Non-Invasive Imaging Methods and Inflammatory Markers in Early Stage Tracheal Stenosis in Rabbits

Résumé fourni par la source

Introduction: Post-intubation tracheal stenosis is a prevalent tracheal disease. Diagnosis is delayed because symptoms usually appear when 70% of the tracheal diameter is compromised, limiting early diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To test non-invasive assessment imaging methods and inflammatory markers capable of detecting early-stage tracheal stenosis in a rabbit model. Method: Thirty-three anesthetized New Zealand male rabbits underwent induction of tracheal stenosis by endoluminal electrocautery injury and were divided into Intervention (injury, n=26) and Control (no injury, n=7). Assessments before and 14 days after the procedure included airway endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and tracheal ultrasound (TUS). Venous blood samples were sent for cytokine evaluation. Animals were euthanized, and their tracheae were excised. Regular and stenotic tracheal segments are sent for cytokine evaluation and histology. Results: At 14 days, tracheal stenosis averaged a 23,5% reduction of cross-sectional luminal area as detected by CT. The TUS also detected stenosis (sensitivity 70%, specificity 100%, accuracy 76.9%). Inflammatory markers in the tracheal tissue homogenate from the tracheal stenosis site showed a significant increase in TGF-β1 and IL-8 in the Intervention animals (p<0.001), as well as plasmatic levels at 14 days post-procedure (p<0.001). VEGF and IL-6 in plasma and tissue homogenates showed no differences between Control and Intervention animals. Conclusion: Early tracheal stenosis was detected by non-invasive imaging methods (CT, TUS) in this rabbit model. Increased plasma and tracheal tissue inflammation biomarkers were found in animals with tracheal stenosis.

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