Recurrent hydropneumothorax as a presenting feature of malignant mesothelioma.

A 73-year-old former smoker with previous occupational exposure to asbestos presented with a pneumothorax that was initially managed by simple aspiration. Despite this, it re-accumulated and a bronchopleural fistula was suspected. A video-assisted thoracoscopic procedure was performed and revealed an abnormally thickened pleura that turned out to be a mesothelioma.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes-should we screen?

The fact that exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) may be both over- and underdiagnosed in athletes has led to calls for widespread screening for the condition. This article assesses such a strategy by employing the standard framework used when evaluating any screening policy. This approach highlights a number of concerns and allows recommendations to help optimize the success of such a strategy if it were to be implemented.

Nebulised DNase in the treatment of life threatening asthma.

A 25-year-old pregnant patient developed life-threatening asthma refractory to all standard treatment including anaesthetic agents. Ventilatory pressures continued to rise with impending cardio-respiratory arrest. The introduction of nebulised endotracheal DNase however resulted in a rapid and dramatic improvement with good clinical outcome.