Clinical appearance, radiologic findings, lung function and results of corticosteroid therapy were analyzed in 42 adult cases of biopsy-proven pulmonary histiocytosis X. Symptoms were present in only 64%. Using the ILO classification 1980, the evaluation of chest radiographs revealed all categories of profusion, size and shape of nodules. The characteristic ‘ring figures’, i.e. thin-walled cysts, in the parenchyma were detected in 78% of conventional tomographies (n = 27) and in all patients examined by CT (n = 5). In patients with early disease, lung function tests (n = 26) including body plethysmography, pulmonary diffusing capacity and ergospirometry revealed that parameters of gas exchange are most sensitive (T_{L, co} 84%, K_co 72%). Bronchial reactivity to carbachol was significantly higher than in controls (n = 12). Lung perfusion scintigram showed an abnormal, but uncharacteristic pattern in 81% (n = 26). During corticosteroid therapy, no progression was observed (n = 36). 85% of patients with radiographic evidence of progressive disease improved after administration of corticosteroids (n = 14).

In the first half of 1975 there occurred in the Federal Republic of Germany an unusual rise in the incidence of suppurative inguinal lymphadenitis after BCG vaccination of newborns, in immediate time relation with change of the vaccine by its manufacturers, Behringwerke. The attenuated daughter strain Göteborg had been replaced by the effective but also rather aggressive strain Copenhagen 1331. The complication rate was 1.5% in West Berlin. Clinical course, operative technique as well as microbiological and histomorphological features of these cases were analyzed in a joint study. Since it is likely that, after re-admission of the Copenhagen vaccine, such complications may again occur despite reduced micro-organism count, vaccination of newborns should in future be restricted to those at risk.

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