ABSTRACT
Sarcoidosis is a disease which presents important clinical differences according to its geographical distribution. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiologic, clinical, radiologic, and diagnostic characteristics in a series of 30 sarcoidosis patients in the province of Salamanca (representing the Castilla-Leon region). The most relevant results are the following: a) in our region, sarcoidosis predominates in females and furthermore, the presenting age in females is greater than in males; b) there is a clear predominance of the disease in the rural area; c) the prevalence of smoking habit in these patients is low (10%); d) the clinical manifestations are similar to other Spanish series with the exception, however of a high incidence of hypercalciuria; e) there is no correlation between the increase in sedimentation rate and the degree of sarcoidosis activity; f) there is a predominance of the radiologic type 11 of the disease and there is a high number of atypic radiologic patterns. The results obtained are with regard to the pathogeny are discussed as well as the differences and similarities of this series with other preceding from other regions.
Subject(s)
Sarcoidosis/epidemiology , Adult , Epidemiologic Factors , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Spain/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Diffuse alveolar-interstitial lung disease is a syndrome characterized, amongst others, by a common pathogenic scheme. The different phases of its pathogenesis are reviewed in this work. First of all, the concept of alveolitis is described, indicating its characteristics and general consequences of this lesion. Secondly, the different agents which could lead to the destruction of alveolar and interstitial structures, especially those of macrophagic origin, are reviewed. Next, the different types of granulomas, cells of which they are formed, and their general production mechanism are described. Finally the concept of lung fibrosis are reviewed, studying the different processes which lead to increased collagen in the interstitial tissue, specially chemotaxis and fibroblastic proliferative factors.
Subject(s)
Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism , Pulmonary Fibrosis/physiopathology , HumansABSTRACT
The alveolar macrophage (AM) is the most abundant immunocompetent cell in the alveolus. Studies of this cell type have usually focused on its morphological, enzymatic or functional aspects but little attention has been paid to its origin or kinetics or to the functional relationship it has with local structures. There were two aims in this present work: firstly, to review the current data relating to the origin of this cell type, emphasizing the following aspects: Immediate and remote precursors of the alveolar macrophage. The proliferative capacity of the alveolar macrophage. Its routes of elimination. Regulating factors. Secondly, the main relationships of the alveolar macrophage with other cells of the alveolus and pulmonary interstitium were considered. This was done from two different viewpoints: The action of the alveolar macrophage on adjacent cells. The actions of local cells of the alveolar macrophage itself.
Subject(s)
Macrophages , Pulmonary Alveoli/cytology , Bone Marrow Cells , Cell Communication , Cell Differentiation , Cell Division , Cell Movement , Hematopoietic Stem Cells/cytology , Humans , Interleukins/physiology , Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/physiology , Macrophages/cytology , Macrophages/physiology , Phagocytosis , Pulmonary Alveoli/immunologyABSTRACT
We present two cases of Morgagni hernia complicated by the clinical picture of intestinal sub-occlusion and gastric strangulation, respectively. Photographs are offered and it is emphasized that plain film radiology followed by barium studies suffices for its diagnosis. An interesting aspect examined in the discussion is the surgical procedure; we used the subxiphoid approach in our cases with excellent results.
