An uncommon breast metastasis of mediastinal neuroblastoma within a child: A case report

A 13-year-old girl presented with dull lumbar pain and recent paraplegia. Clinical examination found a breast mass associated with an axillary adenopathy. Imaging revealed a large mass in the posterior mediastinum with spinal cord compression. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of neuroblastoma with mammary metastases. To the best of our knowledge, breast metastasis is being reported for the first time in a mediastinal neuroblastoma.     

Osteoporosis and Crohn's disease

Osteoporosis and osteopenia have been reported frequently in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, most notably Crohn's disease. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis in patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS: Prospective study of 56 patients with Crohn's disease, 34 men and 22 women with a mean age of 32 +/- 10.4 years (18-54 years) and no history of disorders known to influence bone metabolism. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) were obtained at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. A multivariate model including those factors significantly associated with low BMD in the univariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors. RESULTS: Osteoporosis was found in 35.7% and osteopenia in 23.2% of patients. Low BMD was significantly associated with low body mass index (BMI), colonic involvement, and glucocorticoid therapy. Low BMI was an independent risk factor for low BMD. Malnutrition with BMI < or =18 kg/m2 was noted in 21 patients, of whom 76.2% had low BMD values, as compared to 48.6% of the patients whose BMI was >18 kg/m2 (P = 0.03, odds ratio = 3.4). CONCLUSION: Among risk factors for bone loss in patients with Crohn's disease, malnutrition plays a prominent role that deserves attention when planning treatment programs.     

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia: about 54 cases

Angiodysplasia is an arteriovenous malformation which can reach the entire gastrointestinal tract and especially the colon. Its management is often difficult. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical, topographic and therapeutic characteristics of angiodysplasia. METHODS: it is a retrospective study including 54 cases of GI angiodysplasia collected over 13 years. RESULTS: the mean age was 62 years: 66% were males. Angiodysplastic lesions were predominantly located in the colon (85%). Nine patients required an endoscopic treatment. Electrocoagulation wases used in 8 cases and a sclerotherapy in 1 case. Surgical resection was necessary in 2 patients which died of the after-effects of surgery. CONCLUSION: angiodysplasia is a common etiology of chronic lower GI bleeding particularly in the elderly.     

The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequent gastrointestinal disorder (10 -15% of the population).It is characterized by chronic abdominal pain with modification in the bowel habits. The diagnosis is based of ROME II criteria. The pathophysiology of the SII remains unknown . It result from visceral hypersensitivity with anomalies of the digestive motility. These anomalies are secondary of dysfunction of the brain - gut axis modulated by environmental and the psychosocial factors. The understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the SII and in particular the function of the brain-gut axis will permit a better handling of the patients. Indeed, the present knowledge of the neurotransmitter implied in the communication between the central nervous system and the digestive tract are currently the basis of the new therapies aimed to modulate the mechanisms implicated in the causation of the several symptoms of IBS. These novel pharmacotherapy should reduce the indirect societal and costs of IBS.     

Hepatic localization of sarcoidosis: about 2 cases

Sarcoidosis is a disseminated disease defined by the presence of non-caseous granulomas. We report 2 cases of hepatic sarcoidosis in a 55- year old men and in 38- year old women. Sarcoidosis was diagnosed during a systematic examination in a patient and through the search for extra-digestive localizations in the other. We will try to focus on the main clinical, therapeutic features of this disease.     

Bioactive compounds from Hypericum humifusum and Hypericum perfoliatum: inhibition potential of polyphenols with acetylcholinesterase and key enzymes linked to type-2 diabetes

Context: Natural products are reported to have a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cholinesterase. The genus Hypericum (Hypericaceae) is a source of a variety of molecules with different biological activities, notably hypericin and various phenolics.

Objectives: The goals of the present work were the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content, hypericin and hyperforin concentration as well as the evaluation of biological of Hypericum humifusum L. (Hhu) and Hypericum perfoliatum L. (Hper).

Materials and methods: The various extracts of aerial parts were powdered, and then extracted with methanol. Antibacterial activity was performed according to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) methods against four Gram-positive bacteria, four Gram-negative bacteria and yeast.

Results: The results revealed that H. humifusum, bear the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content (48–113?mg GAE/g and 8–41?mg RE/g, respectively) as well as hypericin (60–90?mg/g) and hyperforin (8–30?mg/g) concentration. Both species showed significant antioxidant activity as revealed by DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and metal chelating assays. H. humifusum exhibited a strong acetylcholinesterase (3.86–4.57?mg GALAEs/g), α-glucosidase (0.73–2.55?mmol ACEs/g) and α-amylase (3–8?mmol ACEs/g) inhibitory activity. The extract of H. humifusum exhibited strong antibacterial activity mainly against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococus aureus, and Enterococcus faecium (MIC values ranging from 200 to 250?μg/mL). The highest antifungal activity was showed for H. perfoliatum extract (MIC value = 250?μg/mL).

Conclusion: The data suggest that H. humifusum could be used as valuable new natural agents with functional properties for pharmacology industries.     

Retinal venous occlusion in Behçet disease

PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to report three cases of retinal venous occlusion in patients with Beh?et disease and to discuss the physiopathology of this vascular accident. METHODS: In this retrospective study, out of a series of 32 patients suffering from Beh?et disease, we report three cases of retinal venous occlusion. General and ophthalmologic features are described. Treatment strategy is detailed for each case. RESULTS: There were 2 cases of branch retinal venous occlusion and one case of central retinal venous occlusion. Relapses and retinal neovascularization were the most common complications. CONCLUSION: The retinal venous occlusion in Beh?et's disease is a non-common but severe complication. Early and appropriate treatment is required to improve the functional prognosis.