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A 15-year-old boy presented with a sudden onset of breathlessness for 7 days, gradual loss of weight of 17.6 lbs over the last month and progressive hoarseness of voice for 7 months. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan revealed a heterogeneously enhancing lesion in the anterior mediastinum with multiple discrete lymph nodes in the cervical and mediastinal locations. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay performed on the CT-guided biopsy of the mass was negative, but the culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive at 7 weeks of incubation. There was a suboptimal radiological response after 6 months of treatment. First-line drug susceptibility testing (DST) performed by line probe assay (LPA) on the positive culture detected high-level resistance to isoniazid. The treatment was modified as per DST results to which the patient responded well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistent morbidity and mortality associated with tuberculosis (TB), despite our continued efforts, has been long recognized, and the rise in the incidence of drug-resistant TB adds to the preexisting concern. The bulk of the TB burden is confined to low-income countries, and rigorous efforts are made to detect, notify, and systematically treat TB. Efforts have been infused with renewed vigor and determination by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate tuberculosis in the near future. Different health agencies worldwide are harvesting all possible strategies apart from consolidating ongoing practices, including prevention of the development of active disease by treating latent TB infection (LTBI). The guidelines for the same were already provided by the WHO and were then adapted in the Indian guidelines for the treatment of LTBI in 2021. While the long-term impact of TBI treatment is awaited, in this article, we aim to discuss the implications in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy is emerging as a preferred and safe method for obtaining tissue samples in pleural diseases. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and safety of percutaneous CT-guided biopsy in pleural diseases and to find CT findings predictive of malignant neoplastic pleural disease. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 77 patients with pleural disease who underwent CT-guided pleural biopsies from July 2013 to May 2020. All procedures were performed with a coaxial semi-automatic biopsy device. Histopathology was performed in all cases, and additional tests such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) or microbiological analysis were carried out depending on clinical suspicion. The correlation of CT findings with final diagnosis was performed by Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The overall technical success rate of CT-guided pleural biopsy was 100% with a diagnostic yield of 96.1%. No major complication was encountered, with minor complications encountered in the form of minimal pneumothorax and chest pain. Malignant pleural conditions constituted the largest group including metastatic adenocarcinoma as the most common (31.2%), followed by metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and mesothelioma. Tubercular pleural involvement was the second most common category (16.9%). The cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CB-NAAT) assay had 90% sensitivity on pleural tissue in tubercular cases. CT features predictive of malignancy were irregular and nodular pleural thickening, mediastinal and diaphragmatic pleural involvement and mediastinal/chest wall invasion. There was a good correlation between higher pleural thicknesses with malignant outcome. Conclusion: Percutaneous CT-guided biopsy is a safe method for obtaining pleural tissue samples with high diagnostic yield. CT findings provide clues, which favour malignant pleural involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Association between the ABO blood group and patient outcomes in COVID-19 patients is still unexplored. A known association may help to understand possible risks in advance to the management of such COVID-19 patients. The present study was designed to test such association if there is any, between the ABO blood group and the severity of COVID-19 patients. Methods: The present hospital-based observational study was conducted at a COVID-19 dedicated tertiary care hospital in North India over a period of six months during the first wave of the pandemic in the country. Five hundred consecutive patients, who tested positive for COVID-19 using RT-PCR on oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs, admitted to the hospital were included in the study. ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood grouping was done on leftover hematology blood samples using gel column agglutination technology. Required clinical details of patients including age, gender, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, outcomes, etc., were obtained from the patient’s case sheets. Results: The most common blood group was ‘B’ (42.8%) followed by ‘O’ (23.4%), and ‘A’ (22.4%) while the least common was ‘AB’ (11.4%). Rh positive was seen in 96.2% while 3.8% were negative. Baseline characteristics were comparable including length of hospital stay, duration of symptoms, and associated comorbid illnesses. The need for intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (P = 0.05) and intubations (P = 0.20) was similar across all four blood groups. Differences in the severity of COVID-19 disease and mortalities among the groups were non-significant. Conclusion: There was no observed association found between the ABO blood group and COVID-19 infection requiring hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation, and outcomes. However, there was a higher proportion of breathlessness and the presence of at least one comorbidity in blood group O as compared to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) among renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyse the aetiology, outcome, and risk factors associated with mortality. Methods: We analysed baseline transplant characteristics, symptoms, hospital course, laboratory, serological and microbial results, and their association with the outcome of all RTRs between January 2011 and December 2019. Results: A total of 206 LRTI patients out of 1051 RTRs were analysed. The incidence proportion was nearly 22 episodes per 1000 patients per year. The mean age was 39.3 years, with male predominance. Bacterial was the most common aetiology (53%), and staphylococcus was the most common species. Among the fungal causes (14%), 68% had aspergillus infection. More than one-third RTRs died during the hospital course mainly because of bacterial causes (42.6%). The aspergillus infection was the most common fungus associated with 50% mortality. On multi-variate analysis, sepsis, septic shock, and the need for mechanical ventilation independently predicted mortality. Conclusion: Bacterial aetiology was the most common cause; though the fungal aetiology was seen less, it was associated with higher mortality. Mortality in RTR with LRTI was associated with sepsis, septic shock, and the need for mechanical ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our understanding of the pathophysiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is still evolving and is limited for prognostication. The study was performed to predict severity and mortality based on hematology parameters in coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Material and Methods: The study was a single-center retrospective analysis of 240 patients with COVID-19. The hematological parameters were compared between different grades of severity. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve along with the Classification and Regression Trees (CART) methods were used for the analysis. Result: The total leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and neutrophil-monocyte ratio (NMR) were increasing along with an increase in severity; while the absolute lymphocyte count and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) were decreasing (P < 0.001). For prediction of severity and mortality on admission, the NLR, NMR, and LMR were significant (P < 0.001). The NLR, NMR, and LMR had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.86 (95% CI of 0.80-0.91), 0.822 (95% CI of 0.76-0.88), and 0.69 (95% CI of 0.60-0.79), respectively, for severity. While the NLR, NMR, and LMR had an AUROC value of 0.85 (95% CI of 0.79-0.92), 0.83 (95% CI of 0.77-0.89), and 0.67 (95% CI of 0.57-0.78), respectively, for mortality. Conclusion: With the increase in severity there was an increase in the total leukocyte count and absolute neutrophil count while the absolute lymphocyte count decreased. On admission, the cut-off value of NLR >5.2, NMR >12.1, while LMR <2.4 may predict severity and mortality in COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe hypoxia due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is challenging in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is often unresponsive to mechanical ventilation at high positive end-expiratory pressure and the fraction of inspired oxygen combination. The cause of such worsening hypoxia may be microvascular thrombosis in the pulmonary vascular system because of the procoagulant nature of COVID-19 infection. Confirming the diagnosis with computed tomographic pulmonary angiography is not always possible, as the patients are too sick to be shifted. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is recommended for pulmonary thromboembolism with hypotension and worsening hypoxia, as confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography. However, its role in worsening hypoxia because of presumed microthrombi in the pulmonary vasculature in COVID-19 is unclear. We present six cases from our ICU where we used low-dose tPA in COVID-19 refractory hypoxia with presumed microthrombi in the pulmonary vasculature (oligemic lung field, refractory hypoxia, increased D dimer, electrocardiographic features of pulmonary embolism, and right ventricular strain on echocardiography). Oxygenation improved within 6 h and was maintained for up to 48 h in all patients. Therefore, there is a possible role of microthrombi in the mechanism of hypoxia in this setting. An early decision to start low-dose tPA may improve the outcome. However, all patients finally succumbed to sepsis and multiorgan failure later in their course. A systematic review of the literature has also been performed on the mechanism of thrombosis and the use of tPA in hypoxia due to COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge of underlying pathophysiology of coagulopathy is evolving and the pattern of coagulation parameters in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–associated diseases is still not very clear. Aims: In the present study, we aimed to find out the pattern and distribution of conventional coagulation parameters and thromboelastographic (TEG) parameters in COVID-19–associated coagulopathy (CAC) in survivors and nonsurvivors at 28 days. Setting and Design: The present prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) facility from March 21, 2020, to July 15, 2021. Materials and Methods: Admission clinical and laboratory data (conventional coagulation, inflammatory and TEG parameters, and disease severity parameters) of 64 COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU were collected. Patients were divided into two groups, i.e., survivors and nonsurvivors. Statistical Analysis: Data were compared between two groups, i.e., survivors versus no survivors on 28 days using Student's t-test/Mann–Whitney U-test or Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test. Results: Admission mean plasma fibrinogen levels (474.82 ± 167.41 mg.dL−1) and D-dimer were elevated (1.78 [0.66, 3.62] mg.mL−1) in the COVID-19 ICU patients. Overall, COVID-19 patients had mean lower normal platelet count (150 ± 50 × 103 cells.mm−3), with marginally elevated prothrombin time (16.25 ± 3.76 s) and activated partial thromboplastin time (38.22 ± 16.72 s). A 65.6% (42/64) TEG profile analysis showed a normal coagulation profile, and the rest 21.9% (14/64) and 12.5% (8/64) had hypercoagulable and hypocoagulable states, respectively. Plasma D-dimer level was markedly elevated in nonsurvivors compared to survivors (P < 0.05), while no other conventional coagulation parameters and TEG profile demonstrated statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Markedly elevated plasma D-dimer level was observed in nonsurvivors of COVID-19 ICU patients. A large portion of COVID-19 ICU patients had a normal TEG profile. Conventional coagulation parameters and TEG profile were similar between survivors and nonsurvivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep apnea (SA) is highly prevalent in acromegaly. Ethnicity influences the prevalence of SA in the general population. We studied the prevalence of SA and other respiratory comorbidities in North Indian patients with active acromegaly. Design: Prospective, observational. Materials and Methods: Consecutive adult patients with active acromegaly (n = 35, age 39.7 ± 13.2 years) and hypersomatotropism (nonsuppression of serum growth hormone after oral glucose and elevated serum insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1]) were evaluated for respiratory symptoms, scoring for SA (Epworth Sleepiness Score [ESS] and STOP-BANG), pulmonary function tests (PFT), high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) of the thorax, polysomnography (PSG), and transthoracic echocardiography. Age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (n = 34) served as controls. Results: Acromegaly subjects had dyspnea (34%), cough (37%), excessive daytime somnolence (43%), and fatigue (49%). Clinically significant ESS (>10) and STOP-BANG score (≥3) were present in 41% and 68.6% of subjects, respectively. PFT showed restrictive and obstructive patterns in 45.7% and 11.4% of acromegalics respectively; with higher total lung capacity (TLC), thoracic gas volume (TGV), and residual volume (RV). PSG revealed significantly higher SA events in acromegalics (central [acromegaly 24.63 ± 37.82 vs. control 3.21 ± 5.5], mixed [11 ± 19.46 vs. 3.50 ± 5.96], obstructive [34.86 ± 44.37 vs. 9.71 ± 10.48], and mean apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] [16.91 ± 18.0 vs. 7.86 ± 7.84]). Acromegalics had significantly higher prevalence of obstructive SA (71.4% [mild 31.4%, moderate 20%, severe 20%]) as compared to controls (38.2%). There was no correlation of AHI with serum IGF-1 and disease duration. Conclusion: Acromegaly subjects have a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, SA, and abnormalities in PFT. Screening for respiratory comorbidities should be routinely recommended in all patients with acromegaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 42-year-old male presented with a dry cough, breathlessness, and fever. He underwent a computed tomography that revealed large consolidation in the right lung. Biopsy revealed Cryptococcus neoformans. He was on antifungal for 4 months with no clinicoradiological improvement. 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) showed consolidations in the right lung with multiple lung nodules. 18F-FDG PET/CT ascertains the diagnosis of residual fungal infection and rules out extrapulmonary involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) allows precise real-time sampling of intrathoracic lesions and is a minimally invasive, safe, and cost effective technique with high diagnostic yield. The aim of the current study is to evaluate utility of EBUS-TBNA cytology with cellblocks (CBs) in the diagnosis and subtyping of the intrathoracic lesions. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study conducted from October 2015 to October 2017. We received 233 cases of intrathoracic lesions for EBUS-TBNA, of which CB was made in 217 cases. A flexible endobronchial ultrasound scope was used to sample the lesions. Results: There were 89 females and 128 males amongst the total 217 patients (age range: 14–85 years, mean age: 48.35 years). The smears from EBUS-TBNA contained adequate material in 137/144 [95.1%] non-neoplastic cases and 34/36 [94.4%] of the neoplastic cases, whereas the CBs provided adequate material in 94/144 [65.3%] non-neoplastic cases and 37/40 [92.5%] neoplastic cases. The CB helped subtyping the malignancy in 19 cases and of these immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done on the CB in 15 cases. The biopsy was non-diagnostic in 17/36 cases of granulomatous pathology and 4/18 neoplastic cases diagnosed with EBUS-TBNA.3. Conclusions: EBUS-TBNA provides rapid diagnosis through cytology and the material recovered in the same setting for the CB preparation can be used for immunohistochemical analysis and it may at times provide the diagnosis in cases where the smears are non-diagnostic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central airway obstruction (CAO) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with thoracic malignancies. In this prospective study, we describe the role of rigid bronchoscopy (RB) in the multimodality management of CAO. Methods: Prospective description of different rigid bronchoscopic techniques used for CAO between July 2016 and July 2019. Results: A total of 152 procedures (124 therapeutic/palliative and 28 diagnostics) in 111 adults and 10 pediatric patients were performed. The mean age in 111 adults (66 males) and 10 pediatric (5 males) patients were 45.4 ± 15.8 (range 16-80) and 5.4 ± 3.6 (range 1-10) years, respectively. Palliation of the airway obstruction (48.8%) and establishment of diagnosis (23.2%) were the main indications of RB in our study. Mechanical debulking in 53 (57%) and airway dilatation in 40 (43%) patients were the most utilized interventions during the palliative or therapeutic RB. There was a significant decrease in mean (modified Medical Research Council) dyspnea scale from 3.9 ± 1.0 to 1.42 ± 0.63 and increase in mean Visual Analogue Scale from 2.06 ± 0.74 to 8.7 ± 0.54 after the procedure (P < 0.0001). Additional therapy was undertaken in 38 (31.4%) of 121 patients, and surgical excision was the primary form of definitive treatment in 17 patients Moderate bleeding was encountered in 13.3% of the procedures mainly in the diagnostic RB. The mean procedure duration was 28.4 (range, 11-49) min and 13.2 (7-22) min in the adults and pediatric patients, respectively. A total of 31 patients succumbed to the illness due to the progressive nature of their disease. Conclusions: An individualized approach to interventional procedures is safe and effective way to achieve and maintain palliation of CAO. RB with multimodality treatment achieves the goal in majority of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) considered classically to be a male-dominant disease, may have significant gender-based differences in clinical presentation and diagnosis. Aims: To evaluate gender-based differences in the clinical profile and polysomnographic features of Indian patients with OSA. Settings and Design: A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 12 months involving adult ambulatory patients, referred for evaluation of OSA. Methods and Materials: Enrolled patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation followed by supervised polysomnography. Sleep studies were manually validated and analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Continuous variables were compared using two-tailed independent- sample t-test. For the univariate analysis, the Chi-square test was used. Results: Out of 150 enrolled patients, 94 (62.7%) were males (male-to-female: 1.7:1; age: 51.85 ± 12.60 years; BMI: 32.09 ± 5.53 kg/m2). Most common presenting features were excessive daytime somnolence, snoring, and easy fatiguability. Women with OSA were older than men. Insomnia and anxiety were significantly higher among females. Parameters defining sleep architecture were similar in both groups. Although obstructive apneas and hypopneas were similar, mean apnea hypopnea index was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males compared to females with higher titratable continuous positive airway pressure. Conclusions: There are gender-specific differences in the clinical presentation of OSA due to various anatomical, physiological, and psychosocial factors. Their potential influence on the clinical features, natural history, and implications on treatment need further evaluation on a larger scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postintubation tracheal stenosis is preventable yet commonly occurring clinical condition. Early in the disease, nonspecific symptoms may predominate but once the stenosis reaches a critical stage life-threatening respiratory compromise may ensue. Bronchoscopic interventions are an invaluable tool in the management both as a primary treatment and as an interim procedure before the surgery. Optical dilatational tracheoscopy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure in the treatment of benign tracheal stenosis. Involvement of multidisciplinary team early in the treatment planning gives the best possible results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern era, real-time imaging-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) has completely replaced the traditional surgical approaches to sample the mediastinal lesions for diagnosis and cancer staging. However, there is a limited role of these innovations in the presence of critical airway narrowing due to a further decrease in cross-sectional area of the airway proportionate to the outer diameters of the scope. Rigid TBNA with airway control by rigid bronchoscopy is one alternative which can be used for mediastinal sampling when modern technique is impracticable. Herein, we report the use of rigid TBNA, an underutilized old method to sample the mediastinal lesion in a patient with severe orthopnea secondary to tracheal compression by mediastinal mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of Aspergillus hypersensitivity (AH) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) has been variably reported. Systematic data regarding Aspergillus sensitization and ABPA are lacking from this part of the country. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AH and ABPA in Uttar Pradesh. Setting and Design: This was prospective observational study. All patients attending outpatient Department of Pulmonary Medicine of our institute were included in the study. Subjects and Methods: Consecutive asthmatic patients underwent screening for ABPA using Aspergillus skin test (AST). Those showing a positive response to AST were further evaluated for ABPA. Results: During the study, 350 patients (192 males, 158 females, mean ± standard deviation age: 38.3 ± 12.8) were screened with AST. One hundred and twenty-three patients (35.1%) were tested positive for AST and 21.7% of patients were diagnosed as ABPA. Conclusions: A high prevalence rate of ABPA was observed at our chest clinic. Although comparable with published data from other tertiary centers, it does not represent the true prevalence rates in asthmatics because of high chances of referral bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)‑guided needle aspiration and biopsy technique have developed over time as a method for obtaining tissue specimen. Although this is a minimally invasive procedure, complications do occasionally occur. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and complications of 265 percutaneous CT‑guided aspiration and biopsy procedures performed on various intrathoracic lesions. Settings and Design: Data of percutaneous CT‑guided aspiration and biopsy procedures of intrathoracic lesions performed over a 4 year period were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects and Methods: Procedure details, radiological images, and pathological and microbiological reports were retrieved from radiology records and hospital information system. Technical success, diagnostic yield, and complication rates were calculated. Results: Total 265 procedures were performed for lung (n = 179), mediastinum (n = 73), and pleural lesions (n = 13). Diagnostic yield for lung, mediastinal, and pleural lesions was 80.7%, 74.2, and 75%, respectively, for core biopsy specimens. Major complication was noted in only one procedure (0.4%). Minor complications were noted in 13.6% procedures which could be managed conservatively. Conclusions: Percutaneous CT-guided aspiration and biopsy procedures for intrathoracic lesions are reasonably safe with good diagnostic yield. Complications are infrequent and conservatively managed in most of the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lemierre's Syndrome (LS) is a potentially life-threatening condition, characterized by clinical or radiologic evidence of internal jugular vein thrombosis following an oropharyngeal infection, most commonly by Fusobacterium necrophorum. A high index of suspicion and early recognition is important for successful management and to prevent systemic complications like multiorgan failure with extremely high morbidity, prolonged hospitalization and, not uncommonly, death. We are reporting a rare case of LS that was complicated with internal jugular vein and cavernous sinus thrombosis along with lung metastatic lesions, which was diagnosed and treated at our institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The war against cancer has seen a proliferation in armamentarium over the last decades. A new antineoplastic agent, trastuzumab, was synthesized in 1991 and gained United States Food and Drug Administration approval in 1998 for treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Cardiotoxicity manifesting as dilated cardiomyopathy is a rarely reported adverse effect of trastuzumab. We hereby report a case of dilated cardiomyopathy, which occurred following trastuzumab chemotherapy in a 32-year-old female. The patient responded to discontinuation of trastuzumab and standard medical treatment. Extensive search of Indian literature revealed no reported case of dilated cardiomyopathy occurring due to trastuzumab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding a case of a teacher who suffered from unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis after having dengue infection.