[Analysis of 18 Tunisian cases of mycetoma at the Sousse hospital (1974-2010)]. / Analyse d'une série tunisienne de 18 cas de mycétomes à l'hôpital de Sousse (1974-2010).

Mycetoma are inflammatory pseudotumors, due to infection by bacterial (Actinomycetoma) or fungal (Eumycetoma) agent. A retrospective study was conducted during 34 years. Our aim was to study epidemiologic, clinic, therapeutic and microbiologic characteristics. Eighteen patients were assessed. Sex-ratio H/F was 2. The mean age was 43.6 years. Principal localization was the feet. Our study was characterized by majority of actinomycetoma found in 15 cases (Actinomadura madurae in 14 cases and Nocardia sp. in one case). Eumycetoma were diagnosed in 3 cases (Madurella mycetomatis in two cases and Pseudallesheria in one case). All patients received medical treatment associated with surgical treatment in 11 cases.

[Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis following a spider bite: three cases from Tunisia]. / Pustulose exanthématique aiguë généralisée succédant à une morsure d'araignée : trois observations tunisiennes.

BACKGROUND: acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe eruption induced in most cases by medication; more rarely, it is associated with viral infection, food allergens or toxins. The literature contains only very rare reports of AGEP caused by a spider bite. We describe three cases of AGEP in Tunisian women following a spider bite. CASE REPORTS: three Tunisian women were hospitalized in the dermatology department during the summer months presenting acute febrile pustulosis and rash occurring after a spider bite. The diagnosis of AGEP was confirmed with certainty based on the EuroSCAR score. Two patients presented marked eosinophilia. The outcome was favourable in all cases after symptomatic treatment. DISCUSSION: the factors militating in favour of spider-bite origin in these three patients were: (1) the presence of skin lesions characteristic of a spider bite; (2) the chronology of events, with eruption occurring 24 to 48 hours after the bite; and (3) the exclusion of the common causes of AGEP and the presence of marked eosinophilia in two of the cases. CONCLUSION: Our cases and the few cases published in the literature indicate that spider bites may be added to the list of the possible causes of AGEP.

[Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa in Tunisia: an epidemio-clinical and ultrastructural study]. / Les epidermolyses bulleuses héréditaires en Tunisie: etude epidémio-clinique et ultra-structurale.

Hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB) are a group of genodermatoses whose common primary feature is formation of blisters following minor trauma. The aim of the present study was to assess epidemiological, clinical, genetical and histological particularities of patients with hereditary epidermolysis bullosa.