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Biomedical subjects

S Mezghani

Publications and source records attributed to S Mezghani.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Tuberculous pneumothorax. Retrospective study of 23 cases in Tunisia].

The tubercular pneumothorax is a rare and severe form of tuberculosis which persists in Tunisia. We reviewed retrospectively our experience at the Pneumology-Allergology Department of the Sousse Hospital with 23 cases of tubercular pneumothorax observed between 1985 and 2003. The suggestive symptom, pneumothorax, always occurred within a context poor general health and fever. The chest roentgengraph showed pneumothorax (n=8) or hydropneumothorax (n=15), and pulmonary lesions associated in 82.5% of patients. Bacteriological proof was obtained in 21 cases; in the two other patients, histological examination of the surgical specimen was highly suggestive of tuberculosis. Treatment associated antitubercular chemotherapy in compliance with the National Plan of against Tuberculosis (n=23), chest drainage (n=21) and respiratory physiotherapy (n=18). Five patients underwent surgery: pleural decortications (n=3), pulmonary resections (n=2). Two were lost to follow-up. The course was favourable in 78% of patients; there were two cases of partitioned pyopneumothorax and one post-operative death. In our experience, tubercular pneumothorax was always associated with active cavitated tuberculosis. The course was almost favorable with antitubercular chemotherapy and chest drainage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Bacteriological profile of infectious endocarditis in the area of Sfax (Tunisia)].

We performed a study to analyze epidemiological characteristics and bacteriological profile of infectious endocarditis (I.E) in the area of Sfax (Tunisia). We analyzed, retrospectively, all cases of I.E, according to Duke Criteria, hospitalized in the CHU Hédi Chaker of Sfax between January 1997 and December 2000. Bacteriological investigation included blood culture, cardiac valve culture and serology. Seventy-two cases of I.E were diagnosed. The average of age was 32.3 years. 47.3% of the patients did not have cardiac disease, 25% had a valvular prosthesis, 20.8% a native valvulopathy and 6.9% a congenital cardiopathy. Antecedent of acute rheumatic fever was noted in 66% of I.E on native valvulopathy and in 55.5% of I.E on prosthesis. The mitral valve was involved in 39%, the aortic in 27.5% and the two in 26% of the cases. The origin of bacteremia was found or supposed in 55.5% of the cases and was commonly dental (33 % of EI). The bacteriological diagnosis was positive in 51 cases (70.8%). Staphylococci were isolated in 17 cases (23.6%), Streptococci in 17 cases (23.6%) and dominated by oral streptococci (12 cases). Chlamydial serology was positive in 8 cases (11.1%). Diagnosis of infectious endocarditis due to Chlamydia pneumoniae was confirmed in a case by genomic amplification (PCR) and in situ hybridization on the valve. Endocarditis in Tunisia remains frequent. It reaches with predilection the young person in particular with rheumatic heart diseases. The bacteriological profile remains dominated by Streptococci and the Staphylococci.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax complicating osteosarcoma pulmonary metastasis].

We report the case of a 15-year-old girl with osteosarcoma in the left distal femur who developed a recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. The patient was treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (limb-sparing surgical procedure with insertion of a knee prosthesis) and then adjuvant chemotherapy. The initial extension assessment was normal. No pulmonary metastasis was found. The chest tomography performed at the end of treatment (8 months after surgery) revealed two peripheral pulmonary nodules not seen on the chest X-ray. Palliative chemotherapy was given, the thoracic tomography after four chemotherapy courses showed a progress of the pulmonary metastasis and on the right more abundant bilateral pneumothorax which had recurred two months after thoracic draining. Thoracoscopy showed no pleural lesions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Large bilateral lung opacities].

We report the case of a 42-year-old woman operated for neurofibroma of the scalp on two occasions who consulted for bilateral chest pain which reveated two voluminous bilateral pulmonary masses. Biopsy of one of these masses was in favor of secondary or primary leiomyosarcoma. The association of Von Recklinghausen's disease and soft tissue sarcoma is rare: most often neurofibroma which degenerates is observed. Other types of sarcoma, like leiomyosarcoma, have been described.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Skin test reactivity to seven aeroallergens in a Sousse area population sample].

INTRODUCTION: Allergy skin tests are an important tool in the diagnosis of allergy diseases. They are useful in epidemiologic studies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to estimate the prevalence of the skin sensitivity in a sample of unselected population and to study the relationship between skin test reactivity and clinical manifestations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During 9 months, we undertake skin prick-test in 500 subjects. Our population was recruited in the blood sample room of the biochemistry laboratory of the University Hospital of Sousse. Seven aeroallergen was tested: Dermatophagoïdes pteronyssinus (DPT), Dermatophagoïdes farinae (DF), Pollens of Graminees, Olive-tree, Partetaure, Cockroach and Candidine. A positive and a negative control tests were made. RESULTS: 34% of the population was sensitized to one or more aeroallergens. In the litterature this prevalence vary from 9 to 55.5% according to the methodology applied. In our study the skin reactivity does not change with sex (p = 0.26) but was high in subjects aged between 15 and 35 years. 21.8% were sensitized to house dust mites (DPT, DF) and 18.2% to pollens (Olive-tree, Graminees, Parietaire). Skin reactivity was more common when subjects had personal atopic history (p < 0.003) and/or had actual allergic symptoms particularyrhinitis and asthma (p < 0.006). CONCLUSION: Skin reactivity to common aeroallergens is frequent in the general population, particularly in symptomatic subjects affected by rhinitis and/or allergic asthma. This skin sensitization is the result of genetic and environmental interaction, but skin sensitization does not mean allergy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Imaging of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma.

The aim of this study was to describe the radiological appearance of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma. We retrospectively reviewed seven cases of histologically proven retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma. Ultrasound and enhanced CT were obtained in all cases, and MRI in three cases. The masses were well-circumscribed, ranged in size from 5 x 3 x 3 to 10 x 6 x 4 cm. In three cases close relationships between the tumor mass and major blood vessels were noted, resulting in vessel displacement or surrounding, but without compression or occlusion. On ultrasound examination the tumor showed a heterogeneous solid echostructure. Non-enhanced CT showed homogeneous or mildly heterogeneous low attenuation, and a punctate calcification was seen in one case. Contrast uptake was absent (n = 1) or delayed (n = 6). Progressive but incomplete enhancement was observed in three cases. On MRI, T2-weighted images showed a high signal intensity. Dynamic studies depicted the same enhancement pattern as described on CT. Ganglioneuroma is a rare tumor which should nevertheless be included in differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses when presenting as a well-delimited tumor with possible tendency to surround or displace major blood vessels, low density on non-enhanced CT, and delayed progressive enhancement on CT and MRI.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Influenza and asthma].

The relationship between infections of the respiratory tract and exacerbations of pulmonary symptoms in individuals with asthma is well established on clinical grounds. Patients having an acute attack of asthma often give a history of a "cold" before the onset of the exacerbation. The identification rate of viruses during exacerbations of asthma (10-30%) is much higher than the viral identification rate generally found during asymptomatic periods in asthmatics (3%). The mechanisms whereby upper respiratory viruses might induce or contribute to attacks of asthma are currently unknown: epithelial damage, increased cytokines releasability, mouth breathing.... Influenza vaccination is recommended in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. However, bronchial hyperreactivity has been reported after influenza vaccination in asthmatics. Reactions to these vaccines may be due to non-immunogenic impurities, which are not present in the more recently developed subunit vaccines. In spite of the lack of double-blind studies between subunit and killed influenza virus vaccines, and because of the potential bad prognosis of influenza infection on airway obstruction, influenza vaccination should be recommended in asthmatics with stable respiratory function but influenza vaccination rate remains low.

Asthma↗
PubMed1999

[Trans-ethmoid encephaloceles].

We report two cases of ethmoidal cephaloceles. Ethmoidal cephaloceles are very rare and most commonly present with recurrent episodes of meningitis or sometimes as a nasal mass. Diagnosis is made at MR and CT. Such imaging studies should be obtained in patients with recurrent meningitis or patients with polypoid nasal lesions prior to biopsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Ultrasonography of acute osteomyelitis of the long bones in children. Diagnostic and prognostic value].

Between 1991 and 1994, ultrasonography was used to investigate 90 consecutive children with acute osteomyelitis. Ultrasonographic findings were analyzed taking into account the time elapsed from first symptoms. Outcome in 47 children who were treated and followed for at least 6 months was also studied. Deep soft tissue swelling adjacent to the affected bone was found to be an early but nonspecific sign which persisted all along the course of the disease. Periosteal elevation smaller than 3 mm, secondary to exsudation or septic fluid, confirmed the disease in earliest stage and was the most frequent ultrasonographic sign in first three days of disease. Treated at that stage, total resolution was obtained in 66% of patients and stabilization, in 34% of cases, without any evolution toward chronicity. Acute osteomyelitis with subperiosteal abscess progressed toward stabilization in 66% of cases and toward chronic osteomyelitis in 8% of cases. 32% of subperiosteal abscess were ruptured; in such situation, progression to chronicity was observed in 26% of patients. Since ultrasonography has been used in our institution for the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis, the rate of evolution to chronicity spectacularly dropped from 63% to 11%. The main advantage of ultrasonography is an earlier detection of subperiosteal collection that indicates surgical drainage without any delay.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Imaging features of uncommon adrenal masses with histopathologic correlation.

Uncommon adrenal masses include cystic lesions (hydatid cyst, endothelial cyst), solid lesions (hemangioma, ganglioneuroma, angiosarcoma, primary malignant melanoma), and solid fatty lesions (myelolipoma, collision tumor). Most of these lesions do not have specific imaging features. The liquid content of adrenal cysts is clearly demonstrated on ultrasonographic scans, computed tomographic scans, and magnetic resonance images. Nevertheless, the histologic type cannot be predicted except at some stages of hydatid disease in which pathognomonic features are present. The most typical imaging features of hemangioma are phleboliths and enhancement of peripheral vascular lakes. Ganglioneuroma has nonspecific radiologic features, but this diagnosis should be considered in cases with early enhancement of fine septa and progressive filling. The radiologic features of angiosarcoma and primary malignant melanoma are nonspecific. A macroscopic lipid content within an adrenal mass is theoretically characteristic of myelolipoma. This diagnosis should be made with caution, especially when the lipid content is not predominant, because of the possible association with an adenoma.

Adenoma↗