10/6/03 Ciliary beating patterns in primary ciliary dyskinesiaSummaryRespiratory cilia normally beat, in coordinated manner with specific frequency and patterns, clearing mucus and debris from the airways. In primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), muco- ciliary clearance is impaired. The diagnosis of PCD has been based on an appearance of reduced ciliary beating frequency with associated ultrastructural abnormalities in the ciliary axoneme. However, Chilvers et al of the Univ. of Leicester in the UK have expanded knowledge of underlying mechanisms in PCD by defining patterns as well as frequency of ciliary beating in PCD. This includes a subgroup of PCD with normal ciliary beat frequency but an abnormal gyrating ciliary beat pattern. The authors pointed out that such patients may be missed in the usual screening based on just assessment of beat frequency. Reference J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 112:518-24 Editor’s Comments PCD is an unusual condition, predisposing to recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections. It can be part of the Kartegener Syndrome. However, ciliary abnormalities can sometimes occur secondary to chronic infection or other types of inflammation. Therefore, a definitive diagnosis of PCD has generally required ultramicroscopic examination of several cilia for typical axoneme abnormalities. This report provides evidence that PCD is more complex (pathogenetically) than previously considered. It is not just the rate of ciliary beating that counts but the pattern of such beating as well.
|
