Eosinophilic enterocolitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic enterocolitis is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal eosinophilic infiltration of the small intestine and the colon. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 29-year-old White man, who presented with an acute bowel obstruction. He had a history of a 2 months non-bloody diarrhea. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) and a MR enterography showed a multifocal extensive ileitis. White blood cell and eosinophilic polynuclei count was elevated (700/mm3). Ileo-colonoscopy showed normal ileum and segmental petechial colitis. Pathology showed a high eosinophilic infiltration in the colon. The patient was treated with steroids, with a clinical, biological and radiological recovery. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic enterocolitis should be kept in mind as a rare differential diagnosis in patients presenting with small bowel obstruction.

Tunisian consensus on the management of Helicobacter Pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common infectious disease worldwide. It is associated with duodenal and gastric ulcer disease and the risk of gastric neoplasia. The management of helicobacter pylori infection currently represents a real challenge for clinicians, given the ever-increasing rate of resistance of Helicobacter pyolori to various antibiotics. In this consensus document, we present recommendations adapted to the Tunisian context, including indications for the detection of helicobacter pylori infection, indications for the use of different diagnostic methods, and a therapeutic strategy for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Estimation of the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing in parallel with the epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Recent data have shown frequent association between non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obstructive sleep apnea. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of sleep disorders, to search an obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by conducting a ventilator polygraphy and to search the particularities of obstructive sleep apnea when its exists, in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: A prospective study, conducted over a period of 6 months, including patients followed for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We performed in all patients a Berlin questionnaire that assesses the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, an Epworth score that estimates the degree of daytime sleepiness and a ventilator polygraphy. RESULTS: We collected 37 patients. The mean age was 50,41±13,7 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0,42. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension or dyslipidemia were recorded respectively in 37,8%, 40,5% and  37,8% of cases. Snoring was noted in 75,7%  of cases and excessive daytime sleepiness in 34,2% of cases. Obesity was observed in 73% and metabolic syndrome in 43,2% of cases. The Berlin Questionnaire was positive in 64,9% of cases. The average score of Epworth scale was 9,22±4,02 and 43,2% of patients had a score> 10. Ventilatorypolygraphy was positive in 13 cases (35,1%) with a mean AHI of  7,02±10,08.In these patients, obstructive sleep apnea was mild, moderate and severe in respectively 61,5%, 15,4% and 23,1% of cases. In univariate analysis, subjects with positive ventilator polygraphy had a significantly higher waist circumference (118,00 versus 109,58, p=0,05). Arterial hypertension was significantly associated with increased daytime sleepiness (p=0,018). In multivariate analysis, the only independent variable associated with excessive daytime sleepiness was arterial hypertension (OR=5,33 p=0,021). CONCLUSION: In our study, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is high in patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease. The only independent variable associated with excessive daytime sleepiness was arterial hypertension.

Value of water enema computed tomography in elderly symptomatic patients.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for the examination of the colon. However, its use in the elderly is not well tolerated, and there is often a need for general anaesthesia, thus increasing the risk, especially if there are co-morbidities. Water enema computed tomography has been suggested to be a satisfactory alternative as a non-invasive, fast and effective means for the diagnosis of colorectal supra-centimetric lesions. The aim of our study was to assess the performance of water enema computed tomography as first-line examination by calculating its negative predictive value (NPV) for the diagnosis of supra-centimetric lesions in symptomatic elderly referred to colonoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study including 57 symptomatic patients older than 65 years. All patients were explored by water enema computed tomography at first, followed by colonoscopy, and responded to a questionnaire on the tolerance to the preparation and both procedures. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 73 years. The M:F sex ratio was 1.59. The most frequent indication for colonoscopy was bowel disorders associated with abdominal pain (30%). Water enema computed tomography allowed the diagnosis of tumours (n = 2), polyps (n = 6), diverticulosis (n = 7), inflammatory wall thickening (n = 1) and extra-colic lesions (n = 28). NPV of water enema computed tomography for supra-centimetric lesions was 96.5%. Sensitivity and specificity were 87.3% and 98%, respectively. However, for sub-centimetric lesions, water enema computed tomography had a low sensitivity estimated at 6%, specificity at 89.9%, positive predictive value at 91.9% and NPV at 27.7%. CONCLUSION: Water enema computed tomography has proven to be a valuable and non-invasive method indicated as a first-line examination in case of colonic symptoms in the elderly to diagnose supra-centimetric lesions.

Gastric Schwannoma: A Case Report.

Schwannomas are generally benign, slow growing tumors. They are rarely observed in the gastrointestinal tract with the most common site being the stomach. These tumors are usually asymptomatic. The preoperative diagnosis via endoscopy is a challenging issue due to the difficulty of differentiation from other submucosal tumors. A 54-year-old woman presented with epigastric pain persisting for the last 10 months. Upper endoscopy revealed an elevated submucosal mass of the gastric antrum. The overlying mucosa was normal. Biopsy specimens yielded only unspecific signs of mild inactive chronic inflammation. Endoscopic ultrasound examination noted a hypoechoic homogeneous mass lesion located in the gastric antrum. The mass appeared to arise from the muscularis propria, and there was no perigastric lymphadenopathy. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan identified a homogeneous round mass and arising from the antrum of the stomach. Submucosal tumor was suspected and surgical intervention was recommended. The patient underwent an elective laparoscopic partial gastrectomy. The histopathologic features and immunohistochemical-staining pattern were consistent with a benign gastric schwannoma. Our patient shows no recurrence with a follow-up of one year. The definitive diagnosis of gastric schwannomas requires immunohistochemical studies. Complete margin negative surgical resection, as in this case, is the curative treatment of choice. The clinical course is generally benign.

Hyponatremia in cirrhosis: Risk factors and prognostic value.

Background Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality encountered in cirrhotic patients. Recent studies have shown that hyponatremia was correlated with severity of cirrhosis and associated with increased risk of complications and mortality. However this relationship is still unclear. The aims of the present study were to search predictive factors for hyponatremia in cirrhosis and to assess its prognostic value. Methods We performed a retrospective study, including consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted to our department between January 2011 and April 2014. Patients and cirrhosis characteristics were studied. Serum sodium levels were determined at admission. The cutoff level of 130 mmol/l was chosen because it is widely accepted to define hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis. Predictive factors of hyponatremia development and its impact on the outcome (cirrhosis complications and survival) were evaluated. Results We included 143 cirrhotic patients: 67 females (46.9%) and 76 males (53.1%) with a mean age of 58 years. Etiology of cirrhosis was mainly viral (56.7%). Child-Pugh stage was B in 41.2% and C in 25.9%. Mean MELD score was 15 [6-40]. The prevalence of dilutional hyponatremia as defined by a serum sodium concentration ≤130 mmol/L or ≤135 mmol/L was 10.5% and 31.4% respectively. Serum sodium level ≤130 mmol/L was strongly associated with severity of liver function impairment as indicated by Child-Pugh C (OR=7.84;p<0.001), and MELD score> 16 (OR=6.76; p=0.001). Survival without complications was reduced in patients with hyponatremia but was only significant if a serum sodium concentration ≤135 mmol/L was considered (p=0.012). Survival without hepatic encephalopathy and without hepatorenal syndrome was significantly reduced in patients with hyponatremia (p<0.001 for both). Global survival was also reduced in patients with hyponatremia at 1 year: 22.5% versus 68.7%, as well as mean global survival: 8.3 versus 32.8 months (p<0.0001). Conclusion Low serum sodium level was correlated with severity of cirrhosis.  Hyponatremia was a negative prognostic factor associated with increased short-term morbi-mortality.

Hepatic sarcoidosis: a case series.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic non caseous granulomas disease. Liver is a common location but usually asymptomatic. Evidence based guidelines for this location treatment is lacking and the effect of corticosteroids may be inadequate. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical, biochemical, radiological and therapeutic features of seven patients with systemic sarcoidosis and liver involvement. A retrospective and descriptive monocentric study, over 3 years, including seven patients with systemic sarcoidosis and liver involvement. We included 5 women and 2 men with an average age of 43 years. Hepatic localization revealed sarcoidosis in 5 cases. Hepatomegaly was observed in all patients as well as abnormal serum liver function test reflected by anicteric cholestasis. Liver biopsy, showed in all granulomatous lesions consistent with sarcoidosis and severe fibrosis in 2 cases. Extra-hepatic manifestations were present in all patients represented mainly by pulmonary location. All patients were treated, five by corticosteroid and two with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Complete response was observed in one case, partial response in another case and corticosteroid refractoriness in one case. In two cases, corticosteroid therapy was introduced for less than 1 month, not allowing assessment of response. Antimalarials in combination with UDCA were used successfully in a patient with steroid-resistant liver disease. Liver involvement can reveal systemic sarcoidois. Given the risk of progression to severe liver disease, it must be screened in all patients with systemic sarcoidosis. Treatment is not systematic, and still based on corticosteroid therapy. In the absence of prospective randomized controlled trials, the efficacy of UDCA need to be proven.

Prognosis of refractory ascites in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Ascitic decompensation is a common major complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor outcome. In 5-10% of patients, ascites become resistant to treatment (either do not respond to a high dose of diuretics or because these drugs induce complications), which is called refractory ascites (RA). RA is associated with poor survival: 20-50% at 1 year. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of RA. METHODS: Retrospective study including consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted for controlling ascites between January 2010 and April 2013. Patients and cirrhosis characteristics were studied. Development of RA during follow-up was investigated. The impact of RA on the outcome (cirrhosis complications and survival) was evaluated. RESULTS: We included 124 cirrhotic patients: 59 females (47.6%); mean age was 58 years. Ascites was grade 3 in 38.5% and was the first episode in 45.1% of patients. Etiology of cirrhosis was mainly viral (57.3%). Child-Pugh score was B in 39.5% and C in 28.2%. Mean MELD score was 16 [6-40]. During follow-up, 27 patients developed RA, meaning a prevalence of 21.8%. RA type was diuretic intractable in all cases. Survival without complications was significantly reduced in patients with RA (4 vs 17 monthsp<10-3). RA was an independent predictive factor of global complications, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatic encephalopathy. Global survival was reduced in patients with RA (12 vs 16 months, p=0.069). One year survival was 45% for patients with RA vs 63% for other cirrhotics. In multivariate analysis, only Child-Pugh score, but not RA was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: In this Tunisian sample we confirm that RA reduces survival and increases risk of cirrhosis complications, especially hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Therefore, these patients should be promptly listed for liver transplantation, over and above the MELD score.

Does protein energy malnutrition affect the outcome in Tunisian cirrhotic patients?

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is commonly seen in cirrhotic patients and has been shown to adversely affect outcome. However, it remains associated with the severity of cirrhosis. Therefore, its role as an independent prognostic factor is still under debate. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in cirrhotic patients and determine whether this condition was an independent prognostic factor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the nutritional status of 104 consecutive patients with cirrhosis Subjective global nutritional assessment (SGA) and anthropometry [dry body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold (TSF), arm muscle circumference (AMC)] were used for the evaluation of the nutritional status. Complications of cirrhosis during follow-up and patient's survival were recorded. Global survival and survival without complications was studied by Kaplan Meier method and using Log Rank test. RESULTS: Prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 16.3 and 62.5% according to the method of nutritional assessment used. Survival without complications was reduced in malnourished patients. This difference was significant when assessing malnutrition by dry BMI (p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, malnutrition defined by dry BMI<18.5 kg/m2 was an independent predictor of complications (p<0.001; RR 3.2) especially hepatic encephalopathy (p=0.001; RR 2.66). In univariate analysis, global survival was worse in malnourished patients (by BMI and SGA; p=0.03 and p=0.0014 respectively), but this trend was lost in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In our study, malnutrition was an independent predictor of complications in cirrhosis. However, it did not appear as an independent prognostic factor for global survival. These results raise again difficulties to clarify whether malnutrition influence itself the prognosis of cirrhosis or if it is only related to the severity of cirrhosis.

Incidental gallbladder cancer diagnosed on cholecystectomy specimens: a study of 30 cases.

Background - The gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer with poor prognosis. The association with gallstone disease is the main risk factor of this cancer. Aim - Describe the demographics, clinic-pathologic and therapeutic management of incidentally gallbladder cancer diagnosed on cholecystectomy specimens. Methods - retrospective study including 30 cases of gallbladder cancer incidentally detected on cholecystectomy specimens. Results - The incidence of gallbladder cancer incidentally discovered was 0.83%. The sex ratio M/F was 0.5 and the average age was 68 years. The main risk factor was cholelithiasis (38%). Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type found in 86.6% of cases and it was biliary-type in 56.6% of cases. 76,7% of the tumors were classified in early stages (stages 0, I and II) and 23,3% were in advanced stages (III and IV). A simple cholecystectomy was curative in 66.7% of cases. Overall survival rate was 56.7% at one year. The best survival rate was for the early stages: 100% stages 0-I and 45.4% stage II. Conclusions - The gallbladder cancer has poor prognosis because of its late diagnosis. Thorough sampling and careful attention on histological examination of all parts of cholecystectomy specimens allows detection of early cancer with better prognosis.

Cardiovascular risk estimation in non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is rising to the growing epidemic of metabolic syndrome. Recent data suggest that this liver disease may represent a real marker of cardiovascular risk. The aim of our study was to calculate cardiovascular risk and to estimate the frequency of subclinical coronary artery disease by conducting an exercise testing. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted over a period of one year including all patients followed for non alcoholic fatty liver disease. We realized in all patients an exercise testing and we calculated the ACC / AHA score that estimates the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This risk is considered very high if the score> 7.5. RESULTS: We included 103 patients. The mean age was 52 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.3. Diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension were present respectively in 45.6%, 48.5% and 38.8% of cases. Obesity was noted in 69.9% of our patients. Metabolic syndrome was found in 78.6% of patients. The ACC / AHA average score was 8.03 ± 9 and a score> 7.5 was noted in 35.9% of cases. The exercise testing was positive in 12 patients (11.65%). Of these, 11 underwent coronary angiography which was normal in 10 cases and showed a coronary artery infiltration without significant stenosis in only one case, and 2 patients underwent coro-scanner which was without significant anomalies. In univariate analysis, the presence of metabolic syndrome (p = 0.05), waist circumference ≥ 94 cm in men and ≥ 80 cm in women (p = 0.019), diabetes (p = 0.03) were associated with a high risk of developing cardiovascular events. In multivariate analysis, the only independent variable associated with a positive exercise testing was diabetes (OR 4.5, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: During non alcoholic fatty liver disease, there is an increased cardiovascular risk. It would be necessary to consider this excess risk in the surveillance of patients followed for non alcoholic liver disease to early detection of any cardiovascular disease.

Computed Tomographic presentation of obstructive jejunal adenocarcinoma associated with celiac disease and incomplete intestinal malrotation.

INTRODUCTION: Small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare entity most frequently observed with celiac disease. This is the first case report on the association of celiac disease, small bowel adenocarcinoma and intestinal malrotation. CASE REPORT: A 40 year-old male patient diagnosed with celiac disease since the age of 5 years complained of epigastric pain and vomiting for three days. Computed tomography (CT) showed a significant gastroduodenal dilatation with thickened intestinal wall proximal to the duodenojejunal flexure. The lumen contained a food bezoar in the center. The duodenojejunal angle was abnormally on the right side of the abdomen and the superior mesenteric vein was anterior to the superior mesenteric artery. Endoscopy after aspiration found a hemi-circumferential and irregular mass which bled at the contact of fibroscope. Biopsies showed an adenocarcinoma and small bowel resection was performed. DISCUSSION: Celiac disease is associated with a high risk of small bowel cancer. The association of incomplete intestinal malrotation, duodenojejunal flexure tumor and celiac disease made the surgery challenging. CONCLUSION: Patients with celiac disease should be carefully monitored and endoscopic or radiologic investigations should be carried out in patients with any doubtful symptoms.

Surgical treatment of Crohn's disease: indications, results and predictive factors of recurrence and morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease management represents a major problem in gastroenterology and general surgery because it affects young subjects and has a major impact on their quality of life. The aims of our study were to identify the indications for surgery in Crohn's disease, the results and the complications of surgery in our series, and to identify possible predictive factors of recurrence and postoperative morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study including 38 cases of patients with Crohn's disease who underwent surgical treatment in the department of surgery in Mongi Slim Hospital, during the period between January 1992 and December 2011 was performed. RESULTS: The occurrence of stenosis was the most common indication for surgical treatment in Crohn's disease in our series, and ileocecal resection was the most performed surgery. Twenty six patients (58%) received maintenance therapy after surgery. Twenty two patients relapsed and 13 had surgical management for recurrence. In univariate analysis, predictive factors of post operative morbidity in our study were leukocytosis, penetrating phenotype and intraabdominal sepsis. Ileocecal location was the only factor that significantly improved the incidence of recurrence. In multivariate analysis, only penetrating phenotype was a predictive factor or post operative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Despite the development of medical treatment, surgical treatment keeps large indications for the management of complications of Crohn's disease. The surgery should be an alternative to immunosuppressive therapy. Currently, prevention postoperative recurrence is well codified, reducing the risk of complications.

Complete radiological response after sorafenib treatment for advanced hepato-cellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, has recentlybeen shown to improve overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but only a handful of reports of complete remission on sorafenib have been issued. CASE REPORT: We report an intriguing case of advanced HCC complicating HCV infection with cirrhosis, in which the patient achieved complete remission by prolonged administration of sorafenib. CONCLUSION: Identifying factors that could be associated with good response to this therapy are needed.

Percutaneous treatment versus hepatic resection for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the first liver tumor worldwide. Therefore, it is a matter of debate whether surgical treatment or percutaneous treatment should be preferred for the treatment of patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of our study was to compare the long-term outcome and the survival between surgically and percutaneously treated small hepatocellular carcinomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in the department of hepatology during a period of 2009-2012. The study included all patients carrying small hepatocellular carcinoma which were divided in: group 1 including patients who underwent surgical treatment, and group 2 including patients who underwent percutaneous treatment. RESULTS: Among the 63 patients who were diagnosed for hepatocellular carcinoma, 28 carried a small hepatocellular carcinoma with a mean age of 63 years and sex-ratio of 0.64. Etiology of cirrhosis was viral in 96% cases. Surgical treatment (hepatic resection) was performed in 54% cases while percutaneous treatment was proposed for 46%: radiofrequency ablation in 69% and alcoholic injection in 31%. No major complications for both surgical and percutaneous treatment occurred in our study. The corresponding 6 months and 1- year overall survival rates for the surgical resection group and the percutaneous treatment group were 100%, 100%, 20%, and 52%, respectively (p=0,04). The disease free survival were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Our results showed the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ablation treatments (radiofrequency ablation and ethanol injection) in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Quality indicators for colonoscopy in a Tunisian endoscopy unit.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is a powerful tool for prevention and early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. However, the effectiveness of colonoscopy is dependent on the quality of the procedure, which is assessed by a number of key quality indicators. Among them, cecal intubation and adenoma detection rate are historically the most commonly used indicators of quality of colonoscopy. The aim of our study was to evaluate these two indicators of quality of colonoscopy in a Tunisian endoscopy center. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study from January 2009 to March 2013. Data were collected from colonoscopies reports. Demographic data, indication of the procedure, and endoscopic diagnosis were collected. The quality of bowel preparation was subjectively classified at the time of the examination by each endoscopist as good, fair, or poor. Procedure related quality indicators considered for analysis were: cecal intubation rate (CIR) and polyp detection rate. RESULTS: During the period of the study, 859 colonoscopies were performed without sedation. The average age was 54.76 ± 17.5 years. Males represented the majority of our population (50.2%). Colic preparation was judged good, fair and poor in respectively 24 %, 61% and 15% of cases. The cecal intubation rate was 61.1 %. Causes of incomplete colonoscopy were especially poor preparation (47.3%) and poor tolerance (34.4%). Univariate analysis disclosed 3 predictive factors of CIR : the quality of bowel preparation (good vs fair or poor( (67.2 % vs 31.3%, p = 0.0001,OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 3.3-6), the screening indication (72.9% vs 60.1% , p = 0.03, OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1-3) and the presence of alarming signs (55% vs 43%, p=0.04; OR: 1.1, 95% CI:0.9-2.5). By multivariate analysis, the factors influencing independently the CIR were the quality of bowel preparation (p=10-3, OR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.47-3.3) and the screening indication (p=0.02, OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.4). The polyp detection rate was 21% and was correlated, in univariate analysis with: age over 47 years (p=10-3, OR:3.2, 95 % CI:2-4.9), male gender (25.1% vs 16.8%, p=0.001, OR:2.36, 95% CI: 1.4-4), the quality of the preparation (26.5% vs 19.1%, p=0.03 OR:1.4, 95% CI:0.9 -2), the presence of colorectal cancer (50.9% vs 18.2%, p=0.0001, OR:4.6, 95% CI: 2.6-8) and the screening indication (35.7% vs 19%, p=0.001 OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.4- 4). By multivariate analysis, 3 independent factors associated with polyp detection rate were identified: age over 47 years (p=10-3, OR: 3.5 95% CI:2-5.9), bowel preparation (p=10-3 OR=5, 95% IC:2.7-9.6) and the screening indication( p=0.01, OR 2.5, 95% IC 1.4-4.7). CONCLUSION: In our cohort, the quality of bowel preparation, tolerance of the procedure, age and the indication of colonoscopy were significantly associated with the indicators of quality. Bowel preparation and tolerance are targets on which we should act to improve performance.

De novo autoimmune hepatitis following liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis: an unusual cause of late grafts dysfunction.

De novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare disorder first described in 1998. It occurs in patients who underwent liver transplantation for a different etiology. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis and had liver transplantation for refractory pruritis. Seven years after transplantation, she presented alterations in the hepatic profile with hypertransaminasemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl-transferase. Her liver functions test also showed elevated IgG levels. Serum autoantibodies were negative except for antimitochondrial antibodies. Histological findings indicated features of AIH without bile duct damage or loss. She had a pretreatment AIH score of 13 points and a post treatment score of 15 points according to the International AIH Group. The patient was treated effectively with prednisolone and her liver function and globulin levels rapidly returned to normal.

[Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. A Tunisian monocentric Survey]. / Le syndrome d'ulcère solitaire du rectum. A propos d'une série Tunisienne monocentrique.

BACKGROUND: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is an uncommon and benign defecation disorder. Occidental series are scarce and to our knowledge, Tunisian data are not available. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, endoscopic and histological spectrum of the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. METHODS: All the patients diagnosed with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome from January 2001 to 2012 were included in the study. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate the clinical spectrum of the patients along with the endoscopic, histological and therapeutic findings. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were evaluated: 7 males; mean age 42.6 years. Bleeding per rectum was present in 66% and dyschezia in 73%. Endoscopically, solitary lesion was present in 66% patients. The most frequent dynamic abnormalities shown by defecography were of rectal intussusception (53%). Anorectal manometry was performed in seven cases disclosing dyssynergia in 2 cases. Thirty patients underwent surgery, always after failure of medical treatment and one patient was treated with biofeedback. Rectopexy was the most utilized technic. After a mean follow-up of 29 months, total regression of symptoms was noted in 50% of patients who underwent surgery. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, diagnostic and therapeutic spectrum of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome was comparable to occidental features. Nevertheless, accesses to manometry and defecography as well as biofeedback were limited.