Can FDG-PET/CT imaging be used to predict decline in quality of life in interstitial lung disease? A prospective study of the relationship between FDG uptake and quality of life in a UK outpatient setting.

Background: Fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) CT imaging has been used in many inflammatory and infectious conditions to differentiate areas of increased metabolic activity. FDG uptake differs between areas of normal lung parenchyma and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Objectives: In this study, we investigated whether FDG-PET/CT parameters were associated with a change in the quality of life (QoL) in patients with ILD over 4 years of follow-up.

Safety and efficacy of Sinopharm vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in elderly population of Faisalabad district of Pakistan.

Introduction: The first case of novel SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in Pakistan was detected on 26 February 2020. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have been tried to lessen the mortality and morbidity burden. Various vaccines have been approved.

ERS International Congress 2022: highlights from the Interstitial Lung Diseases Assembly.

This article contains a selection of scientific highlights in the field of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) presented at the hybrid European Respiratory Society International Congress 2022. Early Career Members of Assembly 12 summarise recent advances in translational and clinical research in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, ILDs of known origin, sarcoidosis and other granulomatous diseases, and rare ILDs. Many studies focused on evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic (bio)markers, and novel pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment options for different ILDs.

A lightweight CORONA-NET for COVID-19 detection in X-ray images.

Since December 2019, COVID-19 has posed the most serious threat to living beings. With the advancement of vaccination programs around the globe, the need to quickly diagnose COVID-19 in general with little logistics is fore important. As a consequence, the fastest diagnostic option to stop COVID-19 from spreading, especially among senior patients, should be the development of an automated detection system.

Pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism and COVID-19: A district general hospital experience from the UK.

Background: Preliminary data suggest that the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with COVID-19 is around 13%, but its prognostic role remains unclear. Approximately 3% of patients develop chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) following diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). It is recommended that patients are screened for CTEPH if they remain symptomatic 3 months following diagnosis of PE.

Comparative analysis of mRNA and inactivated COVID-19 vaccines: A study from Faisalabad district of Pakistan.

Background: Pakistan has vaccinated over 122 million people. The two vaccines in widespread use are inactivated (BBIBP-CorV & Sinovac) and mRNA forms (BNT162b2 & mRNA-1273). The primary aim of this study was to compare these two forms of vaccines against unvaccinated individuals collectively and then to see which one is more efficacious.

Role of advanced respiratory support in acute respiratory failure in clinically frail patients with COVID-19.

The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of advanced respiratory support (ARS) for acute respiratory failure in do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation order (DNACPR) COVID-19 patients. In this single-center study, the impact of different types of ARS modality, PaO/FiO (PF) ratio, clinical frailty score (CFS) and 4C score on mortality was evaluated. There was no significant difference in age, type of ARS modality, PF ratio and 4C scores between those who died and those who survived.

Relationship of D-dimer and prediction of pulmonary embolism in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a multicenter study.

COVID-19 is a known risk factor for pulmonary embolism (PE). In this retrospective, multicenter study, we aimed to determine an optimal D-dimer cutoff to predict PE in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A total of 193 patients underwent computerized tomographic pulmonary angiography imaging and were classified into PE positive and negative groups.

An unusual case of breathlessness.

https://bit.ly/3b8Uw1O.

Use of DECAF scoring system to facilitate early discharge in acute exacerbation of COPD patients: a quality improvement project at a district general hospital.

Introduction: DECAF is a scoring tool that can predict severity in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Previous research has shown AECOPD patients with DECAF scores of 0-1 are candidates for early discharge.

Methods: Plan, do, study, act (PDSA) methodology was used.

Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Leading to Raised Intracranial Pressure Hydrocephalus in a Patient with Aqueduct Stenosis.

Unlabelled: We present the case of a patient with severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and hypoventilation syndrome who had hydrocephalus and acquired aqueduct stenosis. A link between these conditions in our patient is postulated. We discuss the mechanisms through which this might have occurred and the potential problems which might arise in applying non-invasive ventilation to a patient with hydrocephalus.

Extrapulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Extrapulmonary sarcoidosis accounts for only two percent of the total sarcoid cases. Sarcoidosis affecting the musculoskeletal system alone is even rarer. Diagnosis is based on suggestive history, clinical features, imaging followed by confirmation of non-caseating granulomas on a biopsy.

Lessons of the month 2: Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP): A rare manifestation of infliximab therapy.

We present a rare and unusual case of 22-year-old man who was on infliximab therapy for his uncontrolled ulcerative colitis. Infliximab was stopped as he didn't get any benefit from it and he ended up having subtotal colectomy and ileostomy. He presented with shortness of breath and eosinophilia and underwent a number of investigations and finally a diagnosis of chronic eosinophilia secondary to infliximab was made.