The prognosis of a patient with Covid-19 pneumonia is uncertain. Our objective was to establish a... more The prognosis of a patient with Covid-19 pneumonia is uncertain. Our objective was to establish a predictive model of disease progression to facilitate early decision-making. A retrospective study was performed of patients admitted with Covid-19 pneumonia, classi ed as severe (admission to the intensive care unit, mechanic invasive ventilation, or death) or non-severe. A predictive model based on clinical, analytical, and radiological parameters was built. The probability of progression to severe disease was estimated by logistic regression analysis. Calibration and discrimination (receiver operating characteristics curves and AUC) were assessed to determine model performance. During the study period 1,152 patients presented with Covid-19 infection, of whom 229 (19.9%) were admitted for pneumonia. During hospitalization, 51 (22.3%) progressed to severe disease, of whom 26 required ICU care (11.4); 17 (7.4%) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, and 32 (14%) died of any cause. Five predictors determined within 24 hours of admission were identi ed: Diabetes, Age, Lymphocyte count, SaO 2 , and pH (DALSH score). The prediction model showed a good clinical performance, including discrimination (AUC 0.87 CI 0.81, 0.92) and calibration (Brier score = 0.11). In total, 0%, 12%, and 50% of patients with severity risk scores ≤5%, 6-25%, and >25% exhibited disease progression, respectively. A simple risk score based on ve factors predicts disease progression and facilitates early decision-making according to prognosis.
Tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE) is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) i... more Tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE) is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Spain, and is one of the most frequent causes of pleural effusion. Although the incidence has steadily declined (4.8 cases/100 000 population in 2009), the percentage of TBPE remains steady with respect to the total number of TB cases (14.3%-19.3%). Almost two thirds are men, more than 60% are aged between 15 and 44 years, and it is more common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus. The pathogenesis is usually a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Symptoms vary depending on the population (more acute in young people and more prolonged in the elderly). The effusion is almost invariably a unilateral exudate (according to Light's criteria), more often on the right side, and the tuberculin test is negative in one third of cases. There are limitations in making a definitive diagnosis, so various pleural fluid biomarkers have been used for this. The combination of adenosine deaminase and lymphocyte percentage may be useful in this respect. Treatment is the same as for any TB. The addition of corticosteroids is not advisable, and chest drainage could help to improve symptoms more rapidly in large effusions.
Síndrome de Sjögren primario con derrame pleural To the Editor, Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chro... more Síndrome de Sjögren primario con derrame pleural To the Editor, Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, particularly the lacrimal and salivary glands, causing the characteristic symptoms of xerophthalmia and xerostomia. The lung, thyroid, kidney and the hepatobiliary tract can also be affected. This disease can be present in an isolated form (primary SS), or it can be associated with other connective tissue diseases (secondary SS). Pleural effusion (PE) in primary SS is rarely described in the literature. 1 We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with insulindependent diabetes mellitus, consulting due to xerostomia and xerophthalmia for some months, and intermittent diffuse arthromyalgia. Vital signs were normal and the only notable finding on physical examination was limited mobility of the right shoulder. Routine clinical laboratory tests (including angiotensin-converting enzyme levels) and urine tests were normal. Of particular interest were rheumatoid factor 103 IU/ml (upper level of normal 14 IU/ml), positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (1/640), and positive anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies and immunoglobulin G 4050 mg/dl. The Schirmer test was positive in both eyes, a minor salivary gland biopsy showed Chisholm grade 2 lymphocytic infiltration, and scintigraphy of the salivary glands was consistent with SS. A diagnosis of primary SS was established on the basis of these results. Four years later, the patient developed right pleuritic pain, without dyspnea, cough or expectoration, but with low-grade fever in the evenings. She reported no previous chest injury and no contact with tuberculosis patients. Physical examination was unremarkable, except for signs of right PE. The chest computed tomography revealed thick-walled cystic and cavitary lesions in the right lung and a small ipsilateral PE. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed that was macroscopically normal, and smear tests and PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in bronchoalveolar lavage were negative. PE was an exudate (total pleural fluid protein/serum protein ratio 0.7; lactate dehydrogenase 597 IU/l and pleural fluid LDH/serum LDH 1.8), leukocytes 5830/l (neutrophils 14%, lymphocytes 24%, eosinophils 16%, macrophages 46%), with normal pH, glucose, amylase, adenosine deaminase, tumor markers and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, rheumatoid factor 58.6 IU/ml, positive ANA (1/320), and positive anti-Ro/SS-A
AC anticuerpos ADA adenosina desaminasa ADA-2 isoenzima 2 de la adenosina desaminasa ADALP adenos... more AC anticuerpos ADA adenosina desaminasa ADA-2 isoenzima 2 de la adenosina desaminasa ADALP adenosina desaminasa líquido pleural AG antígeno ALP análisis del líquido pleural AMI arteria mamaria izquierda ANA anticuerpos nucleares AUC área bajo la curva CA125 antígeno del cáncer 125 CA15.3 antígeno carbohidrato 15,3 CA19.9 antígeno carbohidrato 19.9 CART árbol de clasificación y regresión CCL2 chemokine chemokine ligand 2 CEA antígeno carcinoembrionario COLLP colesterol líquido pleural COLS colesterol suero CRBA cirugía de revascularización mediante bypass coronario CYFRA 21-1 fragmento de citoqueratina 21-1
INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of pleural infection (PI) may be challenging. The purpose of this paper i... more INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of pleural infection (PI) may be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a clinical prediction model for the diagnosis of PI based on pleural fluid (PF) biomarkers. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on pleural effusion. Logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of having PI. Two models were built using PF biomarkers. The power of discrimination (area under the curve) and calibration of the two models were evaluated. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 706 pleural effusion (248 malignant; 28 tuberculous; 177 infectious; 48 miscellaneous exudates; and 212 transudates). Areas under the curve for Model 1 (leukocytes, percentage of neutrophils, and C-reactive protein) and Model 2 (the same markers plus interleukin-6 [IL-6]) were 0.896 and 0.909, respectively (not significant differences). However, both models showed higher capacity of discrimination than their biomarkers when used separately (P < 0.001 for all). Rates of correct classification for Models 1 and 2 were 88.2% (623/706: 160/177 [90.4%] with infectious pleural effusion [IPE] and 463/529 [87.5%] with non-IPE) and 89.2% (630/706: 153/177 [86.4%] of IPE and 477/529 [90.2%] of non-IPE), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The two predictive models developed for IPE showed a good diagnostic performance, superior to that of any of the markers when used separately. Although IL-6 contributes a slight greater capacity of discrimination to the model that includes it, its routine determination does not seem justified.
Abstract Pleural infections have high morbidity and mortality, and their incidence in all age gro... more Abstract Pleural infections have high morbidity and mortality, and their incidence in all age groups is growing worldwide. Not all infectious effusions are parapneumonic and, in such cases, the organisms found in the pleural space are not the same as those observed in lung parenchyma infections. The diagnostic difficulty lies in knowing whether an infectious effusion will evolve into a complicated effusion/empyema, as the diagnostic methods used for this purpose provide poor results. The mainstays of treatment are to establish an early diagnosis and to commence an antibiotic regimen and chest drain as soon as possible. This should preferably be carried out with fine tubes, due to certain morphological, bacteriological and biochemical characteristics of the pleural fluid. Fluid analysis, particularly pH, is the most reliable method for assessing evolution. In a subgroup of patients, fibrinolytics may help to improve recovery, and their combination with DNase has been found to obtain better results. If medical treatment fails and surgery is required, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is, at least, comparable to decortication by thoracotomy, so should only undertaken if previous techniques have failed. Further clinical trials are needed to analyze factors that could affect the results obtained, in order to define new evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that provide more effective, standardized management of this disease.
Pleural involvement in systemic diseases is usually a sign of lesions occurring at other levels. ... more Pleural involvement in systemic diseases is usually a sign of lesions occurring at other levels. Despite the low incidence (around 1%) of pleural effusions caused by systemic diseases, more often connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, may present with this. Similarly, vasculitis, such as Wegener&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, or less prevalent diseases, such as adult onset Still&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s disease, or human adjuvant disease, can also have pleural involvement. Although their incidence is low, it is important to take them into account when making a differential diagnosis of a pleural effusion. In this article, the systemic diseases that include pleural involvement are reviewed, as well as the characteristics of the effusions and their outcome.
Symptomatic malignant pleural effusion is a common clinical problem. is condition is associated w... more Symptomatic malignant pleural effusion is a common clinical problem. is condition is associated with very high mortality, with life expectancy ranging from 3 to 12 months. Studies are contributing evidence on an increasing number of therapeutic options (therapeutic thoracentesis, thoracoscopic pleurodesis or thoracic drainage, indwelling pleural catheter, surgery, or a combination of these therapies). Despite the availability of therapies, the management of malignant pleural effusion is challenging and is mainly focused on the relief of symptoms. e therapy to be administered needs to be designed on a case-by-case basis considering patient's preferences, life expectancy, tumour type, presence of a trapped lung, resources available, and experience of the treating team. At present, the management of malignant pleural effusion has evolved towards less invasive approaches based on ambulatory care. is approach spares the patient the discomfort caused by more invasive interventions and reduces the economic burden of the disease. A review was performed of the diagnosis and the different approaches to the management of malignant pleural effusion, with special emphasis on their indications, usefulness, cost-effectiveness, and complications. Further research is needed to shed light on the current matters of controversy and help establish a standardized, more effective management of this clinical problem.
Background and Objective: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive endobronchial t... more Background and Objective: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive endobronchial technique, which uses ultrasound along with a bronchoscope to visualize the airway wall and structures that are adjacent to it. Indications for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) are samplings of mediastinal, hilar lymph nodes, and tumors adjacent to airway walls. EBUS-TBNA has been used in our clinic since 2009. The aim of the study is to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of cytological and histological specimens, and the safety of EBUS-TBNA in an unselected patient population that has been referred to our hospital. Materials and Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed the medical documentation of 215 patients who had EBUS-TBNA performed in our clinic from April 2009 to February 2014. Results: There were 215 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA. A total of 296 lymph nodes were sampled. EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 176 (81.9%) cases of cytological, 147 (68.4%) cases of histological, and 191 (88.9%) cases of the combined evaluation. In the lung cancer patients, EBUS-TBNA cytology had a sensitivity of 72.9% and histology of 72.9%, and in the sarcoidosis group, it had a cytology of 55.8% and histology of 64.5%. As all positive cytology and histology specimens were assumed to be true positive, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 100%. The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher when cytology and histology specimens were combined, compared with cytology or histology results evaluated separately (p < 0.05) (for lung cancer 84.1% and for sarcoidosis 78.8%). The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA procedures increased significantly over time, with increased experience. There were no complications with EBUS-TBNA in our clinical practice. Conclusions: EBUS-TBNA had a high diagnostic yield and was safe in the diagnosis of lung cancer and sarcoidosis. It was most informative when cytology and histology were combined. The informative value of EBUS-TBNA histology increased with our experience.
ABSTRACT Unexpandable lung is a mechanical complication by which the lung does not expand to the ... more ABSTRACT Unexpandable lung is a mechanical complication by which the lung does not expand to the chest wall, impeding a normal apposition between the two pleural layers. The main mechanism involved is the restriction of the visceral pleura due to the formation of a fibrous layer along this pleural membrane. This happens because of the presence of an active pleural disease (lung entrapment), which can be resolved if proper therapeutic measures are taken, or a remote disease (trapped lung), in which an irreversible fibrous pleural layer has been formed. The clinical suspicion arises with the presence of post-thoracocentesis hydropneumothorax or a pleural effusion that cannot be drained due to the appearance of thoracic pain. The diagnosis is based on the analysis of the pleural liquid, the determination of pleural pressures as we drain the effusion and on air-contrast chest CT. As both represent the continuity of one same process, the results will depend on the time at which these procedures are done. If, when given a lung that is becoming entrapped, the necessary therapeutic measures are not taken, the final result will be a trapped lung. In this instance, most patients are asymptomatic or have mild exertional dyspnea and therefore they do not require treatment. Nevertheless, in cases of incapacitating dyspnea, it may be necessary to use pleural decortication in order to resolve the symptoms.
RCE-1355; No. of Pages 8 2 L. Ferreiro et al. de células nucleadas en el líquido pleural no puede... more RCE-1355; No. of Pages 8 2 L. Ferreiro et al. de células nucleadas en el líquido pleural no puede descartar tuberculosis si existe un recuento elevado de células mesoteliales, ni un derrame paraneumónico ante un predominio linfocítico, o malignidad con un recuento de linfocitos ≥80%
Discriminating between malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and benign pleural effusion (BPE) remains... more Discriminating between malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and benign pleural effusion (BPE) remains difficult. Thus, novel and efficient biomarkers are required for the diagnosis of pleural effusion (PE). The aim of this study was to validate calprotectin as a diagnostic biomarker of PE in clinical settings. A total of 425 patients were recruited, and the pleural fluid samples collected had BPE in 223 cases (53.7%) or MPE in 137 patients (33%). The samples were all analysed following the same previously validated clinical laboratory protocols and methodology. Calprotectin levels ranged from 772.48 to 3,163.8 ng/mL (median: 1,939 ng/mL) in MPE, and 3,216-24,000 ng/mL in BPE (median: 9,209 ng/mL; p < 0.01), with an area under the curve of 0.848 [95% CI: 0.810-0.886]. For a cutoff value of ≤ 6,233.2 ng/mL, we found 96% sensitivity and 60% specificity, with a negative and positive predictive value, and negative and positive likelihood ratios of 96%, 57%, 0.06, and 2.4, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that low calprotectin levels was a better discriminator of PE than any other variable [OR 28.76 (p < 0.0001)]. Our results confirm that calprotectin is a new and useful diagnostic biomarker in patients with PE of uncertain aetiology which has potential applications in clinical practice because it may be a good complement to cytological methods. The diagnosis of pleural effusion (PE) is a clinical challenge because it can be produced by over 60 diseases 1,2. Nevertheless, in clinical practice the priority is to establish whether the PE is malignant or not. A diagnosis of malignant PE (MPE) implies the presence of advanced-stage tumours and is therefore associated with a poor prognosis 1,3 which requires urgent diagnosis. Thoracocentesis is the first and most simple procedure for the diagnosis of PE 2-4. Unfortunately, while its specificity for establishing malignancy is 100%, the diagnostic sensitivity of pleural fluid (PF) cytological analysis is low. Although the odds of establishing an MPE diagnosis by immunohistochemistry are improved by applying a panel of different antibodies, its diagnostic sensitivity is still only approximately 60% for metastatic PE and less than 30% for mesothelioma 5,6. When the cytology results are negative, more invasive methods such as a pleural biopsy or thoracoscopy are necessary 2,4,7. In this context, more groups are searching for PF biomarkers for malignancy with the aim of avoiding these invasive procedures 8-10. Recent meta-analyses have evaluated the ability of new biomarkers such
Introduction: Identifying infectious pleural effusions (IPE) that will progress to complicated in... more Introduction: Identifying infectious pleural effusions (IPE) that will progress to complicated infection or empyema is challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a model based on multiple biochemical parameters in pleural fluid can predict which IPEs will produce empyema. Methods: A prospective study was performed of all cases of IPEs treated in our unit. IPEs were classified as uncomplicated or complicated (empyema). Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk for complicated pleural infection (empyema). A predictive model was developed using biochemical parameters in pleural fluid. Discriminatory power (areas under the ROC curve), calibration, and diagnostic accuracy of the model were assessed. Results: A total of 177 patients were included in the study (74 with uncomplicated infectious pleural effusion, and 103 with complicated pleural effusion/empyema). The area under the curve (AUC) for the model (pH, lactate dehydrogenase and interleukin 6) was 0.9783, which is significantly superior to the AUC of the individual biochemical parameters alone (0.921, 0.949, and 0.837, respectively; P<.001 using all parameters). The rate of correct classification of infectious pleural effusions was 96% [170/177: 72/74 (97.3%) for uncomplicated and 98/103 (95.1%) for complicated effusion (empyema)]. Conclusion: The multiple-marker model showed better diagnostic performance for predicting complicated infectious pleural effusion (empyema) compared to individual parameters alone.
Introduction: To know the behavior of cellular components of pleural fluid can help focus the dif... more Introduction: To know the behavior of cellular components of pleural fluid can help focus the differential diagnosis of a pleural effusion. Our objective was to assess their composition in different types of pleural effusions and assess whether it provides relevant clinical information. Patients and methods: Observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study in which the cellular components of pleural effusions of different etiology were analyzed. Pleural effusions were classified as neutrophilic, lymphocytic (≥50% of each one of them), eosinophilic (≥10%) or mesothelial (>5%) and were grouped into six diagnostic categories. Results: 1467 patients were studied (354 heart failure, 59 other transudates, 349 paraneumonic, 133 tuberculous, 397 malignant and 175 other exudates). The predominance cell was lymphocytic in heart failure (44.4%), uncomplicated parapneumonic (29.2%), tuberculosis (88%) and malignant (49.6%); neutrophilic in parapneumonic (57%) and malignant (9.6%); eosinophilic in malignant (6.3%) and mesotelial in tuberculosis (12%). The most frequent etiologies with lymphocyte count ≥80% were tuberculosis (35.1%) and malignant (23.3%). Parameters with higher discriminating accuracy were: leukocytes (transudates: AUC 0.835) and percentage of neutrophils (empyemas: AUC 0.906 and complicated parapneumonic + empyemas: AUC 0.907). Conclusions: Nucleated cell counts will help focus the etiology of pleural effusions, since each etiology often have a characteristic cell predominance. The percentage of nucleated cells in
Introduction: Clinical probability scores (CPS) determine the pre-test probability of pulmonary e... more Introduction: Clinical probability scores (CPS) determine the pre-test probability of pulmonary embolism (PE) and assess the need for the tests required in these patients. Our objective is to investigate if PE is diagnosed according to clinical practice guidelines. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of clinically suspected PE in the emergency department between January 2010 and December 2012. A D-dimer value ≥500 ng/ml was considered positive. PE was diagnosed on the basis of the multislice computed tomography angiography and, to a lesser extent, with other imaging techniques. The CPS used was the revised Geneva scoring system. Results: There were 3924 cases of suspected PE (56% female). Diagnosis was determined in 360 patients (9.2%) and the incidence was 30.6 cases per 100 000 inhabitants/year. Sensitivity and the negative predictive value of the D-dimer test were 98.7% and 99.2% respectively. CPS was calculated in only 24 cases (0.6%) and diagnostic algorithms were not followed in 2125 patients (54.2%): in 682 (17.4%) because clinical probability could not be estimated and in 482 (37.6%), 852 (46.4%) and 109 (87.9%) with low, intermediate and high clinical probability, respectively, because the diagnostic algorithms for these probabilities were not applied. Conclusions: CPS are rarely calculated in the diagnosis of PE and the diagnostic algorithm is rarely used in clinical practice. This may result in procedures with potential significant side effects being unnecessarily performed or a high risk of underdiagnosis.
The prognosis of a patient with Covid-19 pneumonia is uncertain. Our objective was to establish a... more The prognosis of a patient with Covid-19 pneumonia is uncertain. Our objective was to establish a predictive model of disease progression to facilitate early decision-making. A retrospective study was performed of patients admitted with Covid-19 pneumonia, classi ed as severe (admission to the intensive care unit, mechanic invasive ventilation, or death) or non-severe. A predictive model based on clinical, analytical, and radiological parameters was built. The probability of progression to severe disease was estimated by logistic regression analysis. Calibration and discrimination (receiver operating characteristics curves and AUC) were assessed to determine model performance. During the study period 1,152 patients presented with Covid-19 infection, of whom 229 (19.9%) were admitted for pneumonia. During hospitalization, 51 (22.3%) progressed to severe disease, of whom 26 required ICU care (11.4); 17 (7.4%) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, and 32 (14%) died of any cause. Five predictors determined within 24 hours of admission were identi ed: Diabetes, Age, Lymphocyte count, SaO 2 , and pH (DALSH score). The prediction model showed a good clinical performance, including discrimination (AUC 0.87 CI 0.81, 0.92) and calibration (Brier score = 0.11). In total, 0%, 12%, and 50% of patients with severity risk scores ≤5%, 6-25%, and >25% exhibited disease progression, respectively. A simple risk score based on ve factors predicts disease progression and facilitates early decision-making according to prognosis.
Tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE) is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) i... more Tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE) is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Spain, and is one of the most frequent causes of pleural effusion. Although the incidence has steadily declined (4.8 cases/100 000 population in 2009), the percentage of TBPE remains steady with respect to the total number of TB cases (14.3%-19.3%). Almost two thirds are men, more than 60% are aged between 15 and 44 years, and it is more common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus. The pathogenesis is usually a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Symptoms vary depending on the population (more acute in young people and more prolonged in the elderly). The effusion is almost invariably a unilateral exudate (according to Light's criteria), more often on the right side, and the tuberculin test is negative in one third of cases. There are limitations in making a definitive diagnosis, so various pleural fluid biomarkers have been used for this. The combination of adenosine deaminase and lymphocyte percentage may be useful in this respect. Treatment is the same as for any TB. The addition of corticosteroids is not advisable, and chest drainage could help to improve symptoms more rapidly in large effusions.
Síndrome de Sjögren primario con derrame pleural To the Editor, Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chro... more Síndrome de Sjögren primario con derrame pleural To the Editor, Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, particularly the lacrimal and salivary glands, causing the characteristic symptoms of xerophthalmia and xerostomia. The lung, thyroid, kidney and the hepatobiliary tract can also be affected. This disease can be present in an isolated form (primary SS), or it can be associated with other connective tissue diseases (secondary SS). Pleural effusion (PE) in primary SS is rarely described in the literature. 1 We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with insulindependent diabetes mellitus, consulting due to xerostomia and xerophthalmia for some months, and intermittent diffuse arthromyalgia. Vital signs were normal and the only notable finding on physical examination was limited mobility of the right shoulder. Routine clinical laboratory tests (including angiotensin-converting enzyme levels) and urine tests were normal. Of particular interest were rheumatoid factor 103 IU/ml (upper level of normal 14 IU/ml), positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (1/640), and positive anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies and immunoglobulin G 4050 mg/dl. The Schirmer test was positive in both eyes, a minor salivary gland biopsy showed Chisholm grade 2 lymphocytic infiltration, and scintigraphy of the salivary glands was consistent with SS. A diagnosis of primary SS was established on the basis of these results. Four years later, the patient developed right pleuritic pain, without dyspnea, cough or expectoration, but with low-grade fever in the evenings. She reported no previous chest injury and no contact with tuberculosis patients. Physical examination was unremarkable, except for signs of right PE. The chest computed tomography revealed thick-walled cystic and cavitary lesions in the right lung and a small ipsilateral PE. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed that was macroscopically normal, and smear tests and PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in bronchoalveolar lavage were negative. PE was an exudate (total pleural fluid protein/serum protein ratio 0.7; lactate dehydrogenase 597 IU/l and pleural fluid LDH/serum LDH 1.8), leukocytes 5830/l (neutrophils 14%, lymphocytes 24%, eosinophils 16%, macrophages 46%), with normal pH, glucose, amylase, adenosine deaminase, tumor markers and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, rheumatoid factor 58.6 IU/ml, positive ANA (1/320), and positive anti-Ro/SS-A
AC anticuerpos ADA adenosina desaminasa ADA-2 isoenzima 2 de la adenosina desaminasa ADALP adenos... more AC anticuerpos ADA adenosina desaminasa ADA-2 isoenzima 2 de la adenosina desaminasa ADALP adenosina desaminasa líquido pleural AG antígeno ALP análisis del líquido pleural AMI arteria mamaria izquierda ANA anticuerpos nucleares AUC área bajo la curva CA125 antígeno del cáncer 125 CA15.3 antígeno carbohidrato 15,3 CA19.9 antígeno carbohidrato 19.9 CART árbol de clasificación y regresión CCL2 chemokine chemokine ligand 2 CEA antígeno carcinoembrionario COLLP colesterol líquido pleural COLS colesterol suero CRBA cirugía de revascularización mediante bypass coronario CYFRA 21-1 fragmento de citoqueratina 21-1
INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of pleural infection (PI) may be challenging. The purpose of this paper i... more INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of pleural infection (PI) may be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a clinical prediction model for the diagnosis of PI based on pleural fluid (PF) biomarkers. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on pleural effusion. Logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of having PI. Two models were built using PF biomarkers. The power of discrimination (area under the curve) and calibration of the two models were evaluated. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 706 pleural effusion (248 malignant; 28 tuberculous; 177 infectious; 48 miscellaneous exudates; and 212 transudates). Areas under the curve for Model 1 (leukocytes, percentage of neutrophils, and C-reactive protein) and Model 2 (the same markers plus interleukin-6 [IL-6]) were 0.896 and 0.909, respectively (not significant differences). However, both models showed higher capacity of discrimination than their biomarkers when used separately (P < 0.001 for all). Rates of correct classification for Models 1 and 2 were 88.2% (623/706: 160/177 [90.4%] with infectious pleural effusion [IPE] and 463/529 [87.5%] with non-IPE) and 89.2% (630/706: 153/177 [86.4%] of IPE and 477/529 [90.2%] of non-IPE), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The two predictive models developed for IPE showed a good diagnostic performance, superior to that of any of the markers when used separately. Although IL-6 contributes a slight greater capacity of discrimination to the model that includes it, its routine determination does not seem justified.
Abstract Pleural infections have high morbidity and mortality, and their incidence in all age gro... more Abstract Pleural infections have high morbidity and mortality, and their incidence in all age groups is growing worldwide. Not all infectious effusions are parapneumonic and, in such cases, the organisms found in the pleural space are not the same as those observed in lung parenchyma infections. The diagnostic difficulty lies in knowing whether an infectious effusion will evolve into a complicated effusion/empyema, as the diagnostic methods used for this purpose provide poor results. The mainstays of treatment are to establish an early diagnosis and to commence an antibiotic regimen and chest drain as soon as possible. This should preferably be carried out with fine tubes, due to certain morphological, bacteriological and biochemical characteristics of the pleural fluid. Fluid analysis, particularly pH, is the most reliable method for assessing evolution. In a subgroup of patients, fibrinolytics may help to improve recovery, and their combination with DNase has been found to obtain better results. If medical treatment fails and surgery is required, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is, at least, comparable to decortication by thoracotomy, so should only undertaken if previous techniques have failed. Further clinical trials are needed to analyze factors that could affect the results obtained, in order to define new evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that provide more effective, standardized management of this disease.
Pleural involvement in systemic diseases is usually a sign of lesions occurring at other levels. ... more Pleural involvement in systemic diseases is usually a sign of lesions occurring at other levels. Despite the low incidence (around 1%) of pleural effusions caused by systemic diseases, more often connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, may present with this. Similarly, vasculitis, such as Wegener&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, or less prevalent diseases, such as adult onset Still&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s disease, or human adjuvant disease, can also have pleural involvement. Although their incidence is low, it is important to take them into account when making a differential diagnosis of a pleural effusion. In this article, the systemic diseases that include pleural involvement are reviewed, as well as the characteristics of the effusions and their outcome.
Symptomatic malignant pleural effusion is a common clinical problem. is condition is associated w... more Symptomatic malignant pleural effusion is a common clinical problem. is condition is associated with very high mortality, with life expectancy ranging from 3 to 12 months. Studies are contributing evidence on an increasing number of therapeutic options (therapeutic thoracentesis, thoracoscopic pleurodesis or thoracic drainage, indwelling pleural catheter, surgery, or a combination of these therapies). Despite the availability of therapies, the management of malignant pleural effusion is challenging and is mainly focused on the relief of symptoms. e therapy to be administered needs to be designed on a case-by-case basis considering patient's preferences, life expectancy, tumour type, presence of a trapped lung, resources available, and experience of the treating team. At present, the management of malignant pleural effusion has evolved towards less invasive approaches based on ambulatory care. is approach spares the patient the discomfort caused by more invasive interventions and reduces the economic burden of the disease. A review was performed of the diagnosis and the different approaches to the management of malignant pleural effusion, with special emphasis on their indications, usefulness, cost-effectiveness, and complications. Further research is needed to shed light on the current matters of controversy and help establish a standardized, more effective management of this clinical problem.
Background and Objective: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive endobronchial t... more Background and Objective: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive endobronchial technique, which uses ultrasound along with a bronchoscope to visualize the airway wall and structures that are adjacent to it. Indications for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) are samplings of mediastinal, hilar lymph nodes, and tumors adjacent to airway walls. EBUS-TBNA has been used in our clinic since 2009. The aim of the study is to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of cytological and histological specimens, and the safety of EBUS-TBNA in an unselected patient population that has been referred to our hospital. Materials and Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed the medical documentation of 215 patients who had EBUS-TBNA performed in our clinic from April 2009 to February 2014. Results: There were 215 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA. A total of 296 lymph nodes were sampled. EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 176 (81.9%) cases of cytological, 147 (68.4%) cases of histological, and 191 (88.9%) cases of the combined evaluation. In the lung cancer patients, EBUS-TBNA cytology had a sensitivity of 72.9% and histology of 72.9%, and in the sarcoidosis group, it had a cytology of 55.8% and histology of 64.5%. As all positive cytology and histology specimens were assumed to be true positive, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 100%. The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher when cytology and histology specimens were combined, compared with cytology or histology results evaluated separately (p < 0.05) (for lung cancer 84.1% and for sarcoidosis 78.8%). The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA procedures increased significantly over time, with increased experience. There were no complications with EBUS-TBNA in our clinical practice. Conclusions: EBUS-TBNA had a high diagnostic yield and was safe in the diagnosis of lung cancer and sarcoidosis. It was most informative when cytology and histology were combined. The informative value of EBUS-TBNA histology increased with our experience.
ABSTRACT Unexpandable lung is a mechanical complication by which the lung does not expand to the ... more ABSTRACT Unexpandable lung is a mechanical complication by which the lung does not expand to the chest wall, impeding a normal apposition between the two pleural layers. The main mechanism involved is the restriction of the visceral pleura due to the formation of a fibrous layer along this pleural membrane. This happens because of the presence of an active pleural disease (lung entrapment), which can be resolved if proper therapeutic measures are taken, or a remote disease (trapped lung), in which an irreversible fibrous pleural layer has been formed. The clinical suspicion arises with the presence of post-thoracocentesis hydropneumothorax or a pleural effusion that cannot be drained due to the appearance of thoracic pain. The diagnosis is based on the analysis of the pleural liquid, the determination of pleural pressures as we drain the effusion and on air-contrast chest CT. As both represent the continuity of one same process, the results will depend on the time at which these procedures are done. If, when given a lung that is becoming entrapped, the necessary therapeutic measures are not taken, the final result will be a trapped lung. In this instance, most patients are asymptomatic or have mild exertional dyspnea and therefore they do not require treatment. Nevertheless, in cases of incapacitating dyspnea, it may be necessary to use pleural decortication in order to resolve the symptoms.
RCE-1355; No. of Pages 8 2 L. Ferreiro et al. de células nucleadas en el líquido pleural no puede... more RCE-1355; No. of Pages 8 2 L. Ferreiro et al. de células nucleadas en el líquido pleural no puede descartar tuberculosis si existe un recuento elevado de células mesoteliales, ni un derrame paraneumónico ante un predominio linfocítico, o malignidad con un recuento de linfocitos ≥80%
Discriminating between malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and benign pleural effusion (BPE) remains... more Discriminating between malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and benign pleural effusion (BPE) remains difficult. Thus, novel and efficient biomarkers are required for the diagnosis of pleural effusion (PE). The aim of this study was to validate calprotectin as a diagnostic biomarker of PE in clinical settings. A total of 425 patients were recruited, and the pleural fluid samples collected had BPE in 223 cases (53.7%) or MPE in 137 patients (33%). The samples were all analysed following the same previously validated clinical laboratory protocols and methodology. Calprotectin levels ranged from 772.48 to 3,163.8 ng/mL (median: 1,939 ng/mL) in MPE, and 3,216-24,000 ng/mL in BPE (median: 9,209 ng/mL; p < 0.01), with an area under the curve of 0.848 [95% CI: 0.810-0.886]. For a cutoff value of ≤ 6,233.2 ng/mL, we found 96% sensitivity and 60% specificity, with a negative and positive predictive value, and negative and positive likelihood ratios of 96%, 57%, 0.06, and 2.4, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that low calprotectin levels was a better discriminator of PE than any other variable [OR 28.76 (p < 0.0001)]. Our results confirm that calprotectin is a new and useful diagnostic biomarker in patients with PE of uncertain aetiology which has potential applications in clinical practice because it may be a good complement to cytological methods. The diagnosis of pleural effusion (PE) is a clinical challenge because it can be produced by over 60 diseases 1,2. Nevertheless, in clinical practice the priority is to establish whether the PE is malignant or not. A diagnosis of malignant PE (MPE) implies the presence of advanced-stage tumours and is therefore associated with a poor prognosis 1,3 which requires urgent diagnosis. Thoracocentesis is the first and most simple procedure for the diagnosis of PE 2-4. Unfortunately, while its specificity for establishing malignancy is 100%, the diagnostic sensitivity of pleural fluid (PF) cytological analysis is low. Although the odds of establishing an MPE diagnosis by immunohistochemistry are improved by applying a panel of different antibodies, its diagnostic sensitivity is still only approximately 60% for metastatic PE and less than 30% for mesothelioma 5,6. When the cytology results are negative, more invasive methods such as a pleural biopsy or thoracoscopy are necessary 2,4,7. In this context, more groups are searching for PF biomarkers for malignancy with the aim of avoiding these invasive procedures 8-10. Recent meta-analyses have evaluated the ability of new biomarkers such
Introduction: Identifying infectious pleural effusions (IPE) that will progress to complicated in... more Introduction: Identifying infectious pleural effusions (IPE) that will progress to complicated infection or empyema is challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a model based on multiple biochemical parameters in pleural fluid can predict which IPEs will produce empyema. Methods: A prospective study was performed of all cases of IPEs treated in our unit. IPEs were classified as uncomplicated or complicated (empyema). Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk for complicated pleural infection (empyema). A predictive model was developed using biochemical parameters in pleural fluid. Discriminatory power (areas under the ROC curve), calibration, and diagnostic accuracy of the model were assessed. Results: A total of 177 patients were included in the study (74 with uncomplicated infectious pleural effusion, and 103 with complicated pleural effusion/empyema). The area under the curve (AUC) for the model (pH, lactate dehydrogenase and interleukin 6) was 0.9783, which is significantly superior to the AUC of the individual biochemical parameters alone (0.921, 0.949, and 0.837, respectively; P<.001 using all parameters). The rate of correct classification of infectious pleural effusions was 96% [170/177: 72/74 (97.3%) for uncomplicated and 98/103 (95.1%) for complicated effusion (empyema)]. Conclusion: The multiple-marker model showed better diagnostic performance for predicting complicated infectious pleural effusion (empyema) compared to individual parameters alone.
Introduction: To know the behavior of cellular components of pleural fluid can help focus the dif... more Introduction: To know the behavior of cellular components of pleural fluid can help focus the differential diagnosis of a pleural effusion. Our objective was to assess their composition in different types of pleural effusions and assess whether it provides relevant clinical information. Patients and methods: Observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study in which the cellular components of pleural effusions of different etiology were analyzed. Pleural effusions were classified as neutrophilic, lymphocytic (≥50% of each one of them), eosinophilic (≥10%) or mesothelial (>5%) and were grouped into six diagnostic categories. Results: 1467 patients were studied (354 heart failure, 59 other transudates, 349 paraneumonic, 133 tuberculous, 397 malignant and 175 other exudates). The predominance cell was lymphocytic in heart failure (44.4%), uncomplicated parapneumonic (29.2%), tuberculosis (88%) and malignant (49.6%); neutrophilic in parapneumonic (57%) and malignant (9.6%); eosinophilic in malignant (6.3%) and mesotelial in tuberculosis (12%). The most frequent etiologies with lymphocyte count ≥80% were tuberculosis (35.1%) and malignant (23.3%). Parameters with higher discriminating accuracy were: leukocytes (transudates: AUC 0.835) and percentage of neutrophils (empyemas: AUC 0.906 and complicated parapneumonic + empyemas: AUC 0.907). Conclusions: Nucleated cell counts will help focus the etiology of pleural effusions, since each etiology often have a characteristic cell predominance. The percentage of nucleated cells in
Introduction: Clinical probability scores (CPS) determine the pre-test probability of pulmonary e... more Introduction: Clinical probability scores (CPS) determine the pre-test probability of pulmonary embolism (PE) and assess the need for the tests required in these patients. Our objective is to investigate if PE is diagnosed according to clinical practice guidelines. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of clinically suspected PE in the emergency department between January 2010 and December 2012. A D-dimer value ≥500 ng/ml was considered positive. PE was diagnosed on the basis of the multislice computed tomography angiography and, to a lesser extent, with other imaging techniques. The CPS used was the revised Geneva scoring system. Results: There were 3924 cases of suspected PE (56% female). Diagnosis was determined in 360 patients (9.2%) and the incidence was 30.6 cases per 100 000 inhabitants/year. Sensitivity and the negative predictive value of the D-dimer test were 98.7% and 99.2% respectively. CPS was calculated in only 24 cases (0.6%) and diagnostic algorithms were not followed in 2125 patients (54.2%): in 682 (17.4%) because clinical probability could not be estimated and in 482 (37.6%), 852 (46.4%) and 109 (87.9%) with low, intermediate and high clinical probability, respectively, because the diagnostic algorithms for these probabilities were not applied. Conclusions: CPS are rarely calculated in the diagnosis of PE and the diagnostic algorithm is rarely used in clinical practice. This may result in procedures with potential significant side effects being unnecessarily performed or a high risk of underdiagnosis.
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Papers by Lucía Ferreiro