Distribution and Seasonal Variation in Hypothalamic RF‐amide Peptides in a Semi‐Desert Rodent,the Jerboa

The jerboa is a semi‐desert rodent, in which reproductive activity depends on the seasons, being sexually active in the spring–summer. The present study aimed to determine whether the expression of two RF‐amide peptides recently described to regulate gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone neurone activity, kisspeptin (Kp) and RF‐amide‐related peptide (RFRP)‐3, displays seasonal variation in jerboa. Kp and/or RFRP‐3 immunoreactivity was investigated in the hypothalamus of jerboas captured in the field of the Middle Atlas mountain (Morocco), either in the spring or autumn. As in other rodents, the Kp‐immunoreactive (‐IR) neurones were found in the anteroventro‐periventricular and arcuate nuclei. RFRP‐3 neurones were noted within the dorso/ventromedial hypothalamus. A marked sexual dimorphism in the expression of Kp (but not RFRP‐3) was observed. The number of Kp‐IR neurones was nine‐fold higher, and the density of Kp‐IR fibres and terminal‐like elements in the median eminence was two‐fold higher in females than in males. Furthermore, a significant seasonal variation in peptide expression was obtained with an increase in both Kp‐ and RFRP‐3‐IR cell bodies in sexually active male jerboas captured in the spring compared to sexually inactive autumn animals. In the arcuate nucleus, the level of Kp‐IR cells and fibres was significant higher during the sexually active period in the spring than during the autumnal sexual quiescence. Similarly, the number of RFRP‐3‐IR neurones in the ventro/dorsomedial hypothalamus was approximately three‐fold higher in sexually active jerboa captured in the spring compared to sexually inactive autumn animals. Altogether, the present study reports the distribution of Kp and RFRP‐3 neurones in the hypothalamus of a desert species and reveals a seasonal difference in their expression that correlates with sexual activity. These findings suggest that these two RF‐amide peptides may act in concert to synchronise the gonadotrophic activity of jerboas with the seasons.     

Unusual finding of bronchopulmonary carcinoma through a pterygoid muscle metastasis. About a case

Bronchopulmonary cancer muscle metastases are uncommon, especially when they are visible. They can impact any muscle in the body, but the psoas, diaphragmatic, and paravertebral muscles have a clear advantage. We present a case of lateral pterygoid muscle metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in a 70-year-old habitual smoker (40 packs per year) presents headaches more marked on the right and progressively worsening. A complementary brain MRI revealed a well-limited oval formation with irregular contours in hypo signal T1 hyper signal T2 heterogeneous, with area of central necrosis of the right pterygoid muscle, which was revealed to be a secondary location of bronchopulmonary malignancy after further examination (CT scan of the cervico-thoraco-abdomino-pelvic region, TEP scan, and biopsy). Moreover, muscle metastases are rarely revealing of primary cancer.     

Post-traumatic biloma intrahepatic a rare complication of closed abdominal trauma: A case report

Post-traumatic hepatic biloma is a rare complication of closed trauma of the abdomen. Generally, biloma occurs spontaneously or secondary to traumatic or iatrogenic injury to the biliary system. It can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed promptly and properly managed. A 4-year-old child was admitted to the emergency room with abdominal pain following a traffic accident. Clinical examinations suspected closed abdominal trauma without biological signs of icteric cholestasis. Abdominal CT scan performed within 24 hours showed a focus of hepatic laceration, and follow-up imaging at 5 days showed post-traumatic intrahepatic cystic formations. This case report aims to emphasize the importance of imaging including ultrasound, CT, MRI, MRI cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or hepatobiliary cholescintigraphy to establish the diagnosis and guide the therapeutic gestures.     

Mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysm presenting as an incidental mediastinal mass: A rare finding

Mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysm is very rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature. The clinical presentations are varied, ranging from an incidental radiological finding to a cataclysmic rupture leading to hemorrhagic shock. Thus, a quick treatment is indicated upon diagnosis. Therapeutic options are various including surgical resection, stent grafting with percutaneous embolization of feeding vessel or transtarterial embolization. Herein we describe a case of an incidental mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysm in a 63-year-old man, managed by transtarterial embolization.