No abstract

Although localized diffuse interstitial amyloid is a rare finding, it is often not placed in the differential diagnosis, leading to the diagnosis being made at autopsy. With the use of new techniques and fiberoptic bronchoscopy an early diagnosis can be made. More research needs to be dedicated to the advancement of treatment for this fatal disease.

Acanthamoeba infection is extremely rare in thoracic organ recipients. We report the fifth case of progressive disseminated acanthamoebiasis in a lung transplant recipient.

Systemic sclerosis is manifested by the massive deposition of collagen within various organ systems. Endothelin-1 has taken a pivotal role as not only a potent vasoconstrictor, but also as a profibrotic intermediary. Bosentan is proving to be a viable therapeutic option in alleviating manifestations of systemic sclerosis other than pulmonary hypertension. There are many reports in the literature profiling bosentan's safety, efficacy and tolerability in patients. In addition, it has greatly improved patients’ quality of life, reduced the number of hospitalizations and increased the time to clinical worsening of the disease. The clinical indications for use of bosentan in a wide array of patients has served as a valuable asset in the medical management of systemic sclerosis.

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common manifestation in primary coccidioides infections (Coccidioides immitis, C. posadasii). It is essential that this endemic dimorphic fungus be considered in order to proceed with the most appropriate diagnostic tools and therapy.