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Biomedical subjects

P Kullnig

Publications and source records attributed to P Kullnig.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia: CT findings in 43 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Description of the CT findings of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia has been limited to a small number of cases. This study was performed to characterize the CT findings of this disease in a larger number of cases and to compare the findings in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT scans of 43 (32 immunocompetent and 11 immunocompromised) patients who had biopsy-proved cryptogenic organizing pneumonia were reviewed. The scans were obtained by using contiguous 8- or 10-mm collimation and selected thin (1.5 or 2.0 mm) section (n = 23), thin-section collimation at 10-mm intervals (n = 12), or 8- or 10-mm collimation only (n = 8). The scans were analyzed by three observers, and final decisions were reached by consensus. RESULTS: The most common pattern seen was consolidation, which was present alone or as part of a mixed pattern in 34 cases (79%). The consolidation had a predominantly subpleural and/or peribronchovascular distribution in 27 cases (63%). Ground-glass attenuation and nodules were seen in 26 patients (60%) and 13 patients (30%), respectively, and were usually random in distribution. Consolidation was present in 91% (29/32) of immunocompetent and 45% (5/11) of immunocompromised patients (p < .01). Ground-glass attenuation was present in 56% (18/32) of immunocompetent and 73% (8/11) of immunocompromised patients (p > .25). Nodules were present in seven (22%) of 32 immunocompetent patients and six (55%) of 11 immunocompromised patients (p < .025). CONCLUSION: We conclude that in immunocompetent patients the CT findings in cryptogenic organizing pneumonia most commonly consist of bilateral areas of consolidation involving mainly the subpleural and/or peribronchovascular regions. In the immunocompromised patient, the CT findings are variable.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Giant dissecting aortic aneurysm with concealed perforation in an 81-year-old female.

This paper describes the history of an 81-year-old female suffering from a giant dissecting aortic aneurysm with concealed perforation within the thorax. The patient had suffered from arterial hypertension for about 10 years and had been treated with thiazide. Nine months prior to admission the patient was in a state of collapse, and ultrasound examination revealed an intra-abdominal aortic aneurysm. At this time thoracic x-ray showed aortic sclerosis and elongation of the aorta but no signs of aneurysm formation. After this episode the patient was symptom-free for the next 9 months. Following a further syncopal attack with severe thoracic pain, the patient was hospitalized at the intensive care unit. Both in thoracic x-ray and computed tomography of the thorax, a pronounced dissecting aortic aneurysm with perforation of the thoracic aorta into the mediastinum could be established. Because of the patient's poor general condition and advanced age, as well as far-reaching pathological findings, surgery was not advised by either the heart and vascular surgeon or the anesthetist. Following 1 week's intensive therapy, the patient's general condition improved greatly, with stabilization of thoracic pain, blood pressure, and respiratory action. On the other hand, thoracic x-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging produced a distinct progression of the aneurysm with consequent mild displacement of mediastinum and left lung. Laboratory examinations for syphilis showed no evidence of that disease. After further improvement the patient was discharged 4 weeks after admission and has been symptom-free for 6 months in spite of the extensive pathological findings described herein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Paraneoplastic polymyositis associated with a renal carcinoma.

A 56-year-old patient was admitted to hospital because of difficulties in swallowing and in opening his mouth. The serological transaminases were increased. Over the next 6 weeks a bioptically proven polymyositis (more proximally located) caused a respiratory insufficiency which had to be treated by artificial respiration. A tetraplegia connected with a large increase of creatine-kinase was also seen. The general investigations were focused on malign processes with a particular search for bronchial carcinoma. At first a kidney cyst detected by ultrasound but was classified as harmless by several investigators. Finally, a computer tomogram of the abdomen demonstrated a cystic degenerated renal carcinoma, which had been cytologically tested also. The clinical course showed a typical aspect of a paraneoplastic syndrome: after extended nephrectomy a distinct regression of the musculary symptoms developed, but with the development of metastases the symptoms increased again. The interdependence of polymyositis and primary renal carcinoma would appear to be proven.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗
PubMed1993

Mediastinal mass caused by syphilitic aortitis.

A 47 year old man presented with hoarseness and chest pain found to be due to proliferative syphilitic aortitis. The case is unusual as the syphilitic aortitis caused a mediastinal mass without affecting the lumen of the aorta.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

Aortic dissection due to discontinuation of beta-blocker therapy.

beta-Blockers are known to protect a vulnerable aorta from acute dissection, as well as reducing the risk of recurrent dissection. This case presentation reports the history of a 60-year-old male suffering from acute aortic dissection following discontinuation of beta-blocker therapy. The patient has shown arterial hypertension for about 20 years treated solely by beta-blockers. Two days after stopping the use of metoprolol, a nonselective beta 1-blocker without ISA, the patient developed severe chest pain during exercise. Diagnosis of type I-aortic dissection according to DeBakey was achieved by transthoracal echocardiography and computed tomography. Successful surgery by replacement of the ascending aorta was performed about 1 h following admission to the intensive care unit. During the procedure, tamponade of the left ventricle occurred followed by cardiogenic shock. Postoperative management was complicated by prolonged respiratory therapy and acute gastrointestinal bleeding; 1-year follow-up showed no evidence of disease. Thus, in this case acute dissection may be the consequence of discontinuing the use of metoprolol, possibly due to uncontrolled hypertension or specific response to the beta-blocker.

Aortic Dissection↗
PubMed1993

Chromosome typing in lymphangioleiomyomatosis of the lung with and without tuberous sclerosis.

Two cases of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LLM) of the lungs are compared, one with tuberous sclerosis and the other representing an isolated lung involvement. An increased frequency of complex chromosomal rearrangements was found in peripheral lymphocytes of the patient with tuberous sclerosis, in comparison to the patient with isolated lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Telomeric associations were found in cultured pulmonary smooth muscle cells from the patient with isolated LLM.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Extrinsic allergic alveolitis in CT and HR-CT].

The CT changes on conventional and high-resolution CT in 14 patients with exogenous allergic alveolitis (EAA) were analysed retrospectively. There were 8 patients with clinically subacute disease, 5 patients in a chronic stage and 1 patient with acute EAA. The appearances and their distribution were examined. Seven of the 8 patients in the subacute stage showed a ground glass pattern and multiple nodules of less than 2 mm. All patients in the chronic stage showed a combination of fine infiltrates, small nodules and irregular linear densities; distortion of the pulmonary pattern was present in 3 cases. The patient with acute EAA showed diffuse dense areas of consolidation in both lungs as well as multiple nodules and a ground glass pattern. The CT appearances of EAA correspond with the basic micropathology and, within the clinical context, permit diagnostic classification.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Wegener's granulomatosis: findings from computed tomography of the chest in 10 patients.

Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest were reviewed for 10 patients with pathologically proven Wegener's granulomatosis. The CT scans revealed multiple pulmonary nodules in seven patients and a single nodule in one. The nodules ranged in diameter from 2 mm to 7 cm, and most had irregular margins. All of the nodules larger than 2 cm in diameter showed evidence of cavitation in the CT scans. Additional CT findings included associated areas of consolidation (in two patients), pleural thickening (in two) and pleural effusion (in two). Chest radiographs were available for eight patients, and the CT scans contributed information additional to that available from the radiographs for seven of these. In one patient lung nodules were visible in the CT scans but could not be distinguished from surrounding areas of consolidation in the chest radiographs. CT revealed additional nodules in five of the six patients in whom multiple nodules were seen in chest radiographs and in one of these also revealed cavitation tht was not visible in plain radiographs. CT excluded the possibility of a nodule that was suspected from the chest radiographs in a patient who had been treated previously for Wegener's granulomatosis. The authors conclude that Wegener's granulomatosis is characterized in CT scans by multiple nodules with irregular margins and by cavitation in nodules larger than 2 cm in diameter. CT may also demonstrate nodules and cavitation not apparent in radiographs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[The intrapulmonary pseudo-malposition of chest tubes in the computed tomogram (CT)].

The diagnosis of an intrapulmonary malposition of chest tubes on CT may be problematic. We report about 13 chest tubes which were suspected on CT to be in an intrapulmonary malposition. In all cases as well as clinical and radiological follow up ruled out such a malposition. The use of a stiff tube and the presence of a soft lung parenchyma obviously led to a sinking of the tube into a "channel". Whereas after removal of the tube in case of such a pseudo-malposition solely a transitory local fluid collection and later a tender scar is seen, real intrapulmonary malposition leads to parenchymal injury and concomitant complications. The diagnosis of intrapulmonary malposition should be doubted, if the drain is positioned within the pleural space after having crossed the lung parenchyma in a supposed intrapulmonary rout. The CT criteria of this pseudo-malposition are presented and discussed.

Chest Tubes↗
PubMed1990

[High resolution CT of interstitial lung diseases].

High-resolution CT images were assessed in 39 patients with confirmed interstitial lung disease. 22 patients with fibrosing alveolitis, 12 patients with lymphangitic spread of tumour and 5 patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis of the lung were included. In fibrosing alveolitis the dominant features on HR-CT were honeycomb cysts with concomitant fibrosis in a predominantly peripheral subpleural distribution. In contrast to this the patients with LAM showed cystic lesions without any predominance--throughout the lung fields and without any fibrotic changes. In lymphangitic spread of tumour, polygonal lines and septal lines as well as nodules were found along the bronchovascular bundles. The patterns seen on HR-CT of the thorax correlate extremely well with the underlying pathology and make it possible to differentiate between the three disease entities by means of characteristic features.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis: correlation of CT with radiographic and functional findings.

In 14 patients with biopsy-proved lymphangiomyomatosis, disease extent at computed tomography (CT) was correlated with findings at chest radiography and pulmonary-function testing. The CT scans and chest radiographs were read independently by two chest radiologists. Disease extent was assessed on CT scans by using a visual score (0%-100% involvement of the lung parenchyma) and on radiographs by using an adaptation of the International Labour Office classification of the pneumoconioses. There was good concordance between the two observers for CT and radiographic scores (Kendall tau greater than or equal to .86, P less than .01). A significant but relatively low correlation was present between CT findings and radiographic severity of disease (r = .59, P less than .05). Impairment in gas exchange as assessed with the diffusing capacity correlated better with disease extent seen on CT scans (r = .69) than with chest radiographic findings (r = .59). Three patients had evidence of parenchymal disease on the CT scans but not on the radiographs. In one patient CT findings were negative despite a positive finding on chest radiographs. The authors conclude that CT is superior to chest radiography in the assessment of patients with lymphangiomyomatosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Colobronchial fistula: a rare complication of Crohn's colitis.

A 29-yr-old white woman presented with chronic pneumonia in the left lower lobe and with left pleural effusion. She was known to have inflammatory bowel disease, but she was asymptomatic under maintenance treatment with 5-ASA. She received numerous antibiotic regimens according to susceptibility testing of microorganisms cultured from sputum and bronchial lavage and on an empiric basis was also given antituberculosis treatment, but there was no clinical improvement or change in the chest radiographic findings. Sputum was repeatedly examined and yielded, among other organisms, Clostridium inocuum, Enterobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. On one microscopic examination of sputum, the presence of feculent material was suspected. A subsequent gastrografin enema revealed a cologastric and colobronchial fistula between the splenic flexture of the colon and the greater curve of the stomach and the bronchial system. Segmental resection of the colon and resection of the lower lobe of the left lung were performed. Histologic findings of the resected colon were consistent with Crohn's disease. After a long period of postoperative recovery, the patient returned to good general health and well-being. To our knowledge, a colobronchial fistula caused by Crohn's colitis has not been previously reported.

Adult↗