Airwaves
INFLAMMATORY CELLS AND EPITHELIAL DAMAGE IN SMOKERS
Amin and colleagues describe differences in airway inflammatory cells from bronchial biopsy specimens taken from the airways of asymptomatic smokers (who had never sought medical attention) and never smokers. More inflammatory cells were seen in asymptomatic smokers than in never smokers. However, a further interesting finding was that there was a relationship between the levels of inflammatory cells and epithelial integrity and also between eosinophils and increased thickness of the laminin and tenascin layers in the airways. This study provides evidence of early tissue remodelling in airways of smokers and has implications for the early development of COPD.See 135
HRCT, INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA, AND PROGNOSIS
High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). The paper by Flaherty and colleagues addresses the …
