Chest
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Rapid evaluation for pneumothorax is a common clinical priority. Although lung ultrasound (LUS) often is used to assess for pneumothorax, its diagnostic accuracy varies based on patient and provider factors. To enhance the performance of LUS for pulmonary pathologic features, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted imaging has been adopted; however, the diagnostic accuracy of AI-assisted LUS (AI-LUS) deployed in real time to diagnose pneumothorax remains unknown. ⋯ In this study, real-time AI-LUS showed high sensitivity and moderate specificity to identify the absence of lung sliding. Further research to improve model performance and optimize the integration of AI-LUS into existing diagnostic pathways is warranted.
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The epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections is not well described. In this study, we sought to determine the incidence and prevalence of NTM infections and focus on social risk factors. In addition, we describe people with pulmonary and extrapulmonary NTM. ⋯ This study indicates that the prevalence of NTM disease in Denmark increased between 2000 and 2017. We found that patients with pulmonary NTM and patients with extrapulmonary NTM represent two distinct groups that differ in age, sex, education, and employment status. Increased suspicion of pulmonary NTM disease is warranted in older adults after exclusion of more common lung infections.
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A 36-year-old woman with a medical history of opioid use disorder and frequent urinary tract infections presented to the ED from her opioid use disorder clinic, where she was found to have an oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (Spo2) of 82% on room air. Starting 3 days before presentation, the patient's family noted worsening pale complexion and blue lips at rest. These findings of cyanosis had occurred a few times before and always resolved within a couple days without any medical intervention. ⋯ She had no dietary restrictions, had been eating her normal diet, and lived in a mobile home with her family, two dogs, and a gerbil. The patient reported using less than 10 tobacco cigarettes per day, one marijuana cigarette nightly, and no alcohol or other drugs. She worked in a warehouse stacking prepackaged bread.
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Community advisory boards (CABs) are increasingly recognized as a means of incorporating patient experience into clinical practice and research. The power of CABs is derived from engaging with community members as equals throughout the research process. Despite this, little is known of community member experience and views on best practices for running a CAB in a rare pulmonary disease. ⋯ By centering our evaluation of our CAB on community member experience, we were able to both identify facilitators and impediments to CAB as well as improve our own processes.