Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia: High-Resolution CT Findings in Ten Non-AIDS Immunocompromised Patients

Objective

To describe the HRCT findings of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia in non-AIDS immunocompromised patients.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study involved the ten all non-AIDS immunocompromised patients with biopsy-proven CMV pneumonia and without other pulmonary infection encountered at our Medical Center between January 1997 and May 1999. HRCT scans were retrospectively analysed by two chest radiologists and decisions regarding the findings were reached by consensus.

Results

The most frequent CT pattern was ground-glass opacity, seen in all patients, with bilateral patchy (n = 8) and diffuse (n = 2) distribution. Other findings included poorly-defined small nodules (n = 9) and consolidation (n = 7). There was no zonal predominance. The small nodules, bilateral in eight cases and unilateral in one, were all located in the centrilobular region. Consolidation (n = 7), with patchy distribution, was bilateral in five of seven patients (71%). Pleural effusion and bilateral areas of thickened interlobular septa were seen in six patients (60%).

Conclusion

CMV pneumonia in non-AIDS immunocompromised patients appears on HRCT scans as bilateral mixed areas of ground-glass opacity, poorly-defined centrilobular small nodules, and consolidation. Interlobular septal thickening and pleural effusion are frequently associated.     

Fluid Collection in the Right Lateral Portion of the Superior Aortic Recess Mimicking a Right Mediastinal Mass: Assessment with Chest Posterior Anterior and MDCT

Objective

We observed patients in whom the fluid collection in the right lateral portion of the superior aortic recess on computed tomography (CT) scans mimicked a right anterior mediastinal mass on chest PA radiographs. The purpose of this study was to assess chest PA and CT features of these patients.

Materials and Methods

All chest PA radiographs and CT scans in 9 patients were reviewed by two radiologists on a consensus basis; for the presence of pleural effusion, pulmonary edema and heart size on chest PA radiographs. For the portion of the fluid collection in the superior aortic recess (SAR), a connection between the right lateral portion of the SAR (rSAR) and posterior portion of the SAR (pSAR) on CT scans, and the distance between the right lateral margin of the rSAR and the right lateral margin of the superior vena cava.

Results

Fluid collection in the rSAR on CT scans caused a right anterior mediastinal mass or a bulging contour on chest PA radiographs in all women patients. All patients showed cardiomegaly, five patients had pleural effusion, and two patients had mild pulmonary edema. Further, eight patients showed a connection between the rSAR and the pSAR.

Conclusion

The characteristic features of these patients are the right anterior mediastinal mass-like opacity due to fluid collection in the rSAR, are bulging contour with a smooth margin and cardiomegaly regardless of pulmonary edema on the chest PA radiographs, and fluid connection between the rSAR and the pSAR on CT scans.     

Broncho-Pleural Fistula with Hydropneumothorax at CT: Diagnostic Implications in Mycobacterium avium Complex Lung Disease with Pleural Involvement

Objective

To determine the patho-mechanism of pleural effusion or hydropneumothorax in Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease through the computed tomographic (CT) findings.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 5 patients who had pleural fluid samples that were culture-positive for MAC between January 2001 and December 2013. The clinical findings were investigated and the radiological findings on chest CT were reviewed by 2 radiologists.

Results

The 5 patients were all male with a median age of 77 and all had underlying comorbid conditions. Pleural fluid analysis revealed a wide range of white blood cell counts (410–100690/µL). The causative microorganisms were determined as Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare in 1 and 4 patients, respectively. Radiologically, the peripheral portion of the involved lung demonstrated fibro-bullous changes or cavitary lesions causing lung destruction, reflecting the chronic, insidious nature of MAC lung disease. All patients had broncho-pleural fistulas (BPFs) and pneumothorax was accompanied with pleural effusion.

Conclusion

In patients with underlying MAC lung disease who present with pleural effusion, the presence of BPFs and pleural air on CT imaging are indicative that spread of MAC infection is the cause of the effusion.     

Chest Radiographic Findings in Primary Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Observations from High School Outbreaks

Objective

To describe the radiographic findings of primary pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in previously healthy adolescent patients.

Materials and Methods

The Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study, with a waiver of informed consent from the patients. TB outbreaks occurred in 15 senior high schools and chest radiographs from 58 students with identical strains of TB were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis by two independent observers. Lesions of nodule(s), consolidation, or cavitation in the upper lung zones were classified as typical TB. Mediastinal lymph node enlargement; lesions of nodule(s), consolidation, or cavitation in lower lung zones; or pleural effusion were classified as atypical TB. Inter-observer agreement for the presence of each radiographic finding was examined by kappa statistics.

Results

Of 58 patients, three (5%) had normal chest radiographs. Cavitary lesions were present in 25 (45%) of 55 students. Lesions with upper lung zone predominance were observed in 27 (49%) patients, whereas lower lung zone predominance was noted in 18 (33%) patients. The remaining 10 (18%) patients had lesions in both upper and lower lung zones. Pleural effusion was not observed in any patient, nor was the mediastinal lymph node enlargement. Hilar lymph node enlargement was seen in only one (2%) patient. Overall, 37 (67%) students had the typical form of TB, whereas 18 (33%) had TB lesions of the atypical form.

Conclusion

The most common radiographic findings in primary pulmonary TB by recent infection in previously healthy adolescents are upper lung lesions, which were thought to be radiographic findings of reactivation pulmonary TB by remote infection.     

甲型H1N1流感患者胸部CT首诊表现

目的 探讨甲型H1N1流感患者的胸部MSCT首诊表现.方法 回顾性分析19例经实验室检测显示甲型H1N1流感病毒阳性患者的首诊胸部MSCT影像资料.由3名副教授影像医师独立阅读并最终讨论达成一致.影像的异常表现包括实变、磨玻璃密度影、结节影,网格影.病变的分布包括单侧或双侧.病变部位按病变累及肺叶的解剖划分,同时评估胸腔积液单双侧及纵隔和肺门的淋巴结增大、心包积液及胸膜异常.用自建半定量甲型H1N1病变评分表评价磨玻璃密度影及实变影.采用Spearman相关分析检验半定量磨玻璃样变和实变CT评分与患者的发热时间之间有无相关关系.结果 19例患者中18例胸部CT首诊为阳性,肺内见实变影3例、磨玻璃密度影3例、实变影+磨玻璃密度影12例.病变全部为双侧分布,并且主要为弥漫分布(14例),多灶病变均分布在中下叶(4例).2例患者首次胸部CT检查发现心脏增大,其中1例合并心包积液.5例胸腔积液患者中,2例为双侧,3例为单侧.2例纵隔淋巴结增大,1例胸膜增厚.半定量磨玻璃密度影CT评分有2例4.25分,1例3.75分,1例2.25分,1例1.75分,6例1.00分,2例0.75分,2例0.50分,4例0分.半定量实变影CT评分有1例4.25分,1例4.00分,1例3.75分,1例2.75分,3例1.25分,2例1.00分,2例0.75分,1例0.50分,3例0.25分,4例0分.半定量磨玻璃密度影CT评分与发热时间存在正相关性(r=0.776,P<0.01),半定量实变影CT评分与发热时间无相关性(r=0.322,P>0.01).结论 甲型H1N1患者胸部CT首诊表现多以双侧磨玻璃密度病变伴或不伴实变影为主,主要为弥漫分布.甲型H1N1肺炎在发病初期病程进展以磨玻璃密度影范围扩大为标志.     

Subtle Pleural Metastasis without Large Effusion in Lung Cancer Patients: Preoperative Detection on CT

Objective

We wanted to describe the retrospective CT features of subtle pleural metastasis without large effusion that would suggest inoperable lung cancer.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 14 patients who had open thoracotomy attempted for lung cancer, but they were proven to be inoperable due to pleural metastasis. Our study also included 20 control patients who were proven as having no pleural metastasis. We retrospectively evaluated the nodularity and thickening of the pleura and the associated pleural effusion on the preoperative chest CT scans. We reviewed the histologic cancer types, the size, shape and location of the lung cancer and the associated mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Results

Subtle pleural nodularity or focal thickening was noted in seven patients (50%) having pleural metastasis and also in three patients (15%) of control group who were without pleural metastasis. More than one of the pleural changes such as subtle pleural nodularity, focal thickening or effusion was identified in eight (57%) patients having pleural metastasis and also in three patients (15%) of the control group, and these findings were significantly less frequent in the control group patients than for the patients with pleural metastasis (p = 0.02). The histologic types of primary lung cancer in patients with pleural metastasis revealed as adenocarcinoma in 10 patients (71%) and squamous cell carcinoma in four patients (29%). The location, size and shape of the primary lung cancer and the associated mediastinal lymphadenopathy showed no significant correlation with pleural metastasis.

Conclusion

If any subtle pleural nodularity or thickening is found on preoperative chest CT scans of patients with lung cancer, the possibility of pleural metastasis should be considered.     

Pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis: radiologic findings in 71 patients.

Pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis is a disease caused by lung flukes characterized by migration of a juvenile worm in the early stage and by formation of cysts around the worm later on. The purpose of this study was to describe the radiologic manifestations of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis, with special emphasis on the worm cyst and worm migration track. We retrospectively studied 71 patients who had evidence of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis on chest radiographs (n = 71) and CT scans (n = 17). The diagnosis was based on the detection of eggs or on positive antibody tests. On chest radiographs, 59 patients (83%) had pulmonary lesions and 43 patients (61%) had pleural lesions. Pulmonary findings included patchy air-space consolidation (n = 37) with or without cystic changes; ring shadows (n = 16); and peripheral linear opacities (n = 29), which were more prominent in patients with pleural effusion. Twelve patients (17%) had bilateral pleural effusions or pneumothoraces. On CT scans, round low-attenuation cystic lesions (5-15 mm), filled either with fluid (n = 5) or gas (n = 5), were characteristically seen within the consolidation. Peripheral linear opacities seen on radiographs were suggestive of worm migration tracks on CT scans. CT may reveal an intracystic worm. Although the findings vary depending on the stage of the disease, findings on chest radiographs are usually typical of paragonimiasis. CT provides more specific information about the worm cyst and the worm migration track.     

严重急性呼吸综合征胸部并发症的影像学分析

目的 分析严重急性呼吸综合征(SARS)胸部并发症在X线平片和CT上的表现，提高对SARS影像学表现的认识。资料与方法回顾分析182例SARS患者950次X线胸部平片和74次胸部CT检查结果，重点观察肺内空洞性病变、肺间质纤维化、气胸、纵隔气肿、皮下气肿和胸膜病变。结果 根据X线平片和CT所见，在182例患者中，6例(3．3％)出现空洞病变，临床诊断为霉菌感染；l0例(5．5％)出现胸水，8例(4．4％)出现纵隔气肿和皮下气肿，3例(1．6％)出现气胸。另外，在接受胸部CT检查的54例患者中，有17例(31．5％)出现不同程度的肺间质纤维化改变，6例(11．1％)出现胸膜增厚、粘连。结论 全面了解SARS患者胸部并发症的影像学征象有助于SARS的鉴别诊断和指导治疗。     

Radiological and Clinical Characteristics of a Military Outbreak of Pandemic H1N1 2009 Influenza Virus Infection

Objective

To describe detailed clinical and radiological features of the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza viral infection among healthy young males in a semi-closed institutionalized setting.

Materials and Methods

A total of 18 patients confirmed with the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus infection from July 18 to July 30, 2009 were enrolled in this study. Each patient underwent an evaluation to determine detailed clinical and radiological features.

Results

All patients presented with high fever (> 38.0℃), with accompanying symptoms of cough, rhinorrhea, sore throat, myalgia and diarrhea, and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) values with no leukocytosis nor elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). All patients, including one patient who progressed into acute respiratory distress syndrome, were treated with oseltamivir phosphate and quickly recovered from their symptoms. Chest radiographs showed abnormalities of small nodules and lobar consolidation in only two out of 18 patients. However, six of 12 patients who underwent thin-section CT examinations showed abnormal findings for small ground-glass opacities (GGOs) in addition to poorly-defined nodules with upper lobe predominance.

Conclusion

In a population of healthy young adults, elevated CRP with normal ESR and white blood cell levels combined with GGOs and nodules on thin-section CT scans may indicate early signs of infection by the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus.     

Evaluation of the lung in children with suspected pneumonia: usefulness of ultrasonography

Purpose

The authors sought to evaluate the sensitivity of chest ultrasound (US) versus chest radiography in detecting lung consolidation and pleural effusion in children with a clinical suspicion of pneumonia.

Materials and methods

Thirty-two chest radiographs and 32 chest US examinations were performed in 28 consecutive patients (aged 4 months to 17 years) with a clinical suspicion of pneumonia. Chest US examinations were carried out with a convex-array broadband probe (2–5 MHz) and a high-frequency linear-array broadband probe (5–12 MHz). The results obtained were compared with those of chest radiography.

Results

Chest radiography identified subpleural consolidation in 22 patients, perihilar consolidation in 7, and pleural effusion in eight. In the same 22 patients, chest US showed 22 cases of subpleural consolidation but no cases of perihilar consolidation; pleural effusion was detected in 15 patients.

Conclusions

Chest US is capable of identifying subpleural consolidation with the same sensitivity as chest radiography and is highly accurate in demonstrating pleural effusion. For this reason, chest US may be a valuable aid and possible alternative to standard chest radiography in the evaluation and follow-up of children with suspected pneumonia.     

High-Resolution CT Findings of Re-Expansion Pulmonary Edema

Objective

To describe the high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings of re-expansion pulmonary edema (REPE) following a thoracentesis for a spontaneous pneumothorax.

Materials and Methods

HRCT scans from 43 patients who developed REPE immediately after a thoracentesis for treatment of pneumothorax were retrospectively analyzed. The study group consisted of 41 men and two women with a mean age of 34 years. The average time interval between insertion of the drainage tube and HRCT was 8.5 hours (range, 1-24 hours). The patterns and distribution of the lung lesions were analyzed and were assigned one of the following classifications: consolidation, ground-glass opacity (GGO), intralobular interstitial thickening, interlobular septal thickening, thickening of bronchovascular bundles, and nodules. The presence of pleural effusion and contralateral lung involvement was also assessed.

Results

Patchy areas of GGO were observed in all 43 patients examined. Consolidation was noted in 22 patients (51%). The geographic distribution of GGO and consolidation was noted in 25 patients (58%). Interlobular septal thickening and intralobular interstitial thickening was noted in 28 patients (65%), respectively. Bronchovascular bundle thickening was seen in 13 patients (30%), whereas ill-defined centrilobular GGO nodules were observed in five patients (12%). The lesions were predominantly peripheral in 38 patients (88%). Of these lesions, gravity-dependent distribution was noted in 23 cases (53%). Bilateral lung involvement was noted in four patients (9%), and a small amount of pleural effusion was seen in seven patients (16%).

Conclusion

The HRCT findings of REPE were peripheral patchy areas of GGO that were frequently combined with consolidation as well as interlobular septal and intralobular interstitial thickening.     

Value of the “spine sign” on lateral chest views

Objective:

To determine the performance of the spine sign in detecting lower chest abnormalities in the lateral view.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 200 patients who had undergone lateral view and CT scans of the chest within 1 week. Two radiologists independently read the lateral views, and a third radiologist, blinded to the aim of the study, read the scans. The spine sign was considered as positive if the progressive increase in lucency of the vertebral bodies was altered. Interreader agreement was calculated through k-statistics. Sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive values, and accuracy were calculated compared with CT.

Results:

Agreements between readers ranged from 0.12 to 0.68. Positive spine sign could appear in two ways: absent or inversed progressive increase in lucency of the vertebral bodies. Sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive values, and accuracy were, respectively, 60% and 70%; 64% and 84%; 91% and 97%; 19% and 29%; and 61% and 72% for each reader (p-value ranging from 0.026 to 0.196). Abnormalities most frequently associated with positive spine sign were plate-like atelectasis, ground-glass opacity, pleural effusion and consolidation.

Conclusion:

The spine sign can present as an absent or inversed progressive increase in lucency of the vertebral bodies. It has a moderate sensitivity but a good positive-predictive value, so it can be useful especially when it appears as inversed progressive increase in lucency of the vertebral bodies to detect various abnormalities usually identifiable on chest radiographs.

Advances in knowledge:

On lateral chest radiographs, the spine sign is useful to detect lower chest abnormalities and is related to various underlying abnormalities and is, per se, non-specific.On lateral chest view obtained in normal subjects, the overall posterior opacity tends to decrease from the level of the upper thoracic spine to that of the diaphragm.^1,2 The “spine sign” is any alteration in this typical pattern and is suggestive of pathology in the lower part of the chest.³ While commonly used, the diagnostic performance of this sign for detecting lower lobe abnormalities remains unknown. The aims of our study were therefore to determine its sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive values; to determine the accuracy of the spine sign compared with CT as a method of reference; and to characterize its associated lesions.     

Serial evaluation of high-resolution CT findings in patients with pneumonia in novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection

Objectives

The purpose of our study was to review the changes in the serial high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings from patients with novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) infection.

Methods

HRCT findings of 70 patients with presumed or laboratory-confirmed novel S-OIV infection were reviewed. The pattern (consolidation, ground glass, fibrosis and air trapping), distribution and extent of abnormality of the lesions on the HRCT were evaluated at different time points. To assess changes that occurred over time, the CT scans in 56 patients were examined in sequence.

Results

The most common CT findings in patients with S-OIV infection are ground-glass opacities with or without consolidation at the first week. The abnormalities peaked at the second week and resolved after that time, which resulted in substantial reduced residual disease at 4 weeks or later. The development of fibrosis was noted in the first week and peaked at the third week of illness (34.7%), then decreased slowly after that time. The mean time of air trapping being noted after the onset of symptoms was 55.5±20.6 days. Comparing the findings of initial CT, most results (96.4%) of follow-up chest CT findings showed improvement (p<0.01).

Conclusion

The abnormalities of ground-glass opacities and/or consolidation on initial CT scans tended to resolve to fibrosis, which then resolved completely or displayed substantially reduced residual disease. HRCT may show more changes in disease progression and play an important role in the evaluation of severe S-OIV.A novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) was first reported in Mexico and became rampant globally later on in spring 2009 [1]. The World Health Organization declared the first Phase 6 global influenza pandemic of the century on 11 June 2009 [2]. During peak periods of influenza in autumn to winter of that year, a proportion of patients developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and some died of the disease. Serial chest radiography has been the main technique in the initial investigation of patients with suspected H1N1. However, multislice CT (MSCT) scanning is more sensitive than chest radiography, providing more detailed radiological features. Previous studies have reported that the predominant CT findings of disease were unilateral or bilateral multifocal peribronchovascular and/or subpleural ground-glass opacities (GGOs) with or without consolidation [1,3]. Little is known, however, about sequential MSCT findings during the subsequent course of pneumonia with H1N1. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological changes on serial thin-section chest CT scans in patients with H1N1 during the acute and convalescent periods of the illness.     

Fluid Retention Associated with Imatinib Treatment in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: Quantitative Radiologic Assessment and Implications for Management

Objective

We aimed to describe radiologic signs and time-course of imatinib-associated fluid retention (FR) in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and its implications for management.

Materials and Methods

In this Institutional Review Board-approved, retrospective study of 403 patients with GIST treated with imatinib, 15 patients with imaging findings of FR were identified by screening radiology reports, followed by manual confirmation. Subcutaneous edema, ascites, pleural effusion, and pericardial effusion were graded on a four-point scale on CT scans; total score was the sum of these four scores.

Results

The most common radiologic sign of FR was subcutaneous edema (15/15, 100%), followed by ascites (12/15, 80%), pleural effusion (11/15, 73%), and pericardial effusion (6/15, 40%) at the time of maximum FR. Two distinct types of FR were observed: 1) acute/progressive FR, characterized by acute aggravation of FR and rapid improvement after management, 2) intermittent/steady FR, characterized by occasional or persistent mild FR. Acute/progressive FR always occurred early after drug initiation/dose escalation (median 1.9 month, range 0.3-4.0 months), while intermittent/steady FR occurred at any time. Compared to intermittent/steady FR, acute/progressive FR was severe (median score, 5 vs. 2.5, p = 0.002), and often required drug-cessation/dose-reduction.

Conclusion

Two distinct types (acute/progressive and intermittent/steady FR) of imatinib-associated FR are observed and each type requires different management.     

Migrating Lobar Atelectasis of the Right Lung: Radiologic Findings in Six Patients

Objective

To describe the radiologic findings of migrating lobar atelectasis of the right lung.

Materials and Methods

Chest radiographs (n = 6) and CT scans (n = 5) of six patients with migrating lobar atelectasis of the right lung were analyzed retrospectively. The underlying diseases associated with lobar atelectasis were bronchogenic carcinoma (n = 4), bronchial tuberculosis (n = 1), and tracheobronchial amyloidosis (n = 1).

Results

Atelectasis involved the right upper lobe (RUL) (n = 3) and both the RUL and right middle lobe (RML) (n = 3). On supine anteroposterior radiographs (n = 5) and on an erect posteroanterior radiograph (n = 1), the atelectatic lobe(s) occupied the right upper lung zone, with a wedge shape abutting onto the right mediastinal border. On erect posteroanterior radiographs (n = 6), the heavy atelectatic lobe(s) migrated downward, forming a peri- or infrahilar area of increased opacity and obscuring the right cardiac margin. Erect lateral radiographs (n = 4) showed inferior shift of the anterosuperiorly located atelectatic lobe(s) to the anteroinferior portion of the hemithorax.

Conclusion

Atelectatic lobe(s) can move within the hemithorax according to changes in a patient''s position. This process involves the RUL or both the RUL and RML.     

Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease in immunocompetent patients: radiography-CT correlation

This study aimed to describe and correlate the chest radiography and CT findings of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease in immunocompetent patients. 26 patients fulfilled The American Thoracic Society criteria for MAC lung disease and underwent chest radiography and CT within 6 weeks of positive cultures. All abnormalities and predominant lobar involvement were recorded and abnormalities on chest radiography were correlated with those on CT. The images were evaluated by two chest radiologists and decisions were reached by consensus. 21 females and 5 males, with an overall mean age of 69 years, were included in the study. All chest radiographs and CT scans were abnormal. On chest radiography, overinflation was demonstrated in 18 patients. CT scan abnormalities included atelectasis (n=17), bronchiectasis (n=24), cavities (n=13), consolidation (n=3), emphysema (n=11), ground-glass opacity (n=8), linear opacities (n=26), mediastinal lymphadenopathy (n=3), nodules (n=25) and pleural disease (n=15). CT findings were at variance with chest radiography findings in 15 lobes. A new feature from this study is that the majority of patients with MAC lung disease demonstrate overinflation on chest radiography. 19% of cases had predominant upper lobe disease, indistinguishable from post-primary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. 77% of cases demonstrated the major imaging criteria of MAC lung disease. These are ill defined nodules, bronchiectasis, predominant middle lobe and/or lingular abnormalities, with or without overinflation. We believe that these characteristic radiological signs will assist the physician in the diagnostic work-up of patients with MAC lung disease.     

Chest ultrasound in the evaluation of complicated pneumonia in the ICU patients: Can be viable alternative to CT?

Objective

To compare ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) for evaluating patients with complicated pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) to assess if US can be an alternative to CT.

Subjects and methods

We prospectively compared US and CT findings in 48 patients admitted to the ICU with complicated pneumonia with their final diagnosis at discharge. Images were evaluated for parenchymal findings (consolidation, necrosis, and abscess) and pleural findings (effusion, loculation or fibrin strands in the pleural fluid).

Results

US was similar to CT in the evaluation of parenchymal and pleural abnormalities except for two patients with consolidation and effusion, three patients with loculated effusion, one patient with pulmonary necrosis and another patient with lung abscess. US was superior to CT in detection of fibrin strands within pleural effusion.

Conclusion

Chest US provides an accurate evaluation of the pleural and parenchymal abnormalities associated with complicated pneumonia in the ICU patients. Considering that chest US is a bedside and avoids transportation of the patient outside ICU, free of radiation exposure and easily repeatable, chest US appears to be an attractive alternative to CT.     

Lung ultrasound imaging in avian influenza A (H7N9) respiratory failure

Background

Lung ultrasound has been shown to identify in real-time, various pathologies of the lung such as pneumonia, viral pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Lung ultrasound maybe a first-line alternative to chest X-ray and CT scan in critically ill patients with respiratory failure. We describe the use of lung ultrasound imaging and findings in two cases of severe respiratory failure from avian influenza A (H7N9) infection.

Methods

Serial lung ultrasound images and video from two cases of H7N9 respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a tertiary care intensive care unit were analyzed for characteristic lung ultrasound findings described previously for respiratory failure and infection. These findings were followed serially, correlated with clinical course and chest X-ray.

Results

In both patients, characteristic lung ultrasound findings have been observed as previously described in viral pulmonary infections: subpleural consolidations associated or not with local pleural effusion. In addition, numerous, confluent, or coalescing B-lines leading to ‘white lung’ with corresponding pleural line thickening are associated with ARDS. Extension or reduction of lesions observed with ultrasound was also correlated respectively with clinical worsening or improvement. Coexisting consolidated pneumonia with sonographic air bronchograms was noted in one patient who did not survive.

Conclusions

Clinicians with access to point-of-care ultrasonography may use these findings as an alternative to chest X-ray or CT scan. Lung ultrasound imaging may assist in the efficient allocation of intensive care for patients with respiratory failure from viral pulmonary infections, especially in resource scarce settings or situations such as future respiratory virus outbreaks or pandemics.     

CT Characteristics of Pleural Plaques Related to Occupational or Environmental Asbestos Exposure from South Korean Asbestos Mines

Objective

This study evaluated the CT characteristics of pleural plaques in asbestos-exposed individuals and compared occupational versus environmental exposure groups.

Materials and Methods

This study enrolled 181 subjects with occupational exposure and 98 with environmental exposure from chrysotile asbestos mines, who had pleural plaques confirmed by a chest CT. The CT scans were analyzed for morphological characteristics, the number and distribution of pleural plaques and combined pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, the CT findings were compared between the occupational and environmental exposure groups.

Results

Concerning the 279 subjects, the pleural plaques were single in 2.2% and unilateral in 3.6%, and showed variable widths (range, 1-20 mm; mean, 5.4 ± 2.7 mm) and lengths (5-310 mm; 72.6 ± 54.8 mm). The chest wall was the most commonly involved (98.6%), with an upper predominance on the ventral side (upper, 77.8% vs. lower, 55.9%, p < 0.001) and a lower predominance on the dorsal side (upper, 74.9% vs. lower, 91.8%, p = 0.02). Diaphragmatic involvement (78.1%) showed a right-side predominance (right, 73.8% vs. left, 55.6%, p < 0.001), whereas mediastinal plaques (42.7%) were more frequent on the left (right, 17.6% vs. left, 39.4%, p < 0.001). The extent and maximum length of plaques, and presence and severity of combined asbestosis, were significantly higher in the occupational exposure group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Pleural plaques in asbestos-exposed individuals are variable in number and size; and show a predominant distribution in the upper ventral and lower dorsal chest walls, right diaphragm, and left mediastinum. Asbestos mine workers have a higher extent of plaques and pulmonary fibrosis versus environmentally exposed individuals.