Aspiration Of Material Research Articles

The expiration reflex from the trachea and bronchi

The expiration reflex (ER) is a forced expiratory effort against a closed glottis that subsequently opens to eject laryngeal debris and prevent aspiration of material. It is distinct from the cough reflex. Its source is usually assumed to be restricted to the larynx and vocal folds, and its possible origin from the tracheobronchial (TB) tree has been suggested but never studied. The current authors re-analysed previous records with mechanical or chemical stimulation of the TB tree to see if an ER can consistently be elicited, and to see whether it has properties similar to that from the larynx and vocal folds. A random review was made of some of the extensive literature on TB "cough" to see if it confirmed the authors' conclusions. The TBER was consistently seen in cats and rabbits, either alone or followed by cough. These results are consistent with many studies in other species, including humans. It was enhanced, relative to cough, by inflation of the lungs and by general anaesthesia. Tracheobronchial expiration reflex occurs frequently with mechanical stimulation of the tracheobronchial tree. It differs fundamentally from many of the properties of "true" cough. Its features similar to the laryngeal expiration reflex suggest that both should be labelled "expiration reflexes" and not cough. Its existence should be taken into account in experimental, and possibly clinical, studies on tracheobronchial cough.

Aspiration pneumonia and primary lung abscess: diagnosis and therapy of an aerobic or an anaerobic infection?

Pneumonia and primary lung abscesses may result from aspiration of infectious material from the oropharyngeal cavity and the upper respiratory tract. Most subjects suffer from an impaired mechanical or immunologic defense, for example alcoholism or dysphagia following stroke. The early course of the disease is uncharacteristic. Necrotizing pneumonia, pulmonary abscesses and the characteristic, foul-smelling, putrid discharge only occur 8–14 days after the initial aspiration event. Although common respiratory pathogens are frequently isolated from the lower airways of these patients, anaerobic bacteria play a pivotal role in cavitary lung disease following aspiration. Anaerobic coverage is therefore a requirement for an adequate antibiotic regimen, and antibacterial activity against common respiratory pathogens appears reasonable in most cases. Aminopenicillins/β-lactamase inhibitors, newer fluoroquinolones with anaerobic activity (moxifloxacin) and clindamycin have demonstrated equal clinical efficacy in the treatment of aspiration pneumonia and primary lung abscess. Prolonged antibiotic therapy is required in cases with extensive damage of lung tissue. Since antibiotics can provide cure in 80–90% of cases, surgical procedures are limited to severe complications, such as pleural empyema. Cavitary lung disease has a broad differential diagnosis, including aspiration of sterile gastric content (Mendelson syndrome), staphylococcal pneumonia, tuberculosis, primary carcinoma of the lung, metastases and vasculitis.

Neumonía lipoidea exógena aguda en «comedores de fuego». Descripción de dos casos

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is a rare disease that has traditionally been considered a chronic condition secondary to continued aspiration or inhalation of fatty substances. An acute form may sometimes appear after a single and massive aspiration of lipid material, being a characteristic accident of street artists or "fire-eaters" that may generate acute respiratory failure. In this paper, we present clinical and radiological signs and outcome of two cases of lipoid pneumonia in "fire-eaters". A few hours after exposure patients may develop fever, cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, pulmonary infiltrates or hypoxemia. While diagnosis of chronic forms may require invasive procedures, recent exposure to fatty substances is a clue for clinical diagnosis in acute forms. Acute forms usually have a good outcome but cases evolving to cavitary pneumonia have been described. Some patients can present with acute respiratory distress syndrome and death. Treatment is based on general supportive measures.

High-attenuation mucus plugs on MDCT in a child with cystic fibrosis: potential cause and differential diagnosis

High-attenuation mucus plugging is a rare finding in both adults and children. When it occurs, the field of differential diagnoses is typically quite small and includes acute hemorrhage, aspiration of radiodense material, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The last of these three diagnoses is the most difficult to make, although ABPA is more commonly seen in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) or asthma. ABPA is radiographically characterized by recurrent mucus plugging, atelectasis, and central bronchiectasis. Thus far, high-attenuation mucus plugs have only been reported in adults. We report a rare case of a child with CF who had high-attenuation mucus plugs and atelectasis that raised the possibility of ABPA. We discuss the differential diagnoses of this finding and the role of multidetector CT in these children.

A Premature Infant With H-Type Tracheoesophageal Fistula Demonstrated by Scintigraphic Technique

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) without esophageal atresia is commonly known as "H" type. This is extremely rare in infants. The rarity of the condition, its nonspecific symptomatology, and limitations in its demonstration by contrast radiology and endoscopy contribute to delays between first presentation and confirmation of the diagnosis. Our aim was to demonstrate a congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula by using Tc-99m sulfur colloid scintigraphy. A case report. A preterm female infant was born by cesarean section at 34 weeks gestation. After many attempts of feeding, she developed apnea, resolving spontaneously, peroral cyanosis, pallor, hypersalivation, and abdominal distension, even when she was being fed by an orogastric tube. With this complex symptomatology, she was suspected to have an H-type TEF. Because of prematurity and recurrent respiratory problems of the infant and the high risk of aspiration of contrast material during a cineradiographic procedure, and also because of the invasive nature of the endoscopic procedure as well as the requirement of general anesthesia, the diagnosis was made by using Tc-99m sulfur colloid scintigraphy and confirmed at operation. Demonstrating a congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula by using radionuclide imaging is an easily applicable technique.

Cough: what's in a name?

The cough reflex (CR) and the expiration reflex (ER) are two defensive reflexes from the respiratory tract, the latter mainly from the larynx. Both are elicited by mechanical and chemical irritation of the airway mucosa, and are a characteristic of airway diseases, but they have different functions. The CR first draws air into the lungs, to accentuate the subsequent expulsive phase; the ER consists of a strong expiration, to prevent aspiration of material into the lungs. They have different sensory pathways, central nervous circuits, and physiological and pharmacological modulations. In practice, coughing often consists of a combination of the two reflexes, a cough bout, epoch or attack. Articles on cough usually do not distinguish between the two reflexes, or whether the coughs are single events or epochs; they usually only measure frequency of expiratory efforts, and neglect other aspects. Current methods for measuring and assessing cough are described, with indications of when the use of these methods may be important.

Thrombus Aspiration during Percutaneous coronary intervention in Acute myocardial infarction Study (TAPAS)—Study design

Embolization of atherothrombotic material is common during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction (MI). This may lead to distal vessel occlusion resulting in impaired myocardial perfusion, which is associated with larger infarct size and increased mortality. Adjunctive devices for PCI to protect the microcirculation have been developed. We intend to determine whether aspiration of thrombotic material before stent implantation of the infarct-related coronary artery results in improved myocardial perfusion compared with conventional primary PCI. TAPAS is a single-center, prospective, randomized trial with a planned inclusion of 1080 patients with ST-elevation MI. Patients are assigned to treatment with thrombus aspiration with the 6F Export Aspiration Catheter (Medtronic Corporation, Santa Rosa, Calif) or to balloon angioplasty before stent implantation in the infarct-related artery. All patients will be treated medically according to current international guidelines including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors before PCI. Randomization will be performed before coronary angiography. The primary end point is angiographic myocardial blush grade of <2. Secondary end points are enzymatic infarct size, ST-segment elevation resolution and persistent ST-segment elevation, postprocedural distal embolization, and Major Adverse Cardiac Events at 30 days and 1 year. If thrombus aspiration significantly improves myocardial perfusion, it will lend support to the use of this treatment as part of the standard approach in patients with acute MI.

Moxifloxacin versus Ampicillin / Sulbactam in the treatment of aspiration pneumonia and primary lung abscess

Objective: Aspiration pneumonia (AP) and primary lung abscess (PLA) are rare diseases, which can be associated with life-threatening complications. The main cause of these diseases is an aspiration of infectious material from the oral cavaty or stomach. There is limited information on optimal antibacterial therapeutic regimens, which schould include anaerobic bacteria. We compared clinical and bacteriologic efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin (MOX) with that of ampicillin/sulbactam (AMP/SBT) in the treatment of AP and PLA.

Diagnostik und Therapie der Aspirationspneumonie

Aspiration pneumonia is an important and frequent complication following aspiration of infectious material from the oropharynx or stomach. Therefore the microbiological flora generally comprises a mixed spectrum of microbes including aerobic, microaerobic and anaerobic mircoorganisms. There are a number of risk factors for aspiration such as compromised consciousness or esophageal diseases. Aspiration pneumonia presents as a subacute or chronic disease. An endoscopic inspection of the bronchial system and a bacteriological evaluation should be performed in all patients. The principal therapeutic strategy for aspiration pneumonia is an antibiotic therapy. In uncomplicated cases a treatment for 7-10 days should be sufficient, but in case of complications like necrotizing pneumonia or lung abscess a prolonged administration (14-21 days, up to weeks or months) will be necessary. Recommended antibiotic regimens include clindamycin +/- cephalosporin, ampicillin/sulbactam and moxifloxacin.

Organophosphate-Induced Intermediate Syndrome

The intermediate syndrome (IMS) following organophosphorus (OP) insecticide poisoning was first described in the mid-1980s. The syndrome described comprised characteristic symptoms and signs occurring after apparent recovery from the acute cholinergic syndrome. As the syndrome occurred after the acute cholinergic syndrome but before organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy, the syndrome was called 'intermediate syndrome'. The IMS occurs in approximately 20% of patients following oral exposure to OP pesticides, with no clear association between the particular OP pesticide involved and the development of the syndrome. It usually becomes established 2-4 days after exposure when the symptoms and signs of the acute cholinergic syndrome (e.g. muscle fasciculations, muscarinic signs) are no longer obvious. The characteristic features of the IMS are weakness of the muscles of respiration (diaphragm, intercostal muscles and accessory muscles including neck muscles) and of proximal limb muscles. Accompanying features often include weakness of muscles innervated by some cranial nerves. It is now emerging that the degree and extent of muscle weakness may vary following the onset of the IMS. Thus, some patients may only have weakness of neck muscles whilst others may have weakness of neck muscles and proximal limb muscles. These patients may not require ventilatory care but close observation and monitoring of respiratory function is mandatory. Management is essentially that of rapidly developing respiratory distress and respiratory failure. Delays in instituting ventilatory care will result in death. Initiation of ventilatory care and maintenance of ventilatory care often requires minimal doses of non-depolarising muscle relaxants. The use of depolarising muscle relaxants such as suxamethonium is contraindicated in OP poisoning. The duration of ventilatory care required by patients may differ considerably and it is usual for patients to need ventilatory support for 7-15 days and even up to 21 days. Weaning from ventilatory care is best carried out in stages, with provision of continuous positive airway pressure prior to complete weaning. Continuous and close monitoring of respiratory function (arterial oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood, partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood) and acid-base status are an absolute necessity. Prophylactic antibiotics are usually not required unless there has been evidence of aspiration of material into the lungs. Close monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance is mandatory in view of the profuse offensive diarrhoea that most patients develop. Maintenance of nutrition, physiotherapy, prevention of bed sores and other routine measures to minimise discomfort during ventilatory care are necessary. Recovery from the intermediate syndrome is normally complete and without any sequelae. The usefulness of oximes during the IMS remains uncertain. In animal experiments, very early administration of oximes has prevented the occurrence of myopathy. There are reports from developed countries where administration of oximes at recommended doses and within 2 hours of ingestion of OP insecticide did not prevent the onset of the IMS. Controlled randomised clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of oximes in combating the IMS. Electrophysiological studies following OP poisoning have revealed three characteristic phenomena: (i) repetitive firing following a single stimulus; (ii) gradual reduction in twitch height or compound muscle action potential followed by an increase with repetitive stimulation (the 'decrement-increment response'); and (iii) continued reduction in twitch height or compound muscle action potential with repetitive simulation ('decrementing response'). Of these, the decrementing response is the most frequent finding during the IMS, whilst repetitive firing is observed during the acute cholinergic syndrome. The distribution of the weakness in human cases of the IMS, in general, parallels the distribution of the myopathy observed in a number of studies in experimental animals. This has led to speculation that myopathy is involved in the causation of the IMS. However, while myopathy and the IMS have a common origin in acetylcholine accumulation, they are not causally related to one another.

Pneumonia lipóide exógena – Caso clínico

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is an infrequent pathology that results from the aspiration or inhalation of exogenous hydrocarbon. The acute form may be seen in cases of accidental aspiration of fatlike material traditionally described in fire-eaters.The authors present the case report of an acute ELP in a 19 year-old patient, fire-eater, admitted at the Emergency Room after inhalation of petroleum.By conclusion, some brief considerations on clinical-imagiological aspects of this situation are discussed.Rev Port Pneumol 2005; XI (6): 567-572

Pneumonia in the Nursing Home

Pneumonia syndromes may be caused by infection or the aspiration of food, acid, or particulate material. Antibiotic-resistant organisms or recurrent aspiration should be considered if the response to treatment is poor. Clinicians should consider discontinuing antibiotics if the resident’s status rapidly returns to baseline after a noninfectious macro-aspiration event. The natural history of this process, however, is not well characterized. Diagnostic procedures including sputum gram stain, culture, and urinary antigen testing should be pursued to diagnose pathogens not covered by empiric therapy or to focus therapy with narrow spectrum agents. Sources of aspiration, including pharyngeal dysphagia, periodontal disease, and gastric regurgitation, should be identified and treated in hopes of preventing recurrence. Pneumonia syndromes may be caused by infection or the aspiration of food, acid, or particulate material. Antibiotic-resistant organisms or recurrent aspiration should be considered if the response to treatment is poor. Clinicians should consider discontinuing antibiotics if the resident’s status rapidly returns to baseline after a noninfectious macro-aspiration event. The natural history of this process, however, is not well characterized. Diagnostic procedures including sputum gram stain, culture, and urinary antigen testing should be pursued to diagnose pathogens not covered by empiric therapy or to focus therapy with narrow spectrum agents. Sources of aspiration, including pharyngeal dysphagia, periodontal disease, and gastric regurgitation, should be identified and treated in hopes of preventing recurrence.

Pneumonia in the Nursing Home

Pneumonia syndromes may be caused by infection or the aspiration of food, acid, or particulate material. Antibiotic-resistant organisms or recurrent aspiration should be considered if the response to treatment is poor. Clinicians should consider discontinuing antibiotics if the resident's status rapidly returns to baseline after a noninfectious macro-aspiration event. The natural history of this process, however, is not well characterized. Diagnostic procedures including sputum gram stain, culture, and urinary antigen testing should be pursued to diagnose pathogens not covered by empiric therapy or to focus therapy with narrow spectrum agents. Sources of aspiration, including pharyngeal dysphagia, periodontal disease, and gastric regurgitation, should be identified and treated in hopes of preventing recurrence.

Possible Role of EUS-FNA in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Background: Standard diagnostic methods may occasionally fail to achieve a diagnosis in patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB). Linear endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) provides easy access to mediastinal lymph nodes, offering the additional possibility of guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for cytology and bacteriology for the diagnosis of suspected TB. Patients and Methods: 34 patients (21 male; mean: 41 years, range 23-72; 15 caucasian, 11 asian, 8 black) with a suspected diagnosis of TB, with enlarged nodes on CT but no lung tumor were referred from pulmonologists for the examination. All patients had extensive prior negative investigations including bronchoscopy with tissue/bacteriology sampling. EUS and guided FNA was carried out using a linear ultrasound transducer and 22 Gauge needles to obtain cytological/bacteriologic specimens. Results: The mean size of lymph-nodes at EUS was 1.8 cm (range 0.9 to 3.8 cm), located paratracheally (5), subcarinally (21), in the aorto-pulmonary window (7), or posterior lower mediastinum (1). EUS-FNA provided adequate samples in all cases. Necrosis or pus was seen in 3/34 aspirates. Cytology revealed epithelioid granulomas on a dirty background suggestive of tuberculosis in 22 patients. Other diagnoses included: sarcoidosis: 7, Hodgkin's lymphoma: 2, unspecific inflammation: 2 and abscess: 1. Mycobacterial cultures were positive in 15/22 patients with Tb and other bacteriology was positive in 2 cases; 5 patients were followed up under therapy. Patients with TB and lymphoma were treated accordingly, while those with sarcoidosis were only treated if clinically indicated. Lymphadenopathy cleared in all patients with TB on cytology under therapy within 6 months. There were no complications related to EUS-FNA. Conclusions: EUS-FNA of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with suspected TB revealed a variety of diagnoses but was also able to identify the patients with true TB. All patients identified responded to anti-tuberculous therapy. Patients investigated by EUS did not require mediastinoscopy and had no procedure-related complications. Trans-oesophageal EUS/FNA is a safe and sensitive technique allowing the aspiration of material for cytology and mycobacterial culture. It can be a useful alternative in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, when other non-invasive methods fail.

Brain abscess complicating pregnancy.

Brain abscess is a potentially life-threatening complication that is only rarely associated with pregnancy. Although predispositions such as a preexisting infection, foreign body, or immunosuppression are often present, up to 30% of individuals could have no risk factors. Presenting symptoms are often nonspecific but suggestive of a central nervous system process and include headache, seizures, mental status changes, and focal neurologic deficits. Cranial imaging by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can suggest the diagnosis of abscess. Diagnosis is confirmed by aspiration of purulent material. Treatment involves antibiotics, often with surgical drainage. Vaginal delivery at term appears to be safe. Care of the affected gravida, including time and route of delivery, should be approached by a team representing perinatology, neurosurgery, infectious disease, and anesthesiology.

Ampicillin + sulbactam vs. clindamycin ± cephalosporin for the treatment of aspiration pneumonia and primary lung abscess

Aspiration pneumonia, necrotising pneumonia and primary lung abscess are complications arising from the aspiration of infectious material from the oral cavity or stomach. There is limited information on optimal antibacterial therapeutic regimens. Patients with pulmonary infection following aspiration (n = 95) were included in a prospective, open, randomised, comparative multicentre trial to compare the safety, clinical and bacteriological efficacy of ampicillin + sulbactam vs. clindamycin +/- cephalosporin. Treated patients (n = 70) received sequential antibiotic therapy with either ampicillin + sulbactam (n = 37) or clindamycin (n = 33), with or without a second- or third-generation cephalosporin, administered until the complete resolution of clinical and radiological abnormalities. Definite or presumptive pathogens were isolated from 58 patients. Mean duration of therapy was 22.7 days for ampicillin + sulbactam and 24.1 days for clindamycin. In patients treated with ampicillin + sulbactam, the clinical response was 73.0% at the end of therapy and 67.5% 7-14 days after therapy. For clindamycin, the rates were 66.7% and 63.5%, respectively. Bacteriological response was similar in both treatment arms. Nine patients died (12.9%), with a Simplified Acute Physiology Score of > 30 points being the only significant predictive factor for therapeutic failure. Ampicillin + sulbactam and clindamycin +/- cephalosporin were both well-tolerated and proved equally effective in the treatment of aspiration pneumonia and lung abscess.

A Case of Pulmonary Aspergilloma in Bronchogenic Cyst Associated with An Actinomycosis

Pulmonary aspergilloma usually arises in preexisting lung cavities characterized by recurrent hemoptysis. Although surgical resection of the aspergilloma is the best treatment, most patients are poor candidates for surgery because of far-advanced underlying pulmonary disease. On the other hand, pulmonary actinomycosis is a chronic, indolent bacterial infection and follows aspiration of oropharyngeal material. Bronchiectasis and obstructive lung disease are often associated underlying conditions. We report a case of pulmonary aspergilloma in bronchogenic cyst associated with an actinomycosis in 21-year-old woman treated by thoracoscopic surgery with a review of literature. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2004; 57:584-588)

An intraligamentous ganglion cyst of the anterior cruciate ligament after a traumatic event

An unusual case of intraligamentous ganglion cyst of the anterior cruciate ligament after a traumatic event in a 12-year-old boy is presented. Magnetic resonance imaging was helpful in delineating the lesion. An arthroscopic aspiration of the cyst material resulted in resolution of symptoms to preserve satisfactory knee function. The patient remains asymptomatic 25 months after surgery.

Safety evaluation of an α-amylase enzyme preparation derived from the archaeal order Thermococcales as expressed in Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I

BD5088 α-amylase derived from archaeal sources has characteristics of pH and temperature tolerance that are well suited to hydrolysis of starch in food processing applications. The production microorganism recipient strain, Pseudomonas fluorescens biovar I, strain MB101, was avirulent after oral administration to mice and does not represent an infectious threat to humans. Repeated dose gavage studies with BD5088 enzyme preparation, up to 13 weeks in duration, showed no systemic toxicity due to the oral route with an NOAEL of 890 mg/kg/day as Total Organic Solids. Some irritation occurred in the respiratory tract, which was considered to be a consequence of reflux and aspiration of test material that contained lipopolysaccharide from the Pseudomonas production strain. A 2-week dietary study (0 and 310 mg/kg/day) confirmed that there were no respiratory tract effects related to oral ingestion. There was no genotoxic activity based on Ames, mouse lymphoma, mouse micronucleus, and rat lymphocyte chromosomal aberration tests. There was no evidence of allergenic potential based on a comparison of the primary sequence of BD5088 with sequences in an allergen database. The enzyme was labile to pepsin digestion. Based on these data, BD5088 α-amylase preparation may be considered safe for use in food production such as corn wet milling.

Nucleus cryoinversion for extraction of highly complicated cataracts

We describe a technique for cataract extraction in vitrectomized eyes that uses secured removal of the nucleus with no manipulation of the capsular bag. After a large scleral tunnel is prepared and a capsulorhexis created, a 20-gauge retinal cryoprobe enveloped in a plastic or a silicone sleeve is introduced into the anterior chamber. The cryoprobe engages the nucleus by a “freeze-grip” and rotates it 180 degrees so that the nucleus is elevated into the anterior chamber with no force applied to the capsule and the cryoprobe supporting it from below. The cryoprobe is replaced by a vectis under the nucleus and with the help of another instrument from above, the nucleus is removed. Aspiration of cortical material under low-pressure fluid maintenance of the anterior chamber completes removal of the cataract. An intraocular lens is then implanted in the ciliary sulcus for maximum capsule support.