The incidence was studied of broncho-pulmonary carcinoma, as well as of other epidemiological indicators in the 5th district of Bucharest over a period of 14 years (1960-1973) during which a total of 525 cases have occured. The incidence in this territory tends to become real from 1967 when the curve overtook the death-rate in the country. Following a continuous increase the number of cases reached 29 0/0000 in 1973 and it is presumed that it will attain 40 0/0000 in 1980. The increase in the morbidity is due to a higher number of cases noted in the extreme age groups (the increase was 2,5-fold in those under 40 years of age); the age group which was the most seriously involved was that between 60 and 69 years, in which the morbidity was of 111 0/0000. The proportion of women has also increased, from 1/6-th to 1/5-th of the total number of cases. In women the frequency of adenocarcinoma and of non-differentiated neoplasies is somewhat higher than in men. The proportion of histopathological confirmation of the disease diminished in the last years probably due to the higher number of aged subjects that cannot be correctly investigated or surgically treated.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Obstructive syndrome in laryngotracheal stenosis].

Pulmonary function studies were carried out in 13 patients in whom the diagnosis of a central (laryngeal or tracheal) stenosis was confirmed by endoscopy. Following lung function tests were performed: static lung volumes (VC, RV, TLC), FEV1.0 and FIV1.0, flow-volume loops of forced expiratory and forced inspiratory vital capacity efforts from which PEFR and PIFR, maximal expiratory (VEmx50) and maximal inspiratory flow at 50 per cent of vital capacity (VLmx50) were measured, Raw, helium mixing time and pharmacological test with acethylcholine. FIV1.0 values and flow-volume loops permitted the classification of the patients into 3 groups: 1. fixed obstruction (6 cases): decrease in about equal proportions of maximal expiratory and inspiratory flows (FEV1.0 and FIV1.0); normal FEV1.0/FIV1.0 ratio; 2. extrathoracic variable obstruction (1 case): predominant decrease in maximal inspiratory flows (FIV1.0). FEV1.0/FIV1.0 ratio is twice as normal; 3. intrathoracic variable obstruction (5 cases): exclusive or predominant reduction in maximal expiratory flows, as in COPD but with the difference that the expiratory limb of the V:V loop showed an excessive reduction in PEFR, a plateau in the midzone of the VC and a terminal portion with normal configuration. Raw was almost always increased, RV sometimes, helium mixing time was prolonged only in presence of COPD or lobar stenosis; pharmacological tests were negative in 3 out of 4 cases. Pulmonary function abnormalities did not allow a prognosis of the nature of the underlying lesion. The severity of the obstruction as evaluated by endoscopic examination was not related to the functional disturbances. In one case no functional alterations were found despite a severe tracheal stenosis.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied