Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Michael Zacharisen.
Sinusitis remains one of the most prevalent but clinically challenging disease processes in pediatrics. Lack of appropriate culture evidence makes the diagnosis difficult, and increasing microbial resistance presents a therapeutic dilemma. This article examines causative factors, appropriate diagnostic measures, and effective medical and surgical treatment options for sinusitis in the pediatric population.
BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an uncommon, non-IgE-mediated interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of a variety of organic dusts, most commonly from exposure at work or in the pursuit of hobbies. Typically, after the disease is recognized, the causative allergen or environment is identified and treatment initiated through avoidance measures and corticosteroids. Progression of the disease is then usually halted and even reversed. Fatal cases of HP are unusual. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of progressive and deadly HP in a 40-year-old printer who developed subacute bird fancier's disease with its clinical characteristics and positive precipitins to pigeon proteins. METHODS: Chest x-ray examinations and tests of lung function were performed in the patient. Two months after initial consultation, when the diagnosis was still elusive, an open lung biopsy was performed and the patient was treated with prednisone for 3 months. A subsequent chest x-ray examination was performed 4 months after the biopsy. RESULTS: With avoidance of birds and treatment with corticosteroids, the patient's symptoms resolved and lung function normalized. He was subsequently diagnosed as having asthma followed by bronchitis and 2 episodes of pneumonia. He did not fully recover from these but developed progressive dyspnea. After linking his symptoms to work by history, he underwent lung biopsy with findings consistent with chronic HP. Serum antibody titers were positive for Aspergillus but not pigeon proteins. Based on exposure to water-based coolants, he was suspected of having chronic occupational HP, although this could not be confirmed. Despite aggressive treatment, he developed a progressive course that was ultimately fatal. CONCLUSIONS: This report details the progressive disease course in an individual who presented initially with subacute HP. Unfortunately, even after appropriate diagnosis and management, the course of the disease can be fatal.