Child abdominal tumour in tropical context: think about schistosomiasis!

Schistosomiasis presenting as an abdominal mass with chronic pain in a child is not common. This report presents case of child presenting with schistosomiasis presenting as an abdominal mass with chronic pain. Abdominal ultrasonography did not particularly contribute to definitive pre-operative diagnosis. However, pathological examination of surgical specimen confirmed Schistosoma mansoni eggs in the biospy. A decrease in the mass volume was noticed under medical treatment (Biltricide). The aim of this report was to intimate clinicians on possible abdominal schistosomiasis as differential diagnosis of childhood abdominal mass. This is a clarion call for a high index of suspicion of childhood abdominal schistosomiasis in children presenting with abdominal mass in a tropical setting.

[Multiparametric 3T MRI in the routine staging of prostate cancer]. / L'IRM 3 Tesla multi-paramétrique dans le staging du cancer prostatique en pratique courante.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the detection ability of a multiparametric 3T MRI with phased-array coil in comparison with the pathological data provided by the prostatectomy specimens. METHODS: Prospective study of 30 months, including 74 patients for whom a diagnosis of prostate cancer had been made on randomized prostate biopsies, and all eligible to a radical prostatectomy. They all underwent multiparametric 3T MRI with pelvic phased-array coil including T2-weighted imaging (T2W), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with an ADC mapping. Each gland was divided in octants. Three specific criteria have been sought (detection ability, capsular contact [CC] and extracapsular extension [ECE]), in comparison with the pathological data provided by the prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS: Five hundred and ninety-two octants were considered with 124 significant tumors (volume ≥ 0.1cm(3)). The general ability of tumor detection had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV respectively to 72.3%, 87.4%, 83.2% and 78.5%. The estimate of the CC and ECE had a high negative predictive power with specificities and VPN respectively to 96.4% and 95.4% for CC, and 97.5 and 97.7% for ECE. CONCLUSIONS: Multiparametric 3T MRI with pelvic phased-array coil appeared to be a reliable imaging technique in clinical and routine practice for the detection of localized prostate cancer. Estimation of the CC and millimeter ECE remains to be clarified, even if the negative predictive power for these parameters seems encouraging.

[Lymphoma and arteries: peri- or intravascular?]. / Lymphome et artères: une atteinte périvasculaire ou intravasculaire?

PURPOSE: Lymphoma is a polymorphous disease that does not spare arteries. Arterial involvement may be perivascular or intravascular, with different prognostic and therapeutic implications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present here one case of perivascular lymphoma and another case of intravascular lymphoma in order to highlight the specific features of each type. RESULTS: The first patient was a woman who presented a pseudo-aneurysmal anterior iliac artery due to a non-Hodgkin lymphoma with subsequent bilateral pyelocalyceal distension. The second patient was a man who developed intravascular lymphomatosis expressed by an aneurysm of the common femoral then the primitive iliac artery. CONCLUSION: The distinction between perivascular and intravascular arterial involvement is based on a range of features and is essential for an optimal care of patients with lymphoma.

Hypersplenism due to portal hypertension: retrospective evaluation of 17 patients treated by splenic embolization.

PURPOSE: The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the efficacy and morbidity associated with splenic artery embolization for hypersplenism due to portal hypertension (PHT), as a function of the volume of the splenic parenchyma embolized and the type of PHT (due to intrahepatic block or segmental PHT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively included 17 patients with hypersplenism secondary to PHT (intrahepatic block, n=14; segmental, n=3) treated by splenic artery embolization. The splenic volume embolized was estimated by computed tomography (CT) one month after embolization. A clinical assessment and platelet count took place at 7 days, 1 month and 6 months after the embolization. RESULTS: In the group with PHT due to intrahepatic block, the mean volume of embolized splenic parenchyma was 63% of the initial volume (range: 30-95%). Six months later, the platelet level had increased by an average of 232%. All patients with fewer than 80,000 platelets/mL at 6 months had an embolization volume less than 50%. In the segmental PHT group, the mean volume of the embolized parenchyma was 62% of the initial volume (range: 20-95%), bleeding symptoms had disappeared in all patients, and the platelet level exceeded 80,000/mL. Six patients (6/17, 35%) had complications, two minor and four major: two splenic abscesses, one respiratory distress with ascites, and one pancreatitis with ascites. Five of the six complications were observed in patients with a volume of embolized splenic parenchyma more than 70%. CONCLUSION: Our results show that splenic embolization of more than 50% of the parenchyma is effective in the treatment of hypersplenism due to PHT, but that when the embolized volume exceeds 70%, the procedure is associated with considerable morbidity.

[Peritoneal carcinosis in ovarian cancer: conventional imaging (CT-scan and MRI)]. / Imagerie conventionnelle << péritonéale >> des cancers de l'ovaire (scanner, IRM).

Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with peritoneal extension which often occurs early on. Imaging plays an important role in the pretherapeutic assessment of peritoneal extension. Carcinomatosis involving the hepatic hilum, the cavo-supra-hepatic confluence, the mesentery, and/or the intestinal wall precludes optimal surgery and may be an indication for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Abdominal and pelvic MDCT scan is the best imaging technique for the preoperative staging of peritoneal carcinomatosis. MRI can be useful in some cases. Conventional imaging however sometimes underestimates peritoneal carcinomatosis and therefore cannot always be a substitute for surgical staging.

Assessment of left ventricular volumes and function by cine-MR imaging depending on the investigator's experience.

AIMS: To analyze the reproducibility of LV volumes calculated by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and to compare them to those obtained by conventional ventriculography. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with stable ischemic heart disease were prospectively included. Each underwent CMRI twice and ventriculography. Left ventricular end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV) and LV ejection fraction (EF) were calculated by two radiologists at different level of experience. Intraobserver, interobserver and interstudy variabilities were assessed. RESULTS: The cut off values were: intraobserver variability (EDV, ESV, EF): 9.4 ml, 5.3 ml, 3.3% for well-trained radiologist; 13.1 ml, 7.5 ml, 4.1% for less-trained radiologist. interobserver variability: EDV: 11.7 and 10.4 ml; ESV: 7.0 and 6.6 ml; EF: 3.9 and 4.2%. interstudy variability (EDV, ESV, EF): 11.6 and 12.6 ml, 7.1 and 7.4 ml, 3.9 and 3.5%, for experienced and less-trained observers. Statistical differences were found between CMRI and ventriculography: CMRI underestimation of EDV and EF, overestimation of ESV. CONCLUSIONS: CMRI volumetric quantification of LV volumes and function is highly reproducible at different levels of experience, but not interchangeable with those obtained by ventriculography.

[Role of US in the management of de Quervain's tenosynovitis: review of 22 cases]. / Apport de l'échographie dans la prise en charge de la ténosynovite de de Quervain: à propos de 22 cas.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of US in the management of de Quervain's tenosynovitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a high-frequency transducer (12 MHz), sagittal and axial images were obtained of the first extensor compartment. The US features of 22 symptomatic patients were reviewed (positive Finkelstein's maneuver). RESULTS: US findings included tendon thickening and synovial sheath thickening with peritendinous edematous changes resulting in a peritendinous hypoecoic halo in all patients. An intertendinous septum was identified in two patients. CONCLUSION: US can confirm the suspected diagnosis and provide follow-up of lesions. It can confirm the presence of an intertendinous septum and provide guidance at the time of steroid injection. It can increase the rate of conservative management by demonstrating the absence of septum.

[Long-term MRI follow-up of aortic dissection in 56 patients: therapeutic impact]. / Surveillance par IRM des dissections aortiques: impact thérapeutique à propos du suivi de 56 patients.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively assess the value of MRI in long-term follow-up of aortic dissection (AD) and its impact on therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparison of clinical progression and analysis of 215 MRI examinations performed on 56 patients in our center from 1991 to 2002. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (46%) had AD complications: 14 (54%) were asymptomatic and eight (31%) had subsequent surgical repair (native aorta upstream prosthesis disease in three patients and aneurismal dilatation of false lumen in five cases). Of the eight patients with secondary surgery, five (63%) were clinically asymptomatic. The delay between initial dissection and secondary surgery was less than 5 years in five patients and exceeded 10 years in three cases. The remaining 30 patients (54%) had unmodified radiological findings after a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (6 months to 9 years). CONCLUSION: MRI depicted AD complications in long-term follow-up of sometimes asymptomatic patients, allowing for adaptation of surgical treatment in 26 cases (46%).

Portal vein stenosis and occlusion stenting after liver transplantation in two adults.

We report two cases of percutaneous transhepatic stenting of the portal vein to treat stenosis and occlusion disclosed 5 and 18 months, respectively, after orthotopic liver transplantation in two adult patients. If long-term patency is satisfactory, this technique should allow long-term management of portal vein stenosis and occlusion without the use of thrombolysis.

[Helical CT of abdominal aorta]. / Angioscanner hélicoïdal de l'aorte abdominale.

The purpose was to illustrate that single or multirow spiral CT angiography has become the main modality for the examination of the abdominal aorta. Our multidisciplinary group investigates weekly 15 abdominal aortas, with a single slice spiral CT since 1995, and a 4 row detector spiral CT since 1999. CT scans protocols and parameters optimization for the 2 CT systems are described. Indications and results of CT to investigate the various abdominal aortic diseases are illustrated and discussed: aneurisms (pretherapeutic staging, selection of indications of endovascular stent-grafting); obstructive aorto-arteriopathies (pretherapeutic staging, follow up after endovascular revascularization); dissection (diagnosis, pretherapeutic staging, follow up); inflammatory diseases; normal patterns and principal complications after surgery. Situations where multislice CT is superior to single slice CT and compared advantages of MRI are discussed. CT is at the present time the main technique to image abdominal aorta. Multislice CT is especially interesting to explore the whole aorta, poly traumatisms, and to plan and follow up endovascular treatments.

[Sonographic evaluation of periportal fibrosis in children living in a Schistosoma mansoni endemic region]. / Fibrose périportale chez les enfants en zone d'endémie à Schistosoma mansoni: évaluation échographique.

PURPOSE: To assess with ultrasound periportal fibrosis due to chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection in children living in an endemic region. Materials and methods. A total of 441 children underwent two stool examinations and abdominal sonography. Liver echotexture was assessed by two observers and compared to pre-defined image patterns and a fibrosis score was assigned ranging from 0 to 8. Ultrasound features were correlated to age, sex, and parasitologic findings. RESULTS: Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infestation was 63%. Two cases of advanced fibrosis (E pattern or fibrosis score of 6) were observed. Fibrosis correlated with age. No correlation existed between fibrosis and intensity of egg-output. A correlation between the two examinors was noted in 84% of examinations with a kappa coefficient of 0.7. CONCLUSION: Although severe periportal fibrosis is a rare finding in this endemic region, follow-up sonography must be performed because it is the only non invasive and reliable tool for detection of periportal fibrosis.

[MRI and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). Retrospective evaluation of 50 patients]. / IRM et dysplasie arythmogène du ventricule droit (DAVD). Evaluation rétrospective chez 50 patients.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the contribution of MRI to the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty two men and 18 women (mean age: 48.7 years) were imaged using gated spin echo scans and short axis cine MR. References were McKenna criteria (gold standard), and also what we called "strong presumption" which may correspond to early or localized patterns, but correspond to negative McKenna scores. RESULTS: One patient was claustrophobic; another one was lost to follow-up. In reference to McKenna score, diagnosis of ARVD was established in 12 patients (2 of whom had familial dilated biventricular cardiomyopathy with rhythmic expression). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and prevalence were respectively: 75%, 75%, 50%, 90% and 25%. Using "strong presumption" criteria, we observed 14 true positives (with sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 87%, PPV of 78%, NPV of 90% and prevalence of 35%). CONCLUSION: In our group, MRI was always performed before angiography. In our series, right ventricular wall T1W hyperintensity was the most frequent finding.

[Percutaneous treatment of obstructive lesions of the aortic bifurcation: results at 50 months from 28 patients]. / Traitement endovasculaire percutané des lésions oblitérantes du carrefour aorto-iliaque: résultats chez 28 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a retrospective analysis of short- and mid-term results of endoluminal treatment of obstruction lesions involving the terminal aorta and the initial portions of the iliac arteries in 28 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (9 women, 19 men, mean age 57.5 Years) presented 52 obstructive atheromatous lesions of the aorto-iliac bifurcation. The lesions were divided into three topographic groups (9 unilateral lesions, 19 bilateral ostial lesions, 5 widespread lesions of the terminal aorta) and identified as simple (44%) or complex (56%, more than 2 cm in length and/or calcified and/or eccentric). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 93% of the cases with only one hematoma of the puncture site. Primary and secondary patencies were 78.9% and 93% after a mean follow-up of 50 Months (range 4-85). Clinical outcome remained good at this term for all cases of technical success but complete resolution of the symptoms was more frequent when a stent was used (84%) than for simple balloon dilatation (49%). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous treatment of obstructive lesions of the aorto-iliac bifurcation may be proposed when possible as a first-line treatment.

[Spiral CT in aortic dissection]. / Place de l'angioscanner dans le diagnostic de la dissection aortique.

Patients with suspected dissection of the thoracic aorta require immediate diagnostic evaluation so that urgent therapeutic interventions can begin. Two women with suspected aortic dissection and one man with abdominal aortic aneurysm underwent color-flow Doppler echocardiography and CT angiography with multiplanar reconstructions. Spiral CT showed ascending aortic dissection (type A Stanford) in two cases and descending aortic dissection (type B Stanford) in one case. It also access the visualization of the intimal flap, the extent of dissection, the size of the aorta, and the presence of pericardial fluid. CT angiography is an accurate diagnostic procedure for patients with suspected aortic dissection and possesses several advantages over other modalities such as transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography and aortography.

[Commissural agenesis associated with inter hemispheric cyst]. / Agénesie commisurale associée a un kyste inter hemisphérique.

The Objectives of this study were to Report a rare malformation and to try to understand the embryological origin of such lesion. We reported the case of an eight-month-old female infant, without any particular past medical history, who was refered for seizures and vomiting. The examination revealed normal anthropometric constants, a soft painless and renitent tumefaction of the vertex and a psychomotor delay. Skull x-ray showed a parietal lacuna opposite to an opacity. Ultrasound scan showed an encephalocystocele communicating with dilated ventricles. CT x-ray revealed a single ventricle with an important back and upper extension, which evokes a cystic formation of the centre line. The existence of this cystic formation suppose an agenesis of diencephalic and telencephalic structures notably commissural. Interest of such observation is in its rarity, its complexity, the possibility of its antenatal diagnosis and in the etiopathogenic discussions that she gives rise to.

[Arachnoid cyst with orbital meningocele: a case report]. / Kyste arachnoidien avec meningocele orbitaire: à propos d'un cas.

Arachnoïd cysts are rare. 1% of cranial neoformation. We report the case of a six years old boy who presented an arachnoid cyst impressive by its compressive phenomena. Present complaint are macrocrania and right orbitary tumor. Tomodensitometry reveal a huge liquid collection which starts from the right cerebellopontine angle to the frontal region and invading the orbital cavity. In addition we have a thalamic fusion Its congenital origin is obvious. The associated malformations seem to be related to an anomaly of the centre line. This case point out the primum movens of malformations which are often complex and whose antenatal diagnosis is rare in our countries

Identification of human enterovirulent Escherichia coli strains by multiplex PCR.

Some strains of Escherichia coli are involved in enteric infections in both adults and children. However the classical diagnostic methods can not differentiate pathogenic from nonpathogenic E. coli, because of the lack of phenotypic differences. In this study, we developed multiplex PCR in order to amplify fragments of specific virulence genes of the five main E. coli pathotypes. Fragments of the expected size were obtained using previously or newly designed primers and allowed identification of 10 virulence genes in only 5 reactions. This method was applied to the detection of pathogenic E. coli isolated from 90 patients' stools specimens during an 18-month survey. Patients were suffering from diarrhea or hemolytic uremic syndrome and in 13 cases (14.4%), an enterovirulent E. coli strain was detected. This diagnostic method could therefore represent an important technique in clinical laboratories which lack standard tests for these pathogens.

[Contribution of mammography and echography to the diagnosis of breast cancer in Dakar: apropos of 25 cases]. / Apport de la mammographie et de l'échographie dans le diagnostic du cancer du sein à Dakar: à propos de 25 cas.

The authors studied mammographic features of 25 patients with malignant breast disease. 24 of them had ultrasonographic (US) exploration. The study appreciates epidemiological, mammographic and US aspects; It also appreciates the correlation between images and histology. The mean age is 40. Six women (26%) had family history cancer. The mean reason of the exploration is a mass in 76%. At mammography, contours of cancerous opacities are irregular in 56%, regular in 16%. In 20%, the cancer showed no opacity. At US, we find a lack that appears irregular in 48%, regular in 24%, without traduction in 4%, non precised in 24%. Mammography sensitivity was 80%, false negative rate 28% and false positive rate 8% against respectively 96%, 32% et 12% for echography. This study shows that US is more sensitive but less specific than mammography. However, we recommend the use of mammography and echography together because in Senegal, cancer happens at an earlier age at with breast is easier to analyze at US.

Cure of renovascular hypertension by percutaneous occlusion of a large idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula. Case report.

Percutaneous balloon occlusion of a large hypertensive idiopathic renal arteriovenous fistula is reported. A lumbar thrill was noted in a 52-year-old hypertensive woman. Intravenous digital substraction angiography identified the lesion. After arteriographic assessment a percutaneous embolisation was performed with a releasable balloon positioned on a coaxial micro-catheter. Immediate post-procedural angiographic control demonstrated complete occlusion with a small segmental area of renal hypoperfusion. The lumbar thrill disappeared. Normalisation of the blood pressure was noted two days later and confirmed eight months later. Persistent occlusion of the fistula was angiographically confirmed, whereas the area of renal hypoperfusion had partially decreased. Releasable balloon percutaneous embolisation appears to be a safe alternative to surgery in the treatment of large renal arteriovenous fistulas.