Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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Crohn's disease can be associated with several respiratory manifestations. We report here a case of pulmonary migratory infiltrates associated with bilateral pleural thickening and peripheral eosinophilia. The histopathological findings show an association of necrotizing nodules, eosinophilic infiltration in the non-abscessed lung tissue, areas of non-caseating epithelioid granulomas, and an extensive pleural fibrosis. The different histopathological findings are detailed and the responsibility of either Crohn's disease or treatment by mesalazine is discussed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Placebo-controlled study of inhaled budesonide on indices of airway inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and bronchial biopsies in cross-country skiers.
Asthma-like symptoms, methacholine hyperresponsiveness, use of inhaled steroids, airway inflammation, and increased tenascin expression in the reticular basement membrane have been reported in competitive cross-country skiers. ⋯ We were unable to show any clear beneficial effect of budesonide in 'ski asthma'. As changes in training intensity probably accounted for the spontaneous improvement in bronchial responsiveness, more attention should be directed at reducing environmental stress to the airways than at attempting pharmacological modulation of induced inflammatory changes.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene which encodes a protein expressed in the apical membrane of exocrine epithelial cells. CFTR functions principally as a cAMP-induced chloride channel and appears capable of regulating other ion channels. Besides the most common mutation, DeltaF508, accounting for about 70% of CF chromosomes worldwide, more than 850 mutant alleles have been reported to the CF Genetic Analysis Consortium. ⋯ Besides patients with atypical CF, there are large numbers of so-called monosymptomatic diseases such as various forms of obstructive azoospermia, idiopathic pancreatitis or disseminated bronchiectasis associated with CFTR mutations uncharacteristic for CF. The composition, frequency and type of CFTR mutations/variants parallel the spectrum of CFTR-associated phenotypes, from classic CF to mild monosymptomatic presentations. Expansion of the spectrum of disease associated with the CFTR mutant genes creates a need for revision of the diagnostic criteria for CF and a dilemma for setting nosologic boundaries between CF and other diseases with CFTR etiology.
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Trepopnea is a condition whereby breathing may be comfortable in one position but difficult or labored in another. A unique case with trepopnea due to recurrent lung cancer with right main pulmonary artery stenosis and left main bronchus obstruction is presented. ⋯ An emergent wall stent implantation was performed via the right femoral vein in the sitting position with the patient's leg stretched out. The symptoms and respiratory function improved after stent implantation.
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In spite of the known role of cigarette smoking in the development of airflow limitation (AL), fewer than 20% of smokers actually develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ We conclude that the serum neutrophil elastase/alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor ratio and FEV(1) (%pred) adjusted by pack-years can be reliable predictors of the development of COPD.