Pulmonary Function Test Findings Research Articles

The Effect of Conventional Open Thyroidectomy on Clinical Results and Respiratory Function Tests in Multinodular Goitre.

The primary aim of our study was to measure the effect of conventional open thyroidectomy performed for patients with multinodular goiter (MNG) on pulmonary volumes measured with respiratory function tests independent from surgical indications. A secondary aim was to determine whether there was a significant improvement in the complaints due to obstructive symptoms after MNG surgeries. This study was conducted between October 2020 and June 2022. Patients who were hospitalized to undergo surgery for giant multinodular goiter were prospectively included in the study. Patients were questioned about complaints of pressure, hoarseness, dyspnea, sleep apnea, snoring, and dysphagia before the surgery and during the follow-up 6 months after surgery. In addition, pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively, 48 hours after surgery and 6 months after surgery. Forced expiratory volume in 0.5 seconds forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity values in pulmonary function test (PFT) measurements were recorded. A total of 55 patients, 42 females and 13 males, mean age 49.54 ± 13.6 years, were included in the study. Although there was a significant decrease in clinical symptoms caused by the thyroid volume within 6 months in patients who were operated for giant MNG there was no significant change in pulmonary function tests. There was a positive correlation between the thyroid volume and nodule weight in patients with MNG. Our results suggest that it is not necessary to follow up with patients without obstructive findings in preoperative pulmonary function tests with pulmonary function tests in the postoperative period.

Pulmonary Function and Diffusing Capacity of Carbon Monoxide in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: An Observational Study of 152 Patients.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammatory and/or fibrotic lung disease. The restrictive lung function with low diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) is common in interstitial lung diseases (ILD). There are limited data on pulmonary function test (PFT) in HP and its role for diagnosis is questionable. We analyzed the data of 152 HP patients for type of defect, lung volume, and DLCO. The present study is a retrospective analysis of 152 patients at one of the tertiary chest institutes in India. All diagnosed cases with at least spirometry were included. PFT findings were classified and graded as obstructive, restrictive, and mixed patterns. The correlation of PFT was calculated with disease duration and 6MWT distance. The majority were female [106 (70%)], with a mean age of 47.8 ± 12.3 years. Spirometry with lung volume data were available for 97% patients. PFT was abnormal in 118 (80%) cases. Among the patterns of abnormality, the most common type was restrictive (74%) followed by mixed (15%) and obstructive (11%) with the majority in the severe to very severe grade. The mean total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV) were reduced, with the grade more severe when the pattern of abnormality was restrictive while the RV/ TLC was higher suggestive of air tapping. DLCO data were available for 132 (87%) cases, with levels decreased in 67%. The severity of DLCO was highest when the pattern of abnormality was restrictive. One of the PFT parameters was abnormal in 137 (90%) cases, with isolated decreased DLCO levels seen in 16 (10%) cases. Forced vital capacity (FVC), TLC, and DLCO showed positive correlation with 6MWT distance (FVC r = .22, P = .02; TLC r = .28, P = .003; DLCO r = .30, P = .002). The PFT abnormality is seen in >80% of HP patients. All types of abnormality were seen, with the restrictive pattern being the most common. Isolated decreased DLCO levels were seen in 10% of cases. We advised to do full PFT for diagnosis and followup of HP.

Factors that Influence the Need to Start Adaptive Radiotherapy.

Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) is an essential approach to account for anatomical and biological uncertainties. Adaptive radiotherapy is, however, time-consuming, and it is unclear which patients are eligible or when is the best time to start ART. This prospective study was conducted at Kasr El-Aini Center of Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Cairo, Egypt from January 2019 to December 2020. Thirty patients with pathologically proven, limited-stage small cell or stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer who were either not fit for or refused surgery or had stage III disease were recruited and underwent treatment planning to receive 60 Gy on a conventional 3D conformal radiation schedule with platinum-based chemotherapy. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) planning within 2 and 4 weeks of starting radiation therapy to assess the need for adaptation. Pulmonary function test and echocardiography findings were assessed at the end of treatment and at 3 and 6 months after treatment, and were compared to the baseline. We found a significant reduction in mean value of the planning target volume (PTV) in the CT scans at the second (331 cm3) and fourth (257 cm3) weeks of treatment as compared to baseline (342 cm3) (p-value < 0.0001). Adaptation decreased the dose to the organ at risk with statistical significance and with improvement of the target coverage. At week 2 of radiotherapy, the need for adaptation was correlated to the conformity index (p = 0.0473), esophageal V35 (p = 0.0488), esophageal V50 (p = 0.0295), and its mean dose (p = 0.0087). At week 4 it was correlated to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (p = 0.0303), ratio between the forced expiratory volume in 1 second and the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (p = 0.0024), and echocardiography (p = 0.0183). Conformity index and esophageal dose constraints can predict the need for adaptation at week 2, whereas baseline pulmonary function parameters and echocardiography can predict the need for adaptation at week 4 of radiotherapy.

Spontaneous pneumothorax as an early manifestation of pulmonary sarcoidosis: a case-based review

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by non-caseating granulomas with predominantly lung manifestations that can cause restrictive or, less commonly, obstructive lung disease. Rarely is pneumothorax a manifestation of sarcoidosis; it has been reported as an early finding in sarcoidosis, but it is typically attributed to ruptured bullae, cysts, or pleural granulomas. Case Presentation: We present a unique case of spontaneous pneumothorax attributed to biopsy-proven sarcoid disease in a patient with no prior history of pulmonary complications. The patient’s rapid development of novel pulmonary sequelae necessitates treatment of sarcoidosis early in the disease course. Conclusion: We recommend a treatment plan of appropriate chest tube placement in the affected lung(s) and prompt steroid therapy for patients with sarcoidosis presenting with a pneumothorax. We also review the literature for the etiology, pathophysiology, and presentation of pneumothorax in sarcoidosis, treatment of this sequela, and pulmonary function test findings in these patients.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax as an Early Manifestation of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: a case-based review

Background: Sarcoidosis is a multi-system inflammatory disorder characterized by non-caseating granulomas with predominantly lung manifestations that can cause restrictive or, less commonly, obstructive lung disease. Rarely is pneumothorax a manifestation of sarcoidosis; it has been reported as an early finding in sarcoidosis, but it is typically attributed to ruptured bullae, cysts, or pleural granulomas. Case presentation: We present a unique case of spontaneous pneumothorax attributed to biopsy-proven sarcoid disease in a patient with no prior history of pulmonary complications. The patient&amp;apos;s rapid development of novel pulmonary sequelae necessitates treatment of sarcoidosis early in disease course. Conclusion: We recommend a treatment plan of appropriate chest tube placement in the affected lung(s) and prompt steroid therapy for patients with sarcoidosis presenting with a pneumothorax. We also review the literature for the etiology, pathophysiology, and presentation of pneumothorax in sarcoidosis, treatment of this sequela, and pulmonary function test findings in these patients.

Association of elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels with extensive interstitial lung disease in patients with systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study.

To assess the usefulness of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) as a biomarker for systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), using serum samples and clinical parameters of patients with SSc. Patients with SSc admitted to Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital between 2010 and 2021 and those who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) were included. Patients were diagnosed with ILD based on chest CT findings, and SSc-ILD was categorized as either a limited or extensive disease based on chest CT and pulmonary function test findings. Serum CA19-9 levels were measured in 56 patients with SSc and in 32 healthy individuals. Additionally, we evaluated the difference in serum CA19-9 levels between the groups, the correlation with ILD area and pulmonary function, and discriminative performance to diagnose extensive ILD. Of the 56 patients with SSc, 40 (71.4%) had ILD, and 17 (30.4%) were classified as having extensive disease. Serum CA19-9 levels were significantly elevated in patients with extensive disease compared to those with limited disease (median [interquartile range]: 25.7 U/mL [10.1-50.8] vs. 8.8 U/mL [4.5-17.6], p = .02) and correlated with ILD area (r = .30, p = .02). There was no significant correlation between serum CA19-9 level and pulmonary function. The cutoff of CA19-9 for the diagnosis of the extensive disease was determined to be 19.8 U/mL, with a sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 82% and an area under the curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.58-0.90). The serum CA19-9 level may be a useful marker for identifying patients with SSc-ILD with extensive disease.

A quantitative analysis of long-term follow-up computed tomography of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: the correlation with the progression and prognosis.

Quantitative analyses of computed tomography (CT) images using computer-aided detection (CAD) are correlated with visual assessments and pulmonary function test findings and might be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To evaluate the association between the quantitative analysis of long-term follow-up CT of IPF and the progression and prognosis. A total of 48 patients with IPF who received over one year of follow-up CT were included in this study. The results of quantitative analyses (emphysema, ground-glass attenuation [GGA], consolidation, reticulation, and honeycombing) using a CAD software program of initial and follow-up CT findings were evaluated, and the association with the progression of the total lesion of IPF and prognosis using Spearman's rank correlation and Cox regression analyses was considered. Results of quantitative analyses of consolidation, reticulation, honeycombing, and the total lesion on initial CT were correlated with progressive changes in the total lesion of IPF per year (r = 0.4375, 0.4128, 0.4649, and 0.4095, respectively). The results of quantitative analyses of honeycombing (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.89, P = 0.0314) and GGA (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.72-0.99, P = 0.0384) at initial CT were prognostic factors according to a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The quantitative analysis of honeycombing using a CAD software program of CT findings may be useful for predicting the progression and prognosis of patients with IPF.

Does Physical Frailty and Pulmonary Function Affect the Number of Hospital Stay Among Liver Cirrhosis Patients? - A Retrospective Study

Background and need of research: Cirrhosis is permanent scarring(fibrosis) of liver and its major complication is frailty, defined as deterioration in physical and physiological function. Other complications such as Ascites, Hepatopulmonary syndrome, Respiratory muscles and generalized muscle weakness cause alteration in pulmonary function which is associated with frequent hospitalization and delisting from transplantation. The main aim of this study is to evaluate physical frailty and degree of pulmonary function abnormalities among cirrhotic patient using Short physical performance battery (SPPB) and pulmonary function using forced based spirometry pulmonary test (PFT) and to determine its relation with hospitalizations in cirrhotics. Methods: After approval from the institutional ethical committee, data of one hundred and thirty-three liver cirrhotic patients were retrieved from Physiotherapy department and Abdominal Organ Transplant between January’22-November’22. Data available like demographic and clinical parameters, severity of frailty assessed by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS V.25(IBM). Result: Out of 133 subjects, 18(8%), 8(21%), 52(39%) were severely, moderate, and mildly frail respectively. In PFT findings, 15(11%), 43(32%), 16 (12%) had mild, moderate, and severe restriction. 4-meter gait speed test was weakly correlated with number of hospital admissions (r=0.199, p&lt;0.05). Sit to Stand test (STS) was moderately correlated with number of hospital admissions (r=0.24, p&lt;0.05). Comparison with categories of PFT and hospital admissions was not significant (Kruskal-Walli’s test, p&lt;0.53). Conclusion and Clinical Implications: SPPB (4m gait speed and Chair STS test) showed weak correlation with number of hospitalizations. However, PFT showed no correlation with number of hospitalizations. Findings of this study imply that assessment of frailty can be used to guide future rehabilitation for such patients. Keywords: Short Physical Performance Battery, Liver cirrhosis, Pulmonary function Test, Frailty, Retrospective study.

Characteristics and risk factors of mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by dysregulation of fibroblast function, which often involves the lungs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with SSc (SSc-ILD) is a major cause of death among patients with SSc. Our study aimed to identify risk factors for mortality and compare the clinical characteristics of patients with SSc-ILD. Patients and methods Patients were retrospectively enrolled between 2010 and 2018 in a tertiary hospital in Korea. Patients with SSc-ILD were classified depending on the first pulmonary function test or radiologic findings: extensive (n = 46, >20% disease extent on computed tomography (CT) or forced vital capacity [FVC] < 70% in indeterminate cases) and limited (n = 60, <20% disease extent on CT or FVC ≥70% in indeterminate cases). Results Patients in the extensive group were younger (mean age ± SD 49.3 ± 11.5) than those in the limited group (53.9 ± 12.5, p = .067) at diagnosis. The extensive group showed frequent pulmonary hypertension (43.5% vs. 16.7%, p = .009) and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (61.3 ± 33.7 vs. 42.1 ± 26.0, p = .003) and mortality (32.6%, mean duration of follow-up, 100.0 ± 44.7 months vs. 10.0%, 86.0 ± 53.4 months, p = .011). ILD was detected within five years from the first visit (median years 3.5 (1.0, 6.0) vs. 4.5 (0.6, 9.0), survivors vs. non-survivors), and mortality occurred in 19.8% of all patients during a 15-year follow-up. Older age, lower FVC, and initial disease stage (limited or extensive) were associated with mortality, but FVC decline was similar in the limited and extensive groups, such as 15–20% in the first year and 8–10% in the next year, regardless of the initial extent of the disease. Conclusions Approximately 10% of patients with SSc-ILD in the limited and extensive group showed progression. ILD was detected at a median of less than five years from the first visit; therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor patients’ symptoms and signs from an early stage. Long-term surveillance is also required. Key messages Patients with systemic sclerosis-interstitial lung disease manifested a heterogeneous disease course. Approximately 10% of the patients in the limited group showed progression, which was similar to the proportion of patients in the extensive group. Interstitial lung disease was detected at a median of less than five years from the first visit.

Thoracic computed tomography measures have predictive value in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is diagnosed with pulmonary function tests (PFTs). However, since not all patients can be diagnosed with PFTs, some are diagnosed with radiological or clinical findings. The purpose of this study was to define the properties of obstructive airway disease through thoracic computed tomography (CT) and to identify the diagnostic efficacy of CT findings. A total of 160 patients who underwent PFT and thoracic CT assessment July 2018 - January 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. Based on PFT findings, patients were categorized into three groups as having normal, restrictive or obstructive airways. Age, height, weight, and body mass indexes of the groups were recorded. Pulmonary height, width, right-left hemi-diaphragm height, sterno-diaphragmatic angle and retrosternal transparent area length in axial sections were also recorded. Diagnostic efficacies of these parameters in the detection of obstructive airway disease were measured. Of the 160 patients (109 males, 51 females; mean age = 59.5), 91 (56.9) had normal PFT, 58 (36.2%) had obstructive and 11 (6.9%) had restrictive airway disease. Pulmonary height, width, sterno-diaphragmatic angle, and retrosternal transparent area length were significantly higher in patients with obstructive airway disease while the right-left hemi-diaphragm height was significantly lower (p&lt;0.001). About 60-75% sensitivity and specificity were obtained when identifying the obstructive airway disease with these parameters. These values obtained from the axial and sagittal sections could contribute to the diagnosis of obstructive airway disease.

Factors Associated with Pulmonary Function Changes in Patients Undergoing Microwave Ablation for Pulmonary Ground-Glass Nodules.

Purpose: Microwave ablation has become an alternative treatment for pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGN) and is widely accepted by clinicians. However, its effect on lung function remains unknown. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to explore pulmonary function changes and associated risk factors in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for treating pulmonary GGN. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients diagnosed with pulmonary GGN on thin-layer chest CT and enhanced CT were examined. Patients unable or unwilling to undergo thoracoscopic surgery underwent CT-guided simultaneous percutaneous core needle biopsy and MWA. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed before ablation and 3 days and 6 months post-ablation. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1%, forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values pre- and post-MWA were analysed. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the correlation between ablation volume and changes in PFT findings 3 days post-ablation. Associations between patient characteristics, rates of postoperative complications, and PFT findings were analysed. Results: Forty-eight lesions were completely ablated and examined intraoperatively. There were significant differences in pre- and post-operative PFT findings on day 3 but not at 6 months. The mean ablation volume after 3 days of 11.4 ± 6.3 cm3 was positively correlated with changes in FEV1, MVV, and PEF values. Patients’ age (mean, 59.4 ± 13.0 years) positively correlated with changes in PEF values. The rates of change in FVC and MVV values were significantly higher with multiple pulmonary nodules than with isolated pulmonary nodule. PFT findings were similar between patients who experienced or did not experience complications (eg, pneumothorax and pleural effusion). Conclusions: Pulmonary function could be impaired shortly after MWA. PFT findings may correlate with age, ablation volume, and number of ablated lesions. In most patients, pulmonary function returned to the preoperative state after 6 months.

Methotrexate induced lung diseases in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by articular and extra-articular manifestations. The lung is commonly a site of extra-articular disease. The lung manifestations of RA vary and may include airways, parenchymal, vascular, and pleural disease. Manifestations of lung disease in RA typically follow the development of articular disease. Methotrexate (MTX)has shown efficacy for the treatment of several diseases, especially RA. Methotrexate has also been implicated as a causative agent in interstitial lung disease. Objective to find any association between MTX intake and lung abnormalities in RA patients. Patients and Methods This study included sixty adult RA patients, recruited from Ain Shams University Hospitals. Patients were divided into thirty patients on MTX therapy, and another thirty patients on non-methotrexate therapy. All underwent history, clinical examination, chest examination, evaluation of RA by modified disease activity score 28 (DAS 28) and pulmonary function tests(PFT). Results The age of patients receiving MTX ranged from 35-65 years and the non-MTX group was 35-57 years with a mean ±SD of 47.733±5.265 and 40.700 ±5.187, respectively. Male to female ratio of MTX group was about 1:3, while Non MTX group was about 1:9.There was no significant difference regarding age and sex. There was no difference between both group regarding modified DAS score and chest manifestations. There was no difference in PFT findings between patients on high or low dose of MTX therapy .Similarly, no association was found between disease activity score and PFT findings in both groups. On the other hand, a significant association between chest symptoms and PFT, P value&amp;lt;0.05 . Also a strong significant association was found between anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) status and PFT in both group, p value &amp;lt;0.05. Conclusion MTX treatment was not associated with an increased risk of RA-ILD diagnosis. On the contrary, evidence showed that MTX may delay the onset of ILD. There seems no reason to confuse the association of MTX and hypersensitivity pneumonitis with the onset of RAILD.ACPA antibody is considered a major risk factor in RA-ILD, ACPA titers constitute an independent factor associated not only with the presence but also with the severity of RA-ILD

Pulmonary Function Testing in Patients With E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury.

In 2019 there was an outbreak of respiratory illnesses amongst people who used E-cigarettes. This phenomenon was labeled 'EVALI' which stands for "Electronic cigarette (E-cigarette), or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury" and is a life-threatening illness of the lungs associated with E-cigarette use. It is believed to be caused by certain chemicals in E-cigarette cartridges, such as vitamin E acetate, but the exact pathophysiological mechanism is yet to be elucidated. Since 2019, the CDC has recorded over 2800 cases in the United States with over 60 deaths. Though many people recover from EVALI, the long-term implications on pulmonary health are unknown. The purpose of this retrospective study was to demonstrate the pulmonary function test (PFT) findings in a group of patients who recovered from a diagnosis of EVALI. We reviewed the cases of 23 adult patients who presented to two major academic hospitals of the Northwell Health System with confirmed EVALI and followed up in our outpatient clinics with PFTs. Most patients had significantly reduced diffusion capacity (DLCO) demonstrating loss of functioning alveolar units. Given that average follow-up was over a month after discharge, this leads us to believe that EVALI can lead to persistent lung damage. However, further follow-up would be necessary to identify the full impact of E-cigarette use on the pulmonary function.

MUC5B promoter variant rs35705950 and rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial lung disease survival and progression

BackgroundThe major risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), MUC5B rs35705950, was found to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Whilst the MUC5B rs35705950 T risk allele has been associated with better survival in IPF, its impact on RA-ILD prognosis remains to be determined. Our objective was to explore the influence of MUC5B rs35705950 on survival and progression in RA-ILD. MethodsThrough an international retrospective observational study, patients with RA-ILD were genotyped for the MUC5B rs35705950 variant and consecutive pulmonary function tests (PFTs) findings were collected. Longitudinal data up to a 10-year follow-up were considered and analyzed using mixed regression models. Proportional hazards and joint proportional hazards models were used to analyze the association of baseline and longitudinal variables with lung transplant-free survival. Significant progression of RA-ILD was defined as at least an absolute or relative 10% decline of forced vital capacity at 2 years from baseline. ResultsOut of 321 registered patients, 261 were included in the study: 139 women (53.3%), median age at RA-ILD diagnosis 65 years (interquartile range [IQR] 57 to 71), 151 ever smokers (59.2%). Median follow-up was 3.5 years (IQR 1.3 to 6.6). Mortality rate was 32% (95%CI 19 to 42) at 10 years. The MUC5B rs35705950 variant did not impact lung transplant-free survival (HR for the T risk allele carriers=1.26; 95%CI 0.61 to 2.62; P=0.53). Decline in pulmonary function at 2 years was not influenced by MUC5B rs35705950 (OR=0.95; 95%CI 0.44 to 2.05; P=0.89), irrespective of the HRCT pattern. ConclusionIn this study, the MUC5B rs35705950 promoter variant did not influence transplant- free survival or decline in pulmonary function in patients with RA-ILD.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in children.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is one of the most common forms of interstitial lung disease in children. Due to its common association with occupational environment, it used to be considered an exclusively adult disease; however, hypersensitivity pneumonitis also affects the paediatric population, and is often associated with exposure to antigens in the home environment and with the pastime activities of children. The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge on hypersensitivity pneumonitis in children with a focus on the peculiarities of diagnostic investigation and management of the disease in this age group. The study includes a case report of the disease in a child. In children, the most common factors causing HP are avian and fungal antigens present in the home environment. Diagnosis is based on the co-occurrence of characteristic clinical presentation, radiographic and pulmonary function tests findings, and a history of exposure to a potential triggering antigen. The main strategy in the management of HP is to eliminate the trigger factor with the use of a systemic corticosteroids therapy in severe or advanced cases. Due to the risk of irreversible changes in the respiratory tract, an early diagnosis is very important. A quick identification of the trigger factor and its elimination from the patient's environment makes it possible to apply a less aggressive treatment, and to improve the patient's prognosis. Unfortunately, due to its infrequent occurrence, hypersensitivity pneumonitis is often not taken into account in a differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases in children, which leads to a delayed diagnosis despite the characteristic clinical presentation of the disease.

Post-discharge chest CT findings and pulmonary function tests in severe COVID-19 patients

PurposeTo evaluate chest computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary function test (PFT) findings in severe COVID-19 patients after discharge and correlate CT pulmonary involvement with PFT results. MethodsCOVID-19 patients admitted to our hospital between February 25 and May 2, 2020, were retrospectively included according to the following criteria: (a) COVID-19 defined as severe based on the WHO interim guidance (i.e., clinical signs of pneumonia plus respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min, severe respiratory distress, and/or SpO2 < 90 % on room air); (b) chest radiograph in the acute setting; (c) post-discharge unenhanced chest CT; and (d) post-discharge comprehensive PFT. Imaging findings were retrospectively evaluated in consensus by two readers, and volume of abnormal lung was measured on CT using 3D Slicer software. Differences between demographics, comorbidities, acute radiographic findings, PFT, and post-discharge clinical and laboratory data of patients with normal and abnormal CT findings were assessed by Mann-Whitney or Fisher tests, and the compromised lung volume-PFT association by Pearson correlation after removing possible outliers. ResultsAt a median of 105 days from symptom onset, 74/91 (81 %) patients had CT abnormalities. The most common CT pattern was combined ground-glass opacity and reticular pattern (46/74, 62 %) along with architectural distortion (68/74, 92 %) and bronchial dilatation (66/74, 89 %). Compromised lung volume had a median value of 15 % [11–23], was higher in dyspneic patients, and negatively correlated with the percentage of predicted DLCO, VA, and FVC values (r = -0.39, -0.5, and -0.42, respectively). These PFT parameters were significantly lower in patients with CT abnormalities. Impairment of DLCO and KCO was found in 12 (13 %) cases, possibly implying an underlying pulmonary vasculopathy in this subgroup of patients. ConclusionsMost severe COVID-19 survivors still had physiologically relevant CT abnormalities about three months after the disease onset, with an impairment of diffusion capacity on PFT. A pulmonary vasculopathy was suggested in a minor proportion of patients.

High fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in asthma patients: Does size matter?

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a biomarker for eosinophilic inflammation used for diagnosis and monitoring of asthma. High FeNO indicates significant airway eosinophilia and steroid-responsive airway inflammation. Some children with asthma have extremely high FeNO levels, but whether these levels represent a different asthma phenotype compared with those with mildly elevated FeNO is unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the extent of high FeNO levels correlates with clinical phenotype, asthma control, comorbidity, and pulmonary function test (PFT) findings in children with asthma. Anthropometric data, daytime and nighttime symptoms, controller treatment, comorbidity, and PFT findings were retrieved from the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit database (2014-2020) and correlated with FeNO levels in pediatric asthma patients with high FeNO levels. Two-hundred children and adolescents with high FeNO levels (range 36-227 ppb) were included. Within this range, higher FeNO levels positively correlated with increased daytime and nighttime symptoms (p = .013 and p = .01, respectively) and poorly controlled asthma (p = .034). A FeNO level of ≥80 ppb was the cutoff for significantly more severe daytime and nighttime symptoms and very poorly controlled asthma compared with levels <80 ppb (p = .004, p = .005, and p = .036, respectively). No correlation was found between FeNO and controller treatment, comorbidity, and PFT performance. In pediatric asthma patients, high FeNO levels correlate with increased symptom severity and poor asthma control. A FeNO level of ≥80 ppb may serve as an objective indicator for severe asthma.

Clinical Characteristics of Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia: A Retrospective Analysis

Clinical Characteristics of Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia: A Retrospective Analysis

MY LUNGS ARE SHRINKING: A RARE MANIFESTATION OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

SESSION TITLE: Tuesday Fellows Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Fellow Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/22/2019 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM INTRODUCTION: Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a rare pulmonary complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is characterized by progressive dyspnea, elevation of the diaphragm, pleuritic chest pain, low lung volumes on imaging and Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) findings of a restrictive pattern.(1) SLS prevalence is estimated to be 0.5% to 1.1% among patients with SLE.(2) Its pathophysiology remains largely unclear; however, micro atelectatic changes, diaphragm fibrosis, and phrenic nerve palsy have been sugested.(3) There is no standardized treatment for SLS, though most of these patients are treated with medium to high dose steroids.(1) CASE PRESENTATION: Mrs. PB is a pleasant 51- year old Hispanic female with a past medical history significant for hypothyroidism, obesity, diabetes mellitus and a diagnosis of SLE with multiple flares since 2003; she consistently is lost to follow up and follows up only during her SLE flares. She presents to clinic for a 2 month history of productive cough, shortness of breath, and worsening SLE skin manifestations. History reveals that since her onset of symptoms she has undergone three courses of antibiotic therapy with no improvement of her symptoms. Chest CT and Pulmonary Function testing were ordered. At follow up CT reports found elevation of the right diaphragm with adjacent compressive atelectasis and linear scarring bilateral posterior lung bases. Review of CT imaging did not correlate with the patient’s dyspnea. PFT results demonstrated a total lung capacity (TLC) of 38% percent of predicted (PP), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 26% PP, and a diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) of 36% PP, consistent with a restrictive pattern and severe diffusion defect. Results were discussed and consensus was made that findings and history are consistent with SLS. The patient was started on a course of steroids followed by a maintenance therapy of hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates a case of shrinking lung syndrome and highlights the fact that SLS can complicate SLE at any point during the course of the disease. Despite the rare occurrence of SLS in patients with SLE symptoms such as pleuritic chest pain and/or dyspnea in these patients should alert the physicians about this diagnosis. Unfortunately, there are no standard treatment guidelines and medium to high dose steroids, immunosuppressants, theophylline and beta agonists have been studied. Long term prognosis is generally good. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic delay due to under recognition of this condition can often lead to delays in appropriate medical therapy and care. Unfortunately, there are no standard treatment guidelines and medium to high dose steroids, immunosuppressants, theophylline and beta agonists have been studied. Long term prognosis is generally good. Reference #1: Borrell, H., Narváez, J., Alegre, J. J., Castellví, I., Mitjavila, F., Aparicio, M., Armengol, E., Molina-Molina, M., … Nolla, J. M. (2016). Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case series and review of the literature. Medicine, 95(33), e4626. Reference #2: Bertoli AM, Vila LM, Apte M, et al. LUMINA Study Group. Systemic lupus erythematosus in a multiethnic US Cohort LUMINA XLVIII: factors predictive of pulmonary damage. Lupus 2007; 16:410–417. Reference #3: Selmi, C. Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol (2017) 53: 126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-017-8615-6 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Mohammed Ali, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Humayun Anjum, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Manuel Ramos Ramirez, source=Web Response Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Astra Zaneca, Sunovian, Paratek Please note: $1001 - $5000 Added 01/13/2019 by Salim Surani, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee

Pulmonary Function Test Findings of Patients with Bronchiectasis

Pulmonary Function Test Findings of Patients with Bronchiectasis