The smallest of its kind: Description of a new cryptic Amnirana species (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from West African rainforests.

The distribution of the White-Lipped Frog Amnirana albolabris was long assumed to extend from eastern-central to western African rainforests. However, recent molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that this taxon likely represents several undescribed species. Because the name-bearing types were collected in Gabon, the distantly related West African populations clearly represent an undescribed species that partly occurs in sympatry with Amnirana fonensis. Based on an integrative taxonomic approach, including molecular, morphological, and acoustic data, we describe the 'albolabris' populations from the Upper Guinean Forest Zone as a new species, and redescribe the morphologically similar A. fonensis on the bases of a larger series of genotyped individuals, including the first known females. We also provide new biological information for A. fonensis, including their advertisement call, habitat, and reproductive data. The new species is sister to A. fonensis and the two species differ by 5.8% in the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Morphologically, males of the new species are smaller and have relatively smaller humeral glands. Females of the new species seem to have shorter legs than A. fonensis. In comparison to A. fonensis, the advertisement call of the new species has a higher dominant frequency and more pronounced frequency modulation. The two species differ in their distribution and habitat preferences, as revealed by environmental niche modelling. Whereas the new species is restricted to the Upper Guinean forests and thus is a true lowland-rainforest inhabitant, A. fonensis lives predominantly in Guinean montane forests in the forest-savanna mosaic zone.

Aspects particuliers des myomes utérins en IRM multimodale en milieu tropical / Features of uterine myomas explored with multimodal MRI in a tropical environment

Objectif. Décrire les caractéristiques de la prise en charge des myomes utérins dans une unité d'IRM multimodale en Afrique subsaharienne. Matériels et méthodes. Étude transversale descriptive rétrospective, d'une durée de 08 mois, réalisée au service d'imagerie médicale de l'hôpital mère enfant de Bingerville. Nous avons inclus les patientes dont le motif et ou les résultats des examens faisaient mention de myomes utérins. Les paramètres étudiés étaient l'âge des patientes, le motif d'examen et les résultats de l'examen d'IRM. Résultats. Nous avons recruté 103 patientes. Leur âge moyen était de 40 ans. Dans 95,1% des cas, les indications portaient sur la cartographie et l'exploration des myomes utérins déjà connus. Les myomes étaient de découverte fortuite dans 5% des cas. Les myomes étaient uniques dans 9% et en nombre supérieur à 5 dans 61% des cas. Ils étaient majoritairement hyalins, en isosignal homogène T1 FSE (86%), en hyposignal homogène T2 PROPELLER et diffusion (97%) avec rehaussement homogène (85%). Il y avait des complications dégénératives dans 12% des cas et mécaniques dans 3% des cas. Elles étaient corrélées à un nombre de myomes supérieur à 5 (p=0,05), mais pas à la taille des myomes ni à l'âge des patientes. Les pathologies pelviennes associées (53%) étaient : lésions ovariennes non tumorales (45%), adénomyose (30%) et cancer du col utérin (25%). Conclusion. À Abidjan, les myomes utérins sont une pathologie de la femme en activité génitale, en période préménopausique. L'IRM est utilisée quasi exclusivement en seconde intention après l'échographie pour la cartographie préopératoire ou pré embolisation. La découverte de pathologies associées dont le cancer du col, devrait faire préférer l'IRM pour toute exploration diagnostique et pré thérapeutique

Objective. To describe the characteristics of the management of uterine myomas in a multimodal MRI unit of Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. This was a cross sectional retrospective descriptive study of eight months duration that was carried out in the medical imaging department of the mother and child hospital in Bingerville. The patients whose indications and/or results of the MRI mentioned uterine myomas were included. The parameters studied were the age of the patients, the reason and the results of the MRI examination. Results. We studied 103 patients. Their average age was 40 years. In 95.1% of the cases, the indications were for mapping and exploring already known uterine myomas. Incidental myomas accounted for 5%. The myomas were unique in 9% and more than 5 in 61%. They were mostly hyaline, in homogeneous T1 FSE isosignal (86%), in homogeneous T2 PROPELLER and diffusion hyposignal (97%) with homogeneous enhancement (85%). Degenerative complications were noted in 12% and mechanical complications in 3%. They were correlated with a number of myomas greater than 5 (p=0.05) but not with size of myomas or age of patients. Associated pelvic diseases (53,4%) were mainly non tumoral ovarian lesions (45%), adenomyosis (30%) and cervical cancer (25%). Conclusion. In our setting, uterine myomas affect mainly the genitally active woman in the premenopausal period. MRI is used almost exclusively as a second line after ultrasound, for preoperative or preembolization mapping. The discovery of associated pathologies, including cervical cancer, should make MRI preferable for all diagnostic and pre-therapeutic exploration.

Detectability and impact of repetitive surveys on threatened West African crocodylians.

West African crocodylians are among the most threatened and least studied crocodylian species globally. Assessing population status and establishing a basis for population monitoring is the highest priority action for this region. Monitoring of crocodiles is influenced by many factors that affect detectability, including environmental variables and individual- or population-level wariness. We investigated how these factors affect detectability and counts of the critically endangered Mecistops cataphractus and the newly recognized Crocodylus suchus. We implemented 195 repetitive surveys at 38 sites across Côte d'Ivoire between 2014 and 2019. We used an occupancy-based approach and a count-based GLMM analysis to determine the effect of environmental and anthropogenic variables on detection and modeled crocodile wariness over repetitive surveys. Despite their rarity and level of threat, detection probability of both species was relatively high (0.75 for M. cataphractus and 0.81 for C. suchus), but a minimum of two surveys were required to infer absence of either species with 90% confidence. We found that detection of M. cataphractus was significantly negatively influenced by fishing net encounter rate, while high temperature for the previous 48 h of the day of the survey increased C. suchus detection. Precipitation and aquatic vegetation had significant negative and positive influence, respectively, on M. cataphractus counts and showed the opposite effect for C. suchus counts. We also found that fishing encounter rate had a significant negative effect on C. suchus counts. Interestingly, survey repetition did not generally affect wariness for either species, though there was some indication that at least M. cataphractus was more wary by the fourth replicate. These results are informative for designing future survey and monitoring protocols for these threatened crocodylians in West Africa and for other endangered crocodylians globally.

[Contribution of mode B ultrasound in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of ocular pathologies in Abidjan]. / Apport de l'echographie mode B dans la prise en charge diagnostique des pathologies oculaires a Abidjan.

BACKGROUND: Ocular pathology is common throughout the world. The aim of our work was to study the contribution of mode B ultrasound in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of ocular pathologies in Abidjan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, descriptive study, carried out at the Abidjan Military Hospital during a period of 3 months. Eye examinations were performed exclusively with a mode B ultrasound scanner by senior radiologists. All patients who performed an ocular ultrasound were included in the study. The epidemioclinical data, the examination request and the ultrasound results were analysed. RESULTS: We identified 114 cases of ocular ultrasound, i.e. 17% of the ultrasounds performed. The median age was 39.2 years with a male/female sex ratio of 1.15. Decreased visual acuity was the main indication Preoperative assessment for cataract (32.5%) was the most frequent indication. Ultrasound was pathological in almost all cases (98.2%). The most frequent pathology was cataract (77.2%) with predominance of total lens opacifications (45.6%). Other pathologies found were retinal detachment (21.1%) and intraocular hemorrhage (17%). CONCLUSION: The ocular pathology was varied in our context. It predominated in subjects of variable age and more often in males. Ocular ultrasonography in B mode was indicated for diagnostic purposes to explore trauma and visual acuity impairment, but especially for therapeutic purposes to establish. the preoperative assessment of the lesions observed. Its diagnostic sensitivity was 98.1%.

CONTEXTE: La pathologie oculaire est fréquente dans le monde. Le but de notre travail était d'étudier l'apport de l'échographie mode B dans la prise en charge diagnostique et thérapeutique des pathologies oculaires à Abidjan. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Étude prospective, descriptive, réalisée à l'Hôpital Militaire d'Abidjan durant une période de3 mois. Les examens oculaires ont été réalisés exclusivement avec un échographe mode B par des radiologues séniors. Tous les patients ayant réalisé une échographie oculaire ont été inclus dans l'étude. Les données épidémio-cliniques, la demande d'examen et les résultats de l'échographie ont été analysés. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons récencé 114 cas d'échographie oculaire soit 17% des échographies réalisées. L'âge médian était de 39,2 ans avec un sex ratio homme/femme de 1,15. La baisse de l'acuité visuelle constituait la principale indication. Le bilan préopératoire pour la cataracte (32,5%) représentait l'indication la plus fréquente. L'échographie était pathologique dans la quasi-totalité des cas (98,2%). La pathologie la plus fréquente était la cataracte (77.2 %) avec prédominance des opacifications totales du cristallin (45,6%). Les autres pathologies retrouvées étaient le décollement de rétine (21,1%) et l'hémorragie intra oculaire (17%). CONCLUSION: La pathologie oculaire a été variée dans notre contexte. Elle prédominait chez les sujets d'âge variable et plus souvent de sexe masculin. L'échographie oculaire en mode B, a été indiquée dans un but diagnostique pour l'exploration des traumatismes et des baisses de l'acuité visuelle, mais surtout dans un but thérapeutique pour l'établissement du bilan préopératoire des lésions observées. Sa sensibilité diagnostique a été de 98,1%.

Comparative Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous, Ethanol, and Methanol Leaf Extracts of Persea americana and Their Effectiveness in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

Native to Mexico, Persea americana Mill. (avocado) is a fruit tree whose different parts (leaf, bark, roots, and stone) are used in traditional medicine especially against diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of 28-day treatment with aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic leaf extracts on glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetic mellitus using Wistar rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced with nicotinamide (120 mg/kg, i.p.) and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.). After 28 days of treatment, histopathological examination of the pancreas, kidneys, liver, and muscle (tibialis anterior) were realized. Biochemical markers were determined and an intestinal absorption test of D-glucose was performed. All extracts (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.001) reduced blood glucose level at the 28th day of treatment with a more pronounced effect for methanolic extract. The treatments were well tolerated and induced a restoration of T-CHOL and HDL-C levels compared to the control group. Methanolic extract reduced the AIP (atherogenic index of plasma) by 45%. Histopathological analyzes of the pancreas showed regeneration of islets of Langerhans. Methanolic extract was the most effective in preventing intestinal glucose uptake up to 60.90% in relation to metformin. These results justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine against type 2 diabetes. However, other complementary studies should be done to identify the molecules responsible for this activity and their signaling voice.

A new species of Puddle Frog, genus Phrynobatrachus (Amphibia: Anura: Phrynobatrachidae) from Ghana.

We describe a new species of Phrynobatrachus from the eastern part of the Upper Guinea forest region, Ghana, West Africa. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the combination of a slender body, short and pointed snout, a relatively warty dorsum, a black-spotted throat in both sexes, a gular flap in males, a dark spotted chest, a white-greyish venter with occasional blackish spots, rudimentary pedal webbing, none to slightly dilated finger tips and strongly delated toe tips, presence of both inner and outer metatarsal tubercles and absence of a dark face mask, eyelid tubercles and longer dorsal ridges. We collected mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data from the 16S rRNA gene to measure the genetic diversity of the new species, and to estimate phylogenetic relationships. The new species is a distinct and monophyletic evolutionary lineage most closely related to Phrynobatrachus gutturosus, P. fraterculus and P. maculiventris. The discovery of this new species highlights that the biodiversity of West African forests is still incompletely known and that the few remaining forests need urgent protection.

A new Puddle Frog, genus Phrynobatrachus (Amphibia: Anura: Phrynobatrachidae), from the eastern part of the Upper Guinea biodiversity hotspot, West Africa.

We describe a new species of Phrynobatrachus from swamp forests in the southern border region of Ivory Coast and Ghana. The new species differs from all other known West African Phrynobatrachus by the combination of adult snout-vent-length being between 20 and 30 mm; absence of a spiny tubercle on the eyelid; presence of a dark face mask; a black throat in adult males; narrow and partly indistinct scapular ridges or comma shaped warts; distinct spinulae on males' throats and dorsal surfaces; pronounced pedal webbing; round finger- and toe tips, not enlarged to discs; a white belly with small blackish spots in both sexes; more than one wide dark cross bar on hind legs; and rosé to reddish colour on ventral parts of hind legs in both sexes. It is further defined by its genetic and acoustic characters. It is morphologically and genetically most similar to P. liberiensis and P. intermedius.

Characterization of Virulence Potential of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Bovine Meat, Fresh Fish, and Smoked Fish.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa owns a variability of virulence factors. These factors can increase bacterial pathogenicity and infection severity. Despite the importance of knowledge about them, these factors are not more characterized at level of strains derived from local food products. This study aimed to characterize the virulence potential of P. aeruginosa isolated from various animal products. Several structural and virulence genes of P. aeruginosa including lasB, exoS, algD, plcH, pilB, exoU, and nan1 were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 204 strains of P. aeruginosa. They were isolated from bovine meat (122), fresh fish (49), and smoked fish (33). The 16S rRNA gene was detected on 91.1% of the presumptive strains as Pseudomonas. The rpoB gene showed that 99.5% of the strains were P. aeruginosa. The lasB gene (89.2%) was the most frequently detected (p < 0.05). In decreasing importance order, exoS (86.8%), algD (72.1%), plcH (72.1%), pilB (40.2%), and exoU (2.5%) were detected. The lasB gene was detected in all strains of P. aeruginosa serogroups O11 and O16. The prevalence of algD, exoS, and exoU genes in these strains varied from 51.2% to 87.4%. The simultaneous determination of serogroups and virulence factors is of interest for the efficacy of surveillance of infections associated with P. aeruginosa.

[Use of the Xpert® MTB/RIF test in routine screening of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in an endemic area]. / Test Xpert® MTB/RIF et dépistage des nouveaux cas de tuberculose pulmonaire en routine dans une zone de haute endémicité tuberculeuse.

BACKGROUND: Developed initially for the diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, the Xpert® MTB/RIF test has shown to be useful for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, especially among HIV-infected subjects. The objective of the study was to determine the contribution of the Xpert® MTB/RIF test for routine pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis in an endemic area. METHODOLOGY: We undertook a prospective study among patients presenting with cough and sputum. The sputum was submitted to microscopic examination, to the Xpert® MTB/RIF test and cultured by the Mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) technique. The study compared cases of pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by a positive sputum culture and cases with cough but negative sputum culture. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with positive cultures were the following: male gender, cough for more than 2 weeks, loss of weight and fever. The estimated clinical suspicion score consisted of 4 signs each having a coefficient of 1. The sensitivity of each clinical sign varied between 79 and 94%. In 348 cases of negative microscopic examination (composed of 295 cases with score<4 and 53 cases with score=4), the predictive positive value of the Xpert® MTB/RIF was 80% for a score equal to 4 and 40.9% for a score<4. In cases of negative microscopic examination of the sputum, the Xpert® MRT/RIF test should be undertaken if the score=4. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of tuberculosis in endemic zones could be improved by using the Xpert® MTB/RIF.

Les aspects tomodensitométriques et le profil épidémio-clinique des tumeurs du foie en Afrique subsaharienne

Contexte : La pathologie tumorale hépatique est marquée par la hantise du cancer primitif avec son pronostic effroyable. Son exploration fait appel à l'imagerie médicale de façon incontournable notamment le scanner qui est de plus en plus disponible dans nos contrées.Objectif : Décrire le profil épidémio-clinique et les aspects scanographiques des tumeurs hépatiques rencontrées en Afrique subsaharienne notamment à Abidjan.Méthodologie : Etude rétrospective descriptive, basée sur les scanners hépatiques réalisés sur la période de janvier 2012 à Décembre 2012, selon le protocole de la triple acquisition après injection de produit de contraste iodé. Tous les examens ont été réalisés à l'aide d'un scanner Toshiba de 64 barrettes. Tous les patients ayant une tumeur hépatique dont le type a été confirmé à l'anatomopathologie ont été retenus.Résultats : L'âge moyen des patients était de 61,7 ans avec des extrêmes de 41 et de 82 ans. Le sex ratio était de 2/3. Les principales indications étaient les foies hétéronodulaires (38,9%) et les bilans d'extension (27,7%). Nous avons dénombré 25 cas de tumeurs hépatiques. Il s'agissait de tumeurs malignes dans 64% versus 36% de tumeurs bénignes. Les tumeurs malignes étaient représentées par les hépatocarcinomes (40%), les métastases (24%) et le cholangiocarcinome (4%). Les tumeurs bénignes quant à elles étaient les kystes biliaires (28%), et l'angiome (4%).Conclusion : Les tumeurs malignes du foie sont plus fréquemment explorées au scanner. Elles sont dominées par le carcinome hépatocellulaire dans un contexte de cirrhose

[Clinical, microbiological and evolutionary profile of patients experiencing failures and relapses of tuberculosis in Ivory Coast]. / Profil clinique, microbiologique et évolutif des patients en situation d'échecs et de rechutes de tuberculose en Côte d'Ivoire.

INTRODUCTION: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major obsession for TB control. The main risk factor for MDR-TB remains a history of TB treatment especially bad conduct. The objective of this study is to describe the profile of patients in situations of failure and relapse of tuberculosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective survey of the analysis of records of patients starting TB retreatment for failure or relapse of tuberculosis. We used 193 cases with results of culture-sensitivity. RESULTS: The proportion of failure is 59/193 (30.6 %) and cases of relapse are 134/193 (69.4 %). The proportion of married life is 23.4 % (11/47) in chess against 41.5 % (51/123) in relapse of TB [P=0.021, OR=0.431 (0.201 to 0.927)]. Patients failing therapy have more chest pain [5.8 % (3/52) versus 0 % (0/126) with P=0.024]. The proportion of MDR-TB was 61.4 (38/59) in case of failure against 41 % (55/134) in case of relapse [P=0.002, OR=2.599 (1.378 to 4.902)]. The evolution is the same whatever the indication of reprocessing. CONCLUSION: The proportion of MDR-TB is very important in case of reprocessing failure and relapse of tuberculosis.

Polyhydramnios: a warning sign in the prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of foetal malformation?

PURPOSE: To propose polyhydramnios seen during prenatal diagnosis as a warning sign of foetal malformation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective multicentre study over a three-year period carried out in Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. We reviewed 3903 obstetric ultrasound reports. All cases of foetal malformation and polyhydramnios were counted. The instances of foetal malformation associated with polyhydramnios were compared to those of foetal malformation without polyhydramnios and to polyhydramnios only. RESULTS: A list of 72 cases of polyhydramnios was made (equating to 1.8%). In 55 cases (76.4%), polyhydramnios was combined with foetal malformation. These were lethal abnormalities in 33 cases and non-lethal in 22 cases. In 17 cases, polyhydramnios was not associated with any foetal malformations and in eight cases, foetal malformation was discovered in the absence of polyhydramnios. Polyhydramnios had a positive predictive value of 76.4% for the presence of foetal malformation. The negative predictive value was 99.8%. Sensitivity was 87.3% and specificity was 99.5%. CONCLUSION: Polyhydramnios is a highly sensitive and specific sign for prenatal diagnosis of foetal malformation. If it is identified, then this should lead to a very careful search for foetal malformation.

The diagnostic value of indirect ultrasound signs during acute adult appendicitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of indirect ultrasound signs during acute appendicitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our retrospective study lasted 5 years, from May 2005 to April 2010. It concerned 620 cases of appendectomy performed following prior ultrasound examination of the right iliac fossa (RIF). In 448 cases, ultrasonography clearly showed the appendix, which was inflamed. The presence of indirect signs of appendix inflammation without visualisation of the appendix was confirmed by ultrasound examination in 160 cases. In 12 cases, the appendix was not visualised nor were there any indirect signs on the ultrasound image. The indirect signs involved were hypertrophy of the peritoneal fat (HPF), pain caused by compression on exploration of the right iliac fossa, and localised hypokinesia in the digestive loops (LHL). We compared the results found by ultrasonography with the operative and anatomical pathology reports. RESULTS: The positive predictive value of the indirect signs of appendicitis on the ultrasound scan was 95.8% if the three indirect signs were associated, 87.5% for the association of pain and HPF, 45.8% for the association of pain and LHL, and 25% if there was just pain. The negative predictive value of the indirect signs of appendicitis on the ultrasound scan was 57.2% if the three signs were associated, 65.9% for the association of pain and HPF and 60.7% for the association of pain and LHL, with 83.3% for pain alone. The sensitivity of the indirect signs was 83.9% if the three signs were associated, 31.8% for the association of pain and HPF, 50% for the association of pain and LHL, and 50% if there was just pain. The specificity of the indirect signs was 85.7% if the three signs were associated, 96.7% for the association of pain and HPF, 56.7% for the association of pain and LHL, and 62.5% if there was just pain. CONCLUSION: When tomodensitometry cannot be performed and the appendix is not visible on ultrasound examination, indirect ultrasound signs must be systematically sought, particularly in populations in which appendicitis are highly prevalent.

[Contribution of transvaginal ultrasound to hysterosalpingography in the etiological research on female infertility in Abidjan]. / Apport de l'echographie transvaginale associée a l'hystérosalpingographie dans la recherche etiologique de l'infertilité féminine a Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

We performed hysterosalpingography (HSG) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) in 124 Ivorian women as part of an infertility evaluation. The aim was to investigate the causes of infertility and show the advantages of combining HSG and TVU as part of a comprehensive evaluation of infertility in African woman. TVU and HSG were normal in 35.5% of cases, while in 64.5% of cases, at least one disease was demonstrated. This included uterine pathology in 50.3%, tubal disease in 25.2%, ovarian pathology in 7.5% and peritoneal pathology in 7% of cases. Of all the diseases identified by the association HSG and TVU, 71.3% were found by TVU, while 61.5% were confirmed by HSG. TVU was more efficient in identifying uterine and ovarian pathologies while HSG excelled in tubal pathology. HSG and TUV had identical performances on the peritoneal pathology. The association HSG-ETV should be systematic in the full assessment of female infertility in sub-Saharan Africa.

Grossesse et risques d'irradiations en radiodiagnostic : etat des connaissances des usagers au CHU de Yopougon

Objectifs : Evaluer l'etat des connaissances des usagers et des professionnels de la sante sur les risques d'irradiation de la femme enceinte au cours des explorations radiologiques et l'observation de l'application des regles de radioprotection relative a la femme enceinte par les utilisateurs de rayons X. Materiel et methodes : Notre etude prospective; realisee au CHU de Yopougon; a dure 6 mois. Nous avions interroge 60 femmes en grossesse ou susceptibles de l'etre; 30 medecins prescripteurs non radiologues; 29 techniciens d'imagerie medicale et 21 aides soignants sur les risques d'irradiation et les mesures de protection de la femme enceinte avant et pendant la realisation d'un examen radiologique utilisant les rayons X. Resultats : 73;68des medecins prescripteurs n'avaient pas de culture en radioprotection chez une femme enceinte ou en age de procreer. 93;10des patientes enceintes ou en age de procreer ignoraient l'existence des rayons X en radiodiagnostic et leur nocivite pour une femme enceinte ou susceptible d'etre enceinte. 80des manipulateurs de radiologie respectaient pas les regles elementaires de radioprotection. Conclusion : La sensibilisation des usagers des rayons X sur les risques d'irradiations chez une femme enceinte ou susceptible de l'etre est necessaire au CHU de Yopougon

Systematic Chest Radiography during Pre-Employment Check-Up

The aim of this study was to specify the importance of chest radiography during pre-employment check-ups in the tropical environment. A cross-sectional study of chest X-rays of 2540 apparently healthy job applicants in seven private companies in Abidjan; Cote d'Ivoire; was carried out over a 5-year period. The chest X-rays were performed in posterior-anterior; frontal; standing position. Two senior radiologists performed a double-blind study in search of parietal; mediastinal; and pleuroparenchy-matous abnormalities. The 2540 subjects were all males with ages ranging between 20 and 36 years. In 93of the cases (2372 job applicants) the frontal chest X-ray was normal but 168 (7) presented abnormal images. The observed lesions were dominated by cardiomegaly (102 cases) followed by pulmonary parenchymatous lesions (35 cases); and by pleural liquid effusions (10 cases). The parenchymatous abnormalities were represented by 35 evolutional lesions in the form of 12 apical parenchymatous infiltrates; 7 excavated apical pneumopathies; and 16 non-excavated condensations. The 10 cases of pleural abnormality were encysted pleuritis. Frontal chest radiology can be useful in pre-employment check-ups in the tropical environment by helping to screen for contagious pulmonary lesions that may be undetected at a clinical examination

[Spondylodiscitis in Côte d'Ivoire: findings of computed tomography scan in 18 cases]. / Spondylodiscites en Côte d'Ivoire: aspects tomodensitométriques de 18 observations.

The aim of this study was to document computed tomography (CT) scan findings and nosological characteristics in patients managed for spondylodiscitis in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This retrospective study was carried out over a two-year period (January 2006 to December 2007). A total of 18 cases of spondylodiscitis assessed in the radiology department of Yopougon Teaching Hospital in Abidjan were included. Mean patient age was 39.4 years. Seven patients (38.9%) had positive HIV serology. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the main causative agent of spondylodiscitis accounting for 94.4% of cases. Only one case (5.6%) of pyogenic spondylodiscitis (staphylococcus aureus) was observed. The upper back was the preferential location (55.6%) of spondylodiscitis. Both discs and vertebral bodies were involved in all cases. Associated manifestations included balance impairment (dorsal kyphosis) (11.2%), soft tissue abscess (44.4%), vertebral compression (11.2%), epiduritis (16.7%), and medullar compression (16.7%). This study shows that CT scan not only plays a decisive role in early positive diagnosis of spondylodiscitis but also contributes to therapy by guiding biopsy to obtain samples necessary to identify the causal germ and assess disco-vertebral involvement. Findings also show that most cases of spondylodiscitis in Abidjan are related to tuberculosis and located in the upper back.

Chimio-embolisation trans-artérielle des carcinomes hépatocellulaires par billes chargées à la doxorubicine. Transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma with doxorubicin eluting beads.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of our study was to describe the chemoembolization technique of transarterial catheterization using microspheres loaded with doxorubicin and to evaluate its tolerance and short-term efficacy on a small number of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our retrospective study was conducted over 8 months (December 2007-July 2008). It was done at the Brest University Medical Centre (France), in the radiology and hepato-gastroenterology departments of the Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche. We performed a transarterial chemoembolization using microspheres loaded with doxorubicin to 9 patients who had hepatocellular carcinoma in relation to alcoholic cirrhosis. RESULTS: Eight of 9 patients have benefited from a complete procedure (88.9% technical success) and in 100% of these cases, there were no clinical complications or biologic modifications immediately after embolization. After 4 weeks, there were seven cases of regression of more than 30% of the size of the tumor nodules, six cases of total tumor necrosis, and two cases of contrast uptake inside the nodules (partial tumor necrosis). In three cases (37.5%), there was an emergence of new tumor nodules. CONCLUSION: Chemoembolization accomplished by transarterial catheterization using microspheres loaded with doxoribicin is a probable technique for the future of palliative treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas. The technique is simple to perform and seems to be well tolerated by patients in terms of clinical and biological aspects.

[Ultrasound and epidemiological features of ectopic pregnancy in a suburb of Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire)]. / Profil echographique et epidémiologique des grossesses extra-utérines dans une banlieue d'Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to describe current ultrasound and epidemiological features of ectopic pregnancy in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was carried out over a 24-month period (February 2006 to January 2008) at Nanglé Medical Clinic, i.e., a private clinic located in Abidjan's Yopougon suburb. RESULTS: A total of 32 cases of ectopic pregnancy were discovered by suprapubic and/or endovaginal ultrasound scan. The estimated frequency of ectopic pregnancy was 1.7%. Mean patient age was 26.2 years. The main risk factors were prior history of abortion (32%) and adnexal infection (20%). Most patients (52.5%) were nulliparous. The most frequent indication for ultrasound scan was metrorrhagia. Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was made at the ruptured stage in 65.6% of cases and nonruptured stage in 34.4%. The presenting lesions was hematosalpinx in 40.6% of cases and embryonate ectopic gestational sac in 31.3%. Salpingectomy and salpingorrhaphy were successful in 65.6% and 34.4% of cases respectivlely. CONCLUSION: In Abidjan, ectopic pregnancy involves young nulliparous women with a prior history of abortion and adnexal infection. Ultrasound allowed early diagnosis and, consequently, tube preservation in 34.4% of cases.