Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis as presenting sign of cystic fibrosis in an elderly man.

BACKGROUND: Although cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disorder of children, its heterogeneous spectrum of severity lends itself to underdiagnosis in the older adult patient population where the index of suspicion is not high. METHODS: We report a 60-year-old Hispanic man with asthma who presented with progressive dyspnea and wheezing unresponsive to inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Additionally, he had clinical findings and a past history suggestive of cystic fibrosis. Skin testing, radiography and laboratory studies were completed to evaluate for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and cystic fibrosis. RESULTS: Test results revealed peripheral eosinophilia and hyper IgE. Skin testing to Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) was positive. IgG, IgM, and Af specific antibodies were present. High resolution CT scan showed central bronchiectasis. Sweat tests were positive on two separate occasions and gene analysis showed our patient to have a positive gene mutation at D127ON/D127ON. CONCLUSION: Cystic fibrosis should be suspected in the older adult patient with a compatible clinical presentation.

Toxoplasma gondii pneumonia in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: diagnosis by bronchoalveolar lavage.

We describe the cases of two individuals with advanced AIDS who sought treatment for rapidly progressive respiratory failure due to T gondii pneumonia. The first patient responded to specific therapy after an early diagnosis but died 2 months later of bacterial sepsis. In the second case, the diagnosis was made at autopsy. This led to a meticulous retrospective review of the original slides of material obtained from BAL. T gondii tachyzoites not previously identified during the initial analysis of the slides were seen on both GIE and PAP stains. Neither of our severely immunocompromised patients had evidence of central nervous system involvement. Even though we cannot exclude dissemination to other organs, a progressive pneumonitis mimicking a classic P carinii infection was the primary presentation. Trophozoites were identified by BAL in both cases, underscoring the diagnostic potential of this minimally invasive procedure.

Intermittent back pain after central venous catheter placement.

We report a case of inadvertent azygos placement of a central venous catheter. The patient experienced ill-defined back pain associated with total parenteral nutrition infusion. The catheter malposition remained unrecognized and resulted in extensive diagnostic work-up. Symptoms resolved after the catheter was withdrawn.

Prolonged survival in pulmonary veno-occlusive disease treated with nifedipine.

A case of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease diagnosed by open lung biopsy is presented. The patient had a clinical and hemodynamic response to therapy with nifedipine with a significant reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance. This is the first reported case of prolonged survival in this disease resulting from vasodilator therapy with nifedipine.