[Diffusion of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole into the pleural fluid].

The level of Trimethoprim (TMP) and of Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) in the fluid of both pleural effusion and plasma was determined in 7 patients on the first day of treatment consisting of two daily doses of 160 mg TMP and 800 mg SMZ. In 4 subjects, the levels were determined again on the third (J3) and fifth day of treatment (J5). Thus with TMP the ratio of pleural/plasma drug levels rose progressively from the first day of treatment to attain by 12 hours a mean value of 0.

[Value of the assay of pleural carcinoembryonic antigen for the diagnosis of neoplastic pleurisy. Correlation with plasma levels and anatomopathological results].

The authors specify the contribution of pleural carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay in the diagnosis of malignant pleuritis by comparing it to plasma concentrations and pathologic findings. 45 patients with pleuritis were studied. Etiology was malignant in 15 and non-malignant in 27.

[Pulmonary biopsy using thoracoscopy].

Pulmonary biopsies were taken under thoracoscopy from 16 patients presenting with insoluble diagnostic problems. This method enabled the authors to make a diagnosis, which was not contradicted by the course of the disease, in 14 cases of diffuse or circumscribed pathology touching the lung cortex. There was no major incident.

[Granular cell bronchial tumors. General features, developmental and therapeutic aspects. Apropos of 4 new cases].

The authors report 4 new cases of bronchial granular cell tumours. The course of these rare tumours is usually slow and benign. They are usually discovered at endoscopy.

[Value of the small diameter pleural drain in pneumological practice (author's transl)].

The authors propose the use of a drain of small diameter, opaque to X-rays, of the "Pleurocath" type, for draining pleural cavities. Having described the setting technique and the rules for after care, they underline its value in the treatment of pneumothorax and purulent pleurisies. It is a method of easy use, efficient, producing little trauma and well tolerated.