Structured and evidence-based training of technical skills in respiratory medicine and thoracic surgery

Within the last decade, the number of technical procedures in respiratory medicine and thoracic surgery has grown and created a higher demand for effective and evidence-based education. Today, trainees are often allowed to perform procedures unsupervised on patients after obtaining a course certificate from a theoretic course and having performed a fixed number of supervised procedures. However, these methods do not ensure adequate competence. Well-structured and effective educational programmes including validated tests are needed to reduce economic expenses, optimize time spend, and ensure patient safety. The aim of this article is to summarize current state of educational strategies for technical procedures within respiratory medicine and thoracic surgery. Thus, to discuss future recommendations for curriculum development and assessment of competences based on Kern’s framework. The approach by Kern consists of six topics, which needs to be considered and evaluated and in order to educate physicians and surgeons most effective and evidence-based. We present a practical guide contributing to future educators’ considerations on (I) problem identification and general needs assessment, (II) targeted needs assessment, (III) goals and objectives, (IV) educational strategies, (V) implementation, and finally (VI) evaluation and feedback.

Ectopic spleen presenting as a slowly enlarging lung nodule in the right lower lobe following gastric pull up operation

This is a case report of an elderly man who was investigated at our respiratory clinic for slowly enlarging right lower lobe lung nodule on the background of oesophageal cancer diagnosed more than 11 years ago with gastric pull up. CT guided biopsy confirms the diagnosis of intrathoracic ectopic spleen.

Acute confusional state as a prognostic sign of COVID-19 large-vessel occlusion (LVO)

COVID-19 is well known for its respiratory symptoms, but severe presentations can alter haemostasis, causing acute end-organ damage with poor outcomes. Among its various neurological presentations, cerebrovascular events often present as small-vessel strokes. Although uncommon, in predisposed individuals, large-vessel occlusions (LVOs) can occur as a possible consequence of direct viral action (viral burden or antigenic structure) or virus-induced cytokine storm. Subtle presentations and complicated stroke care pathways continue to exist, delaying timely care. We present a unique case of COVID-19 LVO manifesting as an acute confusional state in an elderly man in April 2020. CT angiography revealed 'de novo' occlusions of the left internal carotid artery and proximal right vertebral artery, effectively blocking anterior and posterior circulations. Delirium can lead to inaccurate stroke scale assessments and prolong initiation of COVID-19 stroke care pathways. Future studies are needed to look into the temporal relationship between confusion and neurological manifestations.

Micronodular pattern organising pneumonia mimicking miliary lung disease: a rare radiological presentation

Organising pneumonia (OP) is an interstitial lung disease characterised by granulation tissues in alveoli and alveolar ducts. Typical imaging findings are migratory airspace opacities with peripheral or peribronchovascular distribution. Diffuse micronodular OP (MNOP) is a rare imaging manifestation, which has imaging differential diagnosis of endobronchial infection such as tuberculosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and respiratory bronchiolitis. Although clinical and ancillary radiological findings may aid in refining the differential diagnosis, histopathological assessment is frequently required for this rare presentation due to implications of treatment and prognosis. We report a case of MNOP and performed a review of the literature.

SRP-positive necrotising myopathy: takes more than just the muscles

Necrotising myopathy is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects muscles. Here we examine a case of a middle-aged women presenting with a chief report of shortness of breath, who subsequently developed muscle weakness. Her clinical course was complicated by respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension likely due to the underlying pathology of signal recognition particle-positive necrotising myopathy. After further evaluation, her shortness of breath was thought to be secondary to muscle pathology rather than cardiopulmonary pathology. She was transferred to our institution for workup by rheumatology. At the time of admission, 6 months after initial presentation, her weakness progressed, so that she was unable to lift her arms and legs against gravity. Furthermore, neurological examination revealed mild facial and nuchal weakness, severe proximal weakness, more moderate distal weakness and global areflexia.

Exhaled aerosol increases with COVID-19 infection, age, and obesity

COVID-19 transmits by droplets generated from surfaces of airway mucus during processes of respiration within hosts infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. We studied respiratory droplet generation and exhalation in human and nonhuman primate subjects with and without COVID-19 infection to explore whether SARS-CoV-2 infection, and other changes in physiological state, translate into observable evolution of numbers and sizes of exhaled respiratory droplets in healthy and diseased subjects. In our observational cohort study of the exhaled breath particles of 194 healthy human subjects, and in our experimental infection study of eight nonhuman primates infected, by aerosol, with SARS-CoV-2, we found that exhaled aerosol particles vary between subjects by three orders of magnitude, with exhaled respiratory droplet number increasing with degree of COVID-19 infection and elevated BMI-years. We observed that 18% of human subjects (35) accounted for 80% of the exhaled bioaerosol of the group (194), reflecting a superspreader distribution of bioaerosol analogous to a classical 20:80 superspreader of infection distribution. These findings suggest that quantitative assessment and control of exhaled aerosol may be critical to slowing the airborne spread of COVID-19 in the absence of an effective and widely disseminated vaccine.

Unusual presentation of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia with mild peripheral eosinophilia

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is a rare disorder of unknown aetiology which comes under the class of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases with eosinophilia. It is classically characterised by blood and pulmonary eosinophilia, peripheral consolidation on chest radiograph and prompt response to corticosteroid therapy. We report a case of CEP in a 66-year-old man, smoker showing bilateral pulmonary infiltrates with mild peripheral eosinophilia. Our study shows that CEP can be kept as a possibility if radiological pictures are consistent, even if peripheral blood eosinophilia is mild.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome with multiorgan involvement: an interdisciplinary work-up

A previously healthy 40-year-old man was referred to our emergency department with pruritic skin lesions and dyspnoea. Laboratory investigation revealed hypereosinophilia. Further diagnostic work-up confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (iHES), a rare myeloproliferative disease with a heterogeneous clinical presentation. We describe a unique case with cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic and cutaneous involvement at time of presentation. This case accentuates the importance of an extensive multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up, since iHES is a condition with potential rapid progressive multiorgan failure which requires prompt analysis and treatment. In addition, this case emphasises the importance of being aware of tunnel vision, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which might give rise to an increased risk of missing rare diagnoses. Our patient was treated with prednisolone, after which both his clinical condition and eosinophil concentrations markedly improved.

Global Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection Requiring Admission to the ICU: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed unprecedented burden on the delivery of intensive care services worldwide.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the global point estimate of deaths and risk factors for patients who are admitted to ICUs with severe COVID-19?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched up to August 1, 2020. Pooled prevalence of participant characteristics, clinical features, and outcome data was calculated with the use of random effects models. Subgroup analyses were based on geographic distribution, study type, quality assessment, sample size, end date, and patient disposition. Studies that reported in-hospital mortality rate of adult patients (age >18 years) with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to an ICU met study eligibility criteria. Critical evaluation was performed with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized studies.

RESULTS

Forty-five studies with 16,561 patients from 17 countries across four continents were included. Patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to ICUs had a mean age of 62.6 years (95% CI, 60.4-64.7). Common comorbidities included hypertension (49.5%; 95% CI, 44.9-54.0) and diabetes mellitus (26.6%; 95% CI, 22.7-30.8). More than three-quarters of cases experienced the development of ARDS (76.1%; 95% CI, 65.7-85.2). Invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 67.7% (95% CI, 59.1-75.7) of case, vasopressor support in 65.9% (95% CI, 52.4-78.4) of cases, renal replacement therapy in 16.9% (95% CI, 12.1-22.2) of cases, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in 6.4% (95% CI, 4.1-9.1) of cases. The duration of ICU and hospital admission was 10.8 days (95% CI, 9.3-18.4) and 19.1 days (95% CI, 16.3-21.9), respectively, with in-hospital mortality rate of 28.1% (95% CI, 23.4-33.0; I2 = 96%). No significant subgroup effect was observed.

INTERPRETATION

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 who are admitted to the ICU require substantial organ support and prolonged ICU and hospital level care. The pooled estimate of global death from severe COVID-19 is <1 in 3.

Rare cutaneous manifestation of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an incomparable disease burden worldwide. One of the main contributors stems from the multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The numbers of those affected continue to rise with the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. However, we are yet to fully comprehend the risk factors, disease progression and prognosis for individuals affected. We describe a case of a previously healthy 17-year-old boy who tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. He presented with a 5-day history of mild influenza-like symptoms, however, quickly required ventilatory support in the intensive care unit. Two months postdischarge, he developed an isolated petechial rash on his palms and soles. His cutaneous presentation was in association with a mixed sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy, debilitating neuropathic pain and intermittent respiratory distress. We postulate that cutaneous manifestations post-COVID-19 could be indicatory of the newly identified multisystem inflammatory syndrome.

Lung aspergilloma with pituitary invasive aspergillosis presenting as headache and hyponatraemia

Fungal infections involving the pituitary gland are rare and can be life threatening. A 75-year-old man with hypertension and diabetes mellitus presented with headache and hyponatraemia. Imaging study showed right upper lung mass, and mass resection showed aspergilloma without tissue invasion on histology. The patient developed visual impairment a few weeks later, and MRI of the brain revealed bilateral sphenoid sinusitis and pituitary invasion. The trans-sphenoidal biopsy confirmed invasive Aspergillus infection. His sphenoidal sinuses were endoscopically debrided, and he was treated with oral voriconazole. Pituitary aspergillosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with lung aspergilloma with headache and sinusitis. Prompt biopsy and antifungal treatment are important due to the high mortality rate of the infection.

Unexpected diagnosis of multiple sclerosing pneumocytomas in a patient with chondrosarcoma of the hand

Sclerosing pneumocytomas are rare, benign pulmonary neoplasms that predominantly affect Asian female patients in the age category of 40-70 years, mostly non-smokers. We report on a 72-year-old Caucasian woman with chondrosarcoma of the hand who developed multiple bilateral progressive lung nodules suspicious of lung metastases. Staged lung resections were performed, and pathological diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis of the resected specimens. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to detect gene mutations. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated sclerosing pneumocytomas, and NGS showed an IDH1 mutation. Eventually, the patient developed lung metastases for which rethoracotomy was performed. The differentiation of sclerosing pneumocytoma from lung cancer is a diagnostic challenge, and sclerosing pneumocytoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. Gene mutation analysis does not always show classical and common mutations, which should be kept in mind when interpreting its results.

Cryptogenic organising pneumonia: an unusual cause of pleuritic chest pain

A 76-year-old woman presented with a 2-hour history of pleuritic chest pain with no other associated symptoms. Blood investigations revealed raised inflammatory markers and an elevated white cell count. On chest radiograph, an airspace shadow indicative of a consolidation was prominent. This was followed by a CT scan of her thorax which showed a spiculated lesion in the right upper lobe, a lesion in the posterior segment of the left lower lobe and mildly enlarged right hilar lymph nodes. She was started on dual antibiotic therapy; however, the patient's clinical status and inflammatory markers did not improve. A bronchoscopy was performed which excluded malignancy and atypical pathogens. CT-guided biopsy confirmed the presence of cryptogenic organising pneumonia. Prednisolone 50 mg daily was prescribed with quick resolution of symptoms.

CA 125 and TB

We present two unusual presentations of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and more specifically intra-abdominal tuberculosis (TB). These cases were initially suspicious for ovarian cancer, presenting with non-specific symptoms, ultrasound-confirmed ascites and elevated cancer antigen 125 tumour marker (CA 125). However, in both cases chest imaging demonstrated enlarged mediastinal nodes amenable to endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), which confirmed the diagnosis of TB. Both cases were successfully treated with quadruple TB therapy.

Elucidating the anatomy of a rare communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) in a preschool child

Communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformations (CBPFMs) are complex and rare anomalies. Their characteristic feature is an anomalous communication between the respiratory system (trachea, lung or bronchus) on one side and the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus or stomach) on the other. Though acquired CBPFMs are known, the large majority of them are congenital and single. CBPFMs often go undetected even at surgery and require more than one operation before they are successfully addressed. This is because the symptomatology of CBPFM resembles the more common oesophageal atresia (OA) with tracheoesophageal fistula, wherein it may coexist. We report a patient with OA who had a rare form of CBPFM where the upper lobe of the right lung communicated with the upper oesophagus. This account highlights a novel method of working out the uncertain anatomy, in such cases. There may be associated anomalies of the lung parenchyma and vasculature usually involving the pulmonary arterial supply to the affected lung. Clinical, radiological, endoscopic and pathological characterisation permit precise diagnosis in most instances, with an occasional case that defies definition.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting 1 in 8000 individuals. The eponym recognises the 19th-century physicians William Osler, Henri Jules Louis Marie Rendu and Frederick Parkes Weber who each independently described the disease. It is characterised by epistaxis, telangiectasia and visceral arteriovenous malformations. Individuals with HHT have been found to have abnormal plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor beta and vascular endothelial growth factor secondary to mutations in ENG, ACVRL1 and MADH4. Pulmonary artery malformations (PAVMs) are abnormal communications between pulmonary arteries and veins and are found in up to 50% of individuals with HHT. The clinical features suggestive of PAVMs are stigmata of right to left shunting such as dyspnoea, hypoxaemia, cyanosis, cerebral embolism and unexplained haemoptysis or haemothorax. The authors present the case of a 33-year-old woman presenting with progressive dyspnoea during the COVID-19 pandemic. She had a typical presentation of HHT with recurrent epistaxis, telangiectasia and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Although rare, PAVM should be considered in individuals presenting to the emergency department with dyspnoea and hypoxaemia. Delayed diagnosis can result in fatal embolic and haemorrhagic complications.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and organising pneumonia

Organising pneumonia (OP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be part of pulmonary manifestation (disease related) or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) related. We report a case series of RA patients with DMARDs related OP. A 65-year-old woman developed OP 3 weeks after initiation of methotrexate (MTX). High-resolution CT (HRCT) scan of the thorax revealed bilateral consolidations in the lung bases. She had complete radiological resolution 6 months after corticosteroid therapy with cessation of MTX. The second case was of a 60-year-old woman on MTX with recent addition of leflunomide due to flare of RA. She developed worsening cough 4 months later and HRCT scan revealed consolidation in the left upper lobe with biopsy proven OP. She responded within 6 months of corticosteroid therapy with clinical and radiological resolution. This case series highlights that OP may developed with low-dose MTX (as early as 3 weeks) and leflunomide and the diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion.

Dexamethasone for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Considering the disruptions imposed by lockdowns and social distancing recommendations, coupled with overwhelmed healthcare systems, researchers worldwide have been exploring drug repositioning strategies for treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

OBJECTIVE

To compile results from randomized clinical trials on the effect of dexamethasone, compared with standard treatment for management of SARS-CoV-2.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in a Brazilian public university.

METHODS

We sought to compile data from 6724 hospitalized patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS

Treatment with dexamethasone significantly reduced mortality within 28 days (risk ratio, RR: 0.89; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.82-0.97). Dexamethasone use was linked with being discharged alive within 28 days (odds ratio, OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.07-1.33).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that dexamethasone may significantly improve the outcome among hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated severe respiratory complications. -Further studies need to consider both dose-dependent administration and outcomes in early and later stages of the disease.

PROSPERO PLATFORM

CRD42021229825.

Superior vena caval obstruction: a rare presentation of Behcet's disease

A 25-year-old Indian man presented with low-grade fever followed by gradually increasing swelling of neck and face. Physical examination showed bilateral neck swelling, facial swelling and dilated veins in the upper chest. Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction due to an underlying malignancy was suspected. CT thorax showed large saccular aneurysm with thrombosis of bilateral subclavian arteries of which the right one caused external compression of right innominate vein draining into the SVC. A history of recurrent oral and scrotal ulcers was obtained following which skin pathergy test was done, which was suggestive of a diagnosis of Behcet's disease (BD). He responded to treatment with steroids and azathioprine. This report illustrates that rare nonmalignant cause such as BD could also present with SVC obstruction.