[Sarcoidosis in Tunisia: epidemiologic and clinical study]. / Sarcoïdose en Tunise: partcularités épidémiologiques et cliniques.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiologic study of sarcoidosis is problematic and differing incidences across the world are reported. In Tunisia, the incidence of this affection is yet unknown. This is at least attributable to the lack of large series and the overshadowing presence of tuberculosis. AIM: To determine presenting signs, symptoms and investigations particularities. METHODS: We report a retrospective series patients with sarcoidosis followed up in the Rabta university hospital between 1991 and 2005 and try to determine presenting signs, symptoms and investigations particularities. RESULTS: 131 patients (79 women and 52 men) with a median age of 47 ± 14 years were reviewed. They were symptomatic in 95 % of cases. Cutaneous symptoms were present at onset in 56.8 %, respiratory symptoms in 48.6 % and general symptoms in 41.6 %. Thoracic presentation was observed in 81.3%. Chest X-ray changes and tomodensitometry showed that type II and III were predominant. Lung function was disturbed in 58.5% of the cases. Extrathoracic involvement, observed in 89.3 % of the cases, was largely dominated by cutaneous lesions. Histopathological lesions provided diagnosis in 66.6%. CONCLUSION: The relative high frequency of dermatological lesions suggests genetic or even environmental predisposition to develop sarcoidosis such as sunlight exposition.

Usefulness of subcutaneous nitrate for radial access.

OBJECTIVES: We made the hypothesis that adjunction of nitrate to lidocaine for local anesthesia may facilitate accessibility of radial access. BACKGROUND: Transradial approach is associated with a clear decrease in the rate of access bleeding when compared with femoral approach. The diffusion of this technique remains limited due to the small size and the spastic profile of this artery. METHODS: Eighty-four consecutive patients undergoing coronary procedures using radial approach were randomly assigned between two types of local anesthesia (double blind): 5 ml lidocaine (group L)-5 ml lidocaine + 0.5 mg dinitrate isosorbide (group LN). The primary endpoint was the duration of radial puncture (from beginning of local anesthesia to sheath insertion) and the total number of punctures. RESULTS: Sixty-two men and 22 women (mean age 59 +/- 8 y.o.) were included. Mean +/- SEM access duration was 3:33 +/- 3:11 min in group L when compared with 2:26 +/- 1:20 min in group LN (P < 0.05). Mean number of puncture was 1.50 +/- 1.0 in group L when compared with 1.16 +/- 0.5 in group LN (P = 0.05). There were no differences between two groups concerning pain score during anesthesia and sheath insertion. There was no difference between two groups concerning the rate of hypotensive and vagal reactions. Radial spasm occurred in four patients in group L and only one in the group LN. CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia using lidocaine plus nitrate is feasible and improves the accessibility of radial access.