Tumeur intracanalaire papillaire mucineuse du pancréas révélée par une pancréatite aiguë et un diabète

INTRODUCTION

Imaging of the pancreas soon after diagnosis of diabetes can help screen for tumors.

CASE

A 45 year-old man with recently diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetes and no other notable history was found to have intraductal papillary mucinous tumour of the pancreas (IPMTP), a month after an unexplained and benign acute pancreatitis.

DISCUSSION

The histology of IPMTP differs from that of the adenocarcinomas usually described in these circumstances, and they are far rarer. Because they carry the risk of malignant degeneration, early diagnosis is important. Surgery is the only curative treatment and should therefore be discussed.

Should pancreas imaging be recommanded in patients over 50 years when diabetes is discovered because of acute symptoms?

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and cancer of the pancreas is complex and incompletely understood. Nevertheless, it is generally agreed that new-onset diabetes in a patient over 50 Years old is a classical indication of pancreatic cancer. But there is no official directive in France that a scan should routinely be performed in such cases. We have studied 115 patients aged over 50 who were hospitalized for new-onset diabetes (fewer than 30 days) whose instability required insulin treatment. Routine imaging revealed abdominal disorders in 14 patients, 6 (5.2%) of whom were suffering from pancreatic adenocarcinomas. No clinical indication or laboratory test, apart from an unusually severe anorexia, suggested the discovered disorders. We therefore routinely carry out a pancreas scan, preferably by MRI, on all patients over 50 Years old presenting with new-onset diabetes, even if there are not clinical or laboratory indications of cancer. This is the only way in which small pancreatic cancers can be detected, thus providing the best hopes for successful treatment. Unfortunately, too often, this approach also detects only tumors that are already well developed. However, nowadays, it is not conceivable for a clinical team to discharge a patient from hospital with such a serious disease undiagnosed.

[Hypouricemia, an old subject and new concepts]

DEFINITION OF HYPOURICEMIA: Hypouricemia (serum uric acid less than 120 micro mol/l) is a biological abnormality often discovered accidentally and with a low prevalence depending on its permanent or transitory nature ranging from 0.15 to 3.38%. NEW PHYSIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS OF ITS PATHOGENESIS: Recently, our knowledge of the physiopathological mechanisms of hypouricemia has been emphasized by the identification of three systems of renal and extra-renal uric acid transport: a Cl/urate (URAT1) transporter, a multispecific organic anion transporter (OAT) and a urate transporter/channel. ETIOLOGY AND COMPLICATIONS OF HYPOURICEMIA: Through questioning, drugs and toxics (allopurinol.) are generally rapidly recognized as responsible for half of the hypouricemia encountered. It can be concomitant to a known disease: severe liver disease, neoplasia, diabetes, AIDS, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Hypouricemia can also be isolated and justifies the measurement of uric acid clearance, the normality or reduction of which orients towards a deficiency in xanthine-oxydase, the increase in which suggests an abnormality in uric acid transport in the proximal tubule (Fanconi syndrome, primary hereditary anomaly of tubular uric acid transport). Hypouricemia does not appear to expose the patient to any danger, but the onset of nephrolithiasis or acute renal failure secondary to the combination of severe hypouricemia and oxidant stress is always possible.

[Evolution of circadian blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion according to the type of diabetes over a 10-year period]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the circadian blood pressure and rinary albumin excretion (UAE) according to the type of diabetes over a 10-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is based on 43 diabetic patients, 24 type 1 and 19 type 2. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was used to assess blood pressure at the initial evaluation (A0) and about 10 years later (A10). UAE was also checked at 10 years interval and was <30 mg/day at A0.

RESULTS

At A0, ABPM and UAE did not differ in a significant manner between type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Type 2 diabetic patients were older than type 1 (59.7 +/- 15.4 vs 42.9 +/- 12.9; p<0.0001) but the age of diabetes did not differ between the 2 groups. Between A0 and A10, there was an increase in 24 h SBP of type 1 and type 2 diabetics (type 1: 114 +/- 10 vs 124 +/- 12 mmHg; p<0.01 and type 2: 113 +/- 19 vs 135 +/- 13 mmHg; p<0.0001). 24 h DBP, as well as BP differences (day-night) did not differ between the 2 evaluations. At A10, 24 h SBP was higher in type 2 than in type 1 (135 +/- 13 vs 124 +/- 12 mmHg; p<0.001) but differences between day and night BP were not significant. In type 1 diabetes, progression of SBP was not associated with an increase in UAE rate, while this rate increased in type 2 betwwen A0 and A10 (9 +/- 7 vs 70 +/- 101 mg/24 h; p<0.01). AT A10, UAE was higher in type 2 than in type 1 diabetes (70 +/- 101 vs 14 +/- 31 mg/24 h; p<0.02). In type 2 diabetes, the progression of UAE was correlated with SBP at A10 (r=0.495; p<0.03).

CONCLUSION

The increase in BP levels and in UAE rate differ between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and these differnces are not due to patients age, nor to modifications in BP curves. They are probably linked to a physiopathology which could be more complex in type 2 than in type 1 diabetes.

[Value of non-esterified fatty acids quantification in diabetes]

Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) play a complex role in glucidic homeostasis. This role led us to investigate their quantification in diabetic patients. The plasmatic NEFA concentrations, measured with the FA115 kit of Randox, showed significant differences between control patients (0.42 +/- 0.14 mmol/L, N = 50) and diabetic patients (0.68 +/- 0.35 mmol/L, p < 0.01, 443 diabetic patients (70 with type l and 373 with type 2 diabetes)). NEFA concentrations were significantly higher in type 2 diabetics (0.70 +/- 0.32 mmol/L) when compared to type 1 diabetics (0.59 +/- 0.35 mmol/L, p < 0.05). In type 2 diabetics, a significant correlation was observed between NEFA and glucose concentrations at 8 hrs a.m., and the mean glucose concentrations along the day (p < 0.001). In contrast NEFA concentrations were less correlated to levels of HbA1c. NEFA were well correlated with cholesterol and triglycerides (p < 0.05) but not with Lp(a). They were also correlated with BMI but not with age or duration of the disease. Diabetic patients on metformin associated to lipolytic treatment, presented lower concentrations of NEFA and better glucidic control. The results confirm the role of NEFA in glucidic homeostasis and suggest an interest for their routine determination.

Diabetes and Amoebiasis: a high risk encounter

Amoebiasis is the second most common parasitic disease worldwIde. It occurs mainly in developing countries. A high percentage of people in countries where it is endemic are asymptomatic carriers. It results in severe disease that can be fatal in rare cases. Diabetics are at increased risk of exposure as travel to countries where it is endemic becomes more frequent, as indicated by the present case. This patient suffered from amoebiasis that produced an amoeboma which is most rare in cases of colonic amoebiasis. The clinical picture was that of an occluding gut tumor, but it was treated only with drugs. Retrospective studies show that diabetics are at increased risk of suffering severe complications after amoebic infection. The frequency and severity of this diabetes-amoeba association requires patients to take prophylactic measures, especially when travelling in developing countries.

[Diabetes and amoebiasis: a high-risk combination]

Amoebiasis is the second most common parasitic disease in the world. It occurs mainly in developing countries. Many people in endemic countries are asymptomatic carriers. It results in severe disease that can be fatal in rare cases. The case described in this report illustrates the growing risk of exposure to amoebiasis for diabetic patients as travel to endemic countries becomes more and more frequent. In the patient described here amoebiasis led to amoeboma, a rare complication of the colonic presentation. Despite a clinical disease syndrome mimicking that of an occluding gut tumor, the patient was treated medically with drugs alone. Retrospective studies show that diabetics are at higher risk for severe complications after amoebic infection. Because of the high incidence and severity of concurrent diabetes and amoeba, prophylactic measures are necessary for diabetic patients traveling in developing countries.

Home blood pressure monitoring in diabetic population

Normalization of blood pressure is today as necessary as an optimal blood glucose control. These targets aim at reducing the negative consequences of hypertension which is particularly frequent and of poor prognosis for these patients. Nevertheless, the definition of the real blood pressure of these patients is uneasy because of the lack of precision of clinical blood pressure measurement. New methods have been developed to address this insufficiency. Home blood pressure monitoring is characterised by good compliance and accuracy, but patient education needs a special training and validated automated devices. This method has to be proposed to the diabetic population as soon as hypertension may be a problem. These patients will contribute to monitor their own blood pressure as they do it with blood glucose control.

[Extreme obesity in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)]

INTRODUCTION

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) belong to genetic obesities and we report a caricatural observation.

DEVELOPMENT

The early onset of (PWS) is characterised by a severe neonatal hypotonia with poor suck reflex--which may lead to tube feeding--and poor weight gain. Later appears insatiable appetite, morbid obesity associated with short stature, dysmorphic syndrome with small hands and behavioural disorders. Although diagnosis is based on clinical features, it must be confirmed by genetic test looking for the characteristic deletion of the chromosome 15q11-q13 region. PWS is the first example in humans of genetic imprinting.

CONCLUSION

Today, the challenge in PWS is it early management which may authorise Growth Hormone administration.

[Input of coronary artery calcium score assessed by computed tomography in the screening of diabetic coronaropathy]

The poor prognosis of coronary artery disease along with the inaccuracy of available testing methods have favoured the development of new screening techniques. One such innovation involves measuring the coronary artery calcium score (CAC). Through computed tomography, this test quantifies the amount of calcium deposited in coronary arteries, itself a reflection of the degree of atherosclerosis. This investigation is a prospective study of 48 diabetic subjects comparing the performance of CAC score with the gold standard testing methods. The results of our study showed that, due to its high negative predictive value, 5 invasive tests were performed needlessly as these subjects had very low CAC scores. At this time, the CAC score is not recommended for every patient but rather on a case-by-case basis. However, it may soon emerge as the next step after the ECG in the evaluation of coronary artery disease. This would alleviate the need for more invasive tests in those patients for whom such investigations are deemed unnecessary. The CAC score, when matched for age, sex and other variables, could also serve as an indication for prescribing medications such as statins, along with other therapeutic interventions. Diabetologists, cardiologists and radiologists must work together in order to gain a better understanding of these new techniques. This may facilitate the emergence of a new approach to the treatment of coronary artery disease.

[Macroscopic hematuria associated with sickle cell anemia trait: report of ten cases]

PURPOSE

Though currently asymptomatic, a sickle cell trait can be responsible for renal abnormalities with macroscopic hematuria.

METHODS

Ten patients were admitted to our department with gross hematuria in sickle trait.

RESULTS

Six blacks men and four blacks women, aged from 17 to 53 years, had recurrent episodes of gross hematuria with clots in five patients with lumbar pain in four patients. Duration of gross hematuria varied from two weeks to two years. Imaging findings were normal. Urinary concentration ability was abnormally low in all patients but none had an impairement of the ability to dilute the urine or tubular dysfunction. Resolution of hematuria was obtained by abundant and alkaline hydratation in three patients. In six patients, aminocaproic acid was successfully employed, with a complete (3/6) or partial (3/6) efficiency. In one last patient, oral urea permitted a partial improvement.

CONCLUSION

Combination of chemical and physical factors in renal medullary of sickle cell trait are responsible for gross hematuria and impaired capacity to concentrate the urine. A cautious care must still be given to make this association a diagnostic of exclusion. Clinical is usually benign. When resting and alkaline hydration are not sufficient to resolve hematuria, antifibrinolytic agents such as aprotinin, oral urea, urologic technical are sometimes necessary.

[Influence of blood pressure profile on erythropoietin levels in diabetics]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between 24-h BP profil and erythropoietin level in diabetics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 58 patients (26 women and 32 men, mean age: 58.7 +/- 14.6 yrs, diabetes duration: 16 +/- 11.2 yrs). Patients were divided by 24 hrs ABPM into 2 groups, one in which night-time pressures dipped by more than 10% (dippers, n = 16) and the other in which pressures dipped by less than 10% (non-dippers, n = 42) when compared to daytime pressures. Haemoglobin (Hb) and erythropoietin (EPO) levels where compared between diabetics and a control group (n = 110) and between dippers and non-dippers.

RESULTS

Hb concentration of diabetics was significantly lower than those of control subjects (13.5 +/- 1.5 vs 14.5 +/- 1 g/dL; p < 0.0001) but EPO levels did not differ from significant manner between these two groups. EPO concentrations were lower in dippers than in control subjects (13.7 +/- 5.4 vs 17.9 +/- 5 mU/mL; p < 0.01), but there was not significant difference in Hb levels. Non-dippers had a Hb level lower than dippers (13.1 +/- 1.5 vs 14.6 +/- 1.1 g/dL, p < 0.0001), but EPO concentrations did not differ from significant manner. Hb was correlated with between daytime and night-time BP difference (SBP: r = 0.262; p < 0.05 and DBP: r = 0.396; p < 0.002). Hb was negatively correlated with albumin excretion rate (r = -0.335, p < 0.01) and with creatinine level (r = -0.419: p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These data indicated that EPO production could be impaired in diabetics with abnormal diurnal BP variation. Nephropathy and cardiac autonomic dysfunction could explain these results.

[Means syndrome. 8 cases]

BACKGROUND

Euthyroid Graves' disease is defined as an ophthalmopathy without dysthyroidism. We report 8 cases in 6 women and 2 men with an average follow-up of 16 months after diagnosis.

CASE REPORTS

Unilateral ex-opythalmos was the first and most frequent sign. Ultrasonographic and immunological thyroid abnormalities were frequent but of questionable significance. Thyroid hormone levels continued to remain normal. The orbital CT-scan, used to screen for infra-clinical exophthalmos, evidenced focal or diffuse hypertrophy of the extraocular muscles and normal tendon insertions. More than 3 years after diagnosis, only one patient developed overt Graves' disease and clinical signs resolved spontaneously in one other.

DISCUSSION

In mild to moderate forms of euthyroid Grave's disease, therapeutic abstention is advisable. Corticosteroids and orbital radiotherapy are interesting options in functionally disabling forms. Decompressive surgery is rarely needed.

[De La Chapelle syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

The De La Chapelle syndrome (XX male) is a peripheral hypogonadism concerning males with 46,XX karyotype. We conducted a retrospective study of 18 cases and report the main clinical biological and hormonal characteristics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical features (weight, height, aspect of the external genital organs, body hair, gynecomastia), hormone levels (testosterone, gonadotrophin, baseline and stimulated prolactin estradiol), and results of a Barr test and karyotype were recorded in all patients in addition to search for the SRY gene (in 8 of the 18 patients). Findings were compared with a matched male population and a Klinefelter syndrome population.

RESULTS

Microrchidia was found in almost all the patients while the penis had a normal size. Signs of hypoandrogenism were frequent and gynecomastia was present in half the cases. De La Chapelle patients differed from Klinefelter patients by the absence of dysmorphism.

DISCUSSION

Patients with De La Chapelle syndrome diagnosed around the age of 20 years do not have borderline disorders associating genitalia anomalies or sexual ambiguity. The majority of the patients bear the testis determining SRY gene on one of the X chromosomes, providing the rational explanation of the male phenotype, but 20% of the XX males doe not have this gene. The role of certain key genes that could be implicated in abnormal sexual differentiation is known, but the complexity and heterogeneous nature of this syndrome leaves many questions unanswered. Therapy is based on androgen replacement therapy given at an early stage.

[Calculation of the absolute cardiovascular risk in practice]

Epidemiologic studies underline the responsibility of the cumulative effect of cardiovascular risk factors on mortality and morbidity. These data have let to the elaboration of equations predicting the risk of coronary heart disease. This probability, which defines the absolute cardiovascular risk, can be assessed using Framingham formula, Laurier-Chau's risk table, derived from the Framingham model, Ducimetière and PROCAM study' prediction models. The main interest of these equations is to give the cumulative effect of risk factors. They can be used to evaluate the advantages of primary prevention. Equations do not take into account several factors, such as body mass index, fibrinogene and lipoprotein (a) values, which have an influence on cardiovascular mortality while others are studied in their qualitative aspects (smoking status, diabetes). Furthermore, equations are not applicable to the whole population. The absolute cardiovascular is a useful tool from an epidemiologic and individual standpoint, but the limits of the different models must be known.

Optimized transient insulin infusion in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: evaluation of a pragmatic attitude

Glucotoxicity generated by hyperglycemia creates a vicious circle worsening the imbalance of diabetes mellitus. A pump-optimized transient insulin treatment can be used to break this fate and restore some degree of insulin sensitivity in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate type 2 diabetics with a secondary failure to a maximal oral antidiabetic therapy, treated with a transient subcutaneous insulin therapy during 3 days. The following criteria were analysed: delay before permanent insulin treatment, prognosis factors of evolution, weight evolution and glucose control in patients maintained under oral treatment. We studied 250 type 2 diabetics, and 515 insulin infusions. The average follow-up was 3.5 years. At the end of the follow-up 63 patients required insulin from the inception of the study (Group 1), 76 secondarily resumed insulin (Group 2), and 111 remained with oral treatment (Group 3). Patients in Group 1 were significantly older, with higher HbA1c and a lower body mass index (BMI). On average, the patients in Group 3 were submitted to less than 2 insulin infusions, their BMI from the beginning to the end of the follow-up remained stable, while HbA1c improved. We conclude that transient optimized insulin treatment during 3 consecutive days is effective. Thus, 45% of the initial global population remain under oral therapy after 3.5 years with a better glucose control and a stable weight.

[Absolute cardiovascular risk in diabetes]

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes is a main cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of diabetes on cardiovascular risk using prediction equations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The cardiovascular risk of 356 diabetics was calculated from the prediction equations established by the Framingham, Ducimetière, Laurier-Chau and PROCAM studies, with and without the factor "diabetes". Calculations were made according to the conditions of each equation then by applying formulae to the whole population.

DISCUSSION

Diabetes increased the cardiovascular risk at 4 years from 0.7% with the Ducimetière equation to 3.6% to 8% with the Framingham equation. Formulae increased the cardiovascular risk when they were applied to the whole population. Models of prediction did not take into account however duration of diabetes and balance, parameters which are closely linked to cardiovascular risks.

CONCLUSION

Absolute cardiovascular risk, whose practical interest has often been underlined, therefore has limitations in diabetes.