[Cyst of the parapharyngeal space arising from the branchial arches]. / Kyste de l'espace parapharyngé d'origine branchiale problèmes diagnostiques et thérapeutiques.

OBJECTIVES: We describe a rare case of parapharyngeal space cyst arising from the branchial arches. CASE REPORT: We report the clinical and radiological (CT and MRI) findings. Surgical resection was performed via a transcervical approach. CONCLUSION: Branchial cysts arising from the second pouch are the most common benign neck tumors. A parapharyngeal location (type IV in Proctor's classification) is very rare, and only 24 cases have been reported. Based on our observations in this case and a review of the literature, we discuss the differential diagnoses and treatment options.

[Olfactory disorders]. / Les troubles de l'olfaction.

Smell and taste problems are of major importance to those who suffer from olfactory disorders. The inability to determine the presence of odors in the home and the markedly reduced capacity or incapacity to appreciate food flavors are key reasons given for limited social interaction. Patients experiencing distorted smells and tastes may avoid food, which results in weight loss and possible malnutrition. We present an overview of smell disorders, based on physiological considerations, with specific attention to clinical characteristics of conditions most commonly causing smell disorders.

[Adrenal insufficiency after treatment of nasal polyposis]. / Insuffisance surrénale chez les patients traités médicalement pour une polypose naso-sinusienne.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis after long term and uncontrolled corticosteroid treatment in nasal polyposis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A short synacthen test was performed in ten patients who received uncontrolled doses of corticosteroids in a population of 128 patients treated for nasal polyposis. RESULTS: Mean yearly dose of oral prednisone administered in short-term treatment varied between 1280 and 7300 mg. Mean daily dose of inhaled beclomethasone varied between zéro and 2000 microg. Morning plasmatic cortisol was abnormal in seven the patients before and after the stimulation (respectively 140 nmole/l and 359 nmole/l). DISCUSSION: High and uncontrolled doses of corticosteroids in nasal polyposis affect HPA axis.

Synthesis of a highly thermally stable octupolar polyimide for nonlinear optics.

A new polyimide with covalently incorporated 4,4'-bis-(dialkylaminostyryl)-2,2'-bipyridine chromophores is described which allows the synthesis of the corresponding NLO octupolar metallo-polymer.