Detection and quantification of the parenchymal abnormalities in emphysema using pulmo-CT

WOS: 000249863800008PubMed ID: 17689224We aimed to determine the degree and extent of parenchymal abnormalities on pulmo-CT in patients with emphysema. The study group consisted of 29 patients (18 male, I I female; mean age 57.9. L 13). The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT) values, and chest CT findings. All of the patients CT scans were obtained during suspended deep inspiration from the apices to the costophrenic angles. The mean lung attenuation (MLD) and parenchymal abnormalities related to emphysema were quantitatively calculated with tables, histograms and graphics at the whole lung. The lung density measurements revealed a mean density of -898.48 +/- 51.37 HU in patients with emphysema and -825.1 +/- 25.5 HU in control group. In addition, mean percentage of subthreshold attenuation values was found as 12.03 +/- 15.75 and 1.07 +/- 0.83 in patients with emphysema and control group, respectively. Compared with control group, the patients with emphysema had a significantly lower inspiratory MLD (p < 0.05). Additionally, statistically significant correlations were seen between the MLD and percentage of subthreshold values (r = 0.44, p < 0.05). In contrast, there was poor correlation between PFT measurements and the subthreshold values. In conclusion, pulmo-CT is a quick, simple method for quantitative confirmation of the presence of parenchymal abnormalities of lung as mosaic attenuation and should be used in combination with other radiological methods and PFT as it gives additional information to routine examinations in patients with emphysema. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

2009 H1N1 Influenza and Experience in Three Critical Care Units

Aim: We describe futures of ICU admission, demographic characteristics, treatment and outcome for critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed and suspected infection with the H1N1 virus admitted to the three different critical care departments in Turkey

2009 H1N1 Influenza and Experience in Three Critical Care Units

Aim: We describe futures of ICU admission, demographic characteristics, treatment and outcome for critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed and suspected infection with the H1N1 virus admitted to the three different critical care departments in Turkey.Methods: Retrospective study of critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) at ICU. Demographic data, symptoms, comorbid conditions, and clinical outcomes were collected using a case report form.Results: Critical illness occurred in 61 patients admitted to an ICU with confirmed (n=45) or probable and suspected 2009 influenza A(H1N1). Patients were young (mean, 41.5 years), were female (54%). Fifty-six patients, required mechanical ventilation (14 invasive, 27 noninvasive, 15 both) during the course of ICU. On admission, mean APACHE II score was 18.7&#177;6.3 and median PaO2/FIO2 was 127.9&#177;70.4. 31 patients (50.8%) was die. There were no significant differences in baseline PaO2/FIO2 and ventilation strategies between survivors and nonsurvivors. Patients who survived were more likely to have NIMV use at the time of admission to the ICU.Conclusion: Critical illness from 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in ICU predominantly affects young patients with little major comorbidity and had a high case-fatality rate. NIMV could be used in 2009 influenza A (H1N1) infection-related hypoxemic respiratory failure.</p