Thin-walled cavities, cysts, and pneumothorax in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: further observations with histopathologic correlation

Article Abstract:

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection (i.e. an infection that arises in the presence of a depressed immune system) of the lungs that frequently occurs in AIDS patients. X-rays of the lungs of patients with PCP show characteristic air-containing cysts and nodules. Little is known about the development and importance of these cysts and nodules. This study examined the cysts and nodules associated with PCP. X- rays, computed tomography (CT), which is an imaging technique that uses a computer to generate images from data obtained from scanning X-rays, and pathologic evaluation were used to study lung cysts and nodules in five patients, four of whom had PCP. X-ray results did not show cysts in two patients and they were only found in two others upon reexamination of the X-rays after other diagnostic techniques revealed them. CT results showed cysts in all five patients. CT detected more cysts than did X-rays in the three patients who were found to have cysts by both techniques. Pathologic results showed thin-walled cysts existed in all five patients. The physical characteristics of these cysts were variable. In two PCP patients, some cysts were small and lined with organisms and associated material. Larger cysts lined with fibrous material were also seen in these and the other patients. Cysts persisted in patients followed-up after treatment. Tubal drainage of the lungs in the AIDS patients was unsuccessful and surgery had to be performed. Results indicated CT characterization could be useful in determining whether tubal drainage or surgery should be performed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Complications and side effects, Lungs, Lung, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, CT imaging, CAT scans

---

CD4 count and the risk for death in patients infected with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy

Article Abstract:

In patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the depletion of a certain subtype of white blood cell known as CD4 lymphocytes, has been associated with worsening of the disease. CD4 lymphocytes are measured by number of cells per cubic millimeter of blood (cells/mm3). Greater than 200 CD4 cells/mm3 implies a reasonably functional immune system, while counts of less than 50 cells/mm3 indicate that severe disease and death are likely to be imminent. A group of patients receiving zidovudine, which retards the rate of AIDS progression, was also monitored for CD4 cell levels. Of the 55 patients studied over 5 years, 44 had died, 10 were alive, and the status of 1 was unknown. Among the 44 patients who had died, 41 had their levels of CD4 cells measured in the six months before their deaths. In 40 of these patients, CD4 cells had fallen to less than 50/mm3. While declining CD4 levels are predictive of death in the near future, many of the patients with CD4 counts of less than 50/mm3 lived several months. Furthermore, CD4 counts of greater than 50 cells/mm3 are not protective against the infections that AIDS patients experience. However, falling CD4 levels do imply a very poor prognosis. While a cure for AIDS is not imminent, therapeutic strategies that maintain CD4 counts at greater than 50 cells/mm3 might improve long-term survival considerably. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Measurement, Prognosis, AIDS patients, CD4 lymphocytes

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Low-dose intermittent trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with human immunodeficiency virus
• Abstracts: Aerosolized pentamidine for prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: the San Francisco Community Prophylaxis Trial
• Abstracts: Interrupted versus continuous chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A phase II trial of high-dose cytarabine and cisplatin in previously untreated non-small cell carcinoma of the lung: a Piedmont Oncology Association study
• Abstracts: Consensus statement on the use of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy for Pneumocystis pneumonia in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• Abstracts: The neglected muscular system: its role in the pathogenesis of the subluxation complex. Comparing symmetry

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.