T-cell Lymphoma: A Rare Malignancy Masquerading as Tuberculosis

T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a rare and aggressive variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We present a case of T-LBL presenting as a right-side pleural effusion in a middle-aged person and biochemical characteristics similar to tuberculosis [lymphocytic exudative with high adenosine deaminase (ADA)] that confuses the diagnosis and delays the treatment. Thoracoscopy was suggestive of multiple varying size nodular lesions which may be characteristic of the disease. This case also emphasizes that all lymphocytic exudative effusions with elevated ADA are not tuberculosis, especially in middle-aged and elderly populations. Before labeling a diagnosis of tubercular pleural effusions, all other possible diagnoses should be ruled out.

Effects of enalapril, an ACE-inhibitor, on bronchial responsiveness in asthmatics.

To assess the effects of enalapril on bronchial responsiveness, we studied ten stable asthmatics and five healthy normal volunteers. Spirometry and methacholine bronchoprovocation dose (PC20) were measured before and after oral administration of 20 mg enalapril. Significant hypotensive effect was observed in all. More than two fold (2.73) increase in bronchial responsiveness was observed in the asthmatics (P < 0.01) without significant change in the expiratory flows. PC20 after enalapril fell by 56.8 +/- 23.0% of baseline value (P < 0.001). No significant change was observed in spirometric parameters and bronchial responsiveness in normal subjects. We conclude that enalapril significantly enhances BR and cannot be used safely in treatment of hypertension in asthmatics.

Effect of calcium channel antagonists on cholinergic bronchial responsiveness in asthma.

Bronchial responsiveness to methacholine was studied in 23 stable asthmatics before and after nifedipine and diltiazem. There was no significant bronchodilatory effect of either calcium channel antagonists. The mean provocative dose of methacholine required to produce a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20 = 0.157 +/- 0.74 mg) was not altered by nifedipine (PC20 = 0.159 +/- 0.61). However, diltiazem offered significant protection. The mean ratio of PC20 after diltiazem over baseline was 3.27 +/- 3.55. The results suggest that although both calcium channel antagonists have no influence on normal basal bronchomotor tone, diltiazem does significantly protect against cholinergic stimulation.

Albendazole in pulmonary hydatid disease.

A case of bilateral pulmonary hydatid disease successfully treated with six courses of albendazole obviating need for surgery is being reported. No side-effects of the drug were observed. Though the cysts ruptured initially but disappeared completely. No recurrence has been observed.

Is there any delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in preimplantation embryo of rhesus monkey?

This is the first report on the histochemical assessment of delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in all the preimplantation embryonic stages in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). An apparent stage dependent increase in enzyme activity was obtained, however, distinctively a high degree of non-specificity in enzyme reaction was noted primarily in morulae and blastocysts. Such marked non-specificity in the histochemical enzyme reaction for delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was not found in mouse blastocysts. High amounts of endogenous steroids present within rhesus embryos, or the participation of non-specific dehydrogenases could account for the observed non-specificity. Furthermore, the present report documents the pattern and degree of association (r = 0.9; P less than 0.01) between developmental stage and gestational age of preimplantation rhesus embryos, and thus provides a normal in situ cell cleavage rate of preimplantation embryo in the rhesus monkey.