[Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and right-to left shunt by patent foramen ovale].

Introduction: The association between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and patent foramen ovale has rarely been described.

Observation: We report the cases of two patients, 72 and 59 years old, who presented with refractory hypoxemia in the context of pulmonary fibrosis. The hypoxemia was due to a right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO), diagnosed by transoesophageal contrast echocardiography.

[Severe varicella zoster pneumonia during the course of treatment with azathioprine for Crohn's disease].

Introduction: Disseminated varicella zoster infection has only rarely been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, despite the frequent use of azathioprine for this disorder.

Case Report: We report the case of an 18-year-old woman who developed severe varicella zoster pneumonia 9 months after starting azathioprine for Crohn's disease. The patient recovered after prompt treatment with acyclovir and discontinuation of the azathioprine.

Pleuropulmonary changes induced by ergoline drugs.

Classic ergolines, such as bromocriptine, methysergide and ergotamine, can induce chronic pleuropneumonitis. We present the cases of eight patients who developed similar changes whilst on other ergolines. In this retrospective case study spanning 1985-1995, clinical data, radiological material, pulmonary function, bronchoalveolar lavage and histopathology were reviewed.