[Segmental muscular hypertrophy in Arnold-Chiari deformity associated with syringomyelia syndrome]. / Hypertrophie musculaire segmentaire au cours d'une malformation d'Arnold-Chiari associée à un syndrome syringomyélique

A case of Arnold-Chiari malformation plus syringomyelic syndrome with hypertrophy of upper left and lower right limbs is reported. The pathogenesis of this muscular hypertrophy is discussed. The authors retain the idea of an added malformation.

[Metastatic infectious encephalitis (author's transl)]. / L'encéphalite métastatique infectieuse.

The authors report two cases of multiple microabcesses disseminated to the brain. The diagnosis was confirmed by anatomical findings in the first case and the discovery of septic emboli on fundus examination in the second case. In such conditions, there is no space occupying lesion which might raise the question of a surgical procedure. Due to the widespread vascular dissemination of the infectious process, these cases may present as an encephalitis. The authors stress the importance of recognizing this type of central nervous system bacterial infection which may be treated appropriately.

[Rheumatic diseases: a public health problem (author's transl)]. / Les maladies rhumatismales: problème de Santé Publique

This study surveys the main quantitative data of the literature concerning the morbidity and the functional and socio-economic influence of rheumatic diseases. The cost of medical care and the functional and socio-economic repercussions entailed by these diseases represent a heavy burden on the community. In France, epidemiological surveys must be carried out, which will include medical attendance rates, sickness incapacity and statistics on disability. Once the amplitude of this problem is determined, it must be communicated to the general public, using sanitary education techniques, and an influence must be exerted on the authorities to undertake a general campaign against rheumatic diseases.

Toxic encephalopathy due to ingestion of bismuth salts: clinical and EEG studies of 45 patients.

Forty-five patients taking bismuth subnitrate orally for therapeutic reasons were admitted to hospital with a myoclonic encephalopathy of acute onset. The clinical features were similar, mostly with mental confusion, disorder of walking and standing, dysarthria, and myoclonic jerks. In 31 cases the EEG showed a characteristic pattern, not previously recognised, which assisted differential diagnosis.