Upper Lobe Research Articles

Elevations of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein over time as a precursor to anaplastic transformation of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report

BackgroundPapillary thyroid carcinoma rarely undergoes anaplastic transformation. Some risk factors for anaplastic transformation of thyroid cancer are known, but such transformation is difficult to predict in practice. We report a case demonstrating elevations of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) over time as a precursor to anaplastic transformation of thyroid carcinoma.Case presentationThe patient was an 89 year-old woman with a history of chronic aortic dissection. She was referred to our department after her local doctor detected thyroid nodules. She had previously been found to have multinodular goiter and enlarged left cervical lymph nodes on computed tomography. Her chief complaint was cervical discomfort and hoarseness. Blood tests revealed: white blood cells (WBCs), 4900 /µL; CRP, 0.29 mg/dL; neutrophils, 64.4%; and lymphocytes, 25.4%. A 21 mm mass was identified in the upper left lobe. Left III (16 mm) and left VI (16 mm) lymph node were enlarged on ultrasonography. Fine-needle aspiration cytology diagnosed malignant papillary carcinoma. However, due to the advanced age and medical history of the patient, a non-surgical policy was implemented. The primary tumor grew to 4 cm in diameter by 9 months after diagnosis, and blood tests showed: WBC, 7700 /µL; CRP, 0.18 mg/dL; neutrophils, 65.3%; and lymphocytes, 22.3%. By 10 months after diagnosis, the tumor had increased rapidly in diameter to 8 cm, with blood tests showing: WBC, 6500 /µL; CRP, 1.01 mg/dL; neutrophils, 68.2%; and lymphocytes, 19.3%. Anaplastic transformation of papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed, and the patient was placed on treatment under a policy of best supportive care. Multiple lung metastases appeared 11 months after diagnosis, and blood test results showed: WBC, 13,300 /μL; CRP, 11.28 mg/dL; neutrophils, 93.6%; and lymphocytes, 2.3%. Unfortunately, the patient died of disease progression 63 days after identification of undifferentiated metastasis.ConclusionsChances to see the natural history of anaplastic transformation of thyroid cancer are rare. Elevations in NLR and CRP over time may be precursors to anaplastic transformation.

Right upper lobectomy for lung cancer associated with a displaced anomalous bronchus: two case reports

BackgroundBronchial bifurcation abnormalities are often discovered incidentally on chest computed tomography or bronchoscopy. As this condition is asymptomatic, it has little effect on the disease course of patients with lung cancer. However, this abnormality must be considered when performing lung resection.Case presentationPatient 1 was a 73-year-old man with suspected simultaneous triple lung cancers [cT1c (3) N0M0, Stage IA3] in the right and left upper lobes. He was initially scheduled to undergo right upper lobectomy and systematic nodal dissection. Chest computed tomography revealed a displaced B3 that arose from the right middle lobe bronchus. V1+2 was transected first, followed by the superior truncus of the pulmonary artery, and B1+2, respectively. After the branches of V3 were ligated, B3 was identified smoothly. Finally, the incomplete interlobar fissure between the upper and middle lobes was separated using an auto-stapler. No vascular abnormalities were observed. Patient 2 was a 62-year-old woman with suspected lung cancer (cT1cN0M0, Stage IA3) in the right upper lobe, and was scheduled to undergo right upper lobectomy and lobe-specific nodal dissection. Chest computed tomography revealed a right top pulmonary vein and a displaced B1 that arose from the right main bronchus independently. Because V1+3 was resected simultaneously during upper and middle lobe resection during robot-assisted thoracic surgery, the procedure was cool-converted to video-assisted thoracic surgery. An independently A1 was observed, followed by A2b and A3, which branched off as a common stem. A right top pulmonary vein was smoothly detected. Each blood vessel was transected using an auto-stapler. B2+3 was transected first using an auto-stapler, followed by B1.ConclusionsThe displaced anomalous bronchus is often accompanied by pulmonary arterial or venous abnormalities and an incomplete interlobar fissure. A “hilum first, fissure last” technique is often useful. Preoperative evaluation and surgical planning are important.

A machine learning-based pipeline for multi-organ/tissue patient-specific radiation dosimetry in CT.

To develop a machine learning-based pipeline for multi-organ/tissue personalized radiation dosimetry in CT. For the study, 95 chest CT scans and 85 abdominal CT scans were collected retrospectively. For each CT scan, a personalized Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was carried out. The produced 3D dose distributions and the respective CT examinations were utilized for the development of organ/tissue-specific dose prediction deep neural networks (DNNs). A pipeline that integrates a robust open-source organ segmentation tool with the dose prediction DNNs was developed for the automatic estimation of radiation doses for 30 organs/tissues including sub-volumes of the heart and lungs. The accuracy and time efficiency of the presented methodology was assessed. Statistical analysis (t-tests) was conducted to determine if the differences between the ground truth organ/tissue radiation dose estimates and the respective dose predictions were significant. The lowest median percentage differences between MC-derived organ/tissue doses and DNN dose predictions were observed for the lung vessels (4.3%), small bowel (4.7%), pulmonary artery (4.7%), and colon (5.2%), while the highest differences were observed for the right lung's upper lobe (13.3%), spleen (13.1%), pancreas (12.1%), and stomach (11.6%). Statistical analysis showed that the differences were not significant (p-value > 0.18). Furthermore, the mean inference time, regarding the validation cohort, of the developed methodology was 77.0 ± 11.0 s. The proposed workflow enables fast and accurate organ/tissue radiation dose estimations. The developed algorithms and dose prediction DNNs are publicly available ( https://github.com/eltzanis/multi-structure-CT-dosimetry ). The accuracy and time efficiency of the developed pipeline compose a useful tool for personalized dosimetry in CT. By adopting the proposed workflow, institutions can utilize an automated pipeline for patient-specific dosimetry in CT. Personalized dosimetry is ideal, but is time-consuming. The proposed pipeline composes a tool for facilitating patient-specific CT dosimetry in routine clinical practice. The developed workflow integrates a robust open-source segmentation tool with organ/tissue-specific dose prediction neural networks.

Increased Scan Speed and Pitch on Ultra-Low-Dose Chest CT: Effect on Nodule Volumetry and Image Quality.

Background and Objectives: This study's objective was to investigate the influence of increased scan speed and pitch on image quality and nodule volumetry in patients who underwent ultra-low-dose chest computed tomography (CT). Material and Methods: One hundred and two patients who had lung nodules were included in this study. Standard-speed, standard-pitch (SSSP) ultra-low-dose CT and high-speed, high-pitch (HSHP) ultra-low-dose CT were obtained for all patients. Image noise was measured as the standard deviation of attenuation. One hundred and sixty-three nodules were identified and classified according to location, volume, and nodule type. Volume measurement of detected pulmonary nodules was compared according to nodule location, volume, and nodule type. Motion artifacts at the right middle lobe, the lingular segment, and both lower lobes near the lung bases were evaluated. Subjective image quality analysis was also performed. Results: The HSHP CT scan demonstrated decreased motion artifacts at the left upper lobe lingular segment and left lower lobe compared to the SSSP CT scan (p < 0.001). The image noise was higher and the radiation dose was lower in the HSHP scan (p < 0.001). According to the nodule type, the absolute relative volume difference was significantly higher in ground glass opacity nodules compared with those of part-solid and solid nodules (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study results suggest that HSHP ultra-low-dose chest CT scans provide decreased motion artifacts and lower radiation doses compared to SSSP ultra-low-dose chest CT. However, lung nodule volumetry should be performed with caution for ground glass opacity nodules.

Pulmonary vein stump thrombosis and organ infarction after lung lobectomy.

Lung resection surgery, which is performed as a treatment for lung cancer and metastatic lung tumors, is currently conducted via minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robot-assisted methods. Postoperative complications related to this surgery, such as pulmonary vein thrombosis and cerebral and other organ infarctions, have been increasingly reported. The primary cause of these complications is thrombus formation in the pulmonary vein stump. Statistical data on the site of lung lobectomy have indicated that surgeries involving the left upper lobe are most frequently associated with embolic complications. Although this issue has not received considerable attention in anesthesiology, the importance of prevention and treatment in postoperative management is growing. The role of anesthesiologists in preventing these complications is critical. These roles involve careful fluid management to avoid hypercoagulable states, consideration of early postoperative anticoagulation therapy, assessment of the suitability of epidural anesthesia for postoperative anticoagulation, and improvement of hospital-wide safety systems and monitoring of high-risk patients. Anesthesiologists need to understand the pathology and risk factors involved and play an active role in preventing and treating these complications through effective collaboration with thoracic surgeons and the in-hospital stroke team.

Fungal Pneumonia in a Diabetic Female Masquerading as Primary Lung Cancer

Abstract Aspergillus is a ubiquitous saprophytic mold that humans and animals constantly inhale. In health, the conidia are eliminated by the innate immune system. However, a subset of individuals with risk factors such as neutropenia, receiving high doses of glucocorticoids or certain biologicals, and recipients of hematopoietic or solid-organ transplants develop invasive aspergillosis. The mortality associated with invasive aspergillosis is 42%–64%. The early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients without classical risk factors remains challenging. We present a case of an elderly female with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who presented with acute-onset chest pain, breathlessness, and cough without expectoration. On evaluation, her chest radiograph showed a mass lesion in the right upper zone. 18Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed two FDG-avid lesions in the apical and medial segment of the right upper lobe. The lung biopsy was negative for malignancy; however, she was diagnosed with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis based on serum and bronchoalveolar fluid galactomannan positivity. She was managed with voriconazole with complete resolution of the lesion.

Neurofibromatosis 1-associated diffuse lung disease in an elderly man—a case report

BackgroundNeurofibromatosis 1 is a form of phacomatosis or neurocutaneous disease inherited as an autosomal dominant disease. Thoracic involvement is rare and involves the lung parenchyma, mediastinum, and thoracic cage, including ribs and the spine. Lung parenchymal involvement includes airspace abnormalities like cysts, bullae, and emphysema with an upper lobe predominance and interstitial abnormality in the form of reticulations and fibrosis in the lower lobes. The structural abnormality of the lung resembles numerous other diseases. Hence, properly identifying and recognizing neurofibromatosis 1-associated diffuse lung disease (NF-1 DLD) is crucial in avoiding misdiagnosis. NF1-DLD is associated with many complications like pulmonary hypertension, lung malignancy, aspergilloma, secondary bacterial infections, and pneumothorax.Case presentationAn elderly male with neurofibromatosis type-1 presented with breathlessness, cough, and mucopurulent expectoration and was found to have diffuse involvement of the lung parenchyma involving cysts, bullae, emphysema, fibrosis, and traction bronchiectasis. He was managed conservatively, controlling infection and optimizing respiratory symptoms.ConclusionNeurofibromatosis-associated diffuse lung disease is a rare disorder. There is no definitive treatment that can reverse the pulmonary lesions. However, early diagnosis will help plan effective preventive measures and avoid complications. We present this case to increase awareness regarding the various pulmonary manifestations of neurofibromatosis.

Catamenial Hemoptysis: A Case Report and Literature Review

ABSTRACT Thoracic endometriosis is a rare form of endometriosis. It is divided into pleural and pulmonary forms, and pleural endometriosis is more common. Our patient was a 33-year-old patient who had been complaining of hemoptysis due to a menstrual cycle for 4 months and had no comorbidities. Computed tomography of the thorax during menstruation when the patient complained of hemoptysis showed a ground-glass density in the upper lobe of the right lung, which was significantly reduced on computed tomography after the end of menstruation.

SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor with high quality of life and far exceeding predicted survival: A case report.

SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-UT) is a recently reported rare malignancy that can rapidly metastasize to tissues and organs throughout the body. The tumor is characterized by a lower response to platinum-based chemotherapy. More regrettably, the mean survival time of patients with this disease after diagnosis is only 4 to 7 months. A 58-year-old man was admitted to a hospital for fatigue, sudden syncope, and a mass-like shadow of his left upper lobe demonstrated by a pulmonary computed tomographic. Based on his subsequent clinical and pathological features, he was highly suspected of SMARCA4-UT. Combined with next-generation sequencing genetic testing and immunohistochemical examination results, the patient was diagnosed with SMARCA4-UT. The patient received a left upper lobectomy and lymph node dissection, four-course chemotherapy divided into 8 sessions with the use of paclitaxel simply, and a proper post-discharge self-care. The patient's operation and chemotherapy were all successful and he maintained a high quality of life after surgery that far exceeded his predicted survival. Early diagnosis, higher education level, attention to the disease and complications, reducing chemotherapy damage, adequate nutrient intake, relieving symptoms, controlling depression, and maintaining immunity and the ability to perform activities of daily living may all be the positive factors that can prolong the survival of patients with SMARCA4-UT.

Thoracoscopic wedge resection of the upper lobe of the left lung achieved by a new approach of laryngeal mask general anesthesia with preservation of spontaneous breathing: A case report.

General laryngeal mask anesthesia with the preservation of spontaneous breathing has accelerated the advancement of the enhanced recovery after surgery concept in thoracoscopic surgery. However, the need for increased doses of anesthetic drugs to reduce laryngeal mask airway (LMA) stimulation poses challenges due to the increased risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, susceptibility to hypoxemia, and carbon dioxide retention, particularly in the lateral position. During the perioperative period, reducing the dose of anesthetic drugs while simultaneously improving LMA tolerance and preventing circulatory and respiratory depression poses a challenge. The patient was diagnosed with a nodule in the upper lobe of the left lung. In this case, we chose remimazolam sedation, which mildly inhibits circulatory respiration, and used mucosal surface anesthesia in the pharynx. This approach improved the patient's tolerance to LMA, reduced the dose of anesthetic drugs, and facilitated the successful thoracoscopic wedge resection of the upper lobe of the left lung with preservation of spontaneous respiration. During 2 weeks follow-up, the patient recovered satisfactorily and did not report any discomfort. We used pharyngeal mucosal surface anesthesia and thoracic paravertebral nerve block in combination with remimazolam sedation to provide precise analgesia, moderate sedation, and successful LMA general anesthesia with preservation of spontaneous respiration in patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection.

Primary pulmonary meningioma presenting as a pulmonary ground glass nodule: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundA primary pulmonary meningioma is an extremely rare entity. Primary pulmonary meningiomas manifested with a ground glass nodule are a very rare occurrence in clinical practice.Case presentationIn this study, we report a case of a primary pulmonary meningioma with atypical computed tomography features. A 59-year-old Han Chinese female came to our hospital for treatment and reported that her physical examination revealed a ground glass nodule in the right lung for over 3 months. The histologic result revealed a primary pulmonary meningioma. The patient underwent a thoracoscopic lung wedge resection of the right upper lobe for a ground glass nodule. After 1 year of follow-up, the patient is still alive without evidence of metastasis or recurrence.ConclusionsPrimary pulmonary meningiomas could have a variety of radiological findings. As there are no specific radiologic features for the diagnosis of primary pulmonary meningiomas, complete resection of the lesion is required for both diagnosis and treatment. It is necessary to note the imaging features of primary pulmonary meningiomas, presenting as a ground glass nodule; this rare tumor should be considered in differential diagnoses.

Left Upper Lobectomy vs Trisegmentectomy for Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score–Matched Comparison

BackgroundThe left upper division (segments I-III) and the lingula (segments IV and V) are analogous to the right upper and middle lobes, respectively. Whereas bilobectomy for right upper lobe tumors is rare, left upper division tumors are often resected by left upper lobectomy (LUL) rather than by left upper trisegmentectomy (LU3S). To assess safety and oncologic efficacy of LUL vs LU3S, we compared short- and long-term outcomes after both procedures. MethodsPatients undergoing LUL or LU3S for clinical stage IA-IIA non-small cell lung cancer in the left upper division from January 2006 to December 2020 were identified from an institutional database. Propensity score matching was used to control for clinical differences. ResultsWe identified 229 cases meeting inclusion criteria: 131 (57.2%) LUL, 98 LU3S. After matching, 83 cases were included in each group. Median clinical tumor size was similar for LUL vs LU3S (2.2 cm [interquartile range, 1.6-3.0 cm] vs 2.1 cm [interquartile range, 1.7-2.9 cm]; P = .80). Total lymph nodes sampled did not differ between LUL and LU3S (median, 7 vs 6; P = .36), nor did patterns of N2 sampling (P = .11). Odds of postoperative complications did not differ after LUL vs LU3S (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.39-1.46). No 30-day death was observed. Median follow-up was 72 months. There was no statistically significant difference in 5-year overall survival (75.9% vs 82.1%; P = .28) or locoregional recurrence-free survival (73.7% vs 80.0%; P = .23) after LUL vs LU3S. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that LU3S and LUL have equivalent short- and long-term outcomes in patients with clinical stage IA-IIA non-small cell lung cancer in the left upper division.

Enblock Resection of the Right Middle Lobe and Right Anterior Segment of the Upper Lobe for Middle Lobe Lung Cancer with Displaced B3

Enblock Resection of the Right Middle Lobe and Right Anterior Segment of the Upper Lobe for Middle Lobe Lung Cancer with Displaced B3

Clinical and histopathological spectrum of congenital pulmonary airway malformations: A case series

BackgroundCongenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) are a spectrum of cystic and non-cystic anomalies arising from abnormal airway development in utero, with an incidence of 1 in 25,000 to 35,000 births. CPAM can present prenatally or postnatally with respiratory distress, recurrent infections, or occasionally as an incidental finding. This case series aims to highlight the clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics of CPAM through three pediatric cases, which include types 1, 2, and 3 CPAM. Case presentationCase 1: A four-month-old male presented with cough, cold, and respiratory distress. Imaging revealed hypoattenuation and overinflation of the left upper lobe with mediastinal shift. Left upper lobectomy confirmed CPAM type 2.Case 2: A one-month-old female presented with recurrent respiratory distress and infections. Imaging showed a large cystic lesion in the right middle lobe. Right middle lobectomy confirmed CPAM type 3.Case 3: A two-month-old male presented with dyspnea. Imaging showed a large bullae in the right chest with mediastinal shift. Right upper lobectomy confirmed CPAM type 1. Clinical discussionCPAM is a rare congenital lung malformation characterized by abnormal bronchial development and localized glandular overgrowth. Management involves surgical resection, with the timing of surgery dependent on symptomatology. Early identification and intervention are crucial for preventing complications such as pulmonary hypoplasia and recurrent infections. Histopathological examination post-resection is essential for accurate classification and management of CPAM. ConclusionThis case series provides valuable insights into the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of CPAM, including the types encountered in each case. It underscores the importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention, advocating for routine prenatal and postnatal screenings to effectively identify and manage CPAM.

Quantitative assessment of intertarget position variations based on 4D-CT and 4D-CBCT simulations in single-isocenter multitarget lung stereotactic body radiation therapy

BackgroundIn single-isocenter multitarget stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), geometric miss risks arise from uncertainties in intertarget position. However, its assessment is inadequate, and may be interfered by the reconstructed tumor position errors (RPEs) during simulated CT and cone beam CT (CBCT) acquisition. This study aimed to quantify intertarget position variations and assess factors influencing it.MethodsWe analyzed data from 14 patients with 100 tumor pairs treated with single-isocenter SBRT. Intertarget position variation was measured using 4D-CT simulation to assess the intertarget position variations (ΔD) during routine treatment process. Additionally, a homologous 4D-CBCT simulation provided RPE-free comparison to determine the impact of RPEs, and isolating purely tumor motion induced ΔD to evaluate potential contributing factors.ResultsThe median ΔD was 4.3 mm (4D-CT) and 3.4 mm (4D-CBCT). Variations exceeding 5 mm and 10 mm were observed in 31.1% and 5.5% (4D-CT) and 20.4% and 3.4% (4D-CBCT) of fractions, respectively. RPEs necessitated an additional 1–2 mm safety margin. Intertarget distance and breathing amplitude variability showed weak correlations with variation (Rs = 0.33 and 0.31). The ΔD differed significantly by locations (upper vs. lower lobe and right vs. Left lung). Notably, left lung tumor pairs exhibited the highest risk.ConclusionsThis study provide a reliable way to assess intertarget position variation by using both 4D-CT and 4D-CBCT simulation. Consequently, single-isocenter SBRT for multiple lung tumors carries high risk of geometric miss. Tumor motion and RPE constitute a substantial portion of intertarget position variation, requiring correspondent strategies to minimize the intertarget uncertainties.

A Comprehensive Overview of a Rare Case of Type 2 Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome

Introduction: Polyglandular deficiency syndromes reflects a wide spectrum of disorders. Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) is a rare condition generally divided into two categories APS -1 and APS -2.  Case Report: We report a case of APS-2 in a 28 years old male with marfanoid habitus, presented with significant weight loss, fever and hemoptysis. upon examination, he had exophthalmos, pallor, marfanoid habitus with systolic murmur in all cardiac areas and coarse crepitation in left hemithorax. Laboratory evaluation revealed left upper lobe pneumonia secondary to Acinetobacter. Further evaluation revealed severe hyperthyroidism, anti TPO, TRAB antibody was elevated, megaloblastic anemia with atrophic gastritis and positive 21 alpha hydroxylase.  Diagnosis: The above findings were consistent with the diagnosis of APS type 2 (Graves’ Disease, Adrenal Insufficiency, Pernicious Anaemia, Vitiligo). The presence of two or more endocrine deficiencies defines APS-2 which may include graves’ disease, type 1 Dm, primary adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism and features like pernicious anaemia, vitiligo and alopecia.  Conclusion: Circulating antibodies may precede development of clinical disease by many years but would allow clinician to follow the patient and identify the disease onset at the earliest.

Subjective well-being among Iranian breast cancer patients: Exploring the influential role of psychological capital

Purpose Breast cancer is a prevalent and emotionally challenging condition that profoundly affects women worldwide. Effectively managing the mental and emotional dimensions of this disease is crucial for the holistic well-being of patients. Psychological capital (PsyCap) has emerged as a pivotal psychological construct with the potential to effectively address these challenges. This study aims to explore the influential role of PsyCap and its constructs on the subjective well-being (SWB) of Iranian breast cancer patients. Methods A total of 173 breast cancer patients participated in this study, selected through a random sampling approach. Face-to-face interview data on socio-demographics, PsyCap, and SWB were collected using a structured questionnaire. The analytical procedures encompassed independent sample t-tests, ANOVA tests, Pearson correlation tests, and stepwise multiple regression. Results The findings revealed that the majority of participants fell within the 41–50 age group (38.7%), with an average age of 46.50 ± 11.76 years, and 35.8% had tumor growth in the upper left lobe. The average PsyCap score was 107.93 ± 1.52 (out of a possible score of 144), whereas SWB scored 196.51 ± 1.90 (out of 291). Notably, PsyCap showed a positive correlation with SWB (r = 0.119), accounting for approximately 8% of the variance in SWB. The final regression model showed the substantial predictive roles of PsyCap (1.667), self-efficacy (−3.692), age (−2.977), and education (−3.939) in shaping SWB. Conclusions Focusing on understanding and addressing factors like PsyCap, self-efficacy, and educational support could improve SWB, offering a potential avenue for comprehensive and individualized psychosocial care for women with breast cancer.

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension due to pulmonary arteries stenosis – a case report

BackgroundSarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) is listed in Group 5 of the clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension, due to its complex and multifactorial pathophysiology. The most common cause of SAPH development is advanced lung fibrosis with the associated destruction of the vascular bed, and/or alveolar hypoxia. However, a substantial proportion of SAPH patients (up to 30%) do not have significant fibrosis on chest imaging. In such cases, the development of pulmonary hypertension may be due to the lesions directly affecting the pulmonary vasculature, such as granulomatous angiitis, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, chronic thromboembolism or external compression of vessels by enlarged lymph nodes. Based on the case of a 69-year-old female who developed SAPH due to pulmonary arteries stenosis, diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic management are discussed.Case presentationThe patient, non-smoking female, diagnosed with stage II sarcoidosis twelve years earlier, presented with progressive dyspnoea on exertion, dry cough, minor haemoptysis and increasing oedema of the lower limbs. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) showed complete occlusion of the right upper lobe artery and narrowing of the left lower lobe artery, with post-stenotic dilatation of the arteries of the basal segments. The vascular pathology was caused by adjacent, enlarged lymph nodes with calcifications and fibrotic tissue surrounding the vessels. Pulmonary artery thrombi were not found. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy and subsequently with balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Partial improvement in clinical status and hemodynamic parameters has been achieved.ConclusionsAn appropriate screening strategy is required for early detection of pulmonary hypertension in sarcoidosis patients. Once SAPH diagnosis is confirmed, it is crucial to determine the appropriate phenotype of pulmonary hypertension and provide the most effective treatment plan. Although determining SAPH phenotype is challenging, one should remember about the possibility of pulmonary arteries occlusion.

Difficulties of the stage-by-stage surgical treatment of a teenager with bilateral advanced fibrotic-cavernous tuberculosis. Сlinical case

BACKGROUND: To achieve success in the management of adolescents with tuberculosis, a comprehensive approach including surgical intervention is needed so as to eliminate disease clinical manifestations, to achieve persistent healing of tuberculous changes with restoration of bodily functions and complete social rehabilitation CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: In patient U., 17 y.o., sudden and acute onset of the disease broke out after her contacts with her aunt who had tuberculosis. The initial form was infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis in the decay phase. A course of anti-tuberculosis therapy was prescribed considering the bacteria sensitivity to antibiotics. After the course, fibrous lesions and cavities were detected in both lungs at computed tomography examination of the chest organs. A personalized therapy was developed for the patient with consideration of her body weight and sensitivity to bacteria. In 7 months, an endobronchial valve was inserted at the bronchus mouth in the right superior lobe because of the large cavity in the right upper lung lobe and lack of changes in the cavity size. In six more months, the blocker was removed due to the lack of dynamics, and a video-assisted thoracoscopic combined resection of the right lung (upper lobectomy with resection of part SV, anatomical resection SVI with part SVIII) was performed. On analyzing surgical material, it was found out that the patient was resistant to Isoniazid, Rifampicin and fluoroquinolones, so therapy was corrected. In six months, a video–assisted thoracoscopy combined resection of the left lung (SI–III anatomical resection and marginal resection of SVI part) was made. CONCLUSION: After the performed treatment, patient's oxygenation improved, persistent abacillation was achieved, due to which the patient could return to normal lifestyle.

Successful treatment of cicatricial stenosis of the main, intermediate and upper lobe bronchi of the right lung complicated by total lung atelectasis in an infant: a clinical case

BACKGROUND: The authors present a rare clinical case of stenosis of the main, intermediate and upper lobe bronchi of the right lung complicated by total lung atelectasis in an infant. They discuss issues of complex disease diagnostics, analyze X-ray and bronchological images, assess outcomes after multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of a premature baby as well as analyze data of catamnestic observation. CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: Girl T., one of monochorionic diamniotic twins, was born at 27 week gestation in 2021 with weight at birth 825 grams, Apgar score 4/5. Since her birth, she had artificial lung ventilation due to her deep immaturity and developed severe respiratory distress syndrome. At the age of 19 days, total atelectasis of the right lung was diagnosed in the child as a result of stenosis formation in the main, intermediate and upper lobe bronchi which was confirmed by clinical and radiological findings. A probable etiology of acquired stenosis is consequences of prolonged intubation under insufficiently formed cartilaginous framework. Chlamydial infection, detected in the child, could also support inflammatory process in the bronchi. The child was examined with the following instruments: radiography, multispiral computed tomography-angiography of the thoracic cavity, bronchofibroscopy, echocardiography. Laboratory tests: polymerase chain reaction of blood and sputum for herpes viruses type 1–6, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, Chlamydia pneumonia; blood enzyme immunoassays — antibodies to viruses of Herpesviridae type 1–6, Chlamydia trachomatis. Conservative therapy provided only temporal improvement; atelectasis was relapsing. At the age of 5 months and 20 days, the child underwent bronchoplasty with resection of damaged areas of the bronchi. Further, age-related diameter of the bronchial lumen was maintained by the staged bougienage. Catamnestic observation lasted for 3 years. Late timing of surgical intervention is explained by severe problems in a deeply premature and immature child that required immediate treatment (intraventricular hemorrhages, hydrocephalus, retinopathy, etc.). Effective surgical treatment (bronchoplasty), active growth of lung tissue at the first year of life as well as reasonable rehabilitation allowed to obtain good long-term outcomes. By the age of 1 year 2 months, normalization of right lung airiness was achieved. Currently, there is a slight reduction in right lung volume. Multispiral computed tomography-angiography revealed a few cylindrical bronchoectases in the segmental and subsegmental bronchi of the upper and middle lobes of the right lung which do not have clinical equivalents yet. The child is under pulmonologist's observation and management. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of complicated patient's state and high compensatory capabilities of neonatal and infantile periods have promoted the restoration of normal lung aeration and functioning after long-lasting lung atelectasis