"Spirometric" lung age reference equations: A narrative review.

The aim of the present paper was to conduct a narrative review of the published norms of the "spirometric" lung-age (SLA). A literature search which covered the period 1970 to June 2017, was conducted using the Pubmed. The search strategy had used the following MeSH words: "Spirometry"[Majr]) AND "Aging"[Majr]. Six original studies have reported equations predicting SLA for adults aged 18-90 years [USA (n=2), Japan (n=2); Australia (n=1) and Tunisia (n=1)]. Their sample sizes varied from 125 to 15238, with a total of 32334 volunteers (11788 men). Several models of norms were developed. They included one (often, FEV1) or more spirometric data in addition to one (often, height) or more anthropometric data. All studies have validated their norms in additional one or more groups, with satisfactory results. Only three authors have proposed algorithms to interpret SLA. All studies presented several limitations concerning the sample size and/or representation, the age distribution, the use of old spirometric data and/or equipment, the application of old spirometric methods, and especially mathematical and statistical flaws.

Catamenial pneumothorax revealing diaphragmatic endometriosis: a case report and revue of literature.

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is a rare entity of spontaneous, recurring pneumothorax in women. We aim to discuss the etiology, clinical course, and surgical treatment of a 42-year-old woman with CP. This patient had a right-sided spontaneous pneumothoraces occurred one week after menses. She had under-gone video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) because of a persistent air leak under chest tube. VATS revealed multiple diaphragmatic fenestrations with an upper right nodule. Defects were removed and a large part of the diaphragm was resected. Pleural abrasion was then performed over the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic endometriosis was confirmed by microscopic examination. Medical treatment with GnRH agonists was prescribed, and after recovery, the patient has been symptoms free for 20 months.