Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis in association with carcinomas.

PPFE is a rare disease characterized by upper lobe pleural fibrosis and parenchymal fibroelastosis. Its aetiology is considered idiopathic, although possible causative factors have been described. An association of PPFE with solid tumours is unknown and has not been considered previously.

Optical coherence tomography detects structural abnormalities of the nasal mucosa in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Chronic inflammation and remodeling of the airways remain a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF). However, knowledge of the associated mucosal micro-anatomical changes is limited. We evaluated the potential of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo imaging of the upper airway mucosa in CF patients.

Saving two lives with one dialysis treatment.

Hemodialysis is the extracorporeal treatment of choice for various life-threatening intoxications, with the exception of highly protein-bound substances, which are preferably removed by charcoal hemoperfusion. This technique, however, is limited by its availability and its significant side effects. We present a potentially lifethreatening diphenhydramine (DPH) overdose in a stuporous female patient in which high cut-off hemodialysis was used.

New treatment and markers of prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: lessons learned from translational research.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease with increasing prevalence, high mortality rates and poor treatment options. The diagnostic process is complex and often requires an interdisciplinary approach between different specialists. Information gained over the past 10 years of intense research resulted in improved diagnostic algorithms, a better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and the development of new therapeutic options.

Fibrocytes in chronic lung disease--facts and controversies.

Fibrocytes are bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cell precursors, defined primarily by their ability to co-express markers of both haematopoietic (e.g. CD45 or CXCR4) and stromal (e.