Leishmaniasis, Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease, and Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy, Europe

We report 2 cases of leishmaniasis in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Greece. To assess trends in leishmaniasis reporting in this patient population, we searched the literature for similar reports from Europe. Reports increased during 2004–2008, especially for patients treated with anti–tumor necrosis factor agents

Surgical correction of acquired unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis by plication technique

Summary: Acquired diaphragmatic paralysis may compromise lung mechanics and cause dyspnoea and/or lead to respiratory failure in the long term. A 76 year-old female patient presented with progressive worsening of dyspnoea and spirometric indices, and imaging studies revealed elevation of the left hemidiaphragm. Surgical correction was carried out by diaphragmatic plication technique, through a mini-thoracotomy approach. Immediate alleviation (within days) of her symptoms was observed, while improvement of radiological and pulmonary function tests occurred some weeks later. Pneumon 2013,26(2