On examination, the only abnormal findings were diminished breath sounds and dullness to percussion at the left base. A chest radiograph showed bilateral hilar and paratracheal lymph node enlargement, a diffuse interstitial pulmonary infiltrate, and a left pleural effusion (fig 1). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 92 mm in one hour (Westergren); the haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was 13-2 g/dl; the white blood count (WBC) 13 x 109/l (4% eosinophils); platelets 545 x 109/l; serum calcium concentration 2-26 mmol/I (9.04 mg/100 ml). Serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity was 34 nmol/ml/ min (normal lower limit 40 nmol/ml/min). An intradermal tuberculin test (50 units IP 48, Institut Pasteur) gave a negative reponse. No tubercle bacilli were isolated from the many sputum samples examined. Serological studies for parasitic infection gave negative results.Pulmonary function tests showed a forced vital capacity of 3-5 1 (predicted 4-1 1), FEV, 71 % (predicted 83%), and transfer coefficient (Kco) 5-1 min-' torr-' (predicted 5.9) (1-7 mmol min-' kPa-'l-' (predicted 2.0)
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.