A case of tuberculosis pleuritis developing contralateral pleural effusion during anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy,falling into chronic respiratory failure

The patient was a 74 year-old male presenting right pleural effusion with mild fever. His temperature was 37.0 degrees C. Culture of a pleural biopsy specimen revealed Mycobacterium tuberculosis, although culture of sputum and pleural effusion were negative. Therapy was begun with 300 mg of isoniazid (INH) per day, 600 mg of rifampicin (RFP) per day, and 1200 mg of pyrazinamide (PZA) per day. His temperature improved temporarily. One week after beginning of the therapy he had a fever over 38.0 degrees C. On the 17th day after starting chemotherapy, a chest radiological examination showed left pleural effusion in which numerous lymphocytes were found but Mycobacterium tuberculosis was negative. We assumed that the left pleural effusion was due to a paradoxical reaction to the anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. After 3 days' discontinuation, the same regimen was resumed with an addition of prednisolone, but bilateral pleural effusion remained and the case finally fell into chronic respiratory failure.     

胸膜结核瘤的MRI表现特征分析

目的 探讨胸膜结核瘤的MRI表现特征,以提高其诊断水平。方法 收集湖南省胸科医院2018年1月至2019年12月经病理学和(或)病原学证实或临床诊断(依据临床症状体征、免疫学检查结果,以及诊断性抗结核药品治疗有效进行综合诊断)的87例胸膜结核瘤患者。将其中资料完整的60例患者作为研究对象,男41例,女19例;年龄13~78岁,中位年龄27岁。其中8例胸膜病变经手术后病理检查确诊,43例经胸膜活检病理检查确诊,9例为临床诊断患者。所有患者均进行了结核病相关实验室检查、胸部CT平扫、MRI平扫及增强扫描检查,分析评价患者的临床及胸部MRI表现特征。结果 60例患者MRI表现为单发病灶47例(78.3%),多发病灶13例(21.7%)。共74个病灶,其中右下肺37个(50.0%)病灶,34个病灶(45.9%)呈类圆形;51个病灶(68.9%)与胸膜呈宽基底相贴,边缘光滑,病灶基底部胸膜有移行性增厚。60例患者中,13例(21.7%)为未成熟结核瘤,T₁WI呈等或稍低信号,T₂WI、表现弥散系数(ADC)图像呈稍高信号,弥散加权成像(DWI)呈等信号,弥散不受限;增强检查呈斑点状强化或结节状均匀强化。29例(48.3%)为中心凝固性坏死结核瘤,T₁WI呈等或稍低信号,T₂WI、ADC 图像呈混杂高信号,DWI呈等信号,弥散不受限,增强检查呈不均匀结节状强化或环形强化;18例(30.0%)为中心液性坏死结核瘤,T₁WI呈低信号,T₂WI、ADC图像呈高信号, DWI呈混杂高信号,弥散受限,增强检查呈环形强化。2例(3.3%)可见多个结核瘤灶融合,形成脓肿,破溃至胸膜外脂肪间隙和(或)胸壁,ADC图像呈低信号,DWI呈高信号,弥散受限,增强检查呈环形和分隔样强化。结论 胸膜结核瘤具有一定的MRI表现特征,MRI在判断胸膜结核瘤累及范围及其所处病理阶段有优势。     

Analysis of MRI characteristics of pleural tuberculoma

目的 探讨胸膜结核瘤的MRI表现特征,以提高其诊断水平。方法 收集湖南省胸科医院2018年1月至2019年12月经病理学和(或)病原学证实或临床诊断(依据临床症状体征、免疫学检查结果,以及诊断性抗结核药品治疗有效进行综合诊断)的87例胸膜结核瘤患者。将其中资料完整的60例患者作为研究对象,男41例,女19例;年龄13~78岁,中位年龄27岁。其中8例胸膜病变经手术后病理检查确诊,43例经胸膜活检病理检查确诊,9例为临床诊断患者。所有患者均进行了结核病相关实验室检查、胸部CT平扫、MRI平扫及增强扫描检查,分析评价患者的临床及胸部MRI表现特征。结果 60例患者MRI表现为单发病灶47例(78.3%),多发病灶13例(21.7%)。共74个病灶,其中右下肺37个(50.0%)病灶,34个病灶(45.9%)呈类圆形;51个病灶(68.9%)与胸膜呈宽基底相贴,边缘光滑,病灶基底部胸膜有移行性增厚。60例患者中,13例(21.7%)为未成熟结核瘤,T₁WI呈等或稍低信号,T₂WI、表现弥散系数(ADC)图像呈稍高信号,弥散加权成像(DWI)呈等信号,弥散不受限;增强检查呈斑点状强化或结节状均匀强化。29例(48.3%)为中心凝固性坏死结核瘤,T₁WI呈等或稍低信号,T₂WI、ADC 图像呈混杂高信号,DWI呈等信号,弥散不受限,增强检查呈不均匀结节状强化或环形强化;18例(30.0%)为中心液性坏死结核瘤,T₁WI呈低信号,T₂WI、ADC图像呈高信号, DWI呈混杂高信号,弥散受限,增强检查呈环形强化。2例(3.3%)可见多个结核瘤灶融合,形成脓肿,破溃至胸膜外脂肪间隙和(或)胸壁,ADC图像呈低信号,DWI呈高信号,弥散受限,增强检查呈环形和分隔样强化。结论 胸膜结核瘤具有一定的MRI表现特征,MRI在判断胸膜结核瘤累及范围及其所处病理阶段有优势。     

A case of tuberculous pleurisy developing contralateral effusion during anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy

A 55-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of chest pain, fever, and right pleural effusion that was exudative and lymphocyte-dominant with a high level of adenosine deaminase (ADA). Since her blood QuantiFERON-TB 3G test (QFT) was positive, she was diagnosed with tuberculous pleurisy. After initiation of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, her symptoms improved. Later, liquid culture of the pleural effusion turned positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. On the 18th day of treatment, her chest X-ray and computed tomography exhibited pleural effusion in a moderate amount in the left thorax, with subsiding pleural effusion in the right thorax. Thoracocentesis demonstrated that the left thorax effusion was also exudative and lymphocyte-dominant, with elevated QFT response and high ADA concentration, suggesting tuberculous pleurisy. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in the culture of a left pleural biopsy specimen obtained by thoracoscopy. We assumed that the left pleural effusion was due to paradoxical worsening because (1) on admission no effusion or lung parenchymal lesion was detected in the left hemithorax, (2) on the 14th day of treatment she was afebrile without pleural effusion on both sides, and (3) the bacilli were sensitive to the drugs she had been taking regularly. We performed drainage of the left effusion and continued the same anti-tuberculosis drugs, which led to the elimination of all her symptoms and of the pleural effusion on both sides. In conclusion, paradoxical worsening should be included in the differential diagnosis when contralateral pleural effusion is detected during the treatment of tuberculosis.     

A case of adrenal tuberculosis complicated with acute exacerbation of adrenal insufficiency during the initial phase of anti-tuberculosis therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis

A 36-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of adrenal insufficiency. About one month before admission, he was diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and started anti-tuberculosis therapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. On the tenth day, general fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea developed, and laboratory examination showed hyponatremia [126 mEq/l]. Enhanced CT on admission revealed bilateral adrenal mass-like enlargement, and further examination showed high level of plasma ACTH, and low level of cortisol. These findings led to a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency caused by adrenal tuberculosis. He was treated with hydrocortisone and his signs and symptoms rapidly improved. We suppose adrenal insufficiency became clinically apparent because rifampicin reduced half-life of serum cortisol. Interestingly we observed rapid increase and decrease in size of bilateral adrenal glands on CT scan during the course.     

A case of hepatic tuberculosis: A tuberculoma

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and its eradication in the United States has stalled for the first time in decades. Isolated hepatic TB is an extremely uncommon form of extrapulmonary TB. Here we present a case of a tuberculous liver abscess and suggest that TB should be considered in patients who fail to respond to antibiotics and prompt diagnostic intervention.     

A case of hepatocellular carcinoma with tuberculoma within tumor tissue

We made a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and performed partial resection of the liver in a 72 year-old woman. Granulomas were observed within hepatocellular carcinoma in the surgical specimen. Microscopic findings demonstrated the granulomas particularly within the tumor, and showed that they were composed of epithelioid cells with caseous necrosis. These tuberculomas compressed the tumor cells, and many lymphocytes had infiltrated the tumor around the tuberculomas. The cancer stage of the patient was early and her prognosis is good.     

A case of sarcoidosis with pleural involvement

Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that is characterized by noncaseating granulomas. Although lung involvement is common in sarcoidosis, pleural involvement is rare. Pleural involvement may manifest as a pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pleural thickening and nodules, hydropneumothorax, hemothorax, or chylothorax. Here, we describe a case of sarcoidosis with pleural nodular thickening.     

A case of localized pleural tuberculosis exacerbated during antituberculous chemotherapy

A 24 year-old male with pulmonary tuberculosis in right upper lobe developed two lesions of extrapulmonary pleural tuberculoma during the course of antituberculous therapy. He had no history of lung tuberculosis nor pleurisy. However, the chest X-ray film on first admission showed scattered nodular shadows in right upper lung field. He had no subjective symptoms and no abnormalities of laboratory findings except mild iron deficiency anemia, from which he recovered completely without specific therapy. Three months after starting the antituberculous therapy including SM, INH, and RFP, a new round homogeneous opacity appeared in the right lower lung field (S4). Chest CT scan revealed the lesions in S10 as well as in S4. Microscopic examination of the specimen obtained by ultrasound-guided needle aspiration biopsy disclosed positive acid-fast bacilli. Because of the lack of effect of drug therapy on pleural lesions, surgical treatment was performed. The visceral pleura was found adherent fibrously to parietal pleura, which was easily separated by hand. However, at the site of lesions, the adhesion was so tight that extrapleural resection was needed. Because lung tissue and tumor were connected tightly, the lung had to be partially resected. Most content of tumors were caseous necrosis. Although main lesion was located outside of the lung, intrapulmonary invasion was also noticed. Double lesions of this kind of disease seem to be very rare. There is no evidence of relapse until eight months after surgery.     

A case of renal cell carcinoma complicated with interstitial pneumonitis, complete A-V block and pleural effusion during interferon-alpha therapy]

A 76-year-old man with postoperative renal cell carcinoma accompanied by multiple lung metastasis was being treated with recombinant interferon-alpha. After administration of 3 MU/day on 3 days/week for 1 month, he complained of headache and tinnitus. During continuous treatment for 3 months, he complained of appetite loss, low-grade fever and dyspnea. He was then referred to our Department of Internal Medicine. Electrocardiography indicated a complete A-V block, and chest radiography (CXR) showed a reticular shadow in both lower lung fields and bilateral pleural effusion. Chest computed tomography (CT) indicated subpleural emphysematous changes, multiple nodules, consolidation shadow with ground glass opacity in both lower lobes, and bilateral pleural effusion. The findings in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid included increases in the numbers of lymphocytes and eosinophils. We reached a diagnosis of interferon-alpha-induced pneumonitis on the basis of the patient's clinical course, and the CXR, chest CT and BAL fluid findings. Treatment with methylprednisolone pulse therapy for 3 days and then administration of prednisolone for 1 month resulted in marked improvement in the complete A-V block and interstitial pneumonitis. At day 7 after discontinuation of prednisolone, the serum level of C-reactive protein increased, and CXR showed bilateral pleural effusion. We therefore believe that the pleural effusion was probably also induced by interferon-alpha. Interferon is an effective drug for chronic hepatitis C and malignant diseases. Many complications have been reported during interferon therapy. However, although these complications, such as interstitial pneumonitis, complete A-V block and pleural effusion, have rarely been reported, careful attention is required during interferon therapy in case any appear.     

A case of toxocariasis with eosinophilic pleural effusion

A 76-year-old man admitted for general malaise with fever was found in clinical examination on admission to have eosinophilic pleural effusion, peripheral eosinophilia, and a slightly elevated inflammatory reaction. Immunological examination, including microplate ELISA, showed a high titer of specific antibody against Toxocara canis in both the serum and pleural effusion. We started treatment using albendazole, and found inflammatory findings and serum IgE were ameliorated. Parasitic disease is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of eosinophilic pleural effusion, and serology is useful in screening for this.     

多层螺旋CT对胸膜结核瘤的诊断价值

目的探讨多层螺旋CT对胸膜结核瘤的诊断价值,提高对胸膜结核瘤的认识。 方法回顾性分析经临床或手术病理证实的胸膜结核瘤13例的多层螺旋CT表现及后处理图像表现。结果单发胸膜结核瘤10例,多发3例,CT表现为紧贴胸膜并突入肺内的乳头状结节5例,圆形、椭圆形结节6例,不规则形结节2例,多数病灶密度均匀,少数可见低密度坏死区或高密度小钙化灶,病灶边缘光整,增强后病灶多数无强化或轻度强化,邻近胸膜多有局限性增厚、黏连和钙化,9例并有胸腔积液,10例伴有肺内结核灶,7例伴有纵隔淋巴结肿大、钙化。多层螺旋CT后处理图像可更全面的、直观的、立体的显示病变特征。结论MSCT后处理技术弥补了轴位CT图像的不足,在诊断胸膜结核瘤中有很高的临床应用价值,可提高胸膜结核瘤的诊断准确性。     

Primary pleural epithelioid angiosarcoma treated successfully with anti-PD-1 therapy: A rare case report

Rationale:Primary pleural angiosarcoma (PPA) is an extremely rare malignancy for which there is no consensus on treatment. The clinical course of PPA is usually quickly fatal, regardless of the treatment used.Patient concerns:We describe the rare case of a 52-year-old man who presented initially with hemoptysis and received emergency surgery for the primary.Diagnoses:He received a confirmed diagnosis of primary pleural angiosarcoma (PPA) by postoperative pathology and was subsequently treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but had failed and was intolerant to chemotherapy.Interventions:The patient had 5% tumor PD-L1 positivity with 22C3 pharmDx and received pembrolizumab (200 mg every 21 days) for 13 cycles.Outcomes:The disease remained well controlled according to the RECIST 1.1. criteria. He is currently under observation and waiting to start the next cycle of immunotherapy.Lesson:Our case report suggests that the use of anti-PD-1 therapy does show efficacy in the treatment of PPA and may provide a viable treatment option for patients.     

A case of multiple pleural cryptococcosis without pleural effusion

Pulmonary cryptococcosis is most likely to occur in immunocompromised patients. The radiological manifestations generally include pulmonary parenchymal lesions, namely, pulmonary nodules, cavitary lesions, and consolidation; thus, multiple pleural nodules are unusual presentation. Here, we report a woman who presented with multiple pleural cryptococcosis without pleural effusion. The patient had previously undergone surgery for stage II rectal cancer. In addition, she received 6 cycles of chemotherapy for follicular lymphoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple small nodules involving the pleura without pleural effusion, which suggested possible recurrence of rectal cancer or malignant lymphoma as pleural dissemination. Thoracoscopic examination was performed, and pleural cryptococcosis was diagnosed. Although pleural cryptococcosis without pleural effusion is extremely rare presentation, clinicians should consider it when an immunocompromised patient presents with multiple pleural nodules. Thoracoscopic exploration should be the best procedure for the definitive diagnosis of multiple pleural nodules.     

CT在胸膜结核瘤诊断中的价值

目的探讨胸膜结核瘤CT检查的诊断价值。方法收集山东省滨州市结核病防治院2002年11月—2009年10月经手术病理、肺穿刺细胞学和(或)病理及随访证实的35例胸膜结核瘤(单发26例,多发9例,共53个病灶),全部经CT平扫,16例进行了增强扫描。结果CT平扫表现为紧贴胸膜向肺内突出的结节或团块影,乳头状结节13个,半圆形15个,类圆形21个,椭圆形2个,扁平状1个,不规则形1个;密度较均匀39个,不均匀13个,见条状钙化灶1个。增强扫描,共26个病灶,无明显强化8个,边缘强化15个,明显均匀强化3个。结论CT检查对胸膜结核瘤的诊断及鉴别诊断有重要价值。