Pulmonary Histoplasmosis Mimicking Metastatic Lung Cancer: A Case Report.

Histoplasmosis is a well-known endemic fungal infection but experience in non-endemic regions is often limited, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and extensive testing. The diagnosis can be especially challenging, typically when the disease first presents with pulmonary nodules accompanied by hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, suggesting a much more common malignant disease. In this situation, a greater FDG uptake in draining lymph nodes in comparison with the associated lung nodule seen in [F]FDG-PET/CT, the so-called "flip-flop fungus" sign, can help to orientate further diagnostic measures.

Augmentation index and central aortic blood pressure in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Objective: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease as rupture of the aneurysm is associated with high mortality. The likelihood that an AAA will rupture is particularly influenced by the diameter of the aneurysm and the rate of expansion; the reasons for fast expansion are largely unknown. Applanation tonometry (APT) can predict outcome in certain cardiovascular diseases by measuring arterial stiffness (augmentation index, AIx) and central aortic blood pressure (CABP).

Obstructive sleep apnea in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms: highly prevalent and associated with aneurysm expansion.

Rationale: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are associated with life-threatening complications. The likelihood that an AAA will rupture is influenced by the aneurysm diameter and its expansion rate; reasons for rapid expansion are largely unknown.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with AAA, and investigate a possible association between OSA and rate of AAA expansion.