Hammad Bhatti

Approach to acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial pneumonia with a median survival of 3 years after diagnosis. Acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) is now identified as a life-threatening complication. It presents as worsening dyspnea with new ground glass opacities superimposed upon a radiographic usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. The prognosis of AE-IPF is poor and treatment strategies lack standardization. In order to rule out any reversible etiology for an acute decompensation of a previously stable IPF patient diagnostic modalities include computerized tomographic angiogram (CTA) coupled with high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) imaging of the chest, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and echocardiogram with bubble study. Avoiding risk factors, identifying underlying causes and supportive care are the mainstays of treatment. Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medications have not shown to improve survival in AE-IPF. Most of the patients are managed in a critical care setting with mechanical ventilation. Lung transplantation is a promising option but most institutions are not equipped and not every patient is a candidate.

Diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA for the evaluation of centrally located peribronchial pulmonary lesions.

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound with real-time–guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), endobronchial forceps biopsy (EBBx), and 2D fluoroscopic-guided transbronchial forceps biopsy (TBLBx) for centrally located peribronchial lung lesions. Methods:A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA of centrally located peribronchial lesions, that is, medial margin of the mass within inner third of hemithorax by computerized tomography scan. Patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA for lymph node sampling were excluded. Results:Thirty-two cases met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 69±12 years. Sixteen (50%) were male patients. Of the 32 EBUS-TBNA cases, 13 underwent concomitant TBLBx (group 1), 8 had concomitant EBBx (group 2), and 11 had EBUS-TBNA alone (group 3). In group 1, the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA was 95% (n=12/13), whereas the yield of TBLBx was 61% (n=8/13). In group 2, the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA was 100% (n=8/8), whereas EBBx was positive in 75% (n=6/8). In group 3, the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA was 91% (n=10/11). Overall diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA of centrally located peribronchial lung lesions was 94% (n=30/32). Conclusion:Where available, EBUS-TBNA of centrally located peribronchial lung lesions should be given a strong consideration given its high diagnostic yield.

Operator dependent factors implicated in failure of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for respiratory failure

Non‐invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is employed for the management of acute respiratory failure and studies have shown that it can prevent the need for endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation and associated complications. Given limited studies evaluating the factors, other than those related patient or underlying disease severity, that may lead to NIPPV failure, we performed this study to gain insight into current practices in terms of utilization of NIPPV and operator dependent factors that may possibly contribute to failure of NIPPV.

Spontaneous regression of a primary squamous cell lung cancer following biopsy: a case report

BackgroundSpontaneous regression has been defined as occurring when the malignant tumor mass partially or completely disappears without any treatment or as a result of a therapy considered inadequate to influence systemic neoplastic disease. Recently, studies have implicated immunological responses as likely being involved. We report a case of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung who experienced spontaneous regression following biopsy without other intervention.Case presentationA 57-year-old white man was referred to our pulmonary clinic after an incidental finding of a nodule in the lower lobe of his left lung. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a 2.0 × 1.4 × 1.5 cm spiculated nodule in the superior segment of the left lower lobe. Workup identified the mass as a squamous cell carcinoma that was clinically staged as T1M0N0. The patient deferred treatment of this lesion. He undertook no significant lifestyle or medical changes. Three months later, computed tomography revealed that, compared with the initial study, the solitary mass had decreased in size to 1.6 × 0.9 × 0.9 cm. Follow-up computed tomography 1 year after the original workup demonstrated that the nodule had stabilized to its smaller size.ConclusionsStudies have shown that immunological response can be initiated by trauma to an area. Because the tumor regression became evident in our patient only after the tissue biopsy, his immune response to the surgical procedure seems to be a plausible contributor to the spontaneous regression. Further understanding of spontaneous regression can potentially impact the identification of neoplastic drug targets or even the course of a patient’s treatment plan and goals.

Dasatinib-induced chylothorax in chronic myeloid leukemia.

Pulmonary adverse events are common abnormalities associated with the use of dasatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia. We present a case of a 69-year-old man who suddenly developed a rare chylothorax pulmonary adverse event following 10 months of dasatinib treatment.

A 50 year old man with progressive cough and exertional dyspnea.

International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science | Vol. 3 | Issue 1 | Jan-Mar 2013 93 A 50 year old man with progressive cough and exertional dyspnea while the airway is being secured. To protect the tracheal cuff of DLTs from rupture, a tape cuff protector can be used for either or both cuffs of a DLT or for the cuff on a conventional endotracheal tube.[2] A more simple method to protect the cuff of a double-lumen tube, especially if prominent teeth’s, is to use a well lubricated teeth guard and also to lubricate the cuffs of the DLT. This provides a smooth gliding surface, thereby minimizing the risk of cuff damage while making it much easier to advance the double-lumen tube and assuring adequate tooth protection.[3] Fortier et al, told two other methods to protect the tracheal cuff.[4] First increase the curve of the endobronchial part of the DLT with the aid of the stylet included, such as a hockey stick, as for a difficult intubation. Thus, during the laryngoscopy, the DLT is placed in the airway, and the tracheal cuff is inserted inside the mouth without touching the teeth or the laryngoscope blade. Another method consists of first inserting the DLT until the tracheal cuff is placed inside the mouth, then visualizing the anatomy and intubating after the laryngoscope is inserted.