[Usefulness of serum procalcitonin measurement in the diagnosis of respiratory infectious diseases].

The serum concentration of procalcitonin (PCT) is specifically elevated in severe bacterial infections. In Japan, PCT has been used as a serum marker for bacterial sepsis since February, 2006. However, the evidence of it in respiratory infectious diseases is limited.

[A case of intravascular lymphoma with diffuse centrilobular opacities].

A 54-year-old woman was admitted with general fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. Her serum LDH level was markedly elevated to 2145 IU/L, and chest CT revealed diffuse centrilobular opacities. Total cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were elevated, and lymphocytes accounted for 98% of the cells.

[Survey of asthma control and anti-asthma medication use among Japanese adult patients].

Background: The purpose of this study was to clarify disease control and medication use among Japanese adult asthmatic patients.

Method: We studied the reality of adult outpatients and inpatients with asthma at 26 national hospitals across Japan who visited the clinic between September and October 2006. Anti-asthma medication use and asthma control were assessed.

[A case of pulmonary aspergillosis subacutely forming a cavity during the course of microscopic polyangiitis].

A 77-year-old woman was referred to our department with hemoptysis. Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) with resultant alveolar hemorrhage was diagnosed because of diffuse infiltrate of the right lung, proteinurea, renal dysfunction and the presence of MPO-ANCA. The disease responded well to corticosteroid therapy.