Association of hemochromatosis with infectious diseases: expanding spectrum.

Withholding iron from potential pathogens is a host defense strategy. There is evidence that iron overload per se compromises the ability of phagocytes to kill microorganisms. Several hypotheses exist to explain the association of hemochromatosis with infection.

Otomastoiditis-related facial nerve palsy.

A 9-year-old girl with persistent otitis media, despite antibiotic therapy developed a facial nerve palsy. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed ipsilateral mastoiditis, prompting admission for intravenous antibiotic and steroid therapies. Acute mastoiditis, uncommon in the post-antibiotic era, is usually diagnosed on physical examination findings, but two variants, masked mastoiditis or silent mastoiditis, may be difficult to appreciate clinically.

Tracheostomy can make a difference in recurrent respiratory failure secondary to olivopontocerebellar atrophy.

This article describes the case of a 55-year-old white male with olivopontocerebellar atrophy who was admitted to the ICU at Ohio Valley Medical Center because of recurrent respiratory failure. He had to remain in the ICU for 21 days on a ventilator even though he was hemodynamically stable with no evidence of pneumonia. A tracheostomy was then performed and within five days he was able to be weaned from the ventilator and transferred to a long-term care facility.

Response to treatment with progesterone in a patient with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is defined as an abnormal proliferation of smooth muscles around lymphatics, venules, and brochioles. This article describes our experiences treating a 21-year-old, white female who experienced recurrent shortness of breath during air travel last year. Her episode was severe and the patient was transported to the hospital as soon as the airplane landed.

An unusual manifestation of congenital abdominal aortic coarctation.

Coarctation of the abdominal aorta is uncommon, occurring in only 0.5-2% of aortic coarctations. This disease is usually manifest by upper body hypertension.