Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders in Black African: Experience of Togo (2015-2020).

Introduction Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) would disproportionately affect blacks within mixed populations. However, they are rarely reported in black African. The objective of this work was to report the experience of Togo, a West African country in terms of NMOSD. Methods This is a series of six cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2020 in the only three neurology departments in Togo. The diagnosis of NMOSD was made according to the criteria of the International Panel for NMO Diagnosis (2015) and the patients had a minimum clinical follow-up of 6 months after the diagnosis. The search for anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibodies was performed by immunofluorescence on transfected cells. Results The mean age was 25.33 years and the sex ratio female/male was 5/1. The average time between the first attack and the diagnosis was 122.83 days. Clinically, there was isolated medullary involvement (2/6), simultaneous opticomedullary involvement (3/6), and area postrema syndrome (1/6). Five patients were anti-AQP4 positive. All six patients had extensive longitudinal myelitis. At 6 months of follow-up, there was one case of death and one case of blindness. Conclusion The rarity of NMOSD cases in Togo could be linked to an underestimation. To better characterize the NMOSDs of the black African population, multicenter and multidisciplinary studies are necessary.

Epilepsy surgery in Africa: state of the art and challenges.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is an important public health problem representing 0.6% of the global burden of disease that particularly impacts people living in the lowest income countries where epilepsy incidence may be 10 fold more than in the developed world. The battery of treatments designed to counteract the clinical manifestations of this disease are various and range from a wide spectrum of antiseizure medicationand specific diets, to surgical techniques for resection of the epileptogenic focus. The aim of our study was to describe the State of the art of Epilepsy Surgery (ES) in Africa and examine ways to deal with the high surgical treatment gap. METHODOLOGY: In an observational study, we prospectively disseminated questionnaires via email or directly administered to main epileptologists and neurologists involved in epilepsy care, in key African countries. We also conducted a literature search using PubMed, Google scholar on ES in all the African countries. RESULTS: We received responses from the majority of African countries, which allowed us to identify 3 levels of care for ES in African countries, a first level that uses ES with invasive presurgical evaluation, a second level that uses ES but without invasive presurgical evaluation, and a third level that does not use ES, and we summarized these results on a map. DISCUSSION: This paper studied the availability of ES as a treatment modality in several African countries. We aimed to establish optimal pathways for initiating ES with noninvasive Electroencephalography and readily available investigations. This could be achieved through collaboration with epilepsy programs in developed countries directly or by using telemedicine.

[Medication-overuse and chronic headaches in Brazzaville: patients' profile and therapeutic approach]. / Abus médicamenteux et céphalées chroniques à Brazzaville: profil et parcours thérapeutique des patients.

INTRODUCTION: Medication-overuse headaches (MOHs) are the least studied of all headaches in Africa. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study in order to describe our experience with patients placed in Neurology Outpatient observation in Brazzaville over a period of 4 years, from September 2010 to August 2014. All patients with chronic primary headaches, according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) (2nd edition), were included in the study. All patient with secondary headaches or who hadn't given consent were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had progressed to medication-overuse and those who didn't meet the criteria for medication-overuse (without-MOH). The variables used were the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, the clinical features of primary headaches and MOH treatment. RESULTS: The study population was constituted by 193 patients out of 212. The average age of patients was 42 ± 14 years, of whom 66.32% were women. MOH rate was 35.75%. The associated factors were: early age (p=0.003), concomitant use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol (p=0.0001) as well as self-medication (p<0.0001). By contrast, higher education (p<0.0001) and the use of NSAID alone (0.002) were protective factors against the onset of MOH. Ambulatory withdrawal was the most practiced treatment and amitriptyline was the most commonly used medication. CONCLUSION: Medication-overuse headaches are frequent in patients placed in Neurology Outpatient observation in Africa and deserve identification for a better management.

Case report: an area postrema syndrome revealing a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associated with central nervous system tuberculosis in a young Togolese (black African) woman.

BACKGROUND: Area postrema syndrome (APS) is considered to be one of the most specific clinical presentations of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs). In sub-Saharan Africa, NMOSDs and even more so those revealed by an APS, are rarely reported. However, studies among mixed populations have shown that NMOSDs disproportionately affect black people with relatively more frequent encephalic involvement. We report a case of APS revealing an NMOSD associated with central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis in a young Togolese woman residing in Togo (West Africa). CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old Togolese woman was admitted for left hemibody sensory problems with ataxia. These problems were observed while the patient was hospitalized for a few days in the hepato-gastroenterology department for persistent vomiting, abdominal pain and hiccups lasting for about a month. The examination confirmed left hemibody ataxia with nystagmus when looking to the left, pronounced left osteotendinous reflexes, and left hemibody hypoesthesia up to the base of the neck. Encephalic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a hypersignal lesion in the bulbar more lateralized on the left in the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence, not enhanced after a gadolinium injection. Biological assessment showed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis deoxyribonucleic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid and a sedimentation rate of 120 mm in the 1st hour. The result of the anti-AQP4 antibody test was positive. Two months from the onset of digestive problems with Lhermitte's sign and hand and foot contracture access without vesico-sphincter problems were established. Cervical medullary MRI showed an additional intramedullary hypersignal lesion in the T2 sequence at the C2 level, not enhanced after a gadolinium injection. A second course of intravenous corticosteroids was administered, and anti-tuberculosis treatment was continued. The outcome was favorable. After 8 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment, the patient started immunosuppressive therapy (azathioprine 50 mg twice daily) to limit the risk of recurrence of NMOSD. CONCLUSION: The recognition of an APS is an additional challenge for the diagnosis of NMOSDs, especially in countries with limited resources. CNS tuberculosis must be tested when faced with an NMOSD because it seems to be a major cause.

Abus médicamenteux et céphalées chroniques à Brazzaville: profil et parcours thérapeutique des patients

Introduction: les céphalées par abus médicamenteux (CAM) restent le type de céphalées le moins étudié en Afrique.Méthodes: dans le but de rapporter l'expérience Brazzavilloise, nous avons mené une étude longitudinale durant 4 ans, de septembre 2010 à août 2014, en consultation de neurologie à Brazzaville. Nous avons inclus tous les patients présentant des céphalées primaires chroniques selon la classification International Classification of Headache Disorders-2 (ICHD-2). Tout patient présentant des céphalées secondaires ou n'ayant pas donné son consentement a été exclu. Les patients ont été divisés en deux groupes: ceux ayant évolué vers une CAM, et ceux qui ne présentent pas des critères d'abus médicamenteux (sans-CAM). Les variables d'études ont été sociodémographiques, les caractéristiques de la céphalée primaire initiale et la prise en charge de la CAM.Résultats: sur 212 patients inclus, 193 ont constitué notre population d'étude. L'âge moyen de 42±14 ans, dont 66,32% de femmes. La fréquence des CAM était de 35,75%. Les facteurs associés identifiés étaient: l'âge jeune (p=0,003), l'utilisation de l'association antiinflammatoire non stéroïdien (AINS) et paracétamol (p=0,0001) et l'automédication (p<0,0001). Par contre, le niveau d'instruction supérieur (p<0,0001) et l'utilisation de l'AINS seul (0,002) étaient protecteurs contre la survenue de la CAM. Le sevrage ambulatoire a été le plus pratiqué, l'amitriptyline reste le médicament le plus utilisé.Conclusion: les CAM sont fréquentes en consultation de neurologie en Afrique et méritent d'être identifiées pour une meilleure prise en charge

Rasmussen's Epileptogenic Encephalitis in a Tropical Country.

BACKGROUND: Encephalitis of Rasmussen is an inflammatory hemiencephalopathy of unknown etiology. It is a cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. AIM: To report two cases of Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) in a low-income setting. CLINICAL OBSERVATION: The cases concerned were that of an 8-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. The illness began with daily several seizures at the age of 28 months in the boy and 23 months for the girl. Epileptic seizures were generalized in the elder one and focal in the younger. The elder presented right hemiplegia with severe cognitive impairment. In the younger child, the expression of the language was disturbed, associated with right hemiparesis at 4/5. The electroencephalography recording showed background theta asymmetric rhythm associated with discharges of periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) into the left hemisphere in the two cases. Brain imaging showed left hemisphere atrophy. The seizures had decreased in intensity after association of several anticonvulsant molecules over a period of 3-6 months. The diagnosis of RE was based on clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and evolution arguments. CONCLUSION: There was a delay to establish the diagnosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate rehabilitation capacities in children with RE before brain maturation.

Bilateral Divergent Shoulder's Fracture Dislocation Case in an Ischemic Stroke Patient.

INTRODUCTION: The literature review revealed that nowadays only about 15 cases of bilateral shoulder dislocation associated with the fracture of the upper end of the humerus have been published. The triad of lesional mechanism designated by the triple syndrome E composed of epilepsy, electrocution, and external trauma was the circumstances noted in which these fractures dislocations occur with migration of the two humeral heads either forward or backward. CASE REPORT: An architect of 36-year-old, right-handed, was admitted in emergency department for loss of knowledge of progressive installation. At admission the blood pressure, pulse, and temperature were normal. There was a right hemiparesis predominantly in brachiofacial side and an aphasia. After intensive resuscitation measures, the cerebral computed tomography scan revealed a left temporoparietal hypodensity area affecting the middle cerebral artery superficial territory with a mass effect compatible with acute ischemic stroke. During the hospitalization, episodes of generalized tonic-clonic convulsions appeared with a fever at 39°C and a leukocytosis at 35 thousand on the 5th day. These convulsions caused on the right shoulder an anterior dislocation under coracoid, associated with a fracture of the greater tubercle and on the left shoulder, posterior dislocation with much displaced comminuted articular proximal humeral fracture. We did reduction by external maneuvers for the right shoulder and open reduction with internal fixation by anatomical plate of left shoulder lesions. In the immediate aftermath of surgery, he presented episodes of agitation which led to the dismantling of the left shoulder fixation. He was evacuated to the North Country where an ablation of the left shoulder material and stabilization by locked plate were carried out. The sequelae were marked by the occurrence of an osteomyelitis with osteolysis of the entire upper right humerus extremity. It will require an inverted prosthesis. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment must be done by a solid assembly and consultation with neurologists and anesthetists is essential. This multidisciplinary management could prevent any convulsive postoperative seizures that would risk sacrificing all therapeutic efforts.

Human meningitis due to Streptococcus suis in Lomé, Togo: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen which represents the leading cause of meningitis in Southeast Asia and an emerging pathogen in the Western world, the main risk factor for infection being contact with pigs. In Africa, the prevalence of S. suis infections in swine and humans is largely unrecognized, with only one recent report of a limited case series. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a human case of meningitis due to S. suis in a 32-year-old man living in Togo. The patient had no particular medical history and no risk factors for immunodeficiency but reported regular contact with pork products. Using specific immunological and molecular methods, we characterized the isolate as S. suis serotype 2, ST1, one the most prevalent and virulent clone worldwide. The outcome was favorable after one week of adapted antibiotic therapy but the patient was left with severe hearing disorders. CONCLUSIONS: This work highlights the emergence of this pathogen in Africa and reinforces the need for accurate epidemiological and surveillance studies of S. suis infections and for educating clinicians and exposed groups in non-endemic countries.

Neuromeningeal cryptococcosis in sub-Saharan Africa: Killer disease with sparse data.

INTRODUCTION: The extent of neuromeningeal cryptococcosis (NMC) has increased since the advent of HIV/AIDS. It has non-specific clinical signs but marked by high mortality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of the NMC in sub-Saharan Africa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have conducted a literature reviewed on the NMC in sub-Saharan Africa from the publications available on the basis of national and international data with keywords such as "Cryptococcus, Epidemiology, Symptoms, Outcomes and Mortality" and their equivalent in French in July 2011. All publications from 1990 to 2010 with 202 references were analyzed. The following results are the means of different studied variables. RESULTS: We selected in final 43 publications dealing with the NMC which 24 involved 17 countries in Africa. The average age was 36 years old. The average prevalence was 3.41% and the average incidence was 10.48% (range 6.90% to 12%). The most common signs were fever (75%), headaches (62.50%) and impaired consciousness. Meningeal signs were present in 49% of cases. The mean CD4 count was 44.8cells/mm(3). The India ink and latex agglutination tests were the most sensitive. The average time before the consultation and the hospital stay was almost identical to 27.71 days. The average death rate was 45.90%. Fluconazole has been the most commonly used molecule. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological indicators of NMC varied more depending on the region of sub-Saharan Africa. Early and effective taking care of patients to reduce diagnostic delay and heavy mortality remains the challenges.

Febrile seizures in one-five aged infants in tropical practice: Frequency, etiology and outcome of hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Convulsive seizures are the common neurological emergencies in developing regions. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to determine the prevalence, causes and outcome of seizures in childhood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants were children aged 1-5 years old, admitted consecutively with a history of febrile convulsions or were presented seizures with fever during hospitalization, in two pediatric university hospitals. The prospective study covered a period from January to December 2013. At admission, emergency care and resuscitation procedures were provided according to the national guidelines. The history included the number and a parental description of seizures. Children with epilepsy, any central nervous system infections and other disease were excluded. RESULTS: We have recorded 3647 children. Among them, 308 (8.4%) infants had presented with febrile seizures including 174 males and 134 females admitted to both pediatric hospitals (Tokoin University Teaching Hospitals: 206/3070, Campus University Teaching Hospitals: 102/577). Infants from 1 to 3 years age were the most common affected and constituted 65.9% of all patients. The months of September, December and January had recorded the high frequency of admission due to seizures. Regarding the seizures type, generalized tonic-clonic seizures were predominant (46.4%) followed by tonic seizures (17.2%) and status epilepticus in 9%. The etiologies were marked by falciparum malaria (52.3%), and other infections in 47.7%. At discharge, we have noted 11% (34/308) with neurodevelopmental disabilities, 6.7% of epilepsy and 9.7% (30/308) of death. CONCLUSION: The febrile seizure in child younger 5 years is an indicator of severe malaria in tropical nations. The campaign for "roll back malaria" must continue in developing countries to avoid long-term gross neurological deficits.

Heterogeneous seizure manifestations in Hypomelanosis of Ito: report of four new cases and review of the literature.

Hypomelanosis of Ito (HI) is a rare neuroectodermal disorder often associated with mental retardation and epilepsy. We report on four new HI patients presenting with heterogeneous seizure manifestations and we review the literature concerning epileptic seizures in HI. At one extreme, there are patients with generalized seizures well controlled by drug treatment, whereas at the opposite there are patients with severe, often pharmacoresistant, focal seizures. The genetic substrate for HI syndrome is not homogenous and only partially understood. Further researches are required to shed light on the pathogenesis of HI phenotypes.

Accident vasculaires cerebraux chez le sujet jeune (15 a 45 ans) dans le service de neurologie du CHU campus de Lome

Introduction En Afrique subsaharienne les accidents vasculaires cerebraux (AVC) representent la troisieme cause de mortalite et la premiere cause d'incapacite motrice dans les grands centres de neurologie. Ils surviennent souvent chez des sujets de plus de 50 ans. L'OMS a note que le nombre de deces chez les adultes jeunes (15-45 ans) est relativement eleve dans les pays en voie de developpement : plus de 30contre 20dans les pays riches. Objectif Notre travail avait pour buts d'etudier la frequence; la morbidite; la mortalite des AVC et d'identifier leurs facteurs de risque chez les adultes jeunes dans le service de neurologie a Lome. Methode Il s'etait agi d'une etude transversale prospective realisee entre le 1er Janvier 1998 et le 31 Decembre 2007 chez des patients hospitalises; ages de 15 a 45 ans; sur des arguments cliniques et tomodensitometriques. Resultats Sur les 3976 patients hospitalises; 1309 presentaient un AVC (32; 9). Parmi eux 141 etaient ages de 15 a 45 ans (10;8des AVC et 3;5des hospitalisations). Le deficit hemi corporel (51;1); les troubles de la conscience (48;2) et du langage (21;3) etaient les principaux motifs d'hospitalisation. L'hypertension arterielle (HTA) etait observee dans 102 cas (72;3). Le taux de mortalite globale etait de 21(18;8pour ceux victimes d'AVC ischemique contre 24;3pour les AVC hemorragiques). Conclusion L'HTA represente le principal facteur de risque des AVC chez les sujets jeunes. Son depistage et sa prise en charge devraient etre precoces