Comparison of wheat and rye flour solutions for skin prick testing: a multi-centre study (Stad 1).

Background: Skin prick testing (SPT) is the basic method for diagnosing IgE-mediated allergies. However, skin reactivity is related to the quality of allergen extracts, which are often poorly defined for occupational allergens.

Objective: To compare wheat and rye flour SPT solutions from different producers.

Prediction of challenge test results by flour-specific IgE and skin prick test in symptomatic bakers.

Background: Wheat and rye flours are among the most important allergens causing occupational asthma. Usually, the diagnosis of baker's asthma is based on inhalation challenge tests with flours.

Aims Of The Study: To evaluate the relevance of flour-specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and skin prick test (SPT) in the diagnosis of baker's asthma and to define flour-specific IgE concentrations and wheal sizes that allow a prediction of the outcome of challenge testing.

Computed tomographic high-attenuation mediastinal lymph nodes after aluminum exposition.

A case with increased computed tomographic densities of mediastinal lymph nodes with histologically proven aluminum storage is presented. We suggest consideration of aluminosis as differential diagnosis in patients with increased native CT densities beyond 50 HU.