The clinical respiratory journal
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Pulmonary sarcoidosis is often complicated by pulmonary hypertension, a complication that is associated with increased disability and mortality. To this point, however, little progress has been made in the treatment of sarcoidosis associated with pulmonary hypertension (SAPH). ⋯ PAS caused by external compression in sarcoidosis is a significant reason for SAPH. IT is effective and safe in the treatment of PAS and SAPH.
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Comparative Study
Limited value of transbronchial lung biopsy for diagnosing Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease.
It remains unclear whether transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is useful for diagnosing Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease. ⋯ TBLB for pathological and bacterial investigations would provide only a limited value for MAC diagnosis. Moreover, the presence of intrabronchial secretion may be an important manifestation of ongoing airway damage, which would require early treatment.
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Although HIV antibody tests have been widely accepted in clinical diagnosis of HIV infection, they may not be sufficient to diagnose all subjects with HIV infection. Except negative result of antibody test in the well-known" acute window phase", in rare cases, patients do not develop HIV antibodies despite demonstrable infection. Primary pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma (KS) without mucocutaneous involvement accounts for only 0-15% of all AIDS-related KS. KS is rare among Chinese subjects, especially in persons of Han descent. ⋯ This case underscores the importance of plasma RNA test in conjunction with HIV antibody test for some rare patients with HIV infection who present with severe immunodeficiency and opportunistic infections or malignancy.
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In selected patients with severe heterogenous emphysema lung volume reduction can be performed by using endobronchial valves. So far, only unilateral procedures have been published. ⋯ A tracheal bronchus to the apical segment of the right upper lobe made measuring the collateral flow at bronchoscopy impossible, but clearly visible fissures were used as a substitute. In conclusion, valve treatment in suitable patients can give substantial improvement in lung function and quality of life and can be repeated on the other side if warranted some years later.
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Comparative Study
Computerized respiratory sounds: a comparison between patients with stable and exacerbated COPD.
Diagnosis of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is often challenging as it relies on patients' clinical presentation. Computerized respiratory sounds (CRS), namely crackles and wheezes, may have the potential to contribute for the objective diagnosis/monitoring of an AECOPD. ⋯ Crackles and wheezes are more frequent in patients with AECOPD than in stable patients, particularly at posterior chest. These findings suggest that these CRS can contribute to the objective diagnosis/monitoring of AECOPD, which is especially valuable considering that they can be obtained by integrating computerized techniques with pulmonary auscultation, a noninvasive method that is a component of patients' physical examination.