An official ATS statement: grading the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations in ATS guidelines and recommendations.
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Evidence-Based Medicine↗
Biomedical subjects
Armin Ernst
Publications and source records attributed to Armin Ernst.
Relapsing polychondritis: prevalence of expiratory CT airway abnormalities.
PURPOSE: To retrospectively determine the prevalence of expiratory computed tomographic (CT) abnormalities, including malacia and air trapping, in patients with relapsing polychondritis and to retrospectively determine the frequency with which expiratory abnormalities are accompanied by inspiratory abnormalities on CT scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained, and informed consent was not required for this retrospective HIPAA-compliant study. A computerized hospital information system was used to identify all patients with clinically diagnosed or biopsy-proved relapsing polychondritis who were referred for CT airway imaging during a 17-month period. The study cohort comprised 18 patients (15 women, three men; mean age, 47 years; age range, 20-71 years). Multidetector helical CT was performed in all patients by using a standard protocol, which included end-inspiratory and dynamic expiratory volumetric imaging. Two observers who were blinded to the original scan interpretations simultaneously reviewed CT scans. Findings were recorded in consensus. Dynamic expiratory CT scans were assessed for malacia that involved the trachea and main bronchi (reduction in cross-sectional area of more than 50%) and for air trapping (failure of lung parenchyma to increase in attenuation during expiration). Air trapping was visually classified according to pattern and extent (lobular, segmental, lobar, or whole lung). Inspiratory CT scans were evaluated for tracheal and bronchial stenosis (>25% luminal diameter narrowing compared with a corresponding uninvolved segment), wall thickening (>2 mm), and calcification. RESULTS: Expiratory CT abnormalities were present in 17 (94%) of 18 patients and included malacia in 13 patients (72%) and air trapping in 17 patients (94%). Inspiratory CT abnormalities were found in eight (47%) of 17 patients who had expiratory CT abnormalities. Calcification of the airway walls was present in seven (39%) of 18 patients. All patients who had inspiratory CT abnormalities demonstrated expiratory CT abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Expiratory CT abnormalities were present in the majority of patients with relapsing polychondritis who were referred for airway imaging, yet only half of these patients demonstrated abnormalities on routine inspiratory CT scans. Thus, dynamic expiratory CT should be a standard component of imaging assessment in patients with relapsing polychondritis.
Adult↗
Severe airway stenosis associated with Crohn's disease: case report.
BACKGROUND: Symptomatic respiratory tract involvement is not common in Crohn's disease. Upper-airway obstruction has been reported before in Crohn's disease and usually responds well to steroid treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 32-year old patient with Crohn's disease who presented with progressively worsening dyspnea on exertion. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the chest and bronchoscopy revealed severe tracheal stenosis and marked inflammation of tracheal mucosa. Histopathology of the lesion showed acute and chronic inflammation and extended ulceration of bronchial mucosa, without granulomas. Tracheal stenosis was attributed to Crohn's disease after exclusion of other possible causes and oral and inhaled steroids were administered. Despite steroid treatment, tracheal stenosis persisted and only mild symptomatic improvement was noted after 8 months of therapy. The patient subsequently underwent rigid bronchoscopy with successful dilatation and ablation of the stenosed areas and remission of her symptoms. CONCLUSION: Respiratory involvement in Crohn's disease might be more common than appreciated. Interventional pulmonology techniques should be considered in cases of tracheal stenosis due to Crohn's disease refractory to steroid treatment.
Adult↗
It's in the definition.
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Bronchial Diseases↗
Tracheal morphology in patients with tracheomalacia: prevalence of inspiratory lunate and expiratory "frown" shapes.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the spectrum of tracheal morphologies in patients with tracheomalacia, and to determine the prevalence of specific inspiratory (lunate) and expiratory (frown) shapes that have been associated with this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive series of patients with bronchoscopically-proven tracheomalacia who were imaged with inspiratory and dynamic-expiratory computed tomography (CT). The CT images of each patient were reviewed in a blinded, randomized fashion by an experienced thoracic radiologist. For each case, the shape of the trachea at end-inspiration and dynamic expiration was classified using specific tracheal morphologies described in the literature. RESULTS: The study population included 17 patients, with a mean age of 54 years. At inspiration, 16 (94%) of 17 subjects demonstrated a normal tracheal configuration (round, oval, horseshoe, or inverted-pear shape), and 1 (6%) of 17 subjects demonstrated an abnormal "lunate" tracheal configuration (coronal: sagittal ratio >1). At expiration, 9 (53%) of 17 subjects demonstrated a crescenteric, "frown" shape; 1 (6%) subject demonstrated complete collapse; and 7 (41%) subjects demonstrated other morphologies. CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory tracheal morphology is almost always normal in patients with tracheomalacia, with a lunate configuration only rarely observed. In contrast, an expiratory "frown sign" is observed in approximately half of patients with this condition. This sign has the potential to aid the detection of tracheomalacia when patients inadvertently breathe during routine CT scans.
Adult↗
The future of bronchoscopy in diagnosing, staging and treatment of lung cancer.
Bronchoscopy is a central technique in diagnosing lung cancer, but also in different therapeutic approaches. A lot of techniques are available. The most common indication for bronchoscopy is for tissue sampling and determining the extent of lung cancer. Established diagnostic techniques are forceps biopsy, aspiration or brush cytology sampling, or needle aspiration. Laser therapy, electrocautery, cryotherapy and stenting are well-described techniques for the palliation of symptoms due to airway involvement in patients with advanced stages. Newer technologies, with an established role in clinical practice, are endobronchial ultrasound, autofluorescence bronchoscopy, and electromagnetic navigation. Other technologies, such as magnification, narrow-band imaging and confocal fluorescence microendoscopy, are in development for the use within the airways.
Biopsy, Needle↗
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy in fluoroscopically invisible solitary pulmonary nodules: a prospective trial.
STUDY OBJECTIVES: Transbronchial biopsy (TBBX) for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is usually performed under fluoroscopic guidance, but the diagnostic yield depends on lesion size and varies widely. Nodules < 3 cm frequently cannot be visualized fluoroscopically. An alternative guidance technique, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), also allows visualization of pulmonary nodules. This study assessed the diagnostic yield of EBUS-guided TBBX in fluoroscopically invisible SPNs. DESIGN: The study was a prospective trial using a crossover design. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with SPNs and indications for bronchoscopy were included in the study. An EBUS-guided examination was performed in patients with fluoroscopically invisible nodules. The EBUS probe was introduced through a guide catheter into the presumed segment. If a typical ultrasonic picture of solid tissue could be seen, the probe was removed and the catheter left in place. The biopsy forceps were introduced and specimens taken. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight consecutive patients with SPNs were examined. Of those, 54 patients presented with SPNs that could not be visualized with fluoroscopy. The mean diameter of the nodules was 2.2 cm. In 48 patients (89%), the lesion was localized with EBUS, and in 38 patients (70%) the biopsy established the diagnosis. The 16 patients with undiagnosed SPNs were referred for surgical biopsy; 10 of those lesions were malignant and 6 were benign. The diagnosis in nine patients (17%) saved the patients from having to undergo a surgical procedure. The only complication was a pneumothorax in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-guided TBBX is a safe and very effective method for SPNs that cannot be visualized by fluoroscopy. The procedure may increase the yield of endoscopic biopsy in patients with these nodules and avert the need for surgical procedures.
Adult↗
Effect of routine clopidogrel use on bleeding complications after transbronchial biopsy in humans.
STUDY OBJECTIVES: Clopidogrel is often prescribed for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and has been associated with unwanted bleeding events. After having shown that transbronchial biopsy can safely be performed in pigs receiving clopidogrel, we sought to determine whether routine clopidogrel use increases the risk of bleeding after transbronchial lung biopsy in humans. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Data were collected on 604 patients without underlying coagulation problems who underwent transbronchial lung biopsy over 13 months. Clopidogrel was not discontinued before biopsy in patients who were using it. Transbronchial biopsies were performed, and the incidence of bleeding and other complications among patients receiving clopidogrel was compared with that of other patients. RESULTS: The study was stopped early because the bleeding rate in the clopidogrel-only group (n = 18) was excessive (89% [16 of 18 patients] vs 3.4% [20 of 574 control subjects; p > 0.001] and also in the group receiving clopidogrel and aspirin (100% [12 of 12 patients] vs 3.4% among control subjects [p > 0.001]. Bleeding rates were significantly higher in the clopidogrel group for each degree of bleeding severity: mild (27% vs 1.5%), moderate (34% vs 1.5%), and severe (27% vs 0.3%; p > 0.001 for all comparisons). All 12 patients receiving both aspirin and clopidogrel had bleeding: moderate in 6 patients and severe in 6 patients. All bleeding was controlled by endoscopic means. There were no fatalities or need for blood transfusions in the patients enrolled in the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Clopidogrel use greatly increases the risk of bleeding after transbronchial lung biopsy in humans and therefore should be discontinued before bronchoscopy with biopsies. Aspirin exacerbates the effect of clopidogrel on bleeding.
Adult↗
Real-time electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy to peripheral lung lesions using overlaid CT images: the first human study.
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To characterize the feasibility, accuracy, and safety of the superDimension/Bronchus system (SDBS) [superDimension, Ltd; Hertzliya, Israel] in navigating to previously unreachable peripheral lung lesions and obtaining biopsy specimens. DESIGN: Open-label, prospective, controlled clinical study. SETTING: Pulmonary institute of a university-affiliated municipal hospital. PATIENTS: Thirteen adult candidates for nonemergency bronchoscopy who gave informed consent to participate. INTERVENTIONS: The patients underwent flexible bronchoscopy using the SDBS, which is based on real-time CT-guided electromagnetic navigation and is capable of reaching peripheral lung masses beyond the reach of the bronchoscope. A position sensor was used to navigate to and sample the various target lesions for biopsy. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Three-dimensional chest CT was followed by SDBS methodology for marking anatomic landmarks and the target lesion on a virtual bronchoscopy screen and for sampling the lesion. The SDBS assisted in obtaining positive biopsy diagnoses in 9 of 13 cases (69%), with an average navigation accuracy of 5.7 mm. There were no SDBS-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The SDBS is safe and effective in navigating to peripheral lung lesions located beyond the optic limits of a standard flexible bronchoscope.
Adult↗
The relationship of pleural pressure to symptom development during therapeutic thoracentesis.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship of patients' symptoms during therapeutic thoracentesis to pleural pressure (Ppl). DESIGN: Review of prospectively collected data during 169 therapeutic thoracentesis procedures. SETTING: University Hospital in Boston, MA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-nine patients who had Ppl measured during therapeutic thoracentesis were included in this study. End-expiratory pressures were measured after the withdrawal of 5 mL of fluid and every 240 mL thereafter until the pressure was lower than -20 cm H(2)O, chest discomfort developed in the patient, or no more fluid could be removed. Patients' symptoms, including chest pain, chest discomfort, and cough were recorded simultaneously. RESULTS: There was no correlation between the amount of pleural fluid removed and the development of symptoms. The closing pressures and the total change in Ppl (see the "Materials and Methods" section for definitions), however, were significantly lower in the group of patients who experienced chest discomfort compared to patients who developed cough or were asymptomatic. There was also a trend toward a significantly lower pleural elastance in patients who developed cough compared to that in the other two groups. Additionally, only 22% of patients in whom chest discomfort developed, and 8.6% of patients in whom symptoms did not develop, had potentially dangerous Ppl values (ie, lower than -20 cm H(2)O). CONCLUSIONS: The development of chest discomfort is associated with a potentially unsafe drop in Ppl values and should be a sign to terminate thoracentesis. It is not necessary to terminate thoracentesis solely because of the development of cough. Without attention to pleural manometry, a significant percentage of patients may develop potentially dangerous Ppl. Although we recommend pleural manometry with all thoracenteses, when it is not used attention to symptoms remains a valuable surrogate.
Aged↗
Use of a removable endobronchial valve for the treatment of bronchopleural fistula.
We report the case of a patient with a prolonged bronchopleural fistula and empyema that were successfully treated by the placement of a removable, unidirectional endobronchial valve. This is the first report of the use of such a device for this indication.
Bronchial Fistula↗
Tracheobronchomalacia: comparison between end-expiratory and dynamic expiratory CT for evaluation of central airway collapse.
PURPOSE: To compare dynamic expiratory and end-expiratory computed tomography (CT) for depicting central airway collapse in patients with acquired tracheobronchomalacia (TBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained, and informed consent was not needed. Retrospective review was performed of all patients with a CT diagnosis of TBM in a 10-month period (n = 34) who underwent evaluation of airway disease by means of three different sequences at multi-detector row CT: end inspiration, dynamic expiration, and end expiration (the latter was performed only at the levels of the aortic arch, carina, and bronchus intermedius). Fourteen patients (11 men, three women; age range, 19-79 years) who had comparable images obtained with all three sequences at any of these three levels were included in the study. The degree of airway collapse was measured by two thoracic radiologists in consensus by calculating the percentage change in the area of the airway between inspiratory and expiratory scanning. Statistical analysis was performed by using the paired t test. RESULTS: Dynamic expiratory CT elicited a significantly greater degree of airway collapse than end-expiratory CT at all three levels (P < .005). The mean percentages of airway collapse at each of the three levels were as follows: aortic arch, 53.9% with dynamic expiration versus 35.7% with end expiration (P = .0046); carina, 53.6% with dynamic expiration versus 30.9% with end expiration (P < .0001); and bronchus intermedius, 57.5% with dynamic expiration versus 28.6% with end expiration (P = .0022). CONCLUSION: Dynamic expiratory CT elicits a significantly greater degree of airway collapse than standard end-expiratory CT in patients with TBM.
Adult↗
Transbronchial versus transesophageal ultrasound-guided aspiration of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.
RATIONALE: Transesophageal and transbronchial, ultrasound-guided, fine-needle aspiration of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes have become popular, but have never been compared directly. OBJECTIVES: To compare the relative diagnostic yield and ability of the transesophageal and transbronchial approaches to reach abnormal mediastinal lymph nodes. METHODS: A total of 160 patients with enlarged lymph nodes in one of eight mediastinal lymph node stations underwent transbronchial and transesophageal biopsies in a crossover design. Each of the eight stations was allocated 20 patients. Two needle punctures were done with each approach. MEASUREMENTS: Percentage of successful biopsies, percentage of patients diagnosed, and biopsy time were measured from when the lymph node was identified with ultrasound. MAIN RESULTS: Among the 106 men and 54 women (mean age 53.2 years), transbronchial aspiration was successful in 85%, and transesophageal aspiration was successful in 78% (p = 0.2). For each station, the number of positive samples for the transbronchial/transesophageal approaches was: 2R: 19/13; 2L: 16/19; 3: 17/15; 4R: 19/12; 4L: 17/20; 7: 19/20; 10R: 18/9; and 10L: 17/18. Combining both approaches produced successful biopsies in 97% and diagnoses in 94% of patients. Mean biopsy times were 3.2 minutes for the transbronchial approach and 4.1 minutes for the transesophageal approach. The transbronchial approach was superior in nodes 2R, 4R, and 10R. No complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes may be aspirated with either the transbronchial or transesophageal approach. These nonsurgical approaches have similar diagnostic yields, although the transbronchial approach is superior for right-sided lymph nodes. Combining both approaches provides results similar those of mediastinoscopy.
Adult↗
Microdebrider bronchoscopy: a new tool for the interventional bronchoscopist.
PURPOSE: We report our experience with a new airway tool, the microdebrider, in treating central airway obstruction. DESCRIPTION: From April 2002 to April 2004, 23 patients undergoing treatment of central airway obstruction were managed with the microdebrider. All procedures were done under general anesthesia with either a rigid bronchoscope (19 patients) or a suspension laryngoscope (4 patients). The microdebrider was used in an oscillating mode with rotation speeds of 1,000 to 3,000 rpm to resect obstructing tissue. EVALUATION: Fourteen patients (61%) had tracheal granulation tissue from prior intubation or tracheostomy, 6 (26%) had idiopathic subglottic stenosis, and 3 (26%) had malignant disease. Obstructing lesions were rapidly removed in all patients with interventions lasting between 2 and 15 minutes. There were no procedure-related complications. No patients required reoperation for airway obstruction in follow-up ranging from 1 to 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Microdebrider bronchoscopy is a new technique that allows for precise, rapid, and safe removal of lesions obstructing the central airways. Complications of thermal modalities such as airway injury, tracheoesophageal fistulas, and airway fires can be avoided.
Adult↗
Autofluorescence bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound: a practical review.
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) are the two technologies to have the largest impact on diagnostic bronchoscopy in the last forty years. The AFB utilizes inherent tissue properties to identify preinvasive lesions of the central airways. The EBUS can accurately define airway invasion versus compression from tumors, guide transbronchial needle aspiration of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, and predict, based on ultrasound morphology, whether peripheral nodules are benign or malignant. It is also extremely useful for determining the proximal and distal extent of tumors in and around the airway, and aid in surgical planning. This article will review the principles and clinical applications of these two technologies.
Bronchoscopy↗
Innovative bronchoscopic diagnostic techniques: endobronchial ultrasound and electromagnetic navigation.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive method for diagnosing lung diseases, but the technique has some limitations. In case of parabronchial lesions, the view is limited to the inner surface. Therefore, endobronchial ultrasound systems were developed. For obtaining biopsies of peripheral lung lesions, a new real-time guidance system shows promising results. In this review the authors assess the most important and interesting articles in both fields. RECENT FINDINGS: In a trial it was shown that with the help of endobronchial ultrasound the diagnosing and staging of lung cancer and other pathologies could be improved. It is a safe technique and it has proved extremely useful during diagnostic and interventional procedures. With the navigation conclusive, biopsies were obtained in nearly 70% of the patients without any severe side effects. SUMMARY: Endobronchial ultrasound proved to be useful in high-resolution imaging of the multilayer structures of the bronchial wall and the adjacent mediastinal structures at a distance of as much as 4 cm. Lymph nodes could be easily localized for transbronchial needle aspiration. In many instances it was superior for staging lung cancer and other pathologies. Real-time electromagnetic-guided bronchoscopy, coupled with computed tomography is a feasible and safe method for obtaining biopsies from peripheral lung lesions.
Bronchoscopy↗
Multislice CT evaluation of airway stents.
Tracheobronchial stents are playing an increasing role in the palliative treatment of large airway obstruction due to a variety of conditions, including extrinsic compression, intraluminal disease, and malacia. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in aiding planning of stent placement and in detecting various stent complications. In this pictorial essay, we illustrate and review the role of multislice CT in the pre- and post-stent placement settings. A special emphasis is placed upon the characteristic CT appearance of specific stent complications and upon the role of CT multiplanar reformations and 3-dimensional (3-d) reconstruction techniques.
Airway Obstruction↗
Multidetector CT of the central airways.
Multidetector CT (MDCT) has revolutionized non-invasive imaging of the central airways. Compared to single-detector helical CT scans, MDCT results in higher spatial resolution, faster speed, greater anatomic coverage, and higher quality multiplanar reformation and 3-D reconstruction images. This article reviews recent advances in central airway imaging with MDCT. A special emphasis is placed upon the role of advanced reconstruction methods and functional imaging.
Contrast Media↗