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<b><i>Background:</i></b> Thoracoscopy is the “gold standard” diagnostic modality for investigation of suspected pleural malignancy. It is postulated that meticulous assessment of the pleural cavity may be adequate to indicate malignancy through the macroscopic findings of nodules, pleural thickening, and lymphangitis. We attempted to critically assess this practice, by precisely defining objective macroscopic criteria which might differentiate benign from malignant pleural diseases according to intrapleural pattern and anatomical location, and thereby to explore the predilection of abnormalities to specific sites on pleural surfaces. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A structured review of recorded video footage from medical thoracoscopy procedures in 96 patients was conducted by 2 independent assessors. Abnormalities were scored on agreed, objective criteria for the presence of nodules, lymphangitis and inflammation on each of the costoparietal, visceral and diaphragmatic surfaces. The costoparietal pleura was divided into 6 levels (apical, middle, and inferior surfaces of the lateral and posterior parietal pleura). The anterior surface of the costoparietal pleura was excluded from analysis after interim review as this surface was rarely seen. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the benign group, inflammation was the predominant finding in 65% (<i>n</i> = 33; costoparietal), 44% (<i>n</i> = 21; visceral), and 42% (<i>n</i> = 15; diaphragmatic). Nodules were detected in 24% (<i>n</i> = 12; costoparietal), 8% (<i>n</i> = 4; visceral), and 8% (<i>n</i> = 3; diaphragmatic). The most affected surfaces with inflammation were the middle lateral (60%) and the inferior lateral (57.8%) parts of the costoparietal pleura. In the malignant group, nodules were the predominant finding according to surface in 73% (<i>n</i> = 33; costoparietal), 32% (<i>n</i> = 13; visceral) and 48% (<i>n</i> = 17; diaphragmatic). Inflammation was detected in 44% (<i>n</i> = 20; costoparietal), 25% (<i>n</i> = 10; visceral), and 29% (<i>n</i> = 10; diaphragmatic). The most affected surfaces with nodules were the middle lateral (67.4%) and inferior lateral (66.7%) costoparietal pleural surfaces. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This is the first detailed, anatomical description of abnormalities in the pleural space during thoracoscopy. While nodules were the predominant pattern in malignant pleural effusion, they were detected in 24% of benign diagnoses. Detection of nodules in &#x3e;1 area of the costoparietal pleura was in favor of a malignant diagnosis. Inflammation was the predominant pattern in benign pleural effusion. Our results suggest that macroscopic nodules in malignant diagnoses have a predilection for the middle and inferior surfaces of the lateral costoparietal pleura.

OBJECTIVE: Interstitial lung disease is the most frequent lung symptom of rheumatoid arthritis and is a significant contributor to morbidity. As a result, the target of this research was to measure the frequency of radiological and functional abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis patients who did not have any respiratory symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study consists of 30 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. All involved cases were exposed to entire history taking and clinical examination. All patients were examined by high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests. Results: According to the computed tomography visual score, 73.3% showed interstitial lung disease. The most common abnormalities were reticular patterns (46.7%) followed by nodular patterns (40%) and septal lines (23.3%). However, 36% of the patients had a normal pulmonary function, while 32% had a small airway affection, 20% had restrictive lung disease, and 12% had obstructive lung disease. A significant association was found between supine expiratory volume and computed tomography visual score. Results showed no association between interstitial lung disease and all lung function test parameters. Conclusion: Subclinical interstitial lung disease is frequent among rheumatoid arthritis patents. A combination of pulmonary function tests with computed tomography is essential to enhance the recognition of subclinical interstitial lung disease as normal pulmonary function alone cannot exclude its presence.

Introduction Malignant pleural effusion is a frequent problem. Pleurodesis is performed to prevent its recurrence. New, effective, and safe sclerosing agents are needed. Aim The aim of this was to compare efficacy and safety of silver nitrate solution 0.5% versus cisplatin in achievement of pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusion. Patients and methods Prospective randomized single-blinded clinical trial performed at Chest, Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Departments, Mansoura University, from February 2016 to March 2017. A total of 60 patients (26 male and 34 female) with malignant pleural effusion were divided into two groups: first group included 30 patients who were managed with silver nitrate pleurodesis, and second group included 30 patients who were managed by intrapleural cisplatin injection. The success rate of pleurodesis was considered if there was no clinical or radiological recurrence of effusion for 1 month after intervention. Results There were significant improvements in cough, chest pain, and dyspnea in the two groups after 1 month versus that before pleurodesis. The success rate of pleurodesis in silver nitrate group was 90 versus 76.7% in cisplatin group, without significant difference (P=0.166). Chest pain was reported in 26.7% in silver nitrate group and 13.3% in cisplatin group, and fever was reported in 33.3% in silver nitrate group and 20.0% in cisplatin group. Recurrence was reported in 10% in silver nitrate group and in 23.3% in cisplatin group. Conclusion Silver nitrate and cisplatin were nearly equally effective, safe, and less expensive agents in achievement of pleurodesis in patients with malignant effusion with high success rate and low complications.

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