Prognostic significance of body mass index and weight loss in patients with idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis.

Background And Aim: Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a rare form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias; its physical characteristics include a slender build with platythorax and progressive weight loss. However, the clinical significance of body mass index (BMI) and weight loss remains unclear in patients with IPPFE. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the association between baseline BMI, weight loss after diagnosis, and the prognosis of patients with IPPFE.

Clinical features of idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis with progressive phenotype showing a decline in forced vital capacity.

Background: Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is heterogeneous, with some patients showing a progressive decline in forced vital capacity (FVC). However, the clinical features of these cases with progressive phenotypes remain unknown.

Methods: This retrospective study included 48 patients diagnosed with IPPFE who underwent longitudinal pulmonary function tests at our institution from 2005 to 2021.

Comparison of clinical utility between digital and analog drainage systems in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.

Background: Digital drainage systems can continuously and numerically monitor air leakage, which may lead to a shorter duration of drainage and hospitalization; however, the usefulness of digital drainage systems compared to that of analog drainage systems for patients with primary or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax remains unclear.

Methods: This retrospective study included 108 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax who were successfully treated with chest drainage alone at our institution. We compared the clinical efficacy of digital and analog chest drainage systems.

Sarcoid-like Granulomatous Lung Disease with Subacute Progression in Silicosis.

A 67-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with cough and fatigue. He had had long-term exposure to silica due to cement processing. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral centrilobular nodules, and hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy with calcification, suggesting chronic silicosis.