Internal medicine
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Amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) is a clinical subtype of dermatomyositis, characterized by the absence of motor weakness and the presence of normal muscle enzyme levels. ADM is sometimes accompanied by interstitial pneumonia that shows a rapid progressive course associated with a poor prognosis. We describe a 70-year-old man who presented rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia associated with clinically ADM (C-ADM); he was successfully treated with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX) hemoperfusion.
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Campylobacter coli (C. coli) is a rare pathogen of bacteremia, but in immunocompromised hosts, C. coli occasionally causes bacteremia which can be refractory to antibiotic treatment. We report a case of C. coli bacteremia in a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. ⋯ C. coli was observed in the biopsy specimens from the intestinal mucosa, suggesting intestinal carriage and reservoir of recurring infection. The addition of oral kamamycin with intravenous antibiotics was successful in eradicating C. coli from the blood and intestine.
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A 70-year-old man who had aspirated an artificial tooth during treatment at a dental clinic visited our hospital. His symptoms and physical condition were not remarkable. ⋯ Therefore, a second effort was made using a cap constructed of a nasogastric tube, based on the concept of attaching an endoscopic cap to a bronchoscope. The latter was successful.
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Multicenter Study
Survey on the handling of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by annual health check in Japan.
Since mild COPD can be detected in the annual health check by lung function tests, we conducted a questionnaire survey on how such examinations are used to assess chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ At most facilities performing a comprehensive medical check-up, there was not a sufficient number of respirologists to ensure early diagnosis of COPD and this may have compromised COPD diagnosis. The newly proposed Japan Society of Comprehensive Medical Check-up (Ningen-dock) Standards based on the Japanese Respiratory Society may be useful to reveal early stages of COPD.
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Comparative Study
Barrett's esophagus and severe reflux esophagitis share common pathophysiological characteristics among Chinese in Taiwan.
The pathophysiological data on Barrett's esophagus are scant in Asia, so the purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the pathophysiological characteristics of Barrett's esophagus and reflux esophagitis among Chinese in Taiwan. ⋯ We concluded that Barrett's esophagus had significantly stronger acid reflux, lower LES pressure, and weaker distal esophageal peristalsis compared to mild esophagitis. Barrett's esophagus and severe reflux esophagitis share common pathophysiological characteristics among Chinese in Taiwan.