Objective: To study the clinical, epidemiological, radiographic and endoscopic features of individuals with tuberculous pneumonia. Methods: We evaluated 2,828 consecutive tuberculosis patients treated at a public health center between December of 2005 and February of 2007. Of those, 59 (2.1%) had pulmonary involvement consistent with fistula between a lymph node and a bronchus. Results: Of the 59 patients studied, 43 (73%) were between 20 and 50 years of age, 31 (53%) were male, and 28 (47%) were Black. The most common symptoms were cough (in 100%), fever (in 88%), expectoration (in 81%), and weight loss (in 40%). Comorbidities were reported in 35 cases (59%), the most common being HIV infection (in 20%) and diabetes (in 15%). On chest X-rays, consolidation was observed, predominantly in the upper lobes (in 68%). The diagnostic confirmation (identification of AFB) was made through the sputum smear microscopy in the majority of the cases and by bronchoscopy (BAL examination or bronchial biopsy) in the remainder. Bronchial lesions were clearly indicative or suggestive of fistula in three cases and five cases, respectively. Conclusions: Tuberculous pneumonia presents as acute respiratory infection, initiating with a dry cough that is followed by fever. Chest X-rays show alveolar consolidation. In most cases, tuberculous pneumonia was accompanied by at least one comorbid condition, the most common being HIV infection, and the etiological diagnosis was made through sputum smear microscopy for AFB. Bronchoscopy findings were indicative of bronchial fistula in eight cases (13%).

Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Pneumonia; Bronchial fistula; Lymph nodes.

The authors studied 314 patients with bronchiectasis. An elevated percentage of sequelae of tuberculosis (42.7%) was found, and other causes of bronchiectasis represented 57.3%. Mean age was similar in both groups, around 50 years old, with predominance of females (65.0%). As to symptoms and signs, hemoptysis was sharply predominant in the tuberculosis group (37.3% x 22.8%; p < 0.05). Association between asthma and infections during childhood was similar in both groups, but sinusitis was more frequent in the non-tuberculosis group (45.0% x 23.9%; p < 0.05). The most frequent site for bronchiectasis secondary tuberculosis was the right upper lobe; in the other group, the most frequent sites were lower left lobe and lingula. The most frequent morphologic type in greater groups was cylindrical (more than 50% of patients). Lung function tests were abnormal, with reduction in both FEV 1 and FVC in the tuberculosis group. Forty-four percent of the patients in the first group and 37.2% in the second one were smokers. The authors make comments about the high number of patients with tuberculosis scars that have secondary bronchiectasis and the greater impairment of lung function in this group of patients.

Objective: To estimate the frequency of interstitial lung disease in a group of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis, and to describe the clinical, functional and radiological characteristics of the patients studied. Methods: Fifty-eight patients diagnosed with progressive systemic sclerosis were submitted to high-resolution computed tomography of the chest, pulmonary function tests and a blood test for anti-Scl 70 antibodies. Comparisons were drawn between patients with interstitial lung disease and those without. Logistic regression with multivariate analysis was used to identify factors predictive of interstitial lung disease. Results: Of the 58 patients evaluated, 51.7% presented interstitial lung disease on high-resolution computerized tomography scans. Dyspnea and cough were the most common symptoms (seen in 65.5% and 39.7%, respectively). Bronchiolectasis and honeycombing were the most common tomographic abnormalities (observed in 83.3% and 80%, respectively). When compared to individuals without interstitial lung disease, patients with the condition had a comparable frequency of pulmonary and extrapulmonary symptoms but presented progressive systemic sclerosis of longer duration, a higher frequency of crackling rales, higher rates of anti-Scl 70 positivity, lower vital capacity and reduced total lung capacity. Only forced vital capacity < 80% was found to be a predictor of interstitial lung disease. Conclusion: Interstitial lung disease was common in this group of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. No correlation with symptoms was found, although interstitial lung disease was found to correlate with crackling rales and with anti-Scl 70 positivity. Nevertheless, only reduced forced vital capacity was found to be predictive of interstitial lung disease.

Objective: Various markers have shown promise as diagnostic markers and prognostic predictors in malignant mesothelioma (MM). Methods: Through morphometric and immunological studies of markers in stromal components (calretinin, CEA, Leu-M1 and thrombomodulin) and nuclear components (p53 and Ki-67), we evaluated post-diagnosis survival in 58 patients with MM. Results: The histologic pattern of the MM was typical in 50 cases and atypical in 8. Through immunohistochemistry, we confirmed 40 cases of mesothelioma and 11 cases of adenocarcinoma, although we were unable to classify 7 of the 8 cases presenting atypical histologic patterns. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factor for death was higher (476.2) among patients of advanced age, presenting the biphasic subtype and testing positive for components expressed at the nuclear level. Conclusion: The most useful immunohistochemical markers were was calretinin (for mesothelioma) and CEA (for adenocarcinoma). Immunohistochemical quantification of thrombomodulin facilitated the diagnosis of mesothelioma in patients testing positive for both calretinin and CEA. The most useful prognostic information was that provided by the routine histopathological analysis of the tumor type. It is of note that the combination of a mean age of 55 years and 30.5% immunohistochemical markers in nuclear components created a natural dividing point between patients in which survival was shorter than expected and those in which it was longer than expected. Therefore, histopathological analysis offers a powerful weapon with great potential to inform decisions regarding the use of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical excision of a mesothelioma.

Keywords: Pleural neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Tumor markers, Biological; Carcinoembryonic antigen; Prognosis.

Objective: To compare different levels of ablation in terms of the degree of patient satisfaction and extent of postoperative reflex sweating in sympathectomized patients. Methods: A retrospective study involving 521 patients with primary hyperhidrosis, submitted to thoracic sympathectomy at the Monte Sinai Hospital and University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, from January of 2001 to December 2005. All patients were submitted to thermal ablation of the sympathetic stem and were divided into three groups: up to T2 (group I, n = 162); up to T3 (group II, n = 65); and up to T4 (group III, n = 294). Results: Optimal postoperative control of palmar/axillary hyperhidrosis was achieved in, respectively, 94/82% of the patients of group I, 89/89% of those in group II and 80/80% of those in group III. Postoperative reflex sweating was observed in 67% of the patients in groups I and II, compared with 61.29% of those in group III. Severe reflex sweating occurred in 32% of the group I patients, 9% of the group II patients and 4% of the group III patients. Conclusion: Sympathectomy provided excellent patient satisfaction and a low incidence of complications. There was no significant difference between the levels of ablation in terms of reflex sweating, although the intensity of this complication decreased when lower levels of blockage, principally at the T4 level, were employed.

Keywords: Sympathectomy; Thoracoscopy; Hyperhidrosis.

Objectives: To describe persistent symptoms and lung function in mild cases of COVID-19 six months after infection. Methods: Data collection was performed through a semi-structured questionnaire containing information on the participants' demographic and anthropometric data, the disease in the acute phase, and persistent symptoms six months after COVID-19 using spirometry and manovacuometry. Results: A total of 136 participants were evaluated, of whom 64% were male, with a mean age of 38.17 ± 14.08 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 29.71 ± 17.48 kg/m2. The main persistent symptoms reported were dyspnea on exertion (39.7%), memory loss (38.2%), and anxiety (48.5%). Considering lung function, the participants reached 88.87 ± 17.20% of the predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), 86.03 ± 22.01% of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and 62.71 ± 25.04% of peak expiratory flow (PEF). Upon manovacuometry, 97.41 ± 34.67% of the predicted inspiratory force (Pimax) and 66.86 ± 22.97% of the predicted expiratory force (Pemax) were observed. Conclusions: Six months after COVID-19 infection, a reduction in PEF and MEP was observed. Among the most commonly reported persistent symptoms were fatigue, tiredness with the slightest exertion, anxiety and depression, memory loss, and deficits in concentration.

Keywords: Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome, Respiratory Function Tests, Dyspnea.

Necrotizing pneumonia is a serious complication of lobar pneumonia. Four children aged between ten months and three years were admitted with acute bacteremic pneumonia and developed sepsis, pleural effusion, and respiratory distress despite adequate antibiotic treatment and chest tube drainage. Decortication and pulmonary resection were performed in all of them. The observed complications were bronchopleural fistula and one death. The emergency pulmonary resection is indicated when pulmonary necrosis is associated to sepsis and massive bronchopleural fistula. In such circumstances, morbidity and mortality are higher than in other conditions.

Keywords: staphylococcal pneumonia; thoracotomy; lung, surgery

Objective: To make a retrospective analysis of lung biopsy samples obtained from patients diagnosed with chronic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, as defined in the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society classification system made public in 2000. Methods: Samples from 252 open-lung biopsies of patients with interstitial lung disease, all performed between 1977 and 1999, were reviewed, and 39 cases of idiopathic interstitial lung disease were selected and re-evaluated by two pathologists in accordance with the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society classification system. Results: Among those 39 cases, the diagnoses were maintained in 28 (71.8%). A new pathologic entity, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, was included in the reclassification, and overlapping patterns were observed in 6 cases. Of the 28 cases in which the diagnosis of chronic idiopathic interstitial pneumonia remained unchanged, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was accompanied by cryptogenic organizing pneumonia in 4, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia was accompanied by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in 1, and desquamative interstitial pneumonia was accompanied by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in 1. All cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were confirmed, although 3 of those were found to be accompanied by cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. Virtually all prior diagnoses were maintained in the review of the biopsy samples (p > 0,05). Conclusion: The American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society system of classifying interstitial lung disease is a useful tool for pathologists who deal with lung biopsies.

Keywords: Pulmonary fibrosis; Lung diseases, interstitial

Introduction: Besides the improvement we have had in the diagnostic methods, the causative agent in around 50% of the cases of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains unknown, even in inpatients. Despite that, adequate empirical therapy results in low mortality in the majority of the cases. Goals: To describe the epidemiology, the clinical presentation, the utility of diagnostic tests, the duration of hospital stay, the morbidity and mortality rates of 42 consecutive inpatients with CAP. Methods: The inclusion criteria were the presence of a recent pulmonar infiltrate in the CXR and two items out of fever (38ºC), productive cough and leukocytosis (> 10,000/mm3), in the presence of a compatible clinical syndrome. The subsidiary tests were performed as required on individual basis. Results: Forty-two patients, aged 64.7 ± 16.8 years, 27 (64.3%) male, were studied. Twenty-seven (64%) had subjacent illness. Seventeen (40.5%) were on antimicrobial therapy on admission. There were eight cases (19%) of severe pneumonia; the patients aged > 60 or £ 60 years were similar concerning the severity of presentation (p = 0.57) and had similar hospital stay (p = 0.25). The mean global hospital stay was 14.3 ± 7.6 days. Definite etiologic diagnosis were done in three patients: Legionella sp (2), S. aureus (1). In thirty-one cases (73.8%) the antimicrobial therapy wasn't modified; when it happened (11 patients, 26.2%), the main reason was the bad outcome in six cases (54.5%); in five (45.5%), the microbiological result prompted the change in therapy. Blood samples were drawn in 16 cases (38%), being positive in only one (6.3%). There were nine adequate sputum samples for analysis (9/22, 41%). There was only one death (2.4%), due to severe pneumonia in a patient with a neoplastic disease. Conclusion: The etiologic diagnosis in CAP is reached in a minority of cases, even in inpatients. At least partly, this is probably due to the previous use of antimicrobial drugs. Adequate empirical therapy results in low mortality. Diagnostic tests can be performed on individual basis.

Keywords: Pneumonia. Community acquired infections. Epidemiology. Therapeutics.

Lymphangiomatosis, a rare diseases of controversial origin, occurs in individuals of any age, regardless of gender, but is predominantly seen in younger individuals. It often presents with thoracic involvement, although, the bones, spleen and liver can also be affected. Histologically, the pulmonar involvement includes proliferation, complex anastomoses and secondary dilatation of the lymphatic vessels. Clinically, the presentation is variable. Although radiographic findings can be suggestive of the disease, the final diagnosis is made histologically. We report two cases of lymphangiomatosis, both in females: one was oligosymptomatic and is being treated for the disease; the other had a more progressive form, was diagnosed quite late and ultimately died of the disease.

Keywords: Lymphangioma; Lymphatic System; Pleural Effusion; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphatic System/abnormalities; Lung Diseases, Interstitial.

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of a computer program designed to facilitate the detection of pulmonary nodules using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans of the chest. Methods: We evaluated 24 consecutive MDCT scans of the chest at the Fleury Diagnostic Imaging Center during the period from October 7 to October 19 of 2006, using a 64-channel CT scanner. The study comprised 12 females and 12 males, ranging from 35 to 77 years of age (mean, 57.9 years). Double reading and a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system were used in order to perform two independent analyses of the data. The nodules found using both methods were recorded, and the data were compared. Results: The total sensitivity of CAD for the detection of nodules was 16.5%, increasing to 55% when nodules <4 mm in diameter were excluded. Sensitivity by diameter was 6.5% for nodules <4 mm, 45% for nodules of 4-6 mm, 100% for nodules of 6 mm-1 cm, and 0% for nodules >1 cm. More than 99% of true nodules detected by CAD were registered in the image double-reading process. Conclusions: In this preliminary 24-case study, the sensitivity of computer program tested was not significantly greater than that of the double-reading process that is routinely performed in this facility.

Keywords: Image interpretation, computer-assisted; Coin lesion, pulmonary; Tomography, X-ray computed.

Objective: Pneumococcal pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among adults. The study's main aim was to evaluate the in-hospital mortality and related costs of community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia in adults. Methods: This cross‑sectional study used medical records of adult patients with pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalized in a university hospital in Brazil from October 2009 to April 2017. All patients aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia were included. Risk factors, intensive care unit admission, length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and direct and indirect costs were analyzed. Results: In total, 186 patients were selected. The mean in-hospital mortality rate was 18% for adults aged < 65 years and 23% for the elderly (≥ 65 years). Bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia affected 20% of patients in both groups, mainly through chronic respiratory disease (adjusted OR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.23-7.65, p < 0.01). Over 7 years, annual total direct and indirect costs were USD 28,188 for adults < 65 years (USD 1,746 per capita) and USD 16,350 for the elderly (USD 2,119 per capita). Conclusion: Pneumococcal pneumonia remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality among adults, significantly affecting direct and indirect costs. These results suggest the need for prevention strategies for all adults, especially for patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

Keywords: Pneumococcus; Pneumococcal disease; Pneumonia; Hospital costs; Mortality.

Objective: To describe the occurrence of tuberculous uveitis (TBU) at a referral center in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: A total of 16 consecutive patients (≥15 years of age) who underwent diagnostic evaluation of uveitis between January of 2001 and July of 2004 at the Minas Gerais State Referral Center were selected for study. Demographic and clinical data, as well as data related to screening for toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and rheumatologic diseases, together with the results of tuberculin skin testing and HIV testing, were collected. Results: Of the16 patients evaluated, 11 (69%) were found to have TBU. A history of contact with pulmonary tuberculosis was reported by 8 (72%) of the 11 patients with TBU and by 1 (20%) of the 5 with non-TBU. Although the odds ratio for this association was 10.67 (95% CI: 0.59-398.66), the p value was borderline significant (p = 0.078). There was no difference between the patients with TBU and those with non-TBU in terms of the status of ocular inflammation or the tuberculin skin testing results. All of the patients were HIV negative and were monitored for two years. Conclusion: In this study, a history of contact with pulmonary tuberculosis proved to be useful in diagnosing TBU.

Keywords: Tuberculosis; Uveitis; Diagnosis; Brazil.

Objective: There is still limited information on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with COVID-19 in Brazil. The objective of this study was to describe the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in CF patients, as well as their clinical characteristics and outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study involving unvaccinated adult CF patients and conducted during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the city of Porto Alegre, in southern Brazil. The clinical course of the disease was rated on the WHO Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement. The primary outcome was the number of incident cases of COVID-19. Results: Between April 30, 2020 and April 29, 2021, 98 CF patients were included in the study. Seventeen patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. For the CF patients, the annual cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was 17.3%, similar to that for the general population, adjusted for age (18.5%). The most common symptoms at diagnosis of COVID-19 were cough (in 59%), dyspnea (in 53%), fatigue (in 53%), and fever (in 47%). Only 6 (35%) of the patients required hospitalization, and 3 (17.6%) required oxygen support. Only 1 patient required mechanical ventilation, having subsequently died. Conclusions: During the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in southern Brazil, the cumulative incidence rate of COVID-19 was similar between CF patients and the general population. More than 50% of the CF patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a mild clinical presentation, without the need for hospital admission, and almost the entire sample recovered completely from the infection, the exception being 1 patient who had advanced lung disease and who died.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2.

Human pulmonary dirofilariasis is a rare disease caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. It is usually seen as a solitary pulmonary nodule that mimics lung cancer. Although this disease is considered benign, its diagnosis often requires an excisional lung biopsy. Herein we report the epidemiological, clinical and radiological features observed in seven cases of human pulmonary dirofilariasis from Florianópolis. Six of our seven patients, showed a radiological finding of pulmonary nodule and underwent excisional lung biopsy for diagnosis. In one case, the radiological image was unavailable for review. Therefore, it was not described in this work, and the diagnosis was established through transbronchial biopsy.

Keywords: Dirofilariasis. Dirofilaria immitis. Coin lesion pulmonary.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs when the pressure of the pulmonary artery is disproportionally high for a certain level of pulmonary blood flow. Values of mean pulmonary artery pressure of more than 25 mm Hg at rest or 30 mm Hg during exercise allow the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Sustained or chronic pulmonary hypertension may be secondary to known diseases, mainly to those of cardiac or pulmonary nature, or may be a primary abnormality of the pulmonary circulation, with or without identification of associated conditions. Advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms of vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling have brought better prospects for the treatment of the disease. The correct use of vasodilators and anticoagulants, the new vasodilators, as epoprostenol and its analogs, and surgical techniques have increased the survival of many patients. Pneumologists can view cases of pulmonary hypertension as complications of pulmonary diseases or as a result of dyspnea investigation. Despite its etiology, pulmonary hypertension represents a clear abnormality that affects the right ventricle and can be potentially fatal to patients. Image methods have made the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension more accessible and non-invasive. Six cases of patients with pulmonary hypertension of different causes are presented and discussed. In conclusion, according to new concepts, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is no longer an irreversible condition, and the identification of associated conditions with potential treatments can be favorable in the management of the patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Keywords: pulmonary hypertension, vascular resistance, lung diseases, vasodilator agents

Background: Pulmonary sequestration is a congenital anomaly involving the pulmonary parenchyma and its vascularization, and it presents as extralobar or intralobar. Aim: Describe the cases treated at the Institute of Heart (InCor) and Clinical Hospital of the Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMUSP). Method: Retrospective analyses of the files of the patients treated over the 10-year period taking demographic, clinical and laboratorial data. Results: The patients were recurrent pulmonary infection and hemoptysis were frequent clinical findings in these patients. All cases were intralobar. The main localization was the left lower lobe (66%). Only one diagnosis was made intra-operatively. In the other eight cases, diagnosis was suggested on chest radiographs (100%) and confirmed by angiography (77%) and computed tomography (66%). Lobectomy (77%) was the most common surgical treatment, with low post-operative morbidity, and no mortality. Anatomic and histologic examination was performed in seven cases and confirmed the pathology. Conclusion: Pulmonary sequestration is an uncommon entity, in which the computed tomography and the angiography are the radiological investigations that provide the most information to a definitive and secure diagnosis. Resection of the involved tissue leads to excellent results.

Idiopathic tracheal stenosis is uncommon. Herein, we report four cases, all presenting a similar clinical profile: diagnosed through bronchoscopy and having a history of being treated unsuccessfully for bronchospasm. Three of the patients were treated with dilatation and an oral corticosteroid. One of those three underwent tracheoplasty. In the remaining patient, the stenosis was more extensive (2 cm, with a 70% reduction in the size of the lumen), and dilatation was not an option. Therefore, that patient underwent laryngotracheal resection. In all four patients, the evolution was favorable. Idiopathic tracheal stenosis should be contemplated in cases of 'bronchitis' that are not resolved using conventional treatments. Bronchoscopy and dilatation have provided satisfactory results. Occasionally, laryngotracheal reconstruction is necessary.

Keywords: Trachea/surgery; Constriction; Pathologic; Case reports [publication type].