Asymptomatic gastrocnemius muscle biopsy: an extremely sensitive and specific test in the pathologic confirmation of sarcoidosis presenting with hilar adenopathy.

Objective: To evaluate asymptomatic gastrocnemius muscle biopsy as a tool in the histologic confirmation of the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Methods: Twenty-two patients admitted over a 2-year period to our department with bilateral hilar adenopathy and a variety of symptoms compatible with sarcoidosis were studied prospectively. Besides a complete history and physical, serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) determination, pulmonary function, slit lamp eye examination, PPD skin test, gallium 67 scan and gastrocnemius muscle biopsy were performed.

Bronchiectasis in systemic sclerosis. A study using high resolution computed tomography.

Objective: To detect noninvasively the presence of bronchiectasis in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), through the use of high resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT).

Methods: Twenty two patients with SSc, of whom 13 with diffuse and 9 with limited disease, besides a complete history, physical and routine laboratory and immunologic profile, were evaluated by pulmonary function testing and HRCT. The chi square test with Yates' correction, the Fisher's exact test, the Fisher's test (F test) and the "t" test were used for statistical analysis of the results.