Bronchoalveolar Lavage Analysis Research Articles

Transforming growth factor-β1 is associated with inflammatory resolution via regulating macrophage polarization in lung injury model mice

ObjectiveVentilation is the main respiratory support therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome, which triggers acute lung injury (ALI). Macrophage polarization is vital for the resolution of inflammation and tissue injury. We hypothesized that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 may attenuate inflammation and ventilator-induced ALI by promoting M2 macrophage polarization. MethodsC57BL/6 mice received 4-hour ventilation and extubation to observe the resolution of lung injury and inflammation. Lung vascular permeability, inflammation, and histological changes in the lungs were evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage analysis, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin and eosin staining, as well as transmission electron microscope. TGF-β1 cellular production and macrophage subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. The relative expressions of targeted proteins and genes were measured by immunofuorescence staining, Western blot, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ResultsHigh tidal volume-induced injury and inflammation were resolved at 3 days of post-ventilation (PV3d) to PV10d, with increased elastic fibers, proteoglycans, and collagen content, as well as higher TGF-β1 levels. M1 macrophages were increased in the acute phase, whereas M2a macrophages began to increase from PV1d to PV3d, as well as increased M2c macrophages from PV3d to PV7d. A single dose of rTGF-β1 attenuated lung injury and inflammation at end of ventilation with polymorphonuclear leukocyte apoptosis, while nTAb pretreatment induced the abnormal elevation of TGF-β1 that aggravated lung injury and inflammation due to the significant inhibition of M1 macrophages polarized to M2a, M2b, and M2c macrophages. ConclusionsPrecise secretion of TGF-β1-mediated macrophage polarization plays a crucial role in the resolution of ventilator-induced inflammatory lung injury.

Exploring Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Microbial Clues and Biomarker Insights from a Retrospective Study.

Background and Objectives: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common complication in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. The incidence rates of VAP vary, and it poses significant challenges due to microbial resistance and the potential for adverse outcomes. This study aims to explore the microbial profile of VAP and evaluate the utility of biomarkers and illness severity scores in predicting survival. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 130 patients diagnosed with VAP. Microbial analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, as well as measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels, were performed. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were calculated to assess illness severity. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine correlations and associations. Results: The study revealed that Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (50.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (27.69%) were the most identified microorganisms in VAP cases. SOFA (p-value < 0.0001) and APACHE II (p-value < 0.0001) scores were effective in assessing the severity of illness and predicting mortality in VAP patients. Additionally, our investigation highlighted the prognostic potential of CRP levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.980, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.968 to 0.992, p = 0.001). Elevated levels of CRP were associated with reduced survival probabilities in VAP patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the microbial profile of VAP and the importance of biomarkers and illness severity scores in predicting survival. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for appropriate management strategies to combat microbial resistance and improve outcomes in VAP patients.

Repeated doses of captopril induce airway hyperresponsiveness by modulating the TRPV1 receptor in rats

Although TRPV1 receptors play an essential role in the adverse effects on the airways following captopril treatment, there is no available evidence of their involvement in treatment regimens involving repeated doses of captopril. Comparing the difference in these two treatment regimens is essential since captopril is a continuous-use medication. Thus, this study explored the role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in the effects of captopril on rat airways using two treatment regimens. Airway resistance, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted in rats administered with single or repeated doses of captopril. This study showed that the hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin and capsaicin in captopril-treated rats was acute. Treatment with the selective B2 antagonist, HOE140 reduced bradykinin hyperresponsiveness and abolished capsaicin exacerbation in single-dose captopril-treated rats. Likewise, degeneration of TRPV1-positive neurones also reduced hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin. Single-dose captopril treatment increased leukocyte infiltration in the BAL when compared with the vehicle and this increase was reduced by TRPV1-positive neurone degeneration. However, when compared with the vehicle treatment, animals treated with repeated doses of captopril showed an increase in leukocyte influx as early as 1 h after the last captopril treatment, but this effect disappeared after 24 h. Additionally, an increase in TRPV1 expression occurred only in animals who received repeated captopril doses and the degeneration of TRPV1-positive neurones attenuated TRPV1 upregulation. In conclusion, these data strongly indicate that a treatment regimen involving multiple doses of captopril not only enhances sensitisation but also upregulates TRPV1 expression. Consequently, targeting TRPV1 could serve as a promising strategy to reduce the negative impact of captopril on the airways.

Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5 Infection via PDGFRα Is Associated With Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis and Generates Composite Peptides and Epitopes Recognized by the Agonistic Immunoglobulins Present in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis.

The etiopathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is unknown. Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) are overexpressed in patients with SSc. Because PDGFRα is targeted by the adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5), we investigated whether AAV5 forms a complex with PDGFRα exposing epitopes that may induce the immune responses to the virus-PDGFRα complex. The binding of monomeric human PDGFRα to the AAV5 capsid was analyzed by in silico molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and genome editing of the PDGFRα locus. AAV5 was detected in SSc lungs by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and molecular analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Immune responses to AAV5 and PDGFRα were evaluated by SPR using SSc monoclonal anti-PDGFRα antibodies and immunoaffinity-purified anti-PDGFRα antibodies from sera of patients with SSc. AAV5 was detected in the BAL fluid of 41 of 66 patients with SSc with interstitial lung disease (62.1%) and in 17 of 66 controls (25.75%) (P < 0.001). In SSc lungs, AAV5 localized in type II pneumocytes and in interstitial cells. A molecular complex formed of spatially contiguous epitopes of the AAV5 capsid and of PDGFRα was identified and characterized. In silico molecular docking analysis and binding to the agonistic anti-PDGFRα antibodies identified spatially contiguous epitopes derived from PDGFRα and AAV5 that interacted with SSc agonistic antibodies to PDGFRα. These peptides were also able to bind total IgG isolated from patients with SSc, not from healthy controls. These data link AVV5 with the immune reactivity to endogenous antigens in SSc and provide a novel element in the pathogenesis of SSc.

Cytologie du lavage broncho-alvéolaire

AbstractThe bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), obtained through bronchoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure is performed for the diagnosis and monitoring of various lung conditions.This article outlines the various steps of bronchoalveolar lavage analysis in the laboratory and focuses on cytological analysis, including staining, types of cells or other elements that can be observed, as well as various pathological contexts requiring investigation by a BAL.

Research article: Utilization of bronchoalveolar lavage in clinical practice

ABSTRACT Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a pivotal diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in pulmonary medicine. Objectives: This research review delves into the multifaceted applications, indications, techniques, and potential advancements of BAL in contemporary medical practice. Methods: Drawing on a systematic review of existing literature, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of BAL’s clinical significance. Results: The review discusses BAL’s evolving role in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary conditions. Conclusion: BAL holds significant clinical value, with ongoing advancements enhancing its applications in pulmonary medicine.

Increased expression of CXCL6 in secretory cells drives fibroblast collagen synthesis and is associated with increased mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Recent data suggest that the localisation of airway epithelial cells in the distal lung in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may drive pathology. We set out to discover whether chemokines expressed in these ectopic airway epithelial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of IPF. We analysed whole lung and single-cell transcriptomic data obtained from patients with IPF. In addition, we measured chemokine levels in blood, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of IPF patients and air-liquid interface cultures. We employed ex vivo donor and IPF lung fibroblasts and an animal model of pulmonary fibrosis to test the effects of chemokine signalling on fibroblast function. By analysis of whole-lung transcriptomics, protein and BAL, we discovered that CXCL6 (a member of the interleukin-8 family) was increased in patients with IPF. Elevated CXCL6 levels in the BAL of two cohorts of patients with IPF were associated with poor survival (hazard ratio of death or progression 1.89, 95% CI 1.16-3.08; n=179, p=0.01). By immunostaining and single-cell RNA sequencing, CXCL6 was detected in secretory cells. Administration of mCXCL5 (LIX, murine CXCL6 homologue) to mice increased collagen synthesis with and without bleomycin. CXCL6 increased collagen I levels in donor and IPF fibroblasts 4.4-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively. Both silencing of and chemical inhibition of CXCR1/2 blocked the effects of CXCL6 on collagen, while overexpression of CXCR2 increased collagen I levels 4.5-fold in IPF fibroblasts. CXCL6 is expressed in ectopic airway epithelial cells. Elevated levels of CXCL6 are associated with IPF mortality. CXCL6-driven collagen synthesis represents a functional consequence of ectopic localisation of airway epithelial cells in IPF.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Equine Asthma Presentation and Response to Treatment Using Lung Function Testing and BAL Cytology Analysis in Combination with Owner Perception.

(1) Background: Equine asthma (EA) is a pervasive and important cause of poor performance and respiratory morbidity in horses. Diagnosis of EA includes an owner complaint, clinical scoring, lung function testing, and cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology. There is a paucity of information about the longitudinal course of the disease using these outcome assessments; thus, this study sought to describe and quantify, in horses with more than one visit to a specialty pulmonary clinic in New England, the type and range of clinical presentations with an eventual diagnosis of EA. It also aimed to develop and compare the outcomes of scoring systems for owner complaints and veterinary assessments, document and assess the diagnostic methods used, and evaluate the response of the horses to treatment and time. (2) Methods: This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional, STROBE-compliant observational analysis of equine patients who visited the Tufts Cummings Hospital for Large Animals (HLA) for evaluation of equine asthma (EA) from 1999-2023. The horses were categorized as having mild-moderate (mEA) or severe EA (sEA) using the ACVIM consensus statement guidelines. After excluding those with inadequate documentation or only one visit (n = 936), a total of 76 horses were included in the study. Of the 197 visits, 138 (70.0%) resulted in a diagnosis of mEA and 45 (22.8%) resulted in a diagnosis of sEA. Demographic information, owner complaints, clinical examination and scoring, lung function testing, BAL cytology, and recommendations for environmental remediation and pharmacologic treatment were recorded for all the visits. The data were analyzed for agreement between owner complaints (complaint score, CS) and clinical examination findings (examination score, ES), changes in CS and ES, lung function testing, and BAL cytology over time, with 197 visits recorded. (3) Results: A comparison between the CS and ES showed that the owners were more likely than veterinarians to detect cough, and a decrease in cough was the most common owner observation after treatment. The response to the histamine challenge, used to detect airway hyperreactivity, was significantly improved with treatment or time in the horses with mEA, whereas baseline lung function did not significantly change in mEA or sEA. (4) Conclusions: Owners can be astute observers of clinical signs, especially cough, in EA. Tests of airway hyperreactivity are more successful in detecting changes in mEA than are baseline lung function testing and assessment of BAL cytology.

Microbial, Cytological, and Histopathological Analysis of Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Diagnosis of Community-acquired Pneumonia: A Prospective Study

Microbial, Cytological, and Histopathological Analysis of Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Diagnosis of Community-acquired Pneumonia: A Prospective Study

The impact of bronchoalveolar lavage on the diagnosis of undifferentiated interstitial lung disease alongside a multidisciplinary discussion.

Cellular analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid may aid diagnosis in patients with undifferentiated interstitial lung disease (ILD). The utility of this test in the diagnostic process in conjunction with a multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) is not known. We aim to assess and compare interobserver agreement and diagnostic confidence before and after presenting BAL results in an ILD-MDD. Patients undergoing investigations for ILD at Waikato Hospital were recruited. At the ILD-MDD two respiratory physicians and one respiratory radiologist participated in the discussion, and their diagnosis and diagnostic confidence were assessed at four sequential time points. Assessors were blinded to each others diagnosis and diagnostic confidence scores. The four sequential time points were (1) after clinical and radiology presentation; (2) after subsequent MDD; (3) after reviewing BAL results; (4) after final MDD with all results. Interobserver agreements were calculated using Fleiss κ statistic. 36 patients were recruited, and 77.8% were male. In the first step, the interobserver agreement was substantial κ = 0.622 (95% CI 0.47-0.77), improving in step 2 following MDD to κ = 0.78 (95% CI 0.624-0.935), in step 3 κ = 0.776 (95% CI 0.614-0.937) and step 4 achieved almost perfect agreement of κ = 0.969 (95% CI 0.828-1.11). The diagnostic confidence for individual and group diagnosis increased with the presentation of BAL with and without multidisciplinary MDD. We found that BAL cellular analysis improves interobserver agreement and confidence in diagnosis following MDD, thus aiding decision-making in cases with undifferentiated ILD.

Thirteen Cases of Pulmonary Pneumocystis in HIV-Negative Patients.

We report 13 cases of pulmonary pneumocystis (PCP) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected patients. Of eight males and five females, with a mean age of 55 years, one had breast neoplasia, two had common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), one had an autoimmune disease "Goodpasture's syndrome", and one had idiopathic fibrosis (nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/fibrosis(NIP)) undergoing prolonged corticosteroid therapy for two years, with no known immunosuppression in the remaining cases. The clinical picture was characterized by constant dyspnea and severe hypoxia in 11 cases. Lymphopenia was present in nine caseswith an average rate of 920.76 elements/mm3. The diagnosis was confirmed by isolation of Pneumocystis jirovecii(PCJ) from induced sputum, except in two cases where analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was required. With trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and corticosteroid therapy, the course was favorable in all cases. Prophylactic treatment was indicated in three cases.

Indications, Efficacy, and Complications of Pediatric Bronchoscopy: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Center.

Background Bronchoscopy is an essential procedure for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating pediatric respiratory diseases. In this study, we demonstrate the indications and contraindications of bronchoscopy done in a tertiary referral hospital, Al Qassimi Woman's and Children's Hospital (AQWCH) in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in order to achieve better service. This study aims to evaluate patients' characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic indications, and complications of bronchoscopy. Material and method This retrospective chart review included children aged between one day and 13 years, admitted to AQWCH, who underwent bronchoscopy (rigid or flexible) procedures between January 2018 and December 2019. All patients were identified by using a computerized search of hospital discharge diagnosis, which was codified as "pediatric bronchoscopy, flexible, rigid, bronchoalveolar lavage". The main study outcome measure was to evaluate patients' characteristics, diagnostic or therapeutic indications, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis, as well as complications of bronchoscopy at AQWCH. Results There were 72 pediatric bronchoscopies (rigid and flexible) performed in patients aged less than 13 years old; the reason for bronchoscopy procedure was diagnostic in 51% and both diagnostic and therapeutic in 49%. Cough was the most common symptom (n=53; 74%), and chest recession was the most common clinical finding (n=46; 64%). Foreign body aspiration was the main indication (n=23; 32%), followed by stridor (26%). Consolidation was the most common radiological finding. Foreign body was the common finding, seen in 25% of bronchoscopies, followed by tracheomalacia in 17%. The suspected diagnosis was confirmed in 89%, and management change was needed in 54% of patients. The main complication during the procedure was desaturation (26%), and cough was the main post-bronchoscopy complication (14%). BAL was done for 28 (39%) patients, in which BAL culture was positive in 75%.Rigid bronchoscopy was done when foreign body aspiration was suspected based on positive history in 70%, abnormal physical examination in 60%, and chest X-ray abnormalities in 39% of patients. Sensitivity and specificity for patient history, physical examination, and chest X-ray were 80% and 83%, 66% and 60%, and 40% and 66 %, respectively. Conclusion Bronchoscopy is an important tool for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating pediatric respiratory diseases. While it is a safe procedure, it still needs a careful selection of patients as it is invasive.

Case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: optimal possibilities for rapid diagnosis in a multidisciplinary hospital

Introduction. One of the distinguishing features of systemic vasculitis is their manifestation under the guise of a lesion of one or another organ system, which is often multi-organ in nature with signs of systemic inflammation. The latter is interpreted primarily as part of an infectious or paraneoplastic process, which causes a delay in the diagnosis.The aim of the study was to present the diversity of the clinical picture in vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), the speed and large volume of diagnostic measures with the effective cooperation of therapeutic and surgical specialists, radiologists on the way to verifying granulomatosis with polyangiitis in a young woman.Materials and methods. Patient K., 46 y. o., was hospitalized in the Otolaryngology Department of the N.I. Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1 of the Moscow Health Department with complaints of hearing loss, pain and stuffiness in the left ear, unproductive cough, hoarseness and fever up to 38.5 °C. According to the radiography (RG) of the chest organs, right-sided pneumonia was detected. Conducted antibiotic therapy without effect. As part of the differential diagnostic search, the following nosologies were excluded: infective endocarditis, sepsis, tuberculosis, primary multiple or central lung cancer complicated by paracancer pneumonia, metastatic lesion, infectious, brucellosis spondylodiscitis.Results. In the blood test, attention was drawn to a decrease in the level of hemoglobin to 111 g / l, an increase in the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation to 45 mm / h and the level of C-reactive protein to 142 mg / l, microhematuria according to the general urine analysis. Instrumental research methods – RG of 16.02.22, MSCT of the chest organs on 17.02.22, 27.02.22, 10.03.22 showed progressive bilateral focal pneumonia with a focus of consolidation in the middle lobe, EchoCG, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis, RG of the temporal bone, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and microscopic analysis, for atypia and bacteriological culture. A gynecological examination and a smear from the cervical canal for microscopic analysis were performed, atypical cells, consulted by a phthisiatrician (no data for tuberculosis), consulted three times by a thoracic surgeon (exclusion of volumetric formation of the middle lobe of the right lung). Given the history and clinical presentation (female gender, young age, bilateral otitis media, hoarseness, and destructive nature of pneumonia), granulomatosis with polyangiitis was suspected, and tests for ANCA were prescribed. A transthoracic biopsy of the right lung was performed. A rheumatologist prescribed induction pulse therapy with corticosteroids, and after serological and histological confirmation (antibodies to Proteinase-3 Anti-PR3 &gt; 200 IU / ml, productive pneumonitis, granulomas without signs of tuberculosis), immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide. Against the background of pathogenetic treatment, a pronounced clinical and laboratory effect was noted.Conclusion. In this clinical situation, the simultaneous involvement of specialists of various profiles, the performance of a large number of laboratory and instrumental studies in dynamics, the absence of delay in histological verification made it possible to quickly exclude common diseases in the population and suspect systemic vasculitis, establishing a correct diagnosis within 5 weeks of the hospitalization period.

Bi-fluorescent Staphylococcus aureus infection enables single-cell analysis of intracellular killing in vivo.

Techniques for studying the clearance of bacterial infections are critical for advances in understanding disease states, immune cell effector functions, and novel antimicrobial therapeutics. Intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus by neutrophils can be monitored using a S. aureus strain stably expressing GFP, a fluorophore that is quenched when exposed to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) present in the phagolysosome. Here, we expand upon this method by developing a bi-fluorescent S. aureus killing assay for use in vivo. Conjugating S. aureus with a stable secondary fluorescent marker enables the separation of infected cell samples into three populations: cells that have not engaged in phagocytosis, cells that have engulfed and killed S. aureus, and cells that have viable internalized S. aureus. We identified ATTO647N-NHS Ester as a favorable dye conjugate for generating bi-fluorescent S. aureus due to its stability over time and invariant signal within the neutrophil phagolysosome. To resolve the in vivo utility of ATTO647N/GFP bi-fluorescent S. aureus, we evaluated neutrophil function in a murine model of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) known to have impaired clearance of S. aureus infection. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from animals subjected to pulmonary infection with bi-fluorescent S. aureus demonstrated differences in neutrophil antimicrobial function consistent with the established phenotype of CGD.

The Usefulness of Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Species Infection

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary tuberculosis is an active chronic infection of the lungs. It is still a public health problem globally caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC). These species are difficult to determine only by conventional tests. The clinical manifestations are almost similar between the strains and cause diagnosis delays. Prolonged and intolerable MTBC therapy inhibits infection control. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of bronchoscopy in diagnosing the MTBC species infection. METHODS: This study recruited patients with difficulty expectorating sputum. Pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. This study assessed sputum Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) staining, chest X-rays with active pulmonary tuberculosis, characteristics of Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and bronchoscopic findings based on the Chung classification. The BAL of polymerase chain reaction analysis using RD9 and TbD1 primers to determine MTBC species. RESULTS: Out of the 30 cases, M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis 24 (80.0%) and 6 (20.0%) were identified in BAL fluid. There were 12 cases (40.0%) with AFB sputum test, and 25 (83.3%) of the Xpert MTB/RIF detected tuberculosis cases. All chest X-rays showed infiltrated and 22 (73.3%) pulmonary ectasis. There was a significant difference in MTBC species between sputum and BAL fluid (p &lt; 0.05). The ulcerative type of bronchoscopy findings was significantly different in MTBC species (p &lt; 0.05) and there was no macroscopic BAL fluid difference (p &gt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopy is a specimen collection technique that is beneficial in determining the diagnosis of MTBC. Analysis of BAL with molecular methods contributes to identifying MTBC species quickly and accurately.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Diagnostic Evaluation of Pulmonary Diseases- An Institutional Experience.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a widely accepted investigative tool for the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. This study was done to find out the usefulness of BAL in diagnosis of pulmonary lesions from central Indian patient population. A cross-sectional prospective study was performed over a period of three years. All the BAL specimens of patients presenting to Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis during a period of January 2017 to December 2019 were included in the study. Cyto-histopathologic correlation was done, wherever available. Of total 277 cases, there were 178 (64.5%) males and 99 (35.5%) females. The age of patients ranged from 4 years to 82 years. In 92 (33%) cases, specific infective etiology could be identified on BAL cytology, the most common being tuberculosis (26%) followed by fungal infections (2%). Rarely, infections like nocardia, actinomycosis, and hydatidosis were also identified. Eight cases (3%) of malignancy were identified which included two cases of adenocarcinoma, one case of small cell carcinoma, three cases of poorly differentiated carcinoma, and two cases suspicious for malignancy. Some rare diagnoses like diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis could be identified on BAL. BAL is useful in primary diagnosis of infections and malignancies of lower respiratory tract. BAL may aid in diagnostic workup of diffuse lung diseases. A combination of clinical information, high-resolution computed tomography, and BAL analysis may furnish an assured diagnosis to the clinician and obviate need for invasive procedures.

GeneXpert analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples: promising diagnostic modality in patients with smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis

PurposeThe aim of the study is to assess the diagnostic utility of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples with GeneXpert test in diagnosis of TB in smear-negative patients.MethodOne-hundred sixty-nine cases were included in this study, as they had a radiological finding suggested to have pulmonary tuberculosis, while the sputum direct smear examination for acid-fast bacilli was negative. All cases prepared to do fiber-optic bronchoscope with bronchoalveolar lavage collection after their consent and post bronchoscope sputum collection for further molecular and microbiological examination.ResultsThe combined diagnostic yield of all bronchoscopy procedures was 15.97% (27 cases of 169) and the final diagnosis of TB cases was established in 16 cases of 169 (9.4%) using BAL culture and in 20 cases of 169 (11.83%) by GeneXpert methods. Post bronchoscope direct sputum examination, culture, and GeneXpert evaluation gave diagnostic yield about 1.1%, 5.5%, and 7.1%, respectively. The specificity of GeneXpert examination of BAL and post bronchoscope sputum was 95.42% and 97.38%, respectively.ConclusionEarly detection of pulmonary tuberculosis using fiber-optic bronchoscope BAL examination and post bronchoscope sputum with GeneXpert method promotes the accurate decision to start antituberculous therapy in patients with smear negative.

Identifying biomarkers of ventilator induced lung injury during one-lung ventilation surgery: a scoping review.

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) can occur as a result of mechanical ventilation to two lungs. Thoracic surgery often requires one-lung ventilation (OLV). The potential for VILI is likely higher in OLV. The impact of OLV on development of post-operative pulmonary complications is not well understood. We aimed to perform a scoping review to determine reliable biomarkers of VILI after OLV. A scoping review was performed using Cochrane Collaboration methodology. We searched Medline, EMBASE and SCOPUS. Gray literature was searched. Studies of adult human or animal models without pre-existing lung damage exposed to OLV, with biomarker responses analyzed were included. After screening 5,613 eligible papers, 89 papers were chosen for full text review, with 29 meeting inclusion. Approximately half (52%, n=15) of studies were conducted in humans in an intra-operative setting. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) & serum analyses with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based assays were most commonly used. The majority of analytes were investigated by a single study. Of the analytes that were investigated by two or more studies (n=31), only 16 were concordant in their findings. Across all sample types and studies 84% (n=66) of the 79 inflammatory markers and 75% (n=6) of the 8 anti-inflammatory markers tested were found to increase. Half (48%) of all studies showed an increase in TNF-α or IL-6. A scoping review of the state of the evidence demonstrated that candidate biomarkers with the most evidence and greatest reliability are general markers of inflammation, such as IL-6 and TNF-α assessed using ELISA assays. Studies were limited in the number of biomarkers measured concurrently, sample size, and studies using human participants. In conclusion these identified markers can potentially serve as outcome measures for studies on OLV.

Ferret acute lung injury model induced by repeated nebulized lipopolysaccharide administration.

Inflammatory lung diseases affect millions of people worldwide. These diseases are caused by a number of factors such as pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, and inhalation of toxins. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a valuable functional methodology for better understanding mechanisms of lung disease, measuring disease progression, clinical diagnosis, and evaluating therapeutic interventions. Animal models of inflammatory lung diseases are needed that accurately recapitulate disease manifestations observed in human patients and provide an accurate prediction of clinical outcomes using clinically relevant pulmonary disease parameters. In this study, we evaluated a ferret lung inflammation model that closely represents multiple clinical manifestations of acute lung inflammation and injury observed in human patients. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa was nebulized into ferrets for 7 repeated daily doses. Repeated exposure to nebulized LPS resulted in a restrictive pulmonary injury characterized using Buxco forced maneuver PFT system custom developed for ferrets. This is the first study to report repeated forced maneuver PFT in ferrets, establishing lung function measurements pre‐ and post‐injury in live animals. Bronchoalveolar lavage and histological analysis confirmed that LPS exposure elicited pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation and structural damage to the alveoli. We believe this ferret model of lung inflammation, with clinically relevant disease manifestations and parameters for functional evaluation, is a useful pre‐clinical model for understanding human inflammatory lung disease and for the evaluation of potential therapies.

DYSPNEIC AFTER EVERY COVID-19 SHOT: SUSPECTED BNT162B2 MRNA VACCINE-RELATED, DRUG-INDUCED PULMONARY EOSINOPHILIA

DYSPNEIC AFTER EVERY COVID-19 SHOT: SUSPECTED BNT162B2 MRNA VACCINE-RELATED, DRUG-INDUCED PULMONARY EOSINOPHILIA