High-resolution Computed Tomography Findings Research Articles

Pulmonary fibrosis in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis evaluated by transbronchial lung cryobiopsy: A single-center retrospective study

BackgroundApproximately 20% of patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) present with pulmonary fibrosis on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Although transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) has recently been used to diagnose fibrotic interstitial lung disease, no studies have investigated whether TBLC is useful for the histopathological detection of pulmonary fibrosis coexisting with PAP. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the utility of TBLC for evaluating pulmonary fibrosis in patients with PAP. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with PAP who underwent TBLC at our hospital between May 2021 and March 2023. We collected data including patient background, HRCT findings, and histopathological findings of the TBLC samples. ResultsSeven patients met the inclusion criteria, with a median age was 69 years; 5 patients were male. Six patients were diagnosed with autoimmune PAP, and one was diagnosed with unclassified PAP. Periodic acid-Schiff staining-positive materials in the alveoli were observed in six out of seven patients. Pulmonary fibrosis, defined as fibrosis with architectural distortion, was found in two patients. Fibroblastic foci and airway-centered fibrosis were presented in two and one patient, respectively. As a result of a multidisciplinary discussion, we diagnosed one each with fibrotic HP coexisting with PAP and PAP-associated fibrosis. ConclusionTwo of the seven patients with PAP presented histopathologically with pulmonary fibrosis in samples obtained through TBLC. Thus, TBLC should be considered when the coexistence of pulmonary fibrosis is suspected.

Exploring the Potential Value of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT for Molecular Assessment of Fibroblast Activation in Interstitial Lung Disease: A Single-Center Pilot Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings with pulmonary fibrotic activity in the corresponding regions using [68Ga]Ga-fibroblast activation fibroblast inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Additionally, the potential of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT for evaluating the active fibrosis process and 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for assessing the inflammatory process in ILD patients was also assessed. In this pilot study, 20 ILD patients underwent [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT and 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. Additionally, 10 patients without lung or thoracic involvement who were undergoing [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET/CT for cancer detection were enrolled in the control group. The images were evaluated both visually and semiquantitatively and also compared with HRCT and pulmonary function tests. Multiple quantitative parameters were derived from the lung segments in the PET scan, including SUVmax, SUVmean, maximum target-to-liver ratio, mean target-to-liver ratio (TLRmean), and total lesion FAPI expression for the entire lung, as well as its lobes and zones. Additionally, the maximum Hounsfield unit (HU) and mean HU in HRCT were calculated for the whole lung as well as its lobes and zones. Furthermore, an HRCT fibrosis score (HFS) was defined according to the HRCT findings. Twenty ILD patients with a mean age of 58.70 (SD, 11.09) years were enrolled. Additionally, 10 control patients were enrolled with a mean age of 57.70 (SD, 15.19) years. Based on visual assessment, the FAPI scan was positive in 12 (60%) patients. Similarly, the MIBI scan was positive in 12 (60%) patients. In the 20 ILD cases, both scans were positive in 6 cases, and both were negative in 2 cases. Six cases showed FAPI-negative and MIBI-positive results, whereas another 6 cases showed FAPI-positive and MIBI-negative results. Comparing the control and ILD patients, there was a significant difference in SUVmax, SUVmean, total lesion FAPI expression, TLRmean, maximum HU, and mean HU (P < 0.05). When comparing HFS with PET-derived parameters in zones, a significant positive correlation was found between HFS and SUVmean, SUVmax, maximum target-to-liver ratio, and TLRmean (P < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference was noted between FAPI results and HFS (P = 0.003). An ancillary finding, 9 of 20 (45%) ILD patients showed intense FAPI uptakes in gallbladder, whereas none of the 10 in the control group showed such uptake. The present study may suggest that combining [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET/CT and 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT yields an additive effect for evaluating ILD-related fibrosis and inflammatory processes over using either modality alone. Furthermore, it appears that [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET/CT has the potential to ascertain levels of fibrotic activity from population of resident fibroblasts, active fibroblasts, and scar maturation among ILD patients based on their HRCT patterns.

Using CT features of cystic airspace to predict lung adenocarcinoma invasiveness.

Lung adenocarcinoma associated with cystic airspace (LACA) was once considered an uncommon manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and understandings of it are limited; however, it is being observed more frequently in clinical practice. This study sought to assess the prevalence of LACA, and compare the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features of LACA in patients with varying degrees of invasiveness. This study retrospectively reviewed the HRCT scans of 1,525 patients with LUAD ≤3 cm in diameter at the Shanghai Chest Hospital between January 2016 and May 2016. Each nodule was examined to detect the presence of cystic airspace. Additionally, we analyzed the qualitative HRCT findings of the cystic airspaces, including the pattern, number, wall component density, distribution, inner surface, mural nodules, septa, and vessels passing through the cystic airspace using the Pearson χ2 test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. We also analyzed the quantitative measurements, such as the cystic airspace diameter, wall thickness, and thin-wall proportion, using a one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test as appropriate. LACAs were observed on HRCT in 11.5% (176/1,525) of the patients, of whom 7.1% (36/505) had pure ground-glass nodules, 13.5% (112/830) had mixed ground-glass nodules, and 14.7% (28/190) had solid nodules (P=0.001). The surgical procedures for LACAs varied (P=0.012). The incidence of LACAs increased as nodule diameter and invasiveness increased (both P<0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in the wall component density, distribution, septa, vessels passing through the cystic airspace, cystic airspace diameter, wall thickness, and thin-wall proportion among the preinvasive lesion (PL), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) groups (P<0.001, P=0.024, P=0.001, P=0.025, P=0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). Wall component density increased as invasiveness increased (P<0.001). Unlike those in the MIAs and IACs, cystic airspaces in PLs typically lacked septa (P=0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). The IACs had larger cystic airspace diameters than the PLs (6.5 vs. 3.7 mm) (P<0.001). The IACs also had thicker wall thickness (11.8 vs. 6.8 mm, 11.8 vs. 8.3 mm) (P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively) and smaller thin-wall proportions (181.5° vs. 264.8°, 181.5° vs. 223.8°) (P<0.001, and P=0.039, respectively) than the PLs and MIAs. The prevalence and characteristics of cystic airspaces on HRCT can be used to predict invasiveness in patients with LUADs ≤3 cm in diameter.

Effectiveness of Amikacin liposome inhalation suspension for refractory Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease at 6 months post initiation

BackgroundAmikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS) improved sputum culture conversion rate at 6 months for patients with refractory Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) in an international phase 3 trial. Patient characteristics and chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings associated with ALIS effectiveness are poorly documented.ObjectiveWe aimed to clarify ALIS effectiveness for refractory MAC-PD at 6 months, elucidating associated patient characteristics and chest CT findings.MethodsWe reviewed medical records of 12 patients with refractory MAC-PD for whom ALIS treatment was initiated at Toho University Omori Medical Center from November 2021 through September 2022. All patients demonstrated treatment persistence for at least 3 months. They were divided into culture conversion and non-conversion groups using sputum culture conversion status after 6-month ALIS treatment initiation. Clinical and radiological characteristics were compared.ResultsSeven of the 12 patients (58.3%) achieved sputum culture conversion within 6 months. The culture conversion group had shorter pre-ALIS initiation treatment duration [21 months (16–25) vs. 62 months (32–69); p = 0.045]; lower cavitary lesion incidence on HRCT (28.6% vs. 100%; p = 0.028); and fewer clarithromycin (CLA)-resistant strains [0/7 (0%) vs. 3/5 (60%); p = 0.045]. Chest HRCT findings improved in 4 of 7 (57.1%) and 1 of 5 (20%) patients in the culture conversion and non-conversion groups, respectively.ConclusionALIS facilitated sputum culture conversion within 6 months in 58.3% of patients with refractory MAC-PD. Sputum culture conversion was significantly more frequent for CLA-susceptible strains and patients with fewer cavitary lesions. Improved CT findings after ALIS did not always correspond to sputum culture conversion.

Predictors of relapse of polymyositis/dermatomyositis associated interstitial lung disease.

Polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) patients often develop interstitial lung disease (ILD), which can lead to relapse despite anti-inflammatory treatments. This study aims to elucidate the clinical characteristics of relapses in PM/DM-associated ILD patients. We gathered clinical data, including laboratory results, pulmonary function tests, chest high-resolution computed tomography findings from patients treated at Okinawa Chubu Hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. We identified a total of 74 patients, comprising 21 men and 53 women. Among them, 38 patients remained relapse-free with maintenance therapy, while 36 experienced relapses despite immunosuppressive management. We followed these patients until June 30, 2023, and 13 patients died. The median survival period was 51.4 months (range, 0.3-214 months). When comparing clinical variables, relapsed patients tended to be younger (49.9 vs. 64.1 years), reported myalgia and rash more frequently (63.9% vs. 28.9% and 61.15% vs. 21.1%, respectively). In terms of laboratory findings, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were higher in relapsed patients (613±464 vs. 381±203 U/L). Radiological findings showed that ground glass opacity (GGO) was more prevalent in relapsed patients (58.3% vs. 16.7%). A Cox-proportional hazards model for relapse demonstrated that serum LDH [hazard ratio (HR) 1.005, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.000-1.009, P=0.02] and GGO (HR 1.863, 95% CI: 1.103-3.147, P=0.02) were valuable predictors of relapse. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of serum LDH indicated that a threshold of 450 correctly classified relapse in PM/DM-associated ILD patients. Serum LDH and GGO may serve as predictors of relapse in PM/DM-associated ILD patients.

An analysis of HRCT imaging characteristics and sputum culture results in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia - an institutional observational study

Background and Objectives. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and sputum cultures are critical in diagnosing and managing CAP. This study aims to analyze HRCT imaging characteristics and sputum culture results in hospitalized patients with CAP, correlating imaging findings with specific pathogens to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 133 patients admitted with CAP at a tertiary care center in Chennai in last 12 months. HRCT scans were reviewed for specific imaging patterns, including ground-glass opacities, consolidation, interstitial patterns, and pleural effusion. Sputum samples were collected and cultured for bacterial pathogens. Data on patient demographics, HRCT findings, and sputum culture results were analyzed to identify correlations between imaging patterns and pathogens. Results. The study included 133 patients, with a mean age of 58 years, comprising 78 males (59%) and 55 females (41%). HRCT findings revealed ground-glass opacities in 68% of patients, consolidation in 54%, interstitial patterns in 32%, and pleural effusion in 21%. The most common organisms identified in sputum cultures were Klebsiella pneumoniae (20%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22%), Acinetobacter baumannii complex (9%), and E. coli (8%), with 25% of cultures yielding no growth. Ground-glass opacities were predominantly observed in cases with no bacterial growth, suggesting a viral etiology. Consolidation was the most common pattern associated with bacterial infections, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions. This study highlights the importance of HRCT in diagnosing CAP and distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections. The correlation between specific HRCT patterns and pathogens can enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment strategies. Future research should focus on integrating advanced diagnostic modalities and understanding the evolving patterns of CAP etiology to improve patient outcomes.

Pulmonary High Resolution Computed Tomography Findings of COVID-19 Patients Using CO-RADS Classification: A Study on Pakistani Population

Background: This study aimed to use high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and the CO-RADS grading system to diagnose COVID-19 patients and determine severity. Methodology: A retrospective study analyzed data from 280 patients at Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital Gujrat between January and August 2021. Informed consent and ethical approval were secured. Data collection used a 64-slice multi-detector CT scanner, including patients with positive and negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) findings. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The study included more males (170, 60.7%) than females (110, 39.3%), with the most affected age group being 45-64 years. HRCT findings showed ground glass opacities in 212 cases (35.6%), consolidations in 158 cases (26.5%), Crazy paving sign in 54 cases (9.1%), pulmonary lesions in 54 cases (9.1%), interstitial lung disease in 42 cases (7.0%), pulmonary infiltrates in 32 cases (5.4%), atelectasis in 26 cases (4.4%), and pulmonary fibrosis in 18 cases (3.0%). CO-RADS classification results were: CO-RADS 1 (5, 1.8%), CO-RADS 2 (11, 3.9%), CO-RADS 3 (101, 36.1%), CO-RADS 4 (68, 24.3%), CO-RADS 5 (56, 20%), and CO-RADS 6 (39, 13.9%). PCR results were positive only in severe cases (starting from CO-RADS 2), while HRCT detected pulmonary findings even in less severe cases (starting from CO-RADS 1). Conclusion: High-resolution computed tomography accurately and quickly identifies COVID-19 infections, even when PCR findings are negative. The CO-RADS technique effectively determines the severity and spread of COVID-19. CO-RADS 3 was the most frequently reported category, with typical findings including peripheral ground glass opacities and bilateral pleural consolidations.

HRCT findings predict 1-year mortality in patients with acute exacerbation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies-associated interstitial lung disease

BackgroundAcute exacerbation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies-associated interstitial lung disease (AE-IIM-ILD) is a significant event associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, few studies investigated the potential prognostic factors contributing to mortality in patients who experience AE-IIM-ILD. ObjectivesThe purpose of our study was to comprehensively investigate whether high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings predict the 1-year mortality in patients who experience AE-IIM-ILD. MethodsA cohort of 69 patients with AE-IIM-ILD was retrospectively created. The cohort was 79.7 % female, with a mean age of 50.7. Several HRCT features, including total interstitial lung disease extent (TIDE), distribution patterns, and radiologic ILD patterns, were assessed. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was used to evaluate the statistical relationship between variables. The Cox regression method was performed to identify potential prognostic factors associated with mortality. ResultsThe HRCT findings significantly associated with AE-IIM-ILD mortality include TIDE (HR per 10%-increase, 1.64; 95%CI, 1.29–2.1, p < 0.001; model 1: C-index, 0.785), diffuse distribution pattern (HR, 3.75, 95%CI, 1.5–9.38, p = 0.005; model 2: C-index, 0.737), and radiologic diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) pattern (HR, 6.37, 95 % CI, 0.81–50.21, p = 0.079; model 3: C-index, 0.735). TIDE greater than 58.33 %, diffuse distribution pattern, and radiologic DAD pattern correlate with poor prognosis. The 90-day, 180-day, and 1-year survival rates of patients who experience AE-IIM-ILD were 75.3 %, 66.3 %, and 63.3 %, respectively. ConclusionHRCT findings, including TIDE, distribution pattern, and radiological pattern, are predictive of 1-year mortality in patients who experience AE-IIM-ILD.

Diagnostic accuracy of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest in diagnosing sputum smear positive and sputum smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest in diagnosing sputum smear positive and negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Tertiary Care Hospital, Kharian Cantt. Period: Oct 2021 to April 2022. Methods: The retrospective reviews of medical records of patients undergone HRCT chest and sputum for AFB smear and culture due to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) suspicion were included. The HRCT and AFB findings for sample size of 220 was compared. SPSS was used to stratify outcomes on basis of sputum smear results. Diagnostic accuracy of HRCT chest was calculated by taking AFB as gold standard. The AFB findings and HRCT outcomes were compared through correlation analysis and paired t-test with p value &lt; 0.05 considered as significant. Results: The sensitivity was found to be 86.23% with specificity of 86.48%, positive predictive value of 86.23%, negative predictive value of 86.48% and diagnostic accuracy of 86.36% for HRCT for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Conclusion: HRCT chest affirms high diagnostic potential for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and should be used as a routine diagnostic tool for the disease.

Toupet fundoplication to prevent progression of scleroderma-associated interstitial lung damage: a study protocol

Summary Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune and multiorgan disorder. Hallmarks of the disease include inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulation of fibroblasts leading to fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The esophagus is often involved, with up to 80% of patients developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Reflux can be associated with hiatal hernia and several complications such as erosive esophagitis, peptic stricture, Barrett’s esophagus, aspiration pneumonia, and chronic microaspiration. Silent aspiration can lead to interstitial lung disease (ILD) in up to 50% of patients with scleroderma and accounts for up to 40% of mortality. Treatment of GERD in patients with SSc is challenging. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have been shown effective in relieving typical GERD symptoms, but up to 40% of patients are non-responders. Various antireflux surgical procedures have been proposed to treat GERD and to modify the natural course of the disease by preventing lung damage in these patients. However, current algorithms consider only the degree of esophageal dilation as a marker of disease severity/progression, and results of antireflux surgery remain controversial. Methods We propose a feasibility, observational, multicenter, single-arm trial including adult patients diagnosed with SSc. Criteria for inclusion are individuals with GERD symptoms refractory to PPI, absence of peptic stricture at baseline endoscopy, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan showing no or less than 10% lung fibrosis, forced vital capacity at least 40% of the predicted value, and diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide 30–89% of the predicted value. A laparoscopic partial posterior fundoplication according to the Toupet technique will be performed. Primary study outcome is the efficacy of fundoplication to reduce reflux exposure measured with a pH-impedance study or 4‑day wireless pH recording. Secondary outcomes include endoscopic, HRCT, and respiratory function tests findings as well as quality of life at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions The expected reduction of reflux burden in SSc patients selected for Toupet fundoplication may improve GERD symptoms/complications, pulmonary function, and quality of life, and may be associated with a reduced risk for lung transplant.

The Value of Ultrasound for Detecting and Following Subclinical Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a complication in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Accurate strategies to identify its presence in early phases are essential. We conducted the study aiming to determine the validity of ultrasound (US) in detecting subclinical ILD in SSc, and to ascertain its potential in determining the disease progression. 133 patients without respiratory symptoms and 133 healthy controls were included. Borg scale, Rodnan skin score (RSS), auscultation, chest radiographs, and respiratory function tests (RFT) were performed. A rheumatologist performed the lung US. High-resolution CT (HRCT) was also performed. The patients were followed every 12 weeks for 48 weeks. A total of 79 of 133 patients (59.4%) showed US signs of ILD in contrast to healthy controls (4.8%) (p = 0.0001). Anti-centromere antibodies (p = 0.005) and RSS (p = 0.004) showed an association with ILD. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the US and HRCT findings (p = 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of US in detecting ILD were 91.2% and 88.6%, respectively. In the follow-up, a total of 30 patients out of 79 (37.9%) who demonstrated US signs of ILD at baseline, showed changes in the ILD score by US. US showed a high prevalence of subclinical ILD in SSc patients. It proved to be a valid, reliable, and feasible tool to detect ILD in SSc and to monitor disease progression.

Characteristics of chest high-resolution computed tomography in patients with anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibody-positive interstitial lung disease.

Anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) antibodies form a condition called Antisynthetase syndrome (ASSD). While interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a particularly frequent manifestation of ASSD and is closely associated with morbidity and mortality, few studies have been conducted on its characteristics on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). In this study, we clarified the HRCT findings in patients with anti-ARS antibody-positive ILD (ARS-ILD). Methods: The HRCT findings at the time of the ILD diagnosis in 24 ARS-ILD patients were retrospectively evaluated by 2 pulmonologists and one radiologist. We also assessed the clinical symptoms, physical examination findings, and laboratory data including the type of anti-ARS antibodies. For a further analysis, the data of patients were divided into two groups: the polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM) group and the non-PM/DM group. The ratio of men to women was almost 1:1. The median age at the time of the diagnosis was 53 years old. Anti-glycyl (anti-EJ) and anti-histidyl (anti-Jo-1) antibodies were more common than others. An analysis of the HRCT patterns of 23 ARS-ILD patients showed that the most common pattern was the nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) pattern. The second most common pattern was the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. Between the PM/DM and non-PM/DM groups, no clear trends were noted in the age, sex ratio, proportion of HRCT patterns, or type of anti-ARS antibodies. This retrospective study demonstrated that ARS-ILD patients, regardless of myositis symptoms, most often showed the NSIP pattern on HRCT, as previously reported. However, unlike previous reports, the UIP pattern on HRCT was not rare.

A pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci: highresolution computed tomography features at stages of process development

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is a common opportunistic infection affecting immunosuppressed patients. High-resolution CT may be indicated for evaluation of immunosuppressed patients with suspected pneumonia and normal chest radiographic findings. The most common highresolution CT finding of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is diffuse ground-glass opacity. Computed tomographic features of pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci depend on the stage of the process. High-resolution computed tomography should be used

The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown cause. The prognosis of IPF is poor, respiratory failure is the most common cause of mortality. Velcro rales are typical on respiratory system examination. Clubbing is seen in 30-60% of IPF cases. There is no laboratory test specific to IPF. Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern is seen in IPF. UIP features in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT); peripheral subpleural bibasilar reticular opacities, honeycombing, traction bronchiectasis and interseptal thickening. It shows craniocaudal localization. Diagnosis of IPF; It is diagnosed by the combination of HRCT findings and clinical findings. Antifibrotic drugs (Pirfenidone and Nintedanib) slow down the progression of IPF and reduce the number of annual attacks and reduce the frequency of hospitalization.

Pulmonary Involvement in Sjögren's Syndrome: Correlations with Biomarkers of Activity and High-Resolution Computer Tomography Findings.

(1) Background: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) represents a systemic autoimmune disease whose pathophysiology has yet to be elucidated, though it is known that the inflammatory process encountered in SS is of a systemic nature, with cytokines representing the main mediators for tissue damage. (2) Aim of the study: The aim of the present study is to further the understanding of the link between interleukin serum levels, cytokine serum levels, HRCT findings and the Warrick score (as tools for the evaluation of pulmonary involvement) in patients with pSS. (3) Methods: The present study is a retrospective, observational one aimed at ascertaining the link between SS activity and its clinical implications, as well as how interleukin and TNF-α levels correlate with systemic changes. The study enrolled 112 patients with pSS and 56 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, as a control group. pSS activity was assessed using the ESSDAI. Cytokine levels and leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were measured in both groups. The focus score was calculated for each patient, HRCT was performed to assess lung function, and the Warrick score was calculated. (4) Conclusions: HRCT revealed NSIP in 13 patients (59.09%) and UIP in 9 patients. The strongest positive correlation was identified upon analyzing the relation between IL-8 and the Warrick score (r = 0.9156, p < 0.00001), followed by a positive correlation between the score and IL-6 levels (r = 0.5738, p < 0.0052). Unsurprisingly, the degree and severity of pulmonary involvement was also positively correlated with the degree of disease activity (r = 0.4345, p = 0.0433).

RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASES ON HIGH-RESOLUTION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN TERTIARY CARE CENTER OF NORTH INDIA

Objective: This study assessed the various high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and to differentially diagnose ILD based on their clinical findings and distribution patterns. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India. Forty-three patients with clinical suspicion of ILD were enrolled in the study. HRCT scans of the chest were done in all the cases taken in the study. Results: The mean age (±he age group of 51–60 years. We found slight female preponderance with females accounting for 53.5% and males accounting for 46.5% of the caseload. The most common presenting complaint was dyspnea on exertion (83.7%) followed by cough in 69.8%. The most frequent HRCT finding was septal thickening (90.7%), followed by tractional bronchiectasis (83.7%), fibrotic changes (72.1%), ground-glass opacities (65.1%), and honeycombing (58.1%). Based on HRCT findings, the most common HRCT pattern was the typical usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (58.1%), followed by the non-specific interstitial pneumonia pattern. The final diagnoses were made based on clinic-radiological findings and by the exclusion of other possibilities. The most common ILD reported was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (39.5%), followed by connective tissue disorder-ILD (20.9%), and SR-ILD (13.9%). This is followed by idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia (11.6%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (6.9%), and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (2.3%). Conclusion: HRCT is a valuable technique for evaluating various ILDs even when chest X-rays are normal. It can differentially diagnose ILDs based on their clinical findings and distribution patterns.

High Plasma Osteopontin Levels Are Associated with Serious Post-Acute-COVID-19-Related Dyspnea.

COVID-19 survivors commonly report persistent symptoms. In this observational study, we investigated the link between osteopontin (OPN) and post-acute COVID-19 symptoms and lung functional/imaging abnormalities. We recorded symptoms and lung imaging/functional data from previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients, who were followed for 4-84 weeks (122 patients/181 visits) post-symptom onset at our outpatient clinic. Circulating OPN was determined using ELISA. Plasma OPN levels were higher in symptomatic patients (compared with the asymptomatic ones); those with dyspnea (compared with those without dyspnea);those with a combination of serious symptoms, i.e., the presence of at least one of the following: dyspnea, fatigue and muscular weakness (compared with those with none of these symptoms); and those with dyspnea and m-MRC > 1 (compared with those with m-MRC = 0-1). Plasma OPN levels were inversely correlated with EQ-VAS (visual analog scale of the EQ-5D-5L health-related quality-of-life questionnaire) values. High-resolution CT or diffusion lung capacity (DLCO) findings were not related to circulating OPN. In the multiple logistic regression, the presence of symptoms, dyspnea, or the combination of serious symptoms were linked to female gender, increased BMI and pre-existing dyspnea (before the acute disease), while increased plasma OPN levels, female gender and pre-existing dyspnea with m-MRC > 1 were independently associated with severe post-COVID-19 dyspnea (m-MRC > 1). Using a correlation matrix to investigate multiple correlations between EQ-VAS, OPN and epidemiological data, we observed an inverse correlation between the OPN and EQ-VAS values. Increased circulating OPN was linked to the persistence of severe exertional dyspnea and impaired quality of life in previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Role of Pre-Operative High-Resolution Computed Tomography for Surgical Planning in Patients Undergoing Cochlear Implantation - An Observational Study.

Currently preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain and High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) scanning of temporal bones form part of routine Cochlear implantation (CI) assessment. Pre- operative imaging demonstrates anatomic details or anomalies if any, that prove essential in pre-surgical evaluation of patients. These form a road map for the surgeon to anticipate any difficulty during surgery, to aid in decision making to implant the most appropriate ear, plan surgical technique, or select electrode arrays. A descriptive observational pilot study was conducted at tertiary care hospital involving 51 paediatric patients worked-up for CI. Patients after detailed clinical evaluation and MRI Brain, a tentative surgical plan was formulated by a candidacy CI screening committee. Patients selected for surgery underwent HRCT temporal bones and surgical plan was modified after analysing the same. Percentage of cases in which surgical plan changed (in terms of laterality of surgery) after correlating with HRCT findings were determined and data analysed. A total of 51 patients worked up for CI were included in the study. In 37.3% cases, there were unfavourable MRI findings. HRCT scan was used to aid the surgical road map in these patients, which based on MRI findings would have had suboptimal outcome. With this understanding, we recommend that, MRI with precise interpretation would be sufficient to furnish all necessary information in preoperative assessment of CI patients, and a HRCT temporal bones maybe indicated only in difficult cases or those with unfavourable MRI findings, may aid predict surgical events.

High Resolution Computed Tomography chest findings among people affected by corona virus disease in a tertiary hospital of Nepal

Clinical assessment, chest X-ray (CXR) and chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) are used in the management of Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19). This retrospective cross sectional study included 251 patients admitted to Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH) with a diagnosis of COVID‑19 infection confirmed by Reverse Transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‑PCR). These patients underwent chest HRCT within the first two weeks of hospital admission. Images were evaluated for various HRCT findings &amp; semi- quantitative CT Severity Score (CT –SS) was calculated based on the extent of lobar involvement. Out of 251 patients with positive RT PCR test, 127 were male (50.6%) and 124 female (49.4%). Typical bilateral peripheral subpleural ground glass opacities were demonstrated in 98.8% of patients; followed by thoracic lymphadenopathy (80.8%), interlobular septal thickening (80.4%),vascular changes (44.2%), focal consolidation (28.6%), consolidation with ground glass opacity (15%), pleural effusion (13.1%) bronchiectasis (3.8%), fibrotic changes (3.1%) and reversed halo pattern (0.7%). Calculated CT- SS showed moderate score in 130 patients (51.7%) followed by severe score in 67 patients (26.6%) and mild score in 51 patients (20.3%). HRCT can be used as a one stop radiological investigation for the diagnosis and prognosis of corona virus disease and CT -SS might be beneficial for diagnostic workflow in symptomatic cases.

Ultrasonic Evaluation of Diaphragm in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis.

The diaphragm is the most important muscle in respiration. Nevertheless, its function is rarely evaluated. Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) could be at risk of diaphragmatic dysfunction because of multiple factors. These patients often develop interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) and earlier studies have indicated that patients with different ILDs have decreased diaphragmatic mobility on ultrasound (US). This study aimed to evaluate diaphragmatic function in SSc patients using US with regard to the ILD, evaluated with the Warrick score on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and to investigate associations between ultrasonic parameters and dyspnea, lung function, and other important clinical parameters. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed diaphragm mobility, thickness, lung function, HRCT findings, Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), autoantibodies, and esophageal diameters on HRCT in patients with SSc. Fifty patients were enrolled in the study. Patients with SSc-ILD had lower diaphragmatic mobility in deep breathing than patients without ILD. The results demonstrated negative correlations between diaphragmatic mobility and mMRC, mRSS, anti-Scl-70 antibodies, esophageal diameters on HRCT, and a positive correlation with lung function. Patients with SSc who experience dyspnea should be evaluated for diaphragmatic dysfunction for accurate symptom phenotyping and personalized pulmonary rehabilitation treatment.