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Introduction: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial inflammatory lung disease that develops as a result of exposition to various, mostly organic antigens. In some patients, fibrotic HP is diagnosed. Factors predisposing to the development of fibrotic lung disease in HP patients are not well documented in the literature. The genetic susceptibility of the patient, type of inciting antigen, and type of exposure, as well as various demographic and clinical variables, may influence the fibrotic process. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the type of inciting antigen increases the risk of fibrotic lung disease in HP patients. Methods: Clinical data of consecutive patients with HP diagnosed between 2019 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The exposition to the inciting antigens was investigated by the standardized questionnaire. Recent HP classification into fibrotic (fHP) and non-fibrotic (non-fHP) types was applied. Results: Sixty-six patients diagnosed with HP were analyzed. All patients filled out the exposure questionnaire, and 62 (94%) reported at least one possible exposure. The most prevalent exposures reported were avian, water systems, feather duvets, and hay/straw. Exposure to avian antigens as well as to coal/biomass heating were significantly more prevalent among patients with fHP compared to those with non-fHP (70% vs. 40%, p = 0.03 and 27% vs. 5%, p = 0.04, respectively). Nevertheless, in the multivariate analysis, older age at diagnosis was the only factor influencing the development of fHP (OR 1.064, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.138, p = 0.04). Reported avian antigen exposure correlated well with positive precipitins to avian antigens, whereas no correlation was found between hay/straw exposure and positive antibodies to termophilic actinomycetes. Conclusions: Exposure to birds and coal heating was the most frequently present factor in subjects with fHP, but only older age at diagnosis remained a significant fHP predictor in the multifactor analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For two years, the entire world has been grappling with the new challenge that is the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2019 in China's largest province, Wuhan, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was detected in a patient with severe respiratory failure. Shortly after, infections were detected in all regions of the world. So far, 265 million infections have been confirmed around the world, and 5.2 million of those infected have died due to COVID-19. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, especially thromboembolic complications. Low-molecular-weight-heparin presents a basic form of prophylaxis against thromboembolic complications in individuals who are ill with COVID-19. Controversy still exists regarding the optimal dose of LMWH depending on disease severity, this problem requires further randomized trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pulmonary hypertension in the course of venous thromboembolic disease (CTEPH) is defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mm Hg persistent for more than 6 months after the acute episode of pulmonary embolism. This relatively rare, but potentially serious disease is caused by a partial closure of the pulmonary arteries by organized thrombus. The clinical presentation is non-specific. As in other forms of pulmonary hypertension, the main symptom is progressive reduction in exercise tolerance due to dyspnoea or fatigability The insidious and progressive course of the disease and a lack of awareness of CTEPH in both the medical community and among patients result in significant delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Transthoracic echocardiography remains a valuable initial diagnostic tool in suspicion of pulmonary hypertension. Diagnostic gold standard in the diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is still pulmonary arteriography with right heart catheterization. In cases in which the thrombus is located in the proximal parts of the pulmonary artery and its branches there is a possibility of effective treatment with surgical pulmonary endarterectomy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 29-year old man was admitted to the intensive care unit after losing consciousness. On physical examination, a loud systolic murmur over the heart was found. Echocardiography revealed narrowing of pulmonary artery with high pressure gradient. Computed tomography of the chest revealed the presence of large tumour localised in the upper anterior mediastinum. Due to the risk of total closure of the pulmonary artery, interventional mediastinotomy was performed and diagnosis of carcinoma embryonale was established. Subsequent chemotherapy (BEP regimen) has brought regression of tumour and significant improvement in haemodynamic parameters (relief of pressure gradient in pulmonary artery). During the second surgery, the resection of all accessible tumour mass together with marginal resection of the right upper lobe was performed. No signs of cardiac or great vessels infiltration was found. Histopathologic examination revealed the necrotic masses and neoplastic foci diagnosed as teratoma immaturum. In a four-month follow-up the patient's condition remained good. The patient is still under the care of both oncological and cardiological specialists. Thus far he has not required further chemotherapy. Holter ECG monitoring revealed no arrhythmia, but the patient is still treated with mexiletine. The patient is planning to return to work.

A 39 year old man with normal, stable blood pressure was admitted to the Cardio-Pulmonary Intensive Care Unit due to diagnosed spiral CT pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In 1999, a hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency was confirmed in the presented case. In 2006, because of a knee injury, the patient was provided with a plaster cast and primary antithrombotic prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (80 mg of enoxaparin) was administered subcutaneously once a day (patient's weight was 80 kg). Despite prophylaxis PE and DVT occurred after 6 weeks of treatment. The patient was successfully treated with unfractioned heparin, repeated infusions of AT concentrate and oral anticoagulants (OA). Transient pulmonary hypertension documented by echocardiography and hemoptysis complicated course of PE. Secondary prophylaxis with OA, and INR maintenance between 2-3, was successfully continued.

43 years old women with tumor of the right ventricle was admitted to ICU due to pulmonary embolism and suspicion for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was successfully treated with Arixtra and the patient was qualified for the cardio surgery intervention. Heparin is widely used in treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism and other diseases. One of the most important adverse effect of treatment with heparin is heparin-inducted thrombocytopenia (HIT), which is one of the most frequent drug-induced, immune-mediated type of thrombocytopenia. If it is unrecognized is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. According to our knowledge this is first report of Arixtra usage in patient with suspicion of HIT in Poland.