Hidden burden of osteoporosis in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

This is a reminder of a rare cause of osteoporosis that remains widely underdiagnosed and lacks specific evidence on its optimal management. We bring a case report of a patient presenting with erectile dysfunction and high testosterone level but also elevated sex-hormone binding globulin hence low free androgen index as well as evidence of organ specific hypogonadal side effects such as osteoporosis. A unifying diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) brought together his coexistent mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as a new finding of previously unrecognised liver disease. This case highlights the uncertainties over the mechanism of osteoporosis in AATD as well as the controversies over best way to manage it. The efficacy of testosterone replacement in managing osteoporosis in the context of AATD remains untested. National registries for AATD would be best placed at gathering further evidence in this area.

Atrial fibrillation and pneumothorax after transthoracic needle lung biopsy.

An obese 65-year-old male smoker with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developed an iatrogenic pneumothorax with pulmonary haemorrhage during an elective transthoracic needle biopsy of a pulmonary lesion. Successful re-inflation was achieved with a chest drain which was then removed before transfer to the medical ward. He later developed persistent atrial fibrillation with breathlessness and haemoptysis. He was treated empirically for a pulmonary embolus, which was subsequently ruled out with CT pulmonary angiogram. Serial chest radiographs demonstrated recurrence of his pneumothorax and a chest drain was re-inserted. His atrial fibrillation was erroneously managed as supraventricular tachycardia, which was resistant to vagal manoeuvres and adenosine but later responded to intravenous amiodarone before a further relapse. Upon successful management of the pneumothorax, his atrial fibrillation terminated. This case highlighted the persistent and serious nature of complications posttransthoracic needle biopsy.