Background: Radionuclide imaging modalities have increasingly been evaluated in the assessment of organ involvement in sarcoidosis. Fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) scanning has received increasing attention in the recent years. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of FDG-PET-CT in determining the extent of organ involvement and disease activity in patients of sarcoidosis and to assess its utility in the evaluation of response to therapy. The secondary objective was to compare the agreement between clinical, radiological (HRCT) and metabolic indices (FDG-PET-CT) of disease activity. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted between March 2007 and December 2008 at a tertiary care referral center in north India. Twenty-five symptomatic and histopathologically proven cases of sarcoidosis underwent FDG-PET-CT scanning at baseline and a follow-up scan in 21 patients at 6-9 months post-treatment with glucocorticoids. Results: FDG-PET-CT scan detected metabolic disease activity in 24 of the 25 patients with clinically active sarcoidosis. It also demonstrated many clinically inapparent sites of disease activity. Complete or partial metabolic response was seen in 17 of the 21 patients in whom a follow-up scan was available. Substantial degree of agreement was found between the metabolic response and the radiological response, whereas moderate agreement was found between clinical and metabolic responses. Conclusions: FDG-PET-CT scanning is a useful imaging modality to assess disease activity, extent of disease involvement and response to treatment in clinically active sarcoidosis. There is substantial agreement between the HRCT and metabolic parameters of disease activity. Further, large sample size studies are proposed in order to identify the subset of patients who are likely to benefit the most from this sensitive modality of imaging, especially in developing countries where the cost of the procedure is an important concern.

Background: There is little evidence on noninvasive ventilation (NIV) preventing respiratory complications in high-risk patients undergoing endoscopy procedures. Objectives: The objective of this study is to demonstrate that the application of NIV through a nasal interface can prevent the appearance of ventilatory alterations during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with risk factors associated with the development of hypoventilation. Patients and Methods: A non-randomized interventional study was performed on 37 consecutive high-risk patients undergoing ERCP. During the procedure, 21 patients received oxygen by nasal cannula (3 L/minute) and sixteen received NIV through a nasal mask. Arterial blood gas analyses were conducted before and immediately after the ERCP. An Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score pre-ERCP was recorded. The complications during the procedure were recorded. Results: The groups with and without NIV were comparable. A post-ERCP pH of <7.35 was found in eight patients, who did not receive ventilatory support (38.1%) compared to zero patients in the NIV group (P = 0.006). A post-ERCP pCO ₂ >45 mmHg was found in one case (6.3%) in the NIV-group and in nine cases in the nasal cannula group (42.9%; P = 0.01). The median pCO ₂ post-ERCP was lower (36.5 ± 6.2 vs. 44.5 ± 6.8 mmHg) (P = 0.001) and median pH post-ERCP was higher (7.41 ± 0.4 vs. 7.34 ± 0.5) (P = 0.001) in patients treated with NIV. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for gender, the APACHE score, pH and pCO ₂ pre-ERCP, age, propofol doses, and procedure duration, the following differences were maintained (pCO ₂ difference = 5.54, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) =2.3 - 8.7, pH difference = 0.047, and 95% CI = 0.013 - 0.081). Among the 37 procedures, four complications occurred: One in the NIV group and three in the nasal cannula group. None of them was related to NIV. Conclusions: Our preliminary results demonstrate that in high-risk patients undergoing ERCP, hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis are frequent. NIV prevents the appearance of these complications.

Background: There is very limited data on the experience and outcome of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients treated privately out of the DOTS plus program. Goal of this study is to provide characteristics and treatment outcomes of a prospective cohort of MDR-TB patients managed at a private tertiary referral institute. Materials and Methods: A prospective analysis of a cohort of MDR-TB patients treated in a tertiary private hospital, with the back-up of a Level 2 mycobacterial laboratory, which has recently received recognition by the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) for second-line drug susceptibility (DST). All patients received an individualized MDR regimen on an ambulatory basis. Results: Our 68% success rates are respectable and show that given the right laboratory backing, MDR-TB can be managed successfully in selected private practice settings.

Objective: Exhaled nitric oxide (FE _NO ) and nasal nitric oxide (n NO) measurement is an area of ongoing research in the study of airway inflammation. The atopic status is known to influence the levels of FE _NO and n NO. This study was undertaken to study the relationship between nitric oxide measurements in bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis along with their correlation with atopic profile of Indian population. Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects were recruited for the study comprising of 25 each of bronchial asthma (BA), allergic rhinitis (AR), bronchial asthma with allergic rhinitis (BA-AR) and 15 healthy controls. These were assessed for atopy and exhaled breath analysis of nitric oxide. The measurements of FE _NO and n NO levels were done using NIOX chemiluminescence analyzer. Atopy was assessed by skin prick testing (SPT) against 58 common aero-allergens and subjects with ≥1 positive SPT were labeled as atopic. Results: The BA-AR and BA groups had higher FE _NO levels in comparison to the control (P < 0.05) and AR group (P < 0.05). The AR and BA-AR groups had higher n NO levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05) and BA group (P < 0.05). The increasing FE _NO levels significantly correlated with the increase in the number of allergen sensitization in patients suffering from BA-AR (P < 0.05). However, the BA group showed a weaker positive correlation (P = 0.07). Conclusion: FE _NO is a non-invasive marker of airway inflammation. Also, FE _NO levels correlate with presence and degree of atopy in BA and AR. Simultaneously, n NO could be a surrogate marker of rhinitis.

Introduction: To investigate the effect of different hypo fractionated thoracic radiotherapy schedules in relation to thoracic pain relief, overall survival and post radiotherapy HRQOL in metastatic NSCLC. Material and methods: Stage IV NSCLC and had intra-thoracic symptoms, included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to three treatments arms. (i) 17 Gy in 2 fractions in one week (ii) 20 Gy in five fractions in one week. (iii) 30 Gy in 10 fractions in two weeks. BPI module was used to assess pain score before and after the thoracic radiotherapy. Functional assessment of cancer therapy-G (FACT-G) used to investigate changes in HRQOL. Clinicians' assessment of symptom improvement were recorded at 2 ^nd , 6 ^th and 12 ^th weeks after completion of TRT. Results: Pain relief, HRQOL and OS were equivalent in all the three arms. The median OS were 6 months, 5 months, 6 months in arm A, B and arm C, respectively. Conclusion: Protracted palliative thoracic radiotherapy renders no added advantage of relief of symptoms, HRQOL and overall survival compared to short course palliative TRT in metastatic NSCLC.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical spectrum of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD) encountered in the Indian setting and to compare idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and connective tissue disease associated DPLD (CTD-DPLD), the two commonest aetiologies. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of clinical, imaging and laboratory parameters of patients diagnosed as DPLD and followed up in the Pulmonary Medicine Department of a tertiary-care teaching institution in eastern India was conducted over a period of one year. Results: 92 patients of DPLD were diagnosed in the study period with IPF (n = 35, 38.04%), CTD-DPLD (n = 29, 31.5%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (n = 10, 10.9%), sarcoidosis (n = 5, 5.4%) and silicosis (n = 5, 5.4%) being the common causes. The CTD-DPLD group had a lower mean age (39.5 ± 1.86 vs 56.9 ± 1.12 years), a longer duration of symptoms (3.5 ± 0.27 vs 2.5 ± 0.26 years), more extra pulmonary manifestations, significantly more base line FVC and 6-minute-walk-distance than the IPF patients. 19 patients of IPF (54%) opted for treatment. All the IPF patients had a significant fall in FVC after six months (mean change -0.203 ± 0.01 litres) compared to the CTD-DPLD group (mean change - 0.05 ± 0.04 litres.) Conclusion: CTD-DPLD patients belong to a younger age group, with longer duration of symptoms, more extrapulmonary features, better physiological parameters and better response to therapy than IPF patients. Larger prospective epidemiological studies and enrolment in clinical trials are necessary for better understanding of the spectrum of diffuse parenchymal lung disorders and their therapeutic options.

Purpose: A hydatid cyst is the most common lung parasitic disease and is endemic in Iran. A hydatid cyst is more common in the right lung and lower lobes. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess surgical treatment of pulmonary hydatid cysts and whether the location of cyst affects surgical technique approaches. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 87 patients with a pulmonary hydatid cyst who were referred to Qaem Hospital from 2010 to 2012. Selection of surgical technique was according to size, location, and the number of cysts. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) surgery with preserving lung parenchyma and (2) lobectomy. Afterward, the relationship between the location of cyst and surgical technique approaches was evaluated. Data was analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Results: In this study, no significant relation was found between the size (P = 0.682) and number (P = 0.344) of cysts and lobectomy necessity. But, there was a significant relation between the occurrence of cyst in middle lobe and lobectomy necessity (P = 0.016). Conclusions: According to the results, type of surgical technique does not depend on the size and number of cysts, but it may be related to the location of the cyst and the ratio of lung destruction.

Context: While prescribing an inhaler device, it is important to take into account the usability, preference, confidence, and satisfaction of the patients. Aims: The present study assessed these parameters with Revolizer ^® , a novel dry powder inhaler (DPI), in patients with obstructive airway diseases and in device-naïve healthy participants. Settings and Design: In this open-label, prospective, multicentre study with 100 participants [n = 50 healthy participants, n = 45 mild asthma patients, and n = 5 mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients], all participants were instructed and trained on the use of Revolizer and then the participants subsequently demonstrated the inhalation technique at two visits. Materials and Methods: The average time required to execute three correct consecutive attempts and the number of errors (including critical errors) were recorded. Participants were asked about the ease of use, preference, confidence, and satisfaction by means of a questionnaire at each visit. Results: The average time required by the participants to achieve three correct consecutive attempts at visit 1 was 3.75 ± 2.10 min, which significantly reduced at visit 2 (3.07 ± 1.32 min, P < 0.01). The number of errors decreased from visit 1 to visit 2. More than 85% participants found the Revolizer easy to use, and it was preferred by more than 75% participants. Revolizer scored high on the confidence and satisfaction of all participants at both visits. Conclusions: Revolizer is an easy-to-use and a preferred device in patients with mild asthma and COPD, as well as in healthy participants with no previous experience of using inhalation devices. The participants felt confident and satisfied using the Revolizer.

The world-wide use of fireworks with their consequent detrimental effect on the air quality is widely recognized with elevated ambient air levels of particulate matter and its several metallic components and gases identified in several studies carried out during such events. Exposed individuals may be at risk following inhalation of such produced pollutants. This review focuses on the impact of fireworks on air quality and the potential effect of fireworks on the respiratory system of healthy individuals as well as those suffering from underlying respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This applies not only to spectators including children but also to pyrotechnicians themselves. An extensive Medline search revealed that a strong evidence of the impact of fireworks on respiratory health is lacking in susceptible as well as healthy individuals with no formal studies on COPD or asthma, other than a few case reports in the latter. The implementation of global strategies to control the use of fireworks and hence improve air quality could possibly reduce their likely detrimental effect on human respiratory health in exposed individuals, but clearly a more targeted research is needed.

A young male patient had been evaluated for pleural effusion at another center wherein on the basis of exudative, lymphocyte predominant pleural effusion with high pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels and tuberculin skin test (TST) reactivity, antituberculous medications had been administered. Reevaluation in view of worsening symptoms led to confirmation of the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma with pleuro-peritoneal lymphomatosis and tonsillar involvement. This case highlights the fact that elevated ADA levels should not be taken as surrogate for a diagnosis of TB in the absence of histopathological/microbiological confirmation even in countries with high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence. Tonsil in an uncommon site of involvement in patients with T-cell lymphoma. As the diagnosis in our patient was confirmed from biopsy of a tonsillar mass, a thorough physical examination should be performed in all patients with a suspected diagnosis of lymphoma.

Incidence of thymic malignancies is very low. Thymoma, a tumor of thymus gland, is of epithelial origin and is most common anterior mediastinal tumor. In most cases, thymomas are localized and locally advanced thymomas may rarely present with superior vena caval obstruction (SVCO) and malignant pleural deposits. Microscopically, capsular invasion is noted in case of locally advanced thymomas, which behave like a malignant neoplasm. Complete surgical removal of the tumor along with intact capsule is the treatment modality of choice in case of localized tumors. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of residual tumor is useful in case of locally advanced tumors. RT is especially useful in case of SVCO to relieve the distressing respiratory symptoms. Here, we report a rare case of locally advanced thymoma, complicated by SVCO and ipsilateral pleural effusion in a 53-year-old male patient.

A 34-year-old female presented with fever and abdominal pain. Past medical history includes Crohn's and Behcet's disease. Examination revealed multiple skin ulcerations, oral aphthae, and bilateral coarse rales. She developed respiratory distress with diffuse bilateral alveolar infiltrates on chest radiograph requiring intubation. PaO ₂ /FiO ₂ ratio was 132. The chest computed tomography revealed extensive nodular and patchy ground-glass opacities. Bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated a predominance of neutrophils. Methylprednisolone 60 mg every 6 h and broad-spectrum antimicrobials were initiated. No infectious etiologies were identified. Surgical lung biopsy demonstrated diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) mixed with lymphocytic and necrotizing vasculitis with multiple small infarcts and thrombi consistent with Behcet's vasculitis. As she improved, steroids were tapered and discharged home on oral cyclophosphamide. Pulmonary involvement in Behcet's is unusual and commonly manifests as pulmonary artery aneurysms, thrombosis, infarction, and hemorrhage. Lung biopsy findings demonstrating DAD are consistent with the clinical diagnosis of adult respiratory distress syndrome. The additional findings of necrotizing vasculitis and infarcts may have led to DAD.

Rhupus syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by overlap of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our patient was a diagnosed case of RA and developed SLE 2 years after. She was a middle-aged woman, presented with bilateral pleural effusion with exacerbation of skin and joint symptoms of SLE. We diagnosed the case as tubercular pleural effusion by positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis in bactec 460 culture. She had also anti-phospholipid antibody positivity without any symptoms and signs of thrombosis.

Bronchiectasis continues to be a common respiratory problem of varied etiology. Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) is an uncommon cause for bronchiectasis. However, the prevalence of bronchiectasis remains very high in patients with CVID. This remains largely an underdiagnosed entity as primary immunodeficiency is not suspected in adults as a cause of bronchiectasis and hence, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels are not measured routinely. In addition to bronchiectasis, patients with CVID usually present with various extrapulmonary symptoms. I report here a case of young man who presented with bronchiectasis and multisystem complains who was diagnosed as CVID.

A 52-year-old female was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was on methotrexate and prednisolone. She developed fever, cough, hemoptysis, and cavitary lesion on chest skiagram. She was put on antitubercular therapy without any improvement, meanwhile she developed painful right foot drop. Clinicoradiology and C-ANCA study confirmed the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA). She was started on cyclophosphamide, corticosteroid, and co-trimoxazole. While her treatment was being continued she showed significant improvement of pulmonary manifestations. About 1 year later, there was reappearance of fever, cough, and radiological opacity with oropharyngeal candidiasis. She became very ill with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)-like features. Immunological markers were negative but bronchoalveolar lavage fluid study showed growth of Aspergillus spp. The patient was promptly put on intravenous voriconazole but unfortunately she succumbed to her illness.

The increasing frequency of tuberculosis (TB) in both developed and developing countries has continued to make spinal TB an important health problem. The present case report is about a patient who presented to us with progressive back pain and paraspinal mass. We performed endobronchial ultrasound guided needle aspiration from the paraspinal mass. The cytology showed granulomatous inflammation suggestive of TB.

Amyloidosis is a collection of diseases in which different proteins are deposited as insoluble beta-pleated sheets, disrupting organ function. Distribution of these deposits may be diffuse or localized throughout the body, depending on the pathophysiology of the underlying amyloid type. Isolated deposition of amyloid proteins in lung is a very rare entity. They are frequently misdiagnosed as bronchogenic carcinoma, metastatic disease, or focal fungal infections. The treatment of solitary pulmonary amyloidosis is not well-defined. We have treated a 65-year-old female patient with external beam radiation and corticosteroids in palliative intent and she is leading a good quality of life after six months of follow up.

Shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is a infrequently reported manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Reported prevalence of SLS is about 0.5% in SLE patients. Pathogenesis is not fully understood and different therapeutic modalities have been employed with variable results, as only 77 cases of SLS have been documented in literature. SLS in SLE-Scleroderma overlap has not been reported yet. We report a patient of SLE - scleroderma overlap presenting with dyspnea, intermittent orthopnea and pleuritic chest pain. Evaluation revealed elevated hemidiaphragms and severe restrictive defect. She was eventually diagnosed as a case of SLS. This case report is a reminder to the medical fraternity that SLS although a rare complication must be thought of in the special subset of patients of SLE having respiratory symptoms.

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is a highly fatal complication of cancer leading to acute cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension. We present a case of 47-year-old male patient who developed acute breathlessness and died suddenly. The pulmonary vessels at autopsy on histopathologic examination showed the presence of fibrocellular intimal proliferation, fibrin thrombi and few tumor emboli consisting of malignant adenocarcinoma cells. There was associated lymphangiosis carcinomatosis. No primary visceral tumor was found despite extensive search. The patient had died following acute cor pulmonale with sudden pulmonary hypertension due to PTTM. This entity (PTTM) must be kept as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute breathlessness especially in cases of cancers.

A 12-year-old male child presented with left submandibular lymphadenopathy; excision biopsy revealed noncaseating granuloma with numerous Schaumann bodies in histopathology, suggestive of isolated extrathoracic sarcoidosis, which is an extremely rare entity in the pediatric age group.

A 47-year-old-female presented with dyspnea and unproductive cough for 4 months. General examination revealed pulsatile swelling in the midline below the thyroid cartilage present since childhood. Computed tomography-angiography of the neck showed right innominate artery dilated, elongated and coursing above downward, anterior to the trachea below the thyroid, compressing the trachea and origin of the right subclavian artery higher up. A case of anomalous innominate artery causing symptomatic compression of the trachea in adults is a rare entity.