RESUMO
Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections worldwide caused by gram negative bacilli of the genus Brucella. It is transmitted to humans by contact with infected animals or derived food products such as unpasteurized milk. Brucellosis' clinical presentation varies widely from multi-systemic involvement to asymptomatic infection. We present the case of a 52-year-old Lebanese male who was admitted to our hospital with a 3-week history of fever (up to 40 °C), chills, night sweats and abdominal pain. Abdominal CT scan revealed the presence of several mesenteric lymphadenopathies and some retroperitoneal lymphadenopathies. Blood cultures came back positive for Brucella melitensis, and a follow-up CT of the abdomen done after treatment revealed complete resolution of the lymphadenopathies. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of brucellosis presenting as retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymphadenopathies. In endemic areas, the diagnosis of brucellosis should always be raised in front of any long duration fever even in the absence of a typical clinical presentation.
RESUMO
Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections worldwide caused by gram negative bacilli of the genus Brucella. It is transmitted to humans by contact with infected animals or derived food products such as unpasteurized milk. Brucellosis' clinical presentation varies widely from multi-systemic involvement to asymptomatic infection. We present the case of a 52-year-old Lebanese male who was admitted to our hospital with a 3-week history of fever (up to 40 °C), chills, night sweats and abdominal pain. Abdominal CT scan revealed the presence of several mesenteric lymphadenopathies and some retroperitoneal lymphadenopathies. Blood cultures came back positive for Brucella melitensis, and a follow-up CT of the abdomen done after treatment revealed complete resolution of the lymphadenopathies. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of brucellosis presenting as retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymphadenopathies. In endemic areas, the diagnosis of brucellosis should always be raised in front of any long duration fever even in the absence of a typical clinical presentation.
RESUMO
Objective: A significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C is well shown in tobacco users, as compared to non-tobacco users. The additive effects of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on LDL levels have not been studied. The study's objective was to assess the correlation between cigarette smoking and LDL levels in Lebanese cigarette smokers and to check the interaction effect of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on LDL levels
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and February 2017 in 4 different laboratories, enrolling 308 patients [188 non-smokers, 105 cigarette smokers, 15 previous smokers]
Results: Current cigarette smoking [Beta = 25.57; p < 0.0001] was significantly associated with higher LDL levels and higher total cholesterol levels [Beta = 53.29; p < 0.0001] in exclusive cigarette smokers. Among current cigarette smokers who were current waterpipe smokers, a significant increase in LDL level was observed relative to current cigarette smokers who were not waterpipe smokers [Beta = 66.64 vs Beta = 37.37; p< 0.0001]
Conclusion: Among Lebanese current cigarette smokers, LDL levels increased relative to nonsmokers, consistent with findings in other populations. In addition, among Lebanese current cigarette smokers, current waterpipe smoking might increase adverse lipid profiles associated with adverse coronary effects more than cigarette smoking alone. The direct cause responsible for these observed variations in our study remains unidentified, with the hope that future research will reveal it