Successful treatment of osteolytic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with pamidronate.

We describe the case of a 70-year-old man with unicentric grade 1 epitheloid hemangioendothelioma (EH) of the bone that favourably responded to intravenous pamidronate as a single agent. After 6 years of follow-up, the patient was in complete remisssion. We suggest that use of bisphosphonates should be considered in the treatment of osteolytic EH.

[Synovial hemangioma of the knee joint. A case report]. / L'hémangiome synovial du genou. A propos d'une observation]

Synovial hemangioma of the knee joint was diagnosed in a young woman 15 years after the first signs. The principal clinical manifestation involved repeated episodes of hemorrhagic joint effusion. MRI is the exploration of choice for this vascular tumor of the synovial membrane, although a pathology study is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Cure is achieved with surgical resection.

[Rheumatologic aspects of toxocariasis (visceral Larva migrans). Apropos of 2 cases]. / Les formes rhumatologiques de la toxocarose (Larva Migrans viscérale). A propos de 2 cas.

Visceral Larva migrans is a human infection by the larvae of dog ascarids or, more rarely, ascarids of other animal species. It is endemic in France. Two cases which respectively manifested as acute oligoarthritis and inflammatory myalgia with increased muscle enzyme levels are reported. Manifestations of the minor forms of this infestation are reviewed.

[Magnetic resonance imaging in osteoid osteoma]. / Imagerie par résonance magnétique des ostéomes ostéoïdes.

The purpose of this study was to determine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of osteoid osteomas and to evaluate the place of MRI in the diagnostic workup of suspected osteoid osteoma by comparing its diagnostic value with that of computed tomography (CT). Nine patients with radioclinical features highly suggestive of osteoid osteoma were investigated using bone scintigraphy, CT scan and MRI. MRI sequences were weighted for T1 (TR: 500 ms-TE: 34 ms), T2 (TR:2000 ms-TE:50-100 ms) and T1 after intravenous injection of gadolinium-DTPA contrast material. The appearance of the nidus and surrounding area were analyzed, as well as the accompanying inflammatory reaction involving the bone marrow, soft tissues or synovium. All patients had surgical treatment. Clinical recovery was achieved in every case. Histological studies confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma in 7 patients. In two cases, histological confirmation was not obtained and the exact nature of the lesion therefore remained in doubt, although clinical and scintigraphic findings as well as the subsequent course were consistent with the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. In 5 cases, MRI proved inferior to CT scan for detecting the nidus. MRI disclosed edema of the bone marrow not seen on CT scan sections in 5 cases, edema of the soft tissues in three cases, and synovitis with joint effusion in one patient with an epiphyseal osteoid osteoma. At present, MRI plays only an ancillary role in the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma, which rests on the concomitant use of bone scintigraphy and CT scan.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synovial effusions at the knee as the inaugural manifestation of stress fracture of the proximal tibia.

Eight patients with an age ranging from 72 to 83 years, seen in an outpatient clinic over a one-year period for stress fractures of the proximal tibia responsible for acute knee pain and effusion were studied retrospectively. Plain roentgenograms were often normal at presentation but subsequently showed sclerosis of the proximal tibia. Radionuclide bone scanning was the most useful investigation for early diagnosis. Potential risk factors were advanced: age, genu varum or valgum, overweight and vitamin D deficiency. Stress fracture of the proximal tibia should be considered in elderly patients with knee pain, effusion and normal roentgenograms. Elimination of weight-bearing ensures healing of the fracture.

[Parsonage-Turner syndrome complicated by sympathetic dystrophy syndrome with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Syndrome de Parsonage et Turner compliqué d'algodystrophie avec rétraction capsulaire de l'épaule. A propos de deux observations.

Two typical cases of Parsonage-Turner syndrome with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder are reported. The rarity of this combination is discussed.

[Rhabdomyolysis due to simvastin. Apropos of a case with review of the literature]. / Rhabdomyolyse à la simvastatine. A propos d'un cas avec revue de la littérature.

A new case of simvastatin-induced acute rhabdomyolysis with heart failure after initiation of treatment with fusidic acid is reported. In most reported instances, statin treatment was initially well tolerated with muscle toxicity developing only after addition of another drug. The mechanism of this muscle toxicity is unelucidated but involvement of a decrease in tissue Co enzyme Q is strongly suspected.

[Cranial vault meningioma. Apropos of 3 cases]. / Méningiomes de la voûte crânienne. A propos de trois observations.

The authors report three different types of cranial bone lesions due to a meningioma of the convexity. This rare tumour is most often benign, with variable radiological appearances. The diagnosis is often suggested by tangential views of the cranial vault and CT scan but meningioma remains a histological diagnosis, notably in its primary intra-osseous form without actual meningeal involvement. The prognosis is good and the risk purely local, by vascular or cerebral compression. Treatment is surgical, sometimes complicated by recurrence.

[Spontaneous fracture of the femoral neck in hip algodystrophy in pregnancy. Apropos of a case and review of the literature]. / Fracture spontanée du col fémoral au cours d'une algodystrophie de hanche pendant la grossesse. A propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

A case of reflex sympathetic dystrophy involving the hip with a pathologic fracture of the femoral neck in a pregnant patient is reported. The low incidence of this condition is underlined and its characteristics are reviewed. The role of increased fragility related to pregnancy is discussed.

[Incidence of signs indicating psoriatic rheumatism in radiological involvement of fingers and toes. Apropos of 193 cases of psoriatic arthropathy]. / Fréquence des signes évocateurs d'un rhumatisme psoriasique dans l'atteinte radiologique des doigts et des orteils. A propos de 193 cas d'arthropathie psoriasique.

On the basis of 193 cases of psoriatic arthropathy, the authors sought the incidence and rapidity of onset of signs suggestive of this type of rheumatic disorder when there are radiological lesions of the fingers and toes. They conclude that when such radiological lesions exist, signs suggestive of psoriatic arthropathy are frequent (90%), early (85% of cases of psoriatic arthropathy present for less than 5 years) and predominantly involve the distal parts of the fingers and toes (85.5%). The authors consider that the signs which distinguish psoriatic arthropathy from rheumatoid arthritis are due to an extrasynovial process of enthesopathic origin.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

A 75-year old man with rheumatoid arthritis developed bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP), which responded to treatment with prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d) and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/d).

Acute calcific tendinitis in children.

Acute calcific tendinitis is uncommon in children. Clinical manifestations are similar to those in adults. The abrupt onset, functional impairment, and frequent presence of fever suggest an infection. Radiographic findings establish the diagnosis, obviating the need for further investigations.