[Mastocyte osteoporosis]. / L'ostéoporose mastocytaire.

We present five cases of severe osteoporosis accompanied by a skin and/or bone mastocytosis. The rarity of mastocytosis demonstrates that these cases are not the result of simple coincidence, especially since none of them involves other general of phospho-calcium anomalies that could explain the demineralization. The latter is accompanied by a high level of histaminemia or histaminuria, a non-specific anomaly. Mastocyte osteoporosis involves a great many unknown factors on the physiopathological level, but in practice it is necessary to look for a mastocytosis when confronted with a severe osteoporosis that appears to be primary. Cytostatic treatment (chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide) seems capable of improving the evolution of the bone disease.

[Stenosis of the cervical spinal canal: acquired? congenital]. / Sténoses du canal rachidien cervical: Acquises? Congénitales?

The authors show that it is impossible to describe congenital stenosis of the cervical rachidian canal with a particular morphology that would make it possible to recognize the condition before the appearance of neurological signs. They do not deny its existence, but at the moment there is no proof, and hope of a prophylaxis for the neuropathy is not justified. On the other hand, there is clearly a possibility of an acquired stenosis. The term arthrosis is so generalized that it has lost nearly all its meaning. The rheumatologist knows the complex lesions comprise osteophytes and thickening of the soft parts next to the bone, and can be accompanied by hypertrophy of the neighbouring bone tissue; projection of the disc, proceeding from a soft hernia to diffuse protrusion and to ossification, is one aspect among others. It is useful to analyse these factors and those concerning the vessels and nerve tissues both in the study of individual cases and in general studies.

[Phospho-calcium metabolism after operation for hyperthyroidism]. / Le métabolisme phospho-calcique après opération pour hyperparathyroïdisme

Study of data concerning calcium and phosphorus after removal of an adenoma in 60 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, showed that serum calcium levels always fall. Serum phosphorus usually rises, but not always. There is a fall in urinary calcium in cases which previously had increased calcium in the urine. Phosphorus in the urine falls, but in a variable manner. The authors discuss the role of bony lesions and renal failure.