Wireko, F.W.

Background/Objectives: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurs commonly in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is the leading cause of mortality. There are limited data on the accuracy of lung auscultation in identifying the presence of ILD in patients with SSc. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with newly diagnosed SSc who had documented lung auscultation findings and chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) available for review. Diagnoses were made by rheumatologists at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA over a 4-year period. Pulmonary function measurements included lung volumes, spirometry, and single-breath diffusing capacity. Results: Among 151 patients with SSc (median age, 62 years), 72.2% were female and 55.0% were never smokers. Limited cutaneous SSc was the most common phenotype (67.3%). Seventy (46.4%) patients were evaluated by pulmonologists. There was evidence of ILD by HRCT in 69 patients (45.7%); the most common pattern of ILD was fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (59.2%). Respiratory symptoms were present in 46.4% of those with ILD compared to 15.9% among those without. The sensitivity and specificity for crackles heard by rheumatologists in detecting ILD were 50.7% and 97.6%, respectively; for pulmonologists, 71.4% and 85.7%, respectively. Presence of crackles was associated with high positive predictive values (94.6% for rheumatologists vs. 92.1% for pulmonologists, respectively); negative predictive values were moderate (70.2% vs. 56.3%, respectively). Crackles correlated with lower pulmonary function measures but did not differ across ILD patterns. Conclusions: Detection of crackles on lung auscultation appears to be a specific and moderately sensitive indicator of ILD (often asymptomatic) in patients with newly diagnosed SSc. The presence of crackles correlates with worse pulmonary function but may be absent in early ILD.

Abstract Rationale Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder, with extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) involving multiple organ systems. Pulmonary involvement, particularly interstitial lung disease (ILD), remains an underrecognized manifestation of IBD. Its prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors in IBD remain poorly defined. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of adults (≥18 years) with IBD who had at least one encounter in our health system between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2023. IBD, and ILD cases were identified using ICD-9/ICD-10 codes, with ILD diagnoses confirmed by thoracic radiologists. Demographic, clinical, pulmonary, smoking, medication, and surgical data were abstracted. Associations between patient characteristics and ILD were evaluated using both a cohort design and a matched case-control design (1:3 ratio). Mortality was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model with ILD as a time-dependent covariate. Results Among 875 patients with IBD, 109 (12%) had ILD. Radiographic patterns included nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP, 27%), indeterminate (26%), definite/probable UIP (24%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (15%), and organizing pneumonia (8%). Pulmonary function testing demonstrated predominantly restrictive physiology and impaired diffusion capacity. In multivariable analysis, higher BMI (OR 1.04), bronchiectasis (OR 2.65), ex-smoking (OR 2.15), and use of adalimumab (OR 2.04) or infliximab (OR 2.14) were independently associated with ILD. The matched case-control design confirmed these findings and also identified older age (OR 1.04) as a significant factor. ILD was strongly associated with mortality (HR, 3.78; 95% CI, 2.50-5.72; p < 0.001). Conclusions ILD occurs in a meaningful subset of patients with IBD and is associated with older age, higher BMI, prior smoking, bronchiectasis, and TNF inhibitor use. ILD confers a markedly increased risk of death, highlighting the importance of early recognition and close monitoring in this population. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Introduction Emergent endotracheal intubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a high-risk, time-sensitive procedure performed to maintain airway patency and ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, often complicated by hypotension, hypoxemia, or cardiac arrest. Successful outcomes depend on precise team coordination, communication, and situational awareness. Drawing inspiration from the demonstrated benefits of simulation-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in enhancing team performance, this study examines the feasibility of implementing in situ “mock intubation” in the ICU. The objective is to determine whether this approach can be seamlessly integrated into routine practice to improve teamwork, procedural readiness, and patient safety. Methodology A prospective interventional study was conducted in the medical ICU at Mayo Clinic Rochester over two months. ICU staff—including physicians, advanced practice providers (APP), nurses, and respiratory therapists—participated in eight scheduled 45-minute in situ mock intubation sessions integrated into routine clinical hours. Each session included five participants (one physician faculty, one physician trainee/APP, two nurses, and one respiratory therapist) and incorporated case-based scenarios requiring completion of the intubation and management of post-procedural complications. Structured debriefings followed each session to identify performance gaps, enhance team communication, and assess the educational value and feasibility of incorporating mock intubation into routine ICU practice. Results A total of eight mock intubations were conducted with 40 participants. Sessions were seamlessly integrated into the routine clinical workflow without disruption. Participants reported high satisfaction, unanimously agreeing that the sessions were valuable and should be continued. Feedback emphasized psychological safety and realism: “This offered a safe space to communicate,” one noted; another stated, “It’s important to practice where it’s easy to make mistakes,” and a third remarked, “Real-life experiences were brought into simulations.” These themes underscore participants’ desire for ongoing sessions and their perceived real-world relevance. Conclusion Mock intubation using in situ simulation provides a practical approach to training for emergent endotracheal intubation, enhancing team communication, coordination, and situational awareness in the ICU. This on-site format eliminates the need for off-unit scheduling and was well received by staff. The potential of in situ mock intubation to mirror the success of simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation training highlights the importance of team-based procedural preparation in high-acuity environments. The intervention fosters procedural readiness, teamwork, and a culture of safety. Given its feasibility, clinical relevance, and positive reception, in situ mock intubation should be integrated into routine ICU practice as a team training tool for high-risk procedures. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract IntroductionFungal infections, particularly in the Midwest, can often be asymptomatic and may mimic primary lung cancer. This case illustrates pulmonary histoplasmosis in an 80-year-old woman with a history of lung cancer highlighting the diagnostic challenges presented when both conditions coexist.Case SummaryAn 80-year-old woman (prior smoking history of 47-pack-years) with synchronous lung cancers (poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation in the left lower lobe and squamous cell carcinoma in the right lower lobe) previously underwent radiation therapy to both lesions. She was admitted for shortness of breath and cough and was initially diagnosed with pneumonia based on CT findings. Despite multiple courses of antibiotics, her symptoms persisted over 2 months, improving only temporarily with a short course of prednisone. A follow-up CT revealed increasing confluent thick-walled cavitation in the posterior right upper lobe and superior segment of the right lower lobe concerning for cavitating/necrotizing pneumonia versus possible cancer progression. A PET-CT scan (Fig.1A) showed significant FDG uptake in the right upper lobe lesion and mild uptake in mediastinal lymph nodes complicating the differentiation between cancer and infection. Bronchoscopy with biopsy of an endobronchial lesion in the posterior segment of right lower lobe revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation (Fig.1B) with GMS stain showing the presence of fungal organisms suggestive of histoplasmosis. Histoplasma PCR from bronchoalveolar lavage was also positive. She was subsequently started on antifungal therapy for a planned one-year treatment course. DiscussionHigh positron emission tomography (PET) avidity in chest imaging is often linked to aggressive tumors but can also indicate benign conditions such as fungal infections. A “flip-flop sign” on PET imaging, where nodal activity surpasses that of a lung nodule, is typically seen in benign lung lesions, particularly fungal infections. However, infections and inflammatory conditions may also show high PET avidity mimicking malignancy. Endobronchial lesions, common in lung cancer, are less frequently associated with infections. In patients with a history of cancer, active lung infection, and PET-avid lesions without the flip-flop sign, invasive testing is usually required to differentiate between infection and malignancy. In this case, our patient with a history of lung cancer and a PET-avid lung lesion was found to have pulmonary histoplasmosis after invasive testing highlighting the need for comprehensive evaluation.ConclusionThis case emphasizes the importance of considering fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of PET-avid pulmonary lesions, particularly in patients with a history of malignancy.

Abstract Rational: Talc pleurodesis is an effective intervention for preventing recurrent pleural effusions and pneumothoraces, particularly in non-surgical candidates. Due to its efficacy and safety, it is recommended as the most effective sclerosant for pleurodesis. However, in some cases, the initial pleurodesis fails, necessitating a repeat procedure. The efficacy of repeat talc pleurodesis after an initial failure is an area that requires further exploration. This study explores the safety and efficacy of repeat talc pleurodesis among patients who did not respond to the initial intervention. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed hospitalized patients who underwent 4g talc slurry pleurodesis from 2019 to 2024, focusing on demographics, comorbidities, initial pleurodesis failure, and recurrence rates. Pleurodesis failure was identified by lung sliding, recurrent effusion, or pneumothorax during the same hospitalization. The primary outcome was recurrence post-discharge, assessed by pleural effusion or pneumothorax within 180 days post-repeat pleurodesis. Results: This study included 94 patients (52.1% male, 47.9% female) with a mean age of 67.6. Among them, 79 (84%) received a single 4g dose of talc, while 15 (16%) received multiple 4g talc doses for initial pleurodesis. Recurrence occurred in 20 (25.3%) of the single-dose group and 1 (6.7%) of the multiple-dose group within 180 days, though the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.112). Recurrence-free rates were 93.6% at 30 days, 85.1% at 90 days, and 77.7% at 180 days. Of the 20 patients with recurrence after a single 4g dose of talc, 8 (40%) underwent repeat pleurodesis, with only one recurrence requiring surgical intervention. Additionally, there was no recurrence after repeat talc pleurodesis in the one patient with recurrence after receiving multiple 4g talc doses for initial pleurodesis. No associations were found between recurrence rates and factors like gender (p=0.213) or comorbidities (emphysema, COPD, lung malignancy). Chest pain was a common complaint, but no cases of respiratory distress were reported post-pleurodesis. Conclusion: The efficacy of initial talc pleurodesis (77.7%-93.6%) in this cohort aligns with existing literature. Multiple-dose talc pleurodesis effectively prevented recurrence in 93.3% of patients, with no reported respiratory distress. Additionally, repeat talc pleurodesis was successful in 87.5% of those with recurrence after an initial single 4g dose. These findings support multiple-dose talc pleurodesis and repeat talc pleurodesis as safe and effective options for preventing recurrence post-initial failure and post-repeat talc pleurodesis, respectively. Although no significant recurrence predictors were identified, future research could focus on patient-specific factors to enhance treatment selection and optimize outcomes.

Abstract Rationale Hyperchloremia, characterized by elevated chloride levels (>110 mEq/L) in the blood, frequently occurs in critically ill patients following aggressive fluid resuscitation with chloride-rich solutions. It is associated with metabolic acidosis, leading to negative clinical outcomes such as higher morbidity and mortality. However, the impact of hyperchloremia on the duration of mechanical ventilation remains unclear. This study evaluates the correlation between hyperchloremia and the duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on intensive care unit patients admitted between 2018 and 2023 who required mechanical ventilation. Patients were categorized into hyperchloremic (serum chloride >110 mEq/L) and non-hyperchloremic groups. The hyperchloremic group was further subdivided into those with metabolic acidosis (pH <7.35) and those without acidosis (pH >7.35). The primary outcome measured was the duration of mechanical ventilation across these groups. Results The study included 7,333 patients, 408 in the hyperchloremic group and 6,926 in the non-hyperchloremic group. Patients with hyperchloremia experienced significantly longer ventilation durations, with an average of 5.9 days compared to 2.6 days in the non-hyperchloremic group (p < 0.01). Among the hyperchloremic subgroups, those with metabolic acidosis had a mean ventilation duration of 4.9 days compared to 6.2 days in those without acidosis (p = 0.7), suggesting no apparent significant influence of acid-base status on ventilation duration. Discussion The study found that hyperchloremia correlates with longer ventilation duration (4.9-6.2 days vs. 2.6 days), independent of pH. While metabolic acidosis might impair respiratory function and increase ventilatory needs, evidence is mixed. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis can alter respiratory regulation, causing issues like tachypnea, ventilator dyssynchrony, and the need for sedation, complicating weaning from ventilation. However, hyperchloremia does not always impair respiratory muscle function. The study is limited by its retrospective nature, making causal conclusions difficult. However, the study suggests that better electrolyte management may reduce ventilation duration and improve patient outcomes. Conclusion This study demonstrates a significant association between hyperchloremia and prolonged mechanical ventilation, independent of pH status. The findings suggest that hyperchloremia may either be a marker of severe illness or aggressive resuscitation and directly contribute to prolonged ventilatory support. These findings offer hope for improved patient outcomes, as they suggest that chloride management strategies, including chloride-sparing resuscitation, could potentially reduce mechanical ventilation duration in critically ill patients.