The clinical respiratory journal
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The pattern of granulocyte infiltration can be used to identify different inflammatory phenotypes in asthma. Recognized granulocyte phenotypes using induced sputum are eosinophilic (EA), neutrophilic, mixed granulocytic and paucigranulocytic asthma. ⋯ Clinically useful applications of induced sputum analysis are the detection of non-adherence to corticosteroid therapy, assessment of adequacy of inhaled corticosteroid therapy, long-term therapy management in asthma, oral corticosteroid dose adjustment in refractory asthma and assessment of occupational asthma.
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Case Reports
Spontaneous cervicothoracolumbar pneumorrhachis, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum.
Pneumorrhachis, or epidural pneumatosis, is a rare entity that is usually traumatic or iatrogenic. Usually, the epidural emphysema is limited to a few vertebral spaces. Less commonly, it is secondary to mediastinal air that tracks into the epidural space. Mediastinal air is usually associated with subcutaneous emphysema, but rarely is it associated with pneumopericardium or pneumoperitoneum. The cause of pneumomediastinum is usually identifiable on history or radiology. ⋯ Extensive pneumorrhachis and pneumoperitoneum may simultaneously accompany pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in the absence of an identifiable cause and still follow a benign clinical course.