Lack of effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha -308 G/A polymorphism on severity of liver fibrosis in Tunisian hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients.

OBJECTIVES: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a key role in the immune response. An elevated plasma level of TNF-alpha was repeatedly observed in patients with active liver injury or cirrhosis regardless of the aetiology. The G/A transition at position -308 in the promoter region have been shown to influence TNF-alpha expression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of TNF-alpha -308 G/A functional polymorphism on fibrosis severity in Tunisian Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-infected patients. METHODS: TNF-alpha -308 G/A polymorphism was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method in 53 chronic hepatitis C patients. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequencies were compared with regard to liver fibrosis severity as assessed by the METAVIR scoring system (F1-F2; n=22 versus F3-F4; n=31). RESULTS: The genotype distribution of the TNF-alpha -308 G/A polymorphism among the HCV-infected patients was as follows : GG : 67.9%, GA : 32.1%, AA : 0%. With regard to fibrosis score, no significant differences in TNF-alpha genotype distribution were observed between F1-F2 and F3-F4 patients (p=0.15). CONCLUSION: No significant association between TNF-alpha -308 polymorphism and and the severity of liver fibrosis was found in our Tunisian cohort.

NS5A(ISDR-V3) region genetic variability of Tunisian HCV-1b strains: Correlation with the response to the combined interferon/ribavirin therapy.

In the non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) of hepatitis C virus (HCV), mutations within the interferon sensitivity-determining region (ISDR), the PKR-binding domain (PKR-BD), the variable region 3 (V3), and the interferon/ribavirin resistance-determining region (IRRDR) have been correlated with the IFN-based therapy response. In Tunisia, where a high prevalence of HCV-1b has been found, no data regarding the implication of NS5A in treatment response were available. The current study examined the relationship between the pre-treatment mutation number within ISDR, PKR-BD, V3, IRRDR, as well as in the entire ISDR-V3 region of NS5A (aa 2209-2379) and the response to the 48-week course of combined IFN plus ribavirin therapy in 15 HCV-1b-infected Tunisian patients. Referring to HCV-J sequence, a significant high genetic variability was observed within PKR-BD in the sustained virological responder patients compared to non-responders (P = 0.040). More importantly, when considering the entire region from ISDR to V3, referred to as NS5A(ISDR-V3), a clear difference in the mutation number was observed between sustained virological responders (19.6 +/- 3.16) and non-responders (15.0 +/- 1.41) (P = 0.002). Additionally, a more detailed analysis of NS5A(ISDR-V3) region revealed an elevated degree of mutation rate within the region located between amino acids 2282 and 2308 (P = 0.0006). Interestingly, an analysis of specific amino acid variations defined proline and serine at position 2300 as signature patterns for sensitive and resistant strains, respectively. The genetic variability within the NS5A region of HCV-1b strains was associated with the response to the combined IFN plus ribavirin therapy in our Tunisian cohort.

[Gastro-epiploic lymphangioma. A case report]. / Lymphangiome gastro-épiploïque. A propos d'un cas.

The authors report a case of a gastro-epiploic lymphangioma in a 29-year-old male patient presenting with epigastric cramps. Physical examination was normal. Ultrasound and abdominal CT-scan showed a cystic mass under the left lobe of the liver containing fine septations and extending to the lesser sac. At surgery, a large cystic mass was found, situated around the celiac trunk. It was adherent to the lesser curvature of the stomach and posterior surface of the antrum and extended to the lesser sac. Excision of the mass and antrectomy were performed. Histologic examination was consistent with a diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma.

[Renal ectopic pheochromocytoma. A case report]. / Phéochromocytome ectopique rénal. A propos d'une observation.

The authors report the case of an ectopic pheochromocytoma without any clinical symptoms or laboratory signs which simulated a renal tumor during clinical and complementary investigations. The diagnosis was established by histology. The ectopic pheochromocytoma and the diagnostic problems of silent tumors are discussed.

[Sub-pleural lipoma: apropos of a case]. / Le lipome sous-pleural: à propos d'un cas.

Lipomas are rarely observed in a subpleural localization. Clinical signs are uncommon and most are an incidental discovery at x-ray. We report a case of an incidentally discovered lipoma in the subpleural area observed in a 56-year-old patient. Physical examination showed normal respiratory function. An extrapulmonary intrathoracic opacity situated in the right axillary area was observed on standard chest x-ray. Computed tomography established the diagnosis of a subpleural fatty mass. This case draws attention to this uncommon localization of lipomas and illustrates the contribution of computed tomography for diagnosis. The CT pattern allowed us to avoid transmural or surgical biopsy.

[Intestinal metaplasia at the gastroesophageal junction - epidemiologic and histologic aspects. Report of 164 cases]. / Metaplasie intestinale de la jonction oeso-gastrique aspects epidemiologiques et histologiques. A propos de 164 cas.

Adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia is increasing in incidence. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intestinal metaplasia of the esophagogastric and having a malignant potential junction can be considered as an ultra-short segment Barrett's esophagus. To study the epidemiologic and histological features of the intestinal metaplasia of esophagogastric junction two groups of patients were compared for the prevalence of this condition. Group 1 included 82 patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms et group 2 consisted of 82 healthy individuals. Both groups had two biopsy specimens taken from the esophagogastric junction. Histological evidence of intestinal metaplasia was defined as specialized columnar epithelium containing goblet cells staining with alcian blue at pH 2.5. Intestinal metaplasia of the esophagogastric junction was present in 12 patients in group 1 and 9 individuals in group 2. The global prevalence of this condition was 12.8% and there was not a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of this condition between the two groups. A significant difference could not be found when sex was considered. There was a significant association between this condition and older age (p = 0.01). Intestinal metaplasia of the esophagogastric junction and Barrett's esophagus do not have the same epidemiologic features. Therefore, we suggest that screening biopsy specimens of the esophagogastric junction be limited to study protocols at this time.

[Fatty liver disease and other complications of obesity]. / Steatose hepatique et autres complications de l'obesite.

Obesity induces many organic complications (somatic, metabolic and mechanical). The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate its complications in a group of thirty fat patients. Fatty liver disease, detected by echography is noted at 70% of patients. Clinically, it makes pains at the right side and seems favorized by an elevated BMI > 40 kg/m2, and diabetes, hypertriglyceridemiae, hypercaloric and hyperglucidic ration. 10% of our patients present stone bile duct associated to fatty liver disease.

Gastric MALT lymphoma. A clinico-pathological study of 65 cases. Relationship to Helicobacter pylori.

We report 65 cases of MALT gastric lymphomas. HP was looked for with Giemsa and Whartin Starry stains. Immunohistochemistry was done with PAP method. Anti-HP treatment was used in 9 cases. 38 were of low grade of malignancy, 23 were high grade, 4 were high grade with a low grade component. The mean age was 51.5 years, the sex ratio 1.5. Epigastric pain was the most frequent feature (87.7% of cases). Endoscopically, low grade lymphomas presented as unique or multiple ulcerations (55.3% of cases) with antral localisation (52.6% of cases). 60% of our patients were stage IE, of which 61% had low grade lymphoma, 18% were at stage II2E, 10% at stage III and 10% at stage IV. From 23 operated patients, 29% had early lymphoma which was low grade malignant in 71.5% of cases, and 71% had lymphomas which were widely spread beyond the submucosa. HP was found in 63% of cases. Histologic regression of two early lymphomas of low grade malignancy was achieved after HP eradication.

[Interferon dysoric retinopathy in chronic viral hepatitis C: case report and literature review]. / Rétinopathie dysorique à l'interféron au cours de l'hépatite chronique virale C. À propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: The ophthalmic complications following interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C are rare. The most common adverse ophthalmic outcome is the dysoric retinopathy characterized by the presence at the fundus examination of cotton wool spots and retinal hemorrhages particularly around the optic disc. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old man presented to the hepatology department with a compensated cirrhosis C. His medical history was positive for hypertension controlled by medical treatment. A combined treatment with pegylated interferon α2a plus ribavirin was initiated. Three months later, the patient reported a sudden decreased vision in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed cotton wool spots with retinal hemorrhage. The diagnosis of dysoric retinopathy was established. The antiviral treatment was discontinued. One month later, the patient was asymptomatic and the ocular lesions have disappeared. CONCLUSION: Dysoric retinopathy is a non-specific complication of interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C. Despite its good prognosis, a careful fundus examination is required before and during the treatment especially for the patients with risk factors for this adverse event (advanced age, diabetes and high blood pressure).

Laparoscopic-assisted versus conventional ileocolectomy for primary Crohn's disease: results of a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The laparoscopic approach is becoming the gold standard in the surgical treatment of primary Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic-assisted and open ileocolic resection for primary Crohn's disease. METHODS: We conducted a non-randomized, comparative, retrospective analysis of a prospective database from 1998 to 2010. The remaining 129 patients were divided into two groups: laparoscopic-assisted group (Group L; n=64) and conventional group (Group C; n=65). There were no differences between the two groups as regards preoperative patient characteristics. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen (90.7%) patients had no complications. Out of 12 patients (9.3%) with complications, four (3.1%) had Grade I, six (4.7%) had Grade II and two (1.6%) had Grade III. There were no postoperative deaths (Grade V). Operating time was longer in Group L compared with Group C (P<0.001). Bowel function returned more quickly in the laparoscopic group in terms of return of bowel movements (P=0.018) and resumption of a regular diet (P=0.06). The mean length of stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (P=0.001). The mean follow-up was 26 months in Group L versus 34 months in Group C (P=0.06). During follow-up, six patients presented with small bowel obstruction in Group C, which was not statistically different from Group L (3 patients) (P=0.25). During the follow-up period, there have been no recurrences of Crohn's disease in the laparoscopic group while 11 patients (16.9%) have developed a recurrence in the conventional group (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted ileocolectomy for primary Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum and/or cecum is safe and successful in most cases. Laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease should be considered as the preferred operative approach for primary resections.

[Eosinophilic gastroenteritis]. / Gastroentérite à éosinophiles.

PURPOSE: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare and heterogeneous disorder characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of one or more layers of the gastrointestinal tract. Although it can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach and the proximal small bowel are the most common sites of involvement. Clinical features depend on which layer and site are involved. We report eight cases of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive adult cases diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis from 1990 to 2010. The diagnosis was established by histologic examination of endoscopic biopsy or operative specimen or by the presence of eosinophilic ascites. RESULTS: Eight patients (three men, five women) were diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis during the study period. Three out of the eight patients had a history of allergy. All patients had gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss and ascites. Seven patients (87.5%) had hypereosinophilia. Seven patients had involvement of the subserosa and one of the mucosa. Four patients were treated with oral prednisolone. The symptoms in all the patients subsided within one month. The remaining four patients improved spontaneously. Four of our patients were followed-up for at least 2 months (11 to 68 months). A single patient presented a relapse. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic gastroenteritis should be suspected in patients having gastrointestinal discomfort along with peripheral eosinophilia. Definitive diagnosis requires histological demonstrations of eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal wall or high eosinophilic count in ascites fluid.

[Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with celiac disease]. / Syndrome de Budd-Chiari associé à une maladie coeliaque.

The association of Budd-Chiari syndrome and celiac disease is rare and has been reported in only 13 cases. We report a 23-year-old man with celiac disease, treated with gluten-free diet since the age of 16 years. He presented with epigastric pain that was secondary to a Budd-Chiari syndrome. No other cause than celiac disease could be identified.

[Gastrointestinal sarcoidosis]. / Sarcoïdose gastro-intestinale.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disorder of unknown cause, characterised by noncaseating granulomas affecting multiple organs. Gastrointestinal tract involvement in sarcoidosis is rare. The stomach, particularly the antrum is the most common extra-hepatic organ to be involved. We report four cases of gastro-intestinal sarcoidosis. METHODS: Retrospective study of a series of four cases. RESULTS: All patients had gastric sarcoidosis. It involved the duodenum, ileum and gall bladder in a patient with a history of an acute pancreatitis probably due to sarcoidosis. This patient presented with obstructive intestinal manifestations, weight loss and exsudative enteropathy. Two patients presented with mild abdominal pain and the last patient was admitted for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The endoscopy was normal in one case and showed an antral congestion in another case. Gastric ulcers were found in the patient with a history of upper gastro-intestinal bleeding. A pseudo-linitic aspect was noticed in the patient with obstructive manifestations. The duodenum and the ileum were normal. This patient had an antrectomy and was treated with corticosteroids. Surgery evidenced a perforated duodenal ulcer, which was obstructed by the gall bladder. The patient with gastrointestinal bleeding received proton pump inhibitor and corticosteroids. These two patients improved gradually. The two other patients recovered spontaneously. CONCLUSION: The stomach is the most commonly affected organ in gastrointestinal sarcoidosis. Gastric sarcoidosis can mimic a malignant lesion owing to narrowing of the gastric lumen or can be revealed by upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Duodenum, small bowel and colon involvement is uncommon but may be underestimated in the absence of systematic biopsies.

[Liver involvement in sarcoidosis: study of seven cases]. / L'atteinte hépatique au cours de la sarcoïdose: à propos de sept cas.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a systemic disorder of unknown aetiology that may involve many organs including the liver. METHODS: This is a monocentre retrospective and descriptive study over 12 years of patients with systemic sarcoidosis who presented with liver involvement. RESULTS: Amongst 21 patients with systemic sarcoidosis, seven presented a liver involvement (five males and two females; mean age 42.5 years). The liver involvement was the presenting manifestation in three. Liver enlargement was noted in five patients and abnormal liver function tests in four. In one patient, abdominal computed tomographic scan showed a nodular hepatomegaly. Liver histology demonstrated typical granulomatous lesions in six. One patient developed a Budd-Chiari syndrome that responded favourably to corticosteroids. Six out of the seven patients were treated with corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Liver involvement in common in sarcoidosis and commonly asymptomatic. Treatment is not systematic.