Primary actinomycotic lung abscess

A case of recurrent massive haemoptysis in whom primary actinomycotic lung abscess was diagnosed following right pneumonectomy is reported.     

Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients with self-reported sicca symptoms: evaluation of medical, salivary and oral parameters

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of sicca symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-patients, and to evaluate medical, salivary, and oral parameters in matched subgroups of patients with and without sicca symptoms as well as in healthy controls.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prevalence of self-reported sicca symptoms was examined by a postal questionnaire in a representative cohort of RA-patients (n = 105, aged 52–74 years, disease duration 10–20 years, 77% females, 56% RF-positive).Patient subgroups and controls (9–10 in each group) underwent examinations of disease activity, blood analyses, tests of tear and salivary secretion, and examination of oral mucosa and microflora. Analyses of salivary acidic proline-rich proteins (PRPs), statherin and histatins were performed.
RESULTS: One or more sicca symptoms were reported by 65% of RA-patientS. Sicca patients (having ≥4 sicca symptoms) had a more active and severe disease with higher scores for disability, fatigue and tender joints than patients without such symptomS. Other significant findings in the sicca group were lower values of unstimulated whole saliva, output of PRPs, statherin and histatins in submandibular saliva, and higher counts of oral Candida species.
CONCLUSIONS: Sicca symptoms were prevalent in RA.Qualitative and quantitative salivary tests distinguished between sicca and non-sicca RA-patients, though overlap was considerable for some parameters.     

MR imaging of the scrotum: pathologic conditions

The utility of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in studying a variety of intratesticular and extratesticular pathologic conditions was assessed. The high magnetic signal intensity of the testis provided an excellent background for visualization of intratesticular abnormalities. Except for old blood, all intratesticular processes were less intense than testis, especially on T2-weighted images. The visualization of the tunica albuginea is a distinct advantage, allowing its assessment in cases of trauma or testicular tumors. Epididymal and spermatic cord abnormalities were easily recognized. All pathologic conditions were best seen on T2-weighted images acquired in the coronal plane. Balanced images allowed for tissue characterization.