Thoracic Key

Introduction The lung may be involved in all connective tissue diseases (CTDs). The involvement is often subclinical, but its true extent may be masked by exercise limitation due to musculoskeletal…

Introduction Gas exchange between the atmosphere and the human body depends not only on the lungs but also in large part on the function of the “ventilatory pump,” which consists…

Introduction Problems with breathing are the root cause of the most common and serious of the sleep disorders. Such breathing problems are associated with a wide range of poor health…

Introduction Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In the United States, lung cancer accounted for more than 250,000 cases of cancer and greater than 150,000…

Introduction Common endocrine disorders may affect the respiratory system in a variety of ways, from an increased risk of specific infections in patients with diabetes to upper airway compression in…

I Primary and Qualifying Symbols General P Pressure (Includes also partial pressure of a gas in a mixture of gases or in blood.) L Lung W Chest wall RS Respiratory…

Introduction The epidemiology of opportunistic mycoses is evolving. In certain populations, the frequency of opportunistic mycoses is increasing due to use of immune-modulating therapies, a higher frequency of invasive procedures…

Introduction This chapter is devoted to the pulmonary complications of abdominal disease and begins with a discussion of the most relevant esophageal and bowel diseases, followed by the specific liver…

Introduction and Definitions Sleep-disordered breathing is a very common clinical problem. Pathologic changes in breathing during sleep may take the form of discrete episodes of absent (apnea) or reduced (hypopnea)…

Introduction Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-saving procedure with applications in acute and chronic respiratory failure. Since the late 1950s, mechanical ventilation has been preferentially delivered by direct access to…