Technologies in the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 6917

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: lung diseases; micro-CT; diagnostic imaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, great advances have been made regarding the treatment of various lung diseases, but considerable heterogeneity in the treatment response remains present. In this context, precision medicine aims to account for inter-individual variability and provide a more targeted approach to patient care, enhancing the accuracy of diagnosis, the prediction of prognosis, and the efficacy of treatment. Physiological measurements, medical imaging, and measurements obtained from biological samples from the cellular to the molecular level represent relevant biomarkers. Advances in radiology and image processing techniques have enhanced the diagnostic possibilities in terms of both sensitivity and non-invasiveness. The development of wearable devices has applicative prospects for the real-time assessment and monitoring of respiratory function. Additionally, machine learning, when applied to multi-omics features, has introduced the possibility of screening for the potential biomarkers of susceptibility.

Via original contributions and review articles, this Special Issue, entitled “Technologies in the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases”, aims to provide evidence of the continuous technological advances made in the diagnostic methods available for lung diseases, which will offer a unique opportunity in future clinical care.

Dr. Francesca Pennati
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2516 KiB  
Article
Circulating MicroRNAs as Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer and Its Differentiation from Tuberculosis
by Yeldar Ashirbekov, Nazgul Khamitova, Kantemir Satken, Arman Abaildayev, Ilya Pinskiy, Askar Yeleussizov, Laura Yegenova, Anargul Kairanbayeva, Danara Kadirshe, Gulzhakhan Utegenova, Nurlan Jainakbayev and Kamalidin Sharipov
Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2684; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232684 - 28 Nov 2024
Abstract
Background: The differential diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer (LC) is often challenging due to similar clinicopathological presentations when bacterial shedding is negative, which can lead to delays in treatment. In this study, we tested the potential of plasma-circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) for [...] Read more.
Background: The differential diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer (LC) is often challenging due to similar clinicopathological presentations when bacterial shedding is negative, which can lead to delays in treatment. In this study, we tested the potential of plasma-circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) for the early and differential diagnosis of TB and LC. Methods: We conducted a two-phase study: profiling 188 miRNAs in pooled plasma samples and validating 14 selected miRNAs in individual plasma samples from 68 LC patients, 38 pulmonary TB patients, and 41 healthy controls. Results: Twelve miRNAs were significantly elevated in LC patients compared to controls and TB patients, while two miRNAs were significantly elevated in TB patients compared to controls. ROC analysis demonstrated that miR-130b-3p, miR-1-3p, miR-423-5p, and miR-200a-3p had good discriminatory ability to distinguish LC patients (including those with stage I tumours) from healthy individuals and miR-130b-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-15b-5p, and miR-18b-5p effectively distinguished LC patients (including those with stage I tumours) from TB patients. Additionally, miR-18b-5p showed good discriminatory ability between SCLC and NSCLC patients. Conclusions: Circulating miRNAs hold strong potential for the early detection of LC and for distinguishing LC from TB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technologies in the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases)
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12 pages, 1155 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Volitional and Non-Volitional Quadriceps Muscle Endurance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
by Anouk A. F. Stoffels, Neeltje A. E. Allard, Martijn A. Spruit, Peter Klijn, Maria T. E. Hopman, Roy Meys, Frits M. E. Franssen, Silvie Timmers, Bram van den Borst and Hieronymus W. H. van Hees
Diagnostics 2024, 14(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14020190 - 15 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1369
Abstract
Volitional assessment of quadriceps muscle endurance is clinically relevant in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, studies that determine the construct validity of volitional tests by comparing them to non-volitional measures are lacking. Therefore, the aim of the current study is [...] Read more.
Volitional assessment of quadriceps muscle endurance is clinically relevant in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, studies that determine the construct validity of volitional tests by comparing them to non-volitional measures are lacking. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to evaluate the correlation between volitional and non-volitional quadriceps muscle endurance in patients with COPD. Quadriceps muscle endurance was evaluated in twenty-six patients with COPD. A volitional isometric and a volitional isokinetic protocol were performed on a computerised dynamometer to determine the isometric time and isokinetic work fatigue index, respectively. Non-volitional assessment of quadriceps muscle endurance was evaluated using repetitive electrical stimulations to establish the isometric muscle force decline. Sixteen patients (61 ± 8 years, 63% male, FEV1 47 (32–53)%) performed all three quadriceps endurance tests conforming to pre-defined test criteria. Both volitional isometric time and isokinetic work fatigue index did not significantly correlate with non-volitional muscle force decline (both p > 0.05). There was a strong correlation between volitional isometric time and isokinetic work fatigue index (rho = −0.716, p = 0.002). To conclude, this study suggests that volitional measures evaluate partly different aspects of quadriceps muscle endurance compared to non-volitional measures. Accordingly, these outcome measures cannot be used interchangeably. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technologies in the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases)
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10 pages, 4237 KiB  
Article
Implementation of Individualized Low-Dose Computed Tomography-Guided Hook Wire Localization of Pulmonary Nodules: Feasibility and Safety in the Clinical Setting
by Wei Wei, Shi-Geng Wang, Jing-Yi Zhang, Xiao-Yu Togn, Bei-Bei Li, Xin Fang, Ren-Wang Pu, Yu-Jing Zhou and Yi-Jun Liu
Diagnostics 2023, 13(20), 3235; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13203235 - 17 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1058
Abstract
Background: CT-guided hook-wire localization is an essential step in the management of small pulmonary nodules. Few studies, however, have focused on reducing radiation exposure during the procedure. Purpose: This study aims to explore the feasibility of implementing a low-dose computed tomography (CT)-guided hook [...] Read more.
Background: CT-guided hook-wire localization is an essential step in the management of small pulmonary nodules. Few studies, however, have focused on reducing radiation exposure during the procedure. Purpose: This study aims to explore the feasibility of implementing a low-dose computed tomography (CT)-guided hook wire localization using tailored kVp based on patients’ body size. Materials and Methods: A total of 151 patients with small pulmonary nodules were prospectively enrolled for CT-guided hook wire localization using individualized low-dose CT (LDCT) vs. standard-dose CT (SDCT) protocols. Radiation dose, image quality, characteristics of target nodules and procedure-related variables were compared. All variables were analyzed using Chi-Square and Student’s t-test. Results: The mean CTDIvol was significantly reduced for LDCT (for BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2, 0.56 ± 0.00 mGy and for BMI > 21 kg/m2, 1.48 ± 0.00 mGy) when compared with SDCT (for BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2, 5.24 ± 0.95 mGy and for BMI > 21 kg/m2, 6.69 ± 1.47 mGy). Accordingly, the DLP of LDCT was significantly reduced as compared with that of SDCT (for BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2, 56.86 ± 4.73 vs. 533.58 ± 122.06 mGy.cm, and for BMI > 21 kg/m2, 167.02 ± 38.76 vs. 746.01 ± 230.91 mGy.cm). In comparison with SDCT, the effective dose (ED) of LDCT decreased by an average of 89.42% (for BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2) and 77.68% (for BMI > 21 kg/m2), respectively. Although the images acquired with the LDCT protocol yielded inferior quality to those acquired with the SDCT protocol, they were clinically acceptable for hook wire localization. Conclusions: LDCT-guided localization can provide safety and nodule detection performance comparable to SDCT-guided localization, benefiting radiation dose reduction dramatically, especially for patients with small body mass indexes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technologies in the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases)
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Review

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24 pages, 1914 KiB  
Review
Modeling Realistic Geometries in Human Intrathoracic Airways
by Francesca Pennati, Lorenzo Aliboni and Andrea Aliverti
Diagnostics 2024, 14(17), 1979; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14171979 - 7 Sep 2024
Viewed by 759
Abstract
Geometrical models of the airways offer a comprehensive perspective on the complex interplay between lung structure and function. Originating from mathematical frameworks, these models have evolved to include detailed lung imagery, a crucial enhancement that aids in the early detection of morphological changes [...] Read more.
Geometrical models of the airways offer a comprehensive perspective on the complex interplay between lung structure and function. Originating from mathematical frameworks, these models have evolved to include detailed lung imagery, a crucial enhancement that aids in the early detection of morphological changes in the airways, which are often the first indicators of diseases. The accurate representation of airway geometry is crucial in research areas such as biomechanical modeling, acoustics, and particle deposition prediction. This review chronicles the evolution of these models, from their inception in the 1960s based on ideal mathematical constructs, to the introduction of advanced imaging techniques like computerized tomography (CT) and, to a lesser degree, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The advent of these techniques, coupled with the surge in data processing capabilities, has revolutionized the anatomical modeling of the bronchial tree. The limitations and challenges in both mathematical and image-based modeling are discussed, along with their applications. The foundation of image-based modeling is discussed, and recent segmentation strategies from CT and MRI scans and their clinical implications are also examined. By providing a chronological review of these models, this work offers insights into the evolution and potential future of airway geometry modeling, setting the stage for advancements in diagnosing and treating lung diseases. This review offers a novel perspective by highlighting how advancements in imaging techniques and data processing capabilities have significantly enhanced the accuracy and applicability of airway geometry models in both clinical and research settings. These advancements provide unique opportunities for developing patient-specific models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technologies in the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases)
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28 pages, 3237 KiB  
Review
Recent Technologies for Transcutaneous Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Monitoring
by Sara Bernasconi, Alessandra Angelucci, Anastasia De Cesari, Aurora Masotti, Maurizio Pandocchi, Francesca Vacca, Xin Zhao, Chiara Paganelli and Andrea Aliverti
Diagnostics 2024, 14(8), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14080785 - 9 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2918
Abstract
The measurement of partial pressures of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is fundamental for evaluating a patient’s conditions in clinical practice. There are many ways to retrieve O2/CO2 partial pressures and concentrations. Arterial blood gas [...] Read more.
The measurement of partial pressures of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is fundamental for evaluating a patient’s conditions in clinical practice. There are many ways to retrieve O2/CO2 partial pressures and concentrations. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is the gold standard technique for such a purpose, but it is invasive, intermittent, and potentially painful. Among all the alternative methods for gas monitoring, non-invasive transcutaneous O2 and CO2 monitoring has been emerging since the 1970s, being able to overcome the main drawbacks of ABG analysis. Clark and Severinghaus electrodes enabled the breakthrough for transcutaneous O2 and CO2 monitoring, respectively, and in the last twenty years, many innovations have been introduced as alternatives to overcome their limitations. This review reports the most recent solutions for transcutaneous O2 and CO2 monitoring, with a particular consideration for wearable measurement systems. Luminescence-based electronic paramagnetic resonance and photoacoustic sensors are investigated. Optical sensors appear to be the most promising, giving fast and accurate measurements without the need for frequent calibrations and being suitable for integration into wearable measurement systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technologies in the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases)
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