Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in a patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Despite its infrequent occurrence, the possible development of lymphoma or lymphoid lung disease in patients with Sjögren's syndrome should always be borne in mind. We describe a case of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome that clearly exemplifies the wide-ranging problems of diagnosing, treating and following such patients. This difficulty is due to the fact that the clinical and radiological findings suggest interstitial lung disease, and histological assays are required for a correct diagnosis.

An open, randomized comparison study of cyclosporine A, cyclosporine A + methotrexate and cyclosporine A + hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of early severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Purpose: To determine whether a regimen of cyclosporine (CSA) and methotrexate (MTX), or CSA and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) introduced in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can produce a significant improvement in clinical outcome and/or retard radiographic damage in comparison with standard monotherapy with CSA alone.

Methods: One hundred five patients with active RA of less than 36 months duration, who had never previously been treated with immunosuppressive agents, were included in a 12-month, multi-center, open, randomized trial. Patients who fulfilled the criteria for early severe RA were randomized to receive either combination therapy (CSA + MTX n = 34, CSA + HCQ n = 35) or CSA alone (n = 36).