An unusual cause of secondary scoliosis: vertebral osteoblastoma

We report the observation of a 22-year-old man suffering from nocturnal back pain for 2 years. The clinical examination shows a scoliosis. Imaging suggests either malignant tumor or an aggressive osteoblastoma of the sixth thoracic vertebra. After radical removal of the tumor, histopathologic examination confirms the diagnosis of osteoblastoma. Like any other neoplasma, osteoblastoma should be detected and removed early, before being responsible for non-reversing neurological complications.     

Role of cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity and genetic polymorphism in ischemic heart disease in type 2 diabetic patients

Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) facilates the exchange of triglycerides (TG) and cholesteryl ester between lipoproteins particles. Diabetic subjects have been reported to have higher TG levels and lower high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels which contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in some of these patients. The CETP activity was shown to be more important in a group of 93 non insulino-dependant diabetics with coronary artery disease than in a group of 92 healthy subjects (p = 0.033). Several polymorphisms have been reported in the CETP gene. The common Taq IB polymorphism is associated with decreased CETP activity and increased HDL-C. We have observed a frequency of 0.31 for B2 allele in deference to those reported in subjects from Caucasian population. An association between the presence of the B2B2 genotype, decreased CETP activity and increased of plasma HDL-C was observed in healthy subjects but not in diabetics with coronary artery disease.     

Treatment of gout in 2006

Gout is one of the oldest and better understood among rheumatic diseases. It is characterized by chronic hyperuricemia and recurrent attacks of acute arthritis provoked by release of sodium urate crystals into joints. The manifestations of Gout can be abolished by lifelong urate-lowering therapy maintainine serum urate levels under 360 mmol/l. The management of a minority of patients, including those with renal impairment, is difficult and often unsatisfactory because of restricted treatment options. In this paper; the current options for treating hyperuricemia are first discussed then followed by new approches.     

Decreased Oleic Acid and Marine n − 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Tunisian Patients with Urothelial Bladder Cancer

Fatty acids (FAs) are thought to impact carcinogenesis by affecting cell signaling. A case-control study including 250 patients with urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) and 250 controls was conducted. Plasma FAs composition was assessed using capillary gas chromatography. Associations of individual and classes of FAs with UBC were controlled for the main risk factors for UBC. Plasma FAs profile was different in patients compared to controls. Higher levels (third tertile vs. first tertile) in palmitic acid (PA) [multi-adjusted OR (95% CI), 1.83 (1.14–2.92)], and n???6:n???3?FA ratio [4.13 (2.38–7.16)] were associated with increased risk for UBC [multi-adjusted OR (95% CI), 1.83 (1.14–2.92)]. In contrast, higher levels (third tertile vs. first tertile) in oleic [0.54 (0.34–0.86)], dihomo-γ-linolenic (DGLA) [0.47 (0.29–0.74)], eicosapentaenoic (EPA) [0.32 (0.19–0.52)], and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids [0.33 (0.20–0.53)] were associated with lower risk for UBC. Although the study design does not allow proving causality, the findings suggest a possible protective role of oleic acid and marine n???3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) against bladder carcinogenesis.     

Radical cure of vertebral hydatidosis. A case report

The authors present a rare case of univertebral hydatidosis, and report encouraging results 12 years after radical resection of the involved vertebra. They stress the importance of computed tomography and especially magnetic resonance for monitoring early recurrence. A two-staged anterior and posterior approach, although difficult, seems to offer a very good prognosis in case of univertebral localisation.     

Hepatotoxicity of antitubercular drugs. Apropos of 28 cases

Anti-tuberculosis have up set the out come of this disease, however undesirable effects principally hepatotoxicity remain of ten the ransom of this therapy success. 28 observations of hepatic toxicity in allergology pneumo service in military hospital of Tunisia during 5 years (1996-2001) among 321 tuberculosis. Hepatic toxicity is observed in 28 cases, 21 cytolytics, 3 cholostatics and 4 mixt. 3 decease (death) have been observed. Anti-tuberculosis medicament (medecine) are sometimes this cause of many undesirable effect, which can be miner or major and even cases of decease. So that we have to take an interest at time and specialty to follow recommandation which are more and more codified.     

Morphée généralisée révélatrice d’un adénocarcinome rectal

The term Scleroderma unites a heterogeneous group of disease of conjunctive tissue with, unknown in etiology and wich have together an induration of the skin. The association of the scleroderma and neoplasy were not clearly reported. We report an observation of association between a generalised morphea and a rectal cancer. Ms D.B., aged of 62 years old, with no pathologic antecedents, was hospitalised in 2005 for multiple plaques, white, indurated, and localised in the trunk and the lower extremities. The lesions have evolved for one month and a half. The diagnosis of generalised morphea was suspected. The cutaneous biopsy concluded a scleroderma. The antinuclear antibody (anti-Scl 70) was negative. The patient was treated by prednisone (0,75 mg/kg/day) with a slight amelioration. During his hospitalisation, the patient suffered from constipation and the questionnaire showed a sensation of intrarectal body since 3 months. The rectoscopy revealed a big rectal tumor. The rectal biopsy concluded to differentiated luberkinien adenocarcinoma. This rectal tumor was treated by a radiotherapy associated with chemotherapy then followed by surgery. The morphea worsened 2 months later. The association between the generalised morphea and the cancer is rare. There is many arguments to paraneoplasic character of generalised morphea.     

Endogenous ochronosis with a fatal outcome

Background:Endogenous ochronosis (EO) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder where there is incomplete oxidation of tyrosine and phenylalanine due to a lack of the enzyme homogentisic acid oxidase.Objective:We report a singular observation of EO with a fatal outcome.Case Report:We report the case of a 46-year-old man born to consanguineous parents with a medical history of recurrent renal colic and chronic nonspecific arthropathy. On clinical examination, slate blue pigmentation was seen on the cheeks, forehead, and nose, as well as blue-gray patches on all fingernails and bluish discoloration of the gums. Familial investigation revealed that his sister had similar pigmentation on the ears, hands, and fingernails. Histologic examination of a biopsy specimen from a pigmented lesion showed a dermal deposit of an acellular, eosinophilic material without cell reaction. Based on the clinical and histopathologic data, combined with the family medical history, our patient was considered to have EO with mucocutaneous, articular, and renal involvement. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was late because our patient died a few months later of terminal renal failure.Conclusion:Skin signs are the hallmarks of EO and must alert the clinician to look for involvement of vital organs.