Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of polyarteritis nodosa which begin with pulmonary lesions, so as to make early diagnosis and treatment possible. Methods Clinical data of three patients of polyarteritis nodosawhich began with pulmonary lesions were summarized includingmode of onset, evolvement of symptom and sign, data of laboratory test. The results of vascular ultrasound and histopathology examination were analyzed for their diagnostic value.Results Cough, sputum productive cough, and irregular high fever were present in the earlier period. Increases of C-reactive protein ( CRP) , erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ERS) , white blood cell count ( WBC) , and anemia were main laboratory findings. Computed tomography revealed scattered infiltration in the lung. Anti-infective treatment was ineffective. Involvement of skin, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, nerve and muscle was present in sequence. Two of the three cases were confirmed by pathological biopsy. The symptoms were improved by the treatment with glucocorticoid. Conclusions Polyarteritis nodosa which begin with pulmonary lesions is easy to misdiagnose due to atypical symptoms. It is important for diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa to collect evidence of systematic involvement through taking careful history and physical examination. Further angiography and biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Cytotoxic drugs and/ or glucocorticoid are effective for the treatment of polyarteritis nodosa.
Objective To investigate the effects of FasL gene-modified dendritic cell (DC) on the airway inflammation in mice sensitized/challenged by house dust mite (HDM) allergen.Methods FasL gene-modified DC (FasL-DC) and control DC (nontransfection DC) were administrated into HDM sensitized and challenged mice by intratracheal injection respectively，then HDM sensitized and challenged mice were sacreificed two days later.Total and differentiation cell counts and levels of interleukin-4（IL-4），IL-5 and interferon-γ(IFN-) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected and lung histological features were observed.Results After administration of FasL-DC，lung allergic inflammation was ameliorated while total cell counts，the percentage of eosinophil ,the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in BALF decreased and the level of IFN- in BALF increased.Conclusion Administrating FasL-DC into HDM sensitized/challenged mice can inhibit Th2 cells activation and ameliorate airway allergic inflammation.