Pulmonary Apical Cap-What's Old Is New Again

Incidental Apical Pleuroparenchymal Scarring on Computed Tomography: Diagnostic Yield, Progression, Morphologic Features and Clinical Significance

PURPOSE

Apical pleuroparenchymal scarring (APPS) is commonly seen on chest computed tomography (CT), though the imaging and clinical features, to the best of our knowledge, have never been studied. The purpose was to understand APPS's typical morphologic appearance and associated clinical features.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A random generator selected 1000 adult patients from all 21516 chest CTs performed at urban outpatient centers from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Patients with obscuring apical diseases were excluded to eliminate confounding factors. After exclusions, 780 patients (median age: 64 y; interquartile range: 56 to 72 y; 55% males) were included for analysis. Two radiologists evaluated the lung apices of each CT for the extent of abnormality in the axial plane (mild: <5 mm, moderate: 5 to 10 mm, severe: >10 mm), craniocaudal plane (extension halfway to the aortic arch, more than halfway, vs below the arch), the predominant pattern (nodular vs reticular and symmetry), and progression. Cohen kappa coefficient was used to assess radiologists' agreement in scoring. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine associations of clinical and imaging variables with APPS.

RESULTS

APPS was present on 65% (507/780) of chest CTs (54% mild axial; 80% mild craniocaudal). The predominant pattern was nodular and symmetric. Greater age, female sex, lower body mass index, greater height, and white race were associated with more extensive APPS. APPS was not found to be associated with lung cancer in this cohort.

CONCLUSION

Classifying APPS by the extent of disease in the axial or craniocaudal planes, in addition to the predominant pattern, enabled statistically significant associations to be determined, which may aid in understanding the pathophysiology of apical scarring and potential associated risks.

Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias: Focus on the Pathologist's Key Role

Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (IIPs) are a heterogeneous group of the broader category of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs), pathologically characterized by the distortion of lung parenchyma by interstitial inflammation and/or fibrosis. The American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) international multidisciplinary consensus classification of the IIPs was published in 2002 and then updated in 2013, with the authors emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of IIPs. The histological evaluation of IIPs is challenging, and different types of IIPs are classically associated with specific histopathological patterns. However, morphological overlaps can be observed, and the same histopathological features can be seen in totally different clinical settings. Therefore, the pathologist's aim is to recognize the pathologic-morphologic pattern of disease in this clinical setting, and only after multi-disciplinary evaluation, if there is concordance between clinical and radiological findings, a definitive diagnosis of specific IIP can be established, allowing the optimal clinical-therapeutic management of the patient.

Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis-like Lesions in Clinical Practice: A Rare Entity? Review of a Radiological Database

Background: Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare disease that consists of elastofibrosis that involves the pleura and subpleural lung parenchyma; it is an unusual pulmonary disease with unique clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics. According to recent studies, PPFE may not be a definite disease but a form of chronic lung injury. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the incidence and to evaluate the distribution, severity and progression of this radiological entity on high-resolution CT (HRCT) exams of the chest, performed in routine clinical practice. In total, 1514 HRCT exams performed in the period January 2016-June 2018 were analyzed. For each exam, the presence of PPFE was evaluated and a quantitative score was assigned (from 0 to 7 points, based on the maximum depth of fibrotic involvement of the parenchyma). When available, two exams with a time interval of at least 6 months were compared for each patient in order to evaluate progression (defined as the increase in the disease score). Patients were divided into different groups according to exposure and their associated diseases. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Wilcoxon test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: PPFE was detected in 174 out of 1514 patients (11.6%), with a mean score of 6.1 ± 3.9 (range 1-14). In 106 out of 174 patients (60.9%), a previous CT scan was available and an evolution of PPFE was detected in 19 of these (11.5%). Among these 19 patients with worsening PPFE, 4 had isolated PPFE that was associated with chronic exposure or connective tissue disorders, and the other 15 had an associated lung disease and/or a chronic exposure. In this group, it was found that the ventral segments of the upper lobes, fissures and apical segments of the lower lobes had a greater statistically significant involvement in the progression of the disease compared to the non-progressive group. In 16 of 174 patients (9.2%, 7 of which belonged to the radiological progression group) a biopsy through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or apicoectomy confirmed PPFE. Conclusion: PPFE-like lesions are not uncommon on HRCT exams in routine clinical practice, and are frequently found in patients with different forms of chronic lung injury. Further studies are necessary to explain why the disease progresses in some cases, while in most, it remains stationary over time.

Pulmonary nodular elastosis: The intraparenchymal counterpart of pulmonary apical caps?

We have studied six cases in which focal consolidative pulmonary opacities observed on imaging studies led to surgical resection due to the suspicion of malignancy and showed on histopathologic examination a benign process characterized by an expansile tumor-like nodular accumulation of elastotic material. The patients were five women and one man aged 46 to 67 years (mean: 61 years). All lesions were found incidentally on imaging studies done for a variety of reasons, including surveillance for metastatic carcinoma in four patients. The lesions presented as solid nodules within lung parenchyma with irregular borders and spiculated margins and measured between 0.6 and 4.6 cm in diameter. Histological examination showed dense deposits of elastic tissue without evidence of malignancy, similar to those seen in pulmonary apical caps. Clinical follow-up between 5 and 16 years (mean: 10 years) showed that all patients were alive and well without evidence of disease. Pulmonary nodular elastosis is a localized intraparenchymatous process that may be confused clinically and radiographically for a malignant neoplasm and needs to be distinguished from other nodular lesions of the lung. To the best of our knowledge, tumor-forming lesions within lung parenchyma that are predominantly or almost exclusively composed of accumulation of elastic fibers have not been previously described.

Prognostic significance of radiological pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis inMycobacterium aviumcomplex lung disease: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Background

Mycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) causes chronic respiratory infectious diseases with diverse clinical features and prognoses. Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare disease characterised by pleural fibrosis with subjacent intra-alveolar fibrosis and alveolar septal elastosis, with unique chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) features (radiological PPFE). An association between recurrent respiratory infections and PPFE formation has been hypothesised; however, the clinical significance of PPFE in MAC lung disease remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective, multicentre study investigated the prevalence of radiological PPFE in patients with MAC lung disease and its association with clinical features and outcomes. Radiological PPFE was diagnosed on the basis of HRCT findings. Prognostic factors were identified using Cox proportional hazards and Fine-Gray models.

Results

Of 850 consecutive patients with definite MAC lung disease, 101 (11.9%) exhibited radiological PPFE. Patients with radiological PPFE had unique characteristics, such as lower body mass index, lower survival rate (5-year cumulative survival rate, 63.1% vs 91.7%; p<0.001) and a higher incidence of respiratory-related death (5-year cumulative incidence, 31.1% vs 3.6%; p<0.001), than those without radiological PPFE. In the multivariable analysis, the presence of radiological PPFE was independently associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.87 to 7.95; p<0.001) and respiratory-related death (adjusted HR, 3.88; 95% CI, 2.14 to 7.01; p<0.001).

Interpretation

This large-scale study demonstrated that in patients with MAC lung disease, radiological PPFE was common, a phenotype associated with unique clinical features and poor prognosis, particularly respiratory-related death. The specific management of this subgroup should be established.

Interstitial Lung Abnormalities at CT: Subtypes, Clinical Significance, and Associations with Lung Cancer

Interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) is defined as an interstitial change detected incidentally on CT images. It is seen in 4%-9% of smokers and 2%-7% of nonsmokers. ILA has a tendency to progress with time and is associated with respiratory symptoms, decreased exercise capability, reduced pulmonary function, and increased mortality. ILAs can be classified into three subcategories: nonsubpleural, subpleural nonfibrotic, and subpleural fibrotic. In cases of ILA, clinically significant interstitial lung disease should be identified and requires clinically driven management by a pulmonologist. Risk factors for the progression of ILA include clinical elements (ie, inhalation exposures, medication use, radiation therapy, thoracic surgery, physiologic findings, and gas exchange findings) and radiologic elements (ie, basal and peripheral predominance and fibrotic findings). It is recommended that individuals with one or more clinical or radiologic risk factors for progression of ILA be actively monitored with pulmonary function testing and CT. To avoid overcalling ILA at CT, radiologists must recognize the imaging pitfalls, including centrilobular nodularity, dependent abnormality, suboptimal inspiration, osteophyte-related lesions, apical cap and pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis-like lesions, aspiration, and infection. There is a close association between ILA and lung cancer, and many studies have reported an increased incidence of lung cancer, worse prognoses, and/or increased pulmonary complications in relation to cancer treatment in patients with ILA. ILA is considered to be an important comorbidity in patients with lung cancer. Accordingly, all radiologists involved with body CT must have sound knowledge of ILAs owing to the high prevalence and potential clinical significance of these anomalies. An overview of ILAs, including a literature review of the associations between ILAs and lung cancer, is presented. ©RSNA, 2022.

Lung involvement during the prediagnostic phase of idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare interstitial pneumonia that predominantly affects the upper lung fields [1, 2]. A pulmonary apical cap (PAC) is an imaging finding resembling that for PPFE that does not show symptoms or progression [3, 4]. Some patients with PPFE have recognised lung involvement at the lung apex long before the diagnosis is actually made, findings that are indistinguishable from PAC based on temporal imaging data [5]. Clinically, it takes months to years from the first recognition of lung involvement to the diagnosis of PPFE [6, 7]. However, no study has yet focused on the progression of lung involvement or the clinical course before the diagnosis of IPPFE. The present study evaluated the prediagnostic clinical course in patients with IPPFE.

Patients with PPFE sometimes have lung involvement at the lung apex long before the diagnosis. The prediagnostic phase with apical fibrosis is much longer than the postdiagnostic phase in patients with PPFE.https://bit.ly/32X1iXi

Elastin in pulmonary pathology: relevance in tumors with lepidic or papillary appearance. A comprehensive understanding from a morphological viewpoint

Elastin and collagen are the main components of the lung connective tissue network, and together provide the lung with elasticity and tensile strength. In pulmonary pathology, elastin staining is used to variable extents in different countries. These uses include evaluation of the pleura in staging, and the distinction of invasion from collapse of alveoli after surgery (iatrogenic collapse). In the latter, elastin staining is used to highlight distorted but pre‐existing alveolar architecture from true invasion. In addition to variable levels of use and experience, the interpretation of elastin staining in some adenocarcinomas leads to interpretative differences between collapsed lepidic patterns and true papillary patterns. This review aims to summarise the existing data on the use of elastin staining in pulmonary pathology, on the basis of literature data and morphological characteristics. The effect of iatrogenic collapse and the interpretation of elastin staining in pulmonary adenocarcinomas is discussed in detail, especially for the distinction between lepidic patterns and papillary carcinoma.

Pulmonary Apical Cap as a Potential Risk Factor for Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a progressive and frequently fatal interstitial lung disease that involves the upper lobes. Although its cause remains unknown, the histopathologic evidence underlying PPFE bears striking resemblance to that of the pulmonary apical cap (PAC), a relatively common and benign entity. We describe the case of a patient with PAC that evolved into distinctly asymmetric PPFE over 6 years after unilateral surgical lung injury. Given the histologic similarity between these two conditions, we propose that these two entities underlie common biologic pathways of abnormal response to lung injury, with the presence of a PAC increasing susceptibility to the development of PPFE in the face of ongoing inflammatory insults. This case describes the histopathologic evolution of PAC to PPFE before and after an inciting injury.

Pulmonary Fibroelastotic Remodelling Revisited

Pulmonary fibroelastotic remodelling occurs within a broad spectrum of diseases with vastly divergent outcomes. So far, no comprehensive terminology has been established to adequately address and distinguish histomorphological and clinical entities. We aimed to describe the range of fibroelastotic changes and define stringent histological criteria. Furthermore, we wanted to clarify the corresponding terminology in order to distinguish clinically relevant variants of pulmonary fibroelastotic remodelling. We revisited pulmonary specimens with fibroelastotic remodelling sampled during the last ten years at a large European lung transplant centre. Consensus-based definitions of specific variants of fibroelastotic changes were developed on the basis of well-defined cases and applied. Systematic evaluation was performed in a steps-wise algorithm, first identifying the fulcrum of the respective lesions, and then assessing the morphological changes, their distribution and the features of the adjacent parenchyma. We defined typical alveolar fibro-elastosis as collagenous effacement of the alveolar spaces with accompanying hyper-elastosis of the remodelled and paucicellular alveolar walls, independent of the underlying disease in 45 cases. Clinically, this pattern could be seen in (idiopathic) pleuroparenchymal fibro-elastosis, interstitial lung disease with concomitant alveolar fibro-elastosis, following hematopoietic stem cell and lung transplantation, autoimmune disease, radio-/chemotherapy, and pulmonary apical caps. Novel in-transit and activity stages of fibroelastotic remodelling were identified. For the first time, we present a comprehensive definition of fibroelastotic remodelling, its anatomic distribution, and clinical associations, thereby providing a basis for stringent patient stratification and prediction of outcome.

The pathogenesis and pathology of idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare subtype of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias that consists of elastofibrosis involving the lung parenchyma and pleural collagenous fibrosis predominantly located in the upper lobes. IPPFE has various distinct clinical and physiological characteristics, including platythorax and a marked decrease of forced vital capacity with an increased residual volume on a respiratory function test. The concept of IPPFE is now widely recognized and some diagnostic criteria have been proposed. In addition, the accumulation of cases has revealed the pathological features of IPPFE. However, little is known about the pathogenesis or the process of disease formation in IPPFE. This review article will provide a summary of the pathological features and previously reported hypotheses on disease formation in IPPFE, to discuss the potential etiologies and pathogenesis of IPPFE.

Unilateral pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis as a rare form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia: A case report

BACKGROUND

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonia characterized by predominantly upper lobe involvement with pleural fibrosis and subjacent parenchymal fibrosis. Recently, there have been increasing reports of PPFE, and PPFE might coexist with other interstitial lung diseases in the lower lobe and upper lobe. However, cases of unilateral PPFE are scarce.

CASE SUMMARY

A 75-year-old Korean male presented to our hospital with chronic dry cough and exertional dyspnea. The patient’s symptoms started 6 mo previously and had been gradually worsening. At the time of presentation, he felt dyspnea when walking at his own pace. Radiologic findings suggested PPFE, but the lesion was localized in the upper lobe of the right lung. After multidisciplinary discussion, a transbronchial lung biopsy in the right upper lobe revealed collapsed alveoli with parenchymal fibroelastosis, and elastic van Gieson staining demonstrated septal elastosis with intra-alveolar collagenosis, which met the histopathologic criteria of definite PPFE. After multidisciplinary discussion in an experienced interstitial lung disease center, we confirmed the diagnosis of unilateral PPFE. Furthermore, we confirmed the progression of PPFE on radiologic findings during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should consider PPFE, even in cases with unilateral, predominantly upper lung involvement in interstitial lung disease patients through multidisciplinary discussion.

[Update polytrauma and computed tomography in ongoing resuscitation : ABCDE and "diagnose first what kills first"]

CLINICAL ISSUE

The mean number of trauma room admissions and applied CT dose increase as the severity of injuries decreases. Therefore, appropriateness of established procedures should be re-evaluated.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Considering severely injured patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16, whole body CT (WB-CT) compared to selective CT decreased mortality by about 25%. Thus, the ISS is a good indicator for the severity of injuries. However, since ISS can only be determined after diagnosis, it does not help with the primary assessment.

METHODOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND EVALUATION

In addition to the currently used very fast WB-CT protocol with the highest diagnostic precision, a second protocol should be established applying a substantially lower dose. Under ongoing resuscitation, WB-CT often makes a substantial contribution towards targeted therapy or to justifying the discontinuation of resuscitation measures. The WB-CT findings should be performed several times and, at least in the acute emergency situation, it should follow the ABCDE scheme as close as possible.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

In the trauma room it should be initially decided whether the classification as polytrauma is to be maintained. If yes, every institution should provide a dose-reduced WB-CT protocol in addition to the maximum variant used so far. Dose-reduced WB-CT seems to be appropriate for stable and oriented patients, who receive a CT primarily because of the trauma mechanism. Even under resuscitation conditions, WB-CT is easy to perform and medically as well as ethically of high value. The reporting and communication should be structured according to "diagnose first what kills first".

Serum latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein 4 as a novel biomarker for idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonia characterized by an upper lobe-dominant interstitial increase in predominantly elastic fibers. The accumulation of cases has resulted in a refinement of the disease concept, but there are no blood biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis or prediction of a progressive phenotype among PPFE patients. Several organizers, including latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein 4 (LTBP-4), are known to be involved in elastogenesis. However, the potential of LTBP-4 as a blood biomarker for PPFE has not been investigated.

METHODS

We selected cases of clinically or histologically diagnosed IPPFE (n = 20) along with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients (n = 39) and healthy controls (n = 10). We quantified the protein levels of LTBP-4 in lung tissues and serum samples.

RESULTS

The LTBP-4 levels in lung tissue of PPFE patients were 2.16 times higher than those of IPF patients (p = 0.032). The serum concentration of LTBP-4 (pg/ml) in IPPFE was higher than that in healthy controls (1429 [154-3620] vs. 187 [56.4-490], p = 0.013). The serum concentration of LTBP-4 in IPPFE was markedly higher than that in IPF without a significant difference (1429 [154-3620] vs. 915 [491-1967], p = 0.671). In addition, a higher concentration of LTBP-4 was associated with a poor prognosis in IPPFE patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum concentration of LTBP-4 may aid in the diagnosis of IPPFE or the prediction of an aggressive phenotype.

IASLC Multidisciplinary Recommendations for Pathologic Assessment of Lung Cancer Resection Specimens After Neoadjuvant Therapy

Currently, there is no established guidance on how to process and evaluate resected lung cancer specimens after neoadjuvant therapy in the setting of clinical trials and clinical practice. There is also a lack of precise definitions on the degree of pathologic response, including major pathologic response or complete pathologic response. For other cancers such as osteosarcoma and colorectal, breast, and esophageal carcinomas, there have been multiple studies investigating pathologic assessment of the effects of neoadjuvant therapy, including some detailed recommendations on how to handle these specimens. A comprehensive mapping approach to gross and histologic processing of osteosarcomas after induction therapy has been used for over 40 years. The purpose of this article is to outline detailed recommendations on how to process lung cancer resection specimens and to define pathologic response, including major pathologic response or complete pathologic response after neoadjuvant therapy. A standardized approach is recommended to assess the percentages of (1) viable tumor, (2) necrosis, and (3) stroma (including inflammation and fibrosis) with a total adding up to 100%. This is recommended for all systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, chemoradiation, molecular-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or any future novel therapies yet to be discovered, whether administered alone or in combination. Specific issues may differ for certain therapies such as immunotherapy, but the grossing process should be similar, and the histologic evaluation should contain these basic elements. Standard pathologic response assessment should allow for comparisons between different therapies and correlations with disease-free survival and overall survival in ongoing and future trials. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has an effort to collect such data from existing and future clinical trials. These recommendations are intended as guidance for clinical trials, although it is hoped they can be viewed as suggestion for good clinical practice outside of clinical trials, to improve consistency of pathologic assessment of treatment response.

Pleural thickening on screening chest X-rays: a single institutional study

Although pleural thickening is a common finding on routine chest X-rays, its radiological and clinical features remain poorly characterized. Our investigation of 28,727 chest X-rays obtained from annual health examinations confirmed that pleural thickening was the most common abnormal radiological finding. In most cases (92.2%), pleural thickening involved the apex of the lung, particularly on the right side; thus, it was defined as a pulmonary apical cap. Pleural thickening was more common in males than in females and in current smokers or ex-smokers than in never smokers. The prevalence increased with age, ranging from 1.8% in teenagers to 9.8% in adults aged 60 years and older. Moreover, pleural thickening was clearly associated with greater height and lower body weight and body mass index, suggesting that a tall, thin body shape may predispose to pleural thickening. These observations allowed us to speculate about the causative mechanisms of pleural thickening that are attributable to disproportionate perfusion, ventilation, or mechanical forces in the lungs.

Update on Rare Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias and Rare Histologic Patterns

CONTEXT

- In 2013, the revised American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) described 2 rare IIPs and 2 rare histologic patterns. Because of the rarity of the disease, there is limited evidence related to the histology. Because the rare histologic patterns are provisional criteria, no unanimous consensus on histologic diagnostic criteria has yet been reached.

OBJECTIVE

- To review the histologic features for rare IIPs and rare histologic patterns, and to provide diagnostic aids and discuss the differential diagnosis.

DATA SOURCES

- Published peer-reviewed literature and the authors' personal experience.

CONCLUSIONS

- Following the publication of the international consensus classification, evidence regarding rare IIPs and rare histologic patterns has accumulated to some extent, although to date the amount remains insufficient and further evidence is required. Because the diagnosis is sometimes challenging, a multidisciplinary approach represents the gold standard in reaching an accurate diagnosis for these rare disorders.

Criteria for the diagnosis of idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: A proposal

BACKGROUND

Physicians have few opportunities to perform surgical lung biopsy (SLB) to diagnose idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE). Therefore, diagnostic criteria for IPPFE that do not require SLB must be established. Herein, we propose diagnostic criteria for IPPFE with and without SLB.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The diagnostic criteria for IPPFE with SLB are histological, based on computed tomography (CT) lesions compatible with PPFE, predominantly in the upper lobes. The three diagnostic criteria for IPPFE without SLB are as follows: (1) radiologically possible IPPFE (a radiological criterion confirming CT lesions in both lung apexes, regardless of the lower lobe lesions); (2) radiologically probable IPPFE (also a radiological criterion, but mandatory to confirm chest radiograph findings of bilateral upward shift of the hilar structures and/or CT findings of volume loss of the upper lobes); (3) radiologically and physiologically probable IPPFE. Our data from 41 patients with IPPFE and 97 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) showed that the percentage of the predicted values of the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC %pred.) ≥115% and body mass index (BMI) ≤20 kg/m² plus RV/TLC %pred. ≥80% performed well for discriminating IPPFE from IPF. These parameters were thus added to criterion (3).

CONCLUSIONS

We have proposed diagnostic criteria for IPPFE in patients with and without SLB. Both imaging criteria and physiological criteria using RV/TLC and BMI successfully discriminate IPPFE from chronic IIPs when SLB cannot be performed.

CT-guided Transthoracic Core-Needle Biopsies of Mediastinal and Lung Lesions in 235 Consecutive Patients: Factors Affecting the Risks of Complications and Occurrence of a Final Diagnosis of Malignancy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of patient-, lesion- and procedure-related factors on the risks of complications and final diagnosis of malignancy in PCNB of mediastinal and lung lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied a large single-center cohort of 235 consecutive patients (66.8% men; 58.5±18.0 years) with a range of thoracic benign and malignant lesions, who underwent PCNB performed along 24 months by a single experienced radiologist. Diagnostic accuracy analyses of PCNB for malignancy were performed, as well as estimations of relative risk and logistic regression models in order to assess possible associations between such factors and malignancy/complications.

RESULTS

155 lesions (65.9%) were diagnosed as malignant. Overall accuracy was 91.1%, with sensitivity of 87.1%, specificity of 98.8%, positive predictive value of 99.3%, and negative predictive value of 79.8%. Pneumothorax (49/235; 20.8%) and hemorrhage (37/235; 15.7%) were the most common complications. Emphysema, smoking, older age, intrapulmonary location, deeper location, smaller size, presence of cavitations and irregular contours of the lesions, and smaller needle-pleural angles were the most consistent factors related to the occurrence of complications. Emphysema, older age, smoking, solid and deeper lesions were also significantly associated with a final diagnosis of malignancy after PCNB.

CONCLUSION

CT-guided PCNB of mediastinal and lung lesions is a safe procedure with high diagnostic accuracy for malignancy.

Significant increases in the density and number of lymphatic vessels in pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis

AIMS

Some investigators have detected fibrinous exudate or immature organisation in the alveolar spaces prior to the development of subpleural elastofibrosis in patients with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE). We hypothesised that PPFE progress is associated with an impaired lymphatic drainage system, resulting in the failed resolution of intra-alveolar exudate. The aim of this study is to investigate the pulmonary lymphatic vessels in PPFE, histologically.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively reviewed our medical records from 1995 to 2017, and selected autopsied or surgically biopsied patients with PPFE (n = 18), pulmonary apical cap (n = 18), and IPF (n = 26). We detected lymphatic endothelial cells by using immunostained specimens, calculating the percentage of lymphatic vessel area in the non-aerated area (lymphatic vessel density) and the number of lymphatic vessels per non-aerated area (per mm² ) (lymphatic vessel number). These parameters in PPFE were compared with those in apical cap, IPF, and normal lung tissue. The lymphatic vessel density in PPFE patients [2.97%; interquartile range (IQR) 2.61-3.86] was significantly higher than that in normal lung (0.91%; IQR 0.84-1.07), pulmonary apical cap (0.67%; IQR 0.58-0.83), and IPF (0.91%; IQR 0.68-1.25) (P < 0.01 in any comparison). The lymphatic vessel number in PPFE was also significantly higher than that in normal lung, pulmonary apical cap, and IPF. Among PPFE patients, the increase in lymphatic vessel density was found to be correlated with the characteristic physiology of PPFE, such as a flattened chest cage on computed tomography and high residual volume/total lung capacity ratio on spirometry.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant increase in the density and number of lymphatic vessels is a supportive characteristic that enables the differentiation of PPFE from IPF and apical cap.

Functional associations of pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis and emphysema with hypersensitivity pneumonitis

BACKGROUND

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) has been described in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) yet its functional implications are unclear. Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) has occasionally been described in never-smokers with HP, but epidemiological data regarding its prevalence is sparse. CTs in a large HP cohort were therefore examined to identify the prevalence and effects of PPFE and emphysema.

Methods

233 HP patients had CT extents of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and emphysema quantified to the nearest 5%. Lobar percentage pleural involvement of PPFE was quantified on a 4-point categorical scale: 0 = absent, 1 = affecting <10%, 2 = affecting 10–33%, 3 = affecting >33%. Marked PPFE reflected a total lung score of ≥3/18. Results were evaluated against FVC, DLco and mortality.

RESULTS

Marked PPFE prevalence was 23% whilst 23% of never-smokers had emphysema. Following adjustment for patient age, gender, smoking status, and ILD and emphysema extents, marked PPFE independently linked to reduced baseline FVC (p = 0.0002) and DLco (p = 0.002) and when examined alongside the same covariates, independently linked to worsened survival (p = 0.01).

CPFE in HP demonstrated a characteristic functional profile of artificial lung volume preservation and disproportionate DLco reduction. CPFE did not demonstrate a worsened outcome when compared to HP patients without emphysema beyond that explained by CT extents of ILD and emphysema.

CONCLUSIONS

PPFE is not uncommon in HP, and is independently associated with impaired lung function and increased mortality. Emphysema was identified in 23% of HP never-smokers. CPFE appears not to link to a malignant microvascular phenotype as outcome is explained by ILD and emphysema extents.

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In patients with HP, marked PPFE had a prevalence of 23% in our study cohort.

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23% of never-smokers with HP demonstrated emphysema on CT imaging.

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Outcome in HP patients with CPFE is explained by CT extents of ILD and emphysema.

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PPFE is independently associated with a worsened outcome in HP.

Clinical diagnosis of idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: A retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Although the accurate diagnosis of pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) requires pathologic evaluation, this diagnosis is often suggested when the radiologic findings are consistent with typical PPFE and when pulmonary apical cap, which radiologically and pathologically mimics PPFE, can be excluded by confirming disease progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PPFE.

METHODS

We recruited 44 patients with idiopathic PPFE according to our modified diagnostic criteria: 1) a radiologic PPFE pattern (i.e., bilateral subpleural dense consolidation with or without pleural thickening in the upper lobes and less marked or absent involvement of the lower lobes), 2) radiologic confirmation of disease progression, and 3) exclusion of other lung diseases with identifiable etiologies. The patients' baseline characteristics and clinical course were reviewed.

RESULTS

The median age was 70 years, and 28 patients were males. The majority revealed emaciation, hypercapnia, and a high ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity. On chest computed tomography, 39 patients showed abnormal shadows in the lower lobes; more than half were classified as having usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/possible UIP pattern. Pneumothorax was the most frequent complication (33/44). The median overall survival time after diagnosis was 35.3 months. The presence of lower lobe UIP/possible UIP pattern did not show a significant prognostic impact.

CONCLUSIONS

Using our diagnostic criteria, we could recruit relatively many patients with similar characteristics to those of idiopathic PPFE patients in the literature. The possibility of clinical diagnosis of idiopathic PPFE should be further discussed.

Radiologic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis-like lesion in connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Radiologic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE)-like lesion including pulmonary apical cap can be occasionally observed in clinical settings. However, the significance of radiologic PPFE-like lesion is unclear in connective tissue disease (CTD)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 113 patients with CTD-related ILD were enrolled and assessed for radiologic PPFE-like lesion, which was defined as bilateral, upper lobe, and subpleural dense consolidations with or without pleural thickening on chest high-resolution computed tomography. The clinical, radiologic, and pathologic characteristics were evaluated.

RESULTS

Radiologic PPFE-like lesion was found in 21 patients (19%) and were relatively frequent in those with systemic sclerosis (6/14: 43%) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (4/14: 29%). Patients with PPFE-like lesion were significantly older, had lower body mass index, higher ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity, and higher complication rate of pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum than those without. Twelve of the 21 patients were diagnosed radiologically as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or possible UIP pattern. Two of three patients who underwent surgical lung biopsy of the upper lobes showed UIP on histopathology. Another patient was confirmed to have upper lobe PPFE on autopsy. During the clinical course, progression of the radiologic PPFE-like lesions was observed in 13 of 21 patients. Six patients died (mortality rate: 29%) and their PPFE-like lesions were commonly progressive. In the total cohort, our multivariate analysis identified the presence of PPFE-like lesion as a significant risk factor for respiratory death (hazard ratio: 4.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.33-12.65, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In patients with CTD-related ILD, radiologic PPFE-like lesion, which may present as not only PPFE but also apical cap and upper lobe subpleural fibrosis commonly due to UIP, was not uncommon and was associated with poor prognosis. Clinicians should be cautious with this radiologic finding, particularly when it is progressive.