Internal medicine
-
Dendriform pulmonary ossification is a rare condition characterized by branching bony spicules. A 33-year-old man was clinically considered to have sarcoidosis. At 53 years old, another attending physician performed a detailed evaluation. ⋯ A histological examination revealed dendriform pulmonary ossification. After surgery, CT showed progression of some lesions; the pulmonary function had also decreased slightly. Since dendriform pulmonary ossification might be a progressive disease, we should perform long-term follow-up.
-
The use of biologic agents has enabled control of severe asthma, but there is a risk that eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) may be masked in some cases. We herein report a 71-year-old man who was administered dupilumab for 2 years to stabilize his asthma symptoms. ⋯ Based on pathology, he was diagnosed with EGPA. EGPA in this case was considered to have become apparent due to the discontinuation of dupilumab administration.
-
Observational Study
Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Small-bowel Angioectasia in Systemic Sclerosis Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is defined as an autoimmune disease presenting with fibrosis of various organs and vascular endothelial damage. Vascular lesions, including small-bowel angioectasias, are also frequently detected in SSc patients. Polidocanol injection (PDI) is a safe and effective hemostatic treatment for gastrointestinal bleeding. ⋯ No post-treatment rebleeding cases or adverse events were noted. Conclusion CE should be performed for SSc patients with anemia and/or skin telangiectasia. PDI is effective for SSc patients with small-bowel angioectasia.