dyspnea, prehospital and emergency providers make therapeutic decisions before a diagnosis is established. Inhaled beta-2 agonists are frontline treatment for patients with dyspnea due to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. However, these agents have been associated with increased adverse events when administered chronically to heart failure patients. Our goal was to determine the safety and efficacy of acute administration of inhaled beta-2 agonists to patients with heart failure. MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were performed using the terms "beta agonists," "albuterol," "congestive heart failure," and "pulmonary edema." Bibliographies of relevant articles were searched. Only studies addressing acute effects of beta-2 agonists were included for analysis. Twenty-four studies comprising 434 patients were identified that addressed the acute delivery of beta-2 agonists in subjects with heart failure--five studies with inhaled administration and 19 with systemic administration. No study directly evaluated the effects of inhaled beta-2 agonists to patients with acutely decompensated heart failure. Treatment of heart failure patients with beta-2 agonists resulted in transient improvements in pulmonary function and cardiovascular hemodynamics. Only one investigation reported an association between beta-2 agonist use and an increase in malignant dysrhythmias. Investigations in animal models of heart failure and acute lung injury demonstrated resolution of pulmonary edema with beta agonist administration. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that acute treatment with inhaled beta-2 agonists should be avoided in patients with dyspnea who may have heart failure. Based on small studies and indirect evidence, administration of beta-2 agonists to patients with heart failure seems to improve pulmonary function, cardiovascular hemodynamics, and resorption of pulmonary edema. Although an increase in adverse effects with the use of beta-2 agonists cannot be ruled out based on these data, there was no evidence of an increase in clinically significant dysrhythmias, especially when administered by inhalation. Based on these findings, further study should focus on the clinical outcomes of patients with acutely decompensated heart failure who are treated with inhaled beta-2 agonist therapy.     

Pathophysiology of dyspnea in COPD

Dyspnea refers to the sensation of breathlessness, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing that is commonly observed in patients with respiratory and cardiac disease. In the United States alone, dyspnea is reported in up to 4 million all-cause emergency room visits annually. Dyspnea can be a symptom of several different underlying physical conditions, typically involving the lung and heart. Indeed, it is an important symptom in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where it is associated with limited physical activity, increased anxiety and depression, decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and reduced survival. Currently there is no single physiological correlate that will accurately predict dyspnea, particularly because the mechanisms that contribute to respiratory discomfort can vary between diseases and between individuals experiencing breathlessness who have been diagnosed with the same disease. Therefore, various subjective clinical and psychophysical scales and questionnaires are typically used to measure or predict dyspnea. It is the goal of this review to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to dyspnea, particularly those associated with COPD, the physical and psychological impact on patients, assessment approaches, and modalities currently used to treat it.     

Pulmonary hypertension from the viewpoint of the pediatric pulmonologist

The main cause of secondary pulmonary hypertension in the view of a pulmonologist is alveolar hypoventilation - eventually potentiated by acidosis and hypercapnia - which leads to reflectory hypoxemic vasoconstriction of the small pulmonary arteries. Anatomic changes in the pulmonary vessels may be absent or may be limited to medial hypertrophy of the arterioles. If the underlying cause of the hypoxia can be corrected, this reflectory pulmonary hypertension is reversible. In diffuse progressive lung disease, interstitial fibrosis with destruction of the alveolar wall and capillaries may occur, leading to restriction of the pulmonary vascular bed. In such cases pulmonary hypertension may not be completely reversible. The most frequent causes of pulmonary hypertension in childhood are obstructive (e.g. Cystic Fibrosis) or restrictive lung diseases (e.g. interstitial fibrosis). Rare but important in the differential diagnosis are upper airway obstruction, thoracic cage deformity, neuromuscular disorders, high altitude and respiratory center dysfunction. The therapy is elimination of the underlying disease or optimal treatment. In addition prophylactic or therapeutic longterm application of oxygen is more efficient than treatment with pulmonary vasodilators or modern substances like Almitrine. Right heart decompensation should be treated by diuretics. The longterm prognosis is dependent of the underlying disease and is poor in a chronic progressive lung disease like cystic fibrosis and certain types of lung fibrosis.     

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnostic considerations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by the gradual progression of irreversible airflow obstruction and increased inflammation in the airways and lung parenchyma that is generally distinguishable from the inflammation caused by asthma. Most chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with smoking, but occupational exposure to irritants and air pollution also are important risk factors. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease typically present with coughing, sputum production, and dyspnea on exertion. However, none of these findings alone is diagnostic. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease diagnostic criterion for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio of less than 70 percent of the predicted value. Severity is further stratified based on forced expiratory volume in one second and symptoms. Chest radiography may rule out alternative diagnoses and comorbid conditions. Selected patients should be tested for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. Arterial blood gas testing is recommended for patients presenting with signs of severe disease, right-sided heart failure, or significant hypoxemia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also is a systemic disorder with weight loss and dysfunction of respiratory and skeletal muscles.     

Diagnosis and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Implications for respiratory care

Although poorly understood, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common of the idiopathic interstitial lung diseases. Its etiology is unknown, but how this fibrotic process develops in the lung has been studied over the last 60 years. It is a relatively rare disease, afflicting those 50-70 years of age, slightly more common among men than women, without racial predilection. The most common complaint is progressive shortness of breath. Pulmonary function testing reveals a restrictive ventilatory defect with a diminished diffusion capacity. The lungs demonstrate fibrotic and cystic areas interspersed with normal lung on radiographic and pathologic examination. No definitive medical treatment is available, although most patients are given trials of corticosteroids, alone or in combination with cytotoxic agents. On average, patients survive 2-4 years after diagnosis. Lung transplantation has been the only therapy shown to improve survival of those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.     

Diagnosis of heart failure in adults

Heart failure is a common, progressive, complex clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. Coronary artery disease is its most common cause. The evaluation of symptomatic patients with suspected heart failure is directed at confirming the diagnosis, determining the cause, identifying concomitant illnesses, establishing the severity of heart failure, and guiding therapy. The initial evaluation should include a focused history and physical examination, a chest radiograph, and an electrocardiogram. The presence of heart failure can be confirmed by an echocardiogram. Heart failure is highly unlikely in the absence of dyspnea and an abnormal chest radiograph or electrocardiogram. Radionuclide angiography or contrast cineangiography may be necessary when clinical suspicion for heart failure is high and the echocardiogram is equivocal. Patients with confirmed heart failure should undergo additional testing, including a more detailed history and physical examination; a complete blood count; blood glucose measurement; liver function tests; serum electrolyte, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine measurements; lipid panel; urinalysis; and thyroid-stimulating hormone level. A serum ferritin level, human immunodeficiency virus test, antinuclear antibody assays, rheumatoid factor test, or metanephrine measurements may be required in selected patients. Patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, exposure to cardiotoxic drugs, alcohol abuse, or a family history of cardiomyopathy are at high risk for heart failure and may benefit from routine screening.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病合并肺纤维化临床分析

目的 了解慢性阻塞性肺疾病合并肺纤维化的临床特点，探讨其临床意义。方法 对比分析我院1990～2002年诊断的慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPI))合并肺纤维化14例及特发性肺纤维化(IPF)20例患者的症状、体征、X线胸片、胸部高分辨CT(HRCT)、肺功能、血气分析结果。结果 COPD合并肺纤维化及IPF在发病年龄、性剐方面无差别，而前者从发病至就诊时间明显较后者长。COPD合并肺纤维化常在慢性咳嗽基础上出现进展较快的呼吸困难及Velcro啰音，具有两种病变并存的X线及CT表现，常为混合型通气功能障碍，低氧血症明显，二氧化碳潴留则有所减轻。结论 慢性阻塞性肺疾病与肺间质纤维化具有不同的临床特点，当二者并存时，各自的特点则不明显，兼有二者的特征。