Characterization of a novel allergen, a major IgE-binding protein from Aspergillus flavus, as an alkaline serine protease

Aspergillus species of fungi have been known to be one of the most prevalent aeroallergens. One important A. flavus allergen (Asp fl 1) was identified by means of immunoblotting with a serum pool of allergic patients on a two-dimensional electrophoretic gel. The cDNA coding for Asp fl 1 was cloned and sequenced. The clone encodes a full-length protein of 403 amino acid precursors of 42 kDa. After cleavage of a putative signal peptide of 21 amino acids and a prepeptide of 100 amino acids, a mature protein of 282 amino acids was obtained with a molecular mass of 33 kDa and a pI of 6.3. A degree of identity was found in a range of 27 to 84% among related allergens derived from bacteria allergen subtilisin, mold allergen Pen c 1, and virulence factor of A. fumigatus. Recombinant Asp fl 1 (rAsp fl 1) was cloned into vector pQE-30 and expressed in E. coli M15 as a histidine-tag fusion protein and purified to homogeneity. The IgE binding capacity of rAsp fl 1 was tested by immunoblotting using a serum pool of Aspergillus-allergic patients. Recombinant allergen cross-reacted strongly with IgE specific for natural Asp fl 1 and Pen c 1, indicating that common IgE epitopes may exist between allergens of A. flavus and P. citrinum.

High dose tamoxifen plus cisplatin and etoposide in the treatment of patients with advanced, inoperable nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. High dose tamoxifen has been tested in the treatment of patients with melanoma and other cancers. The authors conducted a Phase II study of high dose tamoxifen plus cisplatin and etoposide for patients with advanced, inoperable nonsmall cell lung carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with Stage IIIB, Stage IV, or recurrent disease; good performance status; measurable lesions; and good organ function were eligible. Tamoxifen 150 mg/m2/day, divided into 4 doses, was given for 8 days. Cisplatin 60 mg/m2 was given on Day 4. Etoposide 60 mg/m2/day was given on Days 4-8. Patients were allowed to remain in the study until either intolerable toxicity was observed or disease progression occurred.

RESULTS

Forty patients were accrued and received a total of 191 cycles of treatment. All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. One patient had a complete remission and 14 had a partial remission (overall response rate, 37.5%). The median survival was 47 weeks. One-year survival was 44%. Increased thrombotic episodes were noted; all were clinically manageable.

CONCLUSIONS

High dose tamoxifen can be administered safely in combination with cisplatin and etoposide to patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. Favorable response rates and survival times were obtained. The value of high dose tamoxifen in the treatment of patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma can be evaluated further in randomized Phase III studies.

Identification and expression of Pen c 2, a novel allergen from Penicillium citrinum

The mould genus, Penicillium, is known to be a significant source of environmental aero-allergens. One important allergen from Penicillium citrinum, Pen c 2, has been identified by means of two-dimensional immunoblotting using IgE-containing patients' sera. This novel allergen was cloned, sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli. The cloned cDNA encodes a large 457-amino acid protein precursor containing a 16-amino acid signal peptide, a 120-amino acid propeptide and the 321-amino acid mature protein. Comparison of the Pen c 2 sequence with known protein sequences revealed shared high sequence similarities with two vacuolar serine proteases from Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Asp-46, His-78 and Ser-244 were found to constitute the catalytic triad of the 39-kDa Pen c 2. The DNA coding for Pen c 2 was cloned into vector PQE-30 and expressed in E. coli as a His-tag fusion protein that bound serum IgE from Penicillium-allergic patients on immunoblots. Recombinant Pen c 2 could therefore be used effectively for diagnosis and also potentially for the treatment of mould-derived allergic disorders.

Pen c 1, a novel enzymic allergen protein from Penicillium citrinum. Purification, characterization, cloning and expression

A 33-kDa alkaline serine protease secreted by Penicillium citrinum strain 52-5 is shown to be an allergenic agent in this fungus. The protein, designated Pen c 1, was purified by sequential DEAE-Sepharose and carboxymethyl (CM)-Sepharose chromatographies. Pen c 1 has a molecular mass of 33 kDa and a pI of 7.1. The caseinolytic enzyme activity of this protein was studied. The protein binds to serum IgE from patients allergic to Penicillium citrinum. The cDNA encoding Pen c 1 is 1420 bp in length and contains an open reading frame for a 397-amino-acid polypeptide. Pen c 1 codes for a larger precursor containing a signal peptide, a propeptide and the 33-kDa mature protein. Sequence comparison revealed that Pen c 1 possesses several features in common with the alkaline serine proteases of the subtilisin family. The essential Asp, His, and Ser residues that make up the catalytic triad of serine proteases are well conserved. Northern blots demonstrated that mRNAs transcribed from this gene are present at early stages of culture. The allergen encoded by Pen c 1 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein bearing an N-terminal histidine-affinity tag. The protein, purified by affinity chromatography with a yield of 130 mg of pure protein per liter of culture, was able to bind to both a monoclonal anti-Pen c 1 antibody and IgE from the serum of patients allergic to Penicillium. Recombinant Pen c 1 can therefore be expressed in E. coli in large quantities and should prove useful as a standardized specific allergen for immuno-diagnosis of atopic disorders. In addition, full caseinolytic enzyme activity could be generated in the purified recombinant protein by sulfonation and renaturation, followed by removal of the affinity tag, indicating that the refolded protein can assume the same conformation as the native protein.

Diagnosis of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations by colour Doppler ultrasound and amplitude ultrasound angiography

BACKGROUND

The clinical value of colour Doppler ultrasound and amplitude ultrasound angiography in the diagnosis and follow up of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) was investigated.

METHODS

Six consecutive patients suspected by clinical appearance and abnormal chest radiographic findings of having PAVM were included in the study. Ultrasonography was performed first by real time grey scale imaging then by colour Doppler imaging and amplitude ultrasound angiography in a random order. All were later proved by angiography to have PAVM.

RESULTS

The ultrasound study was successfully performed in all six patients. A total of eight lesions was detected. The real time grey scale image of PAVM revealed well defined hypoechoic subpleural nodules with strong posterior acoustic enhancement. Colour Doppler ultrasound of PAVM showed turbulent flow, manifest as an area of intense colour with high and mixed velocities (reticulated or mosaiclike pattern). Anatomical continuity was demonstrated in some PAVM. Amplitude ultrasound angiography can delineate a tangled vascular structure with a clear vessel wall and anatomical continuity as well as conventional angiography. Spectral wave analysis showed a relatively low impedance flow presenting with high peak systolic velocity (mean 44.4 cm/s) and relatively high diastolic velocity (mean 19.3 cm/s). The mean pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were 1.80 and 0.49, respectively. In two patients who received embolotherapy the colour Doppler ultrasound scan obtained after the procedure showed that the previous focal areas of colour flow signals disappeared or diminished in size. This was compatible with the decrease in, or absence of, blood flow demonstrated by angiography after embolotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined colour Doppler ultrasound and amplitude ultrasound angiography are useful non-invasive techniques for diagnosis PAVM and provide an alternative approach to angiography in evaluating the efficacy of embolotherapy.

Quantitative analysis of mRNA encoding MUC1, MUC2, and MUC5AC genes: a correlation between specific mucin gene expression and sialomucin expression in non-small cell lung cancer

The expression of mucins is important for tumor invasiveness and metastasis. In our previous report (Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 1997; 155:1419-1427), non-small cell lung cancers bearing sialomucin expression tended to relapse earlier than those without sialomucin. However, it remained unclear whether the expression of sialomucin in lung cancer is caused by an abnormal glycosylation process or by the expression of a specific mucin gene product. To address this problem, we established a modified quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (QC-PCR) analysis. RNA internal standards of MUC1, MUC2, and MUC5AC non-tandem repeat sequences were constructed, and known copy numbers of mucin RNA internal standards were introduced into reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) for each mucin gene in order to compete with native mucin gene RNA during the reaction. The RNA of Gbeta-like gene (a housekeeping gene) was used as internal control for the RNA analysis. Twenty-five lung cancer tissues (13 adenocarcinomas and 12 squamous cell carcinomas) were used for analysis. Mann-Whitney rank sum test was applied to compare the expression amounts of different mucin genes in tissues. The results revealed that adenocarcinoma expressed higher amounts of MUC5AC gene than did squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.03). The expression amount of MUC5AC correlated positively with the expression status of sialomucin (P = 0.012). Further studies are anticipated to elucidate the underlying mechanism contributing to this phenomenon.

PKC activation is required by EGF-stimulated Na(+)-H+ exchanger in human pleural mesothelial cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates the Na(+)-H+ exchanger, leading to enhanced cell proliferation. In human pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs), the intracellular signaling mechanism mediating the EGF-induced stimulation of the Na(+)-H+ exchanger has not yet been identified. Using a pH-sensitive fluorescent probe, 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, to measure changes in intracellular pH (pHi), we found that 1) EGF and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA; a phorbol ester) both stimulate the ethylisopropyl amiloride-sensitive Na(+)-H+ exchanger; 2) TPA-induced alkalosis can be blocked by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors (chelerythrine and staurosporine) or by PKC down-regulation, indicating that PKC activation is involved in the stimulation of the Na(+)-H+ exchanger. However, TPA-induced alkalosis is not blocked by tyrosine kinase inhibitors; and 3) the stimulatory effect of EGF on the Na(+)-H+ exchanger acts via stimulation of tyrosine kinase-receptor activity because it is inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein, lavendustin A, and herbimycin A). It also involves PKC activation because EGF-induced alkalosis was blocked by PKC inhibitors. These results suggest that PKC activation is one of the downstream signals for EGF-induced activation of the Na(+)-H+ exchanger in primary cultures of human pleural mesothelial cells.

Ethanol, stroke, brain damage, and excitotoxicity

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-glutamate receptor could contribute to stroke, trauma, and alcohol-induced brain damage through activation of nitric oxide formation and excitotoxicity. In rat primary cortical cultures NMDA was more potent at activating nitric oxide formation than triggering excitotoxicity. Ethanol dose dependently inhibited both responses. In contrast, treatment of neuronal cultures with ethanol (100 mM) for 4 days significantly increased NMDA stimulated nitric oxide formation and excitotoxicity. These findings suggest that ethanol acutely inhibits but chronically causes supersensitivity to NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in neuronal cultures. To investigate ethanol's interaction with stroke induced damage models of global cerebral ischemia were studied. Transient global ischemia resulted in a loss of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons over a 3- to 5-day period. Determinations of the NMDA receptor ligand binding stoichiometry or postischemic receptor binding changes did not show differences between neurons that undergo delayed neuronal death following ischemia and those that show no toxicity, for example, CA1 and dentate gyrus, respectively. Acute ethanol (3 g/kg) was found to protect against ischemia-induced CA1 hippocampal damage by lowering body temperature, but not under temperature controled conditions. These studies indicate that the factors contributing to stroke-induced brain damage are complex, although they are consistent with chronic ethanol increasing stroke-induced brain damage by increasing NMDA excitotoxicity.

Sonographic imaging of the trachea

We evaluated the feasibility of ultrasonography for imaging of the trachea and its effectiveness in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with tracheal stenosis due to various diseases. Twenty normal volunteers and six adult patients with tracheal stenosis were included in the study group. Subjects were examined with ultrasonography in a supine position with the neck hyperextended or in a sitting position. At the level of the thyroid isthmus, the anterior tracheal wall thicknesses imaged by ultrasonography were 1.54 +/- 0.22 mm (mean +/- SD) and 1.22 +/- 0.18 mm for normal male and female volunteers, respectively. Ultrasonography could reveal the intrinsic tracheal wall lesions and extrinsic lesions compressing the trachea in patients with tracheal stenosis. These ultrasonographic images correlated with CT images. In conclusion, ultrasonography may be useful in imaging of the trachea.

Estrogens may reduce mortality and ischemic damage caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion in the female rat

The present study was undertaken to determine if estrogens protect female rats from the neurodegenerative effects of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. The rats were ovariectomized and 7 or 8 days later various estrogen preparations were administered before or after MCA occlusion. Pretreatment with 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E2) or a brain-targeted 17beta-E2 chemical delivery system (CDS) decreased mortality from 65% in ovariectomized rats to 22% in 17beta-E2-treated and 16% in 17beta-E2 CDS-treated rats. This marked reduction in mortality was accompanied by a reduction in the ischemic area of the brain from 25.6+/-5.7% in the ovariectomized rats to 9.8+/-4% and 9.1+/-4.2% in the 17beta-E2-implanted and the 17beta-E2 CDS-treated rats, respectively. Similarly, pretreatment with the presumed inactive estrogen, 17alpha-estradiol, reduced mortality from 36 to 0% and reduced the ischemic area by 55 to 81%. When administered 40 or 90 minutes after MCA occlusion, 17beta-E2 CDS reduced the area of ischemia by 45 to 90% or 31%, respectively. In summary, the present study provides the first evidence that estrogens exert neuroprotective effects in an animal model of ischemia and suggests that estrogens may be a useful therapy to protect neurons against the neurodegenerative effects of stroke.

Elevated serum levels of mucin-associated antigen in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Increased serum levels of mucin-associated antigen have been previously demonstrated in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and interstitial pneumonia, and in lung-transplant recipients. The present study assessed the serum airway mucin levels in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method with a human-airway-mucin-specific monoclonal antibody (17Q2) was used to measure serum mucin levels in normal subjects, chronic smokers, patients with chronic bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases, patients with acute cardiogenic lung edema, and patients with ARDS. The serum mucin levels measured 9.9 +/- 0.8 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM, n = 59) in normal subjects, 12.7 +/- 1.6 ng/ml (n = 29) in chronic smokers, 21.8 +/- 1.9 ng/ml (n = 28) in patients with chronic bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases, 9.0 +/- 3.1 ng/ml (n = 5) in patients with acute cardiogenic lung edema. The serum mucin level was 53.8 +/- 6.6 ng/ml (n = 13) in patients with ARDS (p < 0.05, as compared with the four other groups). Serial measurements of serum mucin levels were obtained in patients with ARDS. Statistical analysis showed an inverse correlation of serial measurements of serum mucin with static respiratory-system compliance (p = 0.021), an inverse correlation of sequential serum mucin levels and log(Pa(O2)/Fl(O2)) (p = 0.016), and a positive correlation of sequential serum mucin levels and lung injury score (LIS) (p = 0.019). Gel-filtration analysis showed that mucin-associated antigens in ARDS sera were polydispersed and smaller than the antigens in normal sera. This study indicates that an increasing amount of degraded mucin occurs in patients with ARDS.

Comparison of inflammatory cytokine concentration and physiologic parameters in septic shock

Cytokine-related systemic intravascular inflammation may represent a common pathogenic link between initial insult and multiple organ failure in septic shock patients. We conducted a prospective study with controls in the National Taiwan University Hospital intensive care unit to compare plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and circulating intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (cICAM-1) with clinical physiologic parameters in the outcome of patients with septic shock. Healthy volunteers (n = 37) and patients with septic shock admitted to the unit from January to December 1994 (n = 31) were enrolled. Clinical data, APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) III scores, multiple organ failure scores, the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and outcome were evaluated. The plasma levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and cICAM-1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subgroups of survivors and nonsurvivors were compared for plasma levels of these factors or days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 after diagnosis of septic shock. Of the patients with septic shock, 20 survived and 11 died. The initial plasma levels of IL-6 were significantly higher in nonsurvivors (p < 0.05). There was a significant inverse correlation between plasma IL-6 level and survival in the first week (r = 0.4297-0.7242, p < 0.05). APACHE III score (r = 0.4335, p = 0.015), acute respiratory distress syndrome (r = 0.5913, p < 0.001), and multiple organ failure score (r = 0.736, p < 0.001) were more strongly (negatively) correlated with survival than the concentrations of TNF-alpha and cICAM-1 by Spearman's rank sum test. Our results showed that in patients with septic shock, of the inflammatory cytokines, only IL-6 showed significantly higher plasma levels in the nonsurvivor group. Inflammatory cytokine levels were not more strongly correlated with the outcome of patients with septic shock than physiologic parameters.

Serodiagnosis of tuberculosis. A study comparing three specific mycobacterial antigens

To compare the efficacy of different mycobacterial specific antigens and to assess the applicability of the combination of several different antigens in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, three ELISA tests derived by Antigen 60, 38kda, and Kp90 were evaluated in 594 Chinese patients (312 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and 282 control subjects). Quantified levels of sensitivity and specificity were compared with those in the nontuberculous control groups. Antigen 60 IgG (sensitivity and specificity, 80.77 and 88.4%) was more antigenic and more effective in its determination than was 38kda IgG (sensitivity and specificity, 64.21 and 80.74%) and Kp90 IgA (sensitivity and specificity, 62.58 and 66.3%). The clinical significance of the difference, however, was not striking: negative predictive value of Antigen 60, 38kda, and Kp90 was 93, 86 and 83%, respectively; positive predictive value of Antigen 60, 38kda, and Kp90 was 71, 54, and 39%, respectively. Combination of different antigens could improve the sensitivity and specificity by no more than 10%, with the sacrifice of the opposite parameter by no less than 20%. The same improvement in sensitivity could be easily achieved by adjusting the cutoff values in the ELISA test by a single antigen. We conclude that the sensitivity and specificity of presently available antigens for serodiagnosis of tuberculosis still remains limited at around 80%, which makes it a poor diagnostic tool for disease confirmation. In low incidence areas, its clinical value may be useful in disease exclusion. A combination of several different antigens provides no more improved diagnostic yield than what can be provided by cutoff value adjustment in a single antigen serologic test.

Sialomucin expression is associated with erbB-2 oncoprotein overexpression, early recurrence, and cancer death in non-small-cell lung cancer

Mucin production, when heavily sialylated, can promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and modulate the immune recognition system of the host. To explore the prognostic implication of sialomucin expression in lung cancer, we studied 116 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tumor specimens were stained immunohistochemically with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against mucin glycoprotein (17Q2, HMFG2, SM3), and histochemically with periodic acid-Schiff/alcian blue to differentiate neutral mucin from acid mucin, and with high-iron diamine/alcian blue to differentiate sialomucin from sulfomucin. The expression status of two established molecular prognostic factors, the p53 and erbB-2 oncoproteins, were evaluated immunohistochemically. The staining was performed on two separately archived, paraffin-embedded tumor blocks for each patient, with normal lung as a control. Correlations were subsequently made among stains and various clinicopathologic factors. All analyses were blinded, and included Kaplan-Meier survival estimates with Cox proportional hazards regression modeling. Associations were established among adenocarcinoma histotype and erbB-2 overexpression, sialomucin expression, and 17Q2 and HMFG2 immunohistochemical positivity (p < 0.05). Sialomucin expression was closely linked to erbB-2 overexpression (p = 0.01). Significant univariate predictors (p < 0.05) of recurrence and cancer death were surgical stage, p53 expression, erbB-2 overexpression, and sialomucin expression. These four factors remained as independent predictors of early recurrence (p < 0.05) after multivariate analysis. For cancer death prediction, p53 and sialomucin expression had a marginal effect. We concluded that sialomucin expression is also a poor indicator of prognosis, which is associated with erbB-2 oncoprotein overexpression, early postoperative recurrence, and cancer death in NSCLC.

Life-threatening scrub typhus with meningoencephalitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome

A 21-year-old man presented with fever, rash, seizure, stiff neck and rapidly progressive bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study revealed pleocytosis with predominant polymorphonuclear cells, and hypo-glycorrhachia. Status epilepticus occurred, followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome with respiratory failure. Blood and CSF cultures for bacteria were negative, but an indirect immunofluorescence assay revealed a fourfold rise in antibody to Rickettsia tsutsugamushi in paired serum and a 1:2560 (+) IgM antibody titer. Severe scrub typhus with meningoencephalitis and extensive pneumonitis was diagnosed. The patient survived after intravenous minocycline therapy and intensive care, including aggressive seizure control, supportive mechanical ventilation and avoidance of fluid overloading. He had a nearly complete recovery. Practicing physicians in Taiwan should be aware of this reportable disease and its potentially serious complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Intracellular pH regulation in cultured human pleural mesothelial cells

The human pleural space is lined by a single layer of mesothelial cells, the intracellular pH (pH(i)) of which has never been investigated. In the present study, the intrinsic buffering power of H+ ions (beta(i)) and the pH(i) regulatory systems were investigated in primary cultures of human pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) with microspectrofluorimetry. We found: (1) that at the resting pH(i), the beta(i) was low and increased as the pH(i) decreased; (2) that the pH(i) recovery was largely inhibited either with Na+-free medium or nominally HCO3 free medium containing ethyl-isopropyl amiloride (EIPA); (3) a 4-4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS)-sensitive, Na+/HCO3-dependent, but Cl(-)-independent acid extrusion mechanism in CO2/HCO3 buffer; and (4) that in the same buffer, a DIDS- sensitive but Na+-independent alkalosis was induced by intracellular Cl- depletion. We therefore conclude that at least three membrane pH(i) regulators are involved in regulating the pH(i) in PMCs, these being the EIPA-sensitive Na+-H+ exchanger; a novel electroneutral, DIDS-sensitive Na+-HCO3 cotransporter; and the DIDS-sensitive Cl(-)-HCO3 exchanger. Furthermore, under physiologic conditions, the Na+-HCO3 cotransporter plays a more important role in extrusion of excess intracellular H+ ions than does the Na+-H+ exchanger.

Overexpression of MUC5 genes is associated with early post-operative metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer

Mucin glycoprotein can promote tumor-cell invasion metastasis and modulate the immune recognition of cancer. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of mucin gene overexpression in lung cancer. We collected 60 lung cancer samples and paired non-tumorous lung portions of varying types and stages. Slot-blot analysis with specific anti-sense oligonucleotide probes derived from tandem repeat sequence of MUC1, -2, -3, -4, 5B and 5AC were utilized to compare the amount of mucin gene mRNA in tumor samples with that of the non-tumorous counterparts. A ratio higher than 1.5 for each specific mucin mRNA amount was considered to indicate mucin gene overexpression in tumors. Immunohistochemical staining of monoclonal antibodies against mature airway mucin (17Q2) and MUC1 mucin protein (HMFG2) were also used to analyze mucin protein. The study showed that overexpression of mucin genes frequently occurred in lung cancer (25 out of 60, 41.7%), but that there was no preferential expression of a particular mucin gene or a combination of mucin genes in these tumors. The overexpression of mucin genes and mucin protein had no correlation with tumor stage, nodal stage, histology or pathological differentiation grade. Tumors of smokers had higher MUC5B and MUC5AC mRNA expression ratios than those of non-smokers. Tumors with increased expression of mucin genes tended to be associated with post-operative relapse, especially when MUC5B and MUC5AC genes were overexpressed (p = 0.015 and 0.025, respectively). The study suggests that overexpression of novel tracheobronchial mucin genes may result in an increased likelihood of post-operative lung-cancer recurrence or metastases.

Efficacy of tracheal gas insufflation in acute respiratory distress syndrome with permissive hypercapnia

This study was conducted to assess the CO2-elimination efficiency of tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) in 20 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and to compare its efficacy during volume-controlled (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). TGI was initially applied as an adjunct to VCV, with continuous flows (Vcath) of 4 and 6 L/min delivered through a catheter positioned 2 cm above the carina. Total effective tidal volume (VTeff) was held constant. The percent reductions in PaCO2 (% delta PaCO2) were 13.3 +/- 2.1 and 16.7 +/- 2.7% at Vcath 4 and 6 L/min, respectively, which correlated well with the percent reduction in the end-tidal PCO2 from baseline (% delta PETCO2) (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). An inverse relationship (r = -0.65, p < 0.001 and r = -0.59, p < 0.01 at Vcath 4 and 6 L/min, respectively) was found between the % delta PaCO2 and the baseline ratio of artery to PETCO2 difference to PaCO2, which was determined as the fraction of alveolar dead space (VDalv) relative to total alveolar ventilation. Twelve patients were subsequently switched to PCV combined with Vcath 6 L/min, which provided a % delta PaCO2 of 16.1 +/- 3.0% (p = NS versus 17.1 +/- 2.6% during VCV). These data suggest that in patients with ARDS the change in PETCO2 may be helpful in predicting the decrement in PaCO2 during TGI, and the existence of a high VDalv tends to limit its effectiveness. Further, the efficacy of TGI with VCV is equivalent to that with PCV.

Tuberculosis antigen A60 serodiagnosis in tuberculous infection: application in extrapulmonary and smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis

An ELISA diagnostic test for tuberculosis antigen A60 (TBA60) IgG/IgM was used in a tertiary referral hospital in Taiwan. From June 1992 to December 1993, serum samples obtained from 907 patients were analyzed for TBA60 IgG and IgM titres. The final diagnosis of these patients was confirmed by microbiological study and clinical follow up for 18-24 months. Among 147 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, IgG was positive in 112 (76.2%), IgM was positive in 14 (9.52%). Among 90 patients with active extrapulmonary tuberculosis, IgG was positive in 53 (58.9%), IgM was positive in 9 (10%). Among 153 patients with inactive tuberculosis, IgG was positive in 28 (18.3%), IgM was positive in 1 (1.6%). Among 517 patients with nontuberculous disease, IgG was positive in 50 (9.7%), IgM was positive in 3 (0.6%). In this study population with 26% (237/907) active tuberculous infection rate, the TBA60 ELISA IgG had a diagnostic sensitivity of 69.6% and a specificity of 92.1%. These results indicate a positive predictive value of 67.9% and a negative predictive value of 89.2%. The sensitivity of IgM was 10.5% and specificity, 99.4%. The serum IgG tire had good correlation with the extent of pulmonary TB had a higher percentage of IgG seropositivity (83.9%) than those with smear-negative pulmonary TB (70.6%) and extrapulmonary TB (58.9%). In 50 cases with active tuberculosis, follow-up examinations were carried out one month after treatment. In 18 cases with initially negative IgG and IgM titres, 13 showed elevation of serum IgG titres into positive level, one had positive seroconversion of IgM which was the only serological marker indicating active infection. Therefore, 77.8% (14/18) gained diagnostic benefit from follow-up serological examination. It was concluded that TBA60 IgG and IgM ELISA is a useful test when diagnosing tuberculosis. This test also assists in the clinical judgement of tuberculosis when used as an adjunct to symptoms and sputum smear, and for monitoring therapeutic response at the commencement of treatment.

Mucin mRNA expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and tissues

The expression pattern of mucin genes was studied in 7 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (CL1, CL2, CL3, NCL2, PC9, PC13, PC14) and 12 lung adenocarcinoma tissues. CL1 and PC13 are poorly differentiated cell lines with low mucin glycoprotein production. The other 5 cell lines are well differentiated and produce a higher amount of mucins. Total RNA was extracted from these cell lines. Northern blot analysis was performed by hybridization with specific antisense oligonucleotide probes recognizing mucin-specific tandem repeats of 4 mucin genes (MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4). RT-PCR was carried out to amplify the 3' and 5' nonrepetitive coding regions of MUC1 and the 5' nonrepetitive coding region of MUC2. All these cell lines expressed MUC1, MUC2, and MUC4 mRNA but in variable mounts. The poorly differentiated cell lines (CL1 and PC13) had a relatively low level of expression of MUC1, MUC2, MUC3 and MUC4. RT-PCR, with primers amplifying the MUC1 nonrepetitive coding region 5' end, 293 bp, and the 3' end, 522 bp, as well as the MUC2 nonrepetitive 5' coding region, 308 bp, revealed the presence of MUC1 and MUC2 mRNA in all the cell lines. Sequence analysis of the PCR products were very homologous, similar to previously published MUC1 and MUC2 cDNA sequences. The expression pattern of mucin genes is consistent with that of mucin glycoproteins as studied using biochemical and immunological methods. Northern blotting and RT-PCR analysis in 12 lung adenocarcinoma tissues with various grades of differentiation (6 poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas and 6 moderately to well-differentiated adenocarcinomas) showed heterogeneous expression of the 4 mucin genes in tissues without clear correlation with the differentiation grade. Therefore the clinical implications of the differential expression of the mucin genes need further investigation.

Tumor angiogenesis correlates with histologic type and metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer

This study investigated the clinico-pathologic correlation of tumor angiogenesis in non-small-cell lung cancers. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical specimens of 55 consecutive patients with primary non-small-cell lung cancers were examined. Included were 26 squamous cell carcinomas and 29 adenocarcinomas. Twenty-five patients had stage I disease, eight patients had stage II disease, and 22 patients had stage IIIA or IIIB disease. Among them, 28 had nodal metastasis and 27 did not. The microvessel was demonstrated by immunocytochemical staining for factor VIII and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecules (PECAM-1). The microvessels in the areas of highest neovascularization were counted under light microscopy in 200x field by two independent observers without knowledge of clinical information. At least three separate fields were counted for each specimen. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. The microvessel counts in adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than in the squamous cell carcinoma (54.4 +/- 35.65 versus 26.16 +/- 20.46 in factor VIII staining and 80.52 +/- 48.42 versus 40.04 +/- 32.33 in PECAM-1 staining; p < 0.001). The microvessel counts in patients with Stages I-II disease were significantly lower than that of stages IIIA-IIIB disease (23.63 +/- 16.21 versus 65.36 +/- 31.92 in factor VIII staining and 41.85 +/- 36.76 versus 93.00 +/- 43.08 in PECAM-1; p < 0.001). Patients with nodal metastasis had higher microvessel density than those without nodal metastasis (56.67 +/- 35.55 versus 23.44 +/- 15.77 in factor VIII staining and 86.89 +/- 46.46 versus 36.30 +/- 25.83 in PECAM-1 staining; p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transthoracic needle biopsy of thoracic tumours by a colour Doppler ultrasound puncture guiding device

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy has recently been used to obtain specimens for histological diagnosis of pulmonary and mediastinal tumours. Conventional real time, grey scale puncture guiding devices cannot differentiate vascular structures, and clear visualisation of the needle shaft or tip within a desired target is not always possible. This study describes a new built-in colour Doppler ultrasound puncture guiding device and assesses the relative safety of transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy of thoracic tumours by grey scale or colour Doppler ultrasound guidance.

METHODS

Thirty patients with radiographic evidence of pulmonary (22 patients) or mediastinal tumours (eight patients) underwent ultrasonographic evaluation and transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy by using the colour Doppler ultrasound puncture guiding device (Aloka UST 5045P-3.5). These tumours were initially examined by grey scale ultrasound, and colour Doppler imaging was then used to evaluate the number of blood vessels surrounding and within the target tumour and the possibility of visualisation of the needle shaft or needle tip during the aspiration biopsy procedure.

RESULTS

The colour Doppler ultrasound guiding device was far superior to the grey scale device for identification of the number of vessels surrounding or within the target tumour (83% v 20%) and for visualisation of the needle shaft or needle tip (80% v 17%).

CONCLUSIONS

By using the colour Doppler ultrasound puncture device, vascular structures surrounding or within the target tumour can be verified. Visualisation of the needle shaft or tip is also better. Biopsy routes can be selected to avoid puncturing vessels. This approach should be particularly helpful for guiding biopsies of mediastinal tumours, where puncturing the heart or great vessels is a potential complication.

Direct determination of cryptococcal antigen in transthoracic needle aspirate for diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis

Pulmonary cryptococcosis causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Definitive diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis is usually difficult. The use of direct determination of cryptococcal antigen in transthoracic needle aspirate to diagnose pulmonary cryptococcosis was investigated. Over a 2-year period, we studied a total of 41 patients with respiratory symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates of unknown etiology who were suspected of having pulmonary cryptococcosis. Twenty-two patients were immunocompetent patients and 19 patients were immunocompromised. A diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis was based on cytological examination, culture for Cryptococcus neoformans, histopathologic examination, and clinical response to antifungal therapy. All patients underwent chest ultrasound and ultrasound-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration to obtain specimens for cryptococcal antigen determination. The presence of cryptococcal antigen was determined by the latex agglutination system (CALAS; Meridian Diagnostics, Cincinnati, Ohio). An antigen titer equal to or greater than 1:8 was considered positive. The specimens were also sent for cytological examination, fungal culture, and/or histopathologic examination. A final diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis was made in eight patients. Direct determinations of cryptococcal antigen in lung aspirate were positive in all eight patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (100% sensitivity, 97% specificity, a positive predictive value of 89%, and negative value of 100%), and there was only one false-positive in noncryptococcosis patients. The diagnostic accuracy was 97.5%. Serum cryptococcal antigen was positive in only three patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (sensitivity, 37.5%). This study showed that direct measurement of cryptococcal antigen in lung aspirate can be a rapid and useful test for diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis.

Clinical spectrum of tuberculosis in older patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical differences between old and young patients infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a developing country.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart and chest radiograph review.

SETTING

A university-affiliated teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

The medical records of patients with documented tuberculosis (TB) from January 1990 through December 1991 were analyzed. Clinical assessment included sex, age, diagnosis at first visit, past history, symptoms and signs, laboratory data, X-ray findings, bacteriological examinations, outcome, time elapsed from first visit to initiation of anti-TB therapy and the major determinants for starting anti-TB therapy. Statistical significances were analyzed by Student's t test and chi 2 tests.

RESULTS

Among 205 patients with culture-proven TB, 57 were 65 years of age and older (range, 65 to 91; mean, 73) and 148 under 65 years of age (range, 16 to 64; mean, 41). There was a higher incidence of previous TB (26.3% vs. 16.2%) and diabetes mellitus (24.5% vs. 14.3%) in the elderly patients. Initial diagnosis of TB at first visit was less frequent in the elderly than in the young group (38.6% vs. 47.3%), although symptoms and signs at first visit were similar in each of the age groups. Radiographic presentation with mass lesions was more frequently encountered in elderly patients (10.5% vs. 2.1%, P < .05). Elapsed time from the first visit to suspicion of TB and the initiation of anti-TB therapy was frequently delayed in elderly patients (22 +/- 23 vs. 13 +/- 20 days, P < .05). The incidence of drug-resistance (39% vs. 16%, P < .05) and unfavorable response to anti-TB therapy (17.5% vs. 3.4%, P < .05) were significantly higher in the older patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although clinical presentation of TB in the elderly did not differ significantly from that in younger patients, this study showed that diagnosis and treatment were more often delayed in the elderly, and there was a higher incidence of treatment failure.

Legionnaires' disease with acute renal failure: report of two cases

Acute renal failure in Legionnaires' disease is rare, but the mortality rate is high [1-3]. Although the actual pathogenesis is not clear, the renal pathology discloses either acute tubulointerstitial nephritis or acute tubular necrosis in most cases [3]. We report two cases of Legionnaires' disease complicated by acute renal failure. One patient was completely healthy before, and the other had underlying gouty arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Their renal function was normal before these episodes. The diagnosis of Legionella infection was proved by the indirect fluorescent antibody test on paired sera. After erythromycin treatment, both patients survived. One patient required long-term maintenance hemodialysis, and the other recovered to only mild azotemia after a follow-up period of 5 months. Including our cases, only 55 patients have been reported to have Legionella-induced acute renal failure. This is a rare and serious complication of Legionnaires' disease. Early recognition and treatment is mandatory.

Exon 8 mutation of p53 gene associated with nodal metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer

The epidemiologic characteristics of lung cancer in Taiwan differ from those in other parts of the world in low male-to-female ratio, the high percentage of adenocarcinoma, and the relatively high percentage of nonsmokers who are victims. To investigate possible correlation between p53 gene alteration and the unique characteristics of lung cancer here, p53 gene status of 36 patients with primary, resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was studied by directly sequencing the cDNA of the p53 gene, then acquiring clinical and pathologic data to correlate p53 gene status with clinical parameters and pathologic staging. Missense mutations were present in 42% (15 of 36) of patients with NSCLC, including 42% (10 of 24) with adenocarcinomas, and 45% (five of 11) with squamous cell carcinomas. The frequency of p53 mutation was 50% in smokers and 29% in nonsmokers (p = 0.355). The mutation occurred most frequently in exon 8 (56%), and G:C to A:T transitions in non-CpG or CpG sites were the most commonly observed base changes (56%). These findings differ from the high prevalence of G to T transversion found in previous reports. The frequency of metastasis in hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes was significantly higher in tumors with p53 mutations. The association with nodal stage was strong for mutations within exon 8, but it was less apparent for mutations in other exons probably because of the small number. This study suggests that p53 gene missense is common in NSCLC in Taiwan, but smoking is probably not the sole contributing factor. More interestingly, p53 gene mutations, especially those in exon 8, may be associated with regional nodal metastasis.

Color Doppler sonography of benign and malignant pulmonary masses

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare blood flow in benign and malignant pulmonary masses by assessing the spectral waveforms obtained during color Doppler sonography.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Fifty lung cancers in 46 patients and 28 benign lung lesions in 28 patients were evaluated with color Doppler sonography. Spectral wave analysis of blood flow (specifically, the Doppler variables of pulsatility index, resistive index, peak systolic velocity, and end diastolic velocity) was used to determine the distal impedance of vessels in malignant and benign pulmonary lesions.

RESULTS

The flow signal detection rates for lung cancers and benign pulmonary lesions were 64% and 79%, respectively. All lung cancers with detectable flow signals had either relatively low-impedance flows or arteriovenous shunting, unlike the benign lesions, which usually had relatively high-impedance flows. For lung cancers, the pulsatility index was 1.43 +/- 0.31, the resistive index was 0.52 +/- 0.13, peak systolic velocity was 0.17 +/- 0.07 m/sec, and end diastolic velocity was 0.07 +/- 0.03 m/sec. For benign lung lesions, the pulsatility index was 3.32 +/- 0.68, the resistive index was 0.90 +/- 0.06, peak systolic velocity was 0.28 +/- 0.09 m/sec, and end diastolic velocity was 0.03 +/- 0.01 m/sec. All four variables were significantly different (p < .001) between lung cancers and benign lung lesions. When a cutoff value of mean +/- 2 SD was used, the resistive index and pulsatility index were shown to be sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of lung cancer (sensitivity, specificity = 100%, 95% for resistive index; 97%, 95% for pulsatility index). Flow was detected less often in squamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma and small-cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that color Doppler sonography is useful for showing vascularity in pulmonary masses, and may be helpful in differentiating malignant from benign lung tumors.

Image comparison of real-time gray-scale ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound for use in diagnosis of minimal pleural effusion

To assess the value of color Doppler ultrasound in distinguishing minimal pleural effusion from pleural thickening, a prospective analysis was done on the ultrasonographic findings in 51 patients. Real-time, gray-scale, and color Doppler chest ultrasound examinations were carried out by different sonographers who had no clinical information concerning the patients. The sonographer evaluated the images for internal echogenicity of the effusion, pleural lesions that change shape with respiration, and movable septa and echo-densities in pleural space in conventional gray-scale as well as color signal in color Doppler ultrasound. Of the 35 patients with true effusion, 33 had positive color signal (sensitivity 94.3%, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 89 to 98.6%); in 16 patients without effusion, none had color signal (specificity 100%, 95% CI 83 to 100%). Although real-time, gray-scale ultrasound is also sensitive for detecting minimal effusion (sensitivity 100%, 95% CI 92 to 100%), it is less specific (specificity 68.7%, 95% CI 46 to 91.5%). Five of 16 examinations showing fluid-like lesions were found to be deceptive. With relatively high sensitivity and specificity, this method proved to be a useful diagnostic aid to real-time, gray-scale ultrasound for diagnosis of minimal or loculated effusion.

The bacteriology of obstructive pneumonitis. A prospective study using ultrasound-guided transthoracic needle aspiration

Obstructive pneumonitis, the opacity that develops distal to an obstructing endobronchial lesion or external compression, is actually a combination of atelectasis, bronchiectasis with mucus plugging, and true parenchymal inflammation. In the majority of cases, it is usually not possible to determine whether infection is present or not from the radiographic findings alone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacteriology of obstructive pneumonitis and the influence of this result on the treatment of patients. From March 1992 to February 1993, 26 consecutive patients (20 men and six women) with obstructive pneumonitis were investigated. The obstructive pneumonitis had been caused by malignant tumors in 24 and benign lesions in two. Chest ultrasound (US) and US-guided percutaneous transthoracic aspirations were undergone to obtain specimens for microbiologic examination. Microorganisms were isolated from seven of nine febrile patients and two of 17 nonfebrile patients. A total of 16 bacterial strains are detected in obstructive pneumonitis (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, viridant streptococci, Bacteroides fragilis, two Peptostreptococcus species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas maltophilia, Streptococcus sanguis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacteroides thetaiotamomicrons, Bacteroides intermedius, Bacteroides species, Veillonella species, aerobic gram-positive bacilli, and Escherichia coli). In five cases the isolates were monobacteriae, and in the remaining four cases, cultures yielded more than one bacteria. The results of aspirate cultures led to changes in the initial antibiotic trial in seven of nine patients, and fever subsided thereafter. Pneumothorax occurred in one cases as the sole complication. The pathogen causing obstructive pneumonitis is very heterogeneous, and polymicrobial infection is common.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultrasound guided pericardial drainage and intrapericardial instillation of mitomycin C for malignant pericardial effusion

BACKGROUND

Conservative treatment of malignant pericardial effusion by intrapericardial instillation of a sclerosing agent may be an alternative to surgery.

METHODS

Twenty patients with malignant pericardial effusion were treated by ultrasound guided pericardiocentesis and the intrapericardial instillation of mitomycin C.

RESULTS

Mitomycin C was effective in controlling the pericardial effusion in 70% of patients without causing side effects, except for pericardial constriction seven months later in one subject.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound guided intrapericardial instillation of mitomycin C is a suitable alternative in the management of malignant pericardial effusion.

Differentiation of benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes with color Doppler sonography

OBJECTIVE

This study proposed to evaluate the efficacy of color Doppler sonography in detecting possible differences in blood flow patterns between malignant and benign cervical lymph nodes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

During a period of 12 months, the palpable cervical lymph nodes of 48 untreated patients were prospectively evaluated with color Doppler sonography and Doppler flow wave analysis. Histopathologic diagnoses were obtained by sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy and/or excisional biopsy.

RESULTS

We found 16 benign lymph nodes (four were tuberculous lymphadenitis, four were reactive hyperplasia, and eight were unspecified) and 32 malignant lymph nodes (13 were squamous cell carcinomas, nine were adenocarcinomas, four were small-cell carcinomas, three were lymphomas, and three were miscellaneous). Color Doppler flow patterns were seen in six (38%) of the 16 benign lymph nodes and in 29 (91%) of the 32 malignant lymph nodes. Twenty-six (81%) of the 32 malignant lymph nodes had abnormal flow patterns, with resistance indexes less than 0.6. However, three (19%) of the 16 benign lymph nodes also had abnormal flow patterns, and only seven (54%) of 13 squamous cell carcinomas had abnormal flow patterns.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler sonography has limited clinical value in differentiating malignant from benign cervical lymph nodes and in obviating biopsy.

Superior vena cava syndrome. Rapid histologic diagnosis by ultrasound-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy

We prospectively analyzed the diagnostic yield and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy in the histologic diagnosis of 40 patients with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. During a 4-yr period, 40 patients with SVC obstruction were admitted to National Taiwan University Hospital. Of these patients 10 had histologic confirmation by sputum cytology (3 patients), fiberoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy (2 patients), or lymph node biopsy (5 patients) at admission. A total of 30 undiagnosed patients underwent real-time ultrasonographic (US) evaluation as well as color Doppler imaging. Patients with tumor detectable by US underwent US-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy. Of the 30 patients who received US chest examination, 29 had widening of the upper mediastinal shadows in the chest radiographs. In 27 patients tumors were detected by chest US. After assessment of collateral vessels by color Doppler US, these 27 patients underwent US-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsies; histologic diagnoses were confirmed in 25. The diagnostic yield was 83.3%. The mean duration from admission to histologic diagnosis was 2.1 days. None of the patients developed complications. We conclude that chest US and color Doppler images are useful tools for evaluation of patients with SVC syndrome. US-guided transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy appears to be a safe, effective, and rapid approach for obtaining an accurate histologic diagnosis. Specific treatment can thus be initiated without delay.

Ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy for pulmonary tuberculosis with unusual radiographic appearances

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary tuberculosis can produce unusual radiographic appearances and negative results of sputum and bronchoscopic examinations are common. This study assessed the value of ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis with unusual radiographic appearances.

METHODS

Thirteen patients, ultimately diagnosed as having tuberculosis, underwent a chest ultrasonographic examination between June 1984 and August 1991. All had sputum available for examination and nine were also examined by bronchoscopy. Ten patients who had a negative sputum smear and negative bronchoscopic brushing smears underwent ultrasound guided aspiration or biopsy. Percutaneous aspiration was performed with a 22 gauge needle. If the smear did not reveal acid fast bacilli, a biopsy sample was taken with a 16 gauge Tru-cut needle to obtain a histological diagnosis.

RESULTS

The ultrasonographic examination delineated the more complex nature of the lesions better than the chest radiograph. Ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy provided the diagnosis in nine of 10 patients, while the sputum smear and culture provided diagnosis in five of 13, and bronchoscopy in four of nine. In terms of rapid diagnosis, ultrasound guided aspiration biopsy gave the diagnosis in eight of 10 cases. No patient developed a major complication.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography can direct the needle to the most suitable part of a lesion to obtain the relevant specimens. The diagnostic yield is high and the procedure is relatively safe. It is especially helpful in patients with negative results of sputum and bronchoscopic examinations.

Ultrasound study in unilateral hemithorax opacification. Image comparison with computed tomography

The diagnostic capability of chest ultrasonography was assessed for use in evaluation of patients presenting with opacification of unilateral hemithorax on chest radiography. Hemithorax opacification provided an "ultrasonic window" for ultrasonic wave penetration to detect any underlying diseases. Fifty patients were included over a study period of 24 months. All had received both chest ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) examinations, and their underlying diseases had been confirmed by various methods. Comparisons between the findings of chest US and of CT were made in three compartments: pleura, parenchyma, and mediastinum. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of chest US was defined by using CT as the "gold standard." The ability of US to detect underlying diseases was comparable to that of CT in pleural and parenchymal lesions. But US was inferior to CT for demonstration of mediastinal lesions. The diagnostic sensitivity of US was 95.1% in pleural lesions, 82.8% in parenchymal lesions, and only 30% in mediastinal lesions. US missed 14 lesions demonstrated by CT (seven mediastinal lesions, five parenchymal tumors, and two pleural nodules), but it showed six lesions that CT had failed to detect (four focal pleural thickening and two parenchymal tumors). US-related procedures were performed (thoracentesis in 33 patients, pleural biopsy in 10 patients, and US-guided aspiration/cutting biopsy in 11 patients) with a high diagnostic yield and no complications. The conclusion was that chest ultrasonography is useful, particularly as a first-step examination for patients with total or nearly total opacification of the hemithorax.

Diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis by ultrasound guided percutaneous aspiration

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is useful for locating thoracic lesions and guiding biopsy procedures. The use of sonographic appearances and ultrasound guided needle aspiration has led to the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis at this hospital.

METHODS

Six hundred and eight patients who had ultrasound guided lung aspirations were reviewed retrospectively and nine with documented pulmonary cryptococcosis were collected. All patients had nodules or infiltrates on the chest radiograph. The needle aspirates obtained under ultrasound guidance were stained by Riu's or Papanicolaou's method or with India ink, and six were sent for culture. Five patients also underwent bronchoscopy and biopsy.

RESULTS

The nine patients had 18 pulmonary lesions, of which 15 were nodules and three infiltrates. Fifteen lesions were detectable by ultrasound, which showed the nodules to be hypoechoic with eccentrically located air echoes. In eight of the nine cases cryptococci were detected after the lung aspirates had been stained with Riu's or Papanicolaou stain or with India ink. In five of the six aspirates sent for fungal culture Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated. The diagnostic yield was higher than that of bronchoscopy. None developed post-aspiration pneumothorax or any evidence of late dissemination.

CONCLUSIONS

Because they tend to be subpleural pulmonary cryptococcal lesions seem to be identifiable by ultrasound. Ultrasound guided lung aspiration is an effective, rapid, and safe method for diagnosis.

Lung sequestration. Diagnosis with ultrasound and triplex Doppler technique in an adult

The application of chest US with triplex Doppler technique to detect the systemic feeding artery of lung sequestration in an adult patient is described. To our best knowledge, this is the first description of the use of this technique to diagnose pulmonary sequestration in adult patients. This 35-year-old man had necrotizing pneumonia with abscess formation at the left lower lobe. Chest US demonstrated a large tortuous vessel in the central part of the lesion. Spectral wave Doppler analysis showed that this vessel was a systemic feeding artery and had pulsatile arterial wave-form. The color Doppler mapping delineated the blood flow originating from the descending aorta and toward the lesion, thus confirming the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration. We conclude that chest US with triplex Doppler technique is a valuable method in evaluating a patient with a pulmonary lesion who was thought to have lung sequestration before performing invasive aortography.

Lobar bronchioloalveolar carcinoma: an ultrasound study

To assess whether chest ultrasound (US) can be useful in the diagnosis of lobar bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, we retrospectively analyzed the US patterns of eight patients with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma presenting with lobar consolidation. For comparison, 15 patients with lobar consolidation of a benign etiology were also analyzed. We found that the US patterns of lobar bronchioloalveolar carcinoma had a characteristic homogeneous, echogenic pattern. The air-bronchograms and air-alveolograms were scarce when compared to benign consolidation. The sensitivity of using these US criteria in discriminating lobar bronchioloalveolar carcinoma was 75%, and the specificity was 93%. We also assessed the yield of US-guided transthoracic cutting biopsies in the diagnosis of lobar bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. The diagnostic rate of the US-guided cutting biopsy was 100%, which was superior to other diagnostic procedures, such as sputum cytology (37%), fiberoptic bronchoscopy with brushing or biopsy (32%) and trans-thoracic needle aspiration cytology (50%). None of the patients developed complications. We conclude that the distinct US pattern for lobar bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is a helpful diagnostic sign, and the US-guided biopsy is a useful approach in the diagnosis of lobar bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.

Diagnostic and therapeutic use of chest sonography: value in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

Portable chest radiography, used for critically ill patients, often fails to depict thoracic disease clearly. Chest sonography allows good characterization of pleural diseases, mediastinal lesions, and pulmonary consolidations, and provides accurate and safe guidance for interventional procedures. Accordingly, we evaluated its usefulness in the diagnosis and management of critically ill patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sonography was used prospectively to evaluate 41 critically ill patients, when portable chest radiographs were difficult to interpret and failed to explain the clinical findings. An initial diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical and radiologic information. The final diagnosis was confirmed by thoracentesis (n = 15), image-guided aspiration biopsy (n = 7), surgery (n = 3), and clinical follow-up (n = 16). All 41 sonographic examinations were performed by a sonographer who had no knowledge of the initial diagnosis. The sonographic findings were recorded and analyzed. The usefulness of sonography in diagnosis and management was then evaluated according to the following criteria: diagnostic value--(1) made diagnosis, (2) changed diagnosis, (3) additional information, (4) no benefit; and management aid--(1) affected decision, (2) affected decision and guided thoracentesis, (3) affected diagnosis and guided aspiration, (4) no benefit.

RESULTS

Chest sonography was helpful in diagnosis in 27 (66%) of 41 patients and in treatment in 37 (90%) of 41 patients. A significant influence on treatment planning occurred in 17 (41%) of 41 patients. A diagnostic aspiration biopsy under sonographic detected sonographically. Thoracentesis were attempted in 25 of 29 patients with pleural effusion and were successful in 24 patients (96%); a minimal pneumothorax developed in one patient (4%).

CONCLUSION

Chest sonography is a useful diagnostic tool for critically ill patients with chest diseases. This technique can be particularly helpful when CT is not available or when critically ill patients cannot be moved.

Ultrasonography and ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of impalpable cervical lymph nodes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Neck ultrasonography (US) and ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration (UGFNA) cytologic examination were used in the staging work-up of 51 consecutive patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with clinically impalpable cervical lymphadenopathy.

METHODS

All patients had chest radiography, fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination, computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen, bone scan, and US of the abdomen and the neck.

RESULTS

Six patients (12%) were found to have cervical lymph nodes by neck US. The cytologic examination of the lymph node aspirates obtained from UGFNA confirmed the metastasis. The clinical stage thus was changed from Stage IIIa to Stage IIIb in one patient. In the other five patients, UGFNA of cervical lymph nodes prevented more invasive diagnostic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study shows that neck US and UGFNA of lymph nodes may be helpful in the pretreatment evaluation of patients with NSCLC with impalpable cervical lymph nodes. However, additional study is needed to confirm this result.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of pulmonary consolidation

A total of 161 patients with lobar or segmental consolidation were examined by realtime ultrasound and Doppler ultrasound. Air bronchograms were detected in 141 patients, fluid bronchograms in 27 patients, and parapneumonic effusion in 74 patients. In 36 patients with necrotizing pneumonia, ultrasound detected microabscesses in 33 (91.7%) compared with the air-fluid levels detected by standard chest radiographs in 20 patients (55.6%; p less than 0.05). Of 31 patients with tumors causing obstructive pneumonitis, 29 (93.5%) had tumors detected by chest ultrasound, whereas only 11 patients (35.5%) had chest radiographs that suggested a tumor was causing the obstructive pneumonitis (p less than 0.05). Chest ultrasound was used to guide thoracentesis for parapneumonic effusion in 65 patients, with a 100% success rate. Twenty-six patients with necrotizing pneumonia underwent ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of microabscesses. The procedure was successful in 24 patients (92.3%), and 21 patients (80.8%) had microbiologic confirmation. Twenty patients with tumor-associated obstructive pneumonitis received needle aspiration biopsy under ultrasound guidance; 19 patients (95.0%) had the histology confirmed. Five patients with malignancy manifesting as pulmonary consolidation underwent a diagnostic ultrasound-guided needle aspiration biopsy. Five patients (3.8%) developed complications of minimal pneumothorax or mild hemoptysis in 132 episodes of needle aspiration. We conclude that ultrasonography is useful for the evaluation of pulmonary consolidation. It can also be used for needle aspiration guidance for etiologic diagnosis of patients with complicated pneumonia.

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy of thoracic tumors

Two hundred and eighteen patients, with thoracic tumors larger than 3 cm in size, underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous transthoracic core biopsy with a large-bore Tru-Cut needle. Fifty-five tumors were in the mediastinum, and 122 tumors were located at subpleural area, and 42 tumors were within the lungs. In 122 subpleural tumors, the sensitivity of ultrasound-guided core biopsy for the diagnosis of malignancy was 96.8%, and accuracy was 97.5%. Sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignant tumors located within the lungs was 94.6%, and accuracy was 95.2%. In 54 patients with mediastinal tumors, definite histologic diagnosis could be obtained in 48 patients (88.9%). The sensitivity of ultrasound-guided biopsy for the diagnosis of malignancy in these 48 mediastinal tumors was 97.1%, with an accuracy of 97.9%. Three patients had complications with minimal pneumothorax and one with mild hemoptysis. We conclude that percutaneous transthoracic core biopsy with Tru-Cut needle under ultrasound guidance is a safe and sensitive way to obtain specimens for accurate histologic diagnosis of thoracic tumors. The diagnostic yield is high, and the technique, relatively simple, can also be used for outpatients.

Value of sonography in determining the nature of pleural effusion: analysis of 320 cases

To assess the value of sonography in determining the nature of pleural effusions, we prospectively analyzed the sonographic findings in 320 patients with pleural effusion of various causes (224 with exudates and 96 with transudates). The nature of the effusions was established on the basis of chemical, bacteriologic, and cytologic examination of pleural fluid; pleural biopsy; and clinical follow-up. All patients had high-frequency, real-time sonography performed by one of three sonographers who had no clinical information concerning the patients. The sonographer evaluated the images for internal echogenicity of the effusion, thickness of the pleura, and associated parenchymal lesions of the lung. The images were also printed out and interpreted a second time by the other two sonographers to reach a consensus. Our results showed that the two types of effusions could be distinguished on the basis of sonographic findings. Transudates were anechoic, whereas an anechoic effusion could be either a transudate or an exudate. Pleural effusions with complex septated, complex nonseptated, or homogeneously echogenic patterns were always exudates (p less than .01). Sonographic findings of thickened pleura and associated parenchymal lesions in the lung also were indicative of an exudate (p less than .01). Homogenous echogenic effusions were due to hemorrhagic effusion or empyema. Sonographic evidence of a pleural nodule was a specific finding in patients with a malignant effusion. We conclude that sonography is useful in determining the nature of pleural effusion.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy for the diagnosis of pulmonary consolidations of unknown aetiology

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound has been used to guide percutaneous aspiration biopsy of thoracic tumours with high diagnostic yield. This study assessed the diagnostic value of ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy for pulmonary consolidation of unknown aetiology.

METHODS

Thirty patients with undiagnosed lobar or segmental consolidation underwent ultrasound guided percutaneous needle aspiration and large bore cutting biopsy. The needle aspirates and biopsy specimens were sent for cytological, microbiological, and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Percutaneous needle aspiration provided a diagnosis in nine of 30 patients (30%), whereas cutting biopsy obtained a satisfactory specimen for histological diagnosis in 28 patients (93%) and provided a definite aetiological diagnosis in 17 patients (57%). The combination of needle aspiration with Trucut biopsy provided a diagnostic rate of 63%. The underlying diagnoses were fungal pneumonia (five patients), tuberculosis (five), bacterial pneumonia (one), bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (three), lymphoma (two), adenocarcinoma (one), vasculitis (one), acute pneumonia of unknown aetiology (one), and chronic non-specific pneumonia (nine). Two patients, who had necrotic tissue only in the biopsy specimen, were found at thoracotomy to have an adenocarcinoma and aspergillosis. Two patients had complications from the technique, a small pneumothorax in one and a small haemoptysis in another.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cutting biopsy is a valuable method for diagnosing pulmonary consolidation of unknown aetiology. The diagnostic yield is high and the procedure appears to be relatively safe.

Evaluation of the A-60 IgG ELISA serodiagnostic test for tuberculosis in Taiwan

To assess the applicability of a serologic test of specific IgG antibody for tuberculous infection in the Taiwan population, serum samples obtained from 118 subjects were analyzed by an ELISA test using mycobacterial antigen 60. There were 50 patients with a documented active infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (39 pulmonary tuberculosis, five pleurisy, three cervical lymphadenitis and three miliary tuberculosis with extrapulmonary involvement). Of these 50 patients, 42 (84%) showed a positive ELISA test (titer > 200 U). Of the 19 patients with inactive pulmonary tuberculosis, seven (37%) had a positive titer. Of the 22 patients with pulmonary disease other than tuberculosis, four (18%) showed a false-positive. In eight patients with autoimmune diseases, only the patient with rheumatoid arthritis had a positive reaction. One of the 19 healthy controls (5.3%) showed a false-positive result. The overall false-positive rate for the nontuberculous group was 12%. Follow-up examinations in 20 patients with active tuberculosis one month after treatment revealed that seven had an elevation in titers (three of them were initially negative and became positive later), five remained high and eight decreased in titers. Further examinations in six patients two months after treatment showed a decrease in titers. We conclude that this ELISA assay of specific IgG antibody is a valuable serologic test for diagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection. It may be useful in areas with a high prevalence of M. tuberculosis infection.

Ultrasonographically guided biopsy of thoracic tumors. A comparison of large-bore cutting biopsy with fine-needle aspiration

A prospective study to compare the safety and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographically guided transthoracic large-bore cutting biopsy histologic examination with fine-needle aspiration cytologic examination was conducted in 149 patients with thoracic tumors (29 mediastinal tumors and 120 pulmonary masses). The authors found that large-bore cutting biopsy under ultrasonographic guidance could be as safe as fine-needle aspiration, whereas diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher (97% versus 59% in malignant tumors, respectively, P less than 0.05; 85% versus 33% in benign lesions, respectively, P less than 0.05). The size, depth, and location of lesions did not influence the results of transthoracic needle aspiration or cutting biopsy. In 77 patients with primary lung cancer, fine-needle aspiration cytologic examination, although achieving 88% positive cytologic results, identified the histologic cell type accurately in only 70%, whereas Tru-Cut (Top Surgical, Tokyo, Japan) biopsy was 97% accurate in confirmative histologic diagnosis. Fourteen patients had discordant cytologic and histologic diagnoses, and the cases of 3 (3.9%) were between small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The diagnostic accuracy of Tru-Cut biopsy also was significantly higher than that of fine-needle aspiration in metastatic cancers (90% versus 33%, respectively) and mediastinal tumors (100% versus 46%, respectively). The authors conclude that transthoracic cutting biopsy under ultrasonographic guidance is safe and has a higher diagnostic accuracy as compared with fine-needle aspiration. This technique is particularly useful for benign lesions or tumors with pleomorphic morphologic characteristics, such as lymphomas and thymomas.

Mediastinal malignancy: ultrasound guided biopsy through the supraclavicular approach

BACKGROUND

Malignancies located in the upper middle mediastinum usually do not have a sufficiently large acoustic window to permit a conventional ultrasound guided parasternal biopsy. This study was concerned with an alternative approach whereby ultrasound is applied through the supraclavicular paratracheal window to allow percutaneous biopsy of middle mediastinal malignancies.

METHODS

Fifteen patients who had upper mediastinal malignancies not in contact with the chest wall underwent real time and Doppler ultrasonographic studies by the supraclavicular approach. None of these tumours could be reached by conventional ultrasound guided parasternal biopsy. The ultrasound was scanned downwards through the supraclavicular fossa, along the acoustic window of the paratracheal soft tissue space. Percutaneous aspiration biopsy was performed with a 22 gauge needle under ultrasound guidance. If fine needle aspiration could not obtain an adequate tissue smear an 18 gauge Trucut biopsy was performed to obtain a histological diagnosis.

RESULTS

Twelve of 15 mediastinal malignancies were detected by ultrasound through the supraclavicular approach. These 12 patients underwent percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy under ultrasound guidance. Four of the patients also had a Trucut biopsy because the needle aspirates from the tumours were inadequate. The needle had to pass through the jugular veins in four patients who received fine needle aspiration but in none of the patients who required a Trucut biopsy. Definite histological diagnoses were obtained in all 12 of these patients. Ten of the tumours were malignant and two benign. None of the patients developed any complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound and ultrasound guided biopsy through the supraclavicular paratracheal window provides a new approach for malignancy located in the upper middle mediastinum, which cannot be reached by conventional ultrasound guided parasternal biopsy. The diagnostic yield of this technique is high and the procedure is relatively safe.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy of small peripheral pulmonary nodules

We compared the diagnostic yields of ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy, sputum cytology, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy in 30 patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules smaller than 3.0 cm in diameter. Among them, there were 4 minute nodules with diameter less than 1.0 cm, 12 between 1.1 to 2.0 cm, and 14 between 2.1 to 3.0 cm. The final diagnoses in these 30 patients, as confirmed by histologic findings, microbiology, and clinical follow-up, revealed 24 malignant lesions and 6 benign. All of these 30 nodules received ultrasound-guided transthoracic fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and confirmative diagnoses were obtained in 27 (90 percent). Twenty-two (92 percent) of 24 patients with malignant nodules had positive cytology for malignancy and 5 (83 percent) of 6 patients with benign lesions had diagnosis made by cytologic and microbiologic examinations. One patient developed asymptomatic pneumothorax after needle aspiration. The size of the lesions did not affect the diagnostic yield and complication rate. None of the lesions was diagnosed by sputum cytology (0 of 19; 0 percent). Two patients had diagnoses obtained by fiberoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy (2 of 10; 20 percent). We conclude that ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy is a useful and safe method for diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary nodules, even when the size of the nodule is less than 3 cm in diameter. The diagnostic yield far exceeds that which can be obtained by sputum cytology and fiberoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy.

Comparison of OK-432 and mitomycin C pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion caused by lung cancer. A randomized trial

A prospective randomized study to compare the effectiveness of pleurodesis by two new sclerosing agents: OK-432 and mitomycin C were conducted in 53 patients with malignant pleural effusion caused by lung cancer. None of the patients received concomitant systemic chemotherapy or radiation therapy during the study. After complete drainage of pleural fluid, the patients were allocated randomly to receive 10 Klinische Einheit units of OK-432 or 8 mg of mitomycin C by intrapleural injection at weekly intervals. The treatment was terminated if the pleural effusion disappeared or the patients had received four consecutive procedures. There were 26 patients who received pleurodesis with OK-432 and 27, with mitomycin C. Patient characteristics in the two treatment groups (age, sex, histologic type, performance status, and prior treatment before pleurodesis) were compatible. These results showed that pleurodesis with OK-432 achieved a higher complete response rate (73%) than that of mitomycin C (41%). The rates of objective treatment response (complete response plus partial response) were comparable in both groups (88% for OK-432 and 67% for mitomycin C). The average number of intrapleural injections needed to achieve complete response was fewer in the OK-432 group (1.9 +/- 0.9) than in mitomycin C group (2.8 +/- 0.9). There was no significant difference in the median survival of the patients who received pleurodesis with OK-432 (5.8 months) or mitomycin C (5.1 months). However, the effusion-free period in the OK-432 group was significantly longer than that in the mitomycin C group (7.0 months versus 1.5 months). Patients who underwent OK-432 pleurodesis had a higher complication rate (80%) than did those in the mitomycin C group (30%). Transient febrile reaction was the most common reaction encountered. The immunologic study in OK-432 group showed an increase in peripheral leukocyte count and decrease in the OKT4/OKT8 ratio. The mitomycin C group had a mild reduction in peripheral blood leukocyte count and no significant change in the OKT4/OKT8 ratio. It was concluded that pleurodesis with OK-432 is an effective alternative treatment for malignant effusion in patients with lung cancer.