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Background/aim: There is limited information about peripheral blood eosinophilia (PBE) and airway obstruction in sarcoidosis. Since pulmonary sarcoidosis affects the airways, it is often confused with asthma. The aims of the study are to investigate airway obstruction and PBE in sarcoidosis patients and to examine the similarity of clinical presentation with asthma. Materials and methods: The patients matching the ATS/ERS/WASOG diagnosis criteria and were between 18 and 80 years of age were included consecutively between 2018 and 2020. Other diseases causing granulomas were excluded. Results: A total of 84 patients were included of which 26 (31%) had a PBE level of >= 300 mu L with no significant difference seen between sarcoidosis stage and PBE (p > 0.05). A significant (p < 0.05) decrease was only seen in FEV1 as the stage of sarcoidosis progressed. Respectively 31 (36.9%), 12 (14.3%) and 4 (4.8%) patients had an obstructive, restrictive and mixed respiratory function disorder. Twenty-four (28.6%) subjects with sarcoidosis had history of asthma. Spring fever, eczema, and skin/nose allergy were noticed in 17 (20.2%) of the patients. Conclusion: Mild PBE may be seen in sarcoidosis. Patients applying with PBE, airway obstruction, bronchial hyperreactivity along with spring fever, eczema, skin/nose allergy, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and cough may be also evaluated in terms of sarcoidosis.

Introduction The results of standard chemotherapy in lung cancer are not very satisfactory, so it is important to identify genetic mutations that provide targeted therapies. Recent reports have suggested influences of racial difference on the frequency of mutation in lung cancer. We aimed to determine the frequency and regional distribution of genetic mutations of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Turkey. Materials and Methods Regional distribution of genetic mutations in lung cancer in Turkey (REDIGMA) study was carried out as a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study in a large number of centers in which lung cancer patients were followed and could perform genetic mutation analysis on patients' biopsy materials. Result The 703 patients (77.7% male, mean age 63.3 ± 12.5 years) who were diagnosed as NSCLC from 25 different centers were included in the study. Tumor samples from patients were reported as 87.1% adenocarcinoma, 6.4% squamous cell carcinoma and 6.5% other. Mutation tests were found to be positive in 18.9% of these patients. The mutations were 69.9% EGFR, 26.3% ALK, 1.6% ROS and 2.2% PDL. Mutations were higher in women and non-smokers (p

Objective: To investigate the effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in dry eye status in males and whether the hypoandrogenic status has any concomitant impact.Methods: Eighty patients with stable COPD and individually matched healthy volunteers on the basis of body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were enrolled. Ocular surface testing included ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, evaluation of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), tear fluorescein break-up time (TF-BUT), ocular surface staining with lissamine green (LG), Schirmer test with topical anesthesia and Sirius meibographic analysis of meibomian gland area (MGA) loss. Bioavailable testosterone and free testosterone (fT) were measured through the measured total testosterone (TT), albumin, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations.Results: Patients with COPD had lower levels of circulating androgens, decreased TF-BUT and Schirmer score and increased LG staining score, MGD grade and MG area loss compared to healthy controls (pConclusion: Males with COPD had worse tear film parameters, and this finding was more notable in patients with lower androgen levels. Hypoandrogenic status in patients with COPD attributes to dry eye status of the patients independent of their FEV1 and FEV1/FVC status.

OBJECTIVES Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that is used as add-on therapy for treating moderate-to-severe persistant atopic asthma in patients with persistant symptoms and frequent exacerbations, despite step 4 treatment according to GINA guidelines. Real-life studies on omalizumab treatment are limited in Turkey. Thus, the present study aims to assess the clinical efficacy and treatment outcomes of omalizumab in patients with atopic severe persistant asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with atopic severe persistant asthma who were treated with omalizumab between 2009 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Baseline and last results of the following variables were compared: symptom scores (GINA categorical), controller medications, blood eosinophil counts, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) values, and the number of exacerbations that were treated with systemic corticosteroids for at least 3 days within the last 1 year. The effect of coexisting aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) on these parameters was also analyzed. Step-down of other asthma medications was attempted in patients with symptom control and in those without an exacerbation history within the last 6 months. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients (mean age, 50 years; females, 30) were included in this study, of whom four showed AERD. After treating with a mean time of 30±22.1 (min: 6, max: 92) months, 26 (68%) patients showed complete controlled disease and 12 (32%) showed partly controlled disease, of whom all had uncontrolled disease before. Mean exacerbation rates within the last 1 year decreased by approximately 76% (9.4±8.4 vs. 1.8±1.5; p

Introduction Mediastinal and hilar nodal staging is one of the key points for differentiating treatment modalities in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of the present study was to determinate the diagnostic yields of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and combined EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA modalities for nodal staging in potentially operable NSCLC patients. Materials and methods Twenty consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in the study between March 2014 and November 2015. All patients had a potentially operable NSCLC diagnosis before endosonographic procedures. Result Thirty lymph nodes were sampled by EBUS-TBNA and 17 lymph nodes were sampled by EUS-FNA in all 20 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT), EBUS-TBNA, EUS-FNA and combined EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA were 100%, 33.3%, 64.7%, 100% and 70.0%; 81.8%, 100%, 100%, 81.8% and 90%; 81.8%, 100%, 100%, 75% and 88.2%; 90.9%, 100%, 100%, 90.0% and 95.0%, respectively. Conclusions The combined EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA technique is a successful procedure for nodal staging in potentially operable NSCLC patients.

Objectives Eosinophilic granulomatosis with poliangiitis (EGPA) which was previously called Churg-Strauss Syndrome, is classified into eosinophilic and vasculitic phases. To characterize the eosinophilic and vasculitic phases of the disease in terms of clinical findings, serology, and treatment. Materials and methods We included 15 EGPA patients in the study. The clinical, serological, and therapeutic characteristics and the treatment responses of the patients were recorded. Results Thirteen patients were classified as being in the eosinophilic phase and two were classified as being in the vasculitic phase of EGPA. Initial symptoms were worsening asthma in all patients (n=15; 100%). All patients had rhinosinusitis, and 66.6% had hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The two patients in the vasculitic phase did not have nasal polyposis. Pulmonary and nervous system involvement were the most common symptoms. The erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESRs) of the two patients in the vasculitic phase were 65 mm/h and 55 mm/h, while ESR was normal in eosinophilic-phase patients. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) was detected in one patient (6.6%) who was in the vasculitic phase (Case 15). The disease was under control with higher doses of methylprednisolone in the vasculitic phase (Case 14: 12 mg/day, Case 15: 10 mg/day) than in the eosinophilic phase. Relapse was detected in the two patients in the vasculitic phase. Oral corticosteroid was not discontinued in any case, and no mortality was reported. Conclusion Patients with eosinophilic phase or vasculitic phase EGPA had similar clinical onset. However, higher ESR, ANCA positivity, and extrapulmonary organ involvement were only found in patients in the vasculitic phase. Corticosteroid responsiveness was very good in all patients in the eosinophilic phase, and the disease could be controlled with a very low maintenance dose of a corticosteroid.

INTRODUCTION Why do only some of patients who are prescribed angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) develop cough? The pathogenesis of ACE-I-induced cough remains controversial and requires further studies. OBJECTIVE We aim to investigate whether asthma is a contributing cause of ACE-I-induced cough. METHODS Patients attending a cardiology clinic between March 2016 and March 2017 who were diagnosed with ACE-I induced cough were included in this study. ACE-I-induced cough was defined as cough which developed within 4 weeks after initiation of ACE-I therapy and which improved within 4 weeks after discontinuation of the ACE-I. Patients who had received ACE-I treatment for at least 6 months without side effects were included in the study as a control group. Face-to-face questionnaires, pulmonary function tests (PFT) and skin prick tests were applied to all the patients. If there was discordance between asthma history and PFT results, a methacholine bronchial provocation test (BPT) was performed. RESULTS A total of 43 patients with ACE-I induce cough were compared with 50 controls. Bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), rhinitis, atopy and family history of asthma were more frequent in patients with ACE-I induced cough (P < .001). Patients with ACE-I-induced cough had significantly higher incidence of diagnosed asthma [OR = 8.28 (95%CI: 3.26-21.03) P < .001]. CONCLUSIONS Asthma and an atopic background constitute a substantial risk factor for ACE-I induced cough. The presence of underlying asthma should be investigated in patients diagnosed with ACE inhibitor induced cough. However, the fact that most asthma patients tolerate ACE-I therapy, indicates that other cofactors are likely involved.

Background/aim Oral corticosteroid (OCS)-dependent severe eosinophilic asthma with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (SEA-CRSwNP) would be a suitable phenotype for mepolizumab treatment. This study evaluated the short-term efficacy of mepolizumab treatment in OCS-dependent SEA-CRSwNP. Materials and methods Baseline and 24th week results [daily OCS doses, asthma exacerbation frequency, asthma control test (ACT) scores, blood eosinophil levels, FEV1 values, and numerical analog scale (NAS) of CRSwNP symptoms] of patients who were treated for at least 24 weeks with mepolizumab were retrospectively evaluated and compared. Results A total of 16 patients were enrolled in the study. Mepolizumab was discontinued in one patient due to side effects. The daily OCS dosage was reduced from baseline in all patients, and at week 24 OCS was discontinued in 40% of the patients (baseline mean steroid dose: 9.2 ± 5.2 mg, 24th week: 1.3 ± 1.4 mg; P < 0.001). The number of asthma exacerbations within 24 weeks significantly decreased after beginning mepolizumab treatment (2.1 ± 2.7 vs. 0.07 ± 0.26; P = 0.012), and a significant increase in ACT scores (baseline mean ACT: 18 ± 5.7; 24th week mean ACT: 23.3 ± 3; P = 0.006) was observed despite the decrease in daily OCS dosages. There was no significant difference in FEV1 values between baseline and week 24. Evaluation of the general symptoms of CRSwNP, as per NAS, revealed that the baseline mean NAS was 5.6 ± 4.4, and the 24th week mean NAS was 3.2 ± 3.2 (P = 0.021). Conclusion This is the first real-life study evaluating the short-term efficacy of mepolizumab treatment on OCS-dependent SEA-CRSwNP. This study demonstrates that mepolizumab is an effective and safe biologic for the treatment of this severe asthma subphenotype.

Background/aim: Sensitivity and symptoms related to animal proteins have been investigated in various occupational groups. However, data from horse farm workers are limited. We aimed to determine horse allergen sensitivity in the horse farm workers, and to evaluate its relationship with respiratory symptoms and functional parameters. Materials and methods: A total of 110 subjects were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 80 horse farm workers. Face-to-face surveys, skin prick tests SPT , and pulmonary function tests PFT were performed in the study group. Control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects. SPT and PFTs were also performed for control group. The SPT test results of the horse farm workers were compared with the SPT results provided from the medical records of 1376 subjects who admitted to the outpatient clinic with respiratory symptoms. Results: Atopy rate was significantly higher in horse farm workers than in healthy subjects 41% and 13%, respectively; P = 0.008 . Horse allergen sensitivity was positive 8/80 10% in horse farm workers, 0/30 in healthy subjects, and 32/1376 2% in medical records of subjects who were admitted to the outpatient clinic with respiratory symptoms. P = 0.07, P = 0.001, respectively . There was no statistically significant relationship between respiratory symptoms and horse allergen sensitivity in horse farm workers P = 0.67 . However, mean FEV1 ratios were lower in horse farm workers with horse allergen sensitivity than healthy subjects 88.6% ± 17.9, 103.7 ± 10, P = 0.031, respectively . Conclusion: Atopy and animal allergen sensitization were significantly higher in horse farm workers, suggesting the relationship between the intensity of specific allergen exposure and the sensitization to this specific allergen.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by systemic inflammation that usually is caused by exposure to noxious particles or gases. Thymoquinone (TQ) prevents the production of inflammatory mediators, such as thromboxane B2 and leukotriene, by altering arachidonic acid metabolism. We investigated the preventive and curative effects of TQ on lung damage in rats caused by cigarette smoke (CS). We used 50 adult male rats, 30 of which were exposed to CS every day for 3 months. TQ in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) every day to ten animals to investigate the protective effects of TQ, and to ten other animals during the last 21 days to investigate the curative effect. Ten rats received saline for the last 21 days. Ten subjects were untreated controls. Ten controls that were not exposed to CS received TQ for the last ten days. Serum IL-8, IL-6, IL-1 beta and MMP-9 levels were measured using ELISA. IL-1 beta and IL-8 levels were elevated in the group exposed to CS compared to controls. IL-8 levels were decreased in the group that received only TQ compared to controls, which indicated the anti-inflammatory effect of TQ. The apoptotic index (AI) was increased in all groups that were exposed to CS compared to controls. The AI index was decreased in the group that received TQ for the last 21 days compared to the other CS groups. AI was increased in the group that received TQ daily compared to the other CS groups. Our findings indicate that TQ exerts curative effects for the inflammation caused by CS and may prevent apoptosis if administered in appropriate doses; however, long term TQ or DMSO exposure may produce cumulative toxic effects.

Obesity represents a major risk factor for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) affects the mechanisms that regulate weight, eating behavior, and metabolism. This project aims to investigate the possible association of BDNF gene polymorphism with obesity and OSAS, and to contribute knowledge to the understanding of the pathophysiology of OSAS. The subjects included in this study were selected among the individuals who were hospitalized in the Erciyes University Medical School Chest Diseases Sleep Medicine Laboratory. Subjects were divided into four groups based on the presence of OSAS and/or obesity. Group 1 included OSAS+ obesity+ patients, Group 2 included OSAS+ obesity− patients, Group 3 included OSAS− obesity+ patients, and Group 4 included OSAS− obesity− patients. The targeted patient number per each study group was 45, but only 32 patients could be enrolled into Group 3. Out of a total number of 167 subjects, 117 (70.1 %) had BDNF 196G/G, 48 (28.7 %) had BDNF 196G/A, and 2 (1.2 %) had BDNF 196A/A genotype. Of 48 subjects having BDNF 196G/A genotype, 32 (66.6 %) were obese, and 16 (33.3 %) were non-obese. Out of 90 subjects with OSAS, 64 (71.1 %) had BDNF 196G/G, and 25 (27.8 %) had BDNF 196G/A genotype. Out of 77 subjects without OSAS, BDNF 196G/G, and BDNF 196G/A genotypes were detected in 53 (68.8 %) and 23 (29.9 %) subjects, respectively. A statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the four study groups in terms of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism (p = 0.013). This difference was attributed to OSAS+ obesity− Group, in which BDNF 196G/G genotype was more common and BDNF 196G/A polymorphism was less common than the patients in other groups. In conclusion, BDNF 196G/A genotype was found to be more frequent among obese patients compared to the non-obese individuals, but it was not significantly related to OSAS in the present study. BDNF196G/G genotype was more common and BDNF 196G/A polymorphism was less common among OSAS+ obesity- subjects compared to the other study groups.

28th International Congress of the European-Respiratory-Society (ERS) -- SEP 15-19, 2018 -- Paris, FRANCE, WOS: 000455567103370, …, European Respiratory Soc

Objective: Eosinophilic asthma with chronic rhinosinusitis and/or nasal polyposis (EA-CRS/NP) is a subphenotype of adult-onset eosinophilic asthma. Blood eosinophil levels are shown to be highly elevated in patients with EA-CRS/NP and have potential for tissue infiltration. We aimed to demonstrate the clinical features of the patients who have a blood eosinophil level above 10% and have thorax computed tomography findings due to blood eosinophilia. Methods: Patients who were followed up in our clinic between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) Eosinophilic severe asthma, 2) eosinophilia >10%, 3) chronic sinusitis and/or nasal polyps, 4) patients with pathologic findings on thorax computed tomography, 5) regular follow-up for at least 1 year. Results: We identified 36 patients who met the above criteria. We defined this group as "Eosinophilic Asthma with chronic Rhinosinusitis and/or nasal polyposis with Radiological findings related to blood eosinophilia" (EARR). The mean age was 44.9 +/- 11 years and 64% were females. Nasal polyps, aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease, and atopy, were present in 81%, 47%, and 25% of the patients, respectively. The mean blood eosinophil count was 1828.6 cells/mm(3) (19%). The majority of EARR patients had upper lobe dominant ground-glass opacities. The mean follow-up period was 3.2 +/- 2.5 years. EARR patients did not evolve into eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis in the follow-up. Conclusions: This phenotype is the first eosinophilic asthma sub-phenotype reported in the literature. EARR is the final stage of the allergic march of EA-CRS/NP.

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) with oxicams is very rare. FDE due to tenoxicam has been reported in several case reports. Skin patch test with the suspected or responsible drug is applied on sites of previous lesions developing with FDE. Recently, the test has been used quite often for diagnosis of FDE although results are variable. Our case was a 63-year-old woman who had developed itching and erythematous lesions 3-5 cm in size localized on her hands and elbows 3-4 hours after the intake of tenoxicam and ranitidine. The lesion became vesiculobullous a few days later. After two weeks, it resolved with hyperpigmentation. The diagnosis of tenoxicaminduced FDE was confirmed after applying patch and provocation tests. Here we described a case of bullous fixed drug eruption due to tenoxicam and we demonstrated the contribution of skin patch tests to the FDE diagnosis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by systemic inflammation. Thymoquinone(TQ) has many useful features such as antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective. This study aims to investigate the preventive and curative effects of TQ on lung damage created by cigarette smoke on rats. Fifty adult male Wistar albino rats were included in this study. Thirty subjects were randomized to exposure to tobacco smoke every day for 3 months. Intraperitoneal(IP) TQ was administered every day to ten subjects to investigate the protective effects of TQ, and on the last 21 days to ten subjects to investigate the curative effect. Ten subjects received IP saline for last 21 days. Ten subjects were enrolled as control group. Ten controls received IP TQ for last 10 days. Close circuit cage apparatus was instructed to achieve appropriate cigarette smoke exposure to rats and CO levels were monitored. TUNEL procedure was used to demonstrate the apoptosis. IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β and MMP-9 levels in lung tissues were detected with ELISA. IL-1β and IL-8 levels were elevated in the group exposed to cigarette smoke compared with control group. IL-8 levels were decreased in the group, which received only TQ, compared with control group indicating the anti-inflammatory effect of TQ, but this difference was not statistically significant. Finally apoptotic index tend to decrease in the group, which received TQ subsequently for the purpose of treatment, compared with cigarette smoke group. This is the first study to demonstrate the apoptosis reducing and curative effect of TQ on the inflammation constituted by cigarette smoke in experimental COPD model.

Early diagnosis is the key point in the management of acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). There are no reports in the literature comparing the serum cystatin C levels in patients with acute PTE and normal volunteers. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed 50 patients with acute PTE and 45 healthy volunteers with normal renal function. The serum cystatin C level was significantly higher in the PTE group than in the non-PTE group (1.08 mg/dL [interquantile range (IQR) 0.79-1.56] and 0.85 mg/dL [IQR 0.77-1.03], respectively, P = .017). When determining the presence of PTE, the highest value of sensitivity and specificity was set at a cutoff value of 1.15 mg/dL with 93.3% specificity, 46.0% sensitivity, 88.5% positive predictive value, and 60.9% negative predictive value. In the multivariate model, cystatin C was significantly associated with the presence of PTE (odds ratio: 12.34, 95% CI 2.64-57.75). In conclusion, cystatin C may be an indicator of acute PTE in patients with normal renal function.

Background and Aims Intrathoracic lymphadenopathy usually occurs as a result of neoplasm, granulomatous diseases, infections or reactive hyperplasia. Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA) is a cheap and safe procedure for diagnosing intrathoracic lymphadenopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the learning curve and diagnostic accuracy of C-TBNA after an observational education programme. Methods In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated our first 62 C-TBNA procedures at Erciyes University between May 2012 and December 2012 after an observational education programme. The first 31 patients were defined as group A, and the second 31 patients as group B. Results One hundred and seven lymph nodes were sampled in 62 patients by C-TBNA. Adequate lymph node samples were obtained in 52 of the 62 patients (83.8%). In these 52 patients, two patients had a diagnosis of ‘suspicious of malignancy’ by C-TBNA, and these patients were excluded from the analysis. In the remaining 50 cases who had adequate results, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy per patient were 80.6%, 92.9%, 96.7%, 65.0% and 84.0%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy rates of C-TBNA for Group A and B were 72.0% (18/25) and 96.0% (24/25), and the difference was statistically significant (P

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular events and hypertension. Mean platelet volume (MPV), an indicator of platelet activation and aggregation, is closely related with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We aimed to show the relationship between OSAS and MPV with CVD. The medical records of 205 patients who were admitted to the sleep study were evaluated. OSAS was diagnosed by polysomnography if the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was greater than 5. MPV was calculated from blood samples. According to AHI, individuals in whom AHI was less than 5 were recruited as the control group, those in whom AHI was 5-15 as the mild OSAS group, those in whom AHI was equal to 15-30 as the moderate OSAS group, and those in whom AHI was greater than 30 as the severe OSAS group. Of the patients, 137 (67%) were men and 68 (33%) were women; the mean age was 53.0 +/- 14.1 years. There were 35 (17%), 20 (10.2%), 42 (20.4%), and 108 (52.6%) participants in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. There were significant differences in terms of coronary artery disease and hypertension between all groups (P

Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) is an idiopathic disease characterized with pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by the proliferation of numerous capillaries within alveolar walls of the lung. Administration of vasodilator therapy, in contrast to primary PH, is risky due to possible fatal pulmonary edema; therefore, differentiation of PCH and primary PH is of significant importance. Since the clinical features of PCH are vague and histopathologic examination may not be usually feasible due to unstable conditions of the patients, radiological findings may help establish the diagnosis. A 17-year-old girl presented with exertional dyspnea and fatigue. PH was observed with both two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and right heart catheterization. The diffuse ground glass opacifications of both lungs and the signs of PH on computed tomography (CT) raised the suspicion of PCH. The diagnosis was then confirmed with histopathologic examination. We herein report this rare pediatric case of PCH with emphasis on CT imaging findings.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is characterized by the accumulation of surfactant derived material in the lung of patients. PAP is rare in children. The patient presented with respiratory failure. In the history she was diagnosed with agammaglobulinemia at 8 months of age and has been treated by IVIG once in a month. She had two pulmonary alveolary proteinosis attacks before. Chest X-ray showed bilateral diffuse infiltrates. Initial diagnosis were pneumonia, ARDS, and lung edema. Whole-lung lavage revealed lipoproteinaceous material similar to surfactant. This findings and high level of LDH was as evaluated pulmonary alveolary proteinosis. She discharged from the hospital without any respiratory complication on the ninth day. This is the first case report recurrent PAP associated with agammaglobulinemia.

Hypereosinophilic syndomes (HESs) include potentially lethal multisystem disorders characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of a variable spectrum of target organs, predominantly the skin, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system. Based on recent advances in molecular and genetic diagnostic techniques and increasing experience with differences in clinical features and prognosis, subtypes have been defined, including "myeloproliferative-HES ", "lymphocytic-HES", "familial eosinophilia", "overlap HES", "undefined HES" ("complex undefined HES", "simple undefined HES", "episodic undefined HES") and "eosinophil associated diseases" (such as Churg-Strauss syndrome). HES should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of eosinophilic lung diseases especially in patients with peripheral eosinophilia and pulmonary infiltrates. Corticosteroids represent an effective firstline approach to decreasing eosinophil counts in the majority of cases. Imatinib might be used for corticosteroid nonresponders. We herein report a patient with "complex undefined HES" who had disease resistant to corticosteroids, but who had a significant response after treatment with imatinib.

Background: Obesity is recognized as a major risk factor for thrombotic disorders such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. Objective: We aimed to compare the serum visfatin levels in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and non-PTE who had similar BMI. Design: We prospectively compared the serum visfatin levels of 49 acute PTE patients diagnosed by contrast-enhanced spiral computed chest tomography (CT) and 32 healthy volunteers. We also analyzed the short term mortality in the acute PTE group. Results: The visfatin level was lower in the PTE group than in the non-PTE group [6.2 ng/mL (IQR 4.9-8.7) and 6.7 ng/mL (IQR 5.0-8.9), respectively], but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Visfatin levels were higher in acute PTE patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (n=18) than in those without DVT (n=31), but the difference was also statistically not significant [visfatin; 6.3 ng/mL (IQR 5.3-15.6) and 5.8 ng/mL (IQR 4.5-8.5), respectively, p>0.05]. The serum visfatin was not correlated with age, body mass index (BMI), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cell (WBC) count and D-dimer (p>0.05). All cause 30 day mortality rate was 4.1% (n=2) in the PTE group and visfatin levels were 30.1 ng/mL and 9.1 ng/mL in the two patients that died. Conclusions: Although the serum visfatin levels were lower in the acute PTE group than in the non-PTE group both of which had similar BMI, the difference was not statistically significant. Further and larger studies are needed to evaluate the visfatin levels in acute PTE.

Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) may be classified as cryptogenic (idiopathic) and secondary. There are no clear clinical and radiological features distinguishing between idiopathic and secondary BOOP. Objectives: To analyze the etiologic factors, clinical and radiological features, diagnostic approach and response to therapy at onset and outcome in subjects with BOOP. Methods: The medical files of Erciyes University Hospital from 1995 to 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with biopsy-proven BOOP were selected for evaluation. The etiology and initial features of BOOP, treatment, resolution, relapse, and survival were obtained from medical records, and a follow-up patient questionnaire. Results: We have diagnosed 26 cases (13 males /13 females) with BOOP syndrome (mean age 54 ± 15 years, range 14–93). More than half the patients (58%) were classified as idiopathic BOOP. Patients presented with cough (92%), dyspnea (70%), pleuritic chest pain, hemoptysis and fever (50%). The biopsy specimens had been obtained by transbronchial and/or transthoracic lung biopsy in 18 cases (69%). At radiological evaluation, there were bilateral patchy alveolar and/or interstitial infiltrates in 16 patients (62%), and solitary pneumonic involvement in 10 patients (38%). Three patients recovered spontaneously, 5 remained cured after resection of the focal lesion. Corticosteroid therapy was given in 17 patients (65%). Apart from four patients who died (death was attributable to BOOP in only 1 patient) and three patients who relapsed, the prognosis was good in all patients. Conclusions: The etiology of BOOP is usually idiopathic. We observed that hemoptysis and pleuritic chest pain were a relatively frequent symptom in BOOP in the present series, in contrast to previous observations. The diversity of radiological and clinical presentations including hemotysis and pleuritic chest pain should prompt consideration of the diagnosis in patients with persisting pulmonary symptoms and radiological findings.

OZET Pulmonary hypertension is an important determinant of morbidity and mortality in many diseases, including congenital heart disease and respiratory disease. Fibrosing mediastinitis is a rare disorder caused by proliferation of acellular collagen. In fibrosing mediastinitis, clinical presentation is determined by compression to the vital mediastinal organs. Fibrosing mediastinitis may rarely lead to pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. In this case report, a 16 year old boy with pulmonary arterial hypertension was presented. His right pulmonary artery was completely occluded secondary to idiopathic fibrosing mediastinitis. The patient died after mediastinal biopsy. Herein, we discussed pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to idiopathic fibrosing mediastinitis in children.

Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that has been increasingly used in the chemotherapy of solide tumors, including breast, pancreas ovary and non small cell lung cancer. It is generally well tolerated and has few side effects. Gemcitabine induced pulmonary complications range from mild dyspnea to death from ARDS. A 57- year- old man was treated with six cycles of gemcitabine because of pancreatic carcinoma in July, 2004.The patient had self limiting weakness, lack of appetite, nausea and no dyspnea in treatment period. One year later, he was admitted to a local hospital with exercises induced dyspnea. He had been given levofloxacin for 14 days. On admission to our hospital, his complaint kept on. A few inspiratory crackles were present at right base. CXR demonstrated interstitial infiltrations in the right lung lower zone. HRCT showed grand glass opacity and mild reticular patterns in right lung middle and lower lobes. Bronchoscopy was performed. Transbronchial biopsy revealed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. Following the administration of oral corticosteroid, he had complete resolution of all signs and symptoms of gemcitabine toxicity. Key words: Gemcitabine, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, drug toxicity

Adrenocortical function in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis is a debate of matter. Previous studies related to adrenocortical function in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis demonstrated a high rate of suboptimal cortisol response to standard dose ACTH (250 mu g) stimulation test. The aim of this study was to assess the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in low dose (1 mu g) and standard dose ACTH (250 mu g) stimulation tests in the patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Twenty-seven patients and 21 healthy subjects were included in the study. Cortisol levels were measured before, 30 and 60 min after ACTH (1 (mu g or 250 mu g iv) injection. Cortisol responses to 1 mu g ACTH at 30 and 60 min were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p0.05). This study shows that 1 mu g ACTH iv gives an equivalent peak cortisol value to 250 mu g ACTH in patients with activated HPA axis. The cortisol levels obtained at 08:00, 11:00, 17:00 and 24:00 h were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls. This study clearly shows that HPA axis is activated in active pulmonary tuberculosis rather than underactivated. (C) 2000, Editrice Kurtis.

Adrenal glands may be involved during both acute and chronic tuberculosis. They are enlarged in acute pulmonary tuberculosis. We aimed to investigate the changes in adrenal size in acute pulmonary tuberculosis before and after therapy in a prospective study. Eleven hospitalized patients with newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis were studied. Basal cortisol levels were measured in the patients before and after the therapy. Cortisol levels were also measured 30 and 60 min after Synacthen (250 micrograms i.v.) injection in the patients before the therapy. The size of the adrenal glands was measured by computerized tomography. The maximum width perpendicular to the long axis of the body of the gland, maximum width of the medial and lateral limbs and the length of the adrenals were measured. All measurements were done before and after the eight-month anti-tuberculosis therapy. All 11 patients had an intact adrenal cortisol reserve. Both the width and length of the right and left adrenal glands were significantly greater before the therapy than after the therapy. We conclude that adrenal enlargement demonstrated by computerized tomography in acute pulmonary tuberculosis is reduced after appropriate therapy.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular events and hypertension. The possible causes are oxygen desaturation due to hypopnea, increased cytokine levels and insulin resistance. All these risk factors also have a role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between OSAS and the severity of CKD.We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 175 subjects who were admitted for the polysomnography study. OSAS was diagnosed by polysomnography if Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)5 and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated with Cockcroft-Gault formula. According to AHI, individuals with AHI5 were recruited as group 1 (OSAS negative group), those with AHI = 5-15 group 2 (mild OSAS group), those with AHI = 15-30 group 3 (moderate OSAS group), and those with AHI30 group 4 (severe OSAS group).Of the subjects, 117 (67%) were men, 58 (33%) were women and the mean age was 54.0 ± 12.1 years. There were 28 (14.3%), 18 (10.3%), 35 (20.0%) and 97 (55.4%) patients in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension and body mass index was significantly higher in severe OSAS group (P0.05). A significant decrease in GFR was detected when the severity of OSAS increased (group 1 = 50.0 ± 11.8, group 2 = 44.8 ± 15.9, group 3 = 40.8 ± 14.7, group 4 = 38.8 ± 16.0; P for trend0.001).In the light of the present study, we speculate that OSAS is an independent risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease, which is a growing health problem. Further randomized-multicenter prospective studies are warranted to evaluate this relationship.

Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of symptomatic upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) and its association with symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) in a tertiary care hospital., Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of symptomatic upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) and its association with symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2003, the prevalence of symptomatic UEDVT at a university hospital within the past three-years was evaluated retrospectively.Patients were identified by hospital records, and a computerrecorded list of all color Doppler ultrasonograms, venograms,and magnetic resonance angiograms of upper extremitieswas also used. Data were obtained from medical records and follow-up patient questionnaires.Results: Symptomatic UEDVT was diagnosed in 91 of 100.942 patients of all ages (0.09%) [or 89 of 70.751 of adult patients ?20 years of age; 0.13%]. Seventy three (80%) of 91patients with UEDVT had multiple risk factors; 33 patients (36%) had malignancy, 34 patients (37%) had central venous catheters (CVCs), peripheral venous lines (PVLs) and cardiac pacemaker (n=1), 36 patients (40%) had chronic disorders (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, chronic renal failure with hemodialysis), 12 patients (13%) had trauma or surgery, 13 of 53 patients (24%) had UEDVT secondary to thrombophilia. Symptomatic PE developed prior to thrombosis being treated in 32 patients (35%). All patients received anticoagulant therapy except 13 patients (5 with thrombolytic therapy; 8 with thrombectomy) who were treated with other methods initially.Conclusion: Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis is not a rarely seen pathology. Its etiology is usually multifactorial and secondary to thrombophilia, CVC, PVL, chronic diseases and cancer. As PE resulting from UEDVT is a common complication, patients with risk factors should be diagnosed and treated early.

The bleachery procedure is the most frequent method used to decolorize denims since sandblasting has been shown to cause silicosis. The aim of this study was to determined the prevalence of occupational asthma among denim bleachery workers in Kayseri. The study was conducted in 4 factories, in which jean bleachery was performed, in Kayseri between December 2008 and February 2009. Overall, forty-four subjects, 22 from the bleachery section and 22 from the other sections, were included. A questionnaire about respiratory symptoms was administered. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements were performed. All subjects were evaluated by posteroanterior chest x-rays. The prevalence of occupational asthma (OA) in the bleachery and other section workers was 23.8% and 9.1%, respectively (p> 0.05). Within workers, exercise dyspnea (23.3%) and wheezing (20.9%) were the most frequent symptoms. The relationship between the duration of employment and PFTs in bleachery workers (n= 21) was negatively correlated and statistically significant with FEV₁, FEF₂₅-₇₅ (moderate; r= -0.477, -0.449, respectively; p< 0.05) and FEV₁/FVC, FEV₁% (well; r= -0.588, -0.509, respectively; p< 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that exposure to denim-bleaching agents plays an important role in the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, reduction in pulmonary functions, and induction of occupational asthma.

Bronchopulmonary sequestration is an unusual congenital malformation consisting of abnormal lung tissue that lacks normal communication with the tracheobronchial tree. The diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration is based on identifying this systemic arterial supply. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of multidetector computed tomography in demonstrating the feeding artery and draining veins. Between 2003 and 2008, 8 patients (6 males, 2 females) ranging in age from 5 to 49 years with a diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration were identified. All patients underwent evaluation with chest tomography (spiral or multi detector tomography) and digital subtraction angiography. Aberrant systemic arterial supply was demonstrated in all cases: from the descending thoracic aorta (n= 6); arcus aorta (n= 1), internal mammarial artery (n= 1), intercostal arteries (n= 2) and celiac axis (n= 1). Four patients underwent surgery which confirmed the angioarchitecture depicted on angiography. One patient underwent angiography with embolization using. Computed tomography especially multidetector computed tomography is a powerful noninvasive technique for the detection of pulmonary sequestration.

Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a new marker for predicting myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac death and inflammation. There is also a strong relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to investigate the association between serum GGT levels and cardiovascular disease in patients with OSAS, and relationship between severity of OSAS and serum GGT level. We evaluated the medical records of 166 subjects who were admitted for sleep study. OSAS was diagnosed by polysomnography if Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) > 5. According to AHI, individuals in whom AHI < 5 were recruited as group 1 (OSAS negative group), AHI = 5-15: group 2 (mild OSAS group), AHI = 15-30: group 3 (moderate OSAS group), AHI > 30: group 4 (severe OSAS group). Cardiovascular disease was defined if the patients had heart failure, coronary artery disease or arrhythmia. Of the subjects, 112 (67.5%) were male and the mean age was 54.3 +/- 12.2 years. There were 22 patients (13.2%), 17 patients (10.2%), 34 patients (20.4%) and 93 patients (56.2%) in group 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. There is a significant increase in serum GGT levels while AHI score increases (group 1 = 28.0 +/- 10.1, group 2 = 33.8 +/- 13.2, group 3 = 35.2 +/- 8.5, group 4 = 40.0 +/- 22.0; p for trend = 0.024). However, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were similar in all groups (p > 0.05). There was a significant independent association between serum GGT levels and the severity of OSAS. Moreover, serum GGT levels were significantly high in patients with cardiovascular disease compared with patients without cardiovascular disease in severe-moderate-mild OSAS (p < 0.05) and OSAS negative groups while CRP levels were not. This was a significant independent association. The present study suggests that high serum GGT level, regardless of the other traditional risk factors, is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in patients with OSAS. The results should be confirmed with other randomized prospective studies. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background. Proinflammatory cytokines are prime candidates as causative agents of the metabolic changes that eventually result in tuberculosis- associated weight loss. Microbial products and cytokines such as TNF and IL-1 increase leptin expression dose dependently in adipose tissue. Leptin plays an important role in cellular immunity. Objectives. In this study, we investigated serum leptin and TNF-? levels before and after antituberculosis therapy in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Methods. Twenty five in patients with active pulmonary TB and 18 healthy controls participated in the study. Leptin and TNF-? levels were measured before treatment and six months after the treatment and they were compared with the control group. Body mass index (BMI) and chest X-rays before and after the treatment were also evaluated. Results. The leptin levels before and after the treatment were 1.66±1.68 ng/mL and 3.26±3.81 ng/mL, respectively. The leptin levels of tuberculous patients were significant than in healthy patients ( P

Thrombosis of the brachiocephalic veins or superior vena cava (SVC) is rare. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and characteristics of thrombosis of brachiocephalic veins and SVC, and its association with symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE). The prevalence of thrombosis involving the brachiocephalic veins and SVC was evaluated retrospectively at a university hospital during the 3-year period. Patients were identified by hospital records and review of computer-generated lists of of all venograms, contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography, and magnetic resonance angiograms of the upper extremity and SVC. Thrombosis of the brachiocephalic veins and SVC was diagnosed in 33 (0.03%) of 100,942 patients of all ages [(32 of 70,751 adult patients≥ 20 years; 0.04%)]. Twenty-three (70%) patients initially had secondary thrombosis with multiple risk factors: associated with malignancy in 14 (42%) patients, chronic disorders in 13 (39%) patients, central venous lines (CVL) and peripheral venous lines (PVL) in 9 (27%) patients, and thrombophilia in 10 (38%) of 26 patients. Swelling of the arm, head, and neck was present in 32 (97%) patients. Symptomatic PE developed before thrombosis being treated in 12 (36%) patients. All patients except eight (three, thrombolytic; five, thrombectomy) received anticoagulant therapy. Thrombosis of the SVC and brachiocephalic veins is an uncommon but serious complication in patients with malignancy, chronic disorders, CVL, PVL, and thrombophilia. Because it is important clinical problem with frequent PE, the patients with appropriate clinical findings should be diagnosed early with imaging tests and treated with anticoagulant drugs.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of unresectable NSCLC. This phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel (PTX) and carboplatin (CBDCA) at a recommended dose, based on other previous phase I studies. Twenty-two unresectable stage III NSCLC patients participated in this trial. Of those 22 patients, 19 were evaluable, with a median age of 57 (with ages ranging between 42 and 74), in stages IIIA/IIIB: 6/13. Every patient displayed adequate organ functions. Treatment consisted of a 1 -hour i.v. infusion of 50 mg/m(2) of PTX followed by a half-hour infusion of CBDCA AUC 2 administered weekly concurrently with radiation treatment, every first day of those weeks in which the patient underwent radiotherapy. Concurrent thoracic radiation therapy was performed in daily doses of 2 Gy to a total dose of 66 Gy over a period of 6.5 weeks. After completion of chemoradiotherapy, consolidation chemotherapy was administered via a 3-hour i.v. infusion of 175 mg/2 PTX on days 1 and 22, in combination with a 1 -hour i.v. infusion of CBDCA AUC 6 on days 1 and 22, q 4 weeks for 4 cycles. The overall response rate was 78.9% (95% CI: 62-87.7) with 5 CR (26.3%), 10 PR (52.6%), 2 SD (15.8%), and 1 PD (5.3%). The median survival rate of the patients was 13.9 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 65.1%. Toxicity was moderate: grade 2 neutropenia was seen in 8, and grade 3 neutropenia in 5 patients. Grade 2 thrombocytopenia was seen in 3 patients, and grade 3 thrombocytopenia was not observed. Non-hematologic toxicities were moderate: esophagitis was the most common, and significant toxicity was noted in this study (89.4%). Grade 1 asthenia/fatigue was observed in 5, and grade 2 asthenia/ fatigue in 3 patients-, furthermore, grade 1 peripheral neuropathy was seen in 4 of the cases and grade 2 peripheral neuropathy in 3 of the cases. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly PTX/CBDCA, followed by consolidation chemotherapy with the same regimen in patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC is feasible and well tolerated.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) may be classified as cryptogenic (idiopathic) and secondary. There are no clear clinical and radiological features distinguishing between idiopathic and secondary BOOP.To analyze the etiologic factors, clinical and radiological features, diagnostic approach and response to therapy at onset and outcome in subjects with BOOP.The medical files of Erciyes University Hospital from 1995 to 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with biopsy-proven BOOP were selected for evaluation. The etiology and initial features of BOOP, treatment, resolution, relapse, and survival were obtained from medical records, and a follow-up patient questionnaire.We have diagnosed 26 cases (13 males /13 females) with BOOP syndrome (mean age 54 +/- 15 years, range 14-93). More than half the patients (58%) were classified as idiopathic BOOP. Patients presented with cough (92%), dyspnea (70%), pleuritic chest pain, hemoptysis and fever (50%). The biopsy specimens had been obtained by transbronchial and/or transthoracic lung biopsy in 18 cases (69%). At radiological evaluation, there were bilateral patchy alveolar and/or interstitial infiltrates in 16 patients (62%), and solitary pneumonic involvement in 10 patients (38%). Three patients recovered spontaneously, 5 remained cured after resection of the focal lesion. Corticosteroid therapy was given in 17 patients (65%). Apart from four patients who died (death was attributable to BOOP in only 1 patient) and three patients who relapsed, the prognosis was good in all patients.The etiology of BOOP is usually idiopathic. We observed that hemoptysis and pleuritic chest pain were a relatively frequent symptom in BOOP in the present series, in contrast to previous observations. The diversity of radiological and clinical presentations including hemotysis and pleuritic chest pain should prompt consideration of the diagnosis in patients with persisting pulmonary symptoms and radiological findings.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been recently identified as an aetiological agent in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The present study was designed to determine the pulmonary clearance rate of Tc-99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Tc-99m-DTPA) in asymptomatic HCV antibody positive (HCV Ab+) patients and the role of 99mTc-DTPA aerosol scintigraphy in the early detection of lung involvement. Twenty-six non-smoker HCV Ab+ and HCV-RNA (+) patients (20 female, six male; aged 43 + 11 years), with no clinical pulmonary symptoms, and normal radiological findings, were studied. Thirty-one healthy non-smoker volunteers (24 female, seven male; aged 40 +/- 10 years) were taken as a control group. Tc-99m-DTPA aerosol inhalation scintigraphy and pulmonary function tests were performed in all patients and in controls. On the basis of the scintigrams the percentage decline in activity per minute (Kep) was evaluated, which represented an accurate parameter of lung membrane permeability. The mean Kep values of healthy controls (0.78 +/- 0.13 for left lung, 0.79 +/- 0.14 for right lung) were significantly lower than HCV Ab+ patients (1.10 +/- 0.31 for left lung, 1.11 +/- 0.34 for right lung, P < 0.001). But no significant change was observed in PFT (P > 0.05). We conclude that subclinical alveolitis and/or interstitial lung disease may be present in patients with HCV Ab+, since it is known that an increase in the epithelial permeability of the lung is an early manifestation of interstitial disease. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins).