Intrapleural administration of pemetrexed: a pharmacokinetic study in an animal model.

Background: Pemetrexed is a key drug for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The intrapleural administration of pemetrexed might increase its efficacy and decrease its toxicity in comparison with intravenous administration. The aim of this study was to assess in an animal model the pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed administered intrapleurally compared with intravenously.

Redo medical thoracoscopy is feasible in patients with pleural diseases - a series.

Previous pleural endoscopy is considered to be a relative contraindication to further medical thoracoscopy. We reviewed our experience in patients undergoing more than one thoracoscopy irrespective of the primary indication. From January 2001 to December 2006, patient baseline characteristics, endoscopic appearance and technique, volume of pleural fluid and final histological diagnosis were collated in all patients undergoing more than one thoracoscopy.

Distribution of breath sound images in patients with pneumothoraces compared to healthy subjects. Diagnostic yield of vibration response imaging technology.

Background: Vibration response imaging (VRI) is a new technology that provides a radiation-free dynamic lung image from the vibrations produced by airflow. The vibration energy from the respiratory cycle can be quantified for any lung region. This is obtained by integrating the energy profiles from 42 acoustic sensors placed on the patient's back.

Accuracy of pleural biopsy using thoracoscopy for the diagnosis of histologic subtype in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Background: Promising results with trimodality therapy combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have been obtained in the management of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). However, the histologic subtype has to be taken into account because of its influence on prognosis. The aim of the current study was to analyze retrospectively the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of preoperative thoracoscopy for diagnosis of the histologic subtype of MPM.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic management of recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax after prior talc pleurodesis: a feasible, safe and efficient treatment option.

Objective: To assess the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the management of a recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax after a prior talc pleurodesis.

Methods: From 1996 to 2002, we retrospectively reviewed all patients who were treated for a recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax after a previous talc pleurodesis. Data on the talc procedure and the recurrent pneumothorax, delay between both, and operative features were studied.

Distribution of calibrated talc after intrapleural administration: an experimental study in rats.

Study Objective: Many reports have shown that talc is the most effective and least expensive agent for the creation of a pleural symphysis. However, its use still remains controversial due to severe acute respiratory side effects possibly related to the systemic dissemination of talc particles. The purpose of this study was to assess the distribution of calibrated talc after intrapleural administration in rats.