Inter- and intra-observer variability of radial-endobronchial ultrasound image interpretation for peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) is often utilized in guided bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. R-EBUS probe positioning has been shown to correlate with diagnostic yield, but overall diagnostic yield with this technology has been inconsistent across the published literature. Currently there is no standardization for R-EBUS image interpretation, which may result in variability in grading concentricity of lesions and subsequently procedure performance.

Exploring the Possible Phenomenon of Viral Interference Between the Novel Coronavirus and Common Respiratory Viruses.

At the peak of the 2021 wave of the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant in North America, there was concern for a superimposed wave of viral respiratory infections. There was, however, an apparent shift in the usual epidemiology of these pathogens, especially during the traditional influenza season from approximately October 2020 to March 2021. This article seeks to briefly describe the epidemiology of notable respiratory pathogens during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to focus on one possible factor for the trends observed.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Inducing Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Case Series.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) refers to immune-mediated destruction of platelets. Viral infections have been proposed as an etiology of ITP; antibodies developed in response to infection may cross-react with normal platelets and result in their destruction. We report 2 cases in which coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) likely induced severe ITP.

Infections associated with tunnelled indwelling pleural catheters in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Background: Malignant pleural effusions are common complications of advanced malignancies and are associated with significant morbidity and reduced survival. Tunnelled indwelling pleural catheters (TIPCs) are implantable devices used for palliation of symptomatic malignant pleural effusions. Although complication rates are overall low, their use in the setting of concurrent chemotherapy has not been carefully reviewed.