[Unusual association of chylopericardium and aortic hypoplasia in a neonate]. / Association inhabituelle chez un nouveau-né d'un chylopéricarde et d'une hypoplasie aortique.

We report the case of a neonate with two very rare anomalies: primary chylopericardium and diffuse hypoplasia of the thoraco-abdominal aorta. The presentation on the 16th post-natal day was with dyspnoea and refusal to feed. The initial clinical examination revealed hepatomegaly and weak femoral pulses. 2D ultrasound gave a diagnosis of a large compressive pericardial effusion combined with moderate hypoplasia of the aortic isthmus. Emergency pericardial drainage removed 80ml of chylous liquid. Following prolonged parenteral nutrition, the pericardial effusion stabilised. A mechanism of diffuse vascular disease affecting the aorta and the lymphatic system is suggested.

[Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in dermatomyositis: a pathophysiological approach using imaging]. / Pneumomédiastin spontané et dermatomyosite: approche physiopathologique par l'imagerie.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of dermatomyositis. CASE REPORT: We report a case of pneumomediastinum with massive subcutaneous emphysema occurring in a female patient with dermatomyositis treated with cortico-steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Our case illustrates perfectly the mechanism of spread of air along the broncho-vascular structures and also explains the presence of pneumomediastinum in the absence of pneumothorax.