Contribution of four common pulmonary function tests to diagnosis of patients with respiratory symptoms: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Few studies of the diagnostic value of pulmonary function testing are available. We assessed the diagnostic contribution of four basic pulmonary function tests: spirometry, lung volume, airway resistance, and diffusing capacity.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled patients presenting to a pulmonologist with respiratory symptoms but no clear diagnosis from 33 hospitals in Belgium.

Hemoptysis and pulmonary edema in a scuba diver using diclofenac.

Hemoptysis and pulmonary edema associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is a known condition, but is probably underreported. The mechanisms of induction of pulmonary toxicity are still not well understood. We describe a case of hemoptysis and dyspnea in a scuba diver who was taking diclofenac.

The wrong stent at the wrong time: a cautionary tale.

Self-expandable metallic stents have been promoted for a multitude of indications because of their easy insertion and convenience. This may lead to inappropriate use. We report two patients in whom self-expandable metallic stents led to severe early or late complications.