Imaging of thoracic Wegener's granulomatosis: the computed tomographic appearance

PURPOSE

Computed tomography (CT) can play a major role in the examination of patients with diffuse infiltrative disorders of the lung. CT patterns of thoracic Wegener's granulomatosis were retrospectively evaluated in this study. The CT appearance was compared with imaging obtained by conventional plain roentgenograms.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients with Wegener's granulomatosis seen during the last 5 years are described. Conventional chest roentgenograms and CT scans from these patients are reviewed.

RESULTS

The most frequent manifestation found in the lungs of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis was that of rounded opacities with or without cavitation. This was observed in 7 of 14 patients. Relatively unexpected was the frequent occurrence of bronchovascular bundle cuffing with a quite constant and characteristic bronchocentric distribution. This finding was observed in 5 of 14 patients. Vasculitis sign was demonstrated in 2 of 14 patients. Widespread acinar infiltrates, usually confluent, were common and were seen in 5 of 14 of our patients; in 2 of the patients, these infiltrates were due to diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. Tracheal stenosis was the cause of sudden acute respiratory failure that was observed in one patient. Pleural disease was present in 3 of 14 patients. Hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy was observed in one patient. An interstitial pattern was observed in 3 of 14 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that an extremely wide spectrum of radiologic findings may be observed in this disease. In 14 patients we found 11 different roentgenographic manifestations; moreover, in 8 patients it was possible to describe more than 1 radiologic manifestation at the same time or during the course of the disease. This observation is not surprising, if we consider the wide variability and broad spectrum of pathologic features in pulmonary Wegener's granulomatosis. Because conventional roentgenograms failed in a great number of cases to visualize the exact pattern and the extent of thoracic involvement, we believe that CT is particularly helpful for the assessment of pulmonary involvement in Wegener's granulomatosis.

Value of CT after laparoscopic repair of postsurgical ventral hernia

BACKGROUND

We examined computed tomographic (CT) findings after laparoscopic repair of postsurgical ventral hernias in patients with and without symptoms.

METHODS

Meshes were placed laparoscopically in 18 patients for incisional ventral hernia repair. CT of the abdominal wall was performed 1, 15, and 30 days after repair and when clinical findings indicated the procedure.

RESULTS

Scans of four patients showed small fluid collections within the abdominal wall between the hernia sac and the mesh. These collections resolved within the first 30 days without aspiration. Scans of three patients with symptoms 4-8 months later showed fluid collections that required multiple aspirations in one patient and a recurrent hernia that was repaired laparoscopically in another patient.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results suggest that CT is a useful imaging tool in patients with laparoscopic repair of incisional vetral hernia. It showed the correct site of the mesh, subclinical fluid collections in the abdominal wall, and recurrent hernia.

Tremolite whitewashing and pleural calcifications

Radiologic screening of 688 inhabitants of the Metsovo area in Northwest Greece revealed that 323 (46.9 percent) had pleural calcifications. The percentage of positive examinations rose with age. Calcifications were observed in all four villages of the area where a material ("luto" soil) had been extensively used for whitewashing until 1940 to 1950. In four other villages in the immediate vicinity, where "luto" had never been used, pleural calcifications were not observed. Results suggest that Metsovo tremolite may have caused pleural calcifications to all individuals born in Metsovo before 1940. This is the first study indicating that environmental asbestos exposure can cause abnormalities in everyone exposed to it.

Persistence of Symptoms 15 Months since COVID-19 Diagnosis: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Residual Work Ability

Background: A proportion of patients' ailments may last after recovering from acute COVID-19, with episodic and systemic symptoms of unclear etiology potentially involving different organs. Study aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the persistence of symptoms 15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis in patients referring to the post-COVID-19 clinic in Trieste (north-eastern Italy). Methods: Two-hundred-forty-seven patients were medically examined between 8 December 2020-6 April 2021, after a median time of 49 days since first positive swab test for SARS-CoV-2. After a median time of 15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis, the same patients were contacted over the phone and investigated by standardized questionnaire collecting information on any persisting symptoms and work ability index (WAI). Four multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to investigate factors associated with persistence of any respiratory, neurological, dysautonomic, or psychiatric symptoms at first (median time 49 days since COVID-19 diagnosis) as well as second (median 15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis) follow up. A multiple linear regression was also employed to investigate factors associated with higher mean WAI, assessed only at second follow up. Additionally, factors associated with persistence of symptoms 200+ days since COVID-19 diagnosis between first and second follow-up were investigated by multivariable Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE). Results: At first follow up (median time of 49 days since COVID-19 diagnosis) symptoms more frequently reported were fatigue (80.2%), shortness of breath (69.6%), concentration deficit (44.9%), headache (44.9%), myalgia (44.1%), arthralgia (43.3%), and anosmia (42.1%). At second follow-up (median time of 15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis) 75% patients returned to their baseline status preceding COVID-19. At first follow up males were less likely to experience neurological (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.08; 0.35) as well as psychiatric (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.23; 0.80) symptoms as compared to females. At first follow up, the risk of neurological symptoms increased also linearly with age (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01; 1.08) and pre-existing depression was a major risk factor for persisting dysautonomic (aOR = 6.35; 95% CI: 2.01; 20.11) as well as psychiatric symptoms (omitted estimate). Consistently, at second follow up only females experience psychiatric symptoms, whereas males exhibited significantly higher mean WAI (RC = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.11; 0.88). Additionally, neurological symptoms at second follow up were more likely in patients with pre-existing comorbidities (OR = 4.31; 95% CI: 1.27; 14.7). Finally, persistence of symptoms lasting 200+ days since COVID-19 diagnosis increased linearly with age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and were more likely in patients affected by pre-existing depression (OR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.60; 4.49). Conclusions: Following a median time of 15 months since first positive swab test, 75% patients with symptoms returned to their baseline health status preceding COVID-19. Females had a significantly lower WAI and were more likely to experience psychiatric symptoms at second follow up (15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis). Furthermore, the risk of symptoms persisting 200+ days since COVID-19 diagnosis increased with history of depression, endorsing the hypothesis that long-COVID-19 symptoms may be at least partially explained by pre-existing psychological conditions. Patient rehabilitation and psychological support may therefore play a key role in caring patients with the so called long COVID-19 syndrome.

Round atelectasis and Metsovo lung

Round (helical) atelectasis is one of the benign sequelae of occupational asbestos exposure. Environmental asbestos exposure does not differ from occupational in its pleural manifestations, but to our knowledge, round atelectasis has not been reported yet. In the present study, we present the clinical and radiologic findings of five individuals with round atelectasis. They were all born in the Metsovo area, northwest Greece, where environmental exposure to asbestos (tremolite) has been documented. All five had negative evaluation for malignancy. In addition, they have been followed up for one to four years and four of them are in good health, thus confirming round atelectasis as a benign, nonpremalignant condition. The fifth patient died of malignant pleural mesothelioma two years later, while the previously detected round atelectasis remained unchanged. We therefore consider that his mesothelioma was not related to the round atelectasis, although both were certainly related to the same environmental asbestos exposure.

Daptomycin-Induced Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A Case Report and Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a rare respiratory condition caused by eosinophil accumulation in the pulmonary tissue that can be related to drug administration. Daptomycin, an antibiotic active against gram-positive bacteria, is one of the leading causes of AEP among drugs. In order to raise awareness of this rare syndrome, in our work we have described a case of an 82-year-old male with Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis treated with daptomycin, who developed a daptomycin-induced AEP. We have performed a systematic review of the literature for all similar reported cases.

METHODS

The systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. To conduct the analysis, the terms "daptomycin AND eosinoph* AND pneum*" were entered into the databases Medline, CINAHL, and Embase on April 13, 2023. We considered all relevant records documenting AEP after daptomycin use. No restrictions in terms of year or language were made. A formal appraisal of observational studies was performed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. All results and data were reported by means of tables.

RESULTS

Our search identified 93 relevant records, published between 2007 and 2023. A total of 120 patients were considered. Patients who experienced AEP were mostly males (n = 88, 73.3%) with a mean age of 68.28 years (SD 11.54). Daptomycin was most frequently prescribed for osteoarticular infections (n = 75, 62.5%) and to treat gram-positive cocci infections. The most frequently isolated pathogen was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Daptomycin was mostly used with off-label indications (n = 89, 74%). Symptoms of AEP were usually reported after a mean of 21.75 days of treatment (range 3-84) and typically included fever, dyspnea, dry cough, and acute respiratory failure. Reported treatment strategies invariably included daptomycin withdrawal, respiratory support, and corticosteroid treatment. One hundred and sixteen patients fully recovered. A fatal outcome was described in 4 patients. Suggestive symptoms and imaging raised suspicion for AEP, confirmed with bronchoalveolar lavage in 57.5% of the cases.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Daptomycin-induced AEP is a rare but potentially fatal complication, mostly reported after long treatment with daptomycin. Clinicians should be aware of this syndrome, as it could be initially misdiagnosed for an acute infectious respiratory syndrome, resulting in a delay in its diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, since the risk of developing AEP is increased by longer drug exposure, caution should be used when discussing the use of daptomycin in longer treatment regimens.

Successful treatment with carbimazole of a hyperthyroid pregnancy with hepatic impairment after propylthiouracil administration: a case report

We report the case of a 27-year-old woman with hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. Antithyroid treatment with propylthiouracil (PTU) resulted in elevated hepatic enzymes and after the 12th week of pregnancy treatment was changed to carbimazole (CBZ). The remaining pregnancy, delivery and follow-up period were uneventful for the mother and her offspring. Antithyroid treatment during pregnancy should allow the use not only of PTU but also of CBZ and methimazole.

Histoplasmosis in patients living with HIV in Europe: review of literature

Histoplasma capsulatum (var. capsulatum Hcc and duboisii Hcd), is a dimorphic fungus that causes histoplasmosis. It usually affects people coming from endemic areas, causing a variety of clinical manifestations up to progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH), especially among people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a systematic review to assess histoplasmosis burden of PLWH in Europe. The review follows PRISMA guidelines, with protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023429779). Seventy-eight articles were selected, including 109 patients (32 women). On overall, median age was 37 years. Forty-six patients were Americans, 39 Africans, 17 Europeans, 5 Asians, in 2 cases nationality was not specified. Cases were mainly diagnosed in Italy (28.4%), France (17.3%) and Spain (17.4%), with a north-south gradient. Six cases lacked epidemiologic links with endemic areas. Concerning CDC HIV staging at diagnosis, the information was available for 60 PLWH (55%) and all subjects were at stage C3 except for two subjects at stage B3. PDH was the AIDS-presenting illness in 39 patients. Most patients had a PDH (80.7%); other common extrapulmonary forms were isolated cutaneous histoplasmosis (7.3%), or lymphatic localization (2.7%). In 30 cases, the diagnosis was made by analyzing only one sample. For the remaining 79 cases, multiple samples were collected from each patient. Regarding the biological sample more frequently used for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis, bronchoalveolar lavage sample was taken from 39 patients, and tested positive in 51.3% of cases; 36 patients underwent a skin biopsy which was positive in 86.1% of cases and 28 patients performed bone-marrow biopsy, which led to the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in 92.9% of cases. The identification of Histoplasma capsulatum was available in 97 PLWH through examination of different samples: Hcc and Hcd were identified in 89 and 8 PLWH, respectively. Concerning therapies, 67.9% were treated with liposomal amphotericin B, 18.3% with itraconazole, 10 died pre-treatment. The overall mortality rate was 23.6%. Non-survivors exhibited more frequently gastrointestinal symptoms (p = 0.017), while cutaneous signs correlated with better survival (p = 0.05). Untreated patients faced higher mortality (p < 0.001). Histoplasmosis should be considered amongst opportunistic infection in PLWH, even in Europe, especially if patients originate from or have travelled to endemic areas. Systematic review registration: The registration number is CRD42023429779.

Drug-Induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was first described among patients affected by hematological or solid tumors. Following the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, people living with HIV have represented most cases for more than a decade. With the diffusion of highly active antiretroviral therapy, this group progressively decreased in favor of patients undergoing treatment with targeted therapy/immunomodulators. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the objective was to assess which drugs are most frequently related to PML development, and report the incidence of drug-induced PML through a meta-analytic approach.

METHODS

The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Database (CADTH) were searched up to May 10, 2022. Articles that reported the risk of PML development after treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, including patients of both sexes under the age of 80 years, affected by any pathology except HIV, primary immunodeficiencies or malignancies, were included in the review. The incidence of drug-induced PML was calculated based on PML cases and total number of patients observed per 100 persons and the observation time. Random-effect metanalyses were conducted for each drug reporting pooled incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the observation time. Heterogeneity was measured by I2 statistics. Publication bias was examined through funnel plots and Egger's test.

RESULTS

A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review. In our analysis, we found no includible study reporting cases of PML during the course of treatment with ocrelizumab, vedolizumab, abrilumab, ontamalimab, teriflunomide, daclizumab, inebilizumab, basiliximab, tacrolimus, belimumab, infliximab, firategrast, disulone, azathioprine or danazole. Dalfampridine, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod show a relatively safe profile, although some cases of PML have been reported. The meta-analysis showed an incidence of PML cases among patients undergoing rituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) of 0.01 cases/100 persons (95% CI - 0.08 to 0.09; I2 = 20.4%; p = 0.25) for a median observation period of 23.5 months (IQR 22.1-42.1). Treatment of MS with natalizumab carried a PML risk of 0.33 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.29-0.37; I2 = 50%; p = 0.003) for a median observation period of 44.1 months (IQR 28.4-60) and a mean number of doses of 36.3 (standard deviation [SD] ± 20.7). When comparing data about patients treated with standard interval dosing (SID) and extended interval dosing (EID), the latter appears to carry a smaller risk of PML, that is, 0.08 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.0-0.15) for EID versus 0.3 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.25-0.34) for SID.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher risk of drug-related PML in patients whose immune system is not additionally depressed by means of neoplasms, HIV or concomitant medications is found in the neurological field. This risk is higher in MS treatment, and specifically during long-term natalizumab therapy. While this drug is still routinely prescribed in this field, considering the efficacy in reducing MS relapses, in other areas it could play a smaller role, and be gradually replaced by other safer and more recently approved agents.

Human Arboviral Infections in Italy: Past, Current, and Future Challenges

Arboviruses represent a public health concern in many European countries, including Italy, mostly because they can infect humans, causing potentially severe emergent or re-emergent diseases, with epidemic outbreaks and the introduction of endemic circulation of new species previously confined to tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this review, we summarize the Italian epidemiology of arboviral infection over the past 10 years, describing both endemic and imported arboviral infections, vector distribution, and the influence of climate change on vector ecology. Strengthening surveillance systems at a national and international level is highly recommended to be prepared to face potential threats due to arbovirus diffusion.

Lymphofollicular lesions associated with monkeypox (Mpox) virus proctitis

In the recent 2022 monkeypox (Mpox) global outbreak, cases have been mostly documented among men who have sex with men. Proctitis was reported in almost 14% of cases. In this study, four Mpox-confirmed cases requiring hospitalizations for severe proctitis were characterized by clinical, virological, microbiological, endoscopic, and histological aspects. The study showed the presence of lymphofollicular lesions associated with Mpox virus rectal infection for the first time.