Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance among people living with hepatitis B in Senegal (SEN-B): insights from a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the predominant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in west Africa, yet data on the incidence of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma remain scarce. We aimed to describe the uptake and early outcomes of systematic ultrasound-based hepatocellular carcinoma screening in SEN-B, which is a prospective HBV cohort in Senegal.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, we included treatment-naive, HBsAg-positive individuals who were referred to the two infectious diseases clinics (the Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases and Ambulatory Treatment Center) at Fann University Hospital of Dakar, Senegal, between Oct 1, 2019, and Oct 31, 2022. All participants resided within the Dakar region. Participants underwent abdominal ultrasound, transient elastography, and clinical and virological assessments at inclusion and every 6 months. Liver lesions at least 1 cm in diameter on ultrasound were assessed using four-phase CT, MRI, or liver biopsy. Adherence to hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance was measured using the proportion of time covered, calculated by dividing the cumulative months covered by abdominal ultrasound examinations by the overall follow-up time, defined as the number of months from the date of cohort entry until the last recorded visit, hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, or death. Optimal adherence was defined as a proportion of time covered of 100%.

FINDINGS

Overall, 755 (99·6%) of 758 participants had at least one abdominal ultrasound performed. The median age of the enrolled participants was 31 years (IQR 25-39), 355 (47·0%) of 755 participants were women, and 82 (10·9%) had a family history of hepatocellular carcinoma. 15 (2·0%) of 755 individuals were HBeAg positive, 206 (27·3%) of 755 individuals had HBV DNA of more than 2000 IU/mL, and 27 (3·6%) of 755 had elastography-defined liver cirrhosis. Of ten (1·3%) participants with a focal lesion at least 1 cm at initial assessment, CT or MRI ruled out hepatocellular carcinoma in nine, whereas imaging and subsequent liver biopsy confirmed one patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Two further patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were diagnosed at study presentation due to the presence of portal thrombosis on ultrasound. Excluding the three participants with hepatocellular carcinoma identified at baseline, 752 participants were eligible for screening every 6 months. Median follow-up time was 12 months (IQR 6-18) and the median number of ultrasounds per patient was 3 (2-4). During 809·5 person-years of follow-up, one incident hepatocellular carcinoma was reported, resulting in an incidence rate of 1·24 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI 0·18-8·80). Overall, 702 (93·0%) of 755 participants showed optimal hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, but this proportion decreased to 77·8% (42 of 54 participants) after 24 months.

INTERPRETATION

Hepatocellular carcinoma screening is feasible in HBV research cohorts in west Africa, but its longer-term acceptability needs to be evaluated. Long-term hepatocellular carcinoma incidence data are crucial for shaping tailored screening recommendations.

FUNDING

Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Cancer Research Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, and Roche Diagnostics.

TRANSLATION

For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Contained rupture of a left renal artery aneurysm: Report of a case

Ruptured renal artery aneurysms are uncommon. Although the increased use of endovascular technologies, controversy persists over the management. Contained rupture may be more difficult to diagnose, hence delay the management. We report a case of contained rupture of renal artery aneurysm treated with selective embolization prior to nephrectomy.

Interest of preoperative embolization of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC): A case report

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare lesion that primarily affects young adults and children. The optimal treatment approach for ABC remains controversial and varies depending on the preferences of the medical team. While some advocate for surgery as the treatment of choice, others recommend a less invasive first-line option such as selective embolization. In this case report, we present the case of a 41-year-old female patient with an ABC in the right iliac bone who underwent surgical treatment following preoperative selective embolization. Additionally, we provide a literature review on the topic.

Sturge Weber syndrome, when brain CT is enough for diagnosis: about a case

One of the main manifestations of Sturge Weber syndrome is seizures. We report the case of a child received in the context of generalized seizures and in whom a cerebral contrast CT was sufficient to make the diagnosis of Sturge Weber syndrome.

Late diagnosis of imperforate hymen with hematometrocolpos and bilateral hydronephrosis of a horseshoe kidney

Imperforate hymen is a fairly uncommon genital disorder where the hymen completely obstructs the vaginal opening. Several authors have ruled out its co-occurrence with other congenital anomalies. In this report, we discuss the exceptional case of a late diagnosis of imperforate hymen associated with bilateral hydronephrosis of a horseshoe kidney in a 19-year-old female patient. To our knowledge, an association of imperforate hymen and horseshoe kidney has never been reported.

False ground-glass opacity and suspicion of COVID-19, beware of the technique for performing the CT

Ground-glass opacity is a CT sign that is currently experiencing renewed interest since it is very common in patients with COVID-19. However, this sign is not specific to any disease. Besides, the possibility of false positive ground-glass opacity related to insufficient inspiration during the acquisition of the chest CT should be known. We report the case of a 36-year-old patient suspected of COVID-19 and in whom a second acquisition of chest CT was necessary to remove false ground-glass opacities that erroneously supported the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Usefulness of Dried Blood Spots (DBS) to perform hepatitis C virus genotyping in drug users in Senegal

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotypes circulating in Senegal among Drug User (DUs), using Dried Blood Spots (DBS) as RNA source for molecular assays. Heroin and/or cocaine users (n = 506) were recruited in Dakar from April to July 2011, using a Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method. DBS preparation consisted of five drops of whole blood from finger applied to a Whatman paper card. HCV infection was screened by the detection of anti-HCV antibodies, using a rapid immune-chromatographic test. HCV RNA was quantified on anti-HCV positive DBS, using the Abbott RealTime HCV® Genotyping was performed on DBS with detectable viral load with Versant® HCV Genotype 2.0 Assay (LiPA) and Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II assay®. Among the 506 participants, 120 were tested as positive for anti-HCV antibodies and their samples were analyzed for HCV RNA viral load and genotype. Out of the 120 DBS tested, HCV RNA was detected on 25 (20.8%). The median viral load was 15,058 IU/ml (ranging from 710 to 766,740 IU/ml). All positive DBS were suitable for the genotyping assay, that showed a predominance of genotype 1 (21/25) including 16 genotypes 1a and 5 genotypes 1b. HCV genotype 1 prevails in a DU population in Dakar. DBS could be useful for HCV RNA genotyping, but optimal storage conditions should required avoiding RNA impairment. Acknowledging this limitation, DBS could be a great interest for detecting and genotyping HCV viremic patients. J. Med. Virol. 89:484-488, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries: epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects

INTRODUCTION

Diaphragmatic injuries include wounds and diaphragm ruptures, due to a thoracoabdominal blunt or penetrating traumas. Their incidence ranges between 0.8 and 15 %. The diagnosis is often delayed, despite several medical imaging techniques. The surgical management remains controversal, particularly for the choice of the surgical approach and technique. The mortality is mainly related to associated injuries. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of diaphragmatic injuries occuring in thoraco-abdominal traumas, and to discuss their epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study over a period of 21 years, between January 1994 and June 2015 at the Department of General Surgery of the Aristide Le Dantec hospital in Dakar, Senegal. All patients diagnosed with diaphragmatic injuries were included in the study.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 1535 patients had a thoraco-abdominal trauma. There were 859 cases of blunt trauma, and 676 penetrating chest or abdominal trauma. Our study involved 20 cases of diaphragmatic injuries (1.3 %). The sex-ratio was 4. The mean age was 33 years. Brawls represented 83.3 % (17 cases). Stab attacks represented 60 % (12 cases). The incidence of diaphragmatic injury was 2.6 %. The wound was in the thorax in 60 % (seven cases). Chest radiography was contributory in 45 % (nine cases). The diagnosis of wounds or ruptures of the diaphragm was done preoperatively in 45 % (nine cases). The diaphragmatic wound was on the left side in 90 % (18 cases) and its mean size was 4.3 cm. The surgical procedure involved a reduction of herniated viscera and a suture of the diaphragm by "X" non absorbable points in 85 % (17 cases). A thoracic aspiration was performed in all patients. Morbidity rate was 10 % and mortality rate 5 %.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture and wounds remains difficult and often delayed. They should be kept in mind in any blunt or penetrating thoraco-abdominal trauma. Diaphragmatic lesions are usually located on the left side. Surgery is an efficient treatment.

[Acute scrotal swellings at Louga Regional Hospital, Senegal: epidemiologic, etiologic and therapeutic aspects]

INTRODUCTION

Acute scrotal swellings (ASS) are a common reason for emergency consultation. This study aims to determine the frequency of hospitalization for ASS at the Louga Amadou Sakhir Mbaye Regional Hospital, Senegal, to identify its clinical forms and to evaluate the care management.

METHODS

This is a retrospective descriptive study involving 114 patients hospitalized for ASS at the Louga Amadou Sakhir Mbaye regional hospital, from May 2010 to August 2013. The variables studied were: the frequency of ASS among scrotal swellings and urological emergencies, age, consultation period, causes, treatment, post-treatment evolution and hospitalization length.

RESULTS

During the study period, 356 scrotal swellings and 420 urological emergencies were recorded. Thus, 114 cases with ASS accounted for 32.0% of scrotal swellings and 27.1% of urological emergencies. The average age was 42.25 ± 25 years (5 months and 89 years represent the extremes). The median of consultation time was 4 days. The diagnosis at admission was: acute orchiepididymitis (n=66), ASS with abscess formation (n=18), suspicion of torsion of the spermatic cord (n=14), traumatic ASS (10 cases), strangulated inguinoscrotal hernia (06 cases). Treatment was exclusively medical in 66 cases (57.8 %). Surgical exploration, which was indicated in 48 patients, was performed in 45 of them (93.7%), three patients (6.2%) refused it. In total there were 9 cases with orchiectomies and 36 conservative procedures. The average length of stay in hospital was 3 ± 2 days. Eighty-one patients (71.0%) were hospitalized for at least 24 hours. They were divided into two groups: 42 surgical patients and 39 medical patients. No deaths were recorded.

CONCLUSION

ASS are common in our hospital, people of all ages can be affected. They are dominated by ASS of infectious origin, torsion of the spermatic cord and scrotal trauma. Delayed consultation is often the rule, this may affect functional prognosis of the testicle.

Permanent genetic resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 October 2010-30 November 2010

This article documents the addition of 277 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Ascochyta rabiei, Cambarellus chapalanus, Chionodraco hamatus, Coptis omeiensis, Cynoscion nebulosus, Daphnia magna, Gerbillus nigeriae, Isurus oxyrinchus, Lates calcarifer, Metacarcinus magister, Oplegnathus fasciatus, Pachycondyla verenae, Phaethon lepturus, Pimelodus grosskopfii, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Scomberomorus niphonius, Sepia esculenta, Terapon jarbua, Teratosphaeria cryptica and Thunnus obesus. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Austropotamobius italicus, Cambarellus montezumae, Cambarellus puer, Cambarellus shufeldtii, Cambarellus texanus, Chionodraco myersi, Chionodraco rastrospinosus, Coptis chinensis, Coptis chinensis var. brevisepala, Coptis deltoidea, Coptis teeta, Orconectes virilis, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Pimelodus bochii, Procambarus clarkii, Pseudopimelodus bufonius, Rhamdia quelen, Sepia andreana, Sepiella maindroni, Thunnus alalunga, Thunnus albacares, Thunnus maccoyii, Thunnus orientalis, Thunnus thynnus and Thunnus tonggol.

[Epidemiology of the resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to antituberculosis drugs at the main hospital in Dakar, Senegal. A 4-year retrospective study (2000-2003)]

A retrospective study was carried out from January 2000 to December 2003 to assess the resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to antituberculosis drugs and the impact of this on the treatment result. Two hundred and two patients' files were studied (average age: 36 years; sex-ratio: 1.7). Pulmonary localisation (85.7%) or extrapulmonary localisation (14.3%). HIV status is negative (71.3%), positive (10.8%) or unknown (17.9%). The overall recovery rate is 60.7% (61.4% in HIV-; 46.1% in HIV+), the rate of treatment failure is 2.7% (1.1% in HIV-; 15.4% in HIV+), the death rate due to tuberculosis is 6.3% (2.3% in HIV-; 23.1% in HIV+), and the rate of patients who disappeared from the system is 30.3% (35.2% in HIV-; 14.2% in HIV+). Hepatotoxicity that occurred during treatment is observed in 14.3% of cases (recovery: 56.2%; failure: 6.2%; lost from the system: 18.8%). Eighty-four percent of patients never received antituberculosis treatment (group A) versus 15.8% of patients who had already received one or more antituberculosis drugs (group B). The rates of resistance to isoniazid are 6.4% (A) and 12.5% (B), to rifampicin 1.7% (A) and 12.5% (B), to ethambutol 0.5% (A) and 0% (B), to streptomycin 24.1% (A) and 46.8% (B). The percentage of multiresistant strains is 1% in patients not treated previously and 11% in those who had already received antituberculosis treatment. When the patients are carriers of a strain that is responsive to the treatment administered, the recovery rate is 64.2% versus 46.7% in patients whose strain is resistant to at least one of the treatments administered.

[Diffuse interstitial lung disease and connective tissue diseases: study of seven cases in Dakar]

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of diffuse interstitial lung disease non specific in connective tissue disease is difficult because of many differential diagnoses. Lung involvement can affect functional or vital prognosis. We report 7 cases.

CASES

We collected data from 60 years old mean patients. Pulmonary localisation was diagnosed after 19 years of evolution of the auto-immune disease. Discovering circumstances were dyspnea and chronic cough. The radiographic and scannographic signs were diffuse because of long diagnosis delay. The underlying auto immune disease was scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, Sharp's syndrome, and multiple autoimmune syndrome. The main treatment was corticosteroids and respiratory physiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Throughout these 7 cases we discuss clinical, radiological and evolutive aspects and we focus on the need of early diagnosis for a better prognosis.

[Diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: epidemiological aspects and management issues]

In contradiction with long-standing conventional wisdom that it is a rich country's disease, diabetes mellitus is increasingly a major concern in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Care facilities have not kept pace with the sharp increase in diabetes mellitus. The WHO has predicted a worldwide rise in the prevalence of diabetes that is expected to affect 300 million people by 2025. This progression is more flagrant in developing countries particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In these countries, the expansion of diabetes is part of a broader epidemiological transition from transmissible diseases to non-transmissible diseases. A number of factors are causing this transition including aging of the population, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Aside from obesity, arterial hypertension is the main cardiovascular risk factor associated with diabetes. Alone or in association with other risk factors, diabetes mellitus accounts for high morbidity especially due to cardiovascular and kidney complications. Management in sub-Saharan Africa faces a number of issues: poor understanding of the extent of the problem, high cost of medications, socio-economic setting that is poorly suited to maintaining a proper diabetic diet, and limitations in infrastructure and personnel. The rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa is a serious challenge. There is an urgent need to obtain accurate figures about the extent of the pandemia as a basis for training an adequate number of health care personnel and implementing sufficient resources to allow local management. Meeting this challenge will require enhancement of the awareness and participation of all players involved in public health.

[Profile of patients admitted for myocardial infarction at the emergency reception facility of Principal Hospital in Dakar, Senegal]

This retrospective study was carried out from January 2005 to December 2006 to ascertain the profile of patients admitted for treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) in a modern emergency reception facility (ERF) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Diagnosis of MI was based on clinical presentation, electrocardiography (persistent ST-segment depression), and laboratory findings (measurement of troponine T and CPK MB). Study data included epidemiological parameters (including risk factors and interval between onset of symptoms and admission), clinical and paraclinical findings, therapeutic modalities (including any prehospital management), complications at the time of admission, and mortality within the first five days. Men accounted for 77% of the 52 consecutive patients hospitalized for MI during the study period. Mean age was 59 years. Risk factors included hypertension in 46% of cases, tobacco use in 40%, and diabetes in 21%. The mean interval for management was approximately 29 hours with only 5 patients receiving care within the first 6 hours. Chest pain was the main reason for coming to the ERF (86%). The location of pain was anterior in 58% of cases and inferior in 37%. Diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory findings in 96% of patients. Ten patients benefited from transportation by ambulance and four patients underwent thrombolysis before hospitalization. Complications at the time of admissions included cardiovascular collapse (n=3), acute pulmonary edema (n=13), and arrhythmia (n=6). Eleven patients (21%) died within the first five days. These findings confirm the need to educate the population in an effort to reduce the interval for management, to develop prehospital medical care, and to increase the availability of coronary artery revascularization modalities to improve the prognosis of MI in the acute phase.

[Important pericardial effusions: apport of echocardiography guided pericardocentensis: about 30 consecutive cases]

INTRODUCTION

Western countries have good mastery of abundant pericardial effusion while in Africa this still raises some problems regarding diagnosis and therapy. The aim was to see to what extent echo guided pericardiocentesis could contribute in severe cases.

METHODS

All patients with abundant pericardial effusion diagnosed by echocardiography with or without compression were considered in a prospective study. They experienced a pericardiocentesis. Some patients did undergo an additional surgical biopsy. The liquid was preliminarily submitted to chemical, bacteriological, cytological analysis. Tissues were observed through an anatomic pathology in biopsy. Heart tuberculosis was diagnosed through histology for following therapeutic testing.

RESULTS

Thirty consecutive patients aged 37 in average were included. The sex ratio was 3.75. Prior to draining off, 3 neoplasies (2 of lung bronchitis, 1 of cervix ), 1 leukaemia, 2 extra pericardium tuberculosis and 1 amoebic abscess were diagnosed . Clinical occurrence: the most frequent case, besides the tampon (10 cases, i.e. 30%), was isolated pericardial effusion associated or not with an alteration of the global state (13 cases, i.e. 4%). The average quantity of liquid extracted was 600c c which provoked a kind of haemorrhage in 18 cases, i.e. 60%. Tuberculosis was the major aetiology: 15 cases e i 50% out of which 4 were HIV positive. Three additional surgical biopsies were carried out. Seven patients died. CCONCLUSION In addition to its diagnostic contribution, echo guided pericardiocentesis offers an alternative to endoscopy surgery.

[Pulmonary arterial hypertension revealing pseudolymphoma associated with Sjogren's syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

The authors related a right heart failure related to a primitive pulmonary arterial hypertension without past medical.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This diagnosis has been noticed on the cardiac catheterism as well as the cardiac echography (no shunt). Two years later systemic anomalies such as polyarthritis and salivary glands disease were noticed. The Biopsy revelated a primitive Gougerot-Sjorgen pseudolymphomas syndrom.

CONCLUSION

Three years under conventional treatment were a failure as the evolution of the disease resulted to death.

[Preeclampsia: current aspects of physiopathology, clinic and treatment]

Preeclampsia complicating 3-5 % of all pregnancies in the world. Its origin is abnormal placentation around 12th week pregnancy. It associates hypertension and proteinuria appeared after 20th week pregnancy. Many risk factors with various mechanism of action have been identified (primigravida, younger age, twin pregnancy...). The main consequence of placental ischemia is generalized endothelial dysfunction responsible for clinical symptoms and complications (eclampsia, placental abruption, HELLP syndrome). It's an important cause of maternal death and is associated with increased risk of neonatal mortality, particularly in developing country. There is no consensus with regard to management particularly utilisation of drugs and break indication of pregnancy. Low dose aspirin is the only efficient preventive strategy in high-risk subjects. The therapeutic aspects are discussed as many in the benefit and the modalities of the antihypertensive treatment, as the indications of pregnancy interuption. Prevention is an up coming way but for the moment, only acetylsalicylic acid has proven its efficacity among the high risk patients.

[Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in child. About two cases]

The authors report two cases of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in young girls, age 3 months and 8 years old. The disease manifested itself as a cardiac heart failure in the infant's case and a syncop in the other case. Cardiac echocardiography showed in he first case asymetric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with ventricular outflow tract obstruction gradient of 100 mmhg, and concentric hypertrophic with 120 mmhg in the second case. Its evolution was fatal in both cases and led to sudden death at home. This disease is severe as no therapeutic treatment can modify its course.

[Cardiac pacing in West Africa: feasibility, problems, and perspectives]

BACKGROUND

The frequency of conductive trouble is not know in West-Africa where the evacuation to Europe and the cardiology institute of Abidjan has been for long time the only possibility to implant stimulators. We analyse our experience, the problems ant the perspectives.

METHODS

Over a three year period 92 patients (47 men, 45 women) were implanted using new (47%) or a recycled pacemaker. The technique used was essentially endoveinous (sub-clavicular puncture) except 2 children. The medium length of treatment was 24 months.

RESULTS

Syncope was noticed at the entrance in most 50% of cases. The degenerative etiology was dominant in 85%. Most cases (87%) used the VVI mode. Complications comprised 3 leads deplacements, 5 infections, 1 pacemaker syndrome and 1 death by mesenteria ischemia. Seven patients died later without any relation of cardiac pacing.

CONCLUSION

Despite an intrinsically high cost, pacemaker implantation is feasible and useful in selected indications in developing countries.

[Cardiac insufficiency in the African cardiology milieu]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine the frequency, the aetiologies and the hospital mortality of heart failure in African developing countries.

METHODS

A prospective study rolled over six months in African urban hospital including 170 patients, middle age 50 years old suffering from heart failure. They underwent clinical, paraclinical cardiac examination.

RESULTS

Heart failure represented 37.7%. Main cardiac failure risks were: hypertension: 76 cases (45%), diabetes mellitus: 20 cases (11.8%). General heart failure is noted at the entrance in 67.6% with cerebral attack in 5%. EKG showed left ventricle hypertrophy in 108 patients (63.5%) and atrial fibrillation in 28 patients (16.6%). Valvular heart diseases and hypertension are the main aetiologies respectively: 76 cases (45%) and 58 cases (34%). In 10 cases (6%) the aetiology is unspecified. Hospital mortality concerned 44 patients (25.9%).

CONCLUSION

Heart failure is grave and frequent in developing countries where there is no cardiac surgery. Prevention is possible: fighting against articular rheumatism and control hypertension.

[Maternal and fetal prognosis of hypertension and pregnancy in Africa (Senegal)]

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to record the different types of hypertension associated with pregnancy and to assess the incidence of hypertension and its gravity in Senegal.

METHODS

Over a two-year period, a cohort of pregnant women with hypertension according to the American working group classification of hypertension and pregnancy, was studied. A group of 47 non hypertensive women were matched for age and parity. Modalities of delivery were studied: maternal death, type of delivery, birth weight.

RESULTS

Among 2,400 deliveries, hypertension was observed in 94 women wih, mean age 33 years. The incidence of hypertension was 3.9% and the incidence of preeclampsia was 2.5%. The different types of hypertension were: Type I: 44 (47%), Type II: 16 (17%), Type III: 18 (19%), Type IV: 16 (17%). Echocardiography showed 30 cases of left ventricle hypertrophy with 3 cases of systolic dysfunction. Thirty-five patients had undergone a caesarean. Forty-seven infants had a birth weight below 2,000 g. Maternal mortality was 12.7%, fetal and neonatal mortality was 50%. There was a 21-fold higher chance of caesarean section in hypertensive women (p<4 x 10-4). Neonatal mortality was 36 times higher (p (4 x 10-6) than in the control group with a birth weight lower birth weight 975 g (p<10-6). Women suffering from toxemia gave birth to children having a lower birth weight (-543 g) (p<5.10-3), but, there was no significant difference concerning caesarean (p<7*10-1) maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality (p<9. 10-1) compared with other sub-groups.

CONCLUSION

In developing countries, hypertension in pregnant women is a severe condition responsible for disease and handicaps which could be avoidable at little cost through a better policy of detection and good quality multidisciplinary management.

[Evaluation of long-term outcome of Senegalese children sent abroad for cardiac surgery]

The incidence of childhood heart disease in developing countries is high, but access to cardiac surgery is limited. This mismatch has given rise to numerous humanitarian programs aimed at sending children abroad for surgical treatment. However little is available about the long-term outcome of these interventions. In 1999 we conducted a retrospective study of 168 Senegalese children undergoing follow-up at the Principal Hospital in Dakar after being transferred to Europe or the Ivory Coast for surgical treatment thanks to the Terre des Hommes Association. A total of 85 children presented congenital heart disease (CHD) and 83 presented acquired heart disease (AHD). Fifteen patients did not undergo surgery due to either contraindications or preoperative death. At the end of study, 23 children had been lost to follow-up mostly from the CHA group and presumably some were cured. Outcome was verifiable in the remaining 145 patients with a median follow-up of 5.6 years. Ninety-seven patients were cured or undergoing surveillance. Quality of life was better in the CHD group (p = 0.047). Forty-eight patients died including 16 in the CHD group and 32 in the AHD group. Perioperative mortality (n = 19) was lower and late mortality (n = 29) was higher in the AHD group (p = 0.005). In the AHD group compliance with surveillance was better for children with valve prostheses. In children treated for isolated mitral valve insufficiency, late mortality was higher after valve replacement than valve repair (p = 0.04). In absence of comparative study data, high mortality was due in part to the long delay between the decision to send the patient abroad and the actual evacuation. These findings support humanitarian action to promote cardiac surgery in developing countries.

[T-cell lymphoma-leukemia caused by HTLV-1 in adults: two lymphomatous forms]

The adult T-cells lymphoma-leukemia is a serious complication by the HTLV-1 infection. It is a rarely described diseases in Africa, in spite of the frequency of the infection by this virus. We report two clinical observations of lymphomatous forms. The first observation concerned a 43 year old Senegalese woman, admitted for a deep alteration of her general status and peripheral polyadenopathies. The adenopathy biopsy set up the diagnosis of pleiomorph T lymphoma with great and medium cells. The HTLV-1 serology was positive. She had benefited of six polychemotherapy cures (cyclophosphamide, farmarubicine, oncovin, prednisone) within which she died in a cachectic presentation. The second observation concerned a 44 year old Senegalese man, admitted for peripheral polyadenopathies, ulcerated lesions of sole of the foot, and deep alteration of the general status. He presented a moderate hypercalcemia by 117 mg/l. The histological examination of a ganglionar biopsy concluded to a diffuse T lymphoma with great cells. The HTLV-1 serology was positive. The cutaneous lesions were due to a phaeohyphomycosis of Exophiala jeanselmei. The symptomatic therapeutic measures had been applied and he died within four weeks in a septicemic clinical manifestation. The adult T-cells lymphoma leukemia due to the HTLV-1 ought to be researched before any lymphomatous and leucemic manifestation by T-cells through a serological research. The prognostic stays very bad.

Synthesis of thiaazaheterocycle nucleoside analogues

The syntheses of thiazinone, thiazinedione and thiazolinone base modified nucleoside analogues have been discussed in both the deoxy- and ribosyl series. Both inter- and intramolecular N-glycosylations were evaluated.

[Kartagener's syndrome: a case report]

The authors report a rare case of Kartagener's syndrome in 8 years old girl revelated by congenital cardiopathy with chronic bronchitis and severe heart failure. Incomplet endocardial cushion defect with single atrium was found and situs inversus suspected, confirmed by ultrasonography. She undergone cardiac surgery in Europe: atrial septation and mitralvalve repair. Surgery redux was neccessary formitral insufficency and residual shunt. Persistent atelectasia in lower inferior lobe indicated bronchoscopy. Lung biopsy confirmed Kartagener's syndrome. Now, she has no cardiac symptom, but bronchitis and chronic pansinusitis.

[Descriptive study of complicated hypertension. Experience of the Principal Hospital of Dakar]

We included in a six month-period 85 patients concerned about complicated high blood pressure. Hypertension represented 33% of 276 admissions for cardiovascular cases. Among the 55 men and 30 women concerned, average age was 57 years-old. Male to female ratio was 1,8. Cardiovascular risk factors were determined as follows: obesity: 18 cases (21%), cigarette smoking: 27 cases (32%), diabetes mellitus: 11 cases (13%), hypercholesterolaemia: 44 cases (52 %). Kidney was damaged in 36 patients (42%). Seventy patients (82%) with systolic dysfunction in 21 cases (30%) presented a left ventricular hypertrophy. Malignant hypertension was noted in 13 cases (15%). Eighteen patients (21%) had stroke and 9 died (10,5%). Drugs association was needed to control hypertension. As for everywhere in Africa, complicated hypertension is the main cause to admission for cardiovascular disease in our day-to-day practice. National preventive measures should help for systematic detection process and adequate management.

[Spiral volumetric CT angiography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in Senegal]

Authors relate spiral CT scan in pulmonary embolism about four cases : such as the surgical aspect, peri partum cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular collapsus, chest pains. In all cases spiral volumetric CT angiography Scan confirmed the diagnosis. So spiral CT scan proves to be a precious diagnosis tool that facilitates of multicentric study of pulmonary embolism. However, its effectiveness in the detection of isolated and segmentary embolism requires a thorough evaluation.

[Cardiac T cell lymphoma: a case report]

The authors relate an observation taken on a 17 year-old African girl for a pleural and pericardial infusion that has resisted the treatment of tuberculosis with no HIV infection. Subsequent echocardiographies revealed the quick formation of an infiltration process inside the left ventricle. Death occurred before pericardial histopathology indicated a cardiac T tell non-hodgkin malignant lymphoma. In west Africa, this is undoubtedly the first histologically demonstrated case in which HIV and HTLV infections could facilitate the appearance of that exceptional type of cardiac neoplasm.

[First case of cutaneous plasmocytoma in Africa]

Cutaneous plasmacytoma are dermo-hypodermic plasmacytic infiltrations. Occurrence is quite rare. Primary plasmacytoma and metastatic plasmacytoma in myeloma are distinguished. Firm, asymptomatic unique or multiple nodules are the common clinical form. We report the first african case of cutaneous plasmacytoma occurring in an IgG myeloma. It was a 73 year-old man with history of IgG myeloma, stade III of Durie and Salmon classification. At his third chemotherapy, he presented a pre-stemal nodule growing since 15 days. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous plasmacytoma. One months later news nodules and cranial lacunas were observed. It is important for the clinician to well known this complication of myeloma because of its bad prognosis. Moreover it should make modify the therapeutic protocol, if it's possible.

Determination of volatile bases in seafood using the ammonia ion selective electrode: collaborative study

Nine collaborating laboratories tested a combination of 23 seafood samples for volatile bases using an ammonia ion selective electrode. Results were reported as mg NH3/100 g fish, but the method reflected levels of both ammonia and trimethylamine, which permeated the ammonia membrane. The 23 samples were broken down into 8 blind duplicate pairs, 2 Youden matched pairs, and 3 single samples covering fresh to spoiled product ranging from 8 to 82 mg NH3/100 g. Seven species were evaluated: Atlantic cod, squid, Atlantic halibut, gray sole, monkfish, dogfish, and Atlantic mackerel. The ammonia electrode assay was performed on an aqueous homogenate consisting of 95 mL distilled water and 5.0 g sample tissue. Alkaline ion strength adjusting solution (2 mL) was added to the homogenate to liberate ammonia that was sensed by the ion specific electrode and measured on a precalibrated portable meter. Repeatability standard deviations (RSDr) ranged from 4.2 to 17%; reproducibility standard deviations (RSDR) ranged from 8.8 to 21%. A standard ammonium chloride solution was provided to all laboratories to spike 3 different samples at 10 mg NH3/100 g. Recoveries of added ammonia as ammonium chloride for fresh, borderline, and spoiled samples were 88.6, 107, and 128%, respectively.

[Adults with sickle cell anemia in Senegal. Clinical study of 40 homozygote subjects]

While the well-documented life expectancy of patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia (SS) is 40 years in industrialized countries, this question remains unanswered in black Africa. The purpose of this prospective study was to establish the clinical phenotype for Senegal. A severity score based on 12 clinical, laboratory, radiological, and prognostic findings was calculated and correlated with age and hemoglobin F level. A total of 40 SS homozygotes over 15 years of age (mean age: 25 years) were hospitalized between January 1996 and January 1998 at the Principal Hospital in Dakar. The most common events requiring hospitalization were vasoocclusive phenomena (n = 26) but the incidence of these complications declined significantly with age (p < 0.05). The mean hemoglobin level was 4.4 mmol/l and the mean hemoglobin F level was 6.2 p. 100. The incidence of visceral involvement was low (lithiasic vesicules in 17 cases, necrosis of the head of the femur in 7, and abnormal cardiac ultrasound findings in 10). Only one patient died during the study. No correlation was found between severity score and either age or hemoglobin F level. These findings confirm that the phenotype is less severe in Senegal. However they also show that organ damage is common by the time that patients reach adulthood and thus underline the need for prevention and education to improve survival of SS homozygotes in Senegal.

[Thyroid cardiac diseases in the African hospital milieu: experience of the Principal Hospital of Dakar, Senegal]

The incidence of cardiomyopathy associated with hyperthyroidism in black Africa is unclear. A prospective study was carried out at the Principal Hospital in Dakar, Senegal to systematically screen for thyrocardiac disease using cardiologic examinations including electrocardiography and ultrasound in a series of 15 men and 35 women with hyperthyroidism. Cardiac manifestations were detected in 3 men and 8 women including right ventricular insufficiency in 9 cases, left ventricular insufficiency and angor in one. After treatment of hyperthyroidism, atrial fibrillation disappeared in two cases and angor in one. Isolated dilated hypokinetic cardiomyopathy observed in 6 patients was the most common ultrasound finding and disappeared after treatment of thyroid dysfunction in 5. Manifestations occurred in two patients with mitro-aortic valve disease and one patient with isolated aortic valve disease. Based on these findings, the incidence of cardiomyopathy in patients with hyperthyroidism in Senegal was estimated to be 22 per 100 cases. This is similar to the incidence reported in industrialized countries. However the age of occurrence is lower and rheumatic valve disease was the most common associated cardiopathy.

[Pulmonary manifestations of schistosomiasis]

Bilharziosis or schistosomiasis is the third leading endemic parasitic disease in the world, following malaria and ambiasis. More than 300 million individuals are infested. Schistomosomes are blood flukes which live in the perivisceral veins. Clinical signs result from ova migrations. Transmitted by urine and feces, the parasite cycle requires intermediary host, usually fresh water snails. Bilharsiosis is endemic in tropical zones where it is a major public health problem closely correlated with the socio-economic conditions. Liver, intestinal or urinary complications, depending on the species, lead to underestimated morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary lesions are attributed to 3 species: S. haematobium, S. mansoni and S. japonicum. Although the lung is mandatory step in the parasite cycle, pulmonary manifestations are limited. They can be acute or chronic depending on the phase of the cycle, but are the most frequent extradigestive localization for S. mansoni. Morbidity due to chronic manifestations is particularly severe and should be prevented whenever possible.

[Closed-heart mitral commissurotomy: our experience at the Main Hospital in Dakar]

Confronted with difficulties of medical evacuation to cardiovascular surgical hospitals in Europe, the authors decided to bring up to date closed heart mitral commissurotomy. The aim of the study was to estimate possibility to select patients, to operate them safety to appreciate the results in medium and short time and the intervention's cost. 8 women and 7 men had a closed heart mitral commissurotomy from June 1995 to January 1997 in Dakar Principal Hospital; inclusion criteria were a symptomatic mitral stenosis with area less 1.5 cm2; exclusion criteria were an other valvulopathy, a Wilkin score above 8, a severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, an auricular thrombosis. One patient died on the forth day; a completely regressive hemiplegia was the only complication; 14 patients were clinically very improved: the average mitral area by planimetry form 0.89 cm2 +/- 0.15 became 1.64 cm2 +/- 0.33 and by Hatle formula from 0.82 cm2 +/- 0.12 to 1.71 cm2 +/- 0.37; the intervention cost was in second class 1,000,000 F CFA, in third class 820,000 F CFA. This study shows closed mitral commissurotomy can be realised in an african hospital as Dakar Principal Hospital; short and medium results are good; African surgeons must go on studying this surgical technic.

[Annulo-aortic ectasia syndrome apropos of 4 cases]

The authors present four cases of annuloaortic ectasia recently observed in Dakar Principal Hospital; two cases are MARFAN's syndrome, one is complicated by aortic dissection. Third cause of aortic regurgitation, this disease must be diagnosed early on account of its bad prognosis with the risk of the dissection of the aorta and issue to cardiac insufficiency. The diagnosis is more often affirmed by transthoracic echocardiography. Treatment is surgical with low operative mortality and excellent long term result.

Rapid determination of volatile bases in fish by using an ammonia ion-selective electrode

A simple and rapid method using an ammonia ion-selective electrode (ISE) to measure volatile bases in fish is proposed. Accuracy and precision were determined with 5, 10, 20, and 30 ppm NH3 standard solutions. Ammonia values obtained with the method correlate strongly with total volatile basic nitrogen (r2 = 0.88). Recoveries of added ammonia to homogenized fish samples ranged from 83.7 to 96.0%. Responses of the probe to trimethylamine (TMA), calculated as NH3 (mg/100 mL), ranged from 74.9 to 91.7%. These findings indicate that the probe measured TMA as well as ammonia. Storage trials on 8 fish species illustrated that the results obtained with the ISE method reflected nitrogen concentrations based on total volatile base (TVB) analysis. This procedure may be used in lieu of the traditional TVB method for on-site rapid screening of fish.

[Cardiac manifestations of polymyositis. Apropos of 2 Senegalese cases]

INTRODUCTION

Polymyositis cardiac involvement varies between 37% and 70%. EXEGENESIS: The authors report two cases of polymyositis with myocardial involvement observed in Senegal; the first case is a cardiac failure revealing an acute polymyositis occurring in a 44-year-old woman; the second case is a 34-year-old woman who had polymyositis with tachycardia and dyspnea: in the two cases echocardiography showed a left ventricular concentric hypertrophy with preserved systolic function and altered diastolic function; clinical and echocardiographic resolution were obtained by corticosteroid medication.

CONCLUSION

Myocardial localization is the most common polymyositis cardiac involvement; clinical symptomatology is rare (3.3% to 6%). sometimes revealing polymyositis; electrocardiographic abnormalities are found in 18% to 81% cases and echographic abnormality in 42% cases; cardiac involvement is of bad prognosis.

[Etiopathogenic, ultrasonographic and prognostic features of postpartum cardiomyopathy]

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a classic but uncommon entity in African women about which there is little etiologic understanding. From January 1990 to March 1996 a series of 30 cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy was collected at the Principal Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. Peripartum cardiomyopathy was defined as the occurrence of cardiac insufficiency in a woman with no previous history of heart disease, during the period between the second and twentieth weeks after delivery confirmed by ultrasound evidence of dilated cardiomyopathy. The overall incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy during the study period was 30 out of 1200 deliveries. The mean age of the women in the study was 34 years and mean parity was 5.2. In 13.3% of cases births involved twins. There were no predisposing socio-economic or climatic factors. The clinical picture was severe cardiac failure in 80.3% of cases and left ventricular insufficiency in 16.6%. In all cases ultrasound findings were typical of dilated cardiomyopathy. Serum selenium and vitamin B1 levels were normal. Measurements of T CD4 and CD8 in eight patients were normal. Conversion enzyme inhibitors were administered to twenty patients. Complete remission was achieved in 14 patients, three patients died, and thirteen patients presented ultrasonic evidence of persistent dilated cardiomyopathy. One patient relapsed after a subsequent delivery. These findings are in agreement with previous reports concerning the clinical and prognostic features of peripartum cardiomyopathy in Africa.