[Bilateral gestational macromastia: case report]

PURPOSE

We report a case of bilateral gestationnal macromastia in order to discuss the pathogeny, the diagnosis and the treatment.

METHODOLOGY

It was a case of a 33-year-old woman, admitted for a bilateral massive hypertrophy of the breast occurring on pregnancy and with progressive evolution. She had three pregnancies and one born-infant. Biological exams have shown a hyperprolactinemia. Pathological exam of the mammary biopsy had shown a benign hyperplasia.

RESULTS

Medical treatment of our patient by bromocriptin was inefficient. She has had a bilateral mastectomy. She is waiting for mammary plastic surgery.

CONCLUSION

Gravidic macromastia is a rare pathology whose etiology and treatment are much debated. Frequent recurrence after mammary reduction justify the mastectomy followed by prothesis.

[Giant compressive mediastinal lipoma: a case report]

Mediastinal lipoma is a rare mesenchymatous fatty tumor in child. Usually asymptomatic, it can cause asphyxiation. The authors report the case of an 18 month-baby-girl referred to us by the pediatric department for asphyxiation. The chest X ray was evocative of a mediastinal tumor. A sudden cardiorespiratory failure leads us to perform thoracotomy. A fatty tumor was found compressing the heart and the left lung. It was easily extirpated. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. Light microscopy showed a lipoma. This compressive form shows the severity of the mediastinal lipoma when it reaches a large size. The literature on this rare pathology is reviewed.

[Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Dakar: study of 107 cases diagnosed between 1986 and 1998]

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL) are the most prevalent malignant hemopathies in Senegal. In this study we have investigated the epidemiological aspects considering the HIV infection pandemic, and evaluated the diagnosis means and evolutive features of this disease in Dakar. Between 1986 and 1998 (13 years), we collected 107 cases of NHL, all histologically confirmed. Average age of patients was 31.4 years (2-85 years) and sex ratio was 21. HIV infection was found in three out of 62 patients tested (4.8%). At moment of diagnosis, 72% of patients were in stage III or IV according to the Ann Arbor Staging System. Large cell lymphomas were predominant (67.2%), followed by small lymphocyte lymphomas (24.2%) and follicular lymphoma with 8.4% of cases. Localization of lymphomas was exclusively nodal (30.8%) or extra nodal (31.7%) or mixed (37.3%). In therapeutical field, 21.5% of patients were treated with only symptomatical means. Chemotherapy was used in 54 patients (78.2% of treated patients), surgery was performed in 6 patients (8.6%), association of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in 5 patients (7.2%) and 4 patients (5.7%) were treated with surgery + chemotherapy. The average survival time was 344 days. Four patients (3.7%) were alive 3 years after diagnosis and only 2 patients (1.8%) after 5 years.

[Histoepidemiologic profile of 375 primary bowel cancers at the University Hospital Center in Brazzaville, Congo]

This retrospective study was undertaken to determine the histoepidemiologic profile of primary digestive tract cancer based on analysis of 375 of the 2558 cases diagnosed in the Cytopathology Department of the the University Hospital Center in Brazzaville, Congo from January 1992 to December 2001. Incidence was 14.6%. The sex ratio was 1:5. Age ranged from 39 to 49 years. The liver (40.2%) was the most frequent location followed by the colon/rectum (30.2%), stomach (26.2%), and esophagus 2.1%. Predisposing factors included low-fiber diet, heavy consumption of smoked foods, and history of hepatitis B and C virus infection. The most frequent histological entity accounting for 57% of cases was adenocarcinoma that was observed in the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreas. Systematic screening and treatment of precancerous lesions in high-risk patients is necessary to reduce the incidence of digestive tract cancer.

[Primary lymphoma of the thyroid: a case report]

Primary lymphoma of the thyroid is an uncommon disease. It diagnosis is difficult without immunohistochemestry. We report a case of thyroid lymphoma diagnosed at the A. Le Dantec Hospital of Dakar. A 22-year old young man presented anterior neck mass. Clinical examination showed a thyroid mass with a susclavicular palpable lymph node. The scintigraphy demonstrated that the mass was cold. Total thyroidectomy with cervical lymphadenectomy was the first treatment. Histological examination of the surgical specimen concluded that the mass was an anaplastic lymphoma (large cells type) involving the sus clavicular lymph nodes (stage IIE). Chemotherapy was administrated after one month with C-MOPP schedule. The patient presented no recurrent sign after 30 month. Fine needle aspiration and immunocytochemestry of the thyroid cold masses will contribute in an accurate diagnosis and the management of disease in our institution.

[Portal and splenic veins thrombosis reveling a miliary tuberculosis of the liver]

The etiologies of the portal vein trombosis are dominated by the neoplasic forms with hepatocellular carcinoma; we report a rare case of portal and splenic veins thrombosis revealing a liver military tuberculosis occuring in a HIV 1 infected patient. A 42 years old senegalese woman with no personal or family history of thrombosis was admitted for abdominal upper right quadran, and epigastric pain, with fever and important weight loss. Ultrasound identified endoluminal echogenic images in the portal and splenic veins. There were no lymph nodes or liver tumor. Evaluations of proteins C and S were normal and there was no anticardiolipin antibody. In searching the aetiology of the thrombosis, a liver biopsy was performed, and showed a miliary tuberculosis. an HIV 1 infection was later on diagnosed. The antituberculosis treatment associated with heparine therapy was successful, the thrombosis resolved entirely. This portal and splenic veins thromboses occuring on a miliary tuberculosis of the liver seems to be an exceptional situation. We did not found in the literature a similar case.lt points out the interset of liver biopsy in searching the aetiology and the early heparine therapy set up

Skin diseases associated with the cosmetic use of bleaching products in women from Dakar, Senegal

BACKGROUND

The cosmetic use of bleaching products is considered a common practice in dark-skinned women from sub-Saharan Africa. However, there are few studies on this subject.

OBJECTIVES

To increase the knowledge about the dermatological consequences of this practice in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

METHODS

A representative sample of 368 adult women presenting at our dermatological centre was selected. Each woman was questioned about her cosmetic use of bleaching products. Next, the following data were recorded in 425 women who used bleaching products: names and types of products used; modalities of the skin bleaching practice; skin diseases motivating the dermatological visit, with recording of their clinical features; and results of a full skin examination. The active substances of the bleaching products were determined mainly by reading the indications on their packages; with products of unknown composition, a pharmacological analysis of samples was done. A statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 368 women questioned, 194 (52.7%) were current users of bleaching products. Concerning the 425 users enrolled, products were applied on the whole body in 92% of users, with a median duration of use of 4 years. The active principles used included hydroquinone (used by 89% of users), glucocorticoids (70%), mercury iodide (10%) and caustic agents (17%); 13% of users used products of unknown composition. In the samples that were analysed, hydroquinone was found at concentrations of between 4% and 8.7%. Concerning steroids, superpotent (class 1) glucocorticoids predominated. The main skin complaints in bleaching products users included dermatophyte infections (n = 105) and scabies (n = 69), both often unusually extensive and severe; acne (n = 42), often severe; eczema (n = 41); irritant dermatitis (n = 14); and dyschromia (n = 26, including 14 cases of exogenous ochronosis). The skin examination noted features apparently disregarded by users: striae (noticed in 39% of users), and macular hyperchromia involving the face, mainly the periocular area (33%). The statistical analysis showed that glucocorticoid use was associated with the presence and severity of infectious skin diseases, and of acne.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the adult women presenting at our dermatology centre were using bleaching products. Most skin diseases observed in bleaching products users appeared to be induced, aggravated or modified by this practice. Superpotent topical glucocorticoids appeared to be the main agents responsible for the observed complications. The cosmetic use of bleaching products therefore has a major impact on our current dermatological practice.

[Pheochromocytoma in Dakar: report of nine cases]

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting neoplasm of chromaffin tissue. The most common symptom is hypertension but there are incidentally discovered forms at imaging. From 1981 to 1998, the authors observed nine pheochromocytomas through three hospitals in Dakar. This study included seven male and two female patients. The average age was 31.61 years. Hypertension was present in 77% of the cases. Headache, palpitations and sweating were the authors most frequent symptoms, occuring in 55% of cases. Measurement of vanillyl mandelic acid level in six cases and urinary metanephrines in three cases made the diagnosis. There were six adrenal and three extra adrenal pheochromocytomas with two malignant tumors features. In our countries, measurement of urinary metanephrines and computed tomography processing may improve detection of pheochromocytomas.

[Care management of lower gastric tumors at Dakar. Preliminary study of 60 cases]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term results of our therapeutic attitude about the surgical treatment of lower gastric tumours in our departement. It was a prospective study including all patients hospitalized in our department for gastric tumour whose malignancy was strongly presumed by the clinical symptoms, the paraclinical one, the surgical exploration and/or confirmed by histology. Tumours of the cardia were excluded from this study. Laparotomy was carried out among all patients. When the tumour was resecable, we had carried out a lower partial gastrectomy passing at least than five centimeters with the top of the higher limit of the tumour, associated with lymphadenectomy including the first and second relay. This study was undertaken from January 1994 to June 1997 and concerned 39 men and 21 women. Mean age was 57.6 years. The abdominal mass was present in 38.3% of the cases. The histological confirmation for malignancy was obtained in 38.3% of the cases which all were adenocarcinomas. We had proceded to 38% of partial gastrectomy, 54% of gastrojejunostomy and in 8% of the cases no surgical gesture was practised during laparotomy. Morbidity was 13.3% and mortality 21.7%. The average retreat was 12.4 months after partial gastrectomy, 8.3 months after gastrojejunostomy and 3.5 months after laparotomy without gesture. The total rate of surival at one year was 20%. The rate of survival at one year after partial gastrectomy was 39.1%. We recommend partial gastrectomy associated with lymphadenectomy whenever its realization is possible. This surgical attitude associated to early diagnosis could allow a clear improvement of the rate survival in the short and medium term for lower gastric tumors, in our context.

[Uterine leiomyoma at the surgical department of the Teaching Hospital of Dakar. Report of 140 cases operated in two years]

Uterine leiomyomas due to complications in particular mechanical and haemorrhagic constitute a frequent motive of consultation to the surgical department at the university hospital of Dakar. To precise its epidemiologic, clinical and therapeutic aspects, a prospective study of two years (1995-1996) was made. Hundred and forty patients operated for uterine leiomyoma in our department were brought together. Uterine leiomyoma represent 58.82% of the gynaecological disorders operated to the surgical department. These gynaecological affection constitute 15% of the whole surgical pathology. The edge of age most concern was the decade 49-59 years old. The infertility and the low parity were found in 55.14% of the cases. The average delay of consultation was 39 months. The clinical symptoms amounted it metrorrhagia (72%) abdominal or pelvic pains (77.1%) and increase of the volume of the belly (96.4%). The overall reoperating rate was 3.5%. The pelvic ultrasonography allowed to confirm the diagnosis in 84.28% of the cases. The under umbilical laparotomy (90.9%) was the main surgical way. The sub-total hysterectomy was carried out in 35.72% of the cases. The average duration of hospitalization was 9 days and the mortality 0.7%. Main postoperative complications were parietal abscess (16 cases), evisceration (2 cases) and eventration (2 cases). Histological examination realized in 48.06% of the cases confirmed the diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma in every case. In 17.82% of the cases leiomyoma were associated to another lesion and in two cases it was a neoplasm of the uterine cervix. Uterine leiomyomas are frequent in Dakar. Their often impressive volume and metrorrhagia dominant their occasion of diagnosis. Their sufficiently early diagnosis have to noticeably reduce their radical surgery indications in this benign pathology whose association with cervix uterine cancer stays very rare in our daily practical experience.

[Complicated parathyroïd adenoma. A case report]

Parathyroid adenoma is the first etiology of primary hyperparathyroidism althrough the majority of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have a relatively asymptomatic benign disorder. There are patients who have a more aggressive disorder. We report a case of 41 years old man whose primary hyperparathyroidism was discovered through exploration of recurrent ureteral stone associated with severe hypertension. The diagnosis was set up on high level serum calcium and low serum phosphorus with very elevated level of parathyroid hormone. Adenome was localised by ultrasound examination. The patient underwent successfully surgery and the pathological study confirm the diagnosis. This case illustrate the importance of investing earlier ureteral recurrent stone to prevent severe complications of primary hyperparathyroidism.

[Ultrasound-guided puncture and biopsy in the diagnosis of chronic liver diseases: report of 447 cases]

Our aim was to evaluate practices of percutaneous liver biopsies over the last 11 years in our center in focal or diffuse liver disease. Records of 447 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided liver biopsy between 1998 and 1999 were reviewed. Three experienced physicians performed all liver biopsies with a Menghini needle or fine needle. In all cases the puncture site was determined using prebiopsy ultrasound. Liver biopsies were performed on 423 hospitalized patients and 24 outpatients. The suspicion of primary liver cancer was the indication in 72.7% of the cases. In 75.2% patients definitive or indicative pathological diagnosis were obtained. 208 biopsies out of 229 (90.8%) and 215 cytological punctures out of 239 (89.9%) were interpretable. Histological diagnosis obtained were primary malignamt tumor in 235 cases (58.2%), cirrhosis in 26 cases (6.4%), chronic hepatitis in 32 cases (7.9%), and normal tissue in 56 cases (13.9%). Only 2 hemorrhagic complications requiring blood transfusion (0.4%) and one needle-tract tumor seeding (0.2%) occured 42 months later. We concluded that ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy is a quick method of assessment increasing the diagnosis yield by this procedure and maintaining low complications.

[Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis with a 20-year follow-up ]

INTRODUCTION

Multicentric reticulo-histiocytosis also known as lipoid dermoarthritis is a rare systemic disease leading to a massive osteoarticular destruction and systemic complications.

EXEGESIS

This case report is a 44 year old black woman who was first seen with a rheumatoid arthritis clinical presentation associated with the presence of rheumatoïd factor. Five years later the diagnosis has been reconsidered after skin nodules histological examination. After that the patient has been lost from the follow up clinic. After a twenty years evolution she presented a complex clinical picture including: a cutaneous syndrome with a non pruriginous and hyperchromic papulonodular rash on the arms and fore-arms; a very destructive polyarthritis with major handicap; and systemic manifestations like cardiomyopathy with heart failure. The heart failure treatment associated first corticosteroids and secondary chloroquine was successful.

CONCLUSION

The rheumatoid factor presence should not avoid to consider the possibility of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis in case of polyarthritis associated with a papulonodular rash. Then skin biopsy must be performed. The severity of osteoarticular and systemic lesions require an early prescription of a treatment for which there is so far no compromise.

[Cancers of the larynx: what therapeutic strategy to use in Senegal?]

The technical method's deficiency limits the respect of therapeutic principles of cervico-facial oncology in our practice. In a period of 16 years, 116 patients, aged of 24 to 81 years, sex male in a majority have had laryngectomy for extended cancer. In 88% of cases total laryngectomy has been realized and in 12% of cases a partial laryngectomy has been realized. In 101 patients, 87%, a neck dissection have been associated to the laryngectomy. The post operative radiotherapy have been realized in 51 patients. The immediate results are marked by the unexpected arrival of pharyngeal fistula in 34 patients. 7 cases of death have been noticed. The global survival have been 35% in 3 years and 30% in 5 years. The fatal cases have been loco-regional cases and occur during the 18 first months. The surgery option, which is our choice, must be maintained and the neck dissection more vigorous.

[Nodular euthyroid goitre: value of ultrasonography versus scintigraphy in the initial assessment]

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to show that in exploration of nodular goiter with euthyroidy ultrasonography was higher than scintiscanning.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

It was to show that when it was necessary to specify the topography and the number of thyroid nodules, the proportion of right results was larger with ultrasonography than with scinticanning. These proportions being respectively indicated Pe and Ps, hypothesis of search was formulated H1: Pe > Ps. Null hypothesis was written H0: Pe < Ps. Twenty three patients (21 women and 2 men with an average age of 41 years) carrying thryroïd nodules with euthyroidy had respectively undergone a scintiscanning (scintiscanning with sweeping after ingestion of iode 131) and an ultrasonography (conventional ultrasonography with a probe of 7.5 MZ) of the thyroid gland between February 26, 1996 and June 19, 1997. Per-operativedatahaving beenused as references from which the results of scintiscanning and ultrasonography were appreciated nominally, discreet: right results or false results. In this way, proportions of right and false results were collected respectively for scintiscanning and for ultrasonography, which made it possible to test null hypothesis (H0: Pe < Ps). The results were distributed on a 2 x 2 cotigence table. The chi 2 test was applied with a risk error of 5%.

RESULTS

For all patients the scintiscanning found on the whole a minimum number of 39 nodules contrary with ultrasonography and surgical exploration which respectively found a minimum number of 56 and 59 nodules. Comparison of right and false results had shown a superiority of ultrasonography (17 right and 6 false) on the scintiscanning (10 right and 13 false) with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography is more precise when it is necessary to specify the number and the topography of the thyroid nodules. In addition ultrasonography is alleviating and less expensive compared to scintiscanning.

[Localized benign pleural mesothelioma observed at the Dakar University Hospital]

We report two cases of localized benign pleural mesothelioma with different clinical features. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, including coma, hemiplegia, seizures and misbehavior predominated in the first case, associated with hypoglycemia. The symptoms in the second case were essentially respiratory (cough, dyspnea, and chest pain). Treatment consisted in thoracotomy and complete surgical resection. Histopathology revealed fusiform cells and collagen stroma. These two cases illustrate the diversity of clinical expression of benign localized pleural mesothelioma and confirm their complete resolution after surgical treatment.

Concomitant sickle cell disease and skeletal fluorosis

Skeletal fluorosis typically manifests as a diffuse increase in bone density, whereas avascular necrosis of the epiphyses and diaphyseal marrow are the main skeletal manifestations of sickle cell disease. The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges raised when both disorders are present are illustrated by two cases in Senegalese patients from an area characterized by high fluoride contents in the water and soil. Both had SS sickle cell disease. Skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed during evaluation for avascular necrosis in one patient and in the wake of septic arthritis in the other. Femoral head necrosis is difficult to identify in a patient with skeletal fluorosis. The bone lesions due to sickle cell disease and those due to fluorosis can mimic other bone diseases, most notably metastases. The combination of sickle cell disease and fluorosis results in significant medullary canal narrowing due to cortical thickening and to accumulation of necrotic bone. When performing hip replacement surgery, careful reaming of the medullary canal may reduce the risk of iatrogenic femoral fracture and inappropriate stem placement.

[Xeroderma pigmentosum: report of 6 cases in Dakar]

We report 6 cases of black Senegalese boys with xeroderma pigmentosum. They were between 2 and 16 year-old and presented features of hypersensitivity to UV (keratosis, lentigines, poikilodermia and photophobia). Our cases were remarkable by the early occurrence of squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma located in photoexposed sites causing the death of 5 of them. Xeroderma pigmentosum must be considered as the first preneoplastic genodermatosis.

[Feasability of a heart valve bank in Dakar. (Preliminary study of 8 human hearts)]

Authors record a preliminary study led so as to develope techniques of preparation of the cardiac homograft valves. Eight human hearts have been appropriated in the course of medico-legal autopsy. Under sterile hodd, the heart was dissected, aortic and pulmonary valves as well as a mitral valve fragment were collected for a total of 24 valvular levies. After sterlization in an antibiotic solution, valves were preserved at 4 degrees C for the mitral fragment specimen of fresh allograft and to - 196 degrees C in Nitrogen liquidates for the pulmonary and aortic valves. The control of graft quality had consisted in tests of competence during the dissection, to the evaluation of the histological study as well as tests of sterility. Cellular cultures had shown a fibroblast proliferation in 3 cases. It concerned an indeed reliable method but difficult and little sensitivity. Histological tests had shown two types of injurie: the myxoid degeneration (7 times on 8 valves) cryopreserved and a coagulative necrosis whose distribution was identical forthe two modes of conservation. Antibiotic's solution seemed to induce these injuries as do heart ischemia, and the traumatism lihleed to the great cold. The tests of sterility had shown a rate of contamination to 25 % essentially by Pseudomonas. In view of the installation of a behle of allograft bank of quality, we'll need to improve conditions of leavy, to use a freezer adaptation for progressive cryocongelation and the choice of simple method to evaluate valvular viabilty.

[Cardiac T cell lymphoma: a case report]

The authors relate an observation taken on a 17 year-old African girl for a pleural and pericardial infusion that has resisted the treatment of tuberculosis with no HIV infection. Subsequent echocardiographies revealed the quick formation of an infiltration process inside the left ventricle. Death occurred before pericardial histopathology indicated a cardiac T tell non-hodgkin malignant lymphoma. In west Africa, this is undoubtedly the first histologically demonstrated case in which HIV and HTLV infections could facilitate the appearance of that exceptional type of cardiac neoplasm.

[Giant pleomorphic adenoma of the submaxillar gland: a case report]

The authors are reporting of an exceptional case of giant cell tumor of the submaxillar gland in a lady of 76 years old. She presents a progressively slow evolution within a period of 40 years. After a standard check up, a submaxillectomy was carded out. The weight of the operated mass was 3 kg before the pathological fixation. The post-operative period was without any problems and the patient was discharged after fifteen days. The anatomo-pathological examination concluded a pleomophic adenoma developed by the salivery gland.

[Epidemiological and clinical aspects of pancreatic cancer in Senegal]

The objective was to verify if the introduction of ultrasonography in our practice has entailed modifications of the epidemiology and the clinic of pancreatic cancer in Senegal. We have performed a retrospective study of cancer of the pancreas diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, ultrasonography, surgical findings and necropsy from March 92 to October 97. The chi-square test according to Mantel-Haenszel has been used to compare qualitative variables. The routine practice of ultrasonography has allowed to establish the diagnosis of 107 cases of pancreatic cancer within 5 years and half. The sex ratio was 1.05 and the average age was 60 years +/- 13 without significant difference according to the sex. The mean period of diagnosis was 5 months. However the classic form associating thinness and cholestatic jaundice or palpable abdominal mass dominated the clinical symptoms (74.5% of cases). A very deep alteration of the general status has been noticed in 25.5% of cases. At surgery, according to the TNM classification, 22% of our patients were at stage II and 78% from stage III to IV. In Senegal, the prevalence of pancreatic cancer is increasing since the introduction of ultrasonography. This technique has shown that the male predominance is less than reported in previous studies. Nevertheless the diagnosis remains late. As far as we cannot identify risk groups, recent appearance of digestive disturbance even atypical after 50 years old, is enough to suspect the diagnosis.

[Biermer's disease without anemia: apropos of 2 cases manifested as glossitis with macrocytosis]

Although it is recognized that glossitis is a classical sign of pernicious anemia, occurring in the evolution of this disease, it is unfrequent for this sign to reveal this affection. We report two cases where diagnosis was evacuated on the presence of glossitis and macrocytosis despite absence of anemia. Confirmation was done by low serum cobalamin level, gastritis atrophy and presence of intrinsic factor antibody. We emphasize that increased clinical suspicion may lead to early diagnosis even if anemia is lacking.

[Tumoral mycetoma of the buttock]

BACKGROUND

Mycetomas are actinomycosic or fungal infections where the infectious agent produces grains. We report an atypical case of fungal mycetoma presenting as a tumoral formation on the buttock.

CASE REPORT

A 56-year-old unemployed man from the Diourbel region of central Senegal consulted in February 1997 for a fistulalized tumor of the right buttock which had developed spontaneously and progressed for 5 years. The patient's general health remained satisfactory. Physical examination showed a voluminous 25 cm tumefaction extending from the right buttock to the perineum. The tumor showed a few areas of fistualization which discharged black grains under pressure. There was a 1.5 cm right inguinal node which did not appear to be inflammatory. The remainder of the physical examination was normal. Pathology reported inflammatory connective tissue surrounding a brownish polycyclic grain composed of spores and mycele filaments. The diagnosis of fungal mycetoma was retained and surgical excision under general anesthesia was performed.

DISCUSSION

This is an atypical case of fungal mycetoma because of its tumoral form and gluteal localization. The differential diagnosis was cutaneous neurofibroma, myoma, or Darier-Ferrand dermatofibrosarcoma. The frequency of extrapodal red grain mycetomas has been pointed out by several authors from Senegal, but extrapodal black grain forms as seen in our case are more exceptional.

[Adnexal masses in the Surgical Clinic of the University Hospital Center of Dakar, 74 cases]

The aim of this study was to assesss epidemiological, clinical and the therapeutic aspects of annexial masses. We have performed a retrospective study from 15/09/1994 up to 31/12/1997 including 74 patients. The prevalence rate was 18.40% of the overall gynecologic surgery in our department. Mean age was 36 years old. The range 30-41 years represented 40.5% of our cases. The mean gestity was 4 and the average parity 4. The most common clinical features were pelvic pains (75.57%) and hypogastric masses (50%). The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 10 years. The general status was good in 94.59% of cases, bad with ascites in 5.41%. The annexial masses were cystic in 87.83%. The ovarian cysts were located at the both sides in 45.94, and bilateral in 8.10%. The annexial masses were solid in 9.45%. An abscess was found in 6.75%. We have performed an annexectomy in 66.1% and a cystectomy in 16.21%. The post operative complications were wound suppuration in 13.51%. The mortality rate was 1.35%. At the long-term follow up we have noticed an eventration in 1.35% and a recurrence with need of reintervention in 16.21%. The pathologic exam found a benign tumor in 95.16% and a carcinoma in 4.84%. The annexial masses are very common in our practice. They involve young multipare women. The main clinical outcome is pelvic pains. Annexectomy is the principal treatment.

[Deep onchocerciasis of the left thigh. An unusual case]

INTRODUCTION

Commonly onchocercoma has been presented as superficial and multiple nodules. When it's unique and deeply situated, its clinical diagnosis is difficult. An uncommon form of onchocercoma is reported.

CASE REPORT

A 37 years old man presented a big tumor at the inferior third of the left thigh like lipoma or liposarcoma because of microcalcifications. The tumor was removed. It was a cyst containing a liquid like an "mango juice". The histological examination was performed. Degenerated microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus was found.

DISCUSSION

A big and deep onchocerma of the thigh is uncommon and diagnosis before operation is very difficult. Histological examination have eliminate filarial infections like Dracunculus medinensis and have given the right diagnosis. Radiological microcalcifications and absence of microfilariae at the parasilogical and ophthalmological examinations recall an "aged" onchocercoma. For this reason, we didn't realise a chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

This tumor in Sahel areas is very difficult to diagnose before operation. The histological examination is very important in this case. We don't use chemotherapy because this onchocercoma looks old without alive microfilariae.

[Description of a case of Cacchi Ricci disease associated with hyperparathyroidism in the setting of multiple endocrine disease]

The authors present a case of a 36 years old woman applied to them for a follow up of sponge kidney disease and in whom they discovered a primary hyperparathyroidism. Further investigations discovered a medullary thyroid carcinoma. So this patient present multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A confirmed by microscopic and genetic analysis. This observation enlarged the discussion upon the nature of the relationship between kidney disease and primary hyperparathyroidism. Elsewhere it recommended to check systematically genetic markers of MEN type 2A if there is an association with sponge kidney disease and primary hyperparathyroidism.

[Left ventricular aneurysm in human immunodeficiency virus infection: a case report]

The authors report the case of a 30 year old man with a left ventricular aneurysm who was seropositive to HIV 1 and HIV 2. The patient was stage IVC 1 (AIDS related complex) by the "Center for Disease Control" classification. The clinical presentation was pyrexia, loss of weight, micropolyadenopathy and cardiac failure. The electrocardiogramme showed low voltage in the peripheral leads with a QS morphology in S2, S3 and aVF and abrasion, of the R wave in the precordial leads. Doppler echocardiography demonstrated a large left ventricular aneurysm with a wide neck. Despite treatment with a diuretic, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and anticoagulants, the patient died suddenly. Autopsy confirmed the wide necked left ventricular aneurysm. This would appear to be the first report of this form of cardiac disease during HIV infection. However, a simple coincidence of the two pathologies cannot be excluded.

[Frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in symptomatic patients in Senegal]

This prospective study was carried out in Dakar, Senegal, to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in symptomatic patients undergoing endoscopy and to evaluate the factors of risk for infection by this type of bacteria in the population. From October to December 1995, 134 patients were included in this study and replied to a standardized questionnaire designed to determine socioeconomic level and living conditions. Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection was based on the combined results of the urea breath test (Clo-test) and histological findings. Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 82.8% of patients with no significant difference according to sex, age, ethnic group, or living environment (urban or rural). The incidence of infection was also the same in all socioeconomic groups. It was already high in the age group between 11 and 20 years (90.9%). Helicobacter pylori was identified in 76.2% of patients with normal endoscopic findings and in 100% presenting ulcers, erosions, or gastritis. This study shows that the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection is extremely high regardless of socioeconomic level and that infection begins at a young age. These findings are consistent with the poor hygiene of most people in Senegal.

[Low prevalence of ant-hepatitis c virus antibodies in hepatocellular carcinoma in Senegal]

Senegal is a country with a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the genesis of HCC is well established. To evaluate the role of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the occurrence of HCC in Senegal, second-generation serologic tests were used to compare the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody in subjects with HCC and in controls without liver disease. A polymerase chain reaction assay was used to look for HCV RNA in sera from patients with HCC and anti-HCV antibody. HBV markers were assayed in all study subjects. Prevalences of anti-HCV antibody were 10.9% (7/64) in the HCC group and 5% (3/58) in the control group (NS). In the HCC group, anti-HCV antibody was found in 2.4% (1/42) of subjects positive for the hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) versus 27.2% (6/22) of subjects negative for the HBsAg (p < 0.01). HCV RNA was detected in five of six anti-HCV-positive HCC patients. Prevalence of the HBsAg was 65.6% (42/64) in the HCC group versus 17.2% (10/58) in the control group (p < 10-8). Anti-HBV antibody was detected in 48.3% (28/58) of controls versus 6.3% (4/64) of HCC patients (p < 10-8). These data do not support a close epidemiologic association between the HCV and HCC in Senegal, where the HBV remains the main viral cause of HCC.

[Tumor seeding of the abdominal wall after fine needle cytologic puncture of the liver. Apropos of a case]

Tumor seeding of the abdominal wall during fine needle puncture-aspiration of the liver is a very rare complication. The authors report a case of this complication affecting a 50-year-old Senegalese woman. She underwent echo-guided fine needle cyto-puncture of a hepatocellular carcinoma arising from the left lobe, followed by left lobectomy. The subcutaneous nodule was discovered 42 months after cyto-puncture. Histology following its excision revealed infiltration of carcinomatous hepatocytes between the fibers of rectus abdominis. There was no recurrence and the patient was well 10 months after excision of the subcutaneous nodule. With a review of 10 others cases reported in the literature, the authors feel that, although rare, this complication must be avoided and suggest a system for the protection of structures through which the needle passes.

DNA histogram typing in retinoblastomas and neuroblastomas

The nuclear DNA content characterization was carried out by means of both DNA index and DNA histogram type assessments in a series of 21 retinoblastomas, 11 neuroblastomas, 1 ganglioneuroblastoma, and 4 medulloblastomas. These measurements were performed by means of the cytophotometric digital cell image analyses of Feulgen-stained nuclei. The results indicate that as far as nuclear DNA content is concerned, retinoblastomas seem to be very different from neuroblastomas. In fact, in terms of DNA index, retinoblastomas are significantly more aneuploid than neuroblastomas. The DNA histogram type shows that the high level of aneuploidy found in retinoblastomas corresponds to genotypically polymorphic tumors, and this could reflect a serious degeneration of the genomic material in retinoblastomas. This type of degeneration seems to be much less frequent in neuroblastomas, which basically seem to be either diploid or hypertriploid.

Spontaneous evolution of cytoplasmic lectin binding and nuclear size and deoxyribonucleic acid content in human colorectal cancers grafted onto nude mice

BACKGROUND

The development of certain biologic characteristics in human colorectal tumor xenografted onto nude mice are described with respect to their precocious passages, i.e., passaging below 10 onto athymic mice.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The biologic characteristic monitoring involved the determination of modifications occurring in cytoplasmic lectin binding and spontaneous development in nuclear size and DNA content. The lectin immunohistochemistry included the characterization of staining modifications in the glandular parts of the colorectal xenografts of wheat germ, Dolichos biflorus, peanut, Solanum tuberosum and Ulex europaeus I agglutinins. The nuclear modifications were monitored by means of the digital cell image analyses of Feulge-stained nuclei.

RESULTS

The results show that although the xenografted human colorectal lines may be relatively stable according to their macroscopic growth over serial passaging, certain of their microscopic characteristics develop markedly. Three lectins, i.e., wheat germ agglutinin, Solanum tuberosum, and Ulex europaeus I, showed a glandular binding which remained relatively stable over serial passaging, whereas the peanut binding exhibited some variations and the DBA binding progressively disappeared. These cytoplasmic modifications occurring over time were less pronounced than those that occurred with respect to nuclear measurements, i.e., size and DNA content.

CONCLUSIONS

Nuclear DNA content heterogeneity as revealed by DNA histogram typing rather than by DNA index assessments increased markedly in the colorectal xenografts over their serial passaging on nude mice.

Heterogeneity of DNA ploidy, proliferation index and nuclear size in human colorectal carcinomas

Measurements of DNA ploidy, proliferation index and nuclear area were performed on 210 samples taken from 15 human colorectal tissues. The tissues were divided into four groups labeled G1, G2, G3 and C. For each of the 15 tissues 9 samples were taken from the so-called unaffected--i.e., marginal--mucosa (G1-G3 groups) and 5 from the tumor (C group). The 9 samples from the unaffected mucosa of each tumor were obtained at a distance of 10 cm (3 samples/tissue, G1 group), 5 cm (3 samples/tissue, G2 group) and 1 cm (3 samples/tissue, G3 group) from the tumor. Computerized cell image analysis was carried out on Feulgen-stained cell suspensions obtained from paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissues. The results revealed that four to five analyses are necessary to detect minor aneuploid cell nuclei populations in human colorectal tumors. A definite homogeneous diploid pattern was found in the G1-G3 samples. In contrast, proliferative activity varied widely between the normal and tumor samples, with such variations observed at both the sample-to-sample and tissue-to-tissue level. The nuclear area also varied markedly across the samples from a given tissue--i.e., both marginal and tumoral and across the tissues themselves. Finally, we observed that the diploid tumors, the nuclear sizes of which varied as widely as those of the aneuploid tumors, possessed a higher proportion of highly proliferating samples than did the aneuploid.

Translocation (6;16) in a case of granulosa cell tumor of the ovary

We performed a cytogenetic study of an ovarian granulosa cell tumor (GCT). Tumor cells showed a translocation (6;16); the full karyotype was 45,XX-6,dic(6;16)(q11;q22)/44,XX,-6,-22,dic(6;16)(q11;q22),-22/46,XX,- 6,dic(6;16)(q11;q22), +dic(6;16)(q11;q22). This is the second case of GCT with structural changes of chromosome 6 leading to loss of 6q material.