High-resolution Computed Tomography Findings Research Articles

HIGH-RESOLUTION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN ALVEOLAR PROTEINOSIS

TYPE: Abstract Publication TOPIC: Imaging PURPOSE: Although the crazy-paving pattern on computed tomography is characteristic for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), it is not specific and has not been compared between idiopathic and secondary PAPs in the large studies. The aim of this study was to determine the high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features of idiopathic PAP. METHODS: HRCT images of 35 patients (mean age: 38±14years; 54.3% male) with idiopathic PAP (proved by bronchoalveolar lavage or biopsy) were reviewed by two experienced pulmonary radiologist and detailed findings were reported. RESULTS: The predominant HRCT presentation of PAP was interlobular septal thickening (ILST;100%) and ground glass opacities (GGOs; 91.7%), resulting in crazy-paving pattern (83%). All patients had diffuse bilateral lung involvement that was symmetric in 97%. ILST and GGO without crazy-paving were seen in 17% and 14.7%, respectively. The overall extent of parenchymal involvement was 50 to 75% in 80% of patients. Thirty three cases (94%) had areas of geographic sparing within the affected lung. Peripheral sparing was seen in 85.7% of patients, including three patterns with some overlap: costophrenic angle (80%), apices (60%), and subpleural (57%) sparing. Other HRCT findings were: consolidation (63%), pulmonary nodules (31.4%), mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy (23%), mass-like consolidation (17%), pleural effusion (8.6%), and honey combing (5.7%). All female patients (n=16) had crazy-paving, while 13 out of 19 (68%) male patients had crazy-paving on their lung HRCT (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the predominant HRCT presentation of idiopathic PAP was interlobular septal thickening and ground glass opacities, resulting in crazy-paving pattern. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: resulting in crazy-paving pattern. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships. KEYWORD: Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP), Idiopathic PAP, Crazy-Paving, Computed Tomography

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia: when radiologist makes the difference.

To report high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings in our group of patients with exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP), confirmed with histopathological findings and clinical-anamnestic data, in order to describe the most common radiological patterns of this rare disorder. In this retrospective study, HRCT of 10 patients with ELP were evaluated by three radiologists. Diagnosis of ELP was made through CT, bronchiolo-alveolar lavage (BAL) and a pneumological examination associated with an accurate medical anamnesis. Five patients had a histologically proven ELP, through lung biopsy. All patients had a chronic exposition to substances made of animal fat or mineral/vegetable oils. In our cohort of patients with ELP, the following parenchymal patterns were observed: 8/10 patients had lung consolidation with adipose density (attenuation values < - 40 HU); 10/10 patients had multiple areas of ground glass opacity; 6/10 patients had smooth thickening of interlobular septa and ground glass opacities ("crazy-paving" pattern); 2/10 patients presented nodules > 2.5cm with spiculated margins (tumor-like); 5/10 patients showed reactive lymph nodes enlargement. The oldest lesions were characterized by bronchiectasis and fibrosis around the lipidic consolidations. Pulmonary alterations found in HRCT exams can be confused with other lung diseases (especially lung tumors) and they are always a challenge even for the most experienced radiologist. In our experience, although non-specific, consolidation areas with low HU values and crazy-paving pattern are frequently associated in ELP. These characteristics should alert the radiologist to consider ELP among the possible differential diagnoses, always correlating the results of CT examination with appropriate clinical-laboratory evaluations and an accurate anamnesis.

Clinical features and high resolution CT imaging findings of preliminary COVID-19

Objective To summarize the clinical and high resolution CT(HRCT) characteristics of 141 patients with COVID-19. Methods From January 20 to 28, 2020, 141 COVID-19 patients, 77 males and 64 females, with a median age of 49 (9, 87), were enrolled in the study. The clinical features, laboratory test results and HRCT findings of all patients were analyzed retrospectively. Results In all of the patients, the decreasing leukocyte countin 38 (26.95%) and lymphocyte ratio in 71 (50.35%), a fever over 37.5 ℃ in 139 (98.58%), coughing in 106 (75.18%), headache in 11 (7.80%), expectoration in 41 (29.08%), chest distress in 93 (65.96%), and diarrhea in 4 (2.84%) were found. The HRCT of all patients were abnormal, including ground glass opacity (GGO) with patchy opacity in 52 (36.88%) mainly distributed along subpleural area, GGO with focal consolidation in 23 (16.31%),small patchy opacity in 27 (19.15%),large patchy consolidation in 20 (14.18%),thickened bronchovascular bundleing and blood vessel crossing the lesion in 48 (34.04%), air bronchus sign in 5 (3.55%), small nodule in 7 (4.96%),fibrous stripes and reticular opacities in 5 (3.55%), bilateral pleural effusion in 7 (4.96%), and mediastinal or bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy in 4 (2.84%). Conclusions The clinical and HRCT manifestations of COVID-19 are various. Under the specific epidemiological background of COVID-19, chest HRCT scan should be carried out as soon as possible for early warning of this disease. Key words: COVID-19; Tomography, X-ray computed

Progressive lung fibrosis and mortality can occur in early systemic sclerosis patients without pulmonary abnormalities at baseline assessment.

In systemic sclerosis, baseline extent of radiological involvement is an important outcome predictor and baseline absence of radiological involvement suggests a more favourable prognosis. As current predictive models are based on cohorts with variable disease duration, we aim to assess disease dynamics in early disease. Patients were included from the prospective longitudinal Belgian Systemic Sclerosis Cohort. We included patients with a disease duration < = 36months at baseline with available baseline thoracic high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images and longitudinal pulmonary function test (PFT) results until 42months of follow-up. Fifty-two patients were included; 50% were male and 44% suffered from diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. A total of 46% carried anti-topoisomerase 1 antibodies. The mean disease duration at baseline visit was 11months. At baseline visit, 40.4% (21/52) patients had HRCT abnormalities. Patients with abnormal HRCT findings more frequently suffered from diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (p < 0.05) and less frequently carried anti-centromere antibodies (p < 0.05). Patients without CT abnormalities at baseline had a shorter disease duration (9 ± 7months versus 14 ± 12months). After 42months, 8/52 patients, including 3 patients with normal HRCT findings at baseline, died due to SSc-related manifestations. Progression of lung fibrosis occurred in 16 patients at month 42, including 7 patients with normal CT at baseline. No clear predictors of progression could be identified. In early SSc patients, the disease dynamics differ from the large published cohorts. Progressive lung fibrosis and mortality can also occur in patients without radiological abnormalities at baseline. Key Points • Disease dynamics in early SSc differ from more established SSc. • In early SSc, progressive pulmonary fibrosis can occur in patients without CT abnormalities at baseline. • In early SSc, more stringent pulmonary follow-up is warranted both in lcSSc and dcSSc.

High resolution CT findings and clinical features of COVID-19 in Guangzhou

Objective To investigate the initial high resolution CT (HRCT) manifestations and clinical features of imported COVID-19 in Guangzhou. Methods A retrospective analysis of 91 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital from January 22 to 30, 2020 was performed including 39 males and 52 females, with a median age of 50 (33-62) years,then their clinical features and HRCT characteristics were analyzed. Results The main clinical presentations included fever in 70 cases and cough in 57 cases(mainly dry cough in 39 cases). The first time HRCT showed that 24 cases with COVID-19 were normal, however other 67 cases were abnormal. The ground glass opacity in the lung on HRCT was found in 65 cases, including 64 cases with dilated blood vessel crossing the lesion, 50 cases with thickened adjacent pleura, and 47 cases with thickening of interstitial septum. The patchy opacity was seen in 42 cases, and no enlarged lymph nodes were observed in all patients. As for the lesion distribution, there were two cases with bilateral diffuse changes, 57 cases with multiple lesions, 8 cases with the lesion in only one lobe. The lesions were mainly located under the pleura area in 46 cases, including 39 cases in the lower lobe and other 7 cases in the upper lobe. And there were 13 cases without characteristic distribution in the lung. Conclusion The initial images of COVID-19 in Guangzhou mainly showed multiple ground glass opacity, which were mostly seen in the subpleural and lower lung fields, most of them with thickened pulmonary interstitium. Guangzhou has a higher proportion of COVID-19 patients with mild and general patients, and some confirmed patients show negative HRCT for the first time. Patients without HRCT changes should be reviewed in a timely manner. Key words: COVID-19; Tomography, X-ray computed

Chest High-resolution Computed Tomography Imaging Features of Lung Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective To explore the chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complicated with pulmonary involvement. Methods Totally 161 patients with RA with lung involvement were collected from June 2014 to May 2018. The chest HRCT findings were retrospectively analyzed. According to the imaging features as well as the results of history taking,pulmonary function test,pathology,and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid test,RA-related lung diseases (RA-LD) were classified and their clinical characteristics were compared. Results These 161 RA-LD patients (56 males and 105 females) whose mean age at diagnosis was (60.7±12.8) years (14-85 years) included 87 cases of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (including 16 cases of possible UIP),44 cases of non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP),10 cases of organizing pneumonia,7 cases of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia,9 cases of small airway disease (SAD) (including 8 cases of bronchiolitis obliterans and 1 case of follicular bronchiolitis),and 4 other lung manifestations (including 3 cases of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and 1 case of rheumatoid nodules). The UIP group had the oldest average age [(63.3±12.1) years old] and the highest smoking rate (41.4%). The SAD group had the youngest average age [(54.7±15.1) years old] and there was no smoking history. There were significant differences between these two groups (P=0.020,P<0.001). Seventy patients (43.5%) with RA-LD were complicated with pleural lesions. Conclusions RA involving the lung is common and has varied imaging manifestations,with interstitial lung diseases (mainly UIP and NSIP) being the most important manifestations. RA patients should undergo lung HRCT as early as possible to identify the lung involvement and related types.

A possible role for B cells in COVID-19? Lesson from patients with agammaglobulinemia

Summary COVID-19 had a mild clinical course in patients with Agammaglobulinemia lacking B lymphocytes, whereas it developed aggressively in Common Variable Immune Deficiency. Our data offer mechanisms for possible therapeutic targets.

Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of 10 children with coronavirus disease 2019 in Changsha, China

BackgroundThe outbreak of a new coronavirus, first reported in Wuhan, China, is spreading around the world. Information on the characteristics of children with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we recruited 10 children infected with SARS-COV-2 from January 27 to March 10, 2020, in Changsha, China. We report the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and high-resolution CT findings for these children. Qualitative descriptive analysis was used to describe the key results. ResultsTen children were included. Three were male and seven were female. Three were from Wuhan, Hubei Province, and seven were from Changsha. All had a history of close contact with adults with COVID-19 before the onset of disease. Clinical manifestations included fever in four cases, respiratory symptoms in three cases, febrile convulsions in one case, vomiting in one case, abdominal pain in one case, and asymptomatic infection in two cases. All the children tested positive for nucleic acid in throat swabs at admission. Stool swabs of three cases were positive for nucleic acid after several days of fever. In nine children, blood routine results were normal, whereas in one case the white blood cell count was elevated. In four cases, CT findings of the lungs showed light ground-glass opacities, one case showed changes similar to bronchopneumonia, and the remaining cases were normal. All were treated with symptomatic support without complications. ConclusionOur findings indicate that intrafamily transmission may be the main form of transmission of COVID-19 in children, and persistent intestinal excretion of virus is another characteristic among children. The results of stool swab tests should be considered for discharge and release from isolation.

MRI evaluation of the endolymphatic space in otosclerosis and correlation with clinical findings

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features of ears with otosclerosis and their correlation with endolymphatic hydrops and blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) impairment on 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and methodsThis was a single-center retrospective imaging study. Thirty-nine ears from 29 patients (17 men, 12 women; mean age 52±12 [SD] years; range 27–74 years) with non-operated otosclerosis were included. All patients underwent three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI sequences performed 4hours after the intravenous administration of a single dose of gadolinium-based contrast material. MRI examinations were analyzed by two radiologists for the presence of saccular hydrops (SH) and BLB impairment. Results of MRI examinations were compared with clinical findings, hearing levels and extent of otosclerotic lesions based on high-resolution computed tomography findings. BLB impairment was evaluated using the signal intensity ratio, ratio of intensities between the basal turn of the cochlea and the medulla. ResultsSH was observed in 1/39 (3%) otosclerotic ears and BLB impairment in 8/39 (21%) while 8/29 patients with otosclerosis (28%) had vertigo. No significant associations were found between SH or BLB impairment on MRI, and the presence of vertigo or the degree of sensorineural hearing loss. ConclusionClinical manifestations of otosclerosis (sensorineural hearing loss and rotatory vertigo) were not significantly associated with MRI findings such as BLB impairment and endolymphatic hydrops. SH was only observed in one patient with obstruction of the vestibular aqueduct by an otosclerotic focus.

Correlation of asthma severity, IgE level, and spirometry results with HRCT findings in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Context:Few studies have been done for correlating asthma severity, IgE level, and spirometry results with high-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) findings in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Aims:This prospective observational study was conducted to correlate asthma severity, IgE level, and spirometry results with HRCT findings in ABPA. Settings and Design:Prospective observational. Subjects and Methods:Fifty consecutive adult patients with asthma and positive specific IgE (>0.35 kUA/L) to Aspergillus fumigatus were recruited from October 2015 to July 2017. Asthma severity, IgE levels, and spirometry results were correlated with HRCT score, bronchiectasis score, air trapping segments, and low-attenuation lung volume on inspiratory CT and expiratory CT. Statistical Analysis Used:One way ANOVA, Spearman's correlation coefficients. Results:Asthma severity showed a significant positive correlation with HRCT score and bronchiectasis score. MEF pre and postbronchodilator values showed a significant negative correlation with HRCT score, bronchiectasis score, and percentage expiratory volumes -851 to -950 HU voxels. FEV1 prebronchodilator value showed a significant negative correlation with percentage expiratory volume -851 to -950 HU voxels and percentage expiratory volume -851 to -1024 HU voxels. Specific IgE antibody level showed a significant positive correlation with bronchiectasis score. Conclusions:Asthma severity, specific IgE level, and MEF values showed a good correlation with HRCT findings. The restrictive pattern is common on spirometry in patients of ABPA. In addition to central bronchiectasis, peripheral bronchial and small airway involvement was an important finding in ABPA. Expiratory HRCT may reveal air trapping in patients having no abnormality on inspiratory CT.

High-resolution computed tomography enhances the diagnosis and follow-up of influenza A (H1N1) virus-associated pneumonia.

We present the findings on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of influenza A (H1N1) virus-associated pneumonia of 140 patients with acute and post-acute pneumonia, totaling 189 exams in a retrospective observational study evaluating the importance of HRCT as a diagnostic imaging method in the acute phase and in the follow-up of pneumonia. We performed a retrospective observational study evaluating the HRCT findings of 140 adult patients with confirmed diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia and without other associated infectious processes. Chest X-ray exams were also performed in these patients. The main HRCT findings of lung involvement were airspace consolidation (57 cases), ground-glass opacities (40 cases) and an association of both aspects (43 cases), with a predominantly bilateral and peripheral distribution. HRCT is able to distinguish small lesions, such as small areas of consolidation or ground glass opacities, with little increase in lung attenuation, when chest X-rays was normal, allowing a prompt diagnosis and treatment after imaging.

High resolution CT features of novel coronavirus pneumonia in children

Objective To investigate the high resolution CT (HRCT) features of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) in children . Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the chest HRCT findings of 22 children diagnosed with 2019-nCov pneumonia by clinical and nucleic acid testing in Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 25, 2020 to February 5, 2020. There were 12 boys and 10 girls, aged from 2 months to 14 years old, with a median age of 4 years, and 14 patients were under 5 years old. The characteristics of lung lesions on HRCT imaging such as distribution, shape, density, etc. and whether there were hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement and pleural changes were observed by 2 radiologists. Results In all of the 22 patients, 3 patients (3/22) had normal chest CT, and 19 patients (19/22) had infiltrated lesions in lung. Among them, 7 patients had unilateral lung involvement, 12 patients had bilateral involvement. The HRCT manifestations were as follows. Six patients showed ground glass shadow, including 4 cases showed light ground glass shadow and 2 had typical crazy paving sign. Four patients showed lung consolidation, with localized strip shadow and patchy high-density shadow. Six patients showed patchy lesions with surrounding ground glass shadow, including 1 case with white lung in the right. The bronchopneumonia-like changes in 3 cases, showed scattered spot-like or patchy uneven high-density shadows. The lesions in the lower lobe were more serious than those in the upper lobe, and the lesions in the lateroposterior zone of the lung were more common than those in the apical and central area of the lung. No enlarged lymph nodes and pleural effusion were seen in all patients, and 1 case had thickened interlobar pleura. Conclusions The HRCT manifestations of NCP in children are diversified, comprehensive judgments need to be made in combination with epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory tests, but the chest HRCT can be used as an important basis for early clinical diagnosis and prevention and control interventions. Key words: Coronaviridae infections; 2019-novel coronavirus; Pneumonia; Child; Tomography, X-ray computed

Imaging features of the initial chest high resolution CT scan in juvenile patient with coronavirus disease 2019

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed by nucleic acid test in 15 juvenile patients aged 4-17 years in Hangzhou Xixi Hospital from January 24 to February 10, 2020. The clinical data and the initial chest high resolution CT (HRCT) findings were retrospectively analyzed.Among 15 cases, 8 patients with a mean age of (6.5±2.3) years (4-11 year) had normal HRCT manifestations (mild disease), while 7 patients with a mean age of (11.9±3.0) years (7-17 years) showed abnormal manifestations (moderate disease). In the 7 moderate cases the CT findings included local thickening of bronchial wall in 2 cases, single lesion in 1 case, bilateral pulmonary lesions in 4 cases. There were total 11 lesions, 6 of which were ground glass and slightly high-density nodules, 5 of which were speckled ground glass and 2 with a little consolidation. There were 10 subpleural lesions, including 7 in the lower lobe of the two lungs, and 1 non-subpleural lesion; the thickened local bronchioles were observed in 3 cases. None of them had hilum and mediastinal lymph node enlargement or pleural effusion. Key words: Coronavirus infection; Coronavirus disease 2019; Minors; Tomography, X-ray computed; Diagnosis

Ability of high-resolution computed tomography to distinguish Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia from other bacterial pneumonia: Significance of lateral bronchial lesions, less air bronchogram, and no peripheral predominance.

No study has investigated the capability of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to detect a lateral bronchus abnormality, degree of air bronchogram, and distribution of affected lesions in the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). We prospectively enrolled patients with serologically-confirmed MPP or culture-confirmed other bacterial pneumonia (OBP). The distribution of affected areas, abnormalities in lateral bronchial lesions, the degree of air bronchogram, and previously reported findings on HRCT were evaluated for MPP and OBP. Predictive HRCT findings for MPP were determined by logistic regression analysis. We provisionally designed our HRCT criteria (negative, probable, or highly suspected) for diagnosing MPP and investigated the diagnostic yield of the HRCT criteria. Sixty-three MPP and 126 OBP patients were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis showed that the absence of peripheral predominance, bronchial wall thickening, lateral bronchial wall thickening, intralobular or lobular ground-glass opacities, intralobular ground-glass opacities connected to a lateral bronchus, and less air bronchogram in infiltrates were significant predictors of MPP. Our HRCT criteria showed that the sensitivity and specificity in negative, probable, and highly suspected MPP were 0.0 and 0.33, 1.0 and 0.69, and 0.5 and 0.98, respectively. HRCT had considerable ability to detect a lateral bronchial abnormality and to diagnose or rule out MPP based on the distribution of affected areas, abnormalities in lateral bronchial lesions, and the degree of air bronchogram in the infiltrates.

High-resolution CT features distinguishing usual interstitial pneumonia pattern in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis from those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Radiologic diagnosis of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) presenting a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern is challenging. The aim of this study was to identify the high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings which are useful to discriminate CHP-UIP from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study included 49 patients with well-established bird-related CHP-UIP, histologically confirmed, and 49 patients with IPF. Two groups of observers independently assessed HRCT, evaluated the extent of each abnormal HRCT finding. When their radiological diagnosis was CHP-UIP, they noted the HRCT findings inconsistent with IPF. Correct CT diagnoses were made in 79% of CHP-UIP and 53% of IPF. Although no apparent difference was seen in the extent of each HRCT finding, upper or mid-lung predominance, extensive ground-glass abnormality, and profuse micronodules were more frequently pointed out as inconsistent findings in CHP-UIP than IPF (p = 0.007, 0.010, 0.001, respectively). On regression analysis, profuse micronodules [OR 13.34 (2.85-62.37); p = 0.001] and upper or mid-lung predominance of findings [OR 2.86 (1.16-7.01); p = 0.022] remained as variables in the equation. In this cohort, some IPF cases were misdiagnosed as CHP-UIP. Profuse micronodules and upper or mid-lung predominance are important clues for the differentiation of CHP-UIP from IPF.

Deterioration of high-resolution computed tomography findings predicts disease progression after initial decline in forced vital capacity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients treated with pirfenidone.

Pirfenidone suppresses the decline of forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, IPF progresses in some patients despite treatment. We analyzed patients with meaningful FVC declines during pirfenidone treatment and explored the factors predictive of disease progression after FVC decline. This study was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study conducted by the Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group. We defined initial decline in %FVC as 5% or greater per 6-month period during pirfenidone treatment. IPF patients who were treated with pirfenidone and experienced an initial decline from December 2008 to September 2017 were enrolled. We analyzed 21 patients with IPF. After the initial decline, 4 (19.0%) patients showed improvement in disease, 11 (52.4%) showed stable disease, and 6 (28.6%) showed progressive disease. There was no significant correlation between %FVC reduction on initial decline and subsequent %FVC change (p=0.475). Deterioration of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings on initial decline was observed significantly more often in the progressive versus improved/stable disease groups (100% vs 20.0%, p=0.009). We revealed that deterioration of HRCT findings may predict disease progression after the initial decline in %FVC in IPF patients treated with pirfenidone.

Bronchoalveolar lavage and serum KL-6 concentrations in chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: correlations with radiological and immunological features.

Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) is a fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) resulting from inhalation of different organic substances and chemical compounds determining an inflammatory and immunological response in sensitized individuals. KL-6, a human mucin protein expressed by type 2 pneumocytes, has been proposed as a prognostic biomarker of cHP. Assessment of usefulness KL-6 in ILD has been investigated primarily in Asiatic population. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical utility of KL-6 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). In this study, we retrospectively analysed clinical, radiological and immunological data of a cohort of 42 patients affected by cHP: KL-6 concentrations were collected from serum and BAL. KL-6 clinical value was assessed through the analysis of association between KL-6 concentrations and clinical, functional, immunological and radiological features. KL-6 serum concentration results increased in 28/34 patients (82%). A positive direct correlation was observed between KL-6 concentrations in BAL and serum (r = 0.62, p < 0.05). In our study population we found that patients with extensive presence of ground glass opacities and centrilobular nodules at high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed the highest concentrations of KL-6 in BAL and a predominantly CD3+ CD8+ BAL lymphocytosis. BAL lymphocytosis and KL-6 concentrations showed a direct correlation. BAL KL-6, a result of alveolar damage, caused in cHP by CD3+ CD8+ mediated flogosis and suggested by radiological evidence of ground-glass opacities and centrilobular nodules, can be considered a useful biomarker to assess, along with BAL cellular analysis and HRCT findings, disease activity.

Clinical significance of radiological patterns of HRCT and their association with macrophage activation in dermatomyositis.

To evaluate the distribution of radiological characteristics stratified by different myositis-specific autoantibodies, identify prognostic value of high-resolution CT (HRCT) patterns in DM-associated interstitial lung disease (DM-ILD), and explore the possible mechanism associated with macrophage activation. We enrolled 165 patients with PM/DM-ILD. The distribution of HRCT radiological types with different myositis-specific autoantibodies and the relationship between radiological features and ILD course and prognosis were analysed. Additionally, the potential role of macrophage activation in rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD) with DM was studied. The organizing pneumonia pattern was dominant in HRCT findings of patients with DM-ILD, especially those with anti-SAE (6/6, 100%) and anti-MDA5 (46/62, 74.2%) antibodies. The ratios of organizing pneumonia and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia patterns were almost equal in patients with aminoacyl tRNA synthetase antibodies, and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern was associated with a mild clinical course. Lower lung zone consolidation in HRCT was related to RP-ILD in both anti-MDA5 and anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase antibody-positive groups. Ferritin levels of >1000 ng/ml (odds ratio (OR), 12.3; P=0.009), elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (OR, 5.8; P=0.046) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (OR, 7.8; P=0.018) were independent predictors of a lower lung zone consolidation pattern in anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM. The infiltration of CD163-positive macrophages into alveolar spaces was significantly higher in the DM-RP-ILD group than in the chronic DM-ILD group. HRCT patterns are different among variable myositis-specific autoantibodies positive patients with ILD and lower zone consolidation in HRCT correlated with RP-ILD in DM. Activated macrophages may contribute to the pathogenesis of RP-ILD in DM.

Correlation between the Diagnostic Yield from the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Analysis and Clinicoradiological Findings in Sarcoidosis.

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is frequently challenging, requiring a search for less invasive, more reliable diagnostic methods. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis has been used in the differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis for many years with a wide sensitivity and specificity rates. The objective of the study is to investigate whether diagnostic performance of the BALF analysis is altered by clinicoradiological findings of patients with sarcoidosis. The present study is a retrospective, single-center, observational study, designed in a sarcoidosis outpatient clinic in a training hospital. Patients who had undergone the bronchoalveolar lavage BAL procedure at diagnosis were included in the study. Demographics, clinical and detailed chest X-ray, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings at diagnosis were recorded. According to the diagnostic performance, the BALF results were grouped as "diagnostic" and "non-diagnostic," and recorded parameters were compared between the groups. Considering the BALF analysis of all the 257 patients, the mean lymphocyte ratio was 41±17.5 (5-80), and the mean CD4/CD8 was 5.5±4.7 (0.1-24.7). The BALF analysis was diagnostic in 56% (n=145) of patients. Diagnostic performance of the procedure did not correlate with any of the demographic data, smoking status, spirometric findings, chest X-ray staging, HRCT findings, and tomography scoring. Extrapulmonary involvement was significantly more frequent in the diagnostic group (66% vs. 34%, p=0.006). BALF results signal sarcoidosis in more than half of the patients. The diagnostic role of BALF is greater in patients with extrapulmonary involvement.

Surgery for necrotizing otitis externa-indications and surgical findings.

Treatment for necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) includes long term antibiotic and surgery in selected cases. Indications and extent of surgery, however, are still not defined. The aims of this study were: (1) present our experience in surgery for NOE (2) compare high-resolution computer tomography and perioperative findings (3) suggest recommendations for indications and extent of surgery. A retrospective case series study was conducted in a tertiary referral center. Patients hospitalized due to NOE between the years 1990-2015 and underwent surgery were included. Twenty patients were included in the study. HRTBCT was performed in 17 patients. Most common radiological findings included mastoid fullness (n = 13, 76.4%) and edema of external ear canal (n = 12, 70.5%). Surgical indications included lack of response to treatment (n = 18) and facial nerve palsy (n = 2). Seven patients underwent local debridement. Most common operative findings included soft tissue necrosis (n = 4, 57.1%) and gross bony destruction of the external ear canal (n = 2, 28.5%). Thirteen patients underwent tympanomastoid surgery. Most common operative findings included granulation tissue in the mastoid (n = 7, 53.8%) and mastoid bony erosion (n = 4, 30.7%). Facial canal involvement was seen in four patients (30.7%). This is the first study to describe a large group of surgically treated NOE. Initial surgical approach should be based on clinical and HRTBCT findings. Minimal HRTBCT findings may be addressed with local debridement. Severe HRTBCT findings should be addressed with canal wall up mastoidectomy as the minimal surgical procedure. Further extent should be decided based on perioperative findings.