Biomedical subjects
S K Willsie-Ediger
Publications and source records attributed to S K Willsie-Ediger.
Sarcoidosis masquerading as eosinophilic pneumonia.
A 29-year-old woman presented with progressive dyspnea, fever, cough, and weight loss. A chest roentgenogram revealed bilateral peripheral infiltrates suggestive of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. Bronchoscopic evaluation, as well as a therapeutic trial of corticosteroids, was nondiagnostic. Open lung biopsy revealed findings consistent with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Roentgenographically, differentiating between sarcoidosis and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia can be difficult. A diagnostic approach, as well as the differential diagnosis of bilateral peripheral pulmonary infiltrates, is discussed.
Use of intrapleural streptokinase in the treatment of thoracic empyema.
The incidence of pleural effusions in bacterial pneumonia may exceed 40%, a factor that may be related to increased morbidity and mortality. Options in the treatment of complicated pleural effusions or empyema, when unresponsive to closed tube drainage, include repositioning of the indwelling tube thoracostomy or insertion of additional chest tubes, instillation of intrapleural streptokinase, and surgical intervention. The authors describe the course of three patients wherein the use of intrapleural streptokinase was efficacious in effecting prompt drainage of previously inadequately evacuated empyema, thus eliminating the necessity for further invasive intervention.
Description of a delivery method for continuously aerosolized albuterol in status asthmaticus.
The use of continuously nebulized beta agonists may be considered in the treatment of status asthmaticus, particularly when conventional therapy is failing. Methods of administration of continuously nebulized beta agonists may be cumbersome. We describe a delivery method which allowed simplification of this process, yielded accurate delivery of a specified dose of albuterol, and was beneficial in a reported case of status asthmaticus.