Clinical, laboratory findings and microbiologic characterization of bronchiectasis in Thai patients.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to characterize the clinical features, underlying disease states, laboratory findings and microbiological characterization of bronchiectasis in Thai patients.

Methodology: For a 2-year period all consecutive patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis at Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, were recruited. Data including history, physical examination, underlying disease and laboratory studies were carefully reviewed and recorded.

Clinical and laboratory findings in patients with pulmonary embolism in Phramongkutklao Hospital.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) was believed to be a rare disease and often misdiagnosed in Thailand. Only a few cases of PE in Thai patients have been reported. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of history, physical examination and laboratory investigations in Thai patients with PE.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, clinical features in Thai patients.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA) is the most common type of chronic diffuse parenchymal lung disease. We identified twenty patients who were diagnosed with this disease in Phramongkutklao Hospital. Clinical features of these patients were reported.

Diffuse panbronchiolitis, the first case reports in Thailand.

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is an important cause of progressive obstructive lung or chronic suppurative lung disease in the Far East (Japan, China and Korea). It is a distinctive sinobronchial syndrome with typical radiological and histologic features. We have identified three patients who have typical clinical manifestation and pathological confirmation.

Transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma.

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) via a fiberoptic bronchoscope has been used for diagnosis of lung cancer by Wang since 1981. The technique uses a fiberoptic bronchoscope with a flexible needle that can penetrate the wall of the trachea and major bronchi. It is still underutilized and markedly depends on the physician's skill.