Amoxicillin-induced aseptic meningo-encephalitis.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to I Lazareth.
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Classification of lymphedema is debated, because authors don't agree with the disordered physiology. Kinmonth divided all cases into primary and secondary lymphedema. Three types of primary lymphedema have been recognized: congenital, precox and tarda. Secondary lymphedema develops as a consequence of disruption or obstruction of the lymphatic pathways. Iatrogenic lymphedema are caused by surgery and/or radiation therapy. Post-infectious lymphedema are mainly caused by filariasis in tropical areas, and by cellulitis in occidental areas. Neoplastic disease (breast, prostatic cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma) are a major cause of secondary lymphedema. Less frequent etiologies are rheumatoid lymphedema, pathomimic lymphedema, pretibial myxoedema. Reduced lymphatic drainage is associated with severe chronic venous insufficiency and contributes to the leg swelling and the risk of infection.
Optimal medical treatment of ischemic diabetic ulcers is multifactorial. Infection is very common and it is necessary to distinguish between limb or life threatening infections and non-limb-threatening infections. The major pathogen associated with non-limb-threatening infection is staphylococcus aureus; oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin/clavulanate or clindamycin can be used. For severe infection, empiric antibiotic therapy is broader-spectrum covering staphylococci, streptococci, gram-negative bacilli and enterococci; intravenous administration is the rule. Duration of antibiotic therapy depends on severity and depth of infection, and on requirement of surgical debridment. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is a growth factor stimulating proliferation and function of neutrophils. As an adjunctive therapy for limb-threatening infections, it is associated with a lower rate of amputation. Increasing arterial perfusion if the patient is unsuitable for reconstructive surgery or angioplasty is desirable. Iloprost is an analogue of epoprostenol with effects on platelet aggregability and vasodilatation. It improves ulcer healing, decreases pain, slightly diminishes the rate of amputation. Systemic hyperbaric oxygen therapy can perhaps improve clinical outcome but additional research is needed to define the specific indications and benefits of this treatment modality. Local care is not rationalized and depends on local habits. Debridment is required. Non necrotic wounds can be covered by modern dressing (hydrophilic dressing, alginates, hydrocolloid). Necrotic wounds are dryed until surgical revascularization, or excised if they are limited and superficial. Pinch grafts are very useful for arterial ulcers. The place of topical growth factor like PDGF (platelet derived growth factor) and of living skin equivalents (dermagraft, apligraf) is not defined in ischaemic diabetic ulcers. Treatment of edema is necessary, because it retards or complicates healing. Inelastic bandages can be useful with good tolerance if ischemia is not critical. Pneumatic foot compression is under evaluation. Electric stimulation could be an adjuncting treatment, but with a problem of compliance. Reducing plantar pressure is always necessary.
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Acrocyanosis is undoubtedly the most commonplace acrosyndrome, both in terms of pathogenesis and prognosis. Patients experience functional impairment and an esthetic prejudice that must not be neglected. Adopting the nosological classifications described for Raynaud's syndrome, primary acrocyanosis must be distinguished from exceptional secondary phenomena that have a radically different clinical course. Primary acrocyanosis is generally observed in a young woman who appears thin or has recently lost weight. No paroxysmal episode (syncope, cyanosis, suspicious event involving the fingers) is found. The physical examination is negative and no complementary explorations are needed. Current pathophysiological hypotheses remain insufficient but suggest that vasospasticity rather than hemorheology is involved. The hypothesis that a thermoregulation disorder could be associated with weight loss deserves further study. Symptomatic care relies on dietary and hygiene counseling, emphasizing the importance of warm clothing. The psychological element must also be considered even in the most common forms.
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OBJECTIVE: It is estimated that 1 leg ulcer out of 300 is a carcinoma. In the literature ulceration of skin cancer is distinguished from chronic leg ulcers although this later category remains a subject of debate. We examined the clinical features of suspected malignant leg ulcers and discuss the notion of secondary malignant transformation of leg ulcers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included patients attending the Vascular Clinic at the Saint-Joseph Hospital in Paris between 1991 and 1999 who were referred for leg ulcers and whose final diagnosis was cancerous ulceration. RESULTS: There were six patients, mean age 77 years who had squamous cell carcinomas (4 cases) and basocellular carcinomas (2 cases). We observed two distinct situations: leg carcinomas that ulcerated from onset (2 cases) and malignant transformation of a cicatrix, known as Marjolin's ulcer (4 cases). There were no cases of malignant transformation of chronic leg ulcers in this series. The clinical elements suggestive of a cancerous leg ulcer were the absence of a vascular etiology, the red, budding aspect of the ulcer with hard borders, and its development on a cicatrix. CONCLUSION: Malignant transformation of a vascular leg ulcer was not observed in our series, but has been reported in the literature although a critical analysis of reported data is only significant for squamous cell carcinoma. The frequency is probably overestimated. Our series enabled us to identify the clinical circumstances leading to an early diagnosis of carcinoma of the lower limbs. There are three essential criteria: analysis of the vascular status of the patient, the clinical characteristics of the leg ulcer, and its development on a cicatrix.
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Varicose veins are a very common reason for medical referral. Diagnosis is made on clinical examination. The disease is generally benign, but can be complicated by cutaneous ulcers. Duplex ultrasound give informations on the superficial, deep and perforating venous systems. Treatment is not straightforward. Recurrences are common after surgery and sclerotherapy. Medical treatment consists in compression hosiery and symptomatic drugs.
Pathomimicry occurs in all fields of medicine. Although difficult to recognize, all physicians should be aware of the underlying mechanisms in order to avoid excessive ordering of complementary examinations and therapeutic propositions which may be dangerous. Pathomimesis is to be distinguished from Munchhausen's syndrome which involves simulation of severe disease and extravagant lies with false history reporting leading to successive hospitalizations in different hospitals. Pathomimesis is also distinguished by the goal of the simulation which is to obtain a precise material benefit. In vascular pathology, pathomimesis can take on several aspects:hemorrhagic syndrome by self-prescribed anticoagulants, self-induced limb edema (tourniquet), or self-inflicted skin wounds. Diagnosis is suggested by the absence of a cause, identification of the stricture groove in case of edema, imprivement with occlusive dressings for skin ulcers and by the general presentation. Pathomimesis is usually encountered in young intelligent women with some medical knowledge. This behavior has a psychopathological significance, the provoked symptoms demonstrating difficult emotional events in the past. The patient attempts to overcome an earlier tragic situation. Pathomimicry is thus expressed during acute episodes of fear and/or anxiety. For the practitioner, it is important to avoid accusing the patient or attempting to get the patient to avow as there is an important risk of exaggerated or self-destructive response. The patient should be led to realize that the physician knows what is happening. This unstated interchange allows the patient to establish a confident relationship with the physician, a relationship which should lead to an accepted psychotherapy.
The differential diagnosis of erythermalgia is sometimes complicated by the absence of consensus on proposed diagnostic criteria. Unwarranted diagnosis can result from any clinical situation leading to burning sensations in the limbs. This can occurs in patients with peripheral neuropathies who often experience dysesthesia when going to bed when the legs are under the covers; in such cases, redness and local warmth are missing. Venous insufficiency can also produce sensations of warm feet, often at retiring, together with edema and an increase in local heat. Algodystrophy, during the inflammatory phase can also mimic erythermalgia with intense pain and local modifications. Nevertheless, the unilateral aspect and persistence of the symptoms together with the post-traumatic situation usually directs the diagnosis. Acrodynia is a rare disease caused by excessive mercury intake and should be discussed in children. Vasomotor impairment in the limbs is the main sign. The red color of the hands and feet is accompanied by intense paroxysmal burn-type pain. The diagnosis is confirmed by high mercury levels in urine. Fabry's disease is a hereditary sphingolipidosis transmitted on chromosome X and occurs predominantly in men, often starting early in childhood with burning sensation in the limbs. The diagnosis should be entertained in children with pseudo-erythermalgia and is confirmed by chromatographic search for abnormal sphingolipids in the urine.