Objective To improve the knowledge on dynamic benign central airway stenosis through two typical cases. Methods The clinical features, imaging findings, and bronchial morphologic changes of two cases characterized by dynamic benign central airway stenosis were retrospectively analyzed. The etiologies for the two cases were tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC), respectively. Results Central airway stenosis and reversible airway obstruction were common clinical characteristics for the two cases. However, there were identifiable differences on imaging findings and bronchial morphologic changes between the two cases. Multidetector computed tomography showed sabre-sheath trachea and narrowed trachea in coronal position for TBM, while small sized trachea in exhalation phase and narrowed trachea in sagittal position for EDAC. Bronchoscopy displayed narrowed airway, swelling mucosa, and the absence of annular cartilage for TBM, while crescent airway with membranacea part protruding to lumen in inspiration phase, and the integrity of annular cartilage for EDAC. Conclusion Multidetector computed tomography and bronchoscopy examinations are valid methods to distinguish TBM and EDAC, which are both characterized by dynamic benign central airway stenosis.
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D detection for the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) by Meta-analysis. Methods Literatures published before August 2017 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, China Biology Medicine database, China National Knowledge Internet, Wangfang, and VIP database to retrieve the study about VEGF-D detection for LAM. The studies were screened according to the inclusive and exclusive criteria, the data were extracted, the quality was assessed and the Meta-analysis was performed with related statistical software. Results Six primary studies were included and 521 patients met the inclusion criterion. The Meta-analysis showed the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio of 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.70, 0.79)], 0.95 [95%CI (0.91, 0.98)], 16.20 [95%CI (8.70, 30.19)], 0.20 [95%CI (0.10, 0.40)] and 89.49 [95%CI (38.46, 208.22)], respectively. The area under the curve was 0.953 9. Conclusions VEGF-D detection showes a good diagnostic value for LAM. A positive result is more clinical meaningful compared with a negative result, helping for the confirmation of the disease.