Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · May 1981
Case ReportsEosinophilic fasciitis: an underdiagnosed syndrome.
Eosinophilic fasciitis is characterized by peripheral eosinophilia, diffuse induration of the skin (particularly of the extremities), thickened fascia, and responsiveness to corticosteroids. Since it was first described in 1974, 36 cases have been reported. We have presented three new cases diagnosed in our community hospital during the last 27 months, with reports on their follow-up while being treated with corticosteroids. We believe the disorder to be more common than reports indicate.
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Southern medical journal · May 1981
Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis presenting as adult respiratory distress syndrome: effect of therapy on clinical and laboratory features.
Three patients with acute pulmonary histoplasmosis presented with extensive, diffuse bilateral infiltrates on chest roentgenograms. Fungal elements were seen in the bronchial secretions of two patients; Histoplasma capsulatum was grown from the third patient and from soil from the patients' workplace. ⋯ Initial pulmonary function tests suggested mild restriction in each, with normal test results by the fourth month of follow-up. Our experience suggests that amphotericin B may shorten the course of acute histoplasmosis and that corticosteroid therapy may be efficacious in controlling the symptoms related to hyperresponsiveness in fulminant primary disease.