Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (IIPs): Review of Clinical, Radiographic and High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT)

Making a confident diagnosis is a complex task for a specific form of interstitial lung disease and providing appropriate management in an attempt to achieve normalization of the disease can put up an alarming process for the clinicians. A set of diffuse and restrictive lung diseases incorporate with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, showing inflammation and fibrosis of the interstitium due to parenchymal damage. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has magnified the diagnostic standpoint in stepwise identification and classified various patterns in the evaluation of interstitial lung disease. The aim of our review is to elaborate clinical, radiographic and typical and atypical HRCT findings of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias by correlating with its differential diagnosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most predominant idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and its diagnosis needs to omit all other well-known causes of interstitial lung diseases. According to the 2011 evidence-based guidelines, usual interstitial pneumonia can be diagnosed by HRCT when all criteria are fulfilled. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia is distinguished by bilateral patchy ground-glass opacities and irregular linear/reticular opacities. Respiratory bronchiolitis associated-interstitial lung disease and desquamative interstitial pneumonia show centrolobular nodules and ground-glass opacities as imaging patterns. Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia consists of patchy peripheral or peribronchial consolidations, while ground-glass opacities with tendency for migration, which is evolving to fibrosis, in acute interstitial pneumonia. Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia and idiopathic pleuro-parenchymal fibroelastosis are classified under rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. HRCT images help radiologists in diagnosis and mapping specific patterns of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. This article reviews the stages of evolution in HRCT features for idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

Interstitial pneumonia combined with nocardia cyriacigeorgica infection:A case report

BACKGROUND Nocardia infection is a relatively uncommon disease,with no reports among patients with interstitial pneumonia.Due to its atypical clinical symptoms and chest computed tomography(CT)findings and the frequent yielding of negative results by conventional cultures,it poses challenges for timely diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old female patient presented to our hospital in July 2022 with a 3-mo history of intermittent cough and poor appetite,accompanied by a 2-wk long duration of headaches.She had a previous medical history of interstitial pneumonia and was on oral prednisone and cyclosporine.Chest CT revealed the presence of newly developed round nodules.The diagnosis of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica infection was confirmed through metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Targeted antiinfection therapy was initiated,resulting in symptom improvement and radiological resolution,further validating the mNGS results.CONCLUSION Nocardia cyriacigeorgica infection is a clinically rare condition that is primarily observed in immunocompromised patients.Its clinical and radiological manifestations lack specificity,but mNGS can aid in rapidly obtaining pathogenic information.Early initiation of targeted antimicrobial therapy based on mNGS results can improve patient prognosis.

Comparison and Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of Common COVID-19 and NSIP Patients

Objective:To investigate the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and non-specific interstitial pneumonia(NSIP),with a focus on the clinical features of COVID-19 and NSIP,and the key points of differential diagnosis.Methods:The clinical data of 20 patients with common-type COVID-19 and NSIP admitted to Linyi People’s Hospital from January 21,2020,to June 21,2022,were retrospectively analyzed.Gender,age,history of residence in Hubei province,underlying diseases,clinical manifestations,laboratory test results(including blood routine indexes,inflammatory markers,liver function indexes,and coagulation indexes),and computed tomography(CT)scan images were compared between the two groups.Results:COVID-19 patients were younger than NSIP patients(P<0.05).Nine COVID-19 patients had a travel history to Hubei province,while none of the NSIP patients did(P<0.05).Eight COVID-19 patients had underlying chronic conditions,fewer than the NSIP group(12 patients;P<0.05).Both groups experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath,expectoration,fatigue,and runny nose,but fever and cough were more severe and more frequent in the COVID-19 group.Compared to normal reference ranges,both groups exhibited normal white blood cell counts(WBC)and liver function indexes,but elevated lymphocyte counts(LYMP),inflammatory markers,and coagulation indexes,with reduced neutrophil counts(NE).WBC and LYMP were higher in the COVID-19 group compared to the NSIP group.Male patients in the COVID-19 group had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein values than those in the NSIP group,while procalcitonin levels were lower in the COVID-19 group,although the differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05).The NE count in the COVID-19 group was significantly lower than in the NSIP group(P<0.05).Alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin,and indirect bilirubin were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group compared to the NSIP group(P<0.05).Chest CT scans of both groups showed bilateral patchy ground-glass opacities,but the lesions in COVID-19 patients were scattered.NSIP patients’chest CTs showed diffuse lesions centered around the hilum or multiple lesions in both lungs,with pleural involvement being rare.Conclusion:While there are certain specific clinical,laboratory,and imaging findings in both COVID-19 and NSIP,the specificity of these features is not high.Differentiating the two requires careful consideration of epidemiological history,nucleic acid testing,and antigen-antibody levels.

End-of-life home care of an interstitial pneumonia patient supported by high-flow nasal cannula therapy:A case report

BACKGROUND High-flow nasal cannula(HFNC)therapy and morphine continuous subcutaneous infusion(CSI)have been used to ameliorate dyspnea in non-cancer patients with end-stage respiratory diseases,including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial pneumonia,primarily in hospital settings.However,it is rare to perform home-based medical treatment using these.We observe a case to assess the feasibility of this treatment strategy.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of a 75-year-old man who was diagnosed with interstitial pneumonia 11 years ago and was successfully nursed at home during his terminal phase for over 10 mo without hospitalization,by introducing domiciliary uses of HFNC and morphine CSI with a patient-controlled analgesia device.CONCLUSION Active utilization of HFNC and morphine CSI with patient-controlled analgesia device would substantiate successful end-of-life palliative home care of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients.

Interstitial Pneumonia in a 94-Year-Old Woman with MPO-ANCA Positive Vasculitis

The interstitial pneumonia (IP) associated with myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (MPO-ANCA) showed characteristic histology dominated by usual IP pattern. We showed a 94-year-old woman, whose prognosis was poor by severity of IP by MPO-ANCA associated vasculitis. The median age at diagnosis of IP by MPO-ANCA associated vasculitis was over 60 years, with a male predominance. Most patients died related to respiratory insufficiency. Our case would be the oldest patient in IP by MPO-ANCA associated vasculitis in the literature.

A Validated Model for the Imaging Diagnosis of Cystic Lung Disease

Rationale and Objectives: Cystic lung disease may be accurately diagnosed by imaging interpretation of specialist radiologists, without other information. We hypothesized that with minimal training non-specialists could perform similarly to specialist physicians in the diagnosis of cystic lung disease. Methods: 72 cystic lung disease cases and 25 cystic lung disease mimics were obtained from three sources: 1) a prospective acquired diffuse lung disease registry, 2) a retrospective search of medical records and 3) teaching files. Cases were anonymized, randomized and interpreted by 7 diffuse lung disease specialists and 15 non-specialist radiologists and pulmonologists. Clinical information other than age and sex was not provided. Prior to interpretation, non-specialists viewed a short PDF training document explaining cystic lung disease interpretation. Results: Correct first choice diagnosis of 85%-88% may be achieved by high-performing specialist readers and 71%-80% by non-specialists and lower-performing specialists, with mean accuracies in the diagnosis of LAM (91%, p Conclusion: With specific but limited training, non-specialist physicians can diagnose cystic lung diseases from CT appearance alone with similar accuracy to specialists, correctly identifying approximately 75% of cases.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease with pulmonary and cutaneous lesions treated with tocilizumab:A case report

BACKGROUND Human herpes virus-8(HHV-8)-negative,idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease(iMCD)is a rare and life-threatening disorder driven by proinflammatory cytokines,which is still poorly understood.Pulmonary parenchyma lesion is a rare condition in iMCD,which mainly manifests as lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia and is an indicator of severe iMCD.Cutaneous lesion is also very rare and mainly occurs in Asians.There have been few reports of iMCD patients with both skin and lung parenchyma involvement.CASE SUMMARY We present a Chinese man who complained about a 3-year history of intermittent dry cough and a 2-year history of diffuse reddish-brown maculopapules.Laboratory examination revealed polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and hypercytokinemia including interleukin 6.Chest computed tomography revealed small patchy shadows with ground-glass nodules scattered in two lobes and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.The pathological result of the lymph node was consistent with the plasma cell type of Castleman disease.As serum human immunodeficiency virus test and HHV-8 staining of the lymph node were negative,the patient was finally diagnosed with HHV-8 negative i MCD.He was treated with tocilizumab at an intravenous(i.v.)dose of 8 mg/kg every 2 wk combined with methylprednisolone at an i.v.dose of 80 mg/d initially with gradual dose tapering.Partial remission was achieved 9 mo later.CONCLUSION i MCD with lung parenchyma and skin involvement is a rare condition that requires clinicians'attention and awareness for early diagnosis.

Typical and atypical COVID-19 computed tomography findings

In December 2019 a novel coronavirus,named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was identified and the disease associated was named coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Fever,cough,myalgia,fatigue associated to dyspnea represent most common clinical symptoms of the disease.The reference standard for diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection is real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test applied on respiratory tract specimens.Despite of lower specificity,chest computed tomography(CT),as reported in manifold scientific studies,showed high sensitivity,therefore it may help in the early detection,management and follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia.Patients affected by COVID-19 pneumonia usually showed on chest CT some typical features,such as:Bilateral ground glass opacities characterized by multilobe involvement with posterior and peripheral distribution;parenchymal consolidations with or without air bronchogram;interlobular septal thickening;crazy paving pattern,represented by interlobular and intralobular septal thickening surrounded by ground-glass opacities;subsegmental pulmonary vessels enlargement(>3 mm).Halo sign,reversed halo sign,cavitation and pleural or pericardial effusion represent some of atypical findings of COVID-19 pneumonia.On the other hand lymphadenopathy’s and bronchiectasis’frequency is unclear,indeed conflicting data emerged in literature.Radiologists play a key role in recognition of high suspicious findings of COVID-19 on chest CT,both typical and atypical ones.Thus,the aim of this review is to illustrate typical and atypical CT findings of COVID-19.

Occupational fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonia in a halogen dishes manufacturer:A case report

BACKGROUND Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis(FHP)is an allergic and diffuse pneumonia caused by repeated inhalation of antigenic substances,and sometimes developed in people working in specific environments.While novel antigens and exposures continued to be described,physicians should maintain a high suspicion of potential exposures.A detailed assessment of the patient's occupational exposures as well as living environment is necessary and complete allergen avoidance is the first and most important step in the management of FHP once the allergens are determined.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with a cough and breathing difficulties for more than one year.She was a nonsmoker and a manufacturer of halogen dishes,which are characteristic Chinese foods,for 15 years without any protection.High resolution computed tomography of the chest demonstrated an interstitial pneumonia pattern.Pulmonary function examination showed restricted ventilation dysfunction and a significant reduction in dispersion ability.Cell differentiation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated lymphocytosis(70.4%)with an increased lymphocyte CD4/CD8 ratio(0.94).Transbronchial lung biopsy combined with lung puncture pathology showed diffuse uniform alveolar interval thickening,chronic inflammatory cell infiltration,a proliferation of tissue in the bronchial wall fiber and alveolar epithelial follicle degeneration,resulting in fibrosis.CONCLUSION Exposure to spices used for the production of halogen dishes may cause FHP.

Multimodality imaging in COVID-19 patients:A key role from diagnosis to prognosis

The integrated clinical,laboratory and ultrasound approach is essential for the diagnosis,evaluation and monitoring of the patient's therapy in coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia.The ideal imaging approach in this context is not yet well defined.Chest X-ray is characterized by low sensitivity in identifying earlier lung changes.The"bedside"pulmonary ultrasound has an undeniable series of advantages in the patient at high infectious risk and can provide incremental data in the respiratory intensive care for the serial control of the individual patient as well as for the home delivery of the stabilized subjects.Pulmonary computed tomography shows high sensitivity but should not be routinely performed in all patients,because in the first 48 h it can be absolutely negative and in the late phase the imaging findings may not change the therapeutic approach.Echocardiography should be limited to patients with hemodynamic instability to assess ventricular function and pulmonary pressures.

A case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with interstitial pneumonia

This report involves a 54-year-old female patient diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed interstitial pneumonia(IP)during treatment.The patient presented to the ward with enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and was treated with the standard regimen,which included rituximab,cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin liposomes,vincristine,and prednisone(R-CDOP regimen).After 3 cycles,the treatment was assessed as effective.However,following the 4th cycle,the patient experience shortness of breath after physical activity.A repeat lung computer tomography indicated IP,which completely recovered after receiving“full coverage”treatment.Subsequently,the patient underwent 2 cycles of cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin liposomes,vincristine,and prednisone(CDOP),followed by local radiotherapy.Currently,the patient is now being followed up with regular reviews.

Giant cell interstitial pneumonia： unusual lung disorder and an update

Background Giant cell interstitial pneumonia （GIP） was a rare form of pneumoconiosis,associated with exposure to hard metals,which had been reported mostly as isolated case reports.We described eight cases of GIP diagnosed in our hospital during the past seven years,with particular reference to new findings.Methods Eight patients with GIP confirmed by biopsy in the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University from 2005 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.For each patient,the occupy histories and medical records were thoroughly reviewed and clinic data were extracted.Two radiologists,without knowledge of any of the clinical and functional findings,independently reviewed the HRCT scans of all patients.Follow-up data were collected.Results Among the eight patients,seven had a history of exposure to hard metal dusts,one denied an exposure history.The most common manifestations were cough and dyspnea.One patient initiated with pneumothorax and another pleural effusion,both of which were uncommon to GIP.The main pathologic appearances were the presence of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells in the alveolar space.The clinical symptoms and radiographic abnormalities were obviously improved after cessation of exposure and receiving corticosteroid treatments,recurrences were observed in two patients when they resumed work.In spite of exposure cessation and corticosteroid treatment,one patient developed pulmonary fibrosis at seven years follow-up.Conclusions Awareness of the patients＇ occupational history often provided clues to the diagnosis of GIP.Histopathologic examinations were necessary to establish the right diagnosis.Exposure cessation was of benefit to most patients; however,pulmonary fibrosis was possible in spite of exposure cessation and corticosteroid treatment.Better ways should be found out to improve the outcome and quality of life.

Idiopathic airway-centered interstitial fibrosis:report of two cases

Airway-centered interstitial fibrosis （ACIF）, a novel .form of diffuse interstitial lung disease （ILD） of unknown cause, was recently presented. There is no final conclusion on its property and denomination, and it might be a new type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia （IIP）. Histopathologically, it was characterized by progressive lobular or small ACIF, and neither similar to any known category of airway disease and ILD, nor similar to known subtype of HE It showed a poor response to corticosteroids and poor progrnosis. It has been reported in Caucasian patients, here, we utilized the term idiopathic airway-centered interstitial fibrosis （IAIF） for the disease to report 2 Chinese patients, in order to improve understanding and diagnosis of this disease.

Giant cell interstitial pneumonia in a nickel metal hydride battery worker: a case report and literature review

Giant cell interstitial pneumonia （GIP） is a very rare chronic interstitial pneumonia caused byexposure to metal compounds such as cobalt or tungsten carbide. Although GIP was included in an original framework for the histologic classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias by Liebow and Carrington in 1969, GIP is currently considered a form of pneumoconiosis. In GIP, the interstitium and alveolar walls are thickened by mononuclear cells,

Acute interstitial pneumonia caused by interleukin-2 and interferon α-2b therapy for renal cell carcinoma： a case report and clinical study

Interleukins and intert-erons are distinct groups of cytokines that are upregulated after viral infection in humans and have been recogmzed as having antltumor activity. For example, high-dose interleukin-2 （IL-2） has been used to treat malignant tumors, such as melanoma, in the clinic. In addition, interferon alfa-2b （IFNα-2b） has been applied extensively to treat hepatitis as well as renal cell carcinoma in the clinic.

Xiao Chai Hu Tang for Liver Diseases:A Literature Review

The objective of this study is to summarize the pharmacological effects and the mechanisms of action of Xiao Chai Hu Tang(XCHT, Minor Bupleurum Decoction) on liver diseases, so as to give relevant researchers a valuable insight and benefit patients with hepatopathy. PubMed was used to search for and collect scientific publications related to XCHT and liver diseases from 1986 to 2016. The available scientific results or evidence were read, classified, and analyzed. XCHT showed clinical efficacy in patients with hepatic diseases including hepatitis,hepatic fibrosis, and hepatoma. The mechanisms involved the production of cytokines, the regulation of immune function, the suppression of lipid peroxidation, etc., XCHT might work on the metabolism of some medications such as tolbutamide by the regulation of gastric emptying and intragastric pH. XCHT exhibited a very low toxicity profile, such as interstitial pneumonia due to duration of medication,patients' age, and drug combination. XCHT has been a eutherapeutic supplemental remedy for liver diseases. However, many mechanisms of action and effects of XCHT on new types of liver diseases still remain unclear, so more and more animal experiments and human clinical trials are needed to obtain enough proofs for the clinical use of XCHT in new types of hepatosis such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and autoimmune liver disease.