D-Penicillamine-induced severe pneumonitis

We report the first histologically described case of severe D-penicillamine-induced pneumonitis. It occurred in a 73-year-old woman who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and had previously demonstrated gold intolerance. Pathologic study disclosed marked interstitial and alveolar damage resembling that described with certain chemotherapeutic agents. We assess the drug's responsibility, discuss possible pathogenetic pathways, and provide suggestions regarding the patient on a D-penicillamine schedule.

Non-organic acute upper airway obstruction: description and a diagnostic approach

We describe 3 cases of upper airway obstruction in which no organic cause could be identified. All 3 patients presented with severe dyspnea and stridor. Direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy failed to demonstrate any lesion. Flow-volume loops showed a pattern of severe variable extrathoracic airway obstruction with a decreased peak inspiratory flow and an increased ratio of the forced expiratory flow at 50% vital capacity to the forced inspiratory flow at the same lung volume. Plethysmographically measured airway resistance was normal in the 2 patients for whom it was obtained. We believe a functional etiology should be added to the possible causes of acute upper airway obstruction. This entity can readily be identified by the marked discrepancy between inspiratory flow limitation and airway resistance.

[Bronchiectasis and definitive assisted ventilation (author's transl)]

A 39 year old female with severe respiratory insufficiency by bronchiectasis is treated by assisted ventilation at home. Indication is discussed.

[Pericarditis in bird raiser's disease (author's transl)]

The authors report the case of a 53 years-old male who was presenting signs of a chronic interstitial pneumonitis. A pericarditis was found and the ECG abnormalities first disappeared, then reappeared with new exposure to birds, before making the diagnosis of bird raiser's lung on the history and the immunologic findings. The possibility of pericardial involvement during bird raiser's lung or farmer's lung is found in 4 previously reported cases.

Spectrum and Energy Levels of Neutral Thulium

A new set of measurements of the spectrum of neutral thulium covering the range of 2513 Å to 11750 Å is given. The light source utilized for the observations was a microwave-excited thuliumiodide lamp. Second spectrum lines were recognized by comparing the output of this lamp with that of a 6A sliding spark. The results of Zeeman effect studies of these lines are included. Analysis of these new data led to the discovery of 348 new energy levels and provided revised values for the 142 already published. Measured Landé g factors are given for most of the levels.