Diffuse pulmonary infiltrates in immunosuppressed patients. Prospective study of 80 cases

Management of Invasive Infections in Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review

Patients with diabetes often have more invasive infections, which may lead to an increase in morbidity. The hyperglycaemic environment promotes immune dysfunction (such as the deterioration of neutrophil activity, antioxidant system suppression, and compromised innate immunity), micro- and microangiopathies, and neuropathy. A greater number of medical interventions leads to a higher frequency of infections in diabetic patients. Diabetic individuals are susceptible to certain conditions, such as rhino-cerebral mucormycosis or aspergillosis infection. Infections may either be the primary symptom of diabetes mellitus or act as triggers in the intrinsic effects of the disease, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycaemia, in addition to increasing morbidity. A thorough diagnosis of the severity and origin of the infection is necessary for effective treatment, which often entails surgery and extensive antibiotic use. Examining the significant issue of infection in individuals with diabetes is crucial. Comprehensive research should examine why infections are more common amongst diabetics and what the preventive treatment strategies could be.

Successfully treated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis

We report herein a case of diabetic ketoacidosis associated with invasive aspergillosis that was successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin-B (L-AMB). Early intervention after confirming the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is very important, and initiating early treatment with L-AMB can lead to a full recovery.

The Impact of Open Lung Biopsy on Diffuse Pulmonary Infiltrates in Patients with AIDS

The evidence concerning open lung biopsy (OLB) for diffuse pulmonary infiltrates in patients with AIDS is limited. This study retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic and therapeutic yields of OLB compared with bronchoscopy for patients with AIDS with diffuse pulmonary infiltrate treated in the National Taiwan University Hospital from 1997 to 2004. There were 15 and 46 patients enrolled in the OLB and bronchoscopic groups in this study, respectively. As compared with the bronchoscopic group, patients from the OLB group had a higher chance of acquiring a specific diagnosis and possible change of therapy (73 vs 32.6% and 60 vs 21.7%, respectively; P < 0.05). There were two (13.3%) patients with prolonged air leak (greater than 7 days) in the OLB group, whereas four patients (8.7%) had procedure-related complications in the bronchoscopic group. There was no procedure-related mortality in the OLB group. This study demonstrated that OLB can be safely performed in select patients and provide a superior diagnostic and therapeutic benefit compared with bronchoscopy for diffuse pulmonary infiltrates in patients with AIDS. This procedure should be performed early in the clinical course to avoid irreversible clinical deterioration of the patients with severe illness.

Pulmonary complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: diagnostic approaches

Pulmonary complications are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Pulmonary infiltrates in such patients pose a major challenge for clinicians because of the wide differential diagnosis of infectious and noninfectious conditions. It is rare for the diagnosis to be made by chest radiograph, and commonly these patients will need further invasive and noninvasive studies to confirm the etiology of the pulmonary infiltrates. This review describes the role of the different diagnostic tools available to reach a diagnosis in a timely manner in this patient population.

Role of flexible bronchoscopy in immunocompromised patients with lung infiltrates

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnostic role of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in immunocompromised patients with pulmonary infiltrates.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 104 consecutive non-HIV-infected immunocompromised patients with lung infiltrates in whom FB was performed.

METHODS

The primary outcome measure was the diagnostic yield of FB, which was derived as the number of the diagnoses made using FB results divided by all final diagnoses. Final diagnoses were established using data from FB, surgical lung biopsy (SLB), and microbiology and serology testing, and by the clinical response to empiric therapy. We also studied the diagnostic yields of individual sampling procedures such as BAL, transbronchial biopsy (TBB), and protected-specimen brush (PSB) sampling.

RESULTS

Overall, 128 diagnoses were made in 104 patients. The overall diagnostic yield of FB was 56.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47 to 64%). FB provided at least one diagnosis in 53 of 104 patients (51%; 95% CI, 40 to 62%). FB was more likely to establish the diagnosis when the lung infiltrate was due to an infectious agent (81%; 95% CI, 67 to 90%) than to a noninfectious process (56%; 95% CI, 43 to 67%; p = 0.011). The diagnostic yields of BAL (38%; 95% CI, 30 to 47%) and TBB (38%; 95% CI, 27 to 51%) were similar (p = 0.94). The diagnostic yield of PSB sampling was lower (13%; 95% CI 6 to 24%; p = 0.001) than that of BAL. The combined diagnostic yield of BAL and TBB (70%; 95% CI, 57 to 80%) was higher than that of BAL alone (p < 0.001). Finally, the diagnostic yield of FB with PSB sampling, BAL, and TBB was similar to that of FB with BAL and TBB. The complication rate from FB was 21% (95% CI, 15 to 31%). Minor bleeding (13%) and pneumothorax (4%) were the most common complications.

CONCLUSIONS

FB has a high diagnostic yield in immunocompromised patients with pulmonary infiltrates. Based on our results, we recommend performing TBB in these patients, whenever possible.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in a patient with acute lymphoid leukemia regression after G-CSF therapy

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is the intra-alveolar accumulation of periodic-acid schiff (PAS) positive material. PAP is one of the underrecognized causes of pulmonary infiltrates in patients with hematologic malignancies. Here, we present a patient with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) in first remission that developed fever and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates during the neutropenic stage of consolidation chemotherapy. The histopathologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and transbronchial biopsy specimen demonstrated the presence of PAS-positive eosinophilic material. Empirical antibiotherapy and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) were given. After the correction of neutropenia with G-CSF, the patient's fever disappeared, acute phase reactants decreased, pulmonary infiltrates resolved. We present this case because it was the first patient in whom the correction of neutropenia with G-CSF was followed by resolution of PAP.

Use of first line bronchoalveolar lavage in the immunosuppressed oncology patient

Immunosuppressed oncology patients who develop pulmonary infiltrates during treatment have a mortality rate of the order of 55-90%. Early diagnosis and treatment is associated with increased survival. At present, diagnosis relies on invasive sampling of the respiratory tract using fibre-optic bronchoscopy. We have looked at a 30-month period, from June 1997 to December 1999, where 25 bronchoscopies were performed on patients from the Lymphoma and BMT units at The Royal Marsden Hospital for the further investigation of pulmonary infiltrates. Nine bronchoscopies (36%) yielded a positive result and seven (28%) led to a change in management. Analysis of the data showed that neither a positive result nor a change in management had any impact on overall survival. After reviewing the background literature on the investigation of pulmonary infiltrates in this group and discussion of the respective merits and limitations, we propose a management flowchart, with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) as the test arm in a future randomised trial of these patients.

Pulmonary infections in immunocompromised hosts: the importance of correlating the conventional radiologic appearance with the clinical setting

The lung is one of the most frequently involved organs in a variety of complications in the immunocompromised host. Among the pulmonary complications that occur in this kind of patient, infection is the most common and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) are essential diagnostic tools, radiologists often have difficulty in establishing the correct diagnosis on the basis of radiologic findings alone. The reasons are that the immunocompromised host is potentially susceptible to infection from many different microorganisms and that radiologic findings are seldom specific for the detection of a particular pathogen. Experience has shown that a particular clinical setting predisposes patients to infection by particular pathogens. The setting comprises (a) the specific epidemiologic or environmental exposure, (b) the type of underlying immune defect, (c) the duration and severity of immune compromise, and (d) the progression rate and pattern of the radiologic abnormality. Correlating the radiologic appearance with the clinical setting can expedite diagnosis and appropriate therapy. In this review, the authors describe the clinical settings that are helpful in choosing the radiologic approach to treatment of the immunocompromised host who presents with suspected pulmonary infection.

Pneumonia in the compromised host including cancer patients and transplant patients

Pneumonia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised host. The type and timing of immunosuppression will predispose the patient to infections with certain pathogens. This article discusses the types of immunosuppression and their infectious and noninfectious implications. Key points of the most commonly involved pathogens are mentioned. Finally, an approach to diagnosis and empiric therapy is discussed.

The role of open lung biopsy in the management and outcome of patients with diffuse lung disease

BACKGROUND

Open lung biopsy (OLB) has long been considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of parenchymal lung disease. With recent advances in computed tomographic imaging and diagnostic techniques (eg, bronchoscopy), we thought it necessary to reevaluate the role of OLB in the management of patients with interstitial lung disease.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of 103 OLBs performed at Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, and Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, between 1980 and 1994. Data gathered included demographic information, underlying condition, indications for biopsy, diagnosis before biopsy, final diagnosis, change in therapy, and mortality. "Benefit" was defined as a change in therapy resulting in survival.

RESULTS

There were 45 immunocompetent patients (group 1), 39 immunocompromised patients (group 2), and 26 children (group 3), 7 of whom were included in group 2 for analysis. Overall, a diagnosis was reached after OLB in 85% of patients. An unexpected diagnosis was reached in 52%, and a change in therapy was instituted in 46%. The overall mortality rate was 20%. In group 1, the mortality rate was 13%, and "benefit" from OLB was reached in only 18%. In group 2, the mortality rate was 39%, and "benefit" was achieved in 46%, and in group 3, the mortality rate was 12% and "benefit", 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

Open lung biopsy is an excellent diagnostic technique. In immunocompetent patients, the "benefit" is relatively low, as therapy (corticosteroids) is frequently used after biopsy. In immunocompromised patients, therapy changes substantially after OLB, but mortality is high. Therefore, OLB should be reserved for patients in whom the diagnosis is likely to lead to a change in therapy and in patients in whom the underlying condition has a reasonable prognosis according to the clinical impression by the attending physician.

The role of bronchoalveolar lavage in the microbiological diagnosis of pneumonia in patients with haematological malignancies

In the aetiological diagnosis of pulmonary infections in patients affected by haematological malignancies we evaluated the utility of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). One hundred and twenty-seven BAL were performed in 119 patients. In our series, we identified the agent of pneumonia in 53.5% of episodes with the best results in aspergillosis, very common in these patients. The previous empirical anti-infective treatment was modified in 14 episodes (11%). The procedure was generally well tolerated and only one patient bled. We maintain that BAL is a useful diagnostic tool for detecting the agents of pulmonary infections in patients with haematological malignancies, especially when the routine microbiological procedures fail, and it also represents a good alternative to more invasive procedures.

Pulmonary infiltrates in the cancer patient. New approaches to an old problem

A variety of etiologies may produce pulmonary infiltrates in a patient with cancer. Infectious etiologies, of an ever-increasing number, are always of paramount concern due to their high mortality in this patient population. Patients may be rendered immunosuppressed for prolonged periods of time and therefore are highly susceptible to infection. We present an overview of the many causes of pulmonary infiltrates in the cancer patient and an approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Pulmonary involvement in lymphoma

Intrathoracic involvement is common in both Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The most common manifestation is mediastinal lymphadenopathy. In HD, nodal involvement is by contiguity and usually involves the superior mediastinum, while the findings in NHL are more variable. Pulmonary parenchymal disease occurs in 38% of HD and 24% of NHL. In untreated HD, parenchymal involvement is invariably associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and often with widespread disease. Three distinct radiological patterns of pulmonary lymphoma are recognised: nodular, bronchovascular-lymphangitic and pneumonic-alveolar. Rarely lymphoma may be endobronchial. Pleural effusion occurs in 16% of lymphoma patients and is usually associated with disease elsewhere. It is frequently caused by lymphatic obstruction but may be due to direct pleural involvement by tumour. Chylothorax may occur in NHL but is unusual in HD. Diagnosis of intrathoracic lymphoma is by transbronchial or transthoracic biopsy or by needle aspiration of tissue or pleural fluid. The addition of immunostaining improves the diagnostic yield in equivocal cases. Treatment and prognosis vary depending on cell-type, location and extent of disease.

Acute lung disease in the immunocompromised host. Diagnostic accuracy of the chest radiograph

PURPOSE

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the chest radiograph in the evaluation of acute pulmonary complications in immunocompromised patients.

METHODS

The study included the chest radiographs in 149 consecutive acute pulmonary complications seen in immunocompromised patients in whom a definitive diagnosis was made. Twenty-four complications were in patients with AIDS and 125 were in non-AIDS patients. The radiographs were separately reviewed in random order by two independent observers. The observers assessed pattern and distribution of radiographic findings and recorded their first-choice diagnosis.

RESULTS

The most common complication in patients with AIDS was Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (n = 21). In the non-AIDS patients, the most common complications included invasive aspergillosis (n = 25), drug reaction (n = 21), and Pneumocystis pneumonia (n = 20). A correct first-choice diagnosis was made in 90% of patients with AIDS and 34% of non-AIDS patients. IN AIDS patients with Pneumocystis pneumonia, the correct first-choice diagnosis was made in 41 of 42 (98%) readings by the two observers. In non-AIDS patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, drug reaction, and Pneumocystis pneumonia, the correct first-choice diagnosis was made in 38%, 26%, and 43% of readings, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The chest radiograph is helpful in the differential diagnosis of acute lung disease in the immunocompromised host, particularly in patients with AIDS.

Pulmonary hemorrhage. An uncommon cause of pulmonary infiltrates in patients with AIDS

We describe two patients with AIDS who developed new diffuse pulmonary infiltrates during the course of their hospitalization. In both cases, the infiltrates were attributed to pulmonary hemorrhage complicating an existing condition rather than representing a new pulmonary process. Identification of pulmonary hemorrhage in these patients allowed for discontinuation of treatment with empiric medications and continued appropriate supportive care.

Surgical critical care for cancer patients

Progress in cancer surgery and changes in philosophy have resulted in greater numbers of critically ill surgical oncology patients. The effects of cancer and prior exposure to cancer therapies increase the risks for postsurgical problems. Life-threatening cardiopulmonary sequela and patients undergoing liver resections and transplantation are examples of problems that require the knowledge and skill of critical care nurses. Critical care surgical nurses face new challenges by merging their surgical nursing expertise with principles of cancer care.

Pulmonary infiltrations in febrile patients with neutropenia. Risk factors and outcome under empirical antimicrobial therapy in a randomized multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Different empirical approaches to antimicrobial treatment of lung infiltrates in patients with neutropenia were studied within a prospective, randomized multicenter trial.

METHODS

Patients with neutropenia with hematologic malignancies and fever of 38.5 degrees C or higher associated with newly diagnosed lung infiltrates were randomized for an initial therapy with acylaminopenicillin plus aminoglycoside (Group A), third-generation cephalosporin plus aminoglycoside (Group B), or the double beta-lactam combination (Group C), each in combination with rifampin. Nonresponders were given empirical amphotericin B plus 5-fluorocytosine beginning on day 4, day 5, or day 6 under study.

RESULTS

Of 295 patients entered, 91.2% were evaluable. Complete response was obtained in 61.3% with no significant difference between treatment groups. The addition of rifampin did not improve treatment results. Only 27.1% of patients achieved a complete response by antibiotic therapy without additional antifungal therapy. Fungi dominated in cases of microbiologically documented infections and were associated with a poorer outcome compared with bacterial pneumonias. The trend of leukocyte counts under study had a highly significant effect on the outcome of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung infiltrates in febrile patients with neutropenia represent a high risk of treatment failure. Persistent neutropenia has a significantly adverse effect on the outcome of infection. Incorporation of systemic antifungal agents into first-line therapy, particularly in selected high-risk subgroups, might improve future treatment results. The quality of diagnostic techniques to establish the etiology of pulmonary infiltrates needs to be improved.

Liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of fungal infections in neutropenic patients: a single-centre experience of 133 episodes in 116 patients

Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) was used for suspected or confirmed fungal infection complicating 133 neutropenic episodes in 116 patients not tolerating, or not responding to, conventional amphotericin. Adverse effects were infrequent and no significant renal impairment resulted. Acute reactions occurred in five patients, reversible hepatic dysfunction in 23, and hypernatraemia in 17. The putative mycosis resolved with AmBisome treatment in 81 episodes (61%) and progressed with fatal outcome in 25 (19%), but the diagnosis was equivocal in most, and in 27 episodes (20%) evidence indicating nonfungal pathogenesis emerged. Treatment efficacy is, however, evaluable in those with proven aspergillosis. 13/17 patients with confirmed invasive aspergillosis responded to AmBisome (77%), conventional amphotericin having failed in 11. Treatment was successfully discontinued when the neutrophil count was < 1 x 10(9)/l in eight responders (61%). In four further patients treated for suspected aspergillosis, disseminated infection was documented at post-mortem, but the true incidence is unknown. This analysis confirms that AmBisome is well tolerated and effective against invasive mycoses in neutropenic patients, and may salvage patients when conventional amphotericin proves excessively toxic or ineffective.

Utility of bronchoalveolar lavage in assessing pneumonia in immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients

PURPOSE

To determine if initial results obtained from diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in immunosuppressed renal transplant patients with pulmonary infiltrates, fever, or hypoxemia can affect therapeutic decisions, morbidity, and mortality.

DESIGN

A retrospective study of all BAL specimens obtained from renal transplant patients from January 1985 through June 1991. Initial results of Gram stain, cytology, cell differential count, and semi-quantitative bacterial cultures, all available within 24 hours of bronchoscopy, were compared with clinical outcomes and final diagnoses.

SETTING

University hospital nephrology-transplant/pulmonary service.

PATIENTS

Seventy renal transplant patients with a suspected pneumonia were stratified into 3 groups. A total of 48 patients underwent 58 bronchoscopies. Group 1 was comprised of 32 BALs that yielded 1 or more infectious organisms and was considered diagnostic. Group 2 (n = 26) were those BALs in which no organism was isolated and were thus nondiagnostic. Twenty-two additional immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients with pneumonia were considered by the admitting transplant nephrologist to have an uncomplicated community-acquired lung infection and thus were empirically treated and did not undergo BAL (Group 3).

METHODS

BAL fluid analysis included cell differential count, cytopathologic examination, and culture for mycobacteria, legionella, fungi, viruses, and bacteria using a semi-quantitative technique. Etiologic diagnosis and the time of onset of the infectious processes were recorded. Therapeutic outcome and mortality were determined for each group.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine etiologic organisms were found in 32 patients, with 6 patients having more than 1 infection. Twenty-two patients had 26 negative BALs, and 8 of these patients were clinically believed to have a volume overload state. Eight of 13 (61%) patients with bacterial pneumonia had BAL neutrophil counts greater than 20%, whereas 11 of 13 (84%) patients without bacterial pneumonia had neutrophil counts less than 20% (p < 0.05). Those patients with an infectious etiology remained in the hospital longer than patients without a specific etiologic organism identified (p < 0.02). Therapeutic decisions leading to the institution of specific antibiotics were more frequently made in patients with a diagnostic BAL (p < 0.0001). An overall 3-month mortality (16%) was low compared with the historical rate (30%).

CONCLUSION

BAL is a useful procedure in the diagnosis of an infectious process in immunosuppressed renal transplant patients where initial results can alter therapy in more than 70% of cases.

Clinical utility of bronchoalveolar lavage in immunocompromised hosts

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has been used extensively for assessment of immunocompromised hosts with pulmonary infiltrates. Reported estimates of the diagnostic utility of BAL have varied because of differences in patient populations, diagnostic criteria, and study methods. Herein we report on the use of BAL to determine at least one of the final diagnoses in 150 immunocompromised patients. Although the frequency with which BAL provided at least one of the final diagnoses (overall diagnostic yield) was seemingly low (39%), the yield increased substantially when only patients with pathologically proven diagnoses were considered. The sensitivity of BAL was 82%, and the specificity was 53%. The use of rigid diagnostic criteria enabled us to distinguish pathogens from colonizers. Pneumocystis was considered a pathogen whenever it was identified. It was the most common infectious pathogen identified (50%) despite the fact that our study population had relatively few patients (only 4%) with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Organisms such as cytomegalovirus, Aspergillus, and Candida were frequently identified in BAL specimens but were eventually proved to be pathogens in only 24%, 25%, and 0% of cases, respectively. BAL detected pulmonary malignant lesions on the basis of positive cytologic results in four of six patients eventually found to have primary or metastatic lung cancer. Our results should enhance the understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of BAL and assist in the interpretation of associated microbiologic findings.

Drug treatment of pneumonia in the hospital. What are the choices?

Mortality and morbidity of nosocomial pneumonia remain high. Successful treatment of pulmonary infections depends on several factors including type of infection, offending pathogen, status of host defences, and adequate choice of antibiotic therapy. The physician's decision should aim at achieving antibiotic concentrations beyond the MIC at the site of infection. Gram-negative bacilli, notably Pseudomonos aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, remain the most frequent agents in nosocomial pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae predominate among the Gram-positive cocci. Pneumocystis carinii predominates in immunocompromised patients. Protected sample bronchoscopy associated with quantitative cultures of samples, and quantification of intracellular microorganisms in cells recovered by broncho-alveolar lavage are two promising procedures which might replace previous, more aggressive methods. Penetration of antibiotics into lung tissue depends on physicochemical properties of the drug and the degree of inflammation of lung tissue. Quinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim penetrate well into bronchial secretions. Penetration is moderate to low for aminoglycosides and beta-lactams. Fluoroquinolones and new beta-lactam agents, including third-generation cephalosporins imipenem, aztreonam and ticarcillin-clavulanate, showed comparative clinical efficacy in treatment of nosocomial pneumonia, with an efficacy rate close to 80%. Aminoglycosides should not be used alone. Combination therapy reduces but does not eliminate the risk of selection of Gram-negative resistant mutants. It should not be used routinely except for P. aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens infections.

Bilateral bronchoalveolar lavage in the diagnosis of opportunistic pulmonary infections

To further improve the diagnostic value of bronchoscopy in the immunosuppressed population presenting with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, we prospectively investigated the utility of bilateral bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). We performed 62 bronchoscopies on 52 immunosuppressed patients. Of the 52 patients, 33 had pulmonary infections. The yield for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia on bilateral BAL was 94 percent (31/33), compared to the 84 percent (51/61) previously obtained with unilateral BAL in our institution. The recovery of P carinii was unilateral in four of five patients without AIDS and in four of 26 patients with AIDS. Transbronchial biopsy gave a yield of 85 percent (11/13). In ten patients with definitive cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia, recovery of CMV by combined culture and cytology was 100 percent. Of nine bronchoscopies with positive cytology for CMV, five showed cytopathologic changes in the BAL from both sides and four in the BAL from one side only. No complications were seen in the 14 patients with thrombocytopenia or the five patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Our findings indicate that bilateral BAL significantly increases the yield for recovery of P carinii (p less than 0.02) and CMV (p less than 0.001) in immunosuppressed patients.

Step section preparation of transbronchial lung biopsy. Significance in the diagnosis of diffuse lung disease

We retrospectively prepared step sections of nondiagnostic TBLB materials obtained from patients with diffuse or multiple lung disease and evaluated the diagnostic significance of the step section method. Among 112 patients with nondiagnostic TBLB findings, the preparation of step sections resulted in specific findings in seven cases. Step sections were especially useful for the detection of epithelioid granulomas and tumor tissue in patients with sarcoidosis and lymphangiosis carcinomatosa, respectively, but their contribution to the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, collagen-vascular disease, Mycoplasma pneumonia and pneumoconiosis was relatively small. In addition, step sections were useful for the detection of bronchiolitis obliterans affecting respiratory bronchioles. Overall, the examination of step sections was considered to be clinically useful in 30 cases (26.8 percent). Accordingly, the examination of step sections can be recommended before a further diagnostic procedure is chosen, if a TBLB performed in patients with diffuse or multifocal lung disease is nondiagnostic.

Reversed helper/suppressor T-lymphocyte ratio in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with breast cancer and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) usually occurs in patients with hematologic malignancies and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Patients with solid tumors represent a very small fraction of the reported cases of PCP. Over an 18-month period, PCP was diagnosed in three patients who had received radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer. In all three patients, there was no serologic or clinical evidence of AIDS. Direct staining of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) revealed Pneumocystis carinii, and cellular analysis of BAL revealed an increased percentage of lymphocytes with reversed helper/inducer:suppressor/cytotoxic T-cell (CD4:CD8) ratio. Because decreased CD4:CD8 ratio in BAL is commonly accepted as findings consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and AIDS, we conclude that similar findings in patients without AIDS are not specific for hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and P. carinii should be ruled out in the appropriate clinical setting.

Detection of cytomegalovirus in bronchoalveolar lavage specimens. Spin amplification and staining with a monoclonal antibody to the early nuclear antigen for diagnosis of cytomegalovirus pneumonia

To diagnose cytomegalovirus pneumonia in a hetergeneous population of patients, three methods for detection of CMV in bronchoalveolar lavage specimens were compared as follow: (1) spin amplification followed by staining with a monoclonal antibody to the early nuclear antigen (EA-assay); (2) conventional tissue cell culture; and (3) cytology. Cell differentials were performed on most specimens. Cytomegalovirus was detected by one or more method in 55 BAL specimens from 39 patients. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia was diagnosed by lung tissue (primarily autopsy) histologic findings and conventional culture results or the presence of CMV in extrapulmonary tissue, fulfillment of specific clinical and radiographic criteria plus failure to recover a pathogen other than CMV from a respiratory specimen. Probable CMV pneumonia was diagnosed if only the latter two criteria were met. The EA-assay was positive in all patients with proven or probable CMV pneumonia and in 92 percent of those without documented pneumonia. Cytologic findings were positive only in patients with CMV pneumonia but were negative in one-third of those patients. As a diagnostic test for CMV pneumonia, the EA-assay, conventional culture, and cytology had positive predictive values of 45, 57, and 100 percent, respectively. Lymphocyte percentages in BAL specimens from patients with CMV pneumonia were significantly decreased compared with those of patients without CMV pneumonia (p less than 0.005). Although the EA-assay should not be used alone as a diagnostic test for CMV pneumonia in our patient population, the combination of alveolar lymphopenia and a positive BAL CMV EA-assay was highly suggestive of disease.

Diagnostic open-lung biopsy after bone marrow transplantation

The development of pulmonary infiltrates is an ominous sign in the immunocompromised host (ICH). Selection of the best diagnostic and therapeutic approach is often difficult, and in part depends on the risk-to-benefit ratio of various diagnostic modalities, such as bronchoscopy, bronchioalveolar lavage, percutaneous needle biopsy, and open-lung biopsy (OLB). We reviewed our experience with OLB and bronchoscopy in a predominantly pediatric bone marrow transplantation population, and attempted to assess the frequency with which OLB results directed a therapeutic change, as well as the clinical results of any such therapeutic alteration. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 87 bone marrow transplantation recipients undergoing diagnostic OLB from 1975 to 1986. Bronchoscopic and OLB cultures, histopathologic studies, serological data, and autopsy results were all carefully examined. An assessment of therapeutic alteration as a result of OLB was made, and clinical changes attributable to an OLB-directed therapeutic alteration were sought. Ninety-four OLBs and 37 bronchoscopic examinations were performed in 87 patients. All patients had undergone bone marrow transplantation, most often for leukemia (58/87) or aplastic anemia (13/87). The mean interval from bone marrow transplantation to OLB was 106 days. There were no intraoperative complications, but minor postoperative surgical complications were frequent (incidence, 21%). Postoperative mortality, defined as a death occurring within 30 days of surgery, was 45% (39/87). Seventy-four percent of the patients (64/87) died during the course of the study, at a mean of 43 days after OLB. Most OLBs (60%) yielded a specific diagnosis, defined as the establishment of a precise cause for the infiltrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pulmonary infiltrates--diagnostic problems in lymphoma

The use of invasive investigations in immunocompromised patients with pulmonary infiltrates is controversial. We report a series of 22 pulmonary lesions occurring in 19 patients with underlying Hodgkin's (7) and non-Hodgkin's (12) lymphoma in whom invasive investigations were performed. The principle techniques used were fibreoptic bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy. A specific diagnosis was made on 12 occasions (55%). Involvement of the lung with lymphoma (6) and cytotoxic drug induced pneumonitis (4) were the commonest diagnoses, infection being found on only one occasion. In 15 of these 22 procedures (68%) the information obtained made a positive contribution to patient management.

Cytologic diagnosis of pulmonary Hodgkin's disease via endobronchial brush preparation

A case is presented where a young man who was treated for Hodgkin's disease presented with a new pulmonary infiltrate. The infiltrate was diagnosed as recurrent Hodgkin's disease by means of endobronchial brush cytology via fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy for diagnosis of opportunistic pulmonary infections after bone marrow transplantation

As a part of the diagnostic procedure for 16 suspected pulmonary infections in 15 marrow transplant recipients fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), transbronchial lung biopsy (TBB) and brushing were performed. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was the most common microorganism and CMV pneumonia was diagnosed in 8/16 (50%) episodes of pulmonary disease studied. Pneumonias were diagnosed as caused by Candida or Aspergillus species in 6 episodes and by gram-positive cocci in 2 cases. Adenovirus and Pneumocystis carinii was also isolated in 1 patient each. Three noninfectious diseases (pulmonary oedema, idiopathic pneumonia and pulmonary embolism) were diagnosed by methods other than bronchoscopy. The use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy with BAL and TBB allowed correct identification of 14/18 microorganisms involved. Brushing was less useful. Four patients' pneumonias had a multiple etiology. The bronchoscopy methods used were well tolerated even by patients whose condition was poor.

The usefulness of open-lung biopsy in the pediatric bone marrow transplant population

From October 1976 to October 1986, 126 children had bone marrow transplants at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The indications were acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) (30), nonlymphocytic leukemia (24), aplastic anemia (15), solid tumors (47), and miscellaneous conditions (10). Of these, 21 (17%) underwent 22 open-lung biopsies. Fourteen of these patients showed no causative microorganism. When a cause was found it was viral (usually cytomegalovirus [CMV]) in three, fungal in one, Pneumocystis carinii alone in two, both viral and pneumocystis in one, and a combination of viral, bacterial, and pneumocystis in one. Thirteen patients died due to continued deterioration after the biopsy. In only two patients was there a significant change in antimicrobial therapy as a result of the biopsy. Both had Pneumocystis (one in combination with virus and bacteria). One patient with chronic infiltrates showed a lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, which responded well to steroids. Open-lung biopsy is currently of limited value in this patient population. Survival is dismal unless the patient has Pneumocystis. We believe that prospective studies should be set up to compare open-lung biopsy with empiric antimicrobial therapy. A major emphasis must be on prevention.