[Exophthalmos in children caused by vascular orbital neoformation]. / Exophtalmie de l'enfant par néoformation vasculaire orbitaire.

BACKGROUND--Exophthalmos or proptosis may be a result of several causes; when unilateral, it leads to search a variety of orbital tumors. CASE 1--A 2 month-old baby presented with a right exophthalmos which developed within a few days. Computed tomography showed infiltration of the orbit by a mass. Surgical biopsy showed capillary hemangioma. The patient was given prednisone 2 mg/kg/day for 2 months; exophthalmos disappeared within 10 days and the child was normal 7 years later. CASE 2--A 13 year-old boy was examined because he had developed left exophthalmos within 2-3 weeks. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed an orbital tumor compressing the eye and the optic nerve. This tumor was excised and histological examination showed that it was a thrombotic arterial aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS--Vascular lesions can be responsible for a rapidly developing orbital tumor. Their diagnosis can be difficult and must be made in order to avoid aggressive surgery.

[Diffuse alveolar pertussis with major hyperleukocytosis with "pseudocentrocytic" contingent]. / Pneumocoqueluche alvéolaire diffuse avec hyperleucocytose majeure à contingent "pseudocentrocytique".

A 21 month-old unvaccinated boy was admitted for an acute respiratory distress episode associated with major leukocytosis (maximum = 146 G/l). Transient heart failure and pneumomediastinum occurred but the outcome was favourable. Coughing attacks then occurred and the diagnosis of pertussis was serologically confirmed. This case report is reminiscent of the possible severity of pertussis pneumoniae, the mechanisms of haematologic abnormalities, and stresses to the benefit of pertussis vaccination.

[Neo-natal chylothorax: antenatal echographic diagnosis and favourable outcome]. / Chylothorax néo-natal: diagnostic échographique anténatal et évolution favorable.

A case of right chylothorax in a male neonate is reported. A sonographic diagnosis was made during the 35th week of pregnancy. A complete recovery was obtained with appropriate dietetic therapy.

[Porphyria cutanea tarda in a 4-year-old child with uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase deficiency]. / Porphyrie cutanée "tardive" chez une enfant de 4 ans avec déficit en uroporphyrinogène décarboxylase.

A 4 years old girl presents a typical case of patent form of cutaneous late porphyria with a reduced activity of the erythrocyte, uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD) genetically transmitted over 3 generations; a multifactor inheritance (HLA A3, a normal phenotype of alpha 1 antitrypsin, exogenous toxins, or viral infections) is discussed.

[Epstein-Barr virus cerebellitis in an 11-year-old girl]. / Cérébellite à virus Epstein Barr chez une fillette de 11 ans.

The authors report an eleven year old girl who manifested predominantly an acute cerebellar syndrome secondary to infection by Epstein Barr Virus. This complication is unusual and males are predominantly affected. The diagnostic and common physiopathological hypothesis are discussed.

[Deficiency rickets in older children. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Rachitisme carentiel chez le grand enfant. A propos de 2 observations.

Typical rickets were observed in a 13 year old Turkish girl and in a 14 year old Moroccan girl. Hypocalcaemia was present in one case. Symptoms have easily regressed with vitamin D2. Seric 25 OH D3 was very low; seric 1-25 OH D3 was normal before treatment and increased very much with vitamin D. In the second case vitamin D deficiency was familial. Study of 15 immigrant children living in or near Saint-Etienne has shown low seric concentrations of 25 OH D3 in 9 (8 undetectable).