Middle lobe syndrome: a clinicopathological study of 21 patients

Laboratory data and broncho-alveolar lavage on Covid-19 patients with no intensive care unit admission: Correlation with chest CT features and clinical outcomes

Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) is indicated in cases of uncertain diagnosis but high suspicion of Sars-Cov-2 infection allowing to collect material for microbiological culture to define the presence of coinfection or super-infection. This prospective study investigated the correlation between chest computed tomography (CT) findings, Covid-19 Reporting and Data System score, and clinical outcomes in Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients who underwent BAL with the aim of predicting outcomes such as lung coinfection, respiratory failure, and hospitalization length based on chest CT abnormalities. Study population included 34 patients (range 38-90 years old; 20 males, 14 females) with a positive nucleic acid amplification test for Covid-19 infection, suitable BAL examination, and good quality chest CT scan in the absence of lung cancer history. Pulmonary coinfections were found in 20.6% of patients, predominantly caused by bacteria. Specific correlations were found between right middle lobe involvement and pulmonary co-infections. Severe lung injury (PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 100-200) was associated with substantial involvement of right middle, right upper, and left lower lobes. No significant correlation was found between chest CT findings and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin) or hospitalization length of stay. Specific chest CT patterns, especially in right middle lobe, could serve as indicators for the presence of co-infections and disease severity in noncritically ill Covid-19 patients, aiding clinicians in timely interventions and personalized treatment strategies.

Granulomatous Lung Diseases: A Practical Approach and Review of Common Entities

Granulomas are frequently encountered by pathologists in all types of lung specimens and arise from diverse etiologies. They should always be reported as necrotizing or non-necrotizing, with microorganism stains performed to evaluate for infection. With attention to distribution, quality (poorly vs well-formed), associated features, and correlation with clinical, radiologic, and laboratory data, the differential diagnosis for granulomatous lung disease can usually be narrowed to a clinically helpful "short list." This review describes a practical approach to pulmonary granulomas and reviews the clinicopathological aspects of common entities, including infectious (mycobacteria, fungi) and noninfectious (hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sarcoid, and vasculitis) causes.

Unveiling the complexity of right middle lobe syndrome: a case series highlighting the association with asthma

Introduction and importance

Right middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is a rare lung disorder primarily affecting children with a history of asthma or atopy. It encompasses a range of pathological and clinical conditions, from recurrent collapses of the middle lobe to bronchiectasis. In this study, the authors present a case series featuring four individuals with MLS associated with asthma, aiming to deepen our understanding of this uncommon condition.

Case presentation

Four paediatric patients with right MLS exhibited symptoms of persistent cough, dyspnoea, and recurrent asthma exacerbations. Radiographic evaluations confirmed features consistent with right MLS, and bronchoscopy revealed mucus plugs and oedematous airways obstructing the right middle lobe bronchus. Treatment with bronchodilators, antibiotics, and corticosteroids led to symptom improvement and resolution of atelectasis.

Clinical discussion

MLS is a rare condition characterized by chronic collapse of the right middle lobe and bronchiectasis. It is challenging to diagnose MLS, but computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed lung images for confirmation. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, such as infections or mucus obstruction. Lobectomy may be considered in severe cases. This case series emphasizes the need for further research on MLS, as its rarity and characteristics remain unclear.

Conclusion

These cases exhibited obstructive MLS with and without asthma. Accurate diagnosis is challenging, requiring imaging techniques. MLS has clinical implications, particularly in asthma patients. Future studies should focus on understanding the aetiology of non-obstructive MLS.

Bronchoscopy for management and identification of etiology of right middle lobe syndrome: Analysis of 66 cases

BACKGROUND

Right middle lobe (RML) syndrome is a recurrent or chronic obstruction of the RML causing atelectasis of the right middle lobe due to mechanical and nonmechanical etiologies. The consequences of untreated RML syndrome range from chronic cough to post-obstructive pneumonia and bronchiectasis. We report here our bronchoscopy experience in patients with RML syndrome.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of adult patients who underwent bronchoscopy for RML syndrome at Rabin Medical Center from 2008 through 2022. Demographic data and medical history, bronchoscopy findings and procedures, and follow-up results were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 66 patients (57.6% male, mean age 63 ± 13 years) underwent bronchoscopy for RML syndrome during the study period. Bronchoscopy revealed a mechanical etiology in 49 (74.2%) cases, including endobronchial mass (21, 31.8%) and external compression (7, 10.6%). Malignancy was identified in 20 (30.3%) cases. In 62 patients (93.9%), the bronchoscopy resulted in partial or complete reopening of the RML bronchus. The therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures were balloon dilatation (19), laser ablation (17), mechanical debridement (12), endobronchial stent insertion (11), and cryoablation (6).

CONCLUSIONS

Malignancy was identified as the etiology of RML syndrome in approximately 25% of cases, suggesting bronchoscopy should be performed in every case of RML atelectasis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported series of endobronchial stenting of the RML bronchus in the context of RML syndrome.

Bronchial Thermoplasty

Bronchial thermoplasty is an advanced therapy for severe asthma. It is a bronchoscopic procedure in which radiofrequency energy is applied to the airway wall, resulting in decreased airway smooth muscle burden. Human trials have shown that bronchial thermoplasty may reduce asthma exacerbations and improve quality of life in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. It has been demonstrated to be a safe procedure, with most adverse events being early and mild. More studies are required to understand the precise effects of bronchial thermoplasty on the asthmatic airway and optimal parameters to appropriately select patients for this novel procedure.

Aggressive mycobacterium abscessus on repeated exogenous lipoid pneumonia in the right middle lobe

A 65-year-old woman with no underlying disease had been repeated the development and improvement of lipoid pneumonia in the Rt. lower lobe. On a continuous follow up scan, this lesion showed a very aggressive tendency so that the CT-guided lung biopsy was performed to exclude lung cancer. However, as there was no consistent clinical course with the result, she performed the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), wedge resection of Rt. lower lobe. Finally, nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infection was confirmed, not lung cancer, and improved by proper treatment. We report this case for the following reasons: unlike previously reported cases, NTM infection occurred in an unusual situation and uncommon imaging findings similar to lung cancer confused the early diagnosis.

Broncholithiasis: A Review

The term "broncholithiasis" is defined as the presence of calcified or ossified materials within the tracheobronchial tree. The report of the condition dates back to 300 bc when Aristotle first described a symptom of "spitting of stones." The process of calcification usually starts within either the mediastinal, hilar, or peribronchial lymph nodes. The impetus is typically initiated by a granulomatous process such as TB or histoplasmosis; however, it can also been seen following exposure to other fungal or occupational elements. The exact mechanism of the calcified material (broncholith) entering the endobronchial tree remains unknown. It is hypothesized, however, that the calcified tissues gradually erodes and/or breaks loose in the airways as a result of repetitive movements of respiration or cardiac pulsations. The broncholiths are often found in the airways without any signs of erosion, however. The most common symptoms of broncholithiasis include cough, hemoptysis, and wheezing as a result of irritation of the airways and the surrounding tissues. The diagnosis is typically suspected on chest radiographs and confirmed by using bronchoscopy. Depending on the severity of the disease, management options range from simple observation to surgical resection. Despite the potential for major complications, the overall disease prognosis is good if timely and appropriate management is provided.

Predictors of pneumonia on routine chest radiographs in patients with COPD: a post hoc analysis of two 1-year randomized controlled trials

Background

Patients with COPD are at risk for life-threatening pneumonia. Although anatomical abnormalities in the thorax may predispose to pneumonia, those abnormalities identified on routine chest X-rays (CXRs) in patients with COPD have not been studied to better understand pneumonia risk.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc exploratory analysis of data from two replicate year-long clinical trials assessing the impact of fluticasone furoate–vilanterol versus vilanterol alone on COPD exacerbations (GSK studies: HZC102871/NCT01009463 and HZC102970/NCT01017952). Abnormalities on baseline CXRs from 179 patients who developed pneumonia and 50 randomly selected patients who did not were identified by blinded consensus readings conducted by two radiologists. Positive and negative likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to evaluate the markers for subsequent pneumonia development during the 1-year study period.

Results

Baseline characteristics distinguishing the pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups included a lower body mass index (24.9 vs 27.5 kg/m², P=0.008), more severe airflow obstruction (mean post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV₁]/forced vital capacity ratio: 42.3% vs 47.6%, P=0.003), and prior pneumonia (36% vs 20%, P=0.030). Baseline CXR findings with the highest diagnostic ORs were: elevated hemi-diaphragm (OR: 6.87; 95% CI: 0.90, 52.26), thick tracheal-esophageal stripe (OR: 4.39 [0.25, 78.22]), narrow cardiac silhouette (OR: 2.91 [0.85, 9.99]), calcified pleural plaque/mid-chest pleural thickening (OR: 2.82 [0.15, 53.76]), and large/prominent pulmonary artery shadow (OR: 1.94 [0.95, 3.97]). The presence of a narrow cardiac silhouette at baseline was associated with a statistically significant lower mean pre-bronchodilator FEV₁ (P=0.040). There was also a trend for a lower mean pre-bronchodilator FEV₁ in patients with a large/prominent pulmonary artery shadow at baseline (P=0.095).

Conclusion

Findings on routine CXR that relate to pathophysiological mechanisms of pneumonia could help determine pneumonia risk in patients with COPD.

Lung Infections

A review of pulmonary infections of all types with diagnostic and morphological features.

Pediatric Pulmonary Hemorrhage vs. Extrapulmonary Bleeding in the Differential Diagnosis of Hemoptysis

Introduction

Hemoptysis is an important symptom which causes a major concern, and warrants immediate diagnostic attention. The authors compared a group of patients with pediatric pulmonary hemorrhage with pediatric patients diagnosed with extrapulmonary bleeding focusing on differences in etiology, outcome and differential diagnosis of hemoptysis.

Methods

We performed the retrospective analysis of medical charts of 134 pediatric patients admitted to the Emergency Department because of pulmonary and extrapulmonary hemorrhage and were diagnosed with suspected hemoptysis or developed hemoptysis (ICD10-CM code R04.2). The cases with pulmonary hemorrhage (Group 1) were compared with cases of extrapulmonary bleeding (Group 2) using the Fisher Exact test or Pearson's χ² test for categorical variables. The t-test was used to assess differences between continuous variables of the patients in the two groups.

Results

Bloody cough was the presenting symptom in 73.9% of cases. 30 patients had pulmonary hemorrhage (Group 1), while 104 patients had extrapulmonary bleeding (Group 2). The underlying causes of bleeding in Group 2 included epistaxis, inflammatory diseases of nasopharynx and larynx, foreign bodies, gingivitis, and hypertrophy of adenoids. Mortality rate was 10% in Group 1, whereas Group 2 did not have any mortality outcomes during the observation period. Etiologycal factors were significantly different between hemoptysis and extrapulmonary bleeding in children.

Conclusions

Our research suggested that pulmonary and extrapulmonary bleeding are two conditions that differ significantly and cannot be unified under one diagnostic code. It is important to differentiate between focal and diffuse cases, and between pulmonary and extrapulmonary hemorrhage due to the diversity of clinical courses and outcomes.

The Saudi Thoracic Society guidelines for diagnosis and management of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

This is the first guideline developed by the Saudi Thoracic Society for the diagnosis and management of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Local experts including pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, thoracic surgeons, respiratory therapists, and others from adult and pediatric departments provided the best practice evidence recommendations based on the available international and local literature. The main objective of this guideline is to utilize the current published evidence to develop recommendations about management of bronchiectasis suitable to our local health-care system and available resources. We aim to provide clinicians with tools to standardize the diagnosis and management of bronchiectasis. This guideline targets primary care physicians, family medicine practitioners, practicing internists and respiratory physicians, and all other health-care providers involved in the care of the patients with bronchiectasis.

Infectious Causes of Right Middle Lobe Syndrome

Right middle lobe (RML) syndrome is defined as recurrent or chronic obstruction or infection of the middle lobe of the right lung. Nonobstructive causes of middle lobe syndrome include inflammatory processes and defects in the bronchial anatomy and collateral ventilation. We report on 2 case patients with RML syndrome, one due to infection with Mycobacterium avium complex followed by M asiaticum infection and the other due to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. A history of atopy, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been reported in up to one-half of those with RML. The diagnosis can be made by plain radiography, computed tomography, and bronchoscopy. Medical treatment consists of bronchodilators, mucolytics, and antimicrobials. Patients whose disease is unresponsive to treatment and those with obstructive RML syndrome can be offered surgical treatment.

Ten years' experience in surgical treatment of right middle lobe syndrome

PURPOSE

In this study we present the clinical, radiological, pathological, bronchoscopic and surgical results of 40 patients with diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome who were referred to our thoracic surgery unit for surgical intervention in a 10 years period.

METHODS

Forty patients with obstructive and non-obstructive causes of middle lobe syndrome referred to our thoracic surgery unit. Clinical data were collected from the patients' records in a ten years period. This study evaluates diagnostic approaches and surgical treatments in right middle lobe syndrome.

RESULTS

We studied 23 females (57.5%) and 17 males (42.5%) with a mean age of 31.7. Clinical findings were cough 95%, sputum 80% and intermittent hemoptysis in 50% of patients. Middle lobe collapse was seen in CT scan of all patients. Bronchiectasis was the most common pathologic finding (55%). Tuberculosis was not rare and was final pathology in 20% of patients. In three patients ruptured hydatid cyst was final finding. Surgery was done without mortality and with only minor complications.

CONCLUSION

Lobectomy of right middle lobe is a good therapeutic option in these patients. Due to high prevalence of tuberculosis and hydatid cyst in Middle Eastern countries these two must be considered as causes of middle lobe syndrome.

Middle lobe syndrome in children today

Middle lobe syndrome in children is a distinct clinical and radiographic entity that has been well described in the pediatric literature. However, issues regarding its etiology, clinical presentation, and management continue to puzzle the clinical practitioner. Pathophysiologically, there are two forms of middle lobe syndrome, namely obstructive and nonobstructive. Middle lobe syndrome may present as symptomatic or asymptomatic, as persistent or recurrent atelectasis, or as pneumonitis or bronchiectasis of the middle lobe and/or lingula. A lower threshold of performing a chest radiograph is warranted in children with persistent or recurrent nonspecific respiratory symptoms, particularly if there is clinical deterioration, in order to detect middle lobe syndrome and to initiate a further diagnostic and therapeutic workup.

Middle lobe syndrome associated with major haemoptysis

A 60-year-old Indian woman who was suffering from recurrent pneumonia presented with major haemoptysis and a right-sided pleuritic chest pain. Initially the patient required resuscitation to optimise her haemodynamic parameters while oxygenation remained satisfactory. An urgent computed tomography pulmonary angiogram revealed right middle lobe syndrome which constitutes chronic collapse of the middle lobe accompanied by bronchiectatic changes. Angiography identified an abnormal bronchial artery and venous shunting which was embolised satisfactorily. Subsequently she underwent bronchoscopy which was unremarkable. Her post-operative course was uneventful and patient was discharged home. During the post-operative follow-up patient remained stable and was discharged from out-patient clinic after two years.

Histopathologic approach to the surgical lung biopsy in interstitial lung disease

Interpretation of lung biopsy specimens is an integral part in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD). The process of evaluating a surgical lung biopsy for disease involves answering several questions. Unlike much of surgical pathology of neoplastic lung disease, arriving at the correct diagnosis in nonneoplastic lung disease often requires correlation with clinical and radiologic findings. The topic of ILD or diffuse infiltrative lung disease covers several hundred entities. This article is meant to be a launching point in the clinician's approach to the histologic evaluation of lung disease.

Chest MR imaging in the follow-up of pulmonary alterations in paediatric patients with middle lobe syndrome: comparison with chest X-ray

PURPOSE

The authors evaluated the role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the chest in comparison with chest X-ray in the follow-up of pulmonary abnormalities detected by computed tomography (CT) in paediatric patients with middle lobe syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients with middle lobe syndrome (mean age 6.2 years) underwent chest CT at the time of diagnosis (100 kV, CARE dose with quality reference of 70 mAs; collimation 24×1.2 mm; rotation time 0.33 s; scan time 5 s); at follow-up after a mean of 15.3 months, all patients were evaluated with chest MR imaging with a respiratory-triggered T2-weighted BLADE sequence (TR 2,000; TE 27 ms; FOV 400 mm; flip angle 150°; slice thickness 5 mm) and chest X-ray. Images from each modality were assessed for the presence of pulmonary consolidations, bronchiectases, bronchial wall thickening and mucous plugging. Hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies were assessed on CT and MR images.

RESULTS

Baseline CT detected consolidations in 100% of patients, bronchiectases in 35%, bronchial wall thickening in 53% and mucous plugging in 35%. MR imaging and chest X-ray identified consolidations in 65% and 35%, bronchiectases in 35% and 29%, bronchial wall thickening in 59% and 6% and mucous plugging in 25% and 0%, respectively. Lymphadenopathy was seen in 64% of patients at CT and in 47% at MR imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with middle lobe syndrome show a wide range of parenchymal and bronchial abnormalities at diagnosis. Compared with MR imaging, chest X-ray seems to underestimate these changes. Chest MR imaging might represent a feasible and radiation-free option for an overall assessment of the lung in the follow-up of patients with middle lobe syndrome.

Surgical treatment of right middle lobe syndrome in children

OBJECTIVE:

Right middle lobe syndrome is a rare entity in children, causing high morbidity. Our experience of these patients including their clinical and laboratory characteristics, indications forsurgical management, postoperative courses, and follow-up results was evaluated.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was performed involving 20 children with right middle lobe syndrome who were hospitalized and treated with surgical resection of the right middle lobe in Van Training and Research Hospital and Yüzüncüyil university hospital, Turkey, between January 2002 and January 2011.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the patients was 10.5 years (range, 5 to 15 years). Twelve patients were boys and eight were girls. The most frequent symptom was chronic cough (75%). Hemoptysis was present in two (10%) patients. One patient was being treated for asthma. 25% positive cultures were identified among the patients. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently identified agent in sputum. All patients underwent chest computed tomography. There were bronchiectasis in 11 (55%) patients, atelectasis and bronchiectasis in five (25%) patients, and destroyed lung in four (20%) patients. A narrowed middle lobe bronchus was shown in 15 (75%) patients. Bronchoscopy was performed in 18 (90%) patients. Stenosis due to external compression was seen in 12 (60%) patients, hyperemia and bronchitis in two (10%) patients, granulation tissue in two (10%) patients, and dense secretions in two (10%) patients. A history of doctor-diagnosed tuberculosis was present in two (10%) patients. These patients had completed antituberculous treatment. The patients had been symptomatic for the last 1 to 10 years (mean, 4 years) and had received several medical treatments. All patients (totally 20 patients) underwent right middle lobe resection. In one patient, a bronchial abnormality was found intraoperatively. One patient died on postoperative day 10 due to a brain abscess. Three other patients had postoperative complications (15%). Mean duration of follow-up of the patients was 4.5 years (range, 2 months to 12 years). Seventeen patients were asymptomatic, and two patients had improved.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with right middle lobe syndrome unresponsive to medical treatment should undergo early lobe resection to avoid serious complications and the progression of the disease to other segments or lobes.

Middle lobe syndrome: a review of clinicopathological features, diagnosis and treatment

Middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is a rare but important clinical entity that has been poorly defined in the literature. It is characterized by recurrent or chronic collapse of the middle lobe of the right lung but can also involve the lingula of the left lung. Pathophysiologically, there are two forms of MLS, namely obstructive and nonobstructive. Obstructive MLS is usually caused by endobronchial lesions or extrinsic compression of the middle lobe bronchus such as from hilar lymphadenopathy or tumors of neoplastic origin, resulting in postobstructive atelectasis and pneumonitis. In the nonobstructive type, no obstruction of the middle lobe bronchus is evident during bronchoscopy or with computerized tomography of the chest. The etiology of the nonobstructive form is not completely understood. Inefficient collateral ventilation, infection and inflammation in the middle lobe or lingula are thought to play a role, and bronchiectasis is the most common histological finding. Patients with proven endobronchial lesions or malignancy are usually offered surgical resection directly. This contrasts with nonobstructive MLS, where most patients respond to medical treatment consisting of bronchodilators, mucolytics and broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, some patients do not respond to conservative treatment and may suffer irreversible damage of the middle lobe or lingula, in addition to having recurrent symptoms of infection or inflammation. These selected patients can be offered surgical resection of the middle lobe or lingula, which is associated with a low mortality rate and favorable outcome.

Fatal bronchial asthma with bilateral lung collapse

Fatal bronchial asthma is classically characterized in pathology textbooks and journal articles as associated with lung hyperinflation at autopsy. The following is a report of a case of fatal bronchial asthma associated instead with bilateral lung collapse. This manifestation of asthma at autopsy has not been previously reported, to my knowledge. A 31-year-old man with a history of recurrent asthma was found in an unresponsive state in his automobile after a low-speed collision. Medical personnel during the resuscitation noted a decrease in breath sounds bilaterally and some wheezing. There was no escaping air with needle thoracostomies at the outset. Cardiac monitoring demonstrated pulseless electrical activity during most of the 30-minute resuscitation attempt. An autopsy disclosed collapsed lungs bilaterally. Microscopic examination of the lungs disclosed the characteristic histopathologic features of bronchial asthma.

Middle lobe syndrome: a nationwide study on clinicopathological features and surgical treatment

INTRODUCTION

Middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is a relatively uncommon lung disease that is characterized by damage to the middle lobe and often needs surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To study clinical, radiological and histological features of all patients who underwent surgical resection for MLS in Iceland over a 13-year period, including evaluation of surgical outcome.

METHODS

Information on patients who underwent surgery of the right middle lobe in Iceland from 1984 to 2006 was obtained from a centralized diagnosis and pathology registry. Clinical data were collected retrospectively from clinical records from hospitals and from private offices. All pathology specimens were reviewed.

RESULTS

We studied 18 patients, 3 males and 15 females between the ages 2 and 86 years (mean 55). The most common clinical features were recurrent infection (n = 15), chronic cough with productive sputum (n = 9), chest pain (n = 8) or dyspnea (n = 7). The most common findings on chest radiographs and on computerized tomography of the chest were atelectasis, consolidation and bronchiectasis. One patient had a foreign body. The most common major histological finding was bronchiectasis in nine patients, and two had foreign body reaction. Minor findings included bronchiolitis, organizing pneumonia and peribronchial inflammation. All patients survived surgery with minor peri- and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

MLS is more common in females, and recurrent infections, chronic productive cough and dyspnea were the most common symptoms. Bronchiectasis is the most common histological finding. MLS can be treated effectively with lobectomy with low mortality and rate of complications.

Granulomatous lung disease: an approach to the differential diagnosis

CONTEXT

Granulomas are among the most commonly encountered abnormalities in pulmonary pathology and often pose a diagnostic challenge. Although most pathologists are aware of the need to exclude an infection in this setting, there is less familiarity with the specific histologic features that aid in the differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

To review the differential diagnosis, suggest a practical diagnostic approach, and emphasize major diagnostically useful histologic features. This review is aimed at surgical pathologists who encounter granulomas in lung specimens.

DATA SOURCES

Pertinent recent and classic peer-reviewed literature retrieved from PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) and primary material from the institutions of both authors.

CONCLUSIONS

Most granulomas in the lung are caused by mycobacterial or fungal infection. The diagnosis requires familiarity with the tissue reaction as well as with the morphologic features of the organisms, including appropriate interpretation of special stains. The major noninfectious causes of granulomatous lung disease are sarcoidosis, Wegener granulomatosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, hot tub lung, aspiration pneumonia, and talc granulomatosis.

Recurrent respiratory infections

The child who has recurrent infections poses one of the most difficult diagnostic challenges in pediatrics. The clinician faces a two-fold challenge in determining first whether the child is normal or has a serious disease, and then, in the latter case, how to confirm or exclude the diagnosis with the minimum number of the least invasive tests. It is hoped that, in the absence of good-quality evidence for most clinical scenarios, the experience-based approach described in this article may prove a useful guide to the clinician.

Endobronchial tuberculosis presenting as right middle lobe syndrome: clinical characteristics and bronchoscopic findings in 22 cases

PURPOSE

Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) presenting as right middle lobe syndrome (RMLS) is an uncommon clinical condition. We investigated the clinical characteristics in patients with EBTB presenting as RMLS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 22 patients with EBTB presenting as RMLS who were diagnosed at our hospital from 2003 to 2006.

RESULTS

Its occurrence was more common in females than males (F, 18; M, 4). The mean age was 70.3 +/- 8.5 years, and 17 patients were above the age of 65 years. Cough with sputum was the most common manifestation and 2 patients were asymptomatic. In bronchoscopic analysis, the most common finding was edematous-type EBTB, which was found in 15 patients, followed by actively caseating type in 6 and tumorous type in 1. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining for bronchial washing fluid was positive in only 5 patients: 1 with edematous type and 4 with actively caseating type. Bronchoscopic biopsy showed chronic granulomatous inflammation in 16 patients. Follow-up chest X-ray after treatment showed complete disappearance of the lesion in 2 patients, more than 50% improvement in 5, less than 50% improvement in 5, and no change of lesion in 4.

CONCLUSION

Edematous-type EBTB was the most common type of EBTB presenting as RMLS, and it usually occurred in elderly patients. Culturing for mycobacterium and histologic examination by bronchoscopy are necessary for proper diagnosis in these patients.

Aspiration, Bronchial Obstruction, Bronchiectasis, and Related Disorders

The conducting airways play a pivotal role in the spectrum of pulmonary pathology, not only as conduits for injurious agents to enter the lung, but also as an anatomic compartment that is affected by a diverse array of primary or secondary bronchocentric diseases. This chapter discusses aspiration and bronchial obstruction in detail, with emphasis on the aspiration of toxic, infective, or particulate matter. Lung abscess, a frequent complication of obstruction or aspiration, is also reviewed. Both aspiration and lung abscess are reconsidered within the context of pulmonary infectious disease mainly in Chapter 8 on bacterial infections, and to some extent in the chapters on mycobacterial (Chapter 9), fungal (Chapter 10), and parasitic diseases (Chapter 14).

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, atopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophils in persistent middle lobe syndrome

Most cases of middle lobe syndrome (MLS) in children are considered to be due to asthma and may recover spontaneously; however, in persistent MLS, repeated episodes of infection often institute a vicious cycle that may lead to persistent symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). The present study was undertaken to investigate whether asthma, as an underlying diagnosis, is predictive of a favorable outcome of children with persistent MLS. We evaluated 53 children with MLS who underwent an aggressive management protocol that included fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). These patients were compared to two other groups: one consisting of children with current asthma but no evidence of MLS (N = 40) and another of non-asthmatic controls (N = 42), matched for age and sex. Prevalence of sensitization (>or=1 aeroallergen) did not differ between patients with MLS and "non-asthmatics" but was significantly lower than that of "current asthmatics." A positive response to methacholine bronchial challenge was observed with increased frequency among children with MLS when compared to "current asthmatic" and non-asthmatic children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between an increased number of eosinophils in the BAL fluid (BALF) and a favorable outcome, whereas no correlation was detected between sensitization or BHR and BAL cellular components. In conclusion, children with MLS have an increased prevalence of BHR, even when compared to asthmatics, but exhibit prevalence of atopy similar to that of non-asthmatics. An increased eosinophilic BALF count is predictive of symptomatic but not radiographic improvement of MLS patients after aggressive anti-asthma management.

Middle lobe syndrome as the pulmonary manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome

Middle lobe syndrome - recurrent atelectasis and/or bronchiectasis involving the right middle lobe and/or lingula - has, up to now, not been reported as the pulmonary manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome. We describe a patient in whom lymphocytic bronchiolitis in the atelectatic lobes was proved histologically from two separate transbronchial biopsies. The atelectasis responded well to glucocorticoid treatment, suggesting that the peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltrates may have played an important role in the development of middle lobe syndrome in this patient.

The Role of Timely Intervention in Middle Lobe Syndrome in Children

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Middle lobe syndrome (MLS) in children is characterized by a spectrum of clinical and radiographic presentations, from persistent or recurrent atelectasis to pneumonitis and bronchiectasis of the right middle lobe (RML) and/or lingula. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of early intervention, including fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB), in the development of bronchiectasis in MLS.

DESIGN

Children with atelectasis of the RML and/or lingula persisting for > 1 month or recurring two or more times despite conventional treatment underwent high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning and FOB. Appropriate treatment and follow-up were provided, and the effect of the duration of symptoms on clinical outcome and the development of bronchiectasis was investigated. The patient cohort was retrospectively reviewed.

PATIENTS

We evaluated 55 children with MLS. The median age at diagnosis, duration of symptoms, and duration of clinical deterioration before diagnosis were 5.5 years (range, 3 months to 12 years), 14.5 months (range, 3 to 48 months), and 8 months (range, 3 to 36 months), respectively.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

FOB revealed marked obstruction in two children (ie, a foreign body and an endobronchial tumor) and positive findings for a culture of BAL fluid in 49.1% of patients. The remaining 53 patients were followed up for a median duration of 24 months (range, 5 to 96 months). The clinical outcome was "cure" in 60.4% of patients, "improvement" in 32.1% of patients, and "no change" in the remaining patients. Bronchiectasis was documented prior to FOB by HRCT scan in 15 patients (27.3%). The duration of the deterioration of symptoms prior to presentation positively correlated with the development of bronchiectasis (p = 0.03) and an unfavorable clinical outcome (ie, improvement or no change) [p = 0.02]; a positive correlation was also found between the duration of symptoms and the development of bronchiectasis (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Timely medical intervention in patients with MLS that includes FOB with BAL prevents bronchiectasis that may be responsible for an ultimately unfavorable outcome.

Bronquiectasias: aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos Estudo de 170 pacientes

INTRODUÇÃO: Bronquiectasias são freqüentemente encontradas na prática médica no Brasil, levando a significativa morbidez e comprometimento da qualidade de vida de seus portadores. OBJETIVOS: Analisar aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos em uma série de pacientes com bronquiectasias atendidos em um serviço de doenças pulmonares. MÉTODO: Sinais, sintomas, achados radiográficos e microbiológicos, e resultados terapêuticos foram estudados em 170 pacientes portadores de bronquiectasias hospitalizados no período de 1978 a 2001 - 62,4% do sexo feminino, 37,6% do masculino, com idade média de 37 anos, variando entre 12 e 88 anos. RESULTADOS: Antecedente de pneumonia na infância foi detectado em 52,5% dos pacientes, de tratamento tisiológico em 19,8%; 8,8% tinham asma brônquica, e dois tinham síndrome de Kartagener. Os sintomas mais comuns foram tosse (100%), expectoração (96%) e estertores pulmonares (66%). As lesões eram unilaterais em 46,5% dos casos. Pneumococo, H. influenzae ou flora mista estiveram presentes em 85% das amostras de escarro examinadas. Os 170 pacientes receberam inicialmente tratamento clínico à base de antibióticos e fisioterapia respiratória; 88 deles (52%) mais jovens, com lesões menores e boa reserva funcional foram submetidos à cirurgia de ressecção pulmonar (82 unilaterais e seis bilaterais). Ocorreram dois óbitos hospitalares entre os pacientes que receberam tratamento exclusivamente clínico. Os pacientes tratados cirurgicamente tiveram acentuada melhora dos sintomas, raramente necessitando ser reinternados. CONCLUSÕES: Os prolongados sintomas broncopulmonares foram permanentemente aliviados na maioria dos pacientes com bronquiectasias que puderam ir à cirurgia de ressecção pulmonar, diferentemente dos que seguiram com o tratamento clínico.