Die Behandlung des parapneumonischen Ergusses und des Pleuraempyems

Retrospective case-control study on the outcomes of early minimally invasive pleural lavage for pleural empyema in oncology patients

BACKGROUND

Oncology patients carry a substantial risk of developing pleural empyema. Here, we report the preliminary results of our early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lavage strategy in cases of empyema occurring in patients undergoing (radio-) chemotherapy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control study comparing early VATS lavage (test group, current therapy since January 2018, n = 46) versus VATS pleurectomy (historical control; before January 2018, n = 46).

RESULTS

Five patients in the control group and one in the test group developed recurrence of empyema within 30 days. Complications were more severe and more frequently observed in the historical control group than in the test group (30/46 vs. 12/46 CI: 5%-95%, p = < 0.05). Early VATS lavage saved operating time, allowed a shorter ICU stay (2.6 days CI: 5%-95% vs. 5.1 days CI: 5%-95%, p = ns) and an earlier hospital discharge (6.1 days CI: 5%-95% vs. 13.5 days CI: 5%-95%, p < 0.05). Moreover, radio and/or chemotherapy could be reinitiated earlier (15 ± 20.5 days CI: 5%-95% vs. 40 ± 12 days CI: 5%-95%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective cohort study, early VATS lavage was found to have a beneficial effect especially on hospital stay and enabling an earlier restart of radio- and/or chemotherapy.

A clinical review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pyothorax in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature in reference to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pyothorax in dogs and cats.

ETIOLOGY

Pyothorax, also known as thoracic empyema, is characterized by the accumulation of septic purulent fluid within the pleural space. While the actual route of pleural infection often remains unknown, the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract appear to be the most common source of microorganisms causing pyothorax in dogs and cats. In human medicine, pyothorax is a common clinical entity associated with bacterial pneumonia and progressive parapneumonic effusion.

DIAGNOSIS

Thoracic imaging can be used to support a diagnosis of pleural effusion, but cytologic examination or bacterial culture of pleural fluid are necessary for a definitive diagnosis of pyothorax.

THERAPY

The approach to treatment for pyothorax varies greatly in both human and veterinary medicine and remains controversial. Treatment of pyothorax has classically been divided into medical or surgical therapy and may include administration of antimicrobials, intermittent or continuous thoracic drainage, thoracic lavage, intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy, video-assisted thoracic surgery, and traditional thoracostomy. Despite all of the available options, the optimal treatment to ensure successful short- and long-term outcome, including the avoidance of recurrence, remains unknown.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis for canine and feline pyothorax is variable but can be good with appropriate treatment. A review of the current veterinary literature revealed an overall reported survival rate of 83% in dogs and 62% in cats. As the clinical presentation of pyothorax in small animals is often delayed and nonspecific, rapid diagnosis and treatment are required to ensure successful outcome.

Sonographic diagnosis and follow-up of pneumonia: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Although transthoracic ultrasound offers several important advantages as diagnostic imaging technique in pleural and pulmonary conditions, its significance for the diagnosis and monitoring of pneumonia has yet to be established.

OBJECTIVES

To identify sonographic features associated with pneumonia at admission and during the course of the disease under treatment.

METHODS

Thirty patients (12 females, 18 males; median age 65.5 years) with X-ray-proven pneumonia underwent transthoracic sonography (TS) on day 0, between days 1 and 3, 4 and 7, 8 and 14, 15 and 21, and after day 21. TS was assessed according to: number, location, shape, echogenicity, echotexture, echostructure, breath-depending movement, size of pneumonic lesions, bronchoaerogram, fluid bronchogram, superficial fluid alveologram, necrotic areas, vascularity and incidence of local and/or basal pleural effusion.

RESULTS

Thirty-three pneumonic infiltrates were eligible for analysis in 30 patients. In 57% (17/30), the likely pathogenic microorganism was identified. Pneumonia was recognized as a hypoechoic area of varying size (mean size between 33.7 x 9.38 and 91.2 x 45.3 mm) and shape, with irregular and blurred margins along with a nonhomogeneous echotexture. The most characteristic feature was a positive bronchoaerogram (32/33). Sixty-one percent (20/33) revealed basal and 9% (3/33) local effusion. During follow-up, lesions decreased in size or disappeared (30/33) or decreased in number (4/9). The bronchoaerogram became less pronounced (13/32), basal pleural effusion either diminished (7/20) or dissipated (7/20), as did localized effusion (3/3). In 30 cases, the course of pneumonia was comparable using X-ray and TS.

CONCLUSIONS

TS is a noninvasive technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with pneumonia.