A 63-year-old man was analyzed for platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS). A complete obstruction due to bronchial carcinoma was found in the left main bronchus with bronchoscopy. After left sided... Show moreA 63-year-old man was analyzed for platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS). A complete obstruction due to bronchial carcinoma was found in the left main bronchus with bronchoscopy. After left sided pneumonectomy POS resolved completely. Historical reports suggest increased shunting through the left lung could occur in the upright position caused by decreased compression of the left pulmonary artery due to the central bronchial carcinoma. Partially absent hypoxic vasoconstriction was confirmed in this case and suggests (without a relevant shunt through a patent foramen ovale) this 'historical' hypothesis could explain the POS due to increased shunting in the upright position in this patient. Show less
A 42-year old male was referred with a 6-week history of new onset dyspnea. The patient had normal vital signs, no relevant medical history and the only abnormality was a left sided inspiratory... Show moreA 42-year old male was referred with a 6-week history of new onset dyspnea. The patient had normal vital signs, no relevant medical history and the only abnormality was a left sided inspiratory wheeze. No abnormalities were seen on the chest X-ray. A bronchoscopy was performed which showed a well-circumscribed hypervasculated mass in the left main bronchus. A biopsy was taken, which was complicated after the procedure by dislocation of the mass and coughed up by the patient. Both samples were send for pathologic review. A contrast CT was performed which showed a localized remaining mass in the left main bronchus and no lymph node involvement. Pathological evaluation showed spindle-shaped cell proliferation with mitotic activity in the second larger tissue which could be consistent with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), whereas the first biopsy sample only showed granulomatous inflammation. Following multidisciplinary review the diagnosis of IMT was made and a treatment plan was decided. Because of the localized position of the mass the patient was treated with laser coagulation via rigid bronchoscopy instead of surgery. Bronchoscopic review afterwards showed complete resolution of the mass and the dyspnea had resolved. This case highlights the difficulty of making the IMT-diagnosis and the option of treating it with laser coagulation via rigid bronchoscopy. Show less
This study examined quality of life (QOL) and illness perceptions in Dutch and Japanese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, thereby extending the body of knowledge on cultural differences and... Show moreThis study examined quality of life (QOL) and illness perceptions in Dutch and Japanese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, thereby extending the body of knowledge on cultural differences and psychosocial aspects of this illness. 24 Dutch and 22 Japanese patients with non-small-cell lung cancer filled out questionnaires on three occasions: immediately before chemotherapy, 1 week later, and 8 weeks after the initial chemotherapy. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) assessed QOL, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) illness perceptions. Scores on several QOL measures indicated (a) major impact of first chemotherapy sessions, and (b) some tendency to returning to baseline measures at 8 weeks. Differences between Japanese and Dutch samples were found on five EORTC QLQ-C30 dimensions: global health status, emotional functioning, social functioning, constipation, and financial difficulties, with the Dutch patients reporting more favorable scores. Regarding illness perceptions, Japanese patients had higher means on perceived treatment control and personal control, expressing a higher sense of belief in the success of medical treatment than Dutch patients. In both Japanese and Dutch patients, impact of chemotherapy on QOL was evident. Some differences in illness perceptions and QOL between the two samples were observed, with implications for integral medical management. Both samples reported illness perceptions that reflect the major consequences of non-small-cell lung cancer. Incorporating symptom reports, illness perceptions, and QOL into medical management may have positive consequences for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Show less
