[Home-based nocturnal oxymetry by the primary care practitioner]. / Oxymétrie nocturne au cabinet du médecin de premier recours.

Sleep-related disordered breathing is frequent and associated with high morbidity and mortality, thus representing a public health problem. Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is sorely under-diagnosed. Our questioning was about the usefulness of a home-based overnight oxymetry organised by the primary care physician (PCP) for SAHS detection. It appears from our review that patients with snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness can benefit from this tool. Oxygen desaturation index less than 5/h does not rule out SAHS but makes it very unlikely. In accordance with the symptoms, one should refer the patient for complementary investigation. Besides detection, PCP has an important role to play in partnership with the pneumologist in helping the patient to cope with his respiratory device and contributing to treatment com-

[Intensification of a diffuse chronic pain syndrome by the introduction of an aromatase inhibitor]. / Exacerbation d'un syndrome douloureux chronique diffus par l'introduction d'un inhibi- teur de l'aromatase.

A case of a menopausal woman known for a chronic diffuse pain syndrome and breast cancer positive for estrogen receptors is presented. She developed an increase of her diffuse pain syndrome and joint aches after the introduction of an aromatase inhibitor. Soreness quickly improved after the interruption of the drug. We emphasize some etiological hypotheses concerning the painful symptoms, especially the role of aromatase and estrogens.

[Platypnoea and orthodoexia syndrome, a rare cause of dyspoea]. / Une cause rare de dyspnée et d'hypoxémie: le syndrome de platypnée-orthodéoxie.

Platypnoea-orthodeoxia is a rare syndrome of postural hypoxaemia accompanied by breathlessness. The dyspnoea is induced by upright posture. The definitive diagnosis is usually made by contrast echocardiography. The treatment of choice is surgical closure of the intracardiac communication which may result in dramatic symptomatic improvement.