Cavitary Lung Lesions Research Articles

Beyond the Usual Suspects: Unmasking a Rare Pulmonary Co-Infection

This case report presents a 33-year-old male farmer with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) pneumonia complicated by Leptospirosis. The patient presented with a 2.5-month history of high-grade fever, chest pain, and weight loss. Investigations revealed multiple cavitary lesions in bilateral lungs. Blood cultures were positive for MRSA, and ELISA for leptospira was positive. The patient was successfully treated with vancomycin and anticoagulation therapy and discharged.

A case report of intrapulmonary mature teratoma with aspergilloma

Introduction: Teratomas are benign germ cell tumors composed of components from the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. While germ cell tumors account for 10-20% of anterior mediastinal masses, intrapulmonary teratomas (IPTs) are extremely rare. They typically occur in the third decade of life and may present as metastasis from gonadal tumors. This study reports a rare case of a mature IPT in the right middle lobe of the lung, initially misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and aspergilloma. Case Presentation: A 17-year-old female presented with a 4-year history of cough with sputum and two episodes of hemoptysis. Despite negative tuberculosis tests, she was treated with anti-tubercular drugs and multiple antibiotics. Imaging revealed a 5.5-cm cavitary mass in the right middle lobe containing an aspergilloma. Surgical resection was performed, and the pathology confirmed a mature teratoma with aspergilloma colonization. The patient recovered well postoperatively and showed no signs of recurrence. Discussion: Teratomas are germ cell tumors rarely found in the lungs, with fewer than 100 cases reported globally. Diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions such as tuberculosis. In this case, the presence of an aspergilloma further complicated the diagnosis. Complete surgical resection led to the patient's recovery. Conclusion: Mature IPTs with aspergilloma are extremely rare, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cavitary lung lesions. Early diagnosis and surgical resection are crucial for successful treatment.

TNF-α inhibitors in the management of refractory granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A report of two cases

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a type of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) that causes granulomatous necrotizing inflammation of small blood vessels. The goal of AAV treatment is to create a long-term remission. For inducing remission, the European League Against Rheumatism recommends using glucocorticoids (GCs) in combination with either cyclophosphamide (CYC) or rituximab (RTX). Despite this, in 10-40% the disease is resistant to initial treatment. In this report, we present two cases of refractory GPA that successfully achieved long-term remission using tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors. The first case is a 27-year-old woman with GPA with involvement of upper airway, breast and central nervous system with active disease despite treatment with high dose GCs, CYC and RTX, successfully treated with infliximab and the disease was in complete remission for 54 months. The second case is a 35-year-old man with GPA with arthritis, lung cavitary lesions and nephritis resistant to treatment with high dose GCs, CYC and RTX, treated with adalimumab and the disease was in complete remission for 40 months.

Rare Presentation of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: A Case of Lung Infection with Pleural Effusion

Background: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms that can cause pulmonary infections, particularly in individuals with predisposing conditions. While NTM lung disease is increasingly recognized, pleural effusion as a complication remains uncommon, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This case emphasizes the importance of a high index of suspicion, comprehensive microbiological investigations, and bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of NTM lung disease with pleural effusion. Case presentation: We present the case of a 55-year-old male farmer with a history of smoking, who presented with progressive dyspnea, cough, and constitutional symptoms. Initial investigations suggested tuberculosis, but sputum tests were negative. Chest imaging revealed a right pleural effusion and cavitary lung lesions. Pleural fluid analysis showed an exudative pattern with elevated adenosine deaminase (ADA) but negative for acid-fast bacilli. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage culture yielded Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (MOTT). The patient was diagnosed with NTM lung disease complicated by pleural effusion and initiated on multidrug therapy. Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of NTM lung disease, particularly when presenting with pleural effusion. A high index of suspicion, comprehensive microbiological investigations, and bronchoscopy are crucial for accurate diagnosis. Prompt initiation of appropriate multidrug therapy is essential for optimal outcomes.

Actinomyces funkei bacteraemia and infected pulmonary cavities in an intravenous drug user: a case report

BackgroundActinomyces spp. are most commonly found in human commensal flora; however, they have also been shown to cause suppurative infections. We present a case of a rare Actinomyces funkei bacteraemia from an infected deep vein thrombosis in a patient who went on to develop pulmonary cavities secondary to septic emboli. Infected thrombi and septic emboli have been associated with other Actinomyces spp. in the literature, often posing a diagnostic challenge and, in some cases, causing drastic clinical deterioration in patients. The literature regarding Actinomyces funkei is scarce and to our knowledge there are no reports of a relationship between this Actinomyces subspecies and infected thrombi or septic emboli.Case presentationThe patient was a 39-year-old known intravenous drug user who presented with a groin injecting site sinus and systemic symptoms. The bacteria was first observed by gram staining of a blood culture sample after 48 h of incubation and the species was identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) as Actinomyces funkei. Sputum cytology/histology with cell block revealed a branching gram-positive species suspicious of slow growing bacteria or fungus. CT imaging of his lower limb and chest revealed an extensive DVT with inflammatory changes and pulmonary cavities respectively. The patient was treated with Ceftriaxone before being discharged with a 6-month course of Linezolid. He made a good recovery with reduction in size of the cavitating lung lesions on follow-up imaging.ConclusionsThis case report presents a difficult-to-diagnose bacterial infection in an intravenous drug user, complicated by bacteraemia and secondary septic emboli. Relatively little is known about Actinomyces funkei, and therefore this report aims to increase clinician awareness of diagnosis, management, and complications.

A Case of Disseminated Cryptococcus in an HIV-Positive Patient

A 69-year-old male with a history of untreated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was admitted to the emergency department for symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, lethargy, and weight loss. His physical examination revealed severe wasting, oral thrush, and hypoxia. Chest imaging revealed cavitary lesions and blood work showed an absolute CD4 count of 23 cells/mm3. An IR-guided biopsy revealed abundant necrosis and scattered narrow-based fungal organisms consistent with Cryptococcus neoformans infection. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine. Due to the increased risk of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS), HIV treatment was deferred. The patient deteriorated, transitioned to comfort care, and unfortunately expired. INTRODUCTION Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous environmental yeast and a leading cause of invasive fungal infection in humans with significant morbidity and mortality that affects both immunocompetent and immune-compromised hosts.1,2 Globally, there are approximately 1 million cases of AIDS-related cryptococcosis each year, leading to over 600,000 deaths. This represents a prevalence of 6.0% (95% CI 5.8–6.2) among people with a CD4 cell count of less than 100 cells per uL.2 The transmission mode is by inhalation of microscopic fungus (desiccated yeast or spores). Immunosuppression is the strongest risk factor for disease development, including HIV infection, stem cell and solid organ transplantation, prolonged immunosuppressive therapy, invasive medical procedures, hematological malignancies, advanced age, and prematurity.1,2,3 Treatment usually involves a fungicidal regimen of IV liposomal amphotericin B, plus flucytosine followed by oral fluconazole.4,5 Overall, 90-day all-cause mortality in patients with cryptococcal infection is 19.4%. Mortality rates are significantly higher in HIV/transplant patients at 90 days (41.7% versus 8.3%, p = 0.017) and one year (41.7% versus 12.5%, p = 0.047).6,7 This case describes a 69-year-old HIV-positive patient who presented with multisystemic manifestations and cavitary lung lesions with blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings of cryptococcal antigen and positive fungal culture and lung biopsy confirmation of Cryptococcus.

Cavitating Lung Lesions in Adults with Crohn’s Disease

Cavitating Lung Lesions in Adults with Crohn’s Disease

Navigating a complex case of Mycobacterium xenopi in a patient with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Introduction: Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is a rare disorder of venous malformations, with around 200 cases reported. We present a case of Mycobacterium xenopi infection in a patient with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. Case Description: A 40-year-old female with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, asthma, and bronchiectasis came to the pulmonology clinic with shortness of breath and a cough. She was recently admitted for a bronchiectasis exacerbation but continued to have a worsening productive cough and fevers. The most recent CT scan of the chest showed interval stable right upper lobe fibrocavitary disease, demonstrating gradual progression over two years. She had occasional positive cultures for Mycobacterium Avium Complex and M. xenopi one year previously, assumed to be a colonizer and not treated. Most recent hospital cultures were negative for bacteria and an acid-fast bacilli smear. She was sent to the emergency department for bronchiectasis exacerbation and returned to the clinic six weeks later with two sputum cultures growing M. xenopi. It was decided to treat M. xenopi as this was likely the cause of her cavitary lung lesion and frequent infections. Azithromycin, rifampin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim were initiated. Intravenous amikacin was added later on. She finally had a right partial lung resection done after one year at an outside hospital. She was on and off antibiotics for M. xenopi for approximately three years with negative repeat cultures for non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Conclusion: Due to the high mortality of M. xenopi infections (which can be as high as 69%), treatment of at least twelve months is recommended. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of M. xenopi in a patient with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome.

It all started with a sore throat: Polymicrobial septicaemia, cavitating lung lesions and severe thrombocytopenia

It all started with a sore throat: Polymicrobial septicaemia, cavitating lung lesions and severe thrombocytopenia

Cavitary lung lesions in COVID-19 associated pneumonia: a single-center study of 40 cases

To demonstrate clinical features and outcomes in patients with cavitary lung lesions and COVID-19 associated pneumonia. A retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of 8261 patients with COVID-19 was performed. We selected 40 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Sex, age, hospital-stay, lung tissue lesion, comorbidities, treatment, methods of respiratory support, complications and outcomes were evaluated. Cavitary lung lesions were more common in men (67.5%). Age of patients ranged from 28 to 88 (mean 64.9±13.7) years. Hospital-stay in patients with cavitary lung lesions was 9-58 (median 27.5) days. There were 18 complications in 14 (35%) patients. Pneumothorax, isolated pneumomediastinum, pleural empyema, hemoptysis and sigmoid colon perforation were considered as complications of cavitary lung lesions. Nine (22.5%) patients died (5 of them with complications). Three patients died after surgical treatment. Long-term results were analyzed in 8 (25.8%) patients. Patients were followed-up for 3 months after discharge. Shrinkage of lesions occurred after 7-60 (mean 23) days, and complete obliteration of cavities came after 32 (range 14-90) days. Cavitary lung lesions are a rare complication of COVID-19 pneumonia. There was no significant correlation of complications with age, sex, therapy, volume of lung lesions and non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Despite more common fatal outcomes in older patients undergoing NIV, the last one was prescribed exclusively due to disease progression and respiratory failure. Further research on this problem is necessary to identify possible risk factors of cavitary lung lesions.

Pulmonary and Liver Toxocariasis Mimicking Metastatic Tumors in a Patient with Colon Cancer.

Toxocariasis is an uncommon cause of multiple cavitary lung lesions and an ill-defined liver lesion. We herein report a patient with lung and liver toxocariasis, which mimicked metastatic lesions of colon cancer on 18F-FDG PET-CT and chest and abdominal CT performed for cancer staging after diagnosis of colon cancer. The patient was diagnosed with lung and liver toxocariasis by a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung toxocariasis may occur as multiple cavitary lung lesions, and liver toxocariasis may appear as a solitary ill-defined nodule, which may be misdiagnosed as metastatic tumors. Clinicians should consider toxocariasis when multiple cavitary lung lesions and a solitary ill-defined focal liver lesion are detected, especially in a patient with cancer.

Breathlessness in the Mississippi River Valley: Treatment Resistant Severe Pulmonary Blastomycosis in an Immunocompetent Male

BACKGROUND: Blastomycosis commonly presents as a respiratory infection and is endemic to the Mississippi River Valley that causes severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. Here we present a case of an immunocompetent patient with severe pulmonary blastomycosis. THE CASE: A 20-year-old male with a history of childhood asthma with worsening cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, left sided neck mass and 40 lb weight loss over 2.5 weeks. Previously diagnosed with pneumonia 2 months prior and treated with levofloxacin and amoxicillin. Failure to improve led to hospitalization and discovery of a cavitary lung lesion. He was started on vancomycin, meropenem, azithromycin, and anidulafungin. Following discharge, outpatient CT imaging showed worsening lung lesions. At this time itraconazole was started due to high suspicion of blastomycosis. He worsened, requiring home oxygen and came to our hospital for further evaluation. On presentation, he was febrile and tachycardia to 139 with physical exam notable for decreased breath sounds and a large palpable mass under his left mandible. Pertinent labs included leukocytosis to 30.9/cmm with a left shift. Repeat imaging found severe peribronchovascular consolidations worse in the left upper lobe. Infectious disease was consulted and initiated amphotericin B due to poor response to itraconazole and possible disseminated disease. Treatment included 10-days of amphotericin B followed by 6-12 months of itraconazole. CONCLUSION: Disseminated Blastomyces infection in immunocompetent hosts is exceedingly rare. Targeted therapy was started 6 weeks following symptom onset and we suspect that delays in diagnosis due to being in rural Mississippi contributed to disease progression.

Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation Type 1 with Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia in an Adult Male: a Rare Case Report

Abstract Introduction/Objective Congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) is rare, usually diagnosed in the pediatric population, and may occur in adults. Pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (PNECH) mimicking diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) associated with CPAM has not been described previously. We report a case of CPAM Type 1 with PNECH. Methods/Case Report A 33-year-old male, with past medical history of latent tuberculosis (TB) by Quantiferon blood testing, recurrent pneumonia, recurrent lung abscesses, and lung cavitary lesion for three years, presented with fever, cough with hemoptysis, shortness of breath, and left-sided chest pain. Computerized tomography of chest displayed a 10.8 cm cavitary lesion in the left lower lobe of the lung. The patient underwent left lower lobectomy of the lung. Grossly, the lobectomy specimen revealed a 10.5 cm irregular cavity communicating to the superior segmental bronchus of the left lower lobe. Microscopically, the dominant large cyst was surrounded by lung parenchyma and small cystically dilated spaces resembling bronchioles under the fibrotic pleura. The large cyst was lined by respiratory epithelium with rare pathognomonic mucous cells in clusters. Cyst walls contained smooth muscle, small islands of cartilage, and focal intense acute and chronic inflammatory cell infiltrates with hemorrhage. There were multiple foci of proliferation of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells centered around bronchioles surrounding the large cyst. The neuroendocrine cells were arranged from individual cells and cellular aggregates to larger tumorlets, highlighted by Synaptophysin and Chromogranin immunostains. No granuloma or necrosis was present. No acid-fast bacilli or fungal microorganisms were identified by special stains. The findings are consistent with CPAM type 1, with PNECH. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Our study demonstrates a histologically diagnosed adult congenital pulmonary airway malformations type 1 with an incidental pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, which mimics diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such an association.

Cavitary lung lesions: differential diagnosis and a pictorial review

Cavitary lung lesions: differential diagnosis and a pictorial review

S2830 Dysphagia, Cough, and Cavitary Lung Lesions: Tuberculosis, or Is It?

S2830 Dysphagia, Cough, and Cavitary Lung Lesions: Tuberculosis, or Is It?

Bronchial Artery Einbolization for Treatment of Hemoptysis from Cavitary Lung Lesions

Background Treatment for liemoptysis is not limited to surgery, and among the various options, bronchial artery emboli/anon is regarded as an effective approach. Aim of the Work To evaluate the technique, efficacy, and safety of Bronchial Artery Embolization in patients with haemoptysis from cavitary lung lesions. Patients and Methods Our study was a reconstructive (retrospective and prospective) cohort study that was held during the period between March 2021 and September 2021. The study included 20 patients who presented with hacmoptysis due to cavitary lung lesions refractory to supportive treatment measures. Patients were referred from chest department to interventional Radiology Unit, Ain Shams University Hospitals. Results Massive hemoptysis was seen in 15 patients and recurrent mild-moderate in 5 patients. On imaging cavitary lesions were seen at left side in 8 patients, right side in 8 patients, and bilateral involvement in 4 patients. Bronchiectatic changes were the predominant pathology seen in 6 patients, immediate success was achieved in 20 patients, while recurrence within one month was noted at 4 patients. Minor complications such as chest pain were recorded in 13 patients yet no major complications such as spinal cord ischemic. Conclusion BAE is a safe and effective procedure with a negligible complication rate that can be performed routinely in patients presenting with heimoptysis,

Role of Multidetector Computed Tomography in Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Cavitary Lung Lesions With a Histopathological Correlation: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Cavitary lung disease has a wide range of differential diagnoses, which include both benign and malignant lesions. Imaging differentiation of benign from malignant cavitary lesions has always been a challenge due to overlapping imaging findings. The present study describes the most accurate multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings that could help in differentiating benign from malignant conditions in correlation with the histopathological reports. Methods This retrospective study was carried out on diagnosed cases of cavitary lung lesions on MDCTfrom January 2022 to February 2023. We evaluated the number of cavitary lung lesions, their location with respect to lung segment/lobe, the maximum diameter of the largest lesion, the maximum wall thickness of the largest cavity, and additional findings associated with these lesions. Measurements of the maximum wall thickness were plotted on a graph. Statistical analysis was done, and a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was calculated to find the accurate cut-off wall thickness for malignant and non-malignant lesions.These findings were then correlated with the histopathological report. Results A review of the MDCT scans of 47 patients was done; 30 (63.8%) of those were male with a mean age of 47.93±14.68 (SD) years while 17 (36.2%) were female with a mean age of 52.53 ±18.38 (SD) years. Out of 47 patients, 27 (57.4%) had benign lesions and 20 (42.5%) had malignant lesions. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between benign and malignant lesions while comparing the averages of maximum wall thickness (8.1 mm and 14.5 mm, respectively) and the irregular inner margin of the largest cavitary lesions. The presence of consolidation and centrilobular nodules correlated significantly (p<0.05) with the benign nature of cavitary lung lesions. The maximum cut-off wall thickness was <6 mm and >17 mm for the differentiation of benign from malignant lung lesions, respectively. Conclusions The maximum wall thickness and irregular inner margin of cavitary lung lesions was a good indicator for the differentiation of benign and malignant etiologies on MDCTwhile consolidation and centrilobular nodules favoured the benign etiology more.

A Case of Lung Abscesses Secondary to Mucormycosis in a Diabetic Female Patient

Mucormycosis is a rapidly advancing and hazardous form of opportunistic infection usually starts in nose and/or paranasal sinuses after inhaling fungal spores. This infection is caused by Mucorales fungi which belong to the Zygomycetes class. The incidence of Mucormycosis is approximately 1.7 cases in 1 million. They more frequently exist in rhinomaxillary area and is a rare pulmonary disease of an opportunistic fungi, which is difficult to diagnose with an unpredictable response to treatment. They usually appear in individuals with immunocompromised states such as diabetes, long term use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy for solid organ and hematopoietic cell transplantation, and disorders like neutropenia are notably common risk factors. As a potential for relatively life-threatening condition, the disorders warrant an anticipatory approach. We report here a case of pulmonary mucormycosis in uncontrolled diabetes presented with bilateral cavitary lesions in lungs that was first misdiagnosed as case of Pulmonary TB, later diagnosis was made on the basis of results of bronchoscopic biopsy, and was started on amphotericin and followed up with improvement of her symptoms.

Hematemesis or hemoptysis? Pulmonary hydatidosis presenting with hemoptysis, case report

BackgroundPulmonary hydatidosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus.Case presentationIn this case report we present a case of a 38-year-old woman presenting with hemoptysis as a manifestation of pulmonary hydatidosis. Hemoptysis was falsely interpreted at first as hematemesis leading to multiple non-indicated gastroscopies. The patient was diagnosed by pathological examination of the lobectomy sample.ConclusionsProper history, in differentiating hemoptysis from hematemesis, guides proper management. Also, pulmonary hydatidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cavitary lung lesions, especially in endemic areas.

Confluent cavitated nodules in invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma: A case report

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare variant of lung adenocarcinoma. Here, we present the case of a patient with invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma with cavitary lung lesions. A 61-year-old painter-and-bricklayer. She was admitted due to mMRC2 dyspnea, a dry cough that during hospitalization mobilizes dense, abundant secretions, and becomes demanding. Differential diagnoses were made based on clinical symptoms and images, performing multiple laboratory tests ruling out immunosuppression, and two video-bronchofibroscopies finding the diagnosis in the transbronchial lung biopsy: Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma that would explain the abundant bronchorrhea, advanced stage and poor prognosis led to ventilatory failure and death of the patient.