[Pneumothorax in cystic fibrosis: intrapleural instillation of Atabrine].

Intrapleural instillation of quinacrine HC1 (Atabrine) was used to treat spontaneous pneumothorax in 2 young men, aged 26 and 36 years, respectively, with advanced pulmonary disease due to cystic fibrosis. Pneumothorax did not recur until 1 year later in 1 case and 2 years later in the other. This mode of therapy for pneumothorax provides a valuable alternative to surgery for the patient with cystic fibrosis, severe lung disease and marginal pulmonary reserve.

Localized fibrous mesothelioma of the mediastinum devoid of pleural connections.

Localized fibrous mesothelioma of the pleura is an uncommon neoplasm. Very rarely (there have been three previous cases) it may occur as an isolated mediastinal tumour. Such a tumour was present for at least 3 years in a 47 year old man, causing shortness of breath and superior vena cava syndrome.

Review of smooth muscle tumours of the lower respiratory tract.

A case of leiomyoma of the lung was described by our department 17 years ago. We now report three new cases of smooth muscle tumours of the lower respiratory tract: a leiomyoma of the lung, a leiomyosarcoma of the right main bronchus, and a leiomyoma of the trachea. Whereas in the previous case the tumour was bronchoscopically removed, all the recent tumours were surgically resected.

Ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum: congenital eyelid-band syndromes.

Three infants had congenital eyelid bands, ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum (AFA), in association with cleft lip and palate. A review of the literature of all previously reported cases of AFA was performed and a new classification of the various clinical types of AFA is proposed. This new classification should aid in genetic counseling.