ABSTRACT
A case of a female adult patient with croup is described. Inflammation, as well as pseudomembranes, restricting the patency of trachea, developed within several hours after the first symptoms of infection were observed. Tracheostomy was performed Bronchofiberoscopies were repeated on a regular basis several times a day over a period of two weeks, with the removal of fibrinous casts and dense secretion being the only way to save the patient's life.
Subject(s)
Croup , Croup/complications , Croup/diagnosis , Croup/drug therapy , Croup/surgery , Female , Humans , Middle AgedABSTRACT
The case od 22-years old woman with pulmonary microlithiasis is described. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination of lung tissue. In electron microscopy lung fibrosis was seen. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (lung compliance, diffusion capacity, exercise test) were done. The role of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung scintigraphy with technetium in the diagnostic procedure of this disease is discussed.
Subject(s)
Lithiasis/diagnosis , Lung Diseases/diagnosis , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Lung/pathology , Adult , Biopsy , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/cytology , Exercise Test , Female , Humans , Radiographic Image Enhancement , Radionuclide Imaging , Respiratory Function Tests , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
In 53 patients (37 females, 16 males, aged 17-64) with chronic extrinsic allergic alveolitis after two years of prednisone treatment (40 mg as initial dose reduced to 20 mg after 6 weeks and to 15 mg after 6 months) the significant increase (p < 0.05) of mean values of FVC, FEV1 and DCO and of clinical improvement were observed. No radiological improvement was seen. Complete allergen cessation (16 patients) had very limited influence on pulmonary function parameters and chest X-ray picture, but clinical symptoms were diminished in comparison with patients who stayed on their farms and were potentially exposed to allergens.
Subject(s)
Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic/drug therapy , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage , Prednisone/administration & dosage , Adolescent , Adult , Agricultural Workers' Diseases/diagnosis , Agricultural Workers' Diseases/drug therapy , Chronic Disease , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Lung/drug effects , Male , Middle Aged , Radiography , Respiratory Function Tests , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a very rare disease, first described by Rosen in 1958. It is characterized by the accumulation of lipoproteins in the pulmonary alveoli. Clinical and radiologic presentations are typical for the interstitial lung disease. Only few cases of this disease have been described in the Polish literature. A patient with disseminated lesions to the lungs is presented. A diagnosis was possible after an analysis of BAL fluid and histological examination of the lung tissue collected by the transbronchial biopsy.
Subject(s)
Lipoproteins/analysis , Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis/diagnosis , Biopsy , Bronchi/pathology , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/cytology , Humans , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , RadiographyABSTRACT
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and pulmonary function tests were carried out in 22 patients with chronic, extrinsic allergic alveolitis. In all a marked decrease of diffusion capacity was observed. The mean DLCO values was 34% predicted value. In 94% of the patients compliance was lowered. More pronounced abnormalities of pulmonary function (decrease of TLC and DLCO) were found with low BAL lymphocyte counts and increased macrophages count. The duration of the disease correlated with the absolute lymphocyte BAL count (r = -0.43). The BAL differential can be an additional measure of severity, duration of the disease process in chronic, extrinsic allergic alveolitis.
