Valproic acid-induced eosinophilic pleural effusion: a case report and review of the literature.

We present a case of eosinophilic pleural effusion due to valproic acid (VPA), a rare adverse event that has been reported previously. A 30-year-old male patient presented with respiratory symptoms and right-sided pleuritic pain, within days of initiation of VPA treatment for a generalized seizure. Chest radiography revealed a moderate-sized right-sided pleural effusion, which was an exudate with a pH of 7.

Paraneoplastic necrotizing myopathy and dermatomyositis in a patient with rectosigmoid carcinoma.

An 81-year-old woman with adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid presented with progressive muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing, with symptoms worsening following successful resection of the tumor. On examination, she had weakness primarily of lower limb proximal muscles, with no other abnormal findings. Laboratory tests showed significant elevation of creatine kinase, and EMG findings indicated myositis of the proximal muscles.

Diagnostic value of chest radiographs in bedridden patients suspected of having pneumonia.

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic value of the chest radiograph for the diagnosis of pneumonia in bedridden patients, using non-contrast-enhanced high-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) as the gold standard.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated bedridden patients hospitalized with moderate to high clinical probability of pneumonia. Chest radiographs were interpreted in a blinded fashion by 3 observers and classified as definite, normal, or uncertain for pneumonia.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: is a chest X-ray enough? A single-center case series.

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare entity that usually occurs in young males without any apparent precipitating factor. Several case series have been published focusing on clinical features, workup and prognosis. Due to the rarity of this entity, there is no consensus on the most appropriate treatment.