[Possible role of vitamin A and E deficiency in human idiopathic lithiasis]. / Rôle possible de la carence en vitamines A et E dans les lithiases idiopathiques chez l'homme.

The purpose of our study is to compare the status of vitamin A and E enters a group of male patients aged 30-40 years and having idiopathic lithiasis in the other whose origin of the lithiasis is awarded to a hypercalciuria and/or hypercalciuria and/or hyperoxaluria. Reference values were established from a normal subjects aged 30-40 years and having no history of nephrolithiasis. Our results showed that the mean levels of vitamin A was significantly lower in idiopathic renal stone-formers than metabolic stone-formers (p < 0.001). Compared to control group, the status of vitamin A was found lower only in idiopathic renal stone patients (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the mean levels of vitamin E were found similar in the two patient groups, but significantly lower compared to control group. These results suggested that idiopathic renal stone genesis could be generated by vitamin A deficiency.

Cystic mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver report of a case and review of the literature.

Mesenchymal Hamartoma (MH) of the liver constitutes the third or the fourth most common tumour of the liver in childhood and occurs most commonly in the first two years of life. It is often misdiagnosed clinically as a malignant tumour because of its rapid increase in size within a short period of time, or as a hepatic collections or abscess because of its cystic appearance. Although a benign lesion, MH may cause heart failure due to arteriovenous shunts, or death as a result of respiratory complications. A typical case of MH was recently encountered in a 6-years-old-boy. The patient presented with progres sive abdominal distension; surgery revealed a large mass arising from the right lobe of the liver. The mass was predominantly formed by fluid collections. Loose mesenchymal tissue and branched, tortuous bile ducts were the key diagnostic features. When predominantly cystic, MH may mimic lymphangioma both grossly and microscopically. Prudent examination of the cystic structures can establish a correct diagnosis.