Alveolopleural Fistula Research Articles

Incidence and Outcome of Spontaneous Alveolar Air Leak Events in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased the burden of hospitalised pneumonia cases and related complications. Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PT) and Pneumomediastinum (PM) have been reported in both spontaneously breathing and ventilated patients with COVID19 pneumonia. Aim: To determine the incidence and outcomes of spontaneous alveolar air leak events in COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out from June 2020 to June 2021 at a tertiary care centre in Western India. All incident cases of alveolar air leaks in COVID-19 pneumonia were included. Clinical and demographic data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed. The Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were used to assess the differences in subgroup proportions. Results: A total of 79 patients (63 males and 16 females) experienced spontaneous alveolar air leaks in the form of PT, PM (mediastinal emphysema), or Subcutaneous Emphysema (SE), either isolated or in combination. A total of 58 patients (73.41%) had PT, while 8 patients (10.12%) had isolated PM and 2 patients (2.53%) had isolated SE. Of the total events, 35 (44.30%) occurred in spontaneously breathing patients, among them vigorous coughing was an important precipitating factor. At the time of the incident, 1.27%, 21.52%, and 77.21% of the affected cases belonged to mild, moderate, and severe COVID19 categories, respectively. Male patients (n-63, 79.74%) in the age group of 30-60 years were predominantly affected. A total of 38 events (48.10%) occurred within two weeks (early) of symptom onset. The PaO2 :FiO2 ratio at the time of the alveolar leak showed a significant association with the outcome. Patients with PT had a poorer outcome compared to those with other types of alveolar leaks (p-value<0.005). Major bleeding occurred in 2 (3.33%) of the total 60 Intercostal Drainage (ICD) procedures. Prolonged alveolo-pleural fistula healed spontaneously in four out of five cases. The cumulative incidence for air leak events was 1.55%, and for barotrauma, it was 6.47%. The overall mortality in this cohort was 74.68% (n=59), while it was 29.41% (5 out of 17) in the moderate severity group. Patients with lateonset events had a better outcome (p-value<0.005). Conclusion: In this cohort of COVID-19 pneumonia from Western India, the cumulative incidence of spontaneous alveolar air leaks was 1.55%, predominantly affecting males. The early occurrence of PT in severely hypoxic patients on mechanical ventilator was associated with higher mortality.

The Role of Serial Physical Examinations in Diagnosis of a Tension Pneumothorax Secondary to Alveolopleural Fistula

The Role of Serial Physical Examinations in Diagnosis of a Tension Pneumothorax Secondary to Alveolopleural Fistula

Reducing Post-Operative Alveolo-Pleural Fistula by Applying PGA-Sheets (Neoveil) after Major Lung Resection: A Historical Case-Control Study.

Alveolo-pleural fistula remains a serious post-operative complication in lung cancer patients after surgery, which is associated with prolonged hospital stay and higher healthcare costs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a polyglycol acid (PGA)-sheet known as Neoveil in preventing post-operative air-leak in cases of detected intra-operative air-leak after lung resection. Between 11/2021 and 7/2022, a total of 329 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were surgically treated in two institutions. Major lung resections were performed in 251 cases. Among them, 44 patients with significant intra-operative air-leak at surgery were treated by reinforcing staple lines with Neoveil (study group). On the other hand, a historical group (selected by propensity score matched analysis) consisting of 44 lung cancer patients with significant intra-operative air leak treated by methods other than the application of sealant patches were considered as the control group. The presence of prolonged air-leak (primary endpoint), pleural drainage duration, hospital stay, and post-operative complication rates were evaluated. The results showed that prolonged air-leak (>5 days after surgery) was not observed in study group, while this event occurred in four patients (9.1%) in the control group. Additionally, a substantial reduction (despite not statistically significant) in the chest tube removal was noted in the study group with respect to the control group (3.5 vs. 4.5, p = 0.189). In addition, a significant decrease in hospital stay (4 vs. 6 days, p = 0.045) and a reduction in post-operative complications (2 vs. 10, p = 0.015) were observed in the study group when compared with the control group. Therefore, in cases associated with intra-operative air-leak after major lung resection, Neoveil was considered a safer and more effective aerostatic tool and represents a viable option during surgical procedures.

FROM ALL LUNG TO ALL AIR: A CASE OF IATROGENIC FUNCTIONAL PNEUMONECTOMY

FROM ALL LUNG TO ALL AIR: A CASE OF IATROGENIC FUNCTIONAL PNEUMONECTOMY

ENDOBRONCHIAL VALVES FOR TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT AIR LEAK AFTER SECONDARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

ENDOBRONCHIAL VALVES FOR TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT AIR LEAK AFTER SECONDARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

EFFICACY OF AN IMPLANTABLE VALVE FOR TREATMENT OF ALVEOLOPLEURAL FISTULAS WITH PROLONGED AIR LEAKS

EFFICACY OF AN IMPLANTABLE VALVE FOR TREATMENT OF ALVEOLOPLEURAL FISTULAS WITH PROLONGED AIR LEAKS

Spontaneous alveolo-pleural fistula in a case of COVID-19 pneumonia-challenges and solutions: case report

COVID-19 pneumonia has demonstrated a wide spectrum of clinical presentations that have yet to be completely uncovered. As this pandemic progresses, uncommon presentations of this disease have come into light. Development of broncho/alveolo-pleural fistula in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia is a rare phenomenon with only 4 cases reported in literature till date. A 61-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency department with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. His initial chest X-ray was suggestive of a viral pneumonia that was later confirmed to be due to COVID-19. The patient was put on non-invasive ventilator support and treated with empirical antibiotics, glucocorticoids, anti-viral medications and convalescent plasma therapy. Four weeks into the patient’s hospital course, his vital parameters suddenly deteriorated with a subsequent chest X-ray showing a tension pneumothorax, for which a chest tube insertion was done. However, when the air leak did not resolve by the 3rd day, a chest computed tomography (CT) was planned which showed a spontaneous alveolo-pleural fistula (APF). The patient was managed with conservative treatment using negative suction applied to an underwater seal, had his chest tube removed 10 days later and was discharged subsequently. Spontaneous fistulisation between broncho-alveolar tree and pleura can occur rarely in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and can be managed using underwater seal with negative suction, insertion of endobronchial valves or surgical closure, and needs to be individualised.

Alveolopleural Fistula In COVID-19 Treated with Bronchoscopic Occlusion with a Swan-Ganz Catheter

Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum are known complications of COVID-19 patients. They have been documented to occur both with and without mechanical ventilation. There are several reports of cases further complicated by alveolopleural or bronchopleural fistulas. However, there are no studies and only a few case reports on the treatment options used for alveolopleural fistulas in COVID-19 patients. To our knowledge, there is only one report of bronchoscopic treatment with endobronchial valves in a COVID-19 patient. We present the case of a 63-year-old male with COVID-19, pneumothorax, and an alveolopleural fistula that was successfully sealed using bronchoscopic occlusion with a Swan-Ganz catheter.

Treatment of Bronchopleural and Alveolopleural Fistulas in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, a Case Series and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES:To describe a ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management strategy for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome complicated by bronchopleural and alveolopleural fistula with air leaks.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:Case series from 2019 to 2020. Single tertiary referral center—University of California, San Diego. Four patients with various etiologies of acute respiratory distress syndrome, including influenza, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia, e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, and coronavirus disease 2019, complicated by bronchopleural and alveolopleural fistula and chest tubes with air leaks.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Bronchopleural and alveolopleural fistula closure and survival to discharge. All four patients were placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with ventilator settings even lower than Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guideline recommended ultraprotective lung ventilation. The patients bronchopleural and alveolopleural fistulas closed during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and minimal ventilatory support. All four patients survived to discharge.CONCLUSIONS:In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopleural and alveolopleural fistula with persistent air leaks, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to allow for even lower ventilator settings than ultraprotective lung ventilation is safe and feasible to mediate bronchopleural and alveolopleural fistula healing.

Endobronchial blood patch with thrombin injection

Abstract Introduction: Persistent pulmonary air leaks present a challenging clinical problem, often requiring surgical intervention that not all patients can withstand. Patient concerns: An elderly female with severe emphysematous Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and dependent on continuous home oxygen supplementation developed recurrent pneumothoraces. On evaluation, the patient was considered a poor surgical candidate for Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and therefore a less invasive approach to treat the recurrent pneumothoraces was required. Diagnosis: A diagnosis of recurrent right pneumothorax due to Pulmonary-parenchymal fistula (either alveolo-pleural fistula or broncho-pleural fistula) was made Interventions: Due to the fragile overall condition of the patient, the peri-procedure risk of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery was not acceptable. Hence bronchoscopic evaluation with an endobronchial blood patch with thrombin injection was performed using a swan-ganz catheter. Outcomes: The patient had significant reduction in air leak post procedure and achieved complete resolution on day 3. She was successfully discharged home later. Conclusion: In patients with significant comorbidities that preclude standard interventions for persistent pulmonary-pleural fistulas, endobronchial blood patch repair with thrombin injection can be safely performed utilizing a swan-ganz catheter.

Impact of postoperative pleurodesis on pulmonary function after lung segmentectomy

ObjectivePleurodesis is among several treatment strategies for postoperative alveolo-pleural fistula (APF) after lung resection. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the influence of pleurodesis on postoperative pulmonary function. MethodsPatients who underwent anatomical segmentectomy between January 2009 and March 2020 and pulmonary function tests 6 and 12 months after initial surgery were included in this study. Differences in pulmonary function decline between patients who did and did not undergo pleurodesis were compared. ResultsAmong the 319 patients included, 39 (12.2%) underwent pleurodesis. Among patients who did not receive pleurodesis, there were no difference in decline of vital capacity at 6 months (−13.7% ± 1.1% vs −11.2% ± 0.7%; P = .063) and 12 months (−10.7% ± 1.3% vs −9.5% ± 0.7%; P = .391) after surgery between patients who had APF on postoperative day 2 and those who did not. Patients who received pleurodesis had a significantly larger decline in vital capacity at 6 months (−19.4% ± 2.4% vs −13.7% ± 1.1%; P = .015) and 12 months (−16.2% ± 1.6% vs −10.7% ± 1.3%; P = .010) after surgery compared with those who had APF on postoperative day 2 and did not receive pleurodesis. There were no significant differences in decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 second. ConclusionsPleurodesis negatively influenced postoperative vital capacity after lung segmentectomy. Although the clinical influence of this is unknown, careful consideration is needed before performing pleurodesis given its potential influence on postoperative pulmonary function.

High CO2 Levels Impair Lung Wound Healing.

Delayed lung repair leads to alveolopleural fistulae, which are a major cause of morbidity after lung resections. We have reported that intrapleural hypercapnia is associated with delayed lung repair after lung resection. Here, we provide new evidence that hypercapnia delays wound closure of both large airway and alveolar epithelial cell monolayers because of inhibition of epithelial cell migration. Cell migration and airway epithelial wound closure were dependent on Rac1-GTPase activation, which was suppressed by hypercapnia directly through the upregulation of AMP kinase and indirectly through inhibition of injury-induced NF-κB-mediated CXCL12 (pleural CXC motif chemokine 12) release, respectively. Both these pathways were independently suppressed, because dominant negative AMP kinase rescued the effects of hypercapnia on Rac1-GTPase in uninjured resting cells, whereas proteasomal inhibition reversed the NF-κB-mediated CXCL12 release during injury. Constitutive overexpression of Rac1-GTPase rescued the effects of hypercapnia on both pathways as well as on wound healing. Similarly, exogenous recombinant CXCL12 reversed the effects of hypercapnia through Rac1-GTPase activation by its receptor, CXCR4. Moreover, CXCL12 transgenic murine recipients of orthotopic tracheal transplantation were protected from hypercapnia-induced inhibition of tracheal epithelial cell migration and wound repair. In patients undergoing lobectomy, we found inverse correlation between intrapleural carbon dioxide and pleural CXCL12 levels as well as between CXCL12 levels and alveolopleural leak. Accordingly, we provide first evidence that high carbon dioxide levels impair lung repair by inhibiting epithelial cell migration through two distinct pathways, which can be restored by recombinant CXCL12.

Endobronchial valve treatment of persistent alveolopleural fistulae in a patient with cystic fibrosis and empyema

Persistent air leak (PAL) is a common problem after secondary pneumothorax due to cystic fibrosis (CF). These leaks, caused by either bronchopleural or alveolopleural fistula, are associated with higher morbidity and mortality [1]. Air leaks are traditionally treated with chronic chest tube drainage, chemical pleurodesis, or autologous blood patching in non-surgical candidates [1]. However, these strategies can increase infectious risk or pleural scarring, which are associated with poorer lung transplant surgical outcomes. Endobronchial valve (EBV) placement, while FDA-approved for use in both some surgical PALs and bronchoscopic volume reduction therapy, is one alternative option, but it could theoretically increase the risk of infection, especially in CF patients. Here, we report the case of a CF patient under evaluation for lung transplant who received EBVs for PAL after bilateral secondary spontaneous pneumothoraces.

Evaluation and endoscopic management of persistent air leaks

The endoscopic management of persistent or prolonged air leak (PAL) has gained popularity, not only in post-surgical PAL but also in non-surgical scenarios. The literature that supports an endoscopic approach is restricted to case series, case reports, retrospective and some small prospective studies. Every patient who suffers from PAL secondary to bronchopleural fistula (BPF) or alveolopleural fistula (APF) should always be evaluated to determine surgical repair candidacy. There have been a number of articles that summarize the bronchoscopic modalities for the management of PAL, but none emphasize the initial evaluation with an algorithmic approach or discuss how to follow-up these patients in the immediate post- treatment phase and long-term. Medical causes of PAL are, in our opinion, more difficult to localize and consequently treat compared to surgical causes of air leak. The bronchoscopic management for either surgical or non-surgical BPF’s is similar. In this review, we discuss the initial evaluation, management and follow up with an algorithmic approach of PAL as well as review the available endoscopic modalities.

Pleural gas analysis for the identification of alveolopleural fistulae.

The method for identification of alveolopleural fistulae (APF) by visual inspection of air bubbles in the chest drainage system has several limitations and suffers from poor accuracy. Here we discuss the use of a novel technique of pleural gas analysis in the identification and management of APF. We found that pleural gas analysis has higher sensitivity and specificity than visual inspection in identifying APF. Additionally, we demonstrated that intrapleural gas milieu impacts lung healing and reduction of intrapleural carbon dioxide can promote resolution of APF. Pleural gas analysis is a novel technique to identify and manage APF. Integration of gas analysis in chest drainage systems would provide a more objective method for managing chest tubes and providing a favorable pleural gas environment for lung healing.

Pleural Hypercarbia After Lung Surgery Is Associated With Persistent Alveolopleural Fistulae

Persistent air leak (PAL) > 5days due to alveolopleural fistulae is a leading cause of morbidity following surgical resection. Elevated CO2 levels reportedly inhibit alveolar epithelial cell proliferation and impair wound healing invitro. Because the injured lung surface is in direct communication with the pleural cavity, we investigated whether the pleural gaseous milieu affected lung healing. Oxygen and CO2 levels in pleural gas were determined prospectively in consecutive patients (N= 116) undergoing lung resection by using an infrared spectroscopy-based analyzer. Poisson and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between time to resolution of air leaks and pleural oxygen and CO2. In addition, patients with pleural CO2 concentrations? 6%on postoperative day 1 (n= 20) were alternatively treated with supplemental oxygen and extrapleural suction to reduce the pleural CO2 levels. Poisson analyses revealed that every 1%increase in CO2 was associated with a delay in resolution of air leak by 9h (95%CI, 7.1 to 10.8; P< .001). Linear regression showed that every 1%increase in CO2 increased the odds of PAL by 10-fold (95%CI, 2.2 to 47.8; P=.003). In patients with pleural CO2? 6%, a reduction in CO2 promoted resolution of air leak (6.0 ± 1.2 vs3.4 ± 1.1days; P< .001). Pleural hypercarbia seems to be associated with persistent alveolopleural fistulae following lung resection. Analysis of pleural gases could allow for better chest tube management following lung resection. Patients with intrapleural hypercarbia seem to benefit from supplemental oxygen and suction, whereas patients who do not have hypercarbia can be maintained on water seal drainage.

Root Cause of Analysis of Peculiar Response of Pneumothorax to Chest Tube Drainage

Chest tube drainage is a simple system to manage pneumothorax. It is inserted at the safety triangle after local anesthesia. Due to the positive intrapulmonary pressure and the negative intrapleural pressure during inspiration, air in the pleural space will be forced out into the chest drain bottle with underwater seal. The resorption of pneumothorax is further enhanced by oxygen therapy, which displaces the nitrogen inside the pneumothorax. Out of our expectation, there are cases with peculiar response to chest tube drainage. We should consider the following in the root cause analysis. 1. Chest drain system integrity: The chest drain should be placed in the pleural cavity, rather than sub-cutaneous or intra-abdominal cavity. The tubing should not be kinked or disconnected and the connection site should not be masked by dressing. 2. Anatomy of the pneumothorax: The anatomy of the pneumothorax should be on CXR or preferably contrast CT thorax. Any loculation, endobronchial obstruction, trapped lung due to old inflammatory process, lung entrapment due to persistent active inflammatory process should be noted. 3. Clinical assessment: It includes pleural fluid analysis, if present, and pleural manometry with air aspiration. In case of persistent air-leak seen in the chest drain bottle, suspect alveolopleural or bronchopleural fistula especially when patient is on positive pressure ventilation. Alternating or persistent bilateral pneumothorax without air-leak suggests interpleural communication (Simultaneous Bilateral Spontaneous Pneumothorax). The observed phenomena can be explained by considering the pressure change between various intra-thoracic compartments accounts for the observed phenomena, although confirmation of the communication during thoracoscopy is preferred.

Pleural Gas Analysis for Detection of Alveolopleural Fistulae

Visual inspection (VI) of bubbles in the chest drainage unit does not differentiate a true leak of alveolopleural fistula (APF) from a false leak. We hypothesized that detection of elevated levels of carbon dioxide, increase in oxygen content, or both, in pleural gas upon the administration of supplemental oxygen would accurately identify APF. Prospective study comparing pleural gas analysis (GA) with VI to detect APF after surgical lobectomy (n= 50). APF was found in 22 (44%) patients at the time of analysis. VI revealed air bubbles in 31 (62%) patients, indicating the presence of APF, of whom 12 (38.7%) were false leaks. VI failed to identify APF in 3 (6%) patients that resulted in post-tube removal pneumothorax. By contrast, GA accurately demonstrated APF in 21 patients, with only one false negative and no false positives. GA demonstrated better sensitivity (95.5% vs 86.4%), specificity (100% vs 57.1%), positive predictive value (100% vs 61.3%), and negative predictive value (96.6% vs 84.2%) compared to VI. Pleural gas analysis is an effective technique to detect APF and can facilitate timely and safe chest tube removal.

Endobronchial Valve Therapy in Prolonged Air Leak

Persistent air leak (PAL) is the most common complication following lung resection.1,2 It lengthens hospital stay and increases post-surgical morbidity and mortality due to the increased risk of empyema, fever or pneumonia.4 It can contribute to respiratory failure, limit activity, increase the time and costs of hospitalization and add to the risk of hospital-acquired infections.1 PAL is defined as prolonged air leak caused by an alveolopleural fistula lasting more than 7 days.1 Although the length of evolution described in the literature varies, the finding of air leak on day 5 post-surgery is considered as a “significant air leak”. If the air leak is continuous or occurs during inhalation or exhalation and presents with subcutaneous emphysema or respiratory failure, it normally becomes persistent.1,5 An alveolopleural fistula is the abnormal communication between the pulmonary parenchyma distal to a segmentary bronchus and the pleural space.3 After surgery, it may be caused by delayed healing of the lung surface, due mainly to underlying parenchymal disease.1 For this reason, PAL is more common after surgery for secondary spontaneous pneumothorax than after primary pneumothorax. An incidence of around 20% has been reported.1 Standard treatment of PAL is generally conservative, with continuous chest drainage. If the condition prolongs over time, surgical reintervention can be considered as a second option. This procedure can be burdensome in terms of morbidity, does not always guarantee a solution, and in some cases the problem may even be aggravated if the already diseased parenchyma is exposed to more injury.1 The most common surgical techniques currently available for treating this disease are further resection of the lung parenchyma at the site of the anatomical defect, reinforcement of sutures with bovine pericardium, pleurectomy, pleurodesis with autologous blood patches or other chemical agents such as fibrin sealant, sponges, ethanol, trichloroacetic acid, bronchial blockers or cautery using a fiberoptic bronchoscope.2 The wide range of therapeutic options indicate that no single approach is fully effective, and this has led to the introduction of less invasive approaches such as endobronchial valves, which provide shorter recovery

Simple and Economical Management of a Prolonged Air Leak

Prolonged air leak has been described in many pulmonary diseases but remains one of the common complications of pulmonary resections. Although, the management of prolonged air leaks related to broncho-pleural or alveolo-pleural fistulae traditionally requires surgical repair. In recent years, bronchoscopic approaches have drawn attention because of their conservative nature. We report a case of prolonged air leak after a pulmonary wedge resection that was treated with a simple and economical endobronchial method.