Asthma is the most common disease of the lungs, and one that poses specific challenges for the physicians including radiologist. This article reviews for the clinical diagnosis, Radiologic features, and differential diagnosis of asthma, and outlines the radiologic features of the complications of asthma. Bronchial wall thickening and hyperinflation characterize the chest radiograph of the patients with asthma. On CT scan one may see airway wall thickening, thickened centrilobular structures, and focal or diffuse hyperlucency. Apparent bronchial dilatation may be seen, but the diagnosis of bronchiectasis should be made with caution. Quantification of changes in the airway wall and lung parenchyma may be valuable in understanding the mechanisms of asthma and in evaluating the effects of treatment. The challenge for the physician evaluating the images of a patient with asthma is to find complications. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 591-599)
목 적 : 결핵약으로 치료 받은 적이 없으면서 최소한 아이소니아지드와 리팜핀에 동시에 내성이 있는 결핵균에 감염된 결핵을 초회다제내성 결핵이라 하며 이는 다제내성결핵균에 감염되어 발병한다. 근래에 초회내성결핵은 결핵관리 프로그램의 수행에 있어 중요한 지표로 사용되고 있다. 저자들은 초회다제내성 결핵의 위험요인을 알아내기 위해 환자대조군 연구를 시행하였다.방 법 : 2001년 1월 1일부터 2003년 6월 30일 동안 국립마산병원에 입원한 29명의 초회다제내성결핵 환자들을 대상으로 환자군을 설정하였고, 대조군은 같은 기간동안 본원에 입원한 모든 약제에 감성인 결핵환자들을 대상으로 하였다. 초회다제내성 결핵에 대한 의심되는 위험요인들의 교차비를 계산하였다.
Background : Primary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is defined as Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates that are resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin in never-been-treated tuberculosis patients, and this malady is caused by the transmission of a resistant strain from one patient, who is infected with a resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain, to another patient. The prevalence of primary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis could be a good indicator of the performance of tuberculosis control programs in recent years. We conducted a case-control study to identify the risk factors for primary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Methods : From January 1, 2001 to, June 30, 2003, by conducting prospective laboratory-based surveillance, we identified 29 hospitalized patients with P-MDRTB and these patients constituted a case group in this study. The controls were represented by all the patients with culture-confirmed drug susceptible tuberculosis who were admitted to National Masan Hospital during the same study period. The odds ratios for the patients with primary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, as compared with those of the patients with drug susceptible tuberculosis, were calculated for each categorical variable with 95% confidence intervals. Results : Multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-6.86) was independently associated with having primary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Conclusion : This study has shown that diabetes mellitus might be one of the risk factors for primary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 600-605)
배 경 : 최근 들어 다제내성 폐결핵의 증가로 항결핵제 치료로만으로는 만족스러운 균음전율을 보여주지 못하고 있다. 이에 저자들은 수술을 시행한 환자를 분석함으로써 향후 다제내성 폐결핵의 치료의 한 방법을 제시하고자 한다.방 법 : 국립마산병원에서 1994년 1월부터 2003년 12월까지 10년간 다제내성 폐결핵으로 페절제술을 시행한 138례를 술전 환자의 특성, 술전 범위, 수술 방법, 합병증, 술후 추적관찰을 후향적으로 분석하였다.
Background : Recently, medical treatment of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis has been unsuccessful. Through analyzing the cases with surgical treatment, we hope to provide some help in treating multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in the future. Material and Method : A retrospective review was performed with 138cases of surgical treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis during 10years from January 1994 to December 2003 at National Masan Hospital. Results : The ratio of men to women, 5.1:1 indicates that there were more incidences in men. The number of the resistant drugs was 5.3 with a mean age of 42.6 years. Cavitary lesions on the plain chest X-rays were seen in 94cases (68.1%). 128cases had positive sputum culture preoperatively. Types of operations were 24 pnemonectomies, 83 lobectomies, 10 bilobectomies, 19 lobectomies with segmentectomies or wedge resections, 1 wedge resection, and 1 carvenoplasty. There was no death after operation. There were 6cases of air leakage over a week, 6cases of postoperative bleeding, 8cases of bronchopleural fistula and empyema, 16cases of dead space, 1case of atelectasis, 1case of wound infection, 1case of cyst as postoperative complication. Postoperative complication showed higher long-term negative conversion rate of 92.8%. Conclusion : There has been many discussions about operative indications, postoperative drug regimens, length of postoperative chemotherapy. In our study, we showed higher long-term success rate of postoperative chemotherapy with pulmonary resection on multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 613-618)
연구배경:치료 경력이 있는 환자의 약제 내성은 진료의사의 처방의 적절성 및 환자의 복용 순응도를 복합적으로 나타내어 주는 지표가 될 수 있으므로, 우리나라에서 재치료 대상 결핵 환자에서 장기간의 약제내성률 추이를 파악하고자 하였다.방법:연도별 보건소 등록환자의 약제감수성 검사 결과 및 결핵연구원의 전산 입력된 자료를 활용하여 1981년부터 2004년 사이에 주요 약제에 대한 내성률의 변화를 분석하였다.
Background : The drug resistance rate in tuberculosis patients with history of chemotherapy is an important indicator of for evaluation of appropriateness of treatment regimens and compliance of patients. This study examined the long-term changes in the drug resistance rates among TB patients failed in treatment or reactivated. Methods : The results of drug susceptibility testing data from patients registered in health centers from 1981 to 2004 were analyzed. Results : The rate of resistance to isoniazid decreased from 90% to 20%, and the resistance to ethambutol decreased from 45% to 6%. The rate of resistance to rifampicin varied from 13% to 28% and the resistance to pyrazinamide was 5% to 10%. Multidrug resistance was about 2-3% lower than any rifampicin resistance rates. The second-line drug resistance was ranged from 1% to 3%. There was no difference between patients' genders. Patient numbers per 100,000 population increased with age. The regional distribution was even at 4-6 patients per 100,000 population, and drug resistance rates were significantly lower in big city areas than in small towns and rural areas. Conclusion : The rates of resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from TB patients with history of chemotherapy to isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and isoniazid plus rifampin were significantly decreased during over two decades. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 619-624)
배 경 :삼출성흉수의 원인질환 중 흉수 내 림프구가 우세한 경우는 결핵성흉수와 암성흉수가 가장 흔하다. 그러나 두 질환의 감별은 흉막생검을 비롯한 침습적 방법이 필요하며 약 20% 정도는 진단을 명확하게 내릴 수 없다. TNF-α는 종양세포나 다른 염증성세포들과 작용하여 숙주의 면역체계에 중요한 역할을 하며, 감염성 혹은 악성흉수인 경우 흉수 내 TNF-α는 증가한다. 저자들은 결핵성흉수와 악성흉수를 구분하는데 세포성 면역에 관계하는 TNF-α의 유용성을 확인하고자 하였다.방 법 : 삼출성 흉수로 입원한 환자 46 예(암성흉수 13 예, 결핵성흉수 33 예)를 대상으로 하였다. 혈청과 흉수의 TNF-α를 ELISA법으로 측정하였으며, 혈청에 대한 흉수의 TNF-α 농도의 비(TNF-α 비)를 구하였다.
Background : Determining the cause of an exudative pleural effusion is sometimes quite difficult, especially between malignant and tuberculous effusions. Twenty percent of effusions remain undiagnosed even after a complete diagnostic evaluation, including pleural biopsy. The activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which is the one of proinflammatory cytokines, is increased in both infectious and malignant effusions. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic efficiency of TNF-α activity in distinguishing tuberculous from malignant effusions. Methods : 46 patients (13 with malignant pleural effusion, 33 with tuberculous pleural effusion) with exudative pleurisy were included. TNF-α concentrations were measured in the pleural fluid and serum samples using an enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, TNF-α ratio (pleural fluid TNF-α : serum TNF-α) was calculated. Results : TNF-α concentration and TNF-α ratio in the pleural fluid were significantly higher in the tuberculous effusions than in the malignant effusions (p＜0.05). However, the serum levels of TNF-α in the malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions were similar (p＞0.05). The cut off points for the pleural fluid TNF-α level and TNF-α ratio were found to be 136.4 pg/mL and 6.4, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve were 81%, 80% and 0.82 for the pleural fluid TNF-α level (p＜0.005) and 76%, 70% and 0.72 for the TNF-α ratio (p＜0.05). Conclusion : We conclude that pleural fluid TNF-α level and TNF-α ratio can distinguish a malignant pleural effusion from a tuberculous effusion, and can be additional markers in a differential diagnosis of tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion. The level of TNF-α in the pleural fluid could be a more efficient marker than the TNF-α ratio. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 625-630)
목 적 : 본 연구는 외래에서 진료가 가능한 경도의 천식 환자에서 FEV1 %와 PEFR% 값의 연관성을 알아보고자 시행 하였다.방 법 : 2003년 9월부터 2004년 8월까지 건국 대학교 병원 호흡기 내과 외래에서 진료를 받은 경증의 기관지 천식 환자들을 대상으로 PEFR과 FEV1를 측정하여 두 검사 값 사이의 연관성을 분석하였다.
Background : Several studies have shown considerable disagreement when using the FEV1 and PEFR to assess the severity of an airflow obstruction. A differential classification of the severity of asthma would lead to serious differences in the evaluation and management of asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the FEV1 and PEFR in asthma patients with mild symptoms. Methods : In this study, the PEFR and FEV1 were obtained from 92 adult asthma patients with mild symptoms attending an outpatient pulmonary clinic. The mean differences and the limits of agreement in the paired measurements of the FEV1 and PEFR were calculated. Results : There was a considerable correlation between the FEV1 and PEFR measurements when expressed as a % of the predicted values (r=0.686, p<0.01). The 95% limit of agreement (mean difference ±1.96SD) between the FEV1 % and PEFR % were acceptable(-27.4%～33.8%). In addition, the weighted κ(kappa) coefficient for the agreement between the FEV1 % and PEFR % was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.63-0.81), indicating excellent agreement between the two measurements. Conclusion : The spirometer (FEV1) and the Mini-Wright peak flow meter (PEFR) can be used interchangeably in adult asthma patients with mild symptom. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 638-643)
배 경 : 만성 혈전색전성 폐고혈압(chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, CTEPH)의 치료에 약물치료를 포함한 고식적인 방법으로는 예후를 호전시킬 수 없고 폐동맥 혈전내막제거술(pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, PTE)을 통해서 증상과 혈역학적 호전 및 생존율의 향상을 기대할 수 있다. 이에 저자들은 PTE에 의한 효과를 고식적인 치료를 받은 환자들과 비교 분석하고자 하였다.방 법 : 1995년부터 2003년까지 서울아산병원에서 CTEPH으로 진단 받은 24명의 환자를 대상으로 후향적으로 연구를 진행하였다. PTE를 시행 받았던 12명과 수술을 시행 받지 않았던 12명의 환자의 시간경과에 따른 호흡곤란 및 심초음파상 삼첨판역류 최고속도의 변화와 생존율을 비교분석 하였다.
Background : Bilateral pulmonary thromboendarterectomy(PTE) is recognized as the definitive treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We investigated the symptomatic, hemodynamic and prognostic effects of PTE in comparison with medical treatment. Methods : Twenty‐four patients diagnosed with CTEPH from 1995 to 2003 at the Asan Medical Center were divided into two groups: patients treated with PTE(PTE group, n=12) and those not treated with PTE(Med group, n=12). The serial changes in dyspnea, the tricuspid regurgitation maximal velocity (TRVmax) and survival of the PTE and Med groups were compared retrospectively. Results : In PTE group, during a follow‐up period of 1 year, the New York Heart Association(NYHA) functional class significantly improved, while there was no significant improvement in the Med group. PTE significantly lowered the TRVmax from 4.23±0.54 m/sec to 3.22±0.70 m/sec over a follow up period of 2 years. (p=0.028) However, the TRVmax in the medically treated group did not show any significant improvement, changing from 3.98±0.68 m/sec to 4.27±0.95 m/sec during 1 year. The 5‐year survival of the PTE group was 77.9% compared with 64.3% in the medically treated group. Conclusion : PTE provides substantial long‐term improvement in dyspnea and the echocardiographic changes compared with medically treated patients. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 644-650)
연구배경 : D-dimer 는 혈장응고 및 섬유소분해계의 활성화 표지자로 알려져 있고 폐색전증은 비특이적인 임상양상과 진단이 어려워 비관혈적인 진단적 필요성이 대두되어ELISA법에 의한D-dimer 검사가 알려져 있으나 검사에 대한 소요시간이 길어 현실적으로 적용하기 어려운 단점이 있다. 검사 소요시간이 짧은 latex응집법에 의한 D-dimer 검사가 폐색전증의 선별검사에 유용한지에 대해 알아보고자 하였다.대상 및 방법 : 흉부 나선형 전산화 단층촬영, 폐관류 및 폐환기검사, 폐동맥조영술 등을 통해 진단된 폐색전증 환자 90명 (I군) 및 폐색전증을 상기의 방법으로 제외가 가능하였던 환자 95명 (II군)을 대상으로 반정량적 latex 응집법에 따른 D-dimer 검사 (Stago D-Di, Diagnostica Stago, France)에 대한 후향적 조사를 시행하였다.
Background : Diagnosing a pulmonary embolism is difficult because its presenting symptoms are nonspecific and there are limitations with all of the objective tests. The D-dimer is known to be a marker of the lysis of intravascular cross-linked fibrin as a result of the activation of the endogenous fibrinolytic pathways, and the D-dimer assay is these an objective method for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism. This study assessed the benefits of the D-dimer test for diagnosing a pulmonary embolism using semiquantitative latex agglutination. Methods : The latex agglutination results of 185 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The D-dimer test was performed at the time a pulmonary embolism was suspected. Ninety patients(group I) were diagnosis with PE through spiral chest CT or a chest CT angiogram, perfusion/ventilation scans, and/or pulmonary angiogram. Ninety-five patients (group II) were found not to have a pulmonary embolism through the above tests. Results : The male to female ratio and mean age in groups I and II was 37:55, and 57 years old to 50:45 and 52 years old, respectively. When the cut off value for a positive D-dimer assay was set to 500 μg, the sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and specificity was 86.7%, 61.4%, 79.3%, and 48.4%, respectively. Conclusion : The semiquantitative latex agglutination method in the D-dimer test has a lower sensitivity and negative predictive value than the well known ELISA test particularly for small emboli. Therefore, this test is not a suitable screening test for excluding a pulmonary embolism. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 651-655)
목 적 : 기관 또는 주 기관지에서 발생하는 기관지 기형은 엽 또는 구역 기관지에서 흔히 관찰되는 비정상 분지에 비해 매우 드물게 관찰되며, 기관성 기관지와 심장성 부속 기관지가 대부분을 차지한다. 특이 증상이 없는 경우가 많으며, 드물게 반복적인 폐렴을 유발하거나 기관 삽관시 기관성 기관지의 폐쇄에 의한 폐허탈 혹은 우상엽의 과팽창을 초래할 수 있다. 연자들은 최근 4년간 경험하였던 기관 또는 주 기관지에서 발생한 기관지 기형의 고찰을 통하여 그 임상적인 의의를 알아보고자 하였다.방 법 : 2001년 1월부터 2005년 3월까지 기관지내시경 검사를 시행한 환자가운데 기관성 기관지(13예)와 심장성 부속 기관지(8예)가 관찰되었던 21예를 대상으로 임상적 증상, 기관지내시경 소견 등을 후향적으로 분석하였다.
Objectives : To evaluate the clinical significance of abnormal bronchi originating from the trachea or main bronchi. Methods : 21 patients (male:female ratio, 13:8; mean age, 58.2 years, range 34-77), who were diagnosed with major tracheobronchial anomalies by bronchoscopy from January 2001 to March 2005, were enrolled in this study. The anomalous bronchi consisted of 13 tracheal bronchi and 8 cardiac accessory bronchus. The clinical features, bronchoscopic findings, and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Results : Common symptoms, including hemoptysis, cough and dyspnea, resulted from the underlying lung disease regardless of the bronchial anomalies. In this series of 13 tracheal bronchi, 7 cases originated from the trachea within 1cm of the carina (carinal type) and 6 cases originated at a higher level(tracheal type). Most patients had favorable outcome with conservative treatment for the underlying lung disease. Conclusion : Most tracheobronchial anomalies are found incidentally in the process of diagnosing lung disease. The clinical outcome of patients with a bronchial anomaly depends on the underlying lung disease. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 664-669)
섬유상피성 용종은 중배엽성 기원의 양성 종양으로, 기관지 내에 생기는 경우는 매우 드물다. 또한 이 종괴는 악성화 가능성이 거의 없어, 최소한의 내시경적 절제술이 치료법으로 추천된다. 기관지내 종괴의 감별 진단에 양성의 섬유상피성 용종이 포함될 수 있음을 염두에 두어 불필요한 외과적 광범위 절제를 방지해야겠다.
An 81-year-old man underwent bronchoscopy to investigate the cause of his dyspnea symptoms. A benign natured mass was observed in the bronchus and was excised. The pathology examination revealed a fibroepithelial polyp. He has been asymptomatic since the simple bronchoscopic excision. A fibroepithelial polyp is a benign tumor with a mesodermal origin. It is commonly found in the skin, urogenital area and chest, but is extremely rare in the respiratory system. We report a case of a fibroepithelial polyp in the bronchus, which was treated with a bronchoscopic excision, with a brief review of the relevant literature. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59:670-673)
원발성 폐암에서 아밀라제가 증가하는 기전은 정확히 밝혀져 있지 않으나 대부분 타액형이며, 조직학적으로 거의 대부분이 선암이었으며, 일부 소세포폐암에서 부종양증후군으로 고아밀라제 혈증을 동반한 경우가 보고되고 있으나, 편평상피세포 폐암과 동반된 예는 국내에서 보고된 바가 없어 이를 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.
A 78-year-old man was admitted to our hospital as a result of dyspepsia with a 2-month duration. Upon admission, the laboratory data showed a marked elevation in amylase activity in both the serum and urine. The pancreas and salivary glands were considered unlikely to have any clinical involvement in the hyperamylasemia. The chest PA revealed a right side pleural effusion, and the chest CT showed a heterogeneous enhancing mass on the subcarinal area. The patient was diagnosed bronchoscopically with a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The amylase isoenzyme patterns indicated the salivary types, but lung cancer was strongly suspected to be the source. In most cases, lung cancers with hyperamylasemia have been diagnosed as adenocarcinomas. A squamous cell carcinoma is quite rare. We report an interesting case of squamous cell lung cancer with hyperamylasemia (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 674-678)
저자들은 시야 결손 등의 시력 변화를 주 증상으로 내원한 환자에서 소세포 폐암과 이로 인한 부종양성 증후군으로 동반된 암 관련 망막증을 진단하고 항암화학요법을 시행하여, 원발 병변의 부분 관해 보였으나, 시야 결손은 회복되지 않았던 1예를 경험하였기에 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고 하는 바이다.
Cancer associated retinopathy (CAR) syndrome is a very rare ocular manifestation of paraneoplastic syndrome, and is characterized clinically by progressive visual impairment. Immune cross-reactivity between antigens in the cancerous tissue and antigens in the retina may play an important role in its pathogenesis, and most of cases are associated with lung carcinoma, particularly small cell lung cancer. The clinical triad of CAR is described as photosensitivity, ring scotomata, and an attenuated retinal arterial caliber. Here, we report a 61-year old male patient with CAR syndrome, who had small cell lung carcinoma in the stage of limited disease, with a brief review of the relevant literature. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 679-683)
규폐증은 유리규산에 노출될 수 있는 다양한 작업장에서 발생할 수 있는 질환으로 호흡성 분진의 축적에 의한 폐실질의 병리학적 변화를 가져오는 대부분 만성적인 경과를 보이는 질환이다. 하지만 드문 경우에 노출된 분진의 강도와 노출기간에 따라 임상양상이 급격하게 진행되는 경우가 있을 수 있다. 저자들은 진폐증으로 진단하였던 환자가 약 2개월 동안의 급격한 방사선학적 소견의 진행을 보여, 속립성 결핵과의 감별을 위해 시행한 경기관지 폐생검을 통하여 진단하였던 가속형 규폐증 1례를 경험하였기에 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.
Silicosis is a chronic fibrosing lung disease that is initiated by prolonged and extensive exposure to respirable free crystalline silica. Accelerated silicosis is rare and is clinically identical to the classic form of silicosis with the exception that the time from initial exposure to the onset of the disease is shorter and the rate of disease progression is dramatically faster. We describe a case of accelerated silicosis, which mimicked miliary pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient had worked in a mine coal for a period of 9 years. Subsequently, he worked in construction dealing with cement and sand for 14 years until he visited this clinic. The clinical course was notable for the rapid progression of the radiological features of silicosis over a period of 2 months. Polarizing light microscopic studies of the biopsied specimens by a transbronchial lung biopsy showed polarizing particles, which were typical of silica. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of accelerated silicosis in Korea. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 684-689)
질산은 금속의 순화, 세척, 전기도금에 사용되는 산화제로서 공기나 금속과 반응하여 발생하는 증기를 흡입하는 경우 화학성 폐렴을 유발할 수 있다. 44세 남자가 보호 장구 없이 질산을 이용하여 기계 얼룩 제거 작업을 4시간가량 한 후, 기침과 호흡곤란이 발생하여 내원하였다. 내원 당시 혈압 80/50 mmHg, 맥박수 분당 140회, 호흡수 분당 26회, 체온은 36.5℃ 이었다. 내원 직후 Ambu bagging을 하면서 실시한 동맥혈 검사에서 pH 7.26, PaCO2 49.2 mmHg, PaO2 31.1 mmHg, HCO3 21.3 mmHg, SaO2 54.2%로 호흡성 산증과 저산소증이 나타났으며, 흉부 방사선 검사에서 양측 폐야의 폐포성 경화와 미만성 폐침윤이 관찰되어 임상적으로 급성호흡곤란증후군으로 진단되었다. 환자는 호기말 양압을 이용한 기계 환기 및 항생제, 기관지 확장제, 전신적인 스테로이드 치료 후 완전히 회복하였으며 추적 흉부 방사선 검사와 고해상 전산화단층촬영 및 폐기능 검사에서도 합병증 없이 모두 호전되었기에 이를 보고하는 바이다.
Nitric acid is an oxidizing agent used in metal refining and cleaning, electroplating, and other industrial applications. Its accidental spillage generates oxides of nitrogen, including nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which cause chemical pneumonitis when inhaled. The clinical presentation of a nitric acid inhalation injury depends on the duration and intensity of exposure. In mild cases, there may be no symptoms during the first few hours after exposure, or the typical symptoms of pulmonary edema can appear within 3-24 hours. However, in cases of prolonged exposure, progressive pulmonary edema develops instantaneously and patients may not survive for more than 24 hours. We report a case of a 44-year-old male who was presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome after nitric acid inhalation. He complained of cough and dyspnea of a sudden onset after inhaling nitric acid fumes at his workplace over a four-hour period. He required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to fulminant respiratory failure. He was managed successfully with mechanical ventilation using positive end expiratory pressure and systemic corticosteroids, and recovered fully without any deterioration in his pulmonary function. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 690-695)
SPM은 기저질환이나 외상의 과거력 없이 종격동에 기포가 생기는 질환으로 주로 젊은 연령에서 발생하며, 재발은 세계적으로 소수의 증례보고 위주로 되어 있다. 저자들은 특별한 유발 요인 없는 젊은 여자 환자에서 27개월 간격으로 재발한 SPM를 경험하였고, 이는 국내에 보고된 바 없으며, 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum(SPM) is an uncommon disease that is defined as the nontraumatic presence of free air in the mediastinum without any apparent underlying disease. We report a case of recurrent spontaneous pneumomediastinum without any direct precipitating cause. A 21-year-old woman was admitted to hospital suffering from chest pain that occurred during walking (?). She had previously been well. She did not complain of cough or vomiting prior to this presentation. Upon admission, the physical examination and Electrocardiogram findings were normal. The chest x-ray and chest computed-tomography showed a pneumomediastinum. She was successfully managed conservatively. Twenty seven months later, she was readmitted with chest pain, which again occurred during the same activity. The recurrent SPM was confirmed by the chest x-ray and chest computed-tomography. She was managed in the same manner as before and made an uneventful recovery. This is the first case of recurrent SPM in Korea. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 696-699)
We experienced a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient who presented with uncommon radiological findings. He complained of a dry cough for 3 weeks. The chest X-ray and CT showed multiple, variable sized, and irregular patch consolidations with cavities combined with some ground glass opacities in both lower lung fields. The diagnosis was made histologically via a thoracoscopic lung biopsy. The patient was administered oral fluconazole has since been well. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2005; 59: 700-704)