The association of atopic diseases with endometriosis.

Comparisons of the incidence of health-related problems were conducted between women with demonstrable endometriosis (N = 88) and a control group (N = 88). Increased incidence of respondents' reports of allergic manifestations (p less than .005) were found. Directions for further research are suggested.

Allergic sino-orbital mycosis. A clinical and immunologic study.

We present a case of pansinusitis with orbital involvement associated with an allergic response to the fungus Curvularia (Cochliobolus) lunata. Key elements to the diagnosis included a predominant eosinophilic response of the sinus mucosa, the presence of a characteristic mucoid exudate containing fungal hyphae, peripheral blood eosinophilia, serum precipitins against C lunata, elevated serum total and Curvularia-specific IgE and IgG concentrations, and immediate cutaneous reactivity to C lunata antigen. This report suggests that an exaggerated allergic response should be considered in the pathogenesis of pansinusitis. The presence of fungal hyphae in sinus mucosal specimens should alert the physician to the possibility of this disease. Sinus fungal cultures, as well as thorough immunologic evaluation, of such patients is recommended.

Late sequelae of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Seven patients with late sequelae of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) are described. All seven had significant chronic symptoms from asthma. At the time of diagnosis of ABPA all patients had marked irreversible pulmonary function abnormalities; symptoms of chronic bronchitis were present in all. Pulmonary fibrosis was present in six of seven patients. Three patients have died from irreversible lung disease with terminal cardiac failure. Despite the difficulty in establishing an early diagnosis of ABPA, its importance must be emphasized in order to attempt to prevent progression of the disease to severe irreversible and potentially fatal end-stage lung disease.

Skin test reactivity to dog-derived antigens.

Skin test reactivity to canine antigens was studied by testing atopic patients and veterinarians using a commercially prepared mixed-dog epithelial antigen and breed-specific antigens including dander extracts, serum and urine, obtained from thirty-one different pure-bred dogs. Increased skin test reactivity was noted using breed-specific antigens as compared to the mixed-dog commercial screening extract. Variation in skin test responsivity related to specific breed antigens was also noted. The results suggest that skin tests using canine urine and serum antigens, in addition to the conventional dander antigens, may be useful in the diagnosis of hypersensitivity to dogs.

Acquired angioedema associated with rectal carcinoma and its response to danazol therapy. Acquired angioedema treated with danazol.

Cases of the acquired form of angioedema have been recognized as a separate entity since 1972. Previously reported cases have been related to various hematologic malignancies. We have recently studied a patient with rectal carcinoma who manifests a complement pattern compatible with the acquired form of angioedema. No previous personal or family history of allergic disease or angioedema was present. Because the episodes of angioedema were laryngeal in location and required emergency intubation to maintain an adequate airway, a trial of danazol prophylaxis, which has been shown to be effective in hereditary angioedema, was undertaken. His beneficial response to this form of therapy is also documented.

Cytotoxic testing for food allergy: evaluation of reproducibility and correlation.

Cytotoxic food tests still present conflicting opinions concerning their validity. Nine atopic patients with or without a history of food allergy were studied along with 5 nonatopic patients. All tests were conducted in a double-blind fashion with 6 determinations for each of 10 food antigens. Reproducibility of the test (5/6 positive or negative) was demonstrated with wheat, milk, yeast, chocolate, and orange. In the nonatopic group, reproducible results were obtained for wheat, egg, yeast, chocolate, and chicken. Clinical correlation with 11 foods in 7 patients was demonstrated. However, there were 46 positive tests without correlation and 2 negative tests with positive histories. Therefore, there appears to be reproducibility of the tests to only 3 foods but no apparent correlation with clinical symptoms. At the present time, cytotoxic tests offer no reliable help in establishing the diagnosis of food allergy.

Correlation between date of birth and pollen sensitivity.

Attempts by previous investigators have failed to show significant correlation between seasonal pollens and the birth dates of individuals as evidence for the development of tolerance in immunologically immature neonates. Using a large clinic population with adequate controls, significant correlation between ragweed, grass or tree pollen sensitivity and the dates of birth was not obtained.