Lung
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Comparative Study
Transthoracic sonography in comparison to multislice computed tomography in detection of peripheral pulmonary embolism.
The aim of the study was to compare transthoracic sonography (TS) with multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in the detection of peripheral pulmonary embolism (PE). In addition, the study verified peripheral parenchymal findings visualized by TS and MSCT. A total of 33 patients (16 females, 17 males; mean age = 65.4 years) with symptoms of suspected PE were enrolled in the study. ⋯ Furthermore, the study revealed that PE is often associated with peripheral parenchymal changes, both of which are detectable by TS and MSCT. In case of contraindication with MSCT, TS is a potential technique for diagnosing PE-related parenchymal findings and can serve as an alternative method in the diagnosis of PE. However, a negative result with TS does not rule out a PE.
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Cough is a defense mechanism for promoting airway hygiene when mucociliary clearance is ineffective due to increased mucus secretion, inflammation, infection, or ciliary dysfunction. Secretions can contribute to airflow limitation and chronic hypersecretion can worsen airway inflammation with retained inflammatory cells and mediators. The focus of the Second Annual Cough Conference has been on cough as a troublesome symptom; but to understand the importance and effectiveness of cough clearance, it is critical to understand airway secretions. The biophysical properties of mucus and phlegm determine how readily these secretions can be cleared by coughing.