Chest
-
Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a progressive and frequently fatal interstitial lung disease that involves the upper lobes. Although its cause remains unknown, the histopathologic evidence underlying PPFE bears striking resemblance to that of the pulmonary apical cap (PAC), a relatively common and benign entity. ⋯ Given the histologic similarity between these two conditions, we propose that these two entities underlie common biologic pathways of abnormal response to lung injury, with the presence of a PAC increasing susceptibility to the development of PPFE in the face of ongoing inflammatory insults. This case describes the histopathologic evolution of PAC to PPFE before and after an inciting injury.
-
In 2018, influenza and pneumonia was the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Since 1950, non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs) have experienced higher rates of mortality than non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). Previous studies have revealed geographic variation in mortality rates by race. The identification of areas with the greatest disparity in influenza and pneumonia mortality may assist policymakers in the allocation of resources, including for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. ⋯ In 1999 through 2018, the NHB-NHW disparity in AAMRs from influenza and pneumonia was greatest in central metropolitan areas of HHS regions 2 and 9.
-
A 44-year-old woman with a history of renal cell carcinoma and thyroid cancer was referred to our institution for evaluation of cystic lung disease. She was an active smoker with a 15-pack-year of tobacco use. Two years before her presentation, she underwent a left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma, clear cell type. ⋯ There was no family history of pneumothorax. She complained of mild shortness of breath with exertion and occasional nonproductive cough. As part of her oncologic work up, she underwent a chest CT scan of the lungs (Fig 1).
-
An 80-year old man presented to the ED after being found down in his home. He had gone to the restroom to perform straight catheterization, as he normally does for his enlarged prostate, and was found slumped over and confused. ⋯ CT imaging of his head, chest, and abdomen-pelvis was obtained. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and norepinephrine infusion for presumed urinary septic shock and admitted to the medical critical care unit for further management.