Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and thoracic radiography are routinely performed diagnostic procedures. We hypothesized that BAL increases the interstitial opacity of caudoventral and caudodorsal thoracic radiographs. Fifty-three horses, including 8 clinic owned and 45 from a referral hospital population, were classified as healthy controls (n = 12), severe equine asthma (recurrent airway obstruction, n = 12) or mild-to-moderate equine asthma (inflammatory airway disease, n = 21) based on the results of a clinical scoring system. Eight were excluded due to different diagnoses and poor image quality. Four randomized thoracic radiographs of each horse were scored by two blinded observers, who were also asked to identify the image as obtained before or after a BAL procedure. In severe equine asthma, the chance (adjusted odds) of misinterpretation of the correct imaging time was approximately 5 times higher than in controls (odds ratio [OR] = 5.373, p = 0.028). The chance of misinterpretation was approximately 4 times lower in caudodorsal images than in caudoventral projections (OR = 0.241, p = 0.004). Identification of the correct imaging time was highly correlated with an increase in interstitial opacity (OR = 9.976, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we recommend performing BAL after thoracic radiography to avoid possible misinterpretation.
Airway Obstruction ; Asthma ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage ; Diagnosis ; Horses ; Lung ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Referral and Consultation ; Respiratory Tract Diseases

We report a case of a 29-year-old female with a history of asthma, post-partumARDS, and pulmonary hypertension who presents with severe shortness of breath. The patient describes her shortness of breath as progressive over the past 10 years. Chest radiography and CT angiography of the thorax showed findings consistent with fibrosing mediastinitis with severe stenosis of the left main pulmonary artery. This resulted in appearance of unilateral absent left lung perfusion on quantitative Tc-99-MAA perfusion and Xe-133 ventilation (V/Q) scan.
Adult ; Angiography ; Asthma ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dyspnea ; Female ; Histoplasma ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Lung ; Mediastinitis ; Perfusion ; Pulmonary Artery ; Radiography ; Thorax ; Ventilation

Here we reported a case of bronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma from Peking University Third Hospital. A 40-year-old female presented with dry cough for 1 year and nocturnal paroxysmal attacks of wheezing for 4 months. She was a non-smoker, and did not have past histories of asthma or allergy. On physical examination, no stridor, wheezing and cyanosis were present and the general appearance was good. The results of the laboratory analysis, including blood eosinophils count, immunoglobulin E level and chest X-ray were normal. Spirometry revealed reversible airflow obstruction, and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) showed an increase of 12% and 230 mL from baseline. Bronchial asthma was diagnosed, however, she responded poorly despite the adequate anti-asthma therapy including high dose inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta2-agonist, theophylline and montelukast. Then chest computed tomography (CT) was performed which showed a polypoid mass occupying the lumen of left main bronchus. Then the bronchoscopy revealed a polypoid endo-bronchial mass arising from the left main bronchus, causing subtotal obstruction of the lumen. Biopsy was carried out through the bronchoscopy, the pathological findings showed characteristic cribriform and tubular pattern which was formed by two-layered cells with ductal and myoepithelial phenotypes, which were consistent with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Re-examining the patient, the lung was clear without any wheeze when she was seated. However, inspiratory wheeze was heard in her left upper lung when she was supine, and disappeared after sitting up again. Subsequently the patient underwent a resection surgery. At the operational site, the tumor was seen on the anterolateral wall of the left main bronchus, without submucosally expanding histologically. Therefore, a sleeve resection surgery of the left main bronchus was performed. Following surgery, chest CT scan revealed complete resolution of the tumor. Her symptoms improved significantly, as did her pulmonary function tests, although all the medicines for asthma were stopped. Now, two years after the operation, the patient remained asymptomatic, and spirometry was performed again which showed normal completely. The presenting case report emphasizes the fact that not all wheezes and reversible airflow obstruction are asthma. It is critical to bear in mind that if a "difficult asthma" patient does not respond to appropriate anti-asthma therapy; localized obstructions should be differentiated.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Adult ; Asthma/diagnosis* ; Biopsy ; Bronchi ; Bronchoscopy ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/diagnostic imaging* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Radiography ; Respiratory Sounds ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in children with asthma, not associated with cystic fibrosis, is yet to receive the recognition it deserves. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the presentation of ABPA in children with asthma. METHODS: This retrospective review documents the occurrence of pediatric ABPA over a period of 31 years in one unit. Children with asthma, eosinophilia and infiltrates on chest radiograph were screened for ABPA. In these patients, demonstration of immediate hypersensitivity response against Aspergillus species along with serological profile and pulmonary function testing were done. Bronchography/computed tomography (CT) of the chest demonstrated central bronchiectasis (CB). CT of the paranasal sinuses was done in patients with upper airways symptoms. In those suspected with allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS) consent was sought from the parents for the invasive procedure needed for the diagnosis of AAS. RESULTS: Of the 349 patients with ABPA diagnosed, 42 (12.03%) were in the pediatric age group. The mean age on presentation was 12.9 ± 4 years with a male preponderance. All patients had asthma and positive intradermal/skin prick test against Aspergillus species. Ring shadows, the most common radiological presentation, were seen in 28 of 42 patients. Bronchography/CT of the chest demonstrated CB, a feature pathognomic of ABPA, in 32 of 42 patients. High attenuation mucus plugs was observed in 7 of 36 patients while ABPA-seropositive was diagnosed in 10 of 42 patients. On imaging, sinusitis was seen in 20 of 30 patients with upper airways symptoms of whom eight had suspected AAS. Three parents consented for surgery, which confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to evaluate asthmatic children for ABPA as also to exclude AAS.
Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary ; Aspergillus ; Asthma ; Bronchiectasis ; Child ; Cystic Fibrosis ; Diagnosis ; Eosinophilia ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity, Immediate ; Male ; Mucus ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Parents ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Retrospective Studies ; Sinusitis ; Thorax

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is infrequently documented in children with asthma. Although collapse is not uncommon, middle lobe syndrome (MLS) as a presentation of ABPA is rather a rarity. A 9-year-old female child with asthma presented with increase in intensity of symptoms along with a right midzone patchy consolidation on a chest radiograph. In addition, an ill-defined opacity abutting the right cardiac border with loss of cardiac silhouette was noted. A right lateral view confirmed a MLS, which was further corroborated by high resolution computed tomography. Central bronchiectasis was also observed, which prompted a work-up for ABPA. The child met 7/8 major diagnostic criteria for ABPA. She was then initiated on oral prednisolone that resulted in a marked clinical improvement within a fortnight. Radiological clearance occurred at 3 months with inflation of the middle lobe. ABPA presenting with MLS in a child is yet to be reported. A high index of suspicion is required to establish the diagnosis of ABPA in a child presenting with MLS. This would obviate the invasive investigations usually done to ascertain the cause of MLS.
Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary ; Asthma ; Bronchiectasis ; Child ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Inflation, Economic ; Middle Lobe Syndrome ; Prednisolone ; Radiography, Thoracic

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare air trapping in healthy volunteers with asthmatics using pulmonary function test and quantitative data, such as specific volume change from paired inspiratory CT and registered expiratory CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen healthy volunteers and 9 asthmatics underwent paired inspiratory/expiratory CT. DeltaSV, which represents the ratio of air fraction released after exhalation, was measured with paired inspiratory and anatomically registered expiratory CT scans. Air trapping indexes, DeltaSV0.4 and DeltaSV0.5, were defined as volume fraction of lung below 0.4 and 0.5 DeltaSV, respectively. To assess the gravity effect of air-trapping, DeltaSV values of anterior and posterior lung at three different levels were measured and DeltaSV ratio of anterior lung to posterior lung was calculated. Color-coded DeltaSV map of the whole lung was generated and visually assessed. Mean DeltaSV, DeltaSV0.4, and DeltaSV0.5 were compared between healthy volunteers and asthmatics. In asthmatics, correlation between air trapping indexes and clinical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Mean DeltaSV, DeltaSV0.4, and DeltaSV0.5 in asthmatics were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteer group (all p < 0.05). DeltaSV values in posterior lung in asthmatics were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteer group (p = 0.049). In asthmatics, air trapping indexes, such as DeltaSV0.5 and DeltaSV0.4, showed negative strong correlation with FEF25-75, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. DeltaSV map of asthmatics showed abnormal geographic pattern in 5 patients (55.6%) and disappearance of anterior-posterior gradient in 3 patients (33.3%). CONCLUSION: Quantitative assessment of DeltaSV (the ratio of air fraction released after exhalation) shows the difference in extent of air trapping between health volunteers and asthmatics.
Adult ; Aged ; Asthma/*physiopathology ; Exhalation/physiology ; Female ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Lung/*physiopathology/radiography ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Respiratory Function Tests ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity lung disease due to bronchial colonization of Aspergillus fumigatus that occurs in susceptible patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. A 10-year-old girl was referred to the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology for persistent consolidations on chest radiography. Pulmonary consolidations were observed in the right upper and left lower lobes and were not resolved with a 4-week prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient had a history of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis but no history of asthma. She had no fever but produced thick and greenish sputum. Her breathing sounds were clear. On laboratory testing, her total blood eosinophil count was 1,412/mm3 and total serum IgE level was 2,200 kU/L. Aspergillus was isolated in the sputum culture. The A. fumigatus-specific IgE level was 15.4 kU/L, and the Aspergillus antibody test was also positive. A chest computed tomography scan demonstrated bronchial wall thickening and consolidation without bronchiectasis. An antifungal agent was added but resulted in no improvement of pulmonary consolidations after 3 weeks. Pulmonary function test was normal. Methacholine provocation test was performed, revealing bronchial hyperreactivity (PC20=5.31 mg/mL). Although the patient had no history of asthma or bronchiectasis, ABPA-seropositivity was suspected. Oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) combined with antifungal therapy was started. Pulmonary consolidations began decreasing after 1 week of treatment and completely resolved after 1 month. This is the first observed and treated case of seropositive ABPA in Korean children without previously documented asthma.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary* ; Aspergillus ; Aspergillus fumigatus ; Asthma* ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity ; Bronchiectasis ; Child* ; Colon ; Cystic Fibrosis ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eosinophils ; Female ; Fever ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Lung Diseases ; Methacholine Chloride ; Prednisolone ; Prescriptions ; Pulmonary Medicine ; Radiography ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Respiratory Sounds ; Rhinitis ; Sputum ; Thorax

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare disease characterized by asthma, peripheral eosinophilia and vasculitis. A quarter of CSS patients with clinical remission have experienced a relapse. We report here a case of lung abscess in a patient with relapsed CSS. A 46-year-old man who achieved clinical remission of CSS was confirmed for relapse by the presence of peripheral eosinophillia, pulmonary lesions and perivascular infiltrate of eosinophils in colon pathology. After administration of systemic glucocorticoid and one cycle of cyclophosphamide pulse therapy, he complained of dyspnea, sputum and chest pain. There were necrotic masses containing internal air-fluid levels in the right upper and the left lower lobes of the lung on chest radiography. Percutaneous needle aspiration culture specimens revealed the presence of K. pneumoniae. The patient was successfully treated with a 5-week course of antibiotics.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Asthma ; Chest Pain ; Churg-Strauss Syndrome* ; Colon ; Cyclophosphamide ; Dyspnea ; Eosinophilia ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Lung Abscess* ; Lung* ; Middle Aged ; Needles ; Pathology ; Pneumonia ; Radiography ; Rare Diseases ; Recurrence ; Sputum ; Thorax ; Vasculitis

Primary tracheal tumours are rare and less frequently observed than bronchial tumours. Primary neurogenic tumours of the trachea as schwannomas or neurilemmomas are extremely uncommon. We report a tracheal schwannoma in a female patient who presented with breathlessness and wheeze, and she was being treated for asthma. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed a large pedunculated tracheal mass and biopsy confirmed schwannoma. She was treated with laser ablation with partial reduction of the tumour. Subsequently, she was lost to follow-up, although resection of the tumour with tracheal reconstruction was planned.
Adult ; Asthma ; diagnosis ; Biopsy ; Bronchoscopy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Diagnostic Errors ; Dyspnea ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Neurilemmoma ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Respiratory Sounds ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Trachea ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Tracheal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery

We report here on the redistributed regional ventilation abnormalities after the administration of a bronchodilator and as seen on xenon-inhaled dual-energy CT in a patient with asthma. The improved ventilation seen in the right lower lobe and the decreased ventilation seen in the right middle lobe after the administration of a bronchodilator on xenon-inhaled dual-energy CT could explain a positive bronchodilator response on a pulmonary function test. These changes may reflect the heterogeneity of the airway responsiveness to a bronchodilator in patients with asthma.
Albuterol/*administration & dosage ; Asthma/*physiopathology/*radiography ; Bronchodilator Agents/*administration & dosage ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Pulmonary Ventilation ; Radiation Dosage ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods ; Xenon/diagnostic use