[Eosinophilic granuloma (histiocytosis-X) with lung and bone manifestations]. / Eosinophiles Granulom (Histiozytosis-X) mit pulmonaler und ossärer Manifestation

A 26 year-old male presented with a spontaneous pathological fracture of the right femur caused by an osteolytic lesion. A chest X-ray demonstrated the coexistence of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrocaseous tuberculosis and widespread malignancy were ruled out by appropriate investigations. The differential diagnosis, as based on the histological examination of the bone tumour, rested between hyperparathyroidism complicated by pulmonary disease and eosinophilic granuloma with lung manifestations. Hyperparathyroidism was ruled out by the absence of clinical and biochemical evidence of a disturbance of calcium metabolism. The diagnosis of histiocytosis-X was established by the histological appearance of the lung biopsy.

[Pneumocystis carinii infections following kidney transplantation]. / Pneumocystis-Carinii-Infektion nach Nierentransplantation

Four adult recipients of cadaveric renal homografts acquired Pneumocystis carinii infections from which they subsequently died. The disease in adults under immunosuppressive therapy runs a course different from the disease observed in newborns. The clinical course is rapidly progressive and early diagnosis by means of aggressive diagnostic procedures is mandatory. To prevent a fatal outcome, treatment even on suspicion is suggested. Epidemiologically, a person-to-person spread seems possible and isolation of the patient is necessary.