Knowledge of Tunisian physicians about electronic cigarettes.

INTRODUCTION: The electronic cigarette is a new-generation smoking product whose mechanism of use could, in theory, minimize adverse health effects. AIM: Determine the knowledge and perceptions of a sample of Tunisian doctors regarding electronic cigarettes. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a two-month period with a sample of Tunisian doctors. We used an online self-questionnaire on physicians' knowledge and perceptions of e-cigarettes. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 216 physicians. Of the participants, 97.2% were familiar with e-cigarettes, 56.5% reported low knowledge, and 83.4% expressed motivation to learn more about e-cigarettes. Overall, 83.8% of doctors felt that electronic cigarettes are harmful to the user's health. Use of this product would increase the risk of cancer according to 73.1% of participants, the risk of cardiovascular disease according to 68.5% of participants, and the risk of chronic lung disease according to 79.2% of participants. The perception of e-cigarettes as harmful to the user's health was associated with the physicians' medical specialty (p=0.032). The recommendation of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool was negatively correlated with addictology training (p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' knowledge of electronic cigarettes is heterogeneous, reflecting the current lack of information and consensus.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome Related to a Pituitary Adenoma: A Case Study in a Tunisian Woman.

According to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 11th Revision (ICD-11) definition, "Charles Bonnet Syndrome" (CBS) refers to the experience of complex visual hallucinations in a person who has experienced a partial or complete loss of vision. Pituitary adenoma is a rare situation that may be associated with CBS. We report a case of CBS in a Tunisian 44-year-old female with pituitary macroadenoma. The patient reported visual hallucinations which persisted after transsphenoidal adenomectomy. She had no prior psychiatric history. She did not take any medication that could produce hallucinations. After Olanzapine initiation, hallucinations were completely resolved. It is the first Tunisian case of CBS reported in English language. This peculiar condition seems to be under-recognized in our country. Clinicians should be aware that visual hallucinations may concern patients without psychiatric disorders.