[The interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are classifi ed together because of similar clinical, radiographic or pathologic manifestation. The diffuse interstitial lung diseases are divided into those that are associated with known causes and that are idiopathic. The treatment choices and prognosis vary among the different causes and types of ILD, so the early and correct diagnosis is important. In oncology ILD could be a rather severe adverse effect of treatment with radiationor chemotherapy.]

[More than half of the cases of primary pulmonary hypertension belongs to the thromboembolic form which can successfully be treated by pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the selection of surgical candidates and the results of first operations. 22 patients were studied in the last 2 years in whom pulmonary systolic pressure was over 50 mm Hgby Doppler-echocardiography, and no cause could be identified and in whom transesophageal echocardiography was performed. Per fusion lung scan was carried out in 14, venous Doppler in 10 and pulmonary angiography in 7 cases. Out of 22 patients with suspected PPH an atrial septal defect (ASD) was found in 4 cases, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTH-PH) in 10 patients and major vessel disease suitable for surgery was established in 6 of them. Acute pulmonary embolism was documented in the history of 2 and deep vein thrombosis in 6 out of the 10 cases. Patent foramen ovale was revealed in 5 of the 10 patients 2 of which led to fatal paradoxic embolism. ASD was closed in 3 cases. Two patients had successful pulmonary thromboendarterectomy followed by complete hemodynamic recovery. CTh-PH should be considered in any patient with effort dyspnea or signs of right ventricular overload for which no cardiac cause can be found, as successful surgical treatment may be possible. A diagnostic algorithm is proposed for the selection of surgical candidates. ]

[During the last decade lung transplantation became an accepted treatment option for endstage lung disease of different origin. Technical problems of the early period have been solved completely during the course of time and the operation has found its place as a routine procedure. The shortage of donor lungs has stimulated the development of new operative techniques. Parallel to achievements in surgical treatment, significant progress in immunosuppressive therapy was obtained. Long-term survival following lung transplantation however remains limited by the onset of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Since Vienna serves as a leading centre for lung transplantation in Middle-Europe, between 05/03/1996 and 17/01/2003 21 Hungarian patients underwent lung transplantation here. In close co-operation with the Vienna Lung Transplant Group, the Hungarian specialists prepare for introduction of lung transplantation in Hungary.]