[Thoracic endometriosis and lymphangioleiomyomatosis: Coincidence or hormonal rational?]

INTRODUCTION

Lymphagioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and endometriosis are two diseases that occur in young women. The main thoracic complication of both diseases is pneumothorax.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with a right-sided pneumothorax. The clinical context and the perioperative findings were suggestive of thoracic endometriosis, while the histology of the pulmonary biopsy and the evolution of her case were in favour of LAM. This presentation indicates the coexistence of the two diseases, which has never previously been described in the literature. The case raises the question as to whether it should be policy to systematically undertake a pulmonary biopsy in cases of thoracic endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS

LAM and endometriosis are both diseases under hormonal influence. To date, we do not know if there is any direct link between the two diseases or if the presentation that we describe here occurred by chance.

[Aspergillus-related respiratory conditions and COPD: Diagnostic challenges]

INTRODUCTION

The relations between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory diseases due to Aspergillus spp. are not well understood.

METHODS

We analysed a retrospective series of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of COPD and respiratory disease due to Aspergillus. Patients were identified between 2010 and 2015 from the medico-administrative database of Cochin hospital, Paris. Historical, clinical, biological, microbiological and imaging data were collected and described. Diagnoses were reclassified based on reference definitions and classifications from the literature. Patients were classified according to the type of Aspergillus-related diseases and risk factors were described.

RESULTS

Forty patients were identified. Classifiable Aspergillus-related respiratory conditions were confirmed in 26 of them including 12 allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), 8 chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), 1 invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and 3 diagnostic associations ABPA/CPA. Other respiratory comorbidities were present in all cases of CPA and immunodepression was recorded for semi-invasive and invasive forms. Finally, 16 patients could not be classified, among whom Aspergillus related lung disease was considered as likely in one-half.

CONCLUSION

The complexity of the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis is related to its multiple types with sometimes unclear distinctions. Any type of pulmonary aspergillosis can be observed in patients with COPD, depending on associated risks factors. It would be helpful to establish specific classifications adapted to patients with COPD. This will require larger, prospective, multicentre studies.

[Concomitant discovery of lung cancer and tuberculosis in a cannabis smoker]

INTRODUCTION

The coexistence of lung cancer and active tuberculosis is relatively rare. We report a case of concomitant discovery of lung cancer and tuberculosis in the context of addiction to tobacco and cannabis.

OBSERVATION

A 50-year-old man, smoking tobacco and cannabis since the age of 18, was hospitalized for hemoptysis. Physical examination revealed cachexia, hyperthermia and decreased breath sounds on auscultation of the left lung field. The chest X-ray objectified atelectasis of the left upper lobe. The CT scan revealed a left upper lobe atelectasis and a cavity surrounded opacities taking a tree in bud appearance located at the apex of the left lower lobe. Endoscopy showed an obstruction by a bud located at the upper left lobe. Histology of bronchial biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Direct examination of bacteriological samples found BAAR and culture confirmed tuberculosis. The contamination could occur via a close relative, smoking cannabis and being treated for tuberculosis. After a 6-month treatment for tuberculosis, the patient underwent a course of chemotherapy, but refused further treatment. Death occurred 3months later.

CONCLUSION

This observation relates the concomitant discovery of lung cancer and tuberculosis. It also highlights the possible role of cannabis addiction in the transmission of tuberculosis and the occurrence of lung cancer in combination with tobacco.