Rationale and efficacy of CD52 targeting in HTLV-1-associated myositis

We retrospectively analysed two selected patients, referred to our Haematology Department for refractory HTLV-1 associated myositis with circulating pathologic T-cell population with ATL phenotype. They respectively presented also HTLV-1 associated Crohn-like disease and myelopathy. Muscle biopsy of both patients was analysed to determine the pathologic infiltrate. Alemtuzumab was proposed as salvage therapy. Targeting CD52 with alemtuzumab showed good efficacy on myopathy of both patients for respectively 11 and 10 months. Interestingly, this treatment showed also efficacy on circulating pathologic T-cell population and on concomitant digestive and neurological diseases. The double infected cells ablation and immunosuppressive propriety of alemtuzumab probably explains its interest in this infectious and dysimmunitary disorder. Even though alemtuzumab probably remains a suspensive treatment, its place should be assessed in controlled trial in this difficult to treat rare disease.     

Fronto-orbital feminization technique. A surgical strategy using fronto-orbital burring with or without eggshell technique to optimize the risk/benefit ratio

The demand for facial feminization is increasing in transsexual patients. Masculine foreheads present extensive supraorbital bossing with a more acute glabellar angle, whereas female foreheads show softer features. The aim of this article is to describe our surgical technique for fronto-orbital feminization. The mask-lift technique is an upper face-lift. It provides rejuvenation by correcting collapsed features, and fronto-orbital feminization through burring of orbital rims and lateral canthopexies. Depending on the size of the frontal sinus and the thickness of its anterior wall, frontal remodeling is achieved using simple burring or by means of the eggshell technique. Orbital remodeling comprises a superolateral orbital opening, a reduction of ridges and a trough at the lateral orbital rim to support the lateral canthopexy. Frontal, corrugator and procerus myectomies, plus minimal scalp excision, complete the surgery. Our technique results in significant, natural-looking feminization. No complications were observed in our series of patients. The eggshell technique is an alternative to bone flap on over-pneumatized sinus. Fronto-orbital feminization fits into a wider surgical strategy. It can be associated to rhinoplasty, genioplasty, mandibular angle remodeling, face lift and laryngoplasty. Achieving facial feminization in 2 or 3 stages improves psychological and physiological tolerance.     

La vasodilatation a-t-elle un rôle dans la migraine ? Oui

The role of vasodilatation in migraine pathophysiology is still debated with three hypotheses. The first is that vasodilatation of meningeal or intracranial arteries are the primary cause of pain. The second is that vasodilatation is secondary to neuronal activation, but can sustain or increase pain through sensitized perivascular nociceptors. The third is that vasodilatation is an epiphenomenon neither sufficient nor necessary for pain. We review in this part the arguments in favor of the old hypothesis that vasodilation is the primary cause of pain. Finally we show that there is a mild vasodilation during the attacks provoked by CGRP infusion.