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While several case reports suggest an association between sarcoidosis and multiple myeloma (MM), few cases involve smoldering MM. We report a case of sarcoidosis and smoldering MM discovered simultaneously in a patient admitted for hypercalcemia. Initial tests raised suspicion for sarcoidosis and MM, prompting invasive testing. Surgical lung biopsy revealed necrotizing granulomas, which could represent sarcoidosis in the appropriate setting. Thus, sarcoidosis was diagnosed following a negative infectious workup. Bone marrow biopsy revealed 13% plasma cells leading to subsequent diagnosis of smoldering MM. This case demonstrates the challenge of determining disease activity when other causes of CRAB symptoms are present.

Background Management of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) requires subspecialized, comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation established the Care Center Network (CCN) in 2013 with identified criteria to become a designated CCN site. Despite these criteria, the essential components of an ILD clinic remain unknown. Research Questions How are ILD clinics within the CCN structured? What are the essential components of an ILD clinic according to ILD physician experts, patients, and caregivers? Study Design and Methods This study had three components. First, all 68 CCN sites were surveyed to determine the characteristics of their current ILD clinics. Second, an online, three-round modified Delphi survey was conducted between October and December 2019 with 48 ILD experts participating in total. Items for round 1 were generated using expert interviews. During rounds 1 and 2, experts rated the importance of each item on a 5-point Likert scale. The a priori threshold for consensus was more than 75% of experts rating an item as important or very important. In round 3, experts graded items that met consensus and ranked items deemed essential for an ILD clinic. Third, ILD patient and caregiver focus groups were conducted and analyzed for content to determine their perspectives of an ideal ILD clinic. Results Forty items across four categories (members, infrastructure, resources, and multidisciplinary conference) achieved consensus as essential to an ILD clinic. Patient and caregiver focus groups identified three major themes: comprehensive, patient-centered medical care; expanded access to care; and comprehensive support for living and coping with ILD. Interpretation The essential components of an ILD clinic are well-aligned between physician experts and patients. Future research can use these findings to evaluate the impact of these components on patient outcomes and to inform best practices for ILD clinics throughout the world.

More than 40,000 individuals were exposed to particulate matter following the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks. This population has increased rates of asthma and worsening of preexisting asthma. WTC asthma is on the spectrum of disorders ranging from reactive airways dysfunction to irritant-induced asthma. It is a non-immunologic phenomenon, with direct airway epithelial damage causing release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Risk factors for development of WTC asthma relate predominantly to the magnitude of irritant exposure.