Molecular mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension.

The pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is complex, involving multiple modulating genes and environmental factors. Multifactorial impairment of the physiologic balance can lead to vasoconstriction, vascular smooth muscle cell and endothelial cell proliferation/fibrosis, inflammation, remodeling and in-situ thrombosis. These are the likely mechanisms that lead to narrowing of the vessel followed by progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and the clinical manifestations of pulmonary hypertension.

Isolated interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation mimicking paraesophageal lymph node enlargement.

We report a case of interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation diagnosed as a isolated finding in a patient with lung carcinoma. Findings of the unopacified CT scan initially simulated a paraesophageal lymphadenopathy. The contrast-enhanced spiral CT scan showed a dilated azygos vein in the absence of definable inferior vena cava.

Successful treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in an immunocompetent host.

Immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to pulmonary Aspergillus infection, but invasive Aspergillus infection is extremely rare in the presence of normal immunity. A case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in an immunocompetent 57-year-old female who was successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin-B is reported here.