Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and CPAP on Cognitive Function.

Purpose Of Review: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep. Studies indicate that OSA is an independent risk factor for cognitive decline in older patients. The purpose of this paper is to critically review the recent literature on the cognitive effects of untreated OSA and the benefits of treatment across cognitive domains.

Birt-Hogg-Dubé Syndrome Caused by a Novel Mutation in the FLCL Gene.

Background: Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by skin fibrofolliculomas, cystic lung disease, and bilateral renal tumors. It has also been implicated in the formation of tumors in other organs, particularly thyroid and colon. This case presents a young female presenting with only cystic lung disease and kidney tumors, identified as having a never before identified heterozygous mutation in the folliculin () gene which is the likely cause of her syndrome.

An elderly woman with a mediastinal granulosa cell tumour: a rare presentation.

Mediastinal lesions occur in a wide variety of clinical conditions. Metastatic granulosa cell tumour (GCT) in the mediastinum is a rare occurrence. We report a case of a woman who had a metastatic (GCT) in her mediastinum 40 years after treatment of the initial neoplasm.

Overview and recommendations for medical screening and diagnostic evaluation for postdeployment lung disease in returning US warfighters.

Objective: To review inhalational exposures and respiratory disease risks in US military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and to develop consensus recommendations for medical screening and diagnostic referral.

Methods: A Working Group of physicians and exposure scientists from academia and from the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs was convened in February 2010.

Results: Despite uncertainty about the number of people affected and risk factors for adverse pulmonary outcomes in this occupational setting, the Working Group recommended: (1) standardized approaches to pre- and postdeployment medical surveillance; (2) criteria for medical referral and diagnosis; and (3) case definitions for major deployment-related lung diseases.