Lower Lobe Of Lung Research Articles

"Navigating Danger: Emergency Thoracotomy For Superior Vena Cava Injury During Dialysis Access In An Elderly Patient"

Superior vena cava (SVC) injury is a rare but life-threatening complication during the insertion of central venous catheters, especially in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. We report a case of an 81-year-old woman with a complex medical history, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), who suffered an SVC injury during the placement of a PermCath for hemodialysis. The patient was initially admitted with fever and altered sensorium, requiring urgent dialysis. A femoral catheter was initially used, but a more permanent solution was sought. During the placement of the PermCath, the patient developed hypotension and shock, necessitating immediate transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). Imaging revealed a severe right hemothorax and active bleeding from a perforation of the SVC. Emergency right exploratory thoracotomy was performed, revealing a 2 cm laceration at the insertion of the azygous vein into the SVC and a linear laceration of the right lower lung lobe. Both injuries were repaired, and the patient was stabilized. She recovered well postoperatively and was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and prompt surgical intervention in managing SVC injuries during central venous catheterization

Use of Albumin In Situ Hybridization to Diagnose Cutaneous Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Poorly Differentiated Features: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rarely metastasizes to the skin. When it occurs, it is often poorly differentiated making the diagnosis challenging. There exists a male predominance, and clinical presentation usually includes papules or nodules resembling pyogenic granulomas or dermal deposits. Histopathology shows malignant dermal cells. Hepatoid features including nests or cords of cells arranged in a trabecular or pseudoglandular pattern, sinusoidal formation, or the presence of bile exist in less than 50% of cases. Limitations exist with immunohistochemical staining, particularly in poorly differentiated neoplasms. Albumin in situ hybridization is more sensitive for detecting poorly differentiated HCC. Immunostaining in conjugation with albumin in situ hybridization enhances the detection of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. We report the case of a 74-year-old man with a history of HCC and a stable lung metastasis who presented with painful, growing bumps on his nose for 2 months. Examination revealed multiple, pink to white, shiny dermal-based papules with telangiectasias involving the right nasal tip and naris. Alpha-fetoprotein level was markedly elevated. Computed tomography showed expanding right lower lobe lung nodules. Histopathology of the cutaneous biopsy revealed features of a poorly differentiated basaloid carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining was diffusely positive for glypican-3, focally positive for arginase-1, and negative for hepatocyte paraffin 1. Albumin in situ hybridization was diffusely positive, clinching the diagnosis of HCC. Metastatic HCC is a rare encounter for dermatopathologists. We aim to increase awareness of its occurrence in patients with advanced HCC and highlight the importance of clinical correlation when faced with poorly differentiated or unusual-looking basaloid neoplasms.

8282 A Diagnostically Challenging Case of Ectopic ACTH Secreting Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Presenting with Cushing’s Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: O.A. Aluko: None. S. Patel: None. S.V. Silparshetty: None. T. Gallagher: None. Introduction: Ectopic ACTH mediated Cushing’s syndrome is an uncommon but treatable condition that poses time constrained diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to severe morbidity as illustrated by our case below. Clinical case:A 65-year-old male was admitted with profound generalized weakness. He became restricted to wheelchair from being able to hike a trail at Yosemite national park 8 weeks prior. Recent history included hospitalization with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, new vertebral compression fractures, AKI, hypokalemia, proximal myopathy, anasarca, upper GI bleed and acute upper extremity DVT. Initial testing there revealed hypercortisolemia, elevated ACTH and a normal pituitary MRI. Further workup at our center revealed elevated 24hr urinary cortisol 2598 (n = 5 - 64 μg/24hr), random cortisol 55 (n= 4.2 -22.4 μg/dL) with elevated ACTH 194 (n= 7.2 - 63.3 pg/mL) consistent with ACTH dependent hypercortisolism. IPSS deferred due to AKI, underlying comorbidities and severe cervical stenosis with myelopathy. ACTH and cortisol remained elevated with an 8mg dexamethasone suppression test suggesting ectopic source ACTH. CT with contrast of chest, abdomen and pelvis showed 5mm right lower lobe lung nodule and bilateral adrenal nodularity. Bronchoscopic FNAC was negative for NET.Ketoconazole 400 mg twice daily was started pending localization of culprit lesion with improvement in 24 hr urinary cortisol to 554μg/24 hr however this was stopped within 4 weeks due to acute transaminasemia. Repeat imaging with Gallium-68 dotatate PET CT showed a 1.8 X 2.4 X 1.7 cm pancreatic mass. He underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Pathology confirmed a 2.2cm well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor limited to the pancreas with immunohistochemistry strongly for ACTH and weakly for Gastrin. Postoperatively, patient was given hydrocortisone replacement. ACTH was 14.3 pg/mL and cortisol 6.2μg/dL a few weeks later. His diabetes, hypertension, hypokalemia, transaminasemia and proximal myopathy improved. Discussion:Ectopic ACTH mediated Cushing’s syndrome is responsible for about 5 - 20% of all Cushing’s syndrome cases. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor secreting Ectopic ACTH is rarer but can be aggressive. Clinical presentation can be confounding due to secretion of >1 neurohormone i.e ACTH and Gastrin in our patient. Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT tracer has a very high sensitivity and specificity. Early use of this imaging may prevent comorbidity and mortality as surgical resection of ectopic ACTH secreting neuroendocrine tumor is first line therapy. Other diagnostic principles to consider are that severely elevated ACTH levels correlate only with a pituitary macroadenoma, IPSS is invasive and has relative contraindication in sick patients and Desmopressin stimulation test is not widely available. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Legionella Pneumophila Presenting as a Rare Cause of Acute Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Legionella pneumophila can cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from a mild flu-like illness to fulminant multi-organ involvement, characterised by severe pneumonia, diarrhoea, encephalopathy, shock, hepatic dysfunction and renal failure. Very rarely, it can be associated with haematologic conditions such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We report a rare case of L. pneumophila causing ITP and review previously published cases of thrombocytopenia associated with Legionellosis in the literature. A 53-year-old male presented with fevers, chills, a productive cough and severe haemoptysis. Blood work was remarkable for leukocytosis, severe thrombocytopenia and hyponatraemia. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed left lower lobe lung consolidation, and a peripheral blood smear showed giant platelets consistent with ITP. Legionella urine antigen testing returned positive. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobin, steroid taper and a ten-day course of azithromycin, which led to normalisation of his platelet count and resolution of the pneumonia. L. pneumophila can lead to complement-mediated destruction of platelets resulting in ITP. Antibodies against L. pneumophila can also cross-react with the enzyme ADAMTS13, inhibiting its function and resulting in TTP and HUS. Additionally, L. pneumophila can infect vascular endothelial cells causing their death and stimulating release of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers into the bloodstream, promoting thrombosis and platelet consumption. It is important for internists to consider L. pneumophila in the differential for any patient presenting with pneumonia and severe thrombocytopenia. Earlier detection and intervention can lead to prevention of critical bleeding and better outcomes. Legionella pneumophila is rarely associated with different haematologic disorders resulting in severe bleeding diathesis as well as thrombosis.It is important for internists to consider Legionella pneumophila in the differential diagnosis for any patient presenting with pneumonia and severe thrombocytopenia.Earlier detection and intervention can lead to prevention of critical bleeding and better outcomes.

Aspergillus oryzae Isolated from Lung Tissue Sample in a Chronic Respiratory Illness Patient from South India

Opportunistic fungal infection by Aspergillus oryzae in patients with chronic respiratory condition is rare in India. A 52-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, chronic smoking, and alcoholism presented with chronic cough, breathlessness, and recurrent blood in sputum. CT imaging revealed features consistent with old pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae and the presence of a right lung lower lobe aspergilloma. The patient underwent a right lower lobectomy, and histopathological examination confirmed severe acute and chronic bronchiolitis with bronchiectasis and organizing pneumonia, indicative of fungal ball formation. Microbiological analysis identified Aspergillus species, possibly A. flavus complex, with sequencing confirming A. oryzae. This case is unique as A. oryzae is typically associated with food fermentation and rarely implicated in invasive lung infections, especially outside regions of traditional exposure, like Japan. The rarity of this presentation underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in clinical practice and utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques such as sequencing for accurate identification. The successful outcome of this case, with prolonged antifungal therapy based on microbiological confirmation and clinical follow-up, suggests the importance of personalized treatment strategies. This case report adds to the growing body of evidence on the clinical significance and pathogenic potential of A. oryzae. It underscores the importance of continued vigilance and research in fungal infections.

INFLAMMATORY MYOFIBROBLASTIC TUMOR OF THE MEDIASTINUM IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT: A RARE CASE PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Mediastinal tumors in pediatric patients encompass a broad spectrum of pathologies, ranging from benign to malignant entities. We present a case of a 10-year-old boy who initially presented with persistent back pain followed by nocturnal coughing, asthenia, and significant weight loss over a year. Upon admission, physical examination was unremarkable except for a mediastinal opacity noted on radiographic evaluation, leading to further characterization by thoracic CT scan, revealing a sizable right paracardiac mediastinal mass. Surgical excision was performed successfully, with en bloc resection of the mass adherent to the middle and lower lung lobes, and involving regional lymph nodes. Postoperative recovery was uneventful over a two-month follow-up period.Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), a rare entity within the mediastinum Our case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing mediastinal IMTs, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving clinical suspicion, diagnostic imaging, and definitive histopathological evaluation.Continued reporting and study of such cases contribute to our understanding of this rare pathological entity, guiding optimal management strategies and long-term surveillance protocols for affected pediatric patients. This case report highlights the need for heightened awareness and research efforts to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes for mediastinal IMTs in pediatric populations.

Indolent nonprogressive multifocal choroidal lymphoid lesions with late development of systemic lymphoma

Purpose: To report a case of indolent nonprogressive multifocal choroidal lymphoid lesions with late development of pulmonary low-grade B-cell lymphoma after lymphoid lesion regression. Methods: Case report. Results: A 79-year-old male was followed with ocular and systemic surveillance over a sixteen-year period for unilateral nonprogressive choroidal lesions presumed to be a benign lymphocytic disease of the choroid. Workups for systemic lymphoma and birdshot chorioretinopathy were negative. After sixteen years of observation, the choroidal lesions had largely regressed. Recent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation led to an incidental discovery of a right lower lobe lung lesion measuring 4.5 cm. Computerized tomography-guided biopsy showed low-grade B-cell lymphoma. There was no additional systemic disease detected. The patient underwent right lower lobectomy revealing extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Conclusion: Patients with indolent nonprogressive multifocal choroidal lymphoid lesions should be monitored regularly for late systemic disease, which although rare, can develop even after years of follow-up.

Wedge extended bronchoplasty with caliber adjustment by membranous suture.

Extended bronchoplasty for the left lower lobe lung tumors with interlobar lymph node involvement is a useful surgical technique for avoiding pneumonectomy. Typically, sleeve bronchoplasty, in which the superior division bronchus and the left main bronchus are separated and anastomosed, is chosen due to the difference in caliber of the anastomosis; herein, we report a wedge extended bronchoplasty in which the superior division bronchus and the left main bronchus were not completely separated. The main point of this technique is to adjust the difference in caliber by suturing the main bronchial membranes.

A case of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis due to pulmonary infarction, mimicking cryptogenic organising pneumonia

A patient initially treated with corticosteroids for cryptogenic organising pneumonia following pulmonary infarction, developed a worsening condition with progressive cavitary formations in both lower lung lobes. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography revealed a pulmonary embolism, and serum anti-Aspergillus IgG antibody analysis yielded a strong positive result. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed with pulmonary infarction with Aspergillus infection; organising pneumonia in surrounding areas reflected the repair process. Following treatment with anticoagulants and antifungal agents, the patient was successfully discharged. Hence, pulmonary infarction should be considered in cases of refractory lung lesions.

Breathing in danger: Mapping microplastic migration in the human respiratory system

The abundance of air pollutants over the last few years, including the concentration of microplastics, has become an alarming concern across the world. Initially discovered in marine life, these toxic and inflammatory particles have recently been found in human lung tissues. When inhaled, these harmful particles settle down in the lung airways and, over time, lead to respiratory failures. A recent study analyzed the microplastic transport behavior in the mouth–throat airways. However, the knowledge of the microplastic migration in bifurcating tracheobronchial airways is missing in the literature. Therefore, this first-ever study analyzes in detail the transport behavior and settling patterns of microplastic particles of different sizes and shapes at different respiratory intensities in the tracheobronchial lung airways. A numerical technique based on discrete phase modeling is employed to simulate the flow of microplastic particles in a three-dimensional realistic lung geometry. The numerical model results indicate low velocity and turbulence intensity magnitudes with smooth flow in the trachea compared to the airways of left and right lobes, which experience higher velocities and generate secondary vortices. Lower lung lobes are the deposition hotspots for the harmful microplastic particles at a lower flow rate. These hotspots shift to upper lung lobes at a higher flow rate for the same particle size. Moreover, microplastic particle size and shape influence the overall deposition rate in the tracheobronchial lung airways. The results of the current study, including microplastic accumulation regions at different breathing intensities, will contribute to the updated knowledge of pollutant inhalation and facilitate relevant treatment measures.

Factors affecting the short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer.

Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) is a relatively new approach to lung cancer surgery. To promote the development of RATS procedures, we investigated the factors related to short-term postoperative outcomes. We analyzed the records of patients who underwent RATS lobectomy for primary lung cancer at our institution between June, 2018 and January, 2023. The primary outcome was operative time, and the estimated value of surgery-related factors was calculated by linear regression analysis. The secondary outcome was surgical morbidity and the risk was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The study cohort comprised 238 patients. Left upper lobectomy had the longest mean operative time, followed by right upper lobectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 13.0% of the patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that upper lobectomy, the number of staples used for interlobular fissures, and the number of cases experienced by the surgeon were significantly associated with a longer operative time. The only significant risk factor for postoperative complications was heavy smoking. Patients with well-lobulated middle or lower lobe lung cancer who are not heavy smokers are recommended for the introductory period of RATS lobectomy. Improving the procedures for upper lobectomy and dividing incomplete interlobular fissures will promote the further development of RATS.

Hearing loss, why bronchial tree may be involved?

A 62-years-old man former occasional smoker was hospitalized for progressive hearing loss and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) detected multiple round hyperdense lesions in each cerebral hemisphere. Total body Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed a lobulated consolidative lesion on the right lung lower lobe associated to conglomerate lymph nodes (11R) suspected for primary lung cancer. Endoscopy showed an endobronchial invasion and integrated endobronchial ultrasound did not demonstrate any accessible lymph node for sampling. Forceps biopsy report on the endobronchial specimen led to histopathological diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Skin and ophthalmologic examinations were negative for suspicious pigmented lesions findings and patient had no history of familiarity for melanoma. Malignant melanoma is rarely observed to metastasize to endobronchial tissue and it is represented only in the 4.5% of cases. The vast majority of endobronchial metastases are metachronous, even after several years. Nevertheless, the anachronous manifestations are possible.

Successful Therapeutic Leukapheresis in a Patient of Lobar Pneumonia with Hyperleukocytosis: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Hyperleukocytosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that can cause leukostasis and organ dysfunction. This case report describes the case of a 69-year-old female who presented with fever, drowsiness, and consolidation in the left lung lower lobe. Initial investigations showed an increased total leukocyte count (TLC) of 89 × 103/μL, which further increased to 111.9 × 103/μL despite treating with intravenous antibiotics. A bone marrow biopsy revealed myeloid hyperplasia, but the BCR-ABL fusion gene test was negative. Due to symptomatic leukostasis and rapid deterioration of the patient’s condition, therapeutic leukapheresis (TL) was performed. During the first sitting, the device parameters were optimized for maximum platelets and the leukocytes removal. The second sitting of TL was carried out on the next day and the TLC was further reduced to 22.3 × 103/μL. The patient’s general condition and mental status improved significantly and she was taken off the mechanical ventilation and discharged after 7 days with a TLC count of 14.59 × 103/μL. She was regularly followed up for the next 3 months and the counts have remained within normal limits. The case reports highlight that TL may be helpful in similar clinical conditions with symptomatic leukostasis.

Abstract 14138: A Rare Encounter With Unusual Metastasis: Metastatic Right Ventricular Tumor Secondary to Cervical Cancer

Background: Metastasis of cervical carcinoma to the heart is a rare and uncommon phenomenon. Cervical cancer most commonly metastasizes to the lungs, liver, bones, and lymph nodes in four ways: 1) hematogenous spread, 2) lymphatic spread, 3) transvenous extension, and 4) direct extension. We present a case of a patient with cardiac metastasis from cervical cancer who initially suffered nonspecific symptoms thought to be secondary to a pulmonary embolism. Case presentation: A 41-year-old African American woman with a history of stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix was being evaluated in the hospital for exertional dyspnea and chest pain. She was tachycardic and lung auscultation revealed decreased breath sounds bilaterally. Laboratory results were unremarkable. Initially, there was concern for pulmonary embolism (PE), computed tomography angiography with contrast demonstrated no evidence of PE but a hypoenhancing defect within the right ventricle (RV) with multiple diffuse bilateral pulmonary nodules. Echocardiography revealed RV mass vs thrombus. A cardiac MRI revealed a large infiltrative irregular mass. These findings favored evidence of a tumor rather than a thrombus. Imaging findings are illustrated in Figure 1. The patient subsequently underwent a biopsy of the right lower lobe lung nodule. The biopsy revealed metastatic SCC positive for p16, p40, and PD-L1. The patient was being treated but the prognosis was poor. Conclusion: Metastasis from cardiac tumors with primary cervical cancer is uncommon with a poor prognosis and average life expectancy of less than 6 months when diagnosed. Only 4% of cases of cardiac metastasis from cervical cancer are diagnosed as antemortem. A multimodality approach with prompt diagnosis is necessary for improving prognosis.

SAT209 Metastatic Parathyroid Carcinoma And The Challenge Of Maintaining Calcium Balance

Abstract Disclosure: K.M. Tuna: None. S. Badour: None. E.P. Monsour: None. G. Acosta Garcia: None. D. Barb: None. Background: Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy representing less than 1% of all parathyroid disorders. Presentation is significant for highly elevated calcium (Ca) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and usually a palpable neck mass (>3cm). Diagnosis is often made after surgery based on histopathology findings. The primary treatment modality remains surgical, but there is no effective approach for metastatic disease. Case presentation: A 51-year-old woman initially presented with multinodular goiter and compressive symptoms in 2008. Workup showed an elevated Ca of 14.4 mg/dl (normal 8.4-10.2 mg/dl) and PTH of 502 pg/ml (normal 12-88 pg/ml) while albumin 4.3 g/dl (normal 3.5-5.2 g/dl) and normal thyroid function tests. Radioactive Iodine uptake scan showed a 4.4 cm cold nodule on the right inferior pole. Sestamibi scan showed increased left upper pole activity. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy with surgical exploration for parathyroid adenoma. Pathology showed right intrathyroidal parathyroid carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion. The patient was lost to follow-up until 2022 when she was admitted with severe hypercalcemic crisis (Ca 15.8 mg/dl, Albumin 3.9 g/dl, and PTH 805 pg/ml). The patient was treated with IV fluids, calcitonin, and multiple rounds of bisphosphonates, and was then maintained on high-dose cinacalcet due to refractory and recurrent hypercalcemia. Repeat Sestamibi and neck US were unremarkable, although CT chest showed a 1.3 cm nodule in the right lower lung lobe. This was not FDG- nor DOTATATE-avid on PET-CT. The patient underwent laparoscopic wedge resection of the right lung nodule, and the pathology was consistent with metastatic parathyroid carcinoma. Her Ca and PTH levels normalized immediately after surgery (PTH decreased from 883 to 27 pg/ml) suggesting possible remission. Prior to discharge, she was started on oral calcium and vitamin D due to dropping Ca levels and clinical signs of hungry bone syndrome. She was readmitted one month later for preexistent heart failure exacerbation and declining renal function. Her PTH was noted to be elevated again, although Ca remained normal, raising concern for recurrent or persistent disease. However, the patient’s renal impairment and lung effusion limited further imaging. Ca and PTH were monitored frequently during hospitalization and weekly after discharge. PTH levels peaked at 634 pg/ml and then dropped to 127 pg/ml without intervention. Ca remained in the normal range while on calcium citrate and calcitriol. Conclusion: Treatment of metastatic parathyroid carcinoma remains a challenge. Mortality is secondary to complications of hypercalcemia; therefore, controlling calcium levels should be the main therapeutic goal. Hungry bone syndrome should be considered after surgery. Metastatic disease may occur even after 20 years; thus, lifelong close monitoring is indicated. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

FRI371 Serum Androstenedione As An Additive Biomarker In Ectopic Cushing’s Syndrome Evaluation

Abstract Disclosure: S. Zhang: None. J.C. Lo: None. M.G. Jaffe: None. H. Arzumanyan: None. Background: Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (ECS) results from glucocorticoid excess secondary to ectopic ACTH or CRH producing tumors. Although ECS identification can be challenging when presentation lacks classic Cushing’s features, ectopic ACTH secretion can result in a key constellation of findings that facilitate early clinical recognition. We describe a case of ECS from an ACTH-producing carcinoid tumor of the lung presenting with resistant hypertension, severe hypokalemia, and muscle weakness. In addition to significant hypercortisolism, laboratory findings were notable for high androstenedione levels without concomitant increase in DHEAS and testosterone levels. Case: A 59-year-old female athlete with history of well-controlled hypertension developed difficult to control hypertension, requiring escalation to triple antihypertensive therapy within 3 months. During this time, she had multiple emergency department visits for progressive muscle weakness, hypertension, and persistent hypokalemia despite potassium supplementation. She was hospitalized for further evaluation. Physical examination was notable for bruising, muscle wasting, thin extremities, facial fullness, and disproportionate abdominal adiposity. Workup for Cushing’s syndrome demonstrated ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism and markedly elevated androstenedione 398 ng/dL (normal 20-75 ng/dL) despite normal DHEAS 48 mcg/dL (normal <430 mcg/dL) and total testosterone 11 ng/dL (normal <45 ng/dL) levels. A chest CT identified a 3.8 cm right lower lobe lung mass and transbronchial biopsy confirmed atypical carcinoid tumor. She underwent a right middle and lower lobe bilobectomy with complete tumor resection. Cortisol, androstenedione, and potassium levels rapidly normalized postoperatively, and blood pressure returned to baseline, well-controlled on monotherapy. The patient only required 3 days of hydrocortisone therapy for transient steroid withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions: Our case illustrates a difficult to diagnose uncommon disease presenting with resistant hypertension, hypokalemia and marked androstenedione elevation despite normal DHEAS and testosterone levels. This steroidogenic profile has been reported in other ECS cases and attributed to differential effects of ectopic ACTH production on adrenal androgen biosynthesis (1). Although ECS is rare and the primary lesion can be difficult to identify, disproportionate elevation in androstenedione may prompt recognition of ECS and support early detection and management. Reference: (1) Barbetta L, Dall’Asta C, Re T, Colombo P, Travaglini P, Ambrosi B. Androgen secretion in ectopic ACTH syndrome and in Cushing’s disease: modifications before and after surgery. Horm Metab Res Horm Stoffwechselforschung Horm Metab. 2001;33(10):596-601 Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

End-Stage Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Lung Microenvironment Promotes Impaired NK Activity.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic age-related chronic lung disease characterized by the accumulation of senescent cells. Whether impaired immune response is responsible for the accumulation of senescent cells in the IPF lung remains unknown. In this study, we characterized the NK phenotype in IPF lungs via flow cytometry using 5-dodecanoylaminofluorescein di-β-d-galactopyranoside, markers of tissue residence, and chemokine receptors. The effect of the lung microenvironment was evaluated using lung fibroblast (LF) conditioned media (CM), and the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was used to assess the invivo relationship between NK cells and the accumulation of senescent cells. We found that NK cells from the lower lobe of IPF patients exhibited immune-senescent and impaired CD57-NKG2A+ phenotype. We also observed that culture of NK cells from healthy donors in CM from IPF lower lobe lung fibroblasts induced a senescent-like phenotype and impaired cytotoxic capacity. There is an impaired NK recruitment by LF, and NKs presented decreased migration toward their CM. In addition, NK cell-depleted mice treated with bleomycin showed increased collagen deposition and accumulation of different populations of senescent cells compared with controls. The IPF lung microenvironment induces a dysfunctional NK phenotype limiting the clearance of lung senescent cells and the resolution of lung fibrosis. We propose that impaired NK activity could be one of the mechanisms responsible for perpetuating the accumulation of senescent cells in IPF lungs.

Comparison of Radiation Dose and Image Quality of Pediatric High-Resolution Chest CT Between Photon-Counting Detector CT and Energy-Integrated Detector CT: A Matched Study.

BACKGROUND. Photon-counting detector (PCD) CT has been shown to reduce radiation dose and improve image quality in adult chest CT examinations; its potential impact in pediatric CT is not well documented. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to compare radiation dose, objective image quality, and subjective image quality of PCD CT and energy-integrating detector (EID) CT in children undergoing high-resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest. METHODS. This retrospective study included 27 children (median age, 3.9 years; 10 girls, 17 boys) who underwent PCD CT between March 1, 2022, and August 31, 2022, and 27 children (median age, 4.0 years; 13 girls, 14 boys) who underwent EID CT between August 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022; all examinations comprised clinically indicated chest HRCT. The patients in the two groups were matched by age and water-equivalent diameter. Radiation dose parameters were recorded. One observer placed ROIs to measure objective parameters (lung attenuation, image noise, and SNR). Two radiologists independently assessed subjective measures (overall image quality and motion artifacts) using 5-point Likert scales (1 = highest quality). Groups were compared. RESULTS. PCD CT, in comparison with EID CT, showed lower median CTDIvol (0.41 vs 0.71 mGy, p < .001), DLP (10.2 vs 13.7 mGy × cm, p = .008), size-specific dose estimate (0.82 vs 1.34 mGy, p < .001), and tube current-exposure time product (48.0 vs 202.0 mAs, p < .001). PCD CT and EID CT showed no significant difference in right upper lobe (RUL) lung attenuation (mean, -793 vs -750 HU; p = .09), right lower lobe (RLL) lung attenuation (mean, -745 vs -716 HU; p = .23), RUL image noise (mean, 55 vs 51 HU; p = .27), RLL image noise (mean, 59 vs 57 HU; p = .48), RUL SNR (mean, -14.9 vs -15.8; p = .89), or RLL SNR (mean, -13.1 vs -13.6; p = .79). PCD CT and EID CT showed no significant difference in median overall image quality for reader 1 (1.0 vs 1.0, p = .28) or reader 2 (1.0 vs 1.0, p = .17) or median motion artifacts for reader 1 (1.0 vs 1.0, p = .07) or reader 2 (1.0 vs 1.0, p = .22). CONCLUSION. PCD CT showed significantly reduced dose levels without a significant difference in objective or subjective image quality compared with EID CT. CLINICAL IMPACT. These data expand understanding of the capabilities of PCD CT and support its routine use in children.

Comparison of different approaches in complete thoracoscopic segmentectomy of lung lower lobe.

Safe and oncologically acceptable segmentectomy outcomes were reported for early-stage lung cancer. The high-resolution computed tomography allowed us to find detailed structures inside the lungs, such as the pulmonary ligaments (PLs). Hence, we have presented the relatively anatomically challenging thoracoscopic segmentectomy, for the resection of the lateral basal segment, the posterior basal segment, and both segments through the PL as a PL approach. This study aimed to retrospectively examine the lung lower lobe segmentectomy, excluding the superior and basal segments (from S7 to S10), using the PL approach as an option to treat the lower lobe tumors of the lung. We then compared the efficacy of the PL approach in terms of safety with the interlobar fissure (IF) approach. The characteristics of the patients, intra- and postoperative complications, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Of the 510 patients who underwent segmentectomy for malignant lung tumors from February 2009 to December 2020, 85 were included in this study. Among them, 41 underwent a complete lung lower lobe thoracoscopic segmentectomy, excluding S6 and basal segments (from S7 to S10), using the PL approach, and the remaining 44 used the IF approach. The median age in 41 patients in the PL group was 64.0 years (range, 22-82), and that in 44 patients in the IF group was 66.5 years (range, 44-88), with significant differences in gender between these groups. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were performed on 37 and 4 patients in the PL group and 43 and 1 patient in the IF group, respectively. Postoperative complication frequency was not significantly different between these groups. The most common complications were the air leaks that persisted for over 7 days in 1 and 5 patients in the PL and IF groups, respectively. Complete thoracoscopic segmentectomy of the lower lobe, excluding S6 and basal segments, using the PL approach is a reasonable option for lung lower lobe tumors compared with the IF approach.

CT and PET/CT findings of primary pulmonary malignant melanoma: a case report and literature review.

Primary malignant melanoma of the lung (PMML) is an extremely rare and refractory tumor, and its diagnosis is a significant challenge. The current study presents the case of a 62-year-old man who presented to the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui, China) with chest tightness and fatigue for 3 months. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a 1.5- × 1.9-cm mass with irregular borders and heterogenous density located in the right lower lung lobe. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed slight enhancement of the mass, but there was no clear evidence of malignancy. Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT revealed a defined-margin mass, with slightly high uptake (standardized uptake value [SUV]: 3.6). The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and the final diagnosis was PMML on the basis of the results of the pathological examination. The patient received four courses of immunotherapy after the operation, and eventually declined further immunotherapy owing to the high cost. The patient was followed-up for 1 year without metastasis or recurrence.