Abstract
Disseminated histoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease usually seen in immunocompromised patients living in endemic areas. We present an apparently immunocompetent patient with gastrointestinal histoplasmosis who was initially diagnosed as biopsy-proven Crohn’s disease. Following discontinuation of anti-inflammatory drugs and institution of antifungal therapy, his GI illness completely improved. Specific fungal staining should be routinely included in histopathologic assessment of tissue specimens diagnosed as Crohn’s disease.
This study demonstrates for the first time in elderly adults without heart disease that intervention with supplemental oxygen in the clinical range will ameliorate central apneas and hypopneas by decreasing the propensity to central apnea through decreased chemoreflex sensitivity, even in the absence of a reduction in the plant gain. Thus, the study provides physiological evidence for use of supplemental oxygen as therapy for mild-to-moderate SDB in this vulnerable population.
Gastrointestinal Histoplasmosis Mimicking Crohn’s Disease
