LTB4 and montelukast in transplantation-related bronchiolitis obliterans in rats.

Background: Lung transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage lung diseases. Bronchiolitis obliterans, which is known as non-infectious chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in the new classification, is the greatest threat to long-term survival after lung transplantation. This study investigated the role of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and montelukast in transplantation-related bronchiolitis obliterans and discussed the pathophysiological significance of LTB4 in chronic rejection.

Bilateral thoracotomy for removal of uncommon postmediastinal multi-schwannomas.

Postmediastinal schwannoma is a kind of neurogenic tumor originating from the neuron sheath in the posterior mediastinum. In the majority of cases these tumors are located in the paravertebral sulcus and the incidence is similar in both sides of the thorax as single or multiple; however, multi-schwannomas involved in the bilateral postmediastinum are rare. We report a case of postmediastinal multi-schwannomas and discuss the clinical and surgical treatment.

[Value of serum-vascular endothelial growth factor in the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule].

Objective: To evaluate serum-vascular endothelial growth factor (S-VEGF) in the differentiation of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN).

Methods: Serum level of VEGF of 68 patients with SPN was measured by ELISA kit, and compared with the control group of 20 normal subjects. The nodules were diagnosed by operation and pathology.