ABSTRACT

BackgroundMultidisciplinary meetings (MDM) are the current “gold standard” in interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis and comprise inter-disciplinary discussion of multiple forms of information to provide diagnostic and management outputs. Although bias could be potentially inserted at any step in the discussion process, to date there has been no consensus regarding the appropriate constitution and governance of MDM. We sought to determine the features of ILD MDMs based within ILD centres of excellence around the world.MethodsAn internet based questionnaire was sent to twelve expert centres in Europe, North America, and Australia seeking information regarding the structure and governance of their MDM. Data was analysed for consistent themes and points of contrast.ResultsResponses were received from 10 out of 12 centres. Similarities were demonstrated with regards to contributing attendees, meeting frequency and case numbers reviewed. Significant heterogeneity in attendee speciality group type, quantity and method of data presentation, approach to diagnosis formulation and documentation, and information provision was apparent.ConclusionsThe constitution of ILD MDMs differs considerably between expert centres. Such differences may result in discordant outcomes, and emphasise the need for further evidence regarding the appropriate constitution and governance of ILD MDMs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12890-016-0179-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lung transplantation in Australia is 32 years old in 2018. From its early infancy in 1986, it continues to evolve and is internationally recognised as demonstrating world's best practices in organ donation, utilisation and transplantation procedures. Over the past decade, transplant numbers have increased substantially due to innovations in donor procurement, such as donation after circulatory death, the use of ex vivo lung perfusion, extended criteria and organ utilisation, with more than 200 lung transplants undertaken in Australia annually. Parallel to this, lung transplant outcomes have continued to improve. While the management of lung transplant recipients is heavily dependent on a tertiary care paradigm, this model is well developed and has been extremely successful, with Australian outcomes exceeding those of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry at all time points.

Occupational lung disease secondary to inhalation of silica particles is variable and potentially life‐threatening. As the artificial stone industry has grown over the last two decades, the development of silicosis has been seen to accelerate and behave differently to chronic silicosis. In this case report, we present two patients who underwent lung transplantation for silicosis at the Alfred Hospital, both with predominantly artificial stone masonry exposure. We have identified the presence of both fibrotic/nodular silicosis and conspicuous alveolar proteinosis within the same lung parenchyma of both patients. We then demonstrate the radiological and histopathological correlates of disease; the first time this has been shown clearly in the literature.

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Optimization of lungs for organ donation is becoming increasingly important as donation rates stagnate despite growing waiting lists. Improving procurement and utilization of donated lungs has the ability to reduce mortality and time on the lung transplantation (LTx) waiting list. Additionally, assessment and optimization of donor lungs can reduce both early and late post-LTx morbidity and mortality, as well as reduce overall costs and resource utility. Areas covered: Strategies that we will discuss in detail include intensive care management practices, such as targeted ventilation protocols and therapeutic bronchoscopy, as well as the ever expanding possibilities within the arena of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). Expert commentary: Donor lung quality is currently optimized both in vivo prior to organ procurement, and also via EVLP circuits. Despite good evidence demonstrating the utility of both approaches, data remain elusive as to whether EVLP is beneficial for all donor lungs prior to implantation, or instead as a tool by which we can evaluate and recondition sub-optimal donor lungs.

Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) remains a significant challenge and the major determinant of morbidity and mortality post lung transplantation (LTx). The definition of CLAD has evolved significantly over the last ten years, reflecting better understanding of pathophysiology and different phenotypes. While there is an agreed consensus approach to CLAD, questions remain regarding the limitations of lung function parameters as well as the role of imaging and histopathology. Here we present a current snapshot of the definition of CLAD, its evolution and future directions.