Clinical application of subtraction CT imaging for evaluation of pulmonary vascular permeability]

In this clinical study, one normal subject, one patient with primary interstitial pneumonia, one patient with segmental pneumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus, one patient with post-operative esophageal carcinoma, and two patients with mitral stenosis were studied. Dynamic CT scan images under continuous injection of low osmotic contrast medium were analyzed in series, in an attempt to evaluate vascular permeability quantitatively. The following results were obtained: 1) Subtraction CT scan image 10 minutes after the start of contrast medium injection in two patients with pneumonia, showed a reduction of pulmonary vascular permeability following therapy. 2) Subtraction CT scan image of the patient with post-operative esophageal carcinoma treated with 25 Gy radiation showed a discrepancy between pulmonary vascular permeability and other findings. 3) In hemodynamically stable patients with mitral stenosis, subtraction CT images demonstrated that pulmonary vascular permeability was not affected by pulmonary congestion, irrespective of its severity.     

Pulmonary abnormalities in ankylosing spondylitis: inspiratory and expiratory high-resolution CT findings in 17 patients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pulmonary manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis on inspiratory and expiratory high resolution CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 17 patients ranging from 40 to 62 years in age. Fifteen patients were male, and 8 were smokers. All patients underwent chest radiography and high-resolution CT. High-resolution CT was obtained using 1 or 2 mm collimation scans at 10-mm intervals at the end of maximal inspiration and at 3 cm intervals at the end of maximal expiration. RESULTS: Pulmonary abnormalities were evident on chest radiography in 2 patients and on CT in 15 patients. The abnormalities on CT included evidence of airway disease in 14 (82%), interstitial abnormalities in 11 (65%), and emphysema in 6 (35%) patients. Airway abnormalities included bronchial wall thickening in 7 (41%), mosaic perfusion in 3 (18%), centrilobular nodules in 3, bronchiolectasis in 2, and air trapping on expiratory CT in 7 (41%) patients. Interstitial abnormalities included parenchymal bands in 7 (41%), intralobular linear opacities (n = 2), and 1 patient each with irregular thickening of interlobular septa, subpleural lines, and honeycombing. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with ankylosing spondylitis have airway and interstitial abnormalities evident on high-resolution CT. These abnormalities are usually mild and therefore seldom evident on the chest radiograph.     

In vitro evaluation of normal and abnormal lungs with ultra-high-resolution CT

Synchrotron radiation microtomography is a new technique with high directionality of a synchrotron radiation beam and a high-resolution detector array. In this study, we estimated the visualization of the peripheral human lung structure with an ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (CT) system, the synchrotron radiation CT. The synchrotron radiation CT system uses the bending magnet beamline emitted from the 8.0 GeV electron storage ring. Six lung specimens were obtained at autopsy: 3 normal, 1 cellular alveolitis, 1 diffuse alveolar damage, and 1 pulmonary hemorrhage. Each specimen was cut down to a cylindrical sample with 6-mm diameter and 15- to 25-mm height. The synchrotron radiation CT images of these lung samples were obtained using the ultra-high-resolution image detector system with a charge coupled device (CCD) array detector (1024 x 1024 pixels with 12 x 12 microm2 pixel size). After that, the sample specimens were sliced to 200 microm (micrometer) thickness, and were observed with a stereomicroscope and by contact radiography. Finally, approximately 10-microm thick microscopic images were obtained and compared with the synchrotron radiation CT images. The synchrotron radiation CT could depict the peripheral lung including peripheral airways, airspaces, and alveolar walls individually. Each finding in the 3 disease processes seen on the synchrotron radiation CT images correlated well with the microscopic findings. The synchrotron radiation CT allows microtomographic imaging of human lung specimens with ultra high-spatial resolution (12 microm) on a level approaching that of conventional histopathology, without sectioning.     

Comparison of axial high-resolution CT and thin-section multiplanar reformation (MPR) for diagnosis of diseases of the pulmonary parenchyma: preliminary study in 49 patients

PURPOSE: We evaluated the diagnostic utility of coronal multiplanar reformation (MPR) images produced by multi-detector row CT in diffuse and focal pulmonary parenchymal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phantom study was conducted comparing spatial and low-contrast resolutions of axial high-resolution CT (HRCT) and coronal MPR. Non-spiral axial HRCT was performed with 2-mm collimation, and spiral CT was performed with 1-mm collimation and 8:1 pitch, from which MPR images were produced at 1.9-mm thickness and 5-mm intervals. Forty-nine patients were included in the clinical study. Three reviewers independently assessed the lesion conspicuity and disease extent on both axial HRCT and coronal MPR images, and the diagnostic utility of the coronal images was evaluated. Two reviewers subsequently assessed axial and coronal images separately, and the extent of abnormalities shown by each was compared. RESULTS: In phantom study, coronal MPR images were inferior to axial images but were considered adequate for clinical use. In clinical study, the image quality of MPR was regarded as good for observation of the lung parenchyma in all cases. The mean percentage of abnormalities for which 3 reviewers determined coronal MPR images as superior or additional information available was 22.1%, whereas 72.4% was regarded as comparable and 5.5% as inferior to axial images. Interobserver agreement was good (weighted kappa statistics 0.45-0.61). The extent of abnormality was judged to be shown equally on the axial and MPR images with good interobserver agreement (kappa statistics 0.63). CONCLUSION: Coronal MPR images may have an additional role to axial HRCT images in the clinical interpretation of lung parenchymal abnormalities.     

Opportunistic pneumonia after kidney transplantation]

This study was conducted to evaluate clinical features at the onset of pneumonia and the usefulness of methods for diagnosing pneumonia in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation. From January 1990 to December 1998. 174 kidney transplantations were performed, and were followed by 22 cases of pneumonia. Of the 22 pneumonia patients, 16 were male and 6 were female. The median age of the 22 patients was 37.2 +/- 13.3 years. All the patients received cyclosporin A and corticosteroids. In 11 cases, the organisms were identified in the microbiology or pathology laboratory, either during life or at autopsy. Six cases were due to Pneumocystis carinii (PC), three to PC and Cytomegalovirus (CMV), one to Aspergillus, and one resulted from miliary tuberculosis. Pneumonia occurred within 4 months after kidney transplantation in most cases. The mean interval between the transplantation and the appearance of pneumonia was 77.3 +/- 34.3 days, except in the cases of Aspergillosis and miliary tuberculosis, where the intervals were 46 and 50 months, respectively. The mean interval from the appearance of symptoms to the detection of pulmonary infiltration was 3.3 +/- 4.3 days. The clinical features present when pulmonary infiltration was detected by CT were fever (91%), cough (32%), and crackles (27%). However, at this time, 55% of the cases had no symptoms other than fever. Chest radiographs were positive for pulmonary infiltration in 64% of the cases at the same time that the pulmonary infiltrates were detected by CT. Eighty percent of the cases exhibited diffuse interstitial infiltrates. Organisms were detected in 7 of 9 cases examined with bronchofiberscopy (BF). But in only one of 13 cases that did not undergo BF. Increased values of serum beta-D-glucan were detected in the early phase of three PC pneumonia cases, suggesting that beta-D-glucan is useful as a marker of PC pneumonia. The use of bronchofiberscopy was more frequent in survivors of PC pneumonia than in non-survivors, whereas the mean age was higher and coexisting CMV infections were identified more frequently in the non-survivors. We concluded that fever is important as an initial symptom of pulmonary infection. In addition, we find that CT is very useful for the detection of interstitial infiltrates, and BF is an excellent method for detecting organisms in the pneumonia patient after kidney transplantation.     

Sequential changes of KL-6 in sera of patients with interstitial pneumonia associated with polymyositis/dermatomyositis

OBJECTIVE: KL-6 is a mucin-like high molecular weight glycoprotein, which is strongly expressed on type II alveolar pneumocytes and bronchiolar epithelial cells. It has been demonstrated that the KL-6 antigen is a useful marker for estimating the activity of interstitial pneumonia. In this study, it is hypothesised that serum KL-6 is a useful marker to evaluate the activity of interstitial pneumonia associated with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). METHODS: KL-6 was measured in sera in 16 patients diagnosed with PM/DM. Five had non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), three had diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), and eight had no pulmonary involvement, and 10 were normal non-smokers as a control group. The correlation was also evaluated between the KL-6 level and each clinical course in patients with pulmonary involvement associated with PM/DM. Immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal anti-KL-6 antibody was also performed. RESULTS: KL-6 concentrations in sera of patients with interstitial pneumonia associated with PM/DM were significantly high compared with those of PM/DM without interstitial pneumonia, and normal non-smokers. KL-6 concentrations in sera in patients with DAD significantly increased compared with those of other groups. KL-6 values in sera changed according to the progression or improvement of interstitial pneumonia. Immunohistochemical study using pulmonary tissues obtained from patients with DAD demonstrated that the hyaline membrane, proliferating type II pneumocytes, bronchial epithelial cells and some endothelial cells in pulmonary veins were stained by antihuman KL-6 antibody. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that measurement of serum KL-6 was a useful marker to evaluate the activity of acute interstitial pneumonia associated with PM/DM.     

双源双能量CT成像在新型冠状病毒肺炎中的应用价值

目的探讨双源双能量计算机体层成像（CT）不同单能量重建对新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID-19）间质性病灶的显示和图像质量及辐射剂量的影响。 方法回顾性分析2020年1—3月郑州大学第一附属医院收治的20例COVID-19患者的胸部平扫影像学资料。比较同一患者双源双能量CT与常规CT的扫描辐射剂量。同时重建双源双能量CT扫描40、60、80、100、120 keV单能量图像,比较不同单能量图像间质性病灶的CT值和标准差（SD）,计算信噪比（SNR）和对比噪声比（CNR）;由2名经验丰富的肺部诊断医师采用5分法评估不同单能量图像质量,并进行比较。 结果双源双能量CT组的CT容积剂量指数（CTDI_vol）为（6.0±2.4）mGy,较常规CT组的（8.9±2.9）mGy下降了33%,且差异有统计学意义（t=10.694,P<0.001）;双源双能量CT组剂量长度乘积（DLP）和全身有效剂量（ED）分别为（217.5±79.6）mGy·cm和（3.1±1.1）mSv,低于常规CT组的（333.8±109.0）mGy·cm（t=10.727,P<0.001）和（4.67±1.52）mSv（t=10.730,P<0.001）。随着X线能量的升高,单能量图像的SNR和CNR逐渐增加,CT值和SD值逐渐降低,相邻两组间比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.001）。2名诊断医师的图像质量主观评价一致性较好（Kappa值为0.700~0.857,P<0.001）,不同单能量图像主观评分差异均有统计学意义（P<0.001）,其中80 keV图像主观评分最高。 结论与常规CT相比,使用双源双能量CT降低了辐射剂量;120 keV单能量图像质量客观评价较高,但80 keV单能量图像更有利于间质性病灶的显示,对提示病情进展具有重要意义。     

Intermittent intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy for the treatment of active interstitial lung disease associated with collagen vascular diseases

The availability of intravenous cyclophosphamide (CYC) pulse therapy for collagen vascular diseases (CVD)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been indicated. However, the standard protocol concerning the dosage and the interval of CYC infusion has not yet been established. The aim of this study is to elucidate the efficacy and the safety of our "divided administration" protocol of CYC for the treatment of CVD-ILD. The treatment protocol consists of two steps: step 1, CYC 400-500 mg at 10-day intervals for at least 30 days, and step 2, CYC 500 mg at 14-day intervals for at least 4 weeks. The ILD activities were monitored by respiratory symptoms, serum levels of KL-6 (a serological marker of IP), chest computed tomography (CT), and pulmonary function tests. Seventeen patients [nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), 12 patients; usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), 4; lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP), 1] accomplished the study protocol. The sessions of CYC infusion ranged from 5 to 20 (mean, 8.3). In all patients, respiratory symptoms were improved and the serum levels of KL-6 were decreased (from 1572 +/- 904 to 978 +/- 392 U/ml; P < 0.01). Chest CT findings were improved in 4 patients (23.5%): they were all classified as NSIP; not deteriorated, 13 patients (76.5%). An improvement in the vital capacity percentage (%VC) was recognized in 10 patients (78.6%) and in diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (%DLco) in 8 patients (61.5%). Nevertheless, mean %VC and mean %DLco did not change significantly. No major adverse event(s) occurred. The efficacy and safety of our "divided administration" protocol of CYC for CVD-ILD was demonstrated.     

A case of chronic interstitial pneumonia with transient acute excerbation induced by dust exposure and spontaneous remission by the admission to hospital]

A 54-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of dyspnea. He has been a plasterer with exposure to dust for 35 years since the age of 19 years. Initially, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia was diagnosed because of findings of ground-glass opacity without honeycombing on chest radiography and CT scanning. Restrictive and diffusional dysfunction of the lung was observed through pulmonary function testing. Videoscope-assisted thoracic surgery revealed pleural plaques and a lung histology showing usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Asbestos bodies and peri-bronchial and vascular dust deposition were detected by microscope. This patient recovered without any medication, with verification from the pulmonary function test results, chest radiographs and CT scanning results. The diagnosis was chronic interstitial pneumonia with transient excerbation. The cause of these pulmonary changes was thought to be dust exposure. Therefore, since dust exposure was avoided after the patient's admission to hospital, dust (including asbestos) exposure may be an important factor in the acute excerbation.     

Fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia: high-resolution computed tomography considerations

The fibrotic idiopathic interstitial pneumonias comprise usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). The characteristic high-resolution computed tomography findings of UIP are reticular abnormality and honeycombing with basal and peripheral predominance. Honeycombing is the strongest predictor of UIP. The extent of fibrosis on computed tomography (CT) is an important prognostic indicator in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). When ground-glass attenuation is seen in IPF it commonly progresses to fibrosis and honeycombing. Imaging may help to detect complications of IPF, including accelerated progression, lung cancer, and secondary infection. Our understanding of the clinical and radiological features of NSIP is still evolving. The CT finding of extensive ground-glass abnormality and some reticular abnormality, with basal and peripheral predominance, is strongly suggestive of NSIP. However, the CT appearances of NSIP overlap with those of UIP, organizing pneumonia (OP), and desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP), and biopsy may be necessary to sort this out. Other idiopathic pneumonias that may be associated with CT evidence of lung fibrosis include DIP, OP, acute interstitial pneumonia, and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia.     

Acute exacerbation of chronic interstitial pneumonia: high-resolution computed tomography and pathologic findings

PURPOSE: To review the high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and histologic findings of acute exacerbation of chronic interstitial pneumonia and to assess the potential value of CT and histologic findings in predicting prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 24 patients with clinical and histologic diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic interstitial pneumonia who underwent CT within 1 month before biopsy or autopsy. The final diagnosis was acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n=12), usual interstitial pneumonia associated with connective tissue disorders (n=5), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (n=4), and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia associated with connective tissue disorders (n=3). RESULTS: The main CT findings consisted of bilateral ground-glass opacities (100%) and consolidation (71%) superimposed on a reticular pattern. The ground-glass opacities and/or consolidation were diffuse in 54% of the cases, multifocal in 21%, and peripheral in 25%. The histologic patterns of acute injury consisted of diffuse alveolar damage (n=20), acute organizing pneumonia (OP) (n=3), and extensive fibroblastic foci (n=1). Eight (33%) patients survived the acute episode, including all 3 patients with OP and the patient with extensive fibroblastic foci (P=0.01). The survivors included 3 of 13 (23%) patients with diffuse parenchymal opacification, 2 of 5 (40%) patients with multifocal, and 3 of 6 (50%) patients with peripheral opacification on CT. CONCLUSIONS: The CT findings of acute exacerbation of chronic interstitial pneumonia consist of diffuse, multifocal, or peripheral parenchymal opacification superimposed on reticulation. Histologic findings of OP are superior to CT in predicting prognosis.     

甲磺酸伊马替尼致间质性肺炎1例并文献复习

目的 提高对甲磺酸伊马替尼所致间质性肺炎的认识,做到早期诊断和治疗,改善患者预后.方法 对北京大学首钢医院呼吸内科诊治的1例甲磺酸伊马替尼致间质性肺炎患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,并进行相关文献复习.结果 患者女性,小肠间质瘤术后服用甲磺酸伊马替尼3个半月后出现水肿、呼吸困难,入院后胸部CT提示双肺弥漫分布的斑片影,BALF显示细胞总数升高(0.54×109/L),其中淋巴细胞56％.除外感染、自身免疫性疾病和其他药物因素,诊断甲磺酸伊马替尼导致的间质性肺炎,停止服用伊马替尼3周后患者呼吸困难无改善,后加用糖皮质激素治疗,激素治疗约2周后患者呼吸困难明显减轻,胸部CT双肺斑片影较前部分吸收,激素治疗4个月后复查胸部CT病变较前明显吸收,但遗留肺间质纤维化改变,停用激素治疗.随访患者未再服用甲磺酸伊马替尼,2年及5年后胸部CT较前无明显变化,3年后患者因小肠间质瘤复发再次手术切除.结论 服用甲磺酸伊马替尼后出现呼吸困难症状应考虑间质性肺炎可能,早期诊断、停药和应用糖皮质激素治疗可获得显著效果,停药后应长期随访患者基础疾病及肺部情况.通过这此例报道并进行文献复习有助于提高对甲磺酸伊马替尼所致间质性肺炎的认识.     

Two cases of everolimus-associated interstitial pneumonia in patients with renal cell carcinoma

We herein report two cases of everolimus-associated interstitial pneumonia in patients with renal cell carcinoma. A 68-year-old Japanese man (case 1) was admitted to our hospital because of progressive dyspnea, left infiltration and consolidation on chest radiographs. He had started receiving everolimus (10 mg daily) three months before the admission for the treatment of recurrent renal cell carcinoma. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid taken from his left B(4) showed a marked increase of lymphocytes (42.9%). An organizing pneumonia pattern of everolimus-associated interstitial pneumonia was strongly suspected radiologically, and treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, discontinuation of everolimus and oxygen support was started. The treatment was successful, and the patient recovered with only minor pulmonary fibrotic changes in the left lower lobe. A 57-year-old Japanese man (case 2) was referred to our department for the evaluation of interstitial pneumonia. He had started to receive everolimus (10 mg daily) four months previously. Chest CT demonstrated interstitial pneumonia predominantly in bilateral lower lobes, with small pulmonary metastatic nodules. His pulmonary complications were spontaneously resolved eight days after the discontinuation of everolimus. To the best of our knowledge, Case 1 is the first reported case of successfully treated organizing pneumonia pattern of interstitial pneumonia with acute respiratory failure induced by everolimus in Japan.     

Correlation of autopsy pathological findings and imaging features from 9 fatal cases of COVID-19 pneumonia

We aimed to investigate the relationship of radiological features and the corresponding pulmonary pathology of patients with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pneumonia.In this multicenter study, serial chest CT and radiographic images from 9 patients (51–85 years old, 56% male) were reviewed and analyzed. Postmortem lungs were sampled and studied from these autopsies, with a special focus on several corresponding sites based on imaging features.The predominant pattern of pulmonary injury in these 9 cases was diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and interstitial inflammation. Moreover, acute fibrinous exudates, organization, inflammatory cell infiltration, hyaline membranes, pulmonary edema, pneumocyte hyperplasia, and fibrosis were all observed. The histopathology features varied according to the site and severity of each lesion. In most of the 9 cases, opacities started from a subpleural area and peripheral structures were more severely damaged based on gross views and pathological examinations. Fibrosis could occur in early stages of infection and this was supported by radiological and pathological findings. The radiological features of COVID-19 pneumonia, at the critically ill stage, were diffuse ground-glass opacities with consolidation, interstitial thickening, and fibrous stripes, which was based in the fibrous tissue proliferation in the alveolar and interlobular septa, and filled alveoli with organizing exudation. Fungal and bacterial co-infections were also observed in 6 cases.Typical imaging features can be correlated with underlying pathological findings. Combining assessments of imaging features with pathological findings therefore can enhance our understanding of the histopathological mechanism of COVID-19 pneumonia, and facilitate early radiological diagnosis and prognosis estimation of COVID-19 pneumonia, which has important implications for the development of clinical targeted treatments and research related to COVID-19 pneumonia.     

Mixed connective tissue disease-associated interstitial pneumonia complicated by pneumomediastinum during prednisolone therapy]

A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with exertional dyspnea. Linear and reticular opacities in the middle and lower fields of both lungs were observed on chest roentgenograms and chest computed tomograms (CT). The presence of anti RNP-antibody and Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerosis of the fingers, and leukopenia yielded a diagnosis of mixed connective tissue disease associated with interstitial pneumonia. The symptoms and lung involvement were alleviated after the administration of prednisolone (40 mg/day). However, the patient experienced the sudden onset of dyspnea during pulmonary function tests. A chest X-ray film disclosed mediastinal air around the left pulmonary artery, and a chest CT scan demonstrated some blebs in the left lower lung field. After tapering the dosage of prednisolone in 5 mg increments per week, the pneumomediastinum disappeared without treatment. The clinical features and laboratory data findings suggested the patient's interstitial pneumonia was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus rather than with progressive systemic sclerosis or dermatomyositis. The pneumomediastinum may have been due to the rupture of blebs secondary to interstitial pneumonia during pulmonary function tests or as a result of steroid therapy.     

Histological classification of interstitial lung diseases

The 2002 ATS/ERS consensus classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias standardizes definitions and criteria for classification and diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and replaces previous classifications. Based on clinico-radiologic-pathologic criteria seven entities were defined: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, acute interstitial pneumonia, respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease, desquamative interstitial pneumonia and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia. The following paper includes a brief overview of the histopathological diagnosis of these entities as compared to other diffuse interstitial pulmonary diseases and pulmonary manifestations of collagenvascular diseases.     

The Use of 3D Contrast-Enhanced CT Reconstructions to Project Images of Vascular Rings and Coarctation of the Aorta

Background: Aortic arch and pulmonary artery anomalies make up a group of vascular structures that have complex three-dimensional (3D) shapes. Tortuosity as well as hypoplasia or atresia of segments of the aortic arch or pulmonary artery makes the conventional two-dimensional (2D) imaging difficult. Methods: Nine patients with native coarctation or recoarctation and 4 patients with a vascular ring had a CT scan as a part of their clinical evaluation. There were 7 males. The mean age was 11.7 years. (range 19 days to 29 years) The mean weight was 22.7 kg (range 3.3–139.0 kg). The dicom data from contrast CT scans were converted by the Amira software package into a 3D image. The areas of interest were selected. The images were then projected in 3D on a standard video monitor and could be rotated 360° in any dimension. Results: Adequate CT scans and 3D reconstructions were obtained in 12 of 13 patients. There were 85–1,044 slices obtained in the adequate studies. We could not reconstruct a 3D image from a patient's CT scan that had only 22 slices. The anatomy defined by 3D was compared to 2D CT imaging and confirmed by cardiac catheterization or direct visualization in the operating room in the 12 patients with adequate 3D reconstructions. In 5 of 12 patients, 3D reconstructions provided valuable spatial information not observed in the conventional 2D scans. Conclusion: We believe that 3D reconstruction of contrast-enhanced CT scans of these complex structures provides additional valuable information that is helpful in the decision-making process.     

Computed tomography and pathologic findings in fulminant forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia

This study describes the computed tomography features of various fulminant forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and to clarify the usefulness of computed tomography in such patients. Computed tomography scans in 19 patients with fulminant forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia were reviewed. This study included patients with acute interstitial pneumonia (n = 7), an accelerated form of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 2), and an acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 10). Pathologic confirmation of the diagnosis was obtained in all patients. Follow-up computed tomography scans were available for eight patients, and postmortem computed tomography scans were available for three patients. All patients had progressive ground-glass attenuation, consolidation, or both. In patients with an acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, subpleural honeycombing was also seen. Follow-up computed tomography showed a change from ground-glass attenuation to consolidation with distortion. Architectural distortion, traction bronchiectasis, and ground-glass opacity were the prominent features in the initial computed tomography scans obtained more than 7 days after the onset of symptoms, and cystic lesions were seen in follow-up computed tomography obtained more than 1 month after the onset. High-resolution computed tomography was more sensitive than the plain radiographs in the early detection of these entities. Computed tomography examination at the onset of the acute symptoms is useful in classifying these fulminant forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.     

Evaluation of diffuse lung uptake of 201Tl in bronchopulmonary diseases

201Tl scintigraphy was performed in various bronchopulmonary diseases. Applying semiquantitative and visual assessments of grade of 201Tl was observed in various broncho-pulmonary diseases with multiple or numerous abnormal shadows in the lung fields, and obvious lung uptake was also shown even in some cases with few or no abnormal shadows. Positive results of moderate and marked lung uptake of 201Tl more than 60.0% were obtained in diffuse interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, silicosis, the disseminated type of pulmonary tuberculosis and primary lung cancer. The ratio of radioactivity of the lung (maximum) to the upper mediastinum was 1.04 +/- 0.24 in healthy controls, and more than 2.0 in diffuse interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and silicosis. The ratio of radioactivity of the right lung to the administered dose of 201Tl was 1.5 +/- 0.9% in healthy controls, and more than 3.0% in diffuse interstitial pneumonia, silicosis, the disseminated type of pulmonary tuberculosis and primary lung cancer. Lung uptake of 201Tl was diffuse, homogeneous and marked in diffuse interstitial pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, while it was scattered and slight in chronic obstructive lung diseases. 201Tl scintigraphy seems to be useful for detecting interstitial disorders of the lung including edema, inflammatory and granulomatous changes, especially in cases with slightly abnormal or normal chest X-ray films.     

Classification and recent advances in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is a heterogeneous group of diseases comprising acute interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and usual interstitial pneumonia (IPF/UIP). We review the clinicopathological spectrum of IIP and introduce recent advances in classification, treatment, and prognosis. BOOP can be clinically categorized as an interstitial pneumonia, though prominent granulation tufts are seen in the airspaces. Though differences between the nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and other lips can be histopathologically clarified, the focus of clinical research on NSIP is differentiation from BOOP, or from IPF and UIP. IIP can be categorized into two groups: groups with acute or subacute lung injuries or fibrosis, such as in acute interstitial pneumonia, BOOP and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, and groups with chronic injuries or fibrosis, such as IPF/UIP. This classification accords well with the maturity of fibrosis, CT findings, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell findings, and prognosis. The most critical problem is the treatment of IPF/UIP, because of its high mortality.