Objective To explore the imaging features of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( IPF) under high-resolution computed tomography ( HRCT) . Methods The HRCT imaging features of six patients who met the criteria for acute exacerbation of IPF were analyzed retrospectively. Results The manifestations of IPF on HRCT scan were various in forms and distribution, as multifocal, ground-glass opacity, reticular shadow, honeycombing densities, capillary bronchiectasis,subpleural lines, traction bronchiolectasis and emphysema. The characteristic lesions were newly diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacity at the time of acute exacerbation, superimposed on subpleural reticular and honeycombing densities. Conclusions Chest HRCT findings in acute exacerbation of IPF are characteristic.HRCT is accurate and superior in diagnosis of IPF and in determining acute exacerbation of IPF.
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of upper airway cough syndrome ( UACS) and the relationship of UACS with upper airway diseases, cough variant asthma ( CVA) , and gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD) . Methods 92 subjects with chronic cough and throat symptoms and signs were included in the study. The medical records were collected fromall subjects, and 49 subjects suspected for CVA undertook bronchial provocation test. Then the efficacy was evaluated and etiology were analyzed based on the efficacy of targeted treatment. Results Bronchial provocation test yielded positive results in 14 subjects suspected of CVA, accounting for 15. 2% of all cases ( 14/92) . 18. 5% ( 17 /92) of patients had a history of chronic gastritis or combined symptoms of GERD, of whom anti-gastroesophagealreflux treatment was effective. The patients with rhinitis, sinusitis history and/ or symptoms accounted for 33. 7% of cases ( 31 cases) . 51. 1% ( 47/92) of patients had only signs and symptoms of chronic pharyngitis. Conclusions UACS is not only due to the rhinitis and/ or sinusitis but also chronic pharyngitis. Chronic pharyngitis may be secondary to chronic rhinitis/ sinusitis with post nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux, also may be an independent cause of chronic cough.
Objective To investigate the causes of chronic cough in Chongqing City and assess the efficacy of specific therapy. Methods A total of 233 consecutively non-selected referred patients ( 136 females) whose cough duration more than eight weeks were studied. Their age[ median ( range) ] was 44. 5( 15-78) yrs and cough duration was 2. 6 ( 0. 2-30) yrs. They were diagnosed using a diagnostic protocol based on the Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough established by China Medical Association and American College of Chest Physicians. The etiological diagnosis was made according to clinical manifestations, lab examinations, and response to specific therapy. The effects was assessed four weeks after the drug withdraw. Results The cause of chronic cough was confirmed in 216 patients ( 92. 7% ) . Seventeen patients( 7. 3% ) had not been definitely diagnosed. Cough due to a single cause was found in 163 patients ( 75. 45% ) , and due to multiple causes in 53 patients ( 24. 53% ) . The causes included upper airway cough syndrome ( UACS) in 127 patients( 44. 4% ) , cough variant asthma ( CVA) in 73 patients( 25. 5% ) , gastro-esophageal reflux cough ( GERC) in 26 patients( 9. 1%) , postinfectious cough and angiotensin converting enzyme ( ACE) inhibitor-induced cough in 6 patients( 2. 1% ) , atopic cough in 5 patients( 1. 7% ) , chronic bronchitis in 3 patients ( 1. 0% ) , respectively. After specific therapy based on diagnosis, cough cured in 59 patients ( 25. 3% ) , and alleviated in 114 patients ( 49. 3% ) , no response in 40 patients( 17. 1% ) . Conclusion The causes of chronic cough in different areas maybe variant. UACS, CVA and GREC are the main causes of chronic cough in Chongqing City. Specific therapy is effective in majority of patients with chronic cough.