2 research outputs found
Asymptomatic stage I sarcoidosis complicated by pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder characterized pathologically by the presence of non-caseating granulomas in involved tissues. Depressed cellular immunity predisposes patients to infections with certain intracellular organisms, mostly fungi, <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </it>and <it>Nocardia </it>species. As these infections are mainly insidious and difficult to differentiate from the underlying disease, a possible misdiagnosis may lead to fatal complications for the patient.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a case of a 67-year-old woman with undiagnosed asymptomatic stage I sarcoidosis for at least 8 years before her admission and a 1-month history of fever, exertional dyspnea and dry cough, in whom pulmonary tuberculosis was documented.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This case highlights the need for great vigilance among physicians in order to rule out any possible infection before establishing the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.</p
Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection and COPD: More evidence for lack of evidence?
Chlamydophila pneumoniae has been recognized as a common cause of
respiratory tract infections affecting all age groups. The organism has
been implicated as an infectious trigger for acute exacerbations of
CCPD. Moreover, the intracellular existence of this pathogen and the
ability to cause chronic respiratory infections have led to a number of
studies that investigated its possible association with disease
development. The present paper examines and discusses the possible
association of acute C pneumoniae infection in episodes of acute
exacerbation of COPD. It also reviews the existing evidence of chronic
C. pneumoniae infection with disease pathogenesis and severity. The
significant interstudy variation of the choice of diagnostic methods and
criteria applied is most likely responsible for the great diversity of
results observed. The use of well-standardized, commercially available
diagnostic tools, as well as the adoption of a more unified diagnostic
approach is probably the key element missing in order to clarify the
exact role of C. pneumoniae in COPD. (C) 2009 European Federation of
Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved