Despite the considerable progress in the classification of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), the lack of an international standard has resulted in variable and confusing diagnostic criteria and terminology. The advent of high-resolution computerized tomography, the narrowed pathologic definition of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and recognition of the prognostic importance of separating UIP from other IIP patterns have profoundly changed the approach to the IIPs. This is an international Consensus Statement defining the clinical manifestations, pathology, and radiologic features of patients with IIP. The major objectives of this statement are to standardize the classification of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) and to establish a uniform set of definitions and criteria for the diagnosis of IIPs. The targeted specialties are pulmonologists, radiologists, and pathologists. A multidisciplinary core panel was responsible for review of background articles and writing of the document. In addition, this group reviewed the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic aspects of a wide spectrum of cases of diffuse parenchymal interstitial lung diseases to establish a uniform and consistent approach to these diseases and to clarify the terminology, definitions, and descriptions used in routine clinical practice. The final statement was drafted after a series of meetings of the entire committee. The level of evidence for the recommendations made in this statement is largely that of expert opinion developed by consensus. This classification of IIPs includes seven clinico-radiologic-pathologic entities: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, acute interstitial pneumonia, respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia. The need for dynamic interaction between pathologists, radiologists, and pulmonologists to accurately diagnose these disorders is emphasized. The level of evidence for the recommendations made in this Statement is largely that of expert opinion developed by consensus. This Statement is an integrated clinical, radiologic, and pathologic approach to the classification of the IIPs. Use of this international multidisciplinary classification will provide a standardized nomenclature and diagnostic criteria for IIP. This Statement provides a framework for the future study of these entities. Key Messages * Unclassifiable interstitial pneumonia : Some cases are unclassifiable for a variety of reasons (see text). † This group represents a heterogeneous group with poorly characterized clinical and radiologic features that needs further study. ‡ COP is the preferred term, but it is synonymous with idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.

Testing for BK virus DNA in plasma from renal-allograft recipients with use of the polymerase chain reaction is a sensitive and specific method for identifying viral nephropathy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the UroVysion (Vysis, Downers Grove, IL) fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test for improved detection of bladder cancer in urinary specimens. Three groups of specimens were examined, including voided urine specimens (1) collected before resection of bladder cancer, (2) from cystoscopically negative bladders of patients with previous bladder cancer, and (3) from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (controls). FISH positivity was defined as more than 2 urothelial cells with an abnormal signal copy number of at least 1 of the 4 probes. FISH was positive in 1 of 27 control specimens and in 33 (73%) of 45 pTa, 12 (100%) of 12 pT1, and 13 (100%) of 13 pT2-4 tumors. The results were similar in a series of 68 bladder washings. In addition, FISH of voided urine specimens was positive in 5 of 10 patients with negative follow-up cystoscopy results. Subsequent recurrence was found in 4 of these patients but in none of 5 patients with FISH-negative results. Multiprobe FISH markedly improves the sensitivity and specificity of cytology for the detection of bladder cancer in urine specimens.

Summary:Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening infectious complication in neutropenic patients after high-dose chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Its diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms, and radiological signs on thoracic CT scan. The value of bronchoscopy is controversial. We analyzed the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy in 23 consecutive patients with histologically proven invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. In seven patients (30%) bronchoscopically obtained specimens were diagnostic for pulmonary fungal infection. Typical hyphae were detected by cytology in six patients and fungal cultures were positive in four cases. Patients with a positive bronchoscopic result presented more often with multiple changes on thoracic CT scan (71%; 5/7), but had received a lower median cumulative dose of amphotericine B (300 mg; 168-3010 mg) compared to patients with non-diagnostic bronchoscopy (25% multiple lesions (4/16); amphotericine dose 1100 mg, 260-2860 mg). The diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy was not associated with clinical symptoms or duration of neutropenia. Bronchoscopy allows the diagnosis of IPA in about one third of patients. Fungal cultures and cytological examination of intrabronchial specimens obtained during bronchoscopy have a high specificity, but its sensitivity is low. It is advisable to perform diagnostic bronchoscopy before starting antifungal therapy. Better diagnostic tools are urgently needed.

Recurrent rejection episodes and high dose immunosuppressive therapy, including tacrolimus, are risk factors for manifest PV kidney graft infection, which has an ominous prognosis.