Early and Regular Bronchoscopy Examination on Effect of Diagnosis and Prognosis for Patients With Tracheobronchial Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Bronchoscopy is the main method for the diagnosis of tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB). However, it is not well-used in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), leading to misdiagnosis. The aim of this study is to verify the value and feasibility of bronchoscopy for an early diagnosis and treatment of TBTB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was performed in patients with active PTB. The ratios of TBTB and tracheobronchial stenosis were analyzed with propensity score matching (PSM) for baseline characteristics, and a Cox regression model was further employed to adjust for residual confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 656 patients with active PTB were enrolled in the study that included 307 patients in the active group and 349 patients in the non-active group. The ratio of TBTB was significantly higher in the active group than that in the non-active group [hazard ratio (HR), 2.31; 95% CI, 1.70-3.14; p < 0.001]. With PSM, the proportion of tracheobronchial stenosis in the non-active group was significantly higher than that in the active group (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.15-2.95; p = 0.011). Moreover, the number of patients with moderate to severe stenosis were significantly higher than that in the active group (HR, 4.13; 95% CI, 2.25-7.63; p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained with multivariate analysis. With 12 months of treatment, both therapeutic effective rate (84.7 vs. 68.2%; p = 0.009) and improvement rate of non-fibrotic tracheobronchial stenosis (79.1 vs. 47.4%; p = 0.022) were higher in the active group than that in the non-active group.

CONCLUSION

Active and regular bronchoscopy is conducive to early diagnosis of TBTB, combined with prompt anti-tuberculosis therapy, greatly reducing the occurrence of tracheobronchial stenosis and improving prognosis.

Topical mitomycin-C as an adjuvant to multimodal endoscopic treatment for tracheobronchial stenosis secondary to endobronchial tuberculosis

Tracheobronchial stenosis secondary to endobronchial tuberculosis (TSTB) is a rare but debilitating complication of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB). Topical mitomycin-C (TMC) has been successfully utilized to restore airway patency and to prevent recurrence of TSTB, although little is known about its exact efficacy. Here, we report the biggest case series to date involving seven patients who received TMC as part of multimodality endoscopic treatment for TSTB with varying levels of success. All patients presented with dyspnoea during or after treatment completion for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Four patients had short-segment concentric membranous TSTB while two patients had concurrent bronchomalacia. Another one patient had a thick fibrotic band adjacent to luminal opening. We hypothesize that TMC is more efficacious in short membranous stenosis without concurrent bronchomalacia and/or thick fibrotic bands. More studies are needed to bridge the current gaps in knowledge regarding the optimal role and benefits of TMC for TSTB patients.

Proteomic profiling of biomarkers by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of tracheobronchial stenosis after tracheobronchial tuberculosis

Tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TB) leads to airway stenosis, irreversible airway damage and even death. The present study aimed to identify biomarkers for the diagnosis of tracheobronchial stenosis (TBS) secondary to tracheobronchial TB. A cohort was recruited, including patients with TBS after tracheobronchial TB, TBS after tracheal intubation or tracheotomy (TIT) and no stenosis of early-stage lung cancer,. Proteomic profiling was performed to gain insight into the mechanisms of the pathological processes. Differentially expressed proteins in the serum and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients were detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Subsequently, ELISA was performed to validate the changes of protein levels in an additional cohort. MALDI-TOF MS revealed that 8 peptides in the serum, including myeloid-associated differentiation marker, keratin type I cytoskeletal 18, fibrinogen α-chain, angiotensinogen (AGT), apolipoprotein A-I (APOAI), clusterin and two uncharacterized peptides, and nine peptides in BALF, including argininosuccinate lyase, APOAI, AGT and five uncharacterized peptides, were differentially expressed (molecular-weight range, 1,000-10,000 Da) in the TB group compared with the TIT group. The ELISA results indicated that the changes in the protein levels had a similar trend as those identified by proteomic profiling. In conclusion, the present study identified proteins that may serve as potential biomarkers and provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying TBS after tracheobronchial TB.

Incidence, laboratory diagnosis and predictors of tracheobronchial tuberculosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Chongqing, China

Tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB) is reported in 10-40% of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Due to its non-specific presentation, the diagnosis and management are frequently delayed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence, predictors and laboratory diagnosis of concomitant TBTB and PTB in Chongqing, China. Bronchoscopy was performed in all patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed PTB in order to detect TBTB between January 2018 and April 2019 in a sub-tertiary hospital in Chongqing, China. The clinical characteristics and laboratory data were analyzed to identify predictors and determine the diagnostic yield of TBTB. A total of 341 (31.4%) of the 1,085 patients with PTB who underwent the bronchoscopic examination presented with concomitant TBTB. The parameters of female sex [odds ratio (OR)=2.57], clinical symptoms (OR=6.26) and atelectasis (OR=4.3) were independent predictors of TBTB. Cough (OR=32.48) and atelectasis (OR=3.14) were independent predictors of TBTB-associated tracheobronchial stenosis. The diagnostic yields of sputum smear, bronchial brush smear, sputum culture, GeneXpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin resistance (GX) using sputum, GX using brushings and in bronchial brush culture used for the diagnosis of TBTB were 44.2, 44.2, 63.5, 57.7, 71.2 and 75%, respectively. GX brushings had higher diagnostic yields compared with sputum or brush smears; however, there was no significant difference between sputum/brushings cultures and GX with sputum. The incidence of TBTB in PTB was 31.4% in Chongqing, China. The parameters of female sex, atelectasis and cough were the major predictors of concomitant TBTB and associated tracheobronchial stenosis. Although GX is an accurate and rapid test to detect TBTB, additional laboratory techniques should also be adopted to improve diagnostic yields in the detection of TBTB in patients with PTB.

Long-term outcomes of tracheobronchial stenosis due to tuberculosis (TSTB) in symptomatic patients: airway intervention vs. conservative management

Background

Patients with tracheobronchial stenosis due to tuberculosis (TSTB) have a variable clinical course and response to treatment including airway intervention. There are no clear guidelines on the best approach to manage such patients. This study examines long-term outcomes of patients with TSTB and factors associated with recurrent symptoms or need for repeat airway intervention following initial bronchoscopic intervention.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of patients with TSTB over an 18-year period. Symptoms, radiological, bronchoscopic findings, airway interventions and complications were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of recurrence of symptoms or need for repeat airway intervention.

Results

A total of 131 patients with mean age 50±18 years and median follow-up 5 (interquartile range, 2–10) years were included. Nineteen (29.7%) patients underwent balloon dilatation alone, 22 (34.4%) had additional resection or stenting, and 19 (29.7%) underwent all 3 procedures. Among patients conservatively managed, a larger proportion (55.6%) of patients with no recurrence of symptoms had active TB. Patients who developed recurrent symptoms had longer symptom duration (12 vs. 3 months, P=0.025), and more had recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (50% vs. 5.6%, P=0.003), lung collapse (90.0% vs. 41.7%, P=0.011) or linear fibrosis (70.0% vs. 30.6%, P=0.033) compared to those without recurrent symptoms. Bronchomalacia (OR =17.18; 95% CI, 3.43–86.18) and prior bronchoscopic airway resection (OR =4.97; 95% CI, 1.20–20.60) were strongly associated with the recurrence of symptoms or need for repeat airway intervention on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

Bronchomalacia and prior bronchoscopic airway resection are associated with the recurrence of symptoms despite airway intervention. Patients who are diagnosed with TSTB early in the course of active TB may be conservatively managed.

Use of a modified endotracheal tube for self-expandable metallic Y-shaped airway stent deployment without rigid bronchoscope or fluoroscopic guidance

Background

Self-expandable metallic Y-shaped airway stents (SEMYS) are commonly used in the management of airway stenosis and fistulae caused by thoracic neoplasms.

Methods

A new technique using a slightly modified regular endotracheal tube has been developed for the deployment of SEMYS with flexible bronchoscopy alone. The technique and devices are described.

Results

To date, successful deployment of SEMYS with this method has been carried out successfully in 17 out of 20 patients without major complications while the other 3 required conversion to rigid bronchoscopy because of limited pharyngeal cavity space, massive hemorrhage and severe cicatrization of the airway, respectively.

Conclusions

This simplified deployment technique with the modified endotracheal tube enables safe, simple and fast insertion of SEMYS in a regular bronchoscopy suite, which may benefit the vast less privileged institutions where SEMYS are necessary but rigid bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy are not available. The skill of the bronchoscopist, cautious selection of patients and effective coordination of the operating team are crucial for the procedure.

Three-dimensional printed degradable splint in the treatment of pulmonary artery sling associated with severe bilateral bronchus stenosis

Pulmonary artery sling is a congenital cardiovascular disease and is usually accompanied by tracheobronchial stenosis. Generally, infants diagnosed with pulmonary artery sling should have surgery. However, the treatment of tracheobronchial stenosis is still controversial. Our team developed a customised, degradable, three-dimensional printed splint and successfully applied it in the treatment of pulmonary artery sling associated with severe bilateral bronchus stenosis. We suggested that three-dimensional printing may be a novel and effective way to treat tracheobronchial stenosis and other diseases in children.

Sudden Respiratory Failure due to Tracheobronchomalacia by Relapsing Polychondritis, Successfully Rescued by Multiple Metallic Stenting and Tracheostomy

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease that affects cartilaginous structures. RP causes tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) by affecting the bronchial cartilage. TBM is a fatal condition characterized by excessive weakening of the walls of the trachea and bronchi. We herein report a case of a 73-year-old man who experienced sudden respiratory failure due to TBM caused by RP. Immunosuppressive treatment did not improve his respiratory failure. Multiple metallic stentings dramatically improved his severe airway symptoms. When the airway condition becomes lethal in RP patients, then metallic stenting can be a useful treatment option.

Tracheobronchial tuberculosis

Tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB) is reported in approximately 10% to 39% of the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. It is defined as the tubercle infection of the trachea and or bronchi. Due to its non-specific presentation, insidious onset and normal chest radiography in about 10-20% of the patients, the diagnosis is delayed. Bronchoscopy is the most definite method of diagnosis which provides adequate specimens for microbiological and histopathological diagnosis. Tracheobronchial stenosis is one of the most common long term complications of TBTB resulting in significant morbidity. It is estimated that 90% of patients with TBTB have some degree of tracheal and or bronchial stenosis. In this review article, we will discuss the pathogenesis, symptoms, imaging, bronchoscopic findings, and treatment of TBTB and management of tracheobronchial stenosis.

Long term follow-up of four patients with Keutel syndrome

Keutel syndrome (KS) [OMIM 245150] is an autosomal recessive hereditary syndrome characterized by multiple peripheral pulmonary stenoses (PPS), brachytelephalangia, inner ear deafness, and abnormal cartilage ossification or calcification. Mutations in the matrix Gla protein (MGP) gene have been reported in different unrelated families with KS previously. MGP is an extracellular matrix protein and calcification inhibitor; mutations in its encoding gene result in cartilage ossification or calcification, the main presenting feature of KS. This report describes the findings of four sisters with KS born to consanguineous parents were followed for 26 years in an irregular fashion. During follow-up of the patients over the years the complications appear to be mostly involving the respiratory system. Permanent skin rashes, papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid, asthma, massive bullous pulmonary emphysema, severe systemic arterial hypertension, and short term memory loss were observed during long term follow-up. The fertility status of the patients were also observed and infertility was observed in one of three married patients.