La ecografía torácica en la enfermedad pleuro-pulmonar

Although the initial diagnosis and follow-up of pleuropulmonary disease are normally done with plain chest films and the gold standard for chest disease is computed tomography, diverse studies have established the usefulness of chest ultrasonography in the diagnosis of different pleuropulmonary diseases like pleural effusion and lung consolidation, among others.     

Complications of pneumoconiosis: Radiologic overview

A wide spectrum of pulmonary complications occurs in patients with pneumoconiosis. Those complications include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hemoptysis, pneumothorax, pleural disease, tuberculosis, autoimmune disease, anthracofibrosis, chronic interstitial pneumonia, and malignancy. Generally, imaging workup starts with plain chest radiography. However, sometimes, plain radiography has limited role in the diagnosis of pulmonary complications of pneumoconiosis because of overlapping pneumoconiotic infiltration. Computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are potentially helpful for the detection of pulmonary complications in patients with pneumoconiosis. CT, with its excellent contrast resolution, is more sensitive and specific method than plain radiograph in the evaluation of pulmonary abnormalities. CT is useful in detecting lung parenchymal abnormalities caused by infection, anthracofibrosis, and chronic interstitial pneumonia. Also, CT is valuable in distinguishing localized pneumothorax from bullae and aiding the identification of multiloculated effusions. US can be used in detection of complicated pleural effusions and guidance of the thoracentesis procedure. MRI is useful for differentiating between progressive massive fibrosis and lung cancer.     

Current practice of lung ultrasonography (LUS) in the diagnosis of pneumothorax: a survey of physician sonographers in Germany

Background

The purpose of this study was to survey the current practice of the use of lung ultrasonography (LUS) in the diagnosis of pneumothorax.

Methods

Physician sonographers, accredited for diagnostic ultrasonography in surgery, anaesthesia and medicine were studied. Questions addressed the frequency of exposure to patients with suspected pneumothorax, frequency of LUS use, preferences regarding technical aspects of LUS examination, assessment of diagnostic accuracy of LUS and involvement in teaching.

Results

Of the respondents, 55.1% used LUS ‘always’ or ‘frequently’ for suspected pneumothorax. Also, 35.5% of physicians rated LUS as ‘always reliable’ in ruling out pneumothorax, and 21.3% of respondents rated LUS as ‘always reliable’ in ruling in pneumothorax. The mode of performing LUS for pneumothorax was highly variable.Statistically significant differences were found regarding the likelihood of LUS usage, the combined use of M-Mode and B-mode scanning and the confidence to exclude pneumothorax based on LUS findings for physicians with frequent exposure to pneumothorax cases.

Conclusions

Physicians'' use of LUS in the diagnosis of pneumothorax is modest. Confidence in diagnostic accuracy is not comprehensive. Further research is required to establish the most efficient way of performing LUS in this scenario to achieve the highest possible diagnostic accuracy and reliable documentation of examination results.     

在ICU应用超声诊断危重病人气胸的临床评价

目的探讨在ICU应用床旁超声诊断危重病人气胸的临床效果。方法2005年9月—2006年7月ICU收治95例危重病人,进行床旁胸部超声检查,以“肺滑行”和“彗尾”征消失诊断气胸。在超声检查前后3h内行胸部CT和床旁X片检查,以CT结果为“标准”比较超声和X片诊断气胸的价值。结果95例危重病人中,CT确诊气胸24例27侧,超声诊断21例23侧,X片诊断5例5侧,相应的诊断敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确度分别为85.1%对18.5%(P<0.001),98.8%对100%(P=0.489),92.0%对100%(P=1.0),97.6%对88.1%(P=0.002)和96.8%对88.4%(P=0.009)。超声与CT诊断气胸的一致性高于X片。结论在ICU应用超声检查诊断气胸具有较高的敏感性和特异性,为危重病人气胸的诊断提供了简单、快速而安全有效的手段。     

Which ultrasound transducer type is best for diagnosing pneumothorax?

Background

An accurate physical examination is essential in the care of critically ill and injured patients. However, to diagnose or exclude a pneumothorax, chest auscultation is unreliable compared to lung ultrasonography. In the dynamic prehospital environment, it is desirable to have the best possible ultrasound transducer readily available. The objective is to assess the difference between a linear-array, curved-array, and phased-array ultrasound transducer in the assessment for pneumothorax and to determine which is best.

Methods

In this double-blinded, cross-sectional, observational study, 15 observers, experienced in lung ultrasonography, each assessed 66 blinded ultrasound video clips of either normal ventilation or pneumothorax that were recorded with three types of ultrasound transducers. The clips were recorded in 11 adult patients that underwent thoracoscopic lung surgery immediately before and after the surgeon opened the thorax. The diagnostic accuracy of the three transducers, elapsed time until a diagnosis was made, and the perceived image quality was recorded.

Results

In total, 15 observers assessed 990 ultrasound video clips. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 98.2% and 97.2%, relatively. No significant difference was found in the diagnostic performance between transducers. A diagnosis was made slightly faster in the linear-array transducer clips, compared to the phased-array transducer (p?=?.031). For the linear-, curved-, and phased-array transducer, the image quality was rated at a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 4 (IQR 3–4), 3 (IQR 2–4), and 2 (IQR 1–2), relatively. Between the transducers, the difference in image quality was significant (p?<?.0001).

Conclusions

There was no difference in diagnostic performance of the three transducers. Based on image quality, the linear-array transducer might be preferred for (prehospital) lung ultrasonography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax.

     

Los patrones de vascularización pulmonar en la radiografía simple de tórax

Plain chest films are a fundamental tool in the practice of medicine. The apparent simplicity of plain chest films sometimes leads us to forget that interpreting them correctly can provide very valuable information, especially if the interpretation is grounded in key clinical information.     

Ablación mediante microondas de metástasis pulmonar de sarcoma en paciente portador de marcapasos

We present the case of a patient with a pacemaker and a sarcoma lung metastasis treated with microwave ablation. Although the treatment of tumours with microwave ablation is a successful and minimally invasive approach, there are concerns about the safety of this procedure for patients with implanted cardiac devices, such as a pacemaker. After careful planning between radiology and cardiology, microwave ablation was indicated in the patient since it is safer and shorter than the radiofrequency technique. The lesion was treated without complications. It is important to communicate the procedures performed, as well as any complications in order to formulate guidelines for the use of microwave ablation in patients with pacemakers.     

¿Se debe realizar como primera prueba de imagen una radiografía de tórax en inspiración o en espiración ante la sospecha de neumotórax?

Chest radiography for pneumothorax screening is a frequently employed test. However, there is some controversy about which radiographic technique to choose. Posteroanterior chest radiography taken during expiration has been the technique used for many decades because several experts in classical thoracic radiology, such as Greene and Felson, recommended it. However, chest radiography, with posteroanterior and lateral projections, taken during deep breath is the appropriated technique to initially assess the whole thoracic pathology. In this review we have tried to establish, based on the best available evidence, which is the initial examination of choice to diagnose pneumothorax.     

肺穿刺活检肺组织出血和发生气胸相互关系的探讨

目的 探讨肺活检中肺组织出血和发生气胸两者间的关系.资料与方法 选用18G半自动槽式切割活检针,CT定位下经皮经肺穿刺取材进行细胞学、组织学检查.结果 168例中发生气胸63例,占37.5%;肺组织出血76例,占45.2%.肺出血与气胸组发生例数呈明显负相关(P< 0.01);针道周围肺组织出血患者的气胸发生率减少(P<0.05).结论 肺穿刺活检发生针道周围肺组织出血能降低气胸的发生.     

Spontaneous pneumothorax after stereotactic radiotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer

The report presented here describes a case of spontaneous pneumothorax observed after stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An 84-year-old man with a Stage IIB, T3N0M0 NSCLC in the right upper lobe and a Stage IA NSCLC in the right lower lobe of the lung was treated with SRT for both tumors. He received SRT with a total dose of 60.0 Gy in 10 fractions delivered to the right upper lobe, and 48.0 Gy in 4 fractions delivered to the right lower lobe. Two months after completion of the treatment, he developed spontaneous pneumothorax. He was asymptomatic and recovered with conservative management. Spontaneous pneumothorax has occasionally been reported to occur following thoracic radiotherapy for malignancy. Almost all of the reported cases are patients who had received mantle irradiation for Hodgkin’s disease. We have been unable to fi nd any reports of spontaneous pneumothorax after SRT, which has recently been used for treating patients with early-stage NSCLC. Because a case of spontaneous pneumothorax after SRT was observed in our institution, its clinical course is described here along with a discussion of possible causes of spontaneous pneumothorax.     

The diagnostic performance of chest ultrasonography in the up-to-date work-up of the critical care setting

Background

Management of patients in the critical care setting is crucial. The availability, the absence of ionizing radiation and the non invasive nature of chest ultrasonography (US) have currently increased its use in the up-to-date work-up of various pleuropulmonary abnormalities in the critical care setting.

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of chest US for various pleuropulmonary abnormalities in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Materials and methods

Ninety consecutive patients admitted in chest ICU with respiratory distress were assessed clinically and by chest radiography (CXR). They were suspected to have a provisional diagnosis of any of the following pathological entities: pneumonic consolidation, bronchogenic carcinoma, metastatic pulmonary nodules, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, hydropneumothorax and mesothelioma. These patients were scheduled for chest computed tomography (CT) and prospectively reviewed using chest US. The results of chest US were compared with these of chest CT for each encountered pathological entity using chest CT as the diagnostic standard of reference to subsequently calculate the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of chest US.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of chest US were 100%, 96% and 97% for pneumonic consolidation, 71%, 100% and 98% for bronchogenic carcinoma and 92%, 100% and 99% for pneumothorax respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 100% for the rest of the included pathological entities were obtained.

Conclusion

Chest ultrasonography has a considerable diagnostic performance for various pleuropulmonary pathological conditions that may be encountered in the ICU patients making it as an adjunct tool in the up-to-date work-up of the ICU setting.     

Risk Factors of Pneumothorax after CT-Guided Coaxial Cutting Needle Lung Biopsy through Aerated versus Nonaerated Lung

PurposeTo compare the risk factors of developing a pneumothorax after computed tomography–guided lung biopsy in cases in which aerated lung is traversed and in cases in which aerated lung is not traversed.Materials and MethodsThe records of 381 patients from July 2005–December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable analysis of patient demographic characteristics, lung lesion characteristics, and biopsy procedure details was performed with respect to the development of pneumothorax.ResultsAmong 381 patients, 249 biopsies traversed aerated lung tissue, and 132 biopsies did not traverse aerated lung tissue. Patients in whom aerated lung tissue was traversed had a significantly higher rate of pneumothorax. When aerated lung was not traversed, lesion size (≤ 2 cm vs > 2 cm; P = .025) and pleural-lesion angle (odds ratio = 1.033/degree; P = .004) were associated with pneumothorax. When aerated lung was traversed, location (middle vs upper; P = .009) and a transfissure approach (yes vs no; P = .001) were associated with pneumothorax.ConclusionsWhen aerated lung was not traversed, lesion size and pleural-lesion angle were associated with pneumothorax, and when aerated lung was traversed, location and a transfissure approach were associated with pneumothorax.     

Tumor invasion of the chest wall and mediastinum in lung cancer: evaluation with pneumothorax CT

For preoperative evaluation of chest wall and mediastinal invasion by lung cancer, computed tomography (CT), combined with artificial pneumothorax (pneumothorax CT), was performed in 43 patients with lung cancer in whom conventional CT scans showed that the mass was contiguous to the chest wall (n = 30) and/or mediastinum (n = 25) but without evidence of definite tumor invasion. Invasion was diagnosed on the basis of whether an air space existed between the mass and the adjacent structures. In three patients pneumothorax was not produced. After the procedure, four patients developed symptomatic pneumothorax, and one, subcutaneous emphysema. Comparison of diagnoses based on findings at pneumothorax CT, surgery, and pathologic examination showed that pneumothorax CT is 100% accurate for chest wall invasion and 76% accurate for mediastinal invasion. The authors conclude that this procedure is helpful in accurate evaluation of the T criterion in lung cancer, especially for patients in whom findings at conventional CT suggest tumor invasion of the chest wall and mediastinum.     

经皮肺穿刺气胸发生率分析

目的：分析了多种因素对肺穿刺活检气胸发生率的影响。方法46例病人均在X线透视引导下操作。所分析的各种因素为病灶大小、位置、穿刺次数、肺气肿及穿刺后体位。结果：46例病人中9例发生气胸（19．6％）,9例肺气肿病人中4例发生气胸（44．4％）,其中2例经胸腔置管引流治愈。10例病灶＜3cm者3例产生气胸（30％）。穿刺点向下卧位的20例中4例产生气胸（205）;剩余的26例自由卧位中5例产生气胸（19．2％）。结论：经皮肺穿活检中的病灶愈小气胸发生率愈高。肺气肿病人肺穿后气胸发生率较高,且常为症状性气胸。穿刺点向下及非向下卧位对气胸的发生率没有明显影响。     

Pneumothoraces and chest tube placement after CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy using a coaxial technique: incidence and risk factors

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates factors influencing the risk of pneumothorax and chest tube placement in patients undergoing CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy for pulmonary lesions using a coaxial technique. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 307 patients with pulmonary lesions biopsied under CT guidance. Patient-related parameters considered were age, sex, presence of emphysema or bullae, and lung function data. Lesion-related variables were size, location, cavitary appearance on CT, pleural contact, and depth of the lesion. Procedure variables were duration, type of needle, and experience of the operator. All variables were analyzed as single and multiple dependent variables for occurrence of pneumothorax. RESULTS: Pneumothorax occurred in 61 (19.9%) of the 307 patients, and chest tube placement was required in six patients (2.0%). Univariate analysis showed that lesion size, lesion location, lesion depth, and difficulty of the procedure were significantly associated with a higher rate of pneumothorax. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that lesion depth from the pleural entry point was the sole variable that was significantly associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax. This risk increased with the depth of the lesion. Chest tube placement was required more frequently in patients with severe emphysema, obstructive lung disease, or hyperinflation. CONCLUSION: Lesion depth is the predominant risk factor for pneumothorax in patients undergoing CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy. Chest tube placement is necessary more frequently in patients with severe emphysema, obstructive lung disease, or hyperinflation.     

胸腔内注药治疗气胸74例实验研究

 目的为了探讨胸腔内注射药物治疗气胸及治疗机制,用药适应症和最佳用药量.方法经过74例未经胸腔内注药,与90例经胸腔内注药的患者对比,经胸腔内注药治疗明显优于未注药者.结果动物实验证明:胸腔所用3组药物均无毒副作用,对肺的修复和胸膜粘连程度各有不同.在临床对创伤性气胸、青壮年初发气胸应使用肺组织修复快又不形成胸膜粘连的药物治疗.气胸反复发作,年老体弱不能耐受手术者应采用促使其脏层与壁层胸膜粘连的药物治疗.结论.经胸腔用药者缩短了疗程且很少复发.形成胸膜粘连者未留下后遗症,也未见恶变等不良反应.     

Spontaneous pneumothorax in primary cavitating lung carcinoma

Primary cavitating lung carcinomas have not previously been described with spontaneous pneumothorax as the presenting manifestation. Two patients whose pneumothoraces resulted in the initial diagnosis of a primary cavitary lung carcinoma are described. Pathologic evidence of vascular invasion suggests tumor necrosis with secondary rupture into the pleural space as a likely mechanism for pneumothorax.     

Pneumothorax as a complication of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for lung neoplasms

PURPOSE: The present study was performed to determine the frequency of the complication of pneumothorax after radiofrequency (RF) ablation for lung neoplasms and risk factors affecting such pneumothoraces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on 129 consecutive sessions of percutaneous RF ablation of lung neoplasms under real-time computed tomographic fluoroscopic guidance performed in a single institution between May 2003 and November 2005 in 41 patients (17 women, 24 men; mean age, 63 years; age range, 29-82 y). Correlation was determined between the incidence of pneumothorax after RF ablation and multiple factors: sex, age, presence of emphysema, lesion size, lesion depth, contact of tumor with pleura, number of punctures, maximum power of RF generator, period of ablation, tissue temperature at the end of the RF ablation session, and patient position during the procedure. Management of each case of iatrogenic pneumothorax was reviewed. RESULTS: Pneumothorax after RF ablation occurred in 38 of 129 RF ablation sessions (29.5%). Fourteen of the 38 cases were treated by manual aspiration, and 24 were simply observed. In five cases (3.9%), chest tube placement was required as therapy for pneumothorax. The risk of pneumothorax was significantly increased in patients with pulmonary emphysema. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of pneumothorax after RF ablation in our experience is similar to the frequency of pneumothorax after lung biopsy reported in the literature. Various conditions for RF ablation did not influence the incidence of pneumothorax. Emphysema was the only individual factor that correlated significantly with the development of iatrogenic pneumothorax.     

肺撕裂伤的CT分型及临床意义

目的 探讨闭合性胸外伤中肺撕裂伤的CT分型及临床意义.方法 将63例肺撕裂伤据CT表现分为单纯型肺撕裂伤(脏层胸膜完整,无气胸或血气胸征)和复杂型肺撕裂伤(伴有脏层胸膜破裂,有气胸或血气胸征)两组.并对其CT与临床资料进行回顾性比较分析.结果 63例中,脏层胸膜完整的单纯型肺撕裂伤35例(56%),多为肺边缘局灶性肺假性囊肿病灶,无并发症,均经保守治疗后消散快,平均住院16 d.伴有脏层胸膜破裂的复杂型肺撕裂伤28例(44%),肺内损伤范围较大,伴有肺挫伤20例(71%),并发肺膨胀不全或肺不张15例(54%),局部肺感染3例(11%),行胸腔穿刺或闭式引流19例(69%),开胸手术1例(4%),平均住院58 d.结论肺撕裂伤据CT表现是否伴有脏层胸膜破裂町分为单纯型肺撕裂伤和复杂型肺撕裂伤,CT分型诊断对临床治疗方案的选择和预后的早期判断有帮助.     

肺撕裂伤的CT分型及临床意义

目的 探讨闭合性胸外伤中肺撕裂伤的CT分型及临床意义.方法 将63例肺撕裂伤据CT表现分为单纯型肺撕裂伤(脏层胸膜完整,无气胸或血气胸征)和复杂型肺撕裂伤(伴有脏层胸膜破裂,有气胸或血气胸征)两组.并对其CT与临床资料进行回顾性比较分析.结果 63例中,脏层胸膜完整的单纯型肺撕裂伤35例(56%),多为肺边缘局灶性肺假性囊肿病灶,无并发症,均经保守治疗后消散快,平均住院16 d.伴有脏层胸膜破裂的复杂型肺撕裂伤28例(44%),肺内损伤范围较大,伴有肺挫伤20例(71%),并发肺膨胀不全或肺不张15例(54%),局部肺感染3例(11%),行胸腔穿刺或闭式引流19例(69%),开胸手术1例(4%),平均住院58 d.结论肺撕裂伤据CT表现是否伴有脏层胸膜破裂町分为单纯型肺撕裂伤和复杂型肺撕裂伤,CT分型诊断对临床治疗方案的选择和预后的早期判断有帮助.