Development of a multivariate model to predict the likelihood of carcinoma in patients with indeterminate peripheral lung nodules after a nondiagnostic bronchoscopic evaluation.

Studies have shown that fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing increases lung cancer detection on cytology specimens in peripheral nodules. The goal of this study was to determine whether a predictive model using clinical features and routine cytology with FISH results could predict lung malignancy after a nondiagnostic bronchoscopic evaluation. Patients with an indeterminate peripheral lung nodule that had a nondiagnostic bronchoscopic evaluation were included in this study (N = 220).

The role for tunneled indwelling pleural catheters in patients with persistent benign chylothorax.

Background: Utilization of tunneled indwelling pleural catheters (TIPCs) for persistent pleural effusions is increasingly more common; however, the presence of chylothorax is generally considered a contraindication for utilization of a TIPC due to concerns regarding potential nutritional, immunologic and hemodynamic complications. Therefore, in this study, a cohort of patients with persistent benign chylothorax managed with TIPCs is described.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with persistent benign chylothorax managed with a TIPC at the study center between January 1, 2008, and March 1, 2012, was completed.

Endobronchial ultrasound and lymphoproliferative disorders: a retrospective study.

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has been shown to have excellent diagnostic performance for mediastinal staging of lung cancer. The utility of EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders involving the mediastinum or hila, or both, is unclear.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was completed of all patients diagnosed with a lymphoproliferative disorder involving the mediastinum or hila, or both, who underwent an EBUS-TBNA within 3 months of the diagnosis.

Detection of (1, 3)-β-D-glucan in bronchoalveolar lavage and serum samples collected from immunocompromised hosts.

The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) has increased in recent years, especially among immunocompromised hosts (ICH). In 2003, the Fungitell(®) assay received FDA clearance for the presumptive diagnosis of IFI using serum and detects (1-3)-β-D-glucan, which is a major cell wall component of certain fungi (e.g.

Hemodynamics "au contraire" despite diastolic flow reversal and angiographically severe aortic regurgitation.

One of the commonly used parameters for evaluating aortic regurgitation is the rate of pressure decay data obtained from echocardiographic evaluation or cardiac catheterization. The measurement of the rate of equalization of pressure between the aorta and the left ventricle and its utility in the setting of aortic insufficiency has been validated. Intuitively, the Doppler equivalent, pressure half-time, is inversely related to the severity of regurgitation.