Identification of Francisella tularensis in ascites in the context of typhoidal tularaemia.

Tularaemia is a highly infectious, zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis, which has become increasingly prevalent over the past decade. Depending on the route of infection, different clinical manifestations can be observed. We report a case of typhoidal tularaemia presenting as a febrile illness with gastrointestinal symptoms in a patient in her mid-80s. During the acute illness phase and in the context of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, the patient developed progressive ascites. During paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was consistently reported. Blood culture revealed Gram-negative bacilli identified as F. tularensis upon microscopic examination. Immediate clinical improvement was observed after adaptation to a pathogen-specific antibiotic regime. Typhoidal tularaemia presents general, non-specific symptoms without the local manifestations seen in other forms of the disease, thus representing a diagnostic challenge. In the case of protracted fever and if the epidemiological context as well as possible exposure are compatible, tularaemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

[The diagnosis and management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension]. / Hypertension intracrânienne idiopathique : quel bilan et quelle prise en charge en médecine interne ?

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is defined by the presence of headache with or without associated visual impairment, elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and exclusion of a secondary etiology. The increased risk of severe visual impairment prompts rapid recognition and initial management by general practitioners, even though the incidence of this condition is low. Based on a case report, the aim of this review is to describe the typical clinical presentation of IIH, to discuss the underlying pathophysiology as well as work-up and management.

L'hypertension intracrânienne idiopathique (HTII) se caractérise par la présence de céphalées, avec ou sans atteintes visuelles, associées à une augmentation de la pression du liquide céphalo-rachidien (LCR), en l'absence d'étiologie secondaire. Bien que son incidence soit faible, le risque d'atteinte visuelle grave en fait une pathologie qui doit être reconnue par les médecins internistes généralistes. En se basant sur un cas pratique, cet article a pour objectif de retracer la présentation clinique typique de cette pathologie, d'aborder les mécanismes physiopathologiques sous-jacents et de présenter le bilan étiologique ainsi que la prise en charge.