[Diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion].

The endoscopic-macroscopic images of thoracoscopies performed in the presence of a pleural effusion, are analysed. When comparing the various forms of the disease, the image must be resolved into its elements. It is found that the optical image is characteristic for the disease patterns; the appearance of the image elements also depends on the time at which the examination is performed.

[Electron microscopy studies of alveolar macrophages in some lung diseases].

Results of electron microscopic examinations of the pulmonary alveolar macrophage in healthy nonsmokers, smokers and in patients with proteinosis, hard metal coniosis and sarcoidosis are reviewed. Authors have carried out the staining of the acid phosphatase and peroxydase enzymes as well. Ultrastructural alterations in the different cases were very characteristic, but the cytochemical results in the macrophages from sarcoidosis are not pathognomonic.

Electron microscopy of macrophages obtained from bronchial lavage-fluid.

The ultrastructure of pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) was studied in smokers, non-smokers, and in patients with alveolar proteinosis, Boeck-sarcoidosis and heavy-metal coniosis. Cells were collected from therapeutic or diagnostic bronchial lavage-fluid. Typical alterations are reported for each disease studied.