Tuberculosis Sequelae Research Articles

Impact of post-pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae and its management in a tertiary care facility in South India

BackgroundPost-pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) sequelae are chest alterations caused by pulmonary tuberculosis problems, even after treatment and infection elimination. These alterations can cause pulmonary dysfunction, ranging from mild irregularities to acute dyspnea, increasing the risk of respiratory-related deaths. Current research aims to investigate the type, severity, clinical management, and impact on quality of life in affected individuals. Materials and methodsA prospective observational study with 66 patients was carried out in a South Indian tertiary care facility. We gathered sociodemographic and clinical data from the patients. Imaging investigations (chest X-ray, CT scans) and pulmonary function test reports (Spirometry) were used to assess the post-pulmonary TB sequelae. The patient's quality of life was evaluated using the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire. ResultsOut of 66 patients, 66.7% were men, and the average age was 57.2 years. According to radiological analysis, most patients had airway difficulties (38%), followed by parenchymal problems (36.3%). Obstruction was the most typical abnormality identified (81.9%). Bronchodilators, LABA + ICS, SABA, leukotriene antagonists, antibiotics, and other fixed medications treat post-PTB sequelae. Substantial impairment was observed in quality of life. ConclusionPatients who have had pulmonary TB are prone to post-TB respiratory symptoms and sequelae. The quality of life noticeably declined. This study's findings underscore the importance of robust, evidence-based guidelines and practical implementation techniques for managing post-pulmonary TB.

The Clinical Characteristics, Treatment and Prognosis of Tuberculosis-Associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Protocol for a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study in China.

Tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are significant public health challenges, with pulmonary tuberculosis recognized as a pivotal risk factor for the development of COPD. Tuberculosis-associated COPD is increasingly recognized as a distinct phenotype of COPD that potentially exhibits unique clinical features. A thorough understanding of the precise definition, clinical manifestations, prognosis, and most effective pharmacological strategies for tuberculosis-associated COPD warrants further investigation. This prospective, observational cohort study aims to enroll over 135 patients with tuberculosis-associated COPD and 405 patients with non-tuberculosis-associated COPD, across seven tertiary hospitals in mainland China. The diagnosis of tuberculosis-associated COPD will be established based on the following criteria: (1) history of pulmonary tuberculosis with standard antituberculosis treatment; (2) suspected pulmonary tuberculosis with radiological evidence indicative of tuberculosis sequelae; (3) no definitive history of pulmonary tuberculosis but with positive interferon-gamma release assay results and radiological signs suggestive of tuberculosis. At baseline, demographic information, medical history, respiratory questionnaires, complete blood count, interferon-gamma release assays, medications, spirometry, and chest computed tomography (CT) scans will be recorded. Participants will be followed for one year, with evaluations at six-month intervals to track the longitudinal changes in symptoms, treatment, lung function, and frequencies of COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations. At the final outpatient visit, additional assessments will include chest CT scans and total medical costs incurred. The findings of this study are expected to delineate the specific characteristics of tuberculosis-associated COPD and may propose potential treatment options for this particular phenotype, potentially leading to improved clinical management and patient outcomes.

Frightening symptom hemoptysis: Analysis of etiology, mortality, and treatment outcomes in a large cohort from the chest disease center in Turkiye

Aims: Hemoptysis can indicate serious, potentially life-threatening conditions. The etiology varies by region and can include tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries and malignancies in developed regions. Methods: This retrospective cohort study reviewed medical records of 400 hospitalized hemoptysis patients between June 2012 and March 2016. Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, hemoptysis volume, diagnostic tests, treatments, and outcomes. Survival rates and readmissions were tracked for 2-6 years post-discharge. Results: Of the 400 patients, 88 (22%) were female and 312 (78%) were male. The leading causes of hemoptysis were bronchiectasis (14%), sequela of tuberculosis (TB sequelae; 19%), and malignancy (22.8%). The most common causes in male patients were lung cancer (27.2%) and TB sequelae (21.8%). Bronchiectasis accounted for 28.4% of cases in female patients, followed by drug-induced hemoptysis at 14.8%. The in-hospital mortality rate was 1% (n = 4), with severe hemoptysis present in all four patients who died during admission for hemoptysis. The 2–6-year survival rate was 70.8% for women and 56.1% for men (p = 0.005). The factors found to significantly worsen mortality risk were lung malignancy, age >65, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conclusion: Overall, lung cancer was found to be the leading cause of hemoptysis, with bronchiectasis being the leading cause in female patients and malignancy in male patients. Close monitoring of male patients is crucial due to higher mortality risk. Careful assessment of patients with hemoptysis having comorbidities such as diabetes and COPD is required due to the reduced survival rates associated with these conditions. Early detection and intervention for lung cancer is essential to optimize the prognosis of affected individuals.

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.

18F]FDG PET and CT findings at therapy completion of pulmonary tuberculosis: comparison between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients and impact on treatment response assessment

Abstract Background [18F]FDG-PET/CT is a sensitive non-invasive tool for assessing treatment response in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. The data on the performance of [18F]FDG-PET/CT for response assessment among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is limited. Here, we investigated the differences between PET and CT lung findings on end-of-treatment [18F]FDG-PET/CT among HIV-positive versus HIV-negative patients who completed anti-tuberculous therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods Patients who completed anti-tuberculous therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis and declared cured based on negative clinical and laboratory assessments for active pulmonary tuberculosis were prospectively recruited to undergo [18F]FDG-PET/CT. Patients were classified as having residual metabolic activity if PET metabolic activity was demonstrated in the lung parenchyma or complete metabolic response if there was no abnormally increased [18F]FDG avidity in the lungs and compared the CT features. We identified 10 CT lung changes, five were associated with active pulmonary tuberculosis (nodules, micronodules in tree-in-bud pattern, consolidation, pleural effusion, and [18F]FDG-avid mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy) and the rest were associated with inactive sequelae of prior pulmonary tuberculosis (cysts, cavities, fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and calcifications and compared their incidence between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. Results Seventy-five patients were included with a mean age of 36.09 ± 10.49 years. There were fifty HIV-positive patients, all of whom were on antiretroviral therapy and with a median CD4 + T-cell of 255 cells/µL (IQR: 147–488). Fifteen HIV-positive patients had detectable HIV viremia with a median viral load of 12,497 copies/mL (IQR: 158–38,841). There was a significant difference in the incidence of residual metabolic activity and complete metabolic response between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. (P = 0.003) HIV-positive patients were more likely to have [18F]FDG-avid lymphadenopathy and HIV-negative patients had a higher incidence of cystic lung changes. The pattern of CT lung changes was otherwise not different between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. (P > 0.05) Conclusions The incidence of residual metabolic activity and complete metabolic response on end-of-treatment [18F]F-FDG-PET/CT are similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. The incidence of [18F]FDG-avid mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy is more prevalent among HIV-positive patients. The pattern of lung changes was largely similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients, indicating that the presence of HIV coinfection may not influence the interpretation of end-of-treatment [18F]F-FDG-PET/CT obtained for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment response assessment.

Tuberculosis Disease in Immunocompromised Children and Adolescents: A Pediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group Multicenter Case-control Study.

In high-resource settings, the survival of children with immunocompromise (IC) has increased and immunosuppressive therapies are increasingly being used. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics, performance of diagnostic tools, and outcome of IC children with tuberculosis (TB) in Europe. Multicenter, matched case-control study within the Pediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group, capturing TB cases <18 years diagnosed 2000-2020. A total of 417 TB cases were included, comprising 139 children who are IC (human immunodeficiency virus, inborn errors of immunity, drug-induced immunosuppression, and other immunocompromising conditions) and 278 non-IC children as controls. Nonrespiratory TB was more frequent among cases than controls (32.4% vs 21.2%; P = .013). Patients with IC had an increased likelihood of presenting with severe disease (57.6% vs 38.5%; P < .001; odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.073 [1.37-3.13]). Children with IC had higher rates of false-negative tuberculin skin test (31.9% vs 6.0%; P < .001) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay (30.0% vs 7.3%; P < .001) results at diagnosis. Overall, the microbiological confirmation rate was similar in IC and non-IC cases (58.3% vs 49.3%; P = .083). Although the mortality in children with IC was <1%, the rate of long-term sequelae was significantly higher than in non-IC cases (14.8% vs 6.1%; P = .004). Children with IC and TB in Europe have increased rates of nonrespiratory TB, severe disease, and long-term sequelae. Immune-based TB tests have poor sensitivity in those children. Future research should focus on developing improved immunological TB tests that perform better in patients with IC, and determining the reasons for the increased risk of long-term sequelae, with the aim to design preventive management strategies.

Frequency and Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Complications of Chronic Pulmonary Disease in Chud-B/A From 2016 To 2022.

Background: Cardiovascular complications are a frequent cause of death or disability in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD). The aim of this study was to investigate cardiovascular complications in patients with CLD followed at CHUD-B/A. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The medical records of patients aged ≥ 18 years, followed in pulmonology between January 2016 and October 2022 for CLD, were consulted. They were then contacted for a cardiovascular examination, electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound. The presence of at least one cardiovascular complication was the dependent variable; the other variables studied were the clinical and etiological features of CLD, cardiovascular risk factors and other comorbidities. Data were collected using KoboCollect and analyzed using SPSS 21 software. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Of the 895 patients consulted in pneumology during the study period, 337 (37.6%) had CLD. The main CLD diagnosed were asthma (28.3%), sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (2.2%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD (2.1%). Of these patients, 129 met the study's selection criteria. Their mean age was 45.2±16.3 years, and they were predominantly female (60.5%). Cardiovascular complications included pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, 9.3%), chronic pulmonary heart disease (CPC, 4.7%), supraventricular arrhythmia (1.6%) and right heart failure (0.8%). Factors associated with the presence of cardiovascular complications were age (OR = 1.7 [1.02-1.12]; p= 0.003), level of education (OR= 8,26[2,34-2,86] ; p=0,001) place of residence (OR = 5.15 [1.78-1.50]; p= 0.001), smoking (OR= 6.00[1.51-23.84]; p=0.020), asthma (OR = 0.13[0.04-0.46]; p=0.002) and COPD (OR=82.86[8.49-808.87]; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: PAH and CPC are the most Cardiovascular complications of COPD in patients followed at CHUDB/A.

Surgery for Complications and Sequelae of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Surgery for Complications and Sequelae of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Factors Affecting Mortality and Distribution of Co-morbidities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. This study aims to identify the rules associated with major comorbidities in patients with COPD and analyze how they affect death, thereby suggesting patient management measures that are efficient and can improve the quality of medical care.Methods: For this purpose, among the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s discharge injury in-depth survey data of more than 3 million cases from 2006 to 2021, adult patients aged 19 years or older with a principal diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were targeted. &lt;i&gt;χ&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;-test and independent sample t-test were performed to analyze the distribution of deaths by demographic characteristics, and ARM (Association Rule Mining) was analyzed for association rules for comorbidities. Logistic regression analysis was performed on factors influencing death.Results: As a result of the analysis, the mortality rate was high in patients over 75 years of age, patients admitted to the emergency room, and patients discharged from medical institutions with more than 1,000 beds. The prevalence of comorbidities was high for E11 (Type 2 diabetes mellitus) and I10 (essential hypertension). As a result of analyzing the impact on death based on major association rules, other sepsis (A41) and essential hypertension (I10), other sepsis (A41) and pneumonia, organism unspecified (J18), sequelae of tuberculosis (B90) and J96 (respiratory Failure, NEC), sequelae of tuberculosis (B90), and I27 (other pulmonary heart diseases) were found to have a high probability of death.Conclusions: Based on the major association rules affecting death, we propose to apply them to a clinical decision support system for efficient patient management and personalized treatment.

Effects of low dose computed tomography (LDCT) on lung cancer screening on incidence and mortality in regions with high tuberculosis prevalence: A systematic review.

Lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is a strategy for early-stage diagnosis. The implementation of LDCT screening in countries with a high prevalence/incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to identify whether LCS using LDCT increases early-stage diagnosis and decreases mortality, as well as the false-positive rate, in regions with a high prevalence of TB. Studies were identified by searching BVS, PUBMED, EMBASE, and SCOPUS. RCT and cohort studies (CS) that show the effects of LDCT in LC screening on mortality and secondary outcomes were eligible. Two independent reviewers evaluated eligibility and a third judged disagreements. We used the Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR+) to extract the metadata and record decisions. The analyses were stratified by study design and incidence of TB. We used the Cochrane "Risk of bias" assessment tool. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were used. Thirty-seven papers were included, referring to 22 studies (10 RCTs and 12 cohorts). Few studies were from regions with a high incidence of TB (One RCT and four cohorts). Nonetheless, the evidence is compatible with European and USA studies. RCTs and CS also had consistent results. There is an increase in early-stage (I-II) diagnoses and reduced LC mortality in the LCDT arm compared to the control. Although false-positive rates varied, they stayed within the 20 to 30% range. This is the first meta-analysis of LDCT for LCS focused on its benefits in regions with an increased incidence/prevalence of TB. Although the specificity of Lung-RADS was higher in participants without TB sequelae than in those with TB sequelae, our findings point out that the difference does not invalidate implementing LDCT LCS in these regions. Systematic review registration Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42022309581.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection and COVID-19: Analysis of a Cohort of Patients from Careggi University Hospital (Florence, Italy).

Data regarding the relationship between coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and active or latent tuberculosis (TB) are discordant. We conducted a retrospective study examining the impact of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) on the clinical progression of COVID-19 patients. We selected 213 patients admitted with COVID-19 in a tertiary-level Italian hospital (February-December 2020), who underwent a QuantiFERON-TB test (QFT) and/or chest radiological exam. The population was divided into three groups: (i) QFT negative and without radiological TB sequelae (Neg); (ii) QFT positive and without radiological TB sequelae (Pos); (iii) radiological TB sequelae regardless of QFT result (Seq). In-hospital mortality and oro-tracheal intubation (OTI) showed significantly higher results in the Seq group (Seq 50% vs. Pos 13.3% vs. Neg 9.3%, p < 0.001; Seq 16.7% vs. Pos 6.7% vs. Neg 4.9%, p = 0.045). Considering the Pos and Seq groups' patients as the population with defined LTBI, in-hospital mortality (20/51, 39.2%) and OTI risk (7/51, 13.7%) were statistically higher with respect to patients without LTBI (in-hospital mortality: 15/162, 9.3%, p < 0.001; OTI risk: 8/162, 4.9%, p = 0.023), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that radiological sequelae and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were significantly associated with higher mortality rate; despite the higher CCI of Seq population, we cannot exclude the correlation between COVID-19 in-hospital mortality and the presence of radiological TB sequelae.

Long-term outcomes of the global tuberculosis and COVID-19 co-infection cohort.

Longitudinal cohort data of patients with tuberculosis (TB) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are lacking. In our global study, we describe long-term outcomes of patients affected by TB and COVID-19. We collected data from 174 centres in 31 countries on all patients affected by COVID-19 and TB between 1 March 2020 and 30 September 2022. Patients were followed-up until cure, death or end of cohort time. All patients had TB and COVID-19; for analysis purposes, deaths were attributed to TB, COVID-19 or both. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional risk-regression models, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival and mortality attributed to TB, COVID-19 or both. Overall, 788 patients with COVID-19 and TB (active or sequelae) were recruited from 31 countries, and 10.8% (n=85) died during the observation period. Survival was significantly lower among patients whose death was attributed to TB and COVID-19 versus those dying because of either TB or COVID-19 alone (p<0.001). Significant adjusted risk factors for TB mortality were higher age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07), HIV infection (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.02-5.16) and invasive ventilation (HR 4.28, 95% CI 2.34-7.83). For COVID-19 mortality, the adjusted risks were higher age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04), male sex (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.24-3.91), oxygen requirement (HR 7.93, 95% CI 3.44-18.26) and invasive ventilation (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.36-3.53). In our global cohort, death was the outcome in >10% of patients with TB and COVID-19. A range of demographic and clinical predictors are associated with adverse outcomes.

Pulmonary mycobacteriosis: clinicalepidemiological profile of patients, treatment management, clinical outcome, and its species in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil (2013-2020)

This study aimed to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients in the State of Mato Grosso, who were affected by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), treatment management, clinical outcomes, and the species most commonly isolated from clinical samples. Between 2013 and 2020, the study analyzed 37 medical records from the Health Pulmonology sector of the Reference Center for Medium and High Complexity and it searched the Laboratory Environment Manager (GAL) system of the Central Public Health Laboratory of Mato Grosso. Patients with mycobacteriosis were predominantly diagnosed with MAC complex (avium-intracellulare complex) (n= 23.6%), with an average age of 62 years old; 51.4% were male, Caucasian (62%), and predominantly immunocompetent (HIV-negative). Most patients with comorbidities were older adults, they had sequelae of previous tuberculosis (56.8%), they were smokers (62.2%), and they had a low body mass index (29.7%) due to weight loss. Other patients had bronchiectasis (81.1%) and cavitary lesions (48.6%), with a lower incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The municipalities with the highest rates of nontuberculous mycobacteria were Cuiabá (14 cases), Várzea Grande (five cases), Sinop (two cases), Nova Mutum (two cases), and Rondonópolis (two cases). This study presented data from the region, with a clinical, epidemiological profile, diversity of NTM species, and treatment management according to the patient’s response to the specific treatment of the identified Mycobacterium and various outcomes. KEY WORDS: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria; MAC complex Mycobacterium; comorbidities; tuberculosis; mycobacteriosis.

Rasmussen Aneurysm Revealed by Hemoptysis: About Two Cases

Hemoptysis in cases of tuberculosis sequelae most often has a bronchial arterial origin. The pulmonary arterial origin is observed in cases of false Rasmussen’s aneurysm. We report two cases of patients admitted for a hemoptysis of great abundance in a context of altered general condition; fever and chills with thoracic scans that revealed false Rasmüssen aneurysms.

Practice patterns and trends in surgical treatment for chronic lung infections: a survey from the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery.

Chronic lung infections represent a diversity of clinical entities that combined respond to significant public health, particularly in developing countries. However, there is no data regarding the practice patterns, surgeons' preferences, and technological usage, especially among Brazilian surgeons, in the setting of the surgical treatment of chronic lung infections. We, therefore, surveyed Brazilian thoracic surgeons from the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery (SBCT) about practice patterns and trends in surgical treatment for chronic lung infections. A cross-sectional anonymous survey of all thoracic surgeons from the Brazilian Society was conducted in 2019. As the study was purely descriptive no further statistical evaluation was performed. The responsive rate was 34% (259/766) from 23 of the 26 states in Brazil. A total of 141 (54.4%) participants reported their institution as a surgical reference for chronic infection lung disease, only 13.1% of surgeons have a high-volume service (more than 11 cases operated annually). The majority (76.2%) of respondents performed 1-5 surgical resection to treat tuberculosis (TB) sequelae, but only 62 (30.1%) had performed more than one resection to treat active TB. Chronic lung infection (76%) and hemoptysis (66%) were the most common symptoms as surgical indications. A proportion of 42.2% of the respondents do not have and/or perform routine drug sensitivity tests. In addition, 19.3% of respondents were not familiar with the recommendations of surgery in the treatment of pulmonary TB. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is available for 80% of respondents, while robotic surgery is for only 10%. Most (86%) surgeons have access to surgical staplers. Among the structural resources, respiratory isolation beds in the intensive care unit (ICU) (80%) and ward (79%) are frequently available resources. However, less than 12% of surgeons have in their institution a specific operating room for sputum-positive patients. Lung resection for chronic infectious disease is an essential area of activity for thoracic surgeons in Brazil, which occurs mainly in the public sphere, with no concentration of cases per surgeon or institution. The lack of adequate resources in many centers justifies the creation of reference centers for improving care for these patients.

Impact of lag time on lung function impairment in pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae patients – A cross-sectional study

Background: Treatment completed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients are often left with permanent pulmonary function impairment. Lag time remains a major factor in determining the severity of the sequelae. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of lag time on PTB sequelae. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2019–December 2020. A total of 85 patients presenting with clinicoradiological features of PTB sequelae were recruited for the study and spirometry and diffusion capacity of lungs (DLCO) were done. They were divided into study groups based on lag time. The lag time (in days) was considered as primary explanatory variable. One-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used. coGuide V.1.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean lag time was 52.94 days in the study population. The mean duration of after treatment was 15.45 years in the study population. There was a statistically significant difference across study groups (classified based on the lag time) in lung function such as FVC%, FEV1, FEVI/FVC, MEF, DLCO, and duration of after treatment (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The lag time from the development of symptom to the diagnosis of the disease has a significant impact on lung function impairment in PTB sequelae patients since the increase in lag time increases the severity of lung function impairment. Early identification and treatment may help in reducing the progression of lung function impairment.

Calcified post-tuberculosis nodule at an unusual site

Abstract Calcification is one of the post-treatment sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and an isolated calcified pulmonary nodule representing granuloma in a lung fissure is rarely detected. We report the case of pulmonary nodule with calcification within the minor fissure of the right lung in a treated case of smear-positive pulmonary TB. As an incidental finding, a solitary post-tuberculous calcified granuloma may not have clinical significance but has to be differentiated from relapse of TB and other pathologic conditions particularly neoplasms. A computed tomographic scan of the chest is very useful for the detection and detailed evaluation of a pulmonary nodule such as its size, margins, doubling time, pattern of calcification and presence of cavitation and can help to identify whether the pulmonary nodule is benign or malignant.

Circulating Biomarkers, Fraction of Exhaled Nitric Oxide, and Lung Function in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis.

Identification of proinflammatory factors responding to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is important to reduce long-term sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We examined the association between plasma biomarkers, the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and lung function among a prospective cohort of 105 adults newly diagnosed with TB/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Africa. Participants were followed for 48 weeks from antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation with serial assessments of plasma biomarkers, FeNO, lung function, and respiratory symptoms. Linear regression and generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations at baseline and over the course of TB treatment, respectively. At baseline, higher FeNO levels were associated with preserved lung function, whereas greater respiratory symptoms and higher interleukin (IL)-6 plasma levels were associated with worse lung function. After ART and TB treatment initiation, improvements in lung function were associated with increases in FeNO (rate ratio [RR] = 86 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 34-139) and decreases in IL-6 (RR = -118 mL, 95% CI = -193 to -43) and vascular endothelial growth factor ([VEGF] RR = -178 mL, 95% CI = -314 to -43). Circulating IL-6, VEGF, and FeNO are associated with lung function in adults being treated for TB/HIV. These biomarkers may help identify individuals at higher risk for post-TB lung disease and elucidate targetable pathways to modify the risk of chronic lung impairment among TB survivors.

Airflow obstruction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are common in pulmonary tuberculosis even without sequelae findings on chest X-ray

Purpose Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a well-known risk factor for airflow obstruction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The prognosis of TB without sequelae on chest X-ray (CXR) remains uncertain. Methods We used the 2008–2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data and 2007–2012 KNHANES-matched Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service cohort data. Airflow obstruction was assessed using a pulmonary function test. COPD was defined using diagnostic codes and the use of COPD medication for 3-year. We classified subjects into three groups based on TB history and sequelae on CXR. Results In 4911 subjects, the CXR(–) (no TB sequelae on CXR) post-TB group (n = 134) showed similar characteristics and normal lung function compared to that of the control group (n = 4,405), while the CXR(+) (TB sequelae on CXR) post-TB group (n = 372) showed different characteristics and reduced lung function. The prevalence of airflow obstruction was 9.3%, 13.4%, and 26.6% in control, CXR(-) post-TB, and CXR(+) post-TB groups, respectively. COPD was more common in the post-TB with CXR(+) (6.5%) or without CXR (–) (4.5%) groups, than in the control group (1.8%). Compared to the CXR(–) post-TB group, the control group showed a lower risk for airflow obstruction (OR, 0.774; p = .008). The CXR(+) post-TB group showed a higher risk for airflow obstruction (OR, 1.456; p = .011). The Control group also showed a lower risk for the development of COPD than the CXR(-) post-TB group (OR, 0.496; p = .011). Conclusions We need to educate TB patients that airway obstruction and COPD can easily develop, even if TB sequelae are not observed on CXR.

Pleural Aspergillosis Complicating Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Tuberculosis Sequel: About One Case

Introduction: Pleural aspergillosis is a rare pathology; it is defined by an infection of the pleural cavity by an opportunistic fungus of the genus Aspergillus. Observation: We report the case of a 24-year-old female patient treated for pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by a left pyopneumothorax drained for 5 months. The reason for consultation 3 months after stopping the antibacillary treatment was a purulent bronchial syndrome, left chest pain with a tingling sensation and exertional dyspnea. Clinical examination revealed an aerated effusion syndrome in the left hemithorax. Chest imaging showed a left pneumothorax with thickening of the visceral pleura and a left upper lobar alveolar focus with clearing within it. Aspergillus serology was positive. The patient had undergone video-assisted thoracoscopy, which revealed the presence of false membranes and whitish deposits of mycotic appearance. The biopsy of the pseudomembranes was in favor of pleural aspergillosis. The patient was put under antifungal treatment for 6 months with a good clinical and radiological evolution. Conclusion: Aspergillus is a mycelial fungus formed by filaments that penetrate the airways by inhalation of its spores. Pleural localizations are rare. Sequelae of tuberculosis, broncho pleural fistulas, pleural drainage and pulmonary resection are considered the main conditions predisposing to infection of the pleural space by aspergillus. The diagnosis is confirmed by pleural fluid culture or pleural biopsy.