Interest of computer tomography in the study of prognostic factors of otosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Otosclerosis is a primary osteodystrophy of the otic capsule that causes stapedo-vestibular ankylosis. Its diagnosis is suspected on the basis of clinical and audiometric elements, basically in the presence of conductive hearing loss with a normal eardrum. The CT-scan is an essential examination for the preoperative evaluation of otosclerosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of CT-scanning in predicting the functional outcome of otosclerosis surgery by correlating postoperative audiometric results and preoperative CT findings. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at the ENT Department in association with the Medical Imaging Department of our hospital, over a period of 8 years, from January 2014 to December 2022 and involving 90 patients (104 ears). RESULTS: The average age of our patients was 40 years with extremes ranging from 22 to 61 years. We noted a sex ratio of 0.38. The preoperative CT-scan showed signs of otosclerosis in 87% of the cases and infra-radiological forms in 13% of the cases. Veillon stage II was the most frequent radiological stage encountered with a percentage of 48%. A good audiometric evolution, defined by a closure of postoperative Air Bone Gap (ABG ≤ 20 dB) and by an improvement of Bone Conduction (BC gain ≥ 0), was recorded in 86 cases (82.7%) for ABG and in 84 cases (80.8%) for BC gain. Scanographic predictive factors of poor postoperative outcome for ABG and BC gain were: advanced stages (Veillon stage III and IV), endosteal effraction, and round window involvement. According to multivariate analysis, only the extent of otosclerotic foci was directly and independently associated with the postoperative audiometric outcome. CONCLUSION: The CT-scan is an essential examination in the preoperative evaluation of otosclerosis. It allows a positive diagnosis to be made and evaluate the extension of otosclerosis. Moreover, thanks to the analysis of the extent of the otosclerosis foci, mainly by the Veillon classification, the CT-scan allows to predict the postoperative audiometric prognosis.

Radiological predictive remission factors of pulmonary involvement in systemic sarcoidosis: a computed tomography scan study.

INTRODUCTION: As little is known about the prognostic value of CT scan findings at onset in patients presenting with sarcoidosis, we aimed to identify factors independently associated with radiological remission of pulmonary involvement in systemic sarcoidosis on CT scan findings. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive and analytic study of patients with a biopsy proven systemic sarcoidosis. We compared patients on radiological remission (group 1) to those on stabilization or progression (group 2). Multivariate analysis of variables significantly associated with radiological remission in univariate analysis was performed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Out of 65 records of systemic sarcoidosis, 43 were analyzed. 18.6% where male and 81.6% female with a sex-ratio of 0.22 and a mean age at diagnosis of 47.2 ±13.6 years. We found atypical lesions in CT scan findings in 16 patients (37.2%). Comparative pulmonary CT scan findings at admission and at 12 months follow-up revealed 13 patients (30.2%) in remission (group1) and 30 patients in radiological stabilization or progression (group 2). On multivariate analysis, lymphopenia, calcifications, and typical CT scan findings at presentation were predictive factors of remission of pulmonary involvement in systemic sarcoidosis (aOR=27.57; 95%IC=2.67-284.63; p=0.005) (aOR= 37.2; 95%IC= 2.08-663.89; p= 0.014) (aOR=47.1; 95%IC= 1.79-1238.7; p=0.021) respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with systemic sarcoidosis with no lymphopenia at onset or calcifications or typical CT scan findings at presentation, we suggest a close follow-up as well as an intensive treatment.

A case report of abdominal wall hydatidosis: An uncommon location.

Liver hydatid cyst fistulized in the abdominal wall is rare. The clinical symptoms were often misleading. It often poses a problem of seat diagnosis rather than a problem of its hydatid nature despite the great contribution of modern imagery. We reported this uncommon case to highlight the difficulties of preoperative diagnosis and a better operative approach. 46-year-old men consulted for right flank pain. The clinical exam revealed a right flank subcutaneous mass. An abdominal CT scan showed multicystic lesions on the right flank. The MRI showed multiple cystic lesions on the right flank with several endophytic and exophytic daughter cysts. The patient was operated on. A wide excision was adopted to remove all the cystic lesions. The postoperative follow-up was uneventful. Abdominal subcutaneous hydatid cysts cause a diagnostic problem and the treatment is controversial. Surgery remains the only curative treatment. It avoids the risk of complications such the fistula, infection, and rupture.

Post-traumatic Fibro-Osseous Lesion of the Fourth Rib Simulating a Chest Wall Tumor: A Case Report.

Post-traumatic fibro-osseous lesions (PTFOL) are a rare and benign tumor that typically affects the ribs and is probably caused by an excessive post-traumatic reactive process. PTFOL primarily affects the sixth, seventh, and eighth ribs. Here, we report a case of a PTFOL with an unusual location and expansion that simulated a malignant chest tumor. A 28-year-old male patient with a history of minor chest trauma presented with pain. Chest radiography revealed a large, well-defined lesion on the left fourth rib, and computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed a lytic lesion-type IC on the posterior and middle arches of the left fourth rib with a cartilaginous matrix and discontinued periosteal reaction without soft tissue mass extension. Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging of the chest revealed an ovoid, expansive mass with cystic lobules and lobulated contours extending almost over the entire left fourth rib, measuring 134×47 mm in size. This mass has a low signal on T1-weighted images and a heterogeneous intermediate signal on T2-weighted images, with intense enhancement after gadolinium injection suggestive of a malignant chest tumor. A CT-guided bone biopsy confirmed the presence of an intramedullary lesion consisting of fibrous connective tissue with fusiform fibroblastic cells without atypical signs. The lesion was delimited by bone trabeculae with nibbled edges, indicating exaggerated osteoclastic activity compatible with a diagnosis of PTFOL. The patient was treated with simple analgesics, and chest pain was relieved, with an unchanged volume of the lesion at 1 year of follow-up.

An unusual occurrence of autoimmune pancreatitis after gam-Covid-Vac (Sputnik V): A case report and literature review.

The safety profile of the Sputnik V vaccine is generally reassuring. Nevertheless, an enhanced risk of new-onset of immune-mediated diseases has been increasingly reported following the adenoviral-based Covid-19 vaccine, including inflammatory arthritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, optical neuromyelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, subacute thyroiditis and acute liver injury as well as glomerulopathy. However, no case of autoimmune pancreatitis has been reported yet. Herein, we describe a case of type I autoimmune pancreatitis that may be due to the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine.

Post-traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia: a case report.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) also known as blunt abdominal TAWH is uncommon. The clinical diagnosis is difficult. The authors present a case report of posthigh-energy abdominal blunt trauma causing a TAWH. Case presentation: A 36-year-women, with unremarkable past medical history, was presented to the Emergency Department after a stuck in high-speed two automobiles. She was hemodynamic, respiratory, and neurologically stable. The BMI was 36 kg/m². The abdomen was not distended with an ecchymotic lesion on the right flank. The thoracic abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a rupture in the lateral abdominal wall muscles with a TAWH in the location of the skin ecchymoses. There was no visceral lesion or intraperitoneal fluid. A conservative treatment was indicated. The follow-up was uneventful, with hematoma resorption and no cellulitis or abscess. The patient was discharged after 1 week. An abdominal repair will be planned using a mesh. Clinical discussion: TAWH is a rare entity. The best imaging modality for diagnosis is the CT scan allowing classification of the hernia and a screen for other injuries. The presence of an isolated TAWH must lower the threshold to closely monitor or to operatively explore, given the high rate of false-negative findings at imaging features. Conclusion: TAWH should be suspected behind any blunt abdominal trauma with high energy. CT scan and ultrasound were helpful for diagnosis and the only curative treatment is surgery to avoid complications.

Chest CT-scan finding of asymptomatic COVID-19 pneumonia: a prospective 542 patients' single center study.

Since asymptomatic infections as "covert transmitter", and some patients can progress rapidly in the short term, it is essential to pay attention to the diagnosis and surveillance of asymptomatic patients with SARS-COV2 infection. CT scan has great value in screening and detecting patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in the highly suspected or probable asymptomatic cases with negative RT-PCR for SARS-COV2. This study aimed to detect incidentally COVID-19 pneumonia on medical imaging for patients consulting for other reasons.

Temporal choroidal fissure cyst: a rare cause of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Only a few cases of temporal choroidal fissure cyst are reported. We describe a new case of an 8 years old girl who manifested complex partial seizure. The diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imagining (MRI). The signal intensity of the cyst was identical to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the underlying hippocampus was compressed by the cyst. The seizures were medically controlled. The value of MRI in the diagnosis and medical treatment will be discussed.

Intra-articular distension preceded by physical therapy versus intra-articular distension followed by physical therapy for treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular distension is a validated treatment in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder and is commonly followed by intensive in-patient physical therapy. A recent meta-analysis found that physical therapy is as effective as intra-articular distension (IAD) and that an early distension could be the primary choice for treating frozen shoulder. The question of the additional contribution of physical therapy prior to IAD compared with IAD followed by physical therapy has not been raised. OBJECTIVES: We compared IAD preceded by physical therapy to that followed by physical therapy in terms of pain relief and functional outcome. METHODS: We enrolled patients with primitive adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. The eligible patients were randomized into three groups: A, B and C. Group A received intra-articular distension followed by physical therapy, group B received intra-articular distension in the middle of physical therapy and group C received physical therapy alone. Patients were assessed at the beginning of the protocol (T0), after 6 weeks (T1) and after 12 weeks (T2). The main outcome measures were pain using a Visual Analog Scale and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of the 179 enrolled patients, only 122 completed the follow up: group A (n= 34), group B (n= 46) and group C (n= 42). Compared to intra-articular distension preceded by physical therapy, IAD followed by physical therapy did not improve significantly the outcome in terms of pain relief (p= 0.123) but it enhanced the upper extremity function (p= 0.002). Upper extremity pain and function were found to improve with time regardless of the protocol (p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IAD followed by physical therapy is more beneficial than IAD preceded by physical therapy in terms of upper extremity function. IAD, whether or not preceded by physical therapy, does not significantly improve pain compared to physical therapy alone. Time is a crucial factor to take into consideration while treating adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

Strangulated obturator hernia: a case report with literature review.

Obturator hernia is rare. It occurs when part of the pelvic contents protrude through the obturator foramen. It is a diagnostic challenge in the emergency department since the signs and symptoms are non-specific. It often occurs in elderly, emaciated and chronically ill women. The clinical picture include intestinal obstruction with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The treatment is only surgical. Delayed diagnosis of this condition usually leads to a high mortality rate. We report the case of an 83-year-old woman with a strangulated obturator hernia. The hernia was discovered early by computed tomography and was treated by emergency laparotomy. We emphasize on the rule of CT scan to establishing a prompt preoperative diagnosis of an obturator hernia, appropriate planning of surgical intervention and thus optimizing the outcome.

Orbital varix: rare cause of blepharospasm.

Orbital varix (or varicose) is an exceptional pathology with poor clinical sign. The blepharospasm can be a revealing cause. The long-term risk is optic atrophy and blindness. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best diagnostic tools. The rise of lesion dimensions by Valsalva maneuvers and prone position is characteristic. We report the observation of a 42-year-old young man, consulting for a blepharospasm of the left eye evolving for two years. Imaging investigations made the diagnosis of orbital varicose.

Hughes-Stovin syndrome revealing the presence of Behçet's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Hughes-Stovin Syndrome (HSS) is a rare clinical disorder characterized by deep venous thrombosis and multiple pulmonary and/or bronchial aneurysms. Aneurysms in systemic circulation can also be seen. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the first case of HSS with aortic aneurysm in a 55-year-old man who initially presented with deep venous thrombosis. The diagnosis of HSS revealing Behçet's disease was made given the history of recurrent oral and genital ulcers. Treatment consisted of 3 daily pulses of methylprednisolone (1g) followed by oral prednisone (1mg/kg daily) and 6 monthly pulses of cyclophosphamide. Oral anticoagulation treatment was held 3 months and then was stopped with good outcome. CONCLUSION: Systemic aneurysms in Hughes Stovin is a worth knowing complication which may reveal Behçet's disease.

Imaging of complicated frontal sinusitis.

Complications occur in 3% of the cases of frontal sinusitis. These are mainly oculo-orbital, intracranial and osteomyelitis. Our aim is to describe the contribution of different imaging modalities in the diagnosis of these complications and their post-treatment monitoring. within a 15 years period (2000-2014), 10 patients with complicated frontal sinusitis were included into this retrospective study. 10 patients (9 males) aged 9 to 70 year old (mean 28). Two of these patients (20%) had a history of craniofacial trauma. Frontal headache was present in all cases (100%), frontal swelling in 8 cases (80%) and unilateral palpebral edema in 3 cases (30%). A CT scan of the face and brain was performed in all cases and revealed frontal osteomyelitis in 6 cases (60%), extradural empyema in 3 cases (33%), intracranial frontal abscess in 2 cases (20%) and occulo-orbital complications in 3 cases (30%). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in one patient and demonstrated thrombosis of the upper longitudinal sinus. 40% of our patients associated 2 complications. Cross-sectional imaging is important in early and accurate diagnosis of complicated frontal sinusitis.

[Lethal osteogenesis imperfecta: antenatal diagnosis]. / Ostéogénèse imparfaite létale: diagnostic antenatal.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of diseases affecting type I collagen and characterized by bone fragility. Lethal forms are rare and are characterized by micromelia associated with limb deformities. We report two cases of prenatally diagnosed lethal OI. Patients underwent ultrasound examination at 17 and 25 weeks of amenorrhoea, supplemented with fetal skeletal CT scanning in one case. Therapeutic abortion was recommended in both cases.

Perinatally discovered complete tubular colonic duplication associated with anal atresia.

Complete tubular colonic duplication (CTCD) is exceedingly rare. The association of CTCD with an anorectal malformation is unusual. This malformation may be found unexpectedly at laparotomy. We present 3 cases of surgically proven neonate CTCD discovered at laparotomy for anal atresia. We reviewed the mode of clinical presentation, the imaging, and laparotomy findings. Our series illustrates that this rare disease presents perinatally in association with anal atresia, with or without other associated anomalies.