[Subxiphoid pericardiostomy and pericardioscopy. Value and indications apropos of a series of 25 cases]

An experience of 25 subxiphoid pericardial windows with pericardioscopy in eleven cases is reviewed and presented. The operative indications in pericardial effusions result from hemodynamic compromise or from the need for etiologic criteria. Validated in its technical simplicity, its safety, its etiologic findings, its efficacy on immediate and delayed no recurrence of pericardial effusion, the low rate of late constrictive changes, this operative procedure is worth listing in the therapeutic know-how of a general surgeon. Indications in patients with suspected traumatic pericardial tamponade by chest wound are related.

[Rupture of the female urethra in fractures of the pelvic bones. Apropos of 2 new cases]

Female urethra ruptures associated with pelvic ring fractures are exceptionally observed. The authors compared these 2 cases (Besançon and Toulon) to already published cases. This diagnosis must be contemplated and established by the surgeon or in his/her presence using urethral catheterization. The surgical approach (most of time abdominoperineal) allows an accurate injury repair and prevents from fearsome complications due to late diagnosis and treatment. An active attitude following this urological act is highly required, in case of osteoarticular injuries, whose instability and rules are currently known.

[Testicular sarcoidosis]

The authors report a case of testicular sarcoidosis. This lesion may mimic cancer, but the association of germ cell tumour and systemic sarcoidosis appears to be too frequent to be simply a coincidence. It is important to diagnose combinations of these 2 diseases in the scrotum or in the mediastinum, but their pathogenesis remains hypothetical.

[Malignant adrenocortical tumor as a part of Wermer's syndrome. Apropos of a case]

The authors report a case of malignant adrenal carcinoma associated with nodular adrenal hyperplasia as part of Wermer (N.E.M.I.) type pathological polyendocrinopathy syndrome. They stress the prognostic importance of the glandular degeneration and the type of adrenal involvement in these "multiple endocrine neoplasia".

[Traumatic rupture of 3 lobes of the right lung without any parietal lesion. A peculiar entity]

Following a case of traumatic rupture of the 3 lobes of the right lung without any parietal lesion, the authors found three similar cases in the literature. However, uni or bilobar rupture was more frequently described. The pathological mechanisms are considered. The treatment of these lesions, in contrast to pulmonary laceration due to fractured ribs, most often requires limited parenchymal excision.