M103 T4 L13 Flashcards
What are the two types of xray shadowing?
alveolar
interstitial
What four structures are included under the interstitium?
alveolar endothelium
capillary endothelium
basement membrane
connective tissue
Which three things can thicken the interstitium in disease?
Fluid
Cells
Fibrosis
What is lung fibrosis thought to be caused by?
aberrant wound healing
the lung could be exposed to an injury
the wound healing mechanism goes into overdrive
causes increased deposition of extracellular matrix in the interstitium
What does the extracellular matrix consist of?
3D fibre mesh filled with macromolecules of collagen and elastin
What features does the extracellular matrix provide the lung with?
elasticity
low resistance for gas exchange
What are the three classifications of interstitial lung diseases?
environmental exposure
systemic inflammatory diseases
idiopathic
What are two examples of intersitial lung diseases caused by environmental exposure?
occupational lung disease
hypersensitivity pneumonitis
What are the two common causes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
mold
bird proteins
What are the three common causes of occupational lung disease?
silicosis
coal miners lung
asbestosis
What is silicosis caused by?
exposure to silica
What is coal miners lung caused by?
coal dust exposure
What is an example of an idiopathic intersitial lung disease?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
What are two examples systemic inflammatory ILDs?
connective tissue disease
sarcoidosis
What are the six main causes of intersitial lung disease?
drugs idiopathic sarcoidosis connective tissue disease hypersensitivity pneumonitis occupational lung diseases
What are the symptoms of intersitial lung disease?
slowly progressive exertional dyspnoea
non-productive cough
dry, inspiratory bibasal “Velcro” crackles
sometimes have clubbing of fingers
abnormal pulmonary function test results with restriction and impaired gas exchange
What are the four different types of patterns that can be seen on a lung HRCT?
basal distribution
subpleural
traction bronchiectasis
honeycombing
How can IPF be managed?
anti-fibrotic drugs
lung transplant
supportive care
How much do anti-fibrotic drugs cost?
£24,000 per person/yr
What are two examples of anti-fibrotic drugs?
pirfenidone
nintedanib
Why can anti-fibrotic drugs only be prescribed by specialist centres?
because they are very expensive
What is the function of anti-fibrotic drugs?
to slow rate of disease progression of the interstitial lung disease
What is the only criteria for being prescribed anti-fibrotic drugs?
that the patient has a diagnosis of idiopathic disease
that the patient has an FVC of between 50 - 80 % of their normal predicted FVC
Why are anti-fibrotic drugs often poorly tolerated?
significant weight loss
significant GI upset (with nausea and diarrhoea)
photosensitivity (have to wear sunblock at all times)
How is suitability assessed for a lung transplant?
usually under the age of 65
with no significant comorbidities
RARE to be suitable - ILB is a disease of the elderly
What are the common causes for deterioration in IPF patients?
infection
pulmonary embolism
pneumothorax
acute exacerbation
What is the only deterioration when IV steriods can be used for treatment in IPF patients?
when the patient develops acute exacerbation
What are some co-morbidities of IPF patients?
gastroesophageal reflux disease
COPD (from history of smoking)
lung cancer
How are IPF patient’s symptoms palliated?
assessed for ambulatory oxygen or for long term oxygen
pulmonary rehab
What happens during long term oxygen delivery?
oxygen is provided for 15 to 16 hours per day
What si the effect of long term oxygen delivery for an IPF patient?
reduces chronic hypoxia
reduces their risk of cor pumonale
Which two things are improved through pulmonary rehab?
lung capacity
quality of life
Why are benzodiazepines and opiates prescribed for IPF patients?
to help manage anxiety and the sensation of breathlessness
What is the effect of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
diffuse inflammation of the lung parenchyma
especially in the upper lobes
What is the cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis triggered by?
an inhaled antigen
What could hypersensitivity pneumonitis be triggered by?
bird fancier’s lung
farmers lung
aspergillus
could be anything (e.g. playing bagpipes not cleaning them) - 50% of cases where the causing antigen is unknown
What causes bird fancier’s lung?
avian proteins present in the dry dust of the droppings and sometimes in the feathers of a variety of birds
What are the three classes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis symptoms?
acute
subacute
chronic
What are the acute symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
shortness of breath cough fever malaise crackles within 4-6 hours of heavy exposure often misdiagnosed as infection
What are the sub-acute symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
gradual onset of symptoms
weight loss - common
What are the chronic symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
insidious onset
history of acute episodes may be absent
even after antigen removal, symptoms may continue
may lead to irreversible fibrosis
What condition is likely to be responsible for most cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
many years of continuous or intermittent inhalation of the inciting agent
What type of complex is produced during the precipitin test?
IgG antibody-antigen complexes
How is hypersensitivity pneumonitis diagnosed?
using the precipitin test