Effet de la prémédication par des corticoïdes systémiques sur la chirurgie endonasale de la polypose naso-sinusienne / Effect of premedication with systemic corticosteroids on endonasal surgery for naso-sinus polyposis

Déterminer si une cure préopératoire de corticoïdes systémiques réduirait le saignement au cours de la chirurgie endonasale de la polypose naso-sinusienne (PNS) et améliorerait la visualisation du champ opératoire. Méthodes: Étude prospective randomisée incluant des adultes (>18 ans) atteints de PNS primitive résistante au traitement médical et qui vont bénéficier d'une chirurgie endoscopique endonasale. Ces patients sont randomisés en deux groupes: un groupe préparé par des comprimés de prednisolone 20mg, à la posologie de 0.5mg/Kg/j pendant 7 jours avant la chirurgie et un groupe non préparé. Les critères d'évaluation sont: la perte sanguine avec la comparaison des hémoglobines (Hb) pré et postopératoires, le temps opératoire et la visibilité du champ opératoire évaluée par le chirurgien selon le score de Boezaart. Résultats: Nous avons inclus 32 patients. Dix-sept patients dans le groupe non préparé et 15 patients dans le groupe préparé. Les deux groupes étaient comparables sur le plan épidémiologique, clinique et paraclinique (p>0,05). La perte sanguine moyenne était plus importante dans le groupe non préparé (700±487 ml versus 500±480 ml) mais sans différence significative (p=0,38). La différence était statistiquement non significative (p=0,24) entre les 2 groupes pour l'Hb postopératoire et pour la différence d'Hb préopératoire - Hb post opératoire. Le temps opératoire était plus court dans le groupe préparé (80±24 min versus 90±64 min) sans différence statistiquement significative (p=0,11). Le score de Boezaart était comparable (médiane=3) (p=0,29). Conclusion: Cet essai clinique n'a pas démontré que l'administration d'une cure préopératoire de corticothérapie orale peut réduire considérablement la perte de sang au cours de la chirurgie de la PNS et améliorer la visualisation du champ opératoire

Smell disorders evolution after chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps surgery

The effects of chronic rhino sinusitis with polyps (CRSWP) surgery on smell symptoms have not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CRSWP surgery on smell symptoms over short and long-term follow-up and to identify the factors that might influence their evolution. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective study about 184 patients operated endoscopically for CRSWP. In post operative period, long-term local steroids were prescribed systematically. The sense of smell was evaluated preand post-operatively according to a subjective score (1: good smell, 2: hyposmia, 3: anosmia). Some factors, related to the patient, the CRSWP and the treatment, were tested in order to identify predictors of smell outcome after surgery.. Results: Before surgery, the anosmia and the hyposmia were noted in 90.8% and in 8.7% of cases, respectively. At six months after surgery, the improvement of olfactory score was significant: 84% of patient had the score 1 compared with 0.5% preoperatively (p < 0.0001). This improvement was maintained during the 2 first years and decreased significantly at 3 years, although an average delay of polyps recurrence was 23.4 months. Among the factors studied in our series, only the observance of postoperative corticosteroids was retained as a predictor of smell recovery after surgery (p = 0,011). Conclusion: CRSWP surgery can significantly improve the smell sense, especially during the two first years. This effect can be sustainable if good post operative compliance for local corticosteroid are achieved.

Effet de la prémédication par des corticoïdes systémiques sur la chirurgie endonasale de la polypose naso-sinusienne / Effect of premedication with systemic corticosteroids on endonasal surgery for naso-sinus polyposis

Déterminer si une cure préopératoire de corticoïdes systémiques réduirait le saignement au cours de la chirurgie endonasale de la polypose naso-sinusienne (PNS) et améliorerait la visualisation du champ opératoire. Méthodes: Étude prospective randomisée incluant des adultes (>18 ans) atteints de PNS primitive résistante au traitement médical et qui vont bénéficier d'une chirurgie endoscopique endonasale. Ces patients sont randomisés en deux groupes: un groupe préparé par des comprimés de prednisolone 20mg, à la posologie de 0.5mg/Kg/j pendant 7 jours avant la chirurgie et un groupe non préparé. Les critères d'évaluation sont: la perte sanguine avec la comparaison des hémoglobines (Hb) pré et postopératoires, le temps opératoire et la visibilité du champ opératoire évaluée par le chirurgien selon le score de Boezaart. Résultats: Nous avons inclus 32 patients. Dix-sept patients dans le groupe non préparé et 15 patients dans le groupe préparé. Les deux groupes étaient comparables sur le plan épidémiologique, clinique et paraclinique (p>0,05). La perte sanguine moyenne était plus importante dans le groupe non préparé (700±487 ml versus 500±480 ml) mais sans différence significative (p=0,38). La différence était statistiquement non significative (p=0,24) entre les 2 groupes pour l'Hb postopératoire et pour la différence d'Hb préopératoire - Hb post opératoire. Le temps opératoire était plus court dans le groupe préparé (80±24 min versus 90±64 min) sans différence statistiquement significative (p=0,11). Le score de Boezaart était comparable (médiane=3) (p=0,29). Conclusion: Cet essai clinique n'a pas démontré que l'administration d'une cure préopératoire de corticothérapie orale peut réduire considérablement la perte de sang au cours de la chirurgie de la PNS et améliorer la visualisation du champ opératoire.

[Ductal carcinomas of the parotid gland]. / Les carcinomes canalaires de la parotide.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of ductal carcinomas of the parotid gland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients with ductal carcinoma of the parotid gland (primary and secondary carcinoma) treated, between 2007 and 2019, in our ENT department, were reviewed. RESULTS: Four men and one woman were included. The mean age was 61,4 years. One patient had a history of an invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Four patients consulted for swelling in the parotid region. One patient referred to our department for dysfunction of facial nerve. Skin invasion was found in one case. Four patients underwent total parotidectomy with sacrifice of the facial nerve (three cases). One patient underwent extended parotidectomy involving the skin. An ipsilateral selective neck dissection was performed in four cases. One patient had a parotid gland biopsy. Ductal carcinoma was primary in four cases and metastatic from breast origin in one case. Four patients were treated with postoperative radiotherapy. Remission was obtained in three cases. One patient had a local and meningeal recurrence. The patient with metastatic carcinoma had pulmonary, bone, hepatic and brain progression. CONCLUSION: Ductal carcinoma is a rare and aggressive tumor of the parotid gland. It can be primary or secondary. The treatment is based on surgery and radiotherapy. The prognosis is poor.

Unusual case of otomycosis caused by Saksenaea vasiformis.

Saksenaea vasiformis is a species of the order Mucorales rarely reported as a cause of human mucormycosis. We report an unusual case of S. vasiformis otitis occurring in a diabetic woman after penetration of an insect in the right ear. Direct microscopic examination of the clinical sample showed hyaline and non septate hyphae belonging to the order Mucorales. Fungal identification was performed by sequencing the ITS region of the rDNA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. vasiformis infection in Tunisia.

Microsatellite analysis of the population structure in Rhizopus arrhizus.

OBJECTIVES: Rhizopus arrhizus is recognized as an emergent agent of superficial and invasive mucormycosis. Despite an increasing number of these infections, the molecular epidemiology of Rhizopus species has not been well studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 43 R. arrhizus strains (25 environmental and 18 clinical isolates) were genotyped using six novel panels of microsatellite markers. RESULTS: Upon the analysis of 43 isolates, 4-8 distinct alleles were detected for each marker. The discriminatory power for the individual markers ranged from 0·522 to 0·830. The combination of all six markers yielded 33 different haplotypes with a high degree of discrimination (0·989 D value). A four-marker combination were selected as the most parsimonious panel achieving D > 0·95. One clinical isolate and one environmental isolate shared the same genotype suggesting the possible nosocomial outbreak of mucormycosis in hospitalized patients. We have noted that the strains isolated from cutaneous mucormycosis were different from the strains isolated from rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Then, the hypothesis of particular tropism of infectious strains for a given site is not excluded. The standardized indices of association IA and rBarD were significantly different from zero (P < 0·01), suggesting a prevailing clonal reproduction. The environmental population was significantly differentiated from clinical populations (Fst = 0·2249). CONCLUSIONS: Microsatellite typing method described in our study showed an excellent degree of discriminatory power. It is a promising tool for illuminating the molecular epidemiology of R. arrhizus species, including strain relatedness and transmission pathways.

[Post-traumatic carotido-jugular fistula: Case report and review of the literature]. / Fistule carotido-jugulaire post-traumatique : à propos d'un cas opéré.

The neck, being not protected by skeleton, is vulnerable to external trauma and injury which can involve blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and trachea. Carotid injuries can be potentially life-threatening by hemorrhage and stroke. We present a case of a 26-year-old manual worker who presented a neck injury caused by a metallic projectile. The injury involved the right common carotid artery with an internal jugular vein fistula, and tracheal damage. The patient was managed with surgical repair of the tracheal lesion, reconstruction of the carotid section using a PTFE graft bypass, and ligation of the internal jugular vein. In the immediate postoperative period, the patient presented with no neurological deficits, but he did develop a pulmonary infection that resolved with antibiotic therapy. The follow-up is now 3months. The patient is doing well without any neurological disorder.

[Ectopic thymus: A rare cause of neck mass in children]. / Thymus ectopique : une cause rare de tuméfaction cervicale chez le nourrisson.

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic cervical thymus (ECT) is a rare embryological abnormality in children. It can be revealed by a compressive neck mass mistaken for a malignant tumor. Through a new case of ECT, we review the embryopathogenesis, diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic features. CLINICAL OBSERVATION: A 19-month-old girl presented a right cervical mass that quickly increased in size, causing intermittent dyspnea. The physical examination objectified a 6-cm, soft and compressible, painless right cervical tumefaction, extending from the mastoid area to the ipsilateral supraclavicular fossa. The diagnosis suggested based on CT was a cervicomediastinal cystic lymphangioma. The diagnoses discussed based on MRI were a collection of necrotic lymphadenopathy, rhabdomyosarcoma or neurofibroma debris. The mass was surgically excised through a laterocervical incision. A whitish multilobular tissular mass was found, adherent to the neurovascular axis of the neck. Pathological examination concluded in normal ectopic thymus tissue. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Although ECT is a rare benign anomaly, it should be considered as a possible cause of a neck mass in children. Surgery is the curative treatment. Before surgery, the presence of a mediastinal thymus must be confirmed to avoid the risk of a total thymectomy in children. MRI is helpful in delineating thymic ectopia compared to the mediastinal thymus.

[Parathyromatosis: An uncommon cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism]. / Parathyromatose : une cause rare d'hyperparathyroïdie récidivante.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyromatosis is a rare cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism. It results from hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue scattered throughout the thyroid bed region. CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old man with a history of parathyroidectomy, presented 18 years later with recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism. Surgical exploration identified a single parathyroid gland. The act was completed by a central compartment dissection and ipsilateral lobectomy. The patient was free of recurrence after a one-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Parathyromatosis a rare cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism. Its management is challenging. Extensive surgery is required with clearance of the central neck compartment and homolateral lobectomy. Medical therapy could be used to decrease parathormone level in recurrent parathyromatosis.

Rhonchopathie chronique : quelle chirurgie pour quels patients ?

Faisant partie de l'arsenal thérapeutique du ronflement, la chirurgie garde encore à ce jour un intérêt majeur. L'efficacité des traitements chirurgicaux est très difficile à évaluer, en raison principalement de l'hétérogénéité des critères d'évaluation rapportés dans la littérature, d'un recul très variable selon les séries, et surtout de la méthodologie des études.Nous avons mené une étude sur 105 patients qui ont été opérés pour le ronflement. Nos résultats ont été rapportés selon différents groupes plus homogènes permettent une comparaison plus fine des résultats. L'analyse univariée a montré un meilleur résultat de la chirurgie chez les ronfleurs simples par rapport aux apnéiques (p=0.03), l'efficacité de la chirurgie en cas d'apnées du sommeil se voyait surtout sur le volume sonore et non sur l'index d'apnées hypopnées. En analyse multivariée, nous avons dégagé le profildes malades chez qui le traitement chirurgical aurait de meilleurs résultats : jeune âge, non obèse, sans rétrognatisme avec un voile long et/ou flasque et avec un index apnées hypopnées< 30

Les perforations pharyngo-oesophagiennes par corps étranger

Introduction : La perforation pharyngo-œsophagienne par ingestion de corps étranger (CE) est une complication rare et grave. De ce fait, sa prise en charge n'est pas standardisée. Le but de ce travail est d'étudier les caractéristiques épidémiologiques et diagnostiques de ces complications et de discuter les modalités thérapeutiques. Patients et méthodes :Sur une période 17 ans (1998 - 2014), nous avons colligé 573 patients ayant ingéré des CE pharyngo-œsophagiens et qui ont bénéficié d'une extraction endoscopique au tube rigide. Onze patients (1,9%) se sont compliqués d'une perforation. Résultats : Il s'agissait de 3 enfants et 8 adultes. Les corps étrangers étaient dominés par les fragments d'os (55% des cas). Les perforations étaient jugées liées aux manœuvres d'extraction dans 54,5% et au CE dans 45,5%. Le diagnostic a été posé dans un délai maximal de 2 jours après extraction. La chirurgie a été réalisée d'emblée dans 2 cas devant la migration extra-viscérale du CE et devant la présence d'une abcédation péri-œsophagienne, respectivement. Le geste opératoire consistait, respectivement, en l'ablation du CE avec suture de l'œsophage et un simple drainage de l'abcès. Dans un autre cas, la chirurgie a été pratiquée en seconde intention après échec du traitement médical et devant l'apparition d'une pleurésie purulente. Le geste opératoire était une suture renforcée par un lambeau intercostal. Un traitement conservateur était instauré dans 8 cas (72,7%).L'évolution était favorable dans 10 cas (soit 90,9%) et fatale dans un seul cas, soit une mortalité de 9,1%. Conclusion : Le pronostic dépend essentiellement de la précocité diagnostique des perforations œsophagiennes par CE. Le traitement conservateur serait suffisant et efficace en dehors d'un syndrome infectieux sévère

Determination of Chlorophenols in Water Samples Using Solid-Phase Extraction Enrichment Procedure and Gas Chromatography Analysis.

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure followed by derivatization and gas chromatography electron capture detection was evaluated for the determination of trace amounts of chlorophenols (CPs) in waters samples. Different parameters affecting extraction efficiency such as, volume of elution solvent, volume and pH of water sample, quantity of sorbent phase were studied and optimized. SPE was carried out on polystyrene-divinylbenzene (Bond Elut ENV) and high recoveries were obtained using 1000 mg of this cartridge for the treatment of 500 mL of acidified water sample. The described method was then tested on spiked tap, mineral, ground and surface water samples. The overall procedure provided limits of detection lower than 20 ng L(-1), recoveries of 70%-106% and an enrichment factor of 500 for the examined CPs in 500 mL water samples. Among the studied compounds, pentachlorophenol was detected in tap water at a concentration level of 0.06 µg L(-1).

[Surgery of pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland]. / Chirurgie de l'adénome pléomorphe de la parotide.

INTRODUCTION: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor of the parotid gland. It has a tendency of recurrence and malignant transformation. The surgical excision of this lesion continues to be the subject of a major debate. In this study, we discuss optimal surgical options for pleomorphic adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical records of 82 patients who underwent surgery. RESULTS: The tumor was localized in the superficial lobe in 81.7% of cases. Tumors of the deep lobe were removed by total parotidectomy. Those of the superficial lobe underwent partial exofacial parotidectomy (7 cases), exofacial parotidectomy (44 cases), or total parotidectomy (16 cases). Transitory facial paralysis was higher after total parotidectomy. Only one patient developed a recurrence, his tumor showed capsule infiltration. DISCUSSION: Conventional or partial superficial parotidectomy may be a good compromise with fewer complications and low incidence of recurrence.

[Idiopathic facial paralysis in children]. / Paralysie faciale idiopathique de l'enfant.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic facial palsy is the most common cause of facial nerve palsy in children. Controversy exists regarding treatment options. The objectives of this study were to review the epidemiological and clinical characteristics as well as the outcome of idiopathic facial palsy in children to suggest appropriate treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on children with a diagnosis of idiopathic facial palsy from 2007 to 2012. RESULTS: A total of 37 cases (13 males, 24 females) with a mean age of 13.9 years were included in this analysis. The mean duration between onset of Bell's palsy and consultation was 3 days. Of these patients, 78.3% had moderately severe (grade IV) or severe paralysis (grade V on the House and Brackmann grading). Twenty-seven patients were treated in an outpatient context, three patients were hospitalized, and seven patients were treated as outpatients and subsequently hospitalized. All patients received corticosteroids. Eight of them also received antiviral treatment. The complete recovery rate was 94.6% (35/37). The duration of complete recovery was 7.4 weeks. DISCUSSION: Children with idiopathic facial palsy have a very good prognosis. The complete recovery rate exceeds 90%. However, controversy exists regarding treatment options. High-quality studies have been conducted on adult populations. Medical treatment based on corticosteroids alone or combined with antiviral treatment is certainly effective in improving facial function outcomes in adults. In children, the recommendation for prescription of steroids and antiviral drugs based on adult treatment appears to be justified. CONCLUSION: Randomized controlled trials in the pediatric population are recommended to define a strategy for management of idiopathic facial paralysis.

[Predictive factors for recurrence after surgery of nasal polyposis].

Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery has become the treatment of choice in the surgical management of patients with nasal polyposis. The aim of our study is to identify the role of some epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic factors in recurrence after surgery of nasal polyposis. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 11 years (between 2000 and 2010) including 184 patients operated for nasal polyposis after failure of prolonged medical treatment. We evaluated the impact of epidemiological and clinical factors (age, sex, asthma, Widal disease, allergy and stage of nasal polyposis at the time of surgery) and treatment (surgical technique, observance of postoperative topical steroids ) on postoperative recurrence. Results: Nasal poly­posis recurred in 26.6% of patients after an average period of 23 months. Widal disease, asthma and bad observance of the intranasal steroid therapy were significantly associated with postoperative recurrence in the univariate analysis. In multi­variate analysis the bad observance of the intranasal steroid therapy was the only factor significantly associated with recurren­ce. Conclusion: Postoperative steroids prescribed routi­nely in our practice can effectively prevent recurrence after endonasal surgery and this result was found in both uni­variate and multivariate analysis.

[Low-grade adenocarcinoma of nasal cavities: a case report]. / Adénocarcinome de bas grade des fosses nasales : à propos d'un cas.

Low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinomas are uncommon and recently described entities. Its histologic diagnosis is challenging. This tumour is characterized by a tendency to local invasion, and rare distant metastases. Well treated, the prognosis is excellent. We describe a case of low-grade nasal cavity adenocarcinoma and discuss the anatomoclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of this malignant tumour. A 54-year-old female patient presented with a 10 years history of right-sided nasal obstruction and recurrent epistaxis. On examination the patient had a large, firm mass in the right nasal cavity. Endoscopic sinonasal surgery was performed. The lesion was found to originate from the posteriolateral wall of the right nasal cavity. Histopathology analysis identified a low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma. Upon follow-up 4 years after surgery, the patient exhibited no clinical evidence of recurrence. Low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinomas are poorly defined neoplasms, accounting for 4 to 20% of all sinonasal malignancies. The nasal cavity is the most frequently involved site. Low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinomas pose a diagnostic challenge for the pathologist because they must be distinguished from benign tumours, especially adenomas. The primary treatment of sinonasal adenocarcinoma is complete surgical excision.

Particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the atmosphere of Bizerte city, Tunisia.

The particle-phase concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in 13 air samples collected in an urban area of Bizerte (Tunisia) during 2009-2010. Atmospheric particulate samples were extracted by ultrasonic bath and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. PAH were found in all the analyzed air samples and the most abundant compounds were pyrene, fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, chrysene and benzo[a]pyrene. ∑14-PAH concentrations ranging from 9.38 to 44.81 ng m(-3) with mean value of 25.39 ng m(-3). PAH diagnostic ratio source analysis revealed gasoline and diesel vehicular emissions as major sources. The mean total benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalent calculated for samples was 3.66 ng m(-3) and the mean contribution of the carcinogenic potency of benzo[a]pyrene was determined to be 55.8 %. Concentrations of particulate PAH in Bizerte city atmosphere were approximately eight times greater than sampled at a nearby rural site.

Evaluation de la surdite professionnelle dans un departement du sud tunisien

Objectif: La surdite professionnelle (SP) est une atteinte auditive acquise due a une exposition excessive au bruit au travail. Elle represente une cause frequente des surdites de l'adulte. Le but de notre travail est de rapporter les caracteristiques epidemiologiques; cliniques et audiometriques des patients presentant une SP. Methode : Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective concernant 200 patients presentant une SP declaree dans le gouvernorat de Sfax durant la periode (1990-2007). Un interrogatoire; un examen ORL complet ainsi qu'une audiometrie tonale ont ete realises pour tous les malades. Nous avons etudie l'incidence annuelle; l'age; le sexe; le secteur d'activite ainsi que les donnees audiometriques de ces patients. Une etude analytique univariee a recherche une correlation entre la perte auditive moyenne (PAM); l'age; la duree d'exposition au bruit et le secteur d'activite. Resultats : Une predominance masculine a ete notee (99). La moyenne d'age etait de 46 ans. Les secteurs d'activite les plus incrimines etaient la metallurgie (27;5); la menuiserie (10) et le secteur automobile (6). 26;5 des patients rapportaient des acouphenes et 3;5 se plaignaient de troubles de l'equilibre. La surdite professionnelle etait perceptionnelle; bilaterale et symetrique dans 93 des cas. L'analyse statistique univariee n'a pas objective de correlation entre la PAM; l'age; la duree d'exposition au bruit et le secteur d'activite. Conclusion : A notre connaissance; il s'agit de la premiere etude publiee rapportant les caracteristiques de la SP chez des travailleurs dans le sud Tunisien. Cette etude montre le manque de sensibilisation du public vis-a-vis de l'importance de la preservation de l'audition du bruit. Elle met en evidence aussi le manque d'outils de prevention; leur inefficacite voire les deux