[Uveitis in Whipple disease: Identification of Trophyrema whippelii by PCR]. / Uvéite et maladie de Whipple: identification du Trophyrema whippelii par PCR.

Whipple's disease is a multisystem bacterial disease usually characterized by malabsorption, diarrhea and polyarthritis. Ocular manifestations include uveitis, vitreitis, retinis, myositis, papilledema and optic atrophy. We report a case of a chronic bilateral vitreitis in a 63 year-old man who had been treated for a Whipple's disease with gastrointestinal involvement 30 years before. The jejunal biopsy was negative but the polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) revealed the presence of Trophyrema Whippelii in the vitreous prelevement of both eye. This new, original strategy of PCR is specific and more sensitive than histological diagnosis.

[Bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy secondary to acute ergotism]. / Neuropathie optique ischémique bilatéral secondaire à un ergotisme aigu.

We report a case of a 31 year-old man who presented a bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy associated with headaches and severe systemic hypertension. This episode appeared after administration of ergotamine tartrate and macrolides. This medication probably led to a vasospasm which occurs in patients with hypertension. The cardiovascular and serum lipid evaluations were normal. A migraine optic neuropathy can be evoked.