Teratoma and medulloblastoma of the cerebellum: a case

The majority of intracranial teratoma are localized in pineal and sellar regions. In cerebellum, the teratoma is quite rare, the association with medulloblastoma is exceptional and was differentiated from medullomyoblastoma. We report one case of 5 years old boy with intracranial hypertension for 3 months. The cerebral computed tomography showed a tumor in the fourth ventricle. The histologic study of surgical specimens found a proliferation of component of medulloblastoma adjacent to mature teratoma with smooth and striated muscles, chondroid component, adipose tissue and epithelial elements. Our objective is to discuss the diagnosis, the hitogenesis and the prognosis of this tumor.     

Hydatid cysts of the brain stem. Two cases

Cerebral hydatid cysts represent 2-3% of all intracranial masses in endemic countries. Its incidence in posterior fossa is very rare. We report two cases of brainstem location. Clinically, the lesion exhibited signs of brainstem tumor. In two patients, CT scan showed a hypodense lesion. There was no enhancement after contrast administration. One patient was explored by MRI; on precontrast images, the lesion appeared homogeneous with hyposignal intensity and smooth limits. T2 weighted MRI and post contrast examination confirmed the cyst nature of the lesion. Surgery was performed in the two patients. The cyst was first aspirated and its membrane was then removed. Post operatively, one patient died, the other one is still alive but severely affected two years later. CT scan showed total disappearance of the cyst. The clinical presentation, radiological findings and surgical procedures are discussed.     

Présentation insolite d’un sarcome embryonnaire indifférencié du foie : à propos d’un cas

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver is a rare tumor occurring in late childhood. This tumor is often characterized by a misleading clinical and radiological presentation. We report a case of primary hepatic embryonal sarcoma in a 15 years old girl erroneously assumed to be a rupture hydatic cyst and discuss its clinicopathologic, therapeutic and evolutive features.     

Propolis attenuates cobalt induced-nephrotoxicity in adult rats and their progeny

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical changes in cobalt-exposed rats and to investigate the potential role of Tunisian propolis against the cobalt-induced renal damages. Twenty-four pregnant Wistar rats were divided into four groups and were treated as follows: group 1 (control) received distilled water; group 2 received 350 ppm of CoCl₂ in drinking water; group 3 received 350 ppm CoCl₂ in drinking water and a propolis-supplemented diet (1 g/100 g of diet); group 4 received a propolis-supplemented diet (1 g/100 g of diet) without cobalt. In the cobalt group, a significant decrease in body, absolute and relative weights was noted when compared to controls. The administration of cobalt to pregnant rats from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery resulted in an increased level of renal malondialdehyde, a decreased renal content of glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in lactating rats and their pups. A statistically significant increase in plasma urea and creatinine serum levels was seen in treated female rats and their pups. Histopathologically, the cobalt-administration induced degenerative changes in the kidney of lactating rats and their pups. When compared with cobalt-treated rats, those receiving the propolis supplementation (along with cobalt-treatment) had lower malondialdehyde levels, higher antioxidant activities and the cobalt-related histopathological changes in the kidneys were at lower severity.Our results suggested that the propolis might be a potential candidate agent against cobalt-induced nephrotoxicity in adult and juvenile rats when administered to female rats during the late pregnancy and the early postnatal period.     

Feminizing testicular syndrome with multiple hamartomas and bilateral paratesticular leiomyomas

INTRODUCTION: Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome or testicular feminization syndrome (TF) is the most common form of male pseudohermaphrodism, caused by a failure of androgen receptor binding. Patient with male genotype 46 XY, has a female morphotype with well developed external sexual organs. EXEGESIS: - We report the case of a 29 year-old girl with a TF syndrome discovered during the exploration of a primary amenorrhoea. Bilateral orchidectomy was performed. The testis were immature; they showed bilateral leiomyoma of the tunica albuginea and multiple hamartomas on the right side. CONCLUSION: Benign tumors are developped in 80% of cases of TF and they are generally hamartomatous nodules of testis. Association of paratesticular leiomyoma to synchronous hamartoma has never been described, its histogenesis is discussed.     

Ectopic prolactinoma of the sphenoidal sinus: case report

A 34-year-old woman was hospitalized for exploration of amenorrhea and galactorrhea. She had experienced primary sterility, diagnosed 11 years earlier. Endocrine tests demonstrated hyperprolactinemia (serum prolactin 594 ng/ml). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a soft tissue mass located within the posterior part of the sphenoidal sinus. The pituitary gland appeared normal. Medical treatment with bromocriptine was unsuccessful. Transsphenoidal tumor resection was performed. Histology reported adenoma, which was consistent with prolactin-producing tumor demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining for prolactin. Because of the persistence of hyperprolactinemia related to an intra-sphenoidal tumor remnant, bromocriptine (15 mg/d) was initiated. Menses ensued and prolactin level declined (49 ng/ml). One year later, the tumor remnant had disappeared on the MRI and the patient became pregnant. Ectopic adenomas of the sphenoidal sinus are of particular interest due to the diagnostic difficulties encountered. Nevertheless, the nature of the lesion can be determined from the endocrine manifestations. Some of these tumors respond to medical treatment, similar to intra sellar tumors. Surgery remains however the only means of obtaining definitive diagnosis and cure.