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Biomedical subjects

A C Mehta

Publications and source records attributed to A C Mehta.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Does pleural fluid pH change significantly at room temperature during the first hour following thoracentesis?

BACKGROUND: Usually, pleural fluid (PF) pH is measured immediately following thoracentesis, and if there is any delay in the measurement, the PF sample is preserved on ice. OBJECTIVE: To determine if PF pH changes significantly at room temperature during the first hour following thoracentesis. DESIGN: Prospective, self-controlled. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing thoracentesis. MEASUREMENTS: The PF pH of a sample collected in an arterial blood gas syringe was measured immediately following thoracentesis by an arterial blood pH/gas analyzer. Additional measurements were made at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min from the first pH measurement (pH0), maintained at room temperature. RESULTS: For 28 PF samples, pH0 (mean +/- SD) was 7.351 +/- 0.158, and the 60-min pH (pH60) was 7.359 +/- 0.161. The mean difference between pH60 and pH0 was 0.008 +/- 0.026, which was not significant, either clinically or statistically (p = 0.13). Similarly, the interim pH values (for measures at 5, 15, 30, 45 min after pH0) were not significantly different from pH0 (mean differences, 0.002, 0.003, 0.005, and 0.004, respectively; p values, 0.51, 0.21, 0.06, and 0.22, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The pleural fluid pH of a sample preserved at room temperature does not change significantly during the first hour following thoracentesis. Hence, contrary to the common medical practice, there is no need to perform the pH measurement within minutes after thoracentesis and to preserve a pleural fluid sample on ice.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed2000

The heat is on: impact of endobronchial electrosurgery on the need for Nd-YAG laser photoresection.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Advances in bronchoscopic electrosurgery have allowed its application in the outpatient setting in patients who otherwise would have required Nd-YAG laser photoresection (LPR) in the operating room. We intended to evaluate the impact of endobronchial electrosurgery (EBES) on the need for Nd-YAG LPR on patients with symptomatic airway lesions. DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighteen evaluations for LPR were performed. Forty-seven evaluations (40%) were considered to be amendable to EBES and were treated during the initial bronchoscopy. The remaining patients underwent LPR. SETTING: Outpatient bronchoscopy suite at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH. RESULTS: Of the 47 procedures, 42 (89%) were successful in alleviating the obstruction, thus eliminating the need for LPR. No major complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: EBES can be performed safely in the outpatient setting and is an effective procedure in treating select endobronchial lesions. EBES eliminated the need for LPR in 36% of such procedures with a potential for significant time and cost savings.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Progressive portopulmonary hypertension after liver transplantation treated with epoprostenol.

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is an uncommon complication of advanced liver disease. Epoprostenol has been effective in the treatment of PPHTN and has been used as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The role of OLT in the reversal of PPHTN is unclear. We report a case of severe PPHTN (mean pulmonary artery pressure of 45 mm Hg) that progressed after OLT. Acute dosing with epoprostenol improved the pulmonary vascular resistance by 55% and the cardiac index by 134%. Hemodynamic and symptomatic improvements were maintained after 18 months of long-term treatment with epoprostenol. This is the first reported case of a successful favorable outcome after treatment for progressive PPHTN after OLT. Our case report complements previous reports by highlighting the potential effective use of epoprostenol as a definitive treatment for PPHTN.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Chest wall arteriovenous fistula: an unusual complication after chest tube placement.

Posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas can form between vessels of the thorax that have sustained loss of integrity to the vessel wall. Although most are caused by injuries as a consequence of missile penetration or stab wounds, iatrogenic damage is a potential cause. Herein we present a case of a systemic arteriovenous fistula involving an intercostal artery and subcutaneous vein after chest tube placement.

Arteriovenous Fistula↗
PubMed1999

Infection control in the bronchoscopy suite. A review.

Bronchoscopy can occasionally transmit disease. Infection control in the bronchoscopy suite is especially important because of the risk of transmitting HIV or tuberculosis. Many case reports, patient series, and small studies have been published, but little comprehensive guidance is available for clinicians who wish to learn more about the problem and prevent it. We review the literature and describe three ways in which bronchoscopy can cause disease: by transmitting infections between patients, by transferring microorganisms within a patient, and by triggering coughing that can cause airborne infection of patients or health-care workers. Recommendations for infection control are listed; they include installing powerful air filters, using disposable bronchoscope suction valves, manually cleaning all equipment before disinfection, controlling patient coughing, and in some cases, giving patients prophylactic antibiotics.

Bronchoscopy↗
PubMed1999

Radiation safety for health care workers in the bronchoscopy suite.

Increased use of fluoroscopy during flexible bronchoscopy has raised concerns about radiation safety of health care workers in the bronchoscopy suite. We review the potential health risks associated with occupational radiation exposure, the monitoring devices available, and discuss the measures to reduce radiation exposure during flexible bronchoscopy.

Bronchoscopy↗
PubMed1999

Transbronchial needle aspiration. An underused diagnostic technique.

Despite its proven usefulness, TBNA is not widely used. An American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) survey showed that only 11.8% of pulmonologists use TBNA. Most pulmonologists in the 1980s were not formally trained in TBNA. This lack of training has unfortunately translated to minimal emphasis on TBNA in current training programs in a large number of institutions. Technical problems with the procedure (faulty site selection, incomplete needle penetration, catheter kinking that prevents adequate suction, etc.), the confusing array of needles, low diagnostic yields, unproven concerns regarding the safety of the procedure, inadequate cytopathology support, and bronchoscopic damage have all perpetuated the image of limited usefulness for this procedure. Limitations to the practice of TBNA are: Lack of training during fellowship Technical inadequacies Lack of cytopathologists trained in TBNA interpretation Fear of bronchoscope damage Safety issues Failure to reproduce published successes Reservations regarding usefulness of TBNA results Hands-on experience with TBNA, developing familiarity and expertise with only a few needles, and paying careful attention to anatomy, procedure techniques, and specimen acquisition may all help to increase yield. The following lists how better results can be obtained with TBNA: Preprocedure Review TBNA instruction tapes Attend hands-on courses Practice with lung models Review patient's CAT scans Familiarize with one-two cytology and histology needle Obtain a trained assistant Procedural Identify target site Needle to airway angle at least greater than 45 degrees Insert entire length of the needle Use scope channel to support the catheter Release suction before withdrawing needle (for staging) Specimen acquisition Avoid delay in preparing slides Adequate sampling (at least two) Use smear method for cytology specimen Analyze all samples flush solutions cell block Postprocedure Find an experienced cytopathologist Review your procedure (by watching video) Review pathology slides Acquisition of skills with cytology needles should precede the use of the histology needle. Increasing education and experience can also increase diagnostic yields. Transbronchial needle aspiration has been proven to be accurate in staging lung cancers, identifying inoperable carcinomas, and diagnosing a variety of lung diseases. Few complications have been encountered and the technique is less invasive and less costly than surgical procedures. Drawing on evidence from published literature, we suggest the following guidelines for TBNA: All patients presenting with mediastinal or hilar adenopathy or both, should have 22-ga and/or 19-ga TBNA as the initial procedure. These procedures would help diagnose malignant and nonmalignant diseases, and stage lung cancers. All patients with evidence of submucosal and peribronchial disease should have 22-ga needle cytology sampling. In patients with visible endobronchial disease, 22-ga TBNA should be optional. In the presence of a necrotic or a hemorrhagic tumor, or in a patient with a bleeding diathesis, TBNA would be helpful. In all patients with Type III and IV peripheral nodules, TBNA should be the initial diagnostic procedure. There remains no doubt about the diagnostic usefulness of TBNA. Guidelines must be developed to ensure that pulmonary fellows are adequately trained in this procedure. Regional workshops with hands-on experience targeted to practicing pulmonologists organized by the ACCP would help popularize the procedure. Initial low yields should not discourage pulmonologists from using the procedure. Collaboration between thoracic surgeons, oncologists, and pulmonary physicians is essential to set up TBNA programs within institutions. With time, as more and more pulmonologists attain expertise in TBNA, the full potential of this nonsurgical, cost-effective, and safe procedure will be realized.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1999

Airway stents.

Considerable progress has been made since the initial stents were manufactured. Despite the reported side effects, cumulative evidence suggests beneficial effects in properly selected patients. The technology is still in evolution, and design modifications strive to find the perfect stent. The Dumon stent remains the gold standard against which the functions of all other stents are being measured. Unfortunately requirement for the RB for deployment has restricted widespread application at least in the United States. The Wallstent can be inserted using FB and has a great potential among the metal stents. Its biggest drawback is that once inserted it is difficult to remove. Studies with the nitinol Ultraflex and the polyester/silicone Polyflex prototype stent also show promise, although extensive experience and long-term follow-up data are still not available. It is possible that combining the strength of the tube stents with the flexibility of the metal stents may one day help to develop the ideal stent.

Airway Obstruction↗
PubMed1999

Native lung pneumonectomy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis following lung transplantation: a case report.

Pulmonary aspergillosis occurs most commonly as a consequence of immunosuppression in recipients of pulmonary transplantation and is associated with a high mortality. It affects the native lung more commonly than the transplanted lung in single lung transplant patients. Infection often progresses despite aggressive medical therapy. The cornerstone of treatment of acute, semi-invasive, and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is medical, with intravenous amphotericin B, and oral itraconazole either as isolated or combined therapy. While newer, and more expensive liposomal forms of amphotericin B have been used to enhance tissue penetration and minimize renal toxicity, an appreciable improvement in clinical outcome has not been reported. The role of surgery in localized pulmonary aspergillus infection is well recognized, but remains undefined in immunosuppressed patients. We report a case where a pneumonectomy was performed for progressive, refractory angioinvasive aspergillosis in a lung transplant recipient whose disease progressed despite conventional antifungal therapy.

Aspergillosis↗
PubMed1999

Does the donor-recipient ABO blood group compatibility status predict subsequent lung transplantation outcomes?

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to compare lung transplantation outcomes between ABO-identical (AI) and ABO-compatible (AC) recipients. METHODS: Charts of lung allograft recipients transplanted between February, 1990 and October, 1995 were reviewed. Standard triple-drug immunosuppression and general antimicrobial prophylaxis were provided. Surveillance spirometry was administered every three months. Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) with transbronchial biopsies (TBBs) were undertaken for clinical indications. Time to event analysis on acute (AR) and chronic (CR) rejection and actuarial survival were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cumulative curves were compared with a log rank test. Comparisons of age, maximum forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in the single (SLT) and double (DLT) lung recipients, duration of intensive care unit and hospital stay were carried out using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Gender, race, underlying diagnoses, cytomegalovirus (CMV) status and pulmonary reimplantation response (PRR) were compared by Chi-square or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. RESULTS: Of the 100 lung recipients (age = 42.5 +/- 13.4 years; M:F = 50:50), 64 were AI and 36 AC. Median follow-up was 22 (range = 0-78) months. Outcome did not differ significantly between the 2 groups in terms of intensive care unit and hospital stay, PRR incidence and grade, incidence and frequencies of AR, median time and grade of first AR, maximum FEV1 for SLT and DLT recipients, incidence of CR and survival at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: As the donor supply remains limited, this could considerably simplify the logistics of future transplantation.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1999

Uterine rhabdomyosarcoma metastatic to mediastinal lymph nodes: diagnosis by transbronchial needle aspiration.

Uterine rhabdomyosarcoma is rare, with only 60 reported cases. We describe an asymptomatic patient with metastatic uterine rhabdomyosarcoma manifested as extensive mediastinal lymphadenopathy. This 73-year-old woman had been previously treated for endometrial rhabdomyosarcoma and was referred to us when a right hilar density was seen on a chest radiograph; computed tomography showed a nodule in the right upper lobe and extensive right hilar and subcarinal lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis of metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma was made by fiberoptic bronchoscopy using transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA). The patient is well 11 months after completing five cycles of chemotherapy. This is the first reported case of uterine rhabdomyosarcoma with metastasis to the mediastinum and the first case diagnosed with TBNA, which avoided the need for an invasive diagnostic procedure.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Thoracic involvement with pheochromocytoma: a review.

Pulmonary manifestations of pheochromocytoma are infrequent and are not well documented. A MEDLINE search in the English language revealed no cases of endobronchial involvement from a pheochromocytoma. We report a case of endobronchial metastases in a 37-year-old woman known to have a recurrent extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma. She presented with symptoms of wheezing and a nonproductive cough for 8 months and was being treated for asthma. A flexible bronchoscopy with endobronchial biopsy established the diagnosis. The patient underwent a Nd-YAG laser photoresection (LPR) to ablate the tumor, which was followed by placement of a Wallstent (Pfizer Medical Technology Group; Rutherford, NJ). She remains well 18 months later, having required multiple palliative LPRs. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of endobronchial pheochromocytoma. The pulmonary manifestations of this rare disease and their management are reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Coronary spasm and cardiac arrest from carcinoid crisis during laser bronchoscopy.

Bronchoscopic manipulation of an endobronchial carcinoid can precipitate a carcinoid crisis. Coronary artery spasm is an uncommon manifestation of carcinoid crisis, and has never been reported as a complication of flexible bronchoscopy. We report a case of a 10-year-old girl who developed coronary artery spasm and cardiac arrest during neodymiumyttrium aluminum garnet (Nd-YAG) laser photoresection of an endobronchial carcinoid. Recognition of this unusual presentation of a carcinoid crisis is important as the treatment approach differs from standard resuscitation protocols.

Bronchial Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

Utility of transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of endobronchial lesions.

BACKGROUND: The utility of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in visible endobronchial lesions presenting as either an exophytic mass lesion (EML) or submucosal and peribronchial disease (SPD) is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To compare the yield of conventional diagnostic procedures (CDP) (bronchial washing, bronchial brushing, and endobronchial forceps biopsy) with that obtained from a combination of CDP and TBNA (CDP + TBNA). DESIGN: Prospective study of 55 patients. SETTING: Tertiary-care referral hospital. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients in whom malignancy was confirmed, CDP + TBNA identified 53 (96%) vs 42 (76%) identified by CDP (p = 0.001). The highest yield from any individual procedure was obtained by TBNA. Of the 23 patients with SPD, 22 (96%) were diagnosed using CDP + TBNA compared with 15 (65%) by CDP (p = 0.016); the yield from TBNA alone (22 of 23) in this group surpassed the combined yield from all other procedures. Although no statistically significant difference in yield was observed for EML, the use of TBNA identified four additional patients compared with CDP. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the addition of TBNA to CDP increases diagnostic yield in patients with visible endobronchial lesions.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1999

Acute pulmonary edema after lung transplantation: the pulmonary reimplantation response.

BACKGROUND: Although the development of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema or pulmonary reimplantation response (PRR) after lung transplantation has been well described, the incidence has not been established and the relationship of PRR to clinical risk factors has not been analyzed. STUDY OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe the incidence of PRR in lung transplant recipients, (2) to identify the predictors of PRR, (3) to examine the correlation of suspected predictors with the severity of PRR, and (4) to evaluate the impact of PRR on morbidity and mortality of lung transplant recipients. DESIGN: Retrospective review of clinical records and radiographic studies. SETTING: Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: Ninety-nine consecutive patients with end-stage lung disease undergoing lung transplantation between February 1990 and October 1995. METHODS: Review of clinical records and postoperative chest radiographs of all lung transplant recipients to identify patients who experienced PRR. Chest radiographs of patients with PRR were graded for severity on a scale of 0 (none) to 5 (very severe). Demographic, pre- and perioperative factors were also evaluated along with short- and long-term survival of patients with PRR. RESULTS: Fifty-six of 99 lung transplant recipients (57%) experienced PRR. The median ischemia time of patients with and without PRR was 168 and 180 min, respectively (p = 0.62). The incidence of PRR was 51% in patients without preoperative pulmonary hypertension, 78% in mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension, and 58% in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.10). Incidence and severity of PRR was similar in patients receiving right, left, or double-lung transplantation. Similarly, age and sex of the recipients and underlying lung disease did not affect the incidence or severity of PRR. The incidence and severity of PRR was higher in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass during lung transplantation. Patients with PRR had prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. Overall, PRR did not affect the survival of the patients. However, survival of female lung transplant recipients was significantly better than male recipients (median survival, 60 vs 21 months; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Acute pulmonary edema or PRR occurs frequently (57%) after lung transplantation. In this series, PRR was not associated with a prolonged ischemia time, preoperative pulmonary hypertension, the type of lung transplant, underlying lung disease, or age or sex of recipients. However, use of cardiopulmonary bypass during surgery was associated with increased incidence and severity of PRR. Also, the development of PRR resulted in prolonged mechanical ventilation and a longer ICU stay, but did not affect survival. Female lung transplant recipients survived significantly longer than male recipients. The reason for this difference in survival is unclear.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Management of airway manifestations of relapsing polychondritis: case reports and review of literature.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To report the first series of patients with severe airway manifestations of relapsing polychondritis (RP) that were managed successfully with self-expandable metallic stents, and to review the literature. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records, and current clinical follow-up. SETTING: Tertiary care referral hospital. PATIENTS: All patients with airway manifestations of RP that were managed with self-expandable metallic stents at our institution. RESULTS: All five patients (four women and one man; age, 40 to 69 years old) had severe airway manifestations, and three of them required mechanical ventilation. Spirometry with flow-volume curves showed severe combined obstructive and restrictive ventilatory defects. Bronchoscopy revealed dynamic collapse of the proximal airways. Diagnosis was made 8 months to 13 years after the first symptom of the disease. Pharmacotherapy included prednisone, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and dapsone. A total of 17 self-expandable metallic stents of varying sizes were placed using flexible bronchoscope from 4 to 19 years after the first symptom. The overall outcome was favorable in four patients. Three patients have survived without ventilatory support 16 to 18 months following the first stent placement, and the fourth patient survived for 20 months without ventilatory support before she died. The fifth patient, who was receiving mechanical ventilation, died in 1 week probably due to persistent dynamic collapse of the airways distal to the stents. CONCLUSION: Self-expandable metallic tracheobronchial stents should be considered in the management of airway manifestations of RP, especially in patients who require mechanical ventilation.

Aged↗