Parascapular mass revealing primary tuberculosis of the posterior arch.

We report the case of a parascapular abscess revealing primary tuberculosis of the posterior arch in a 31-year-old man. Sectional imaging is essential in order to detect the different lesions of this atypical spinal tuberculosis as osteolysis of the posterior arch extendible to vertebral body, osteocondensation, epidural extension which is common in this location, and high specificity of a zygapophysial, costo-vertebral or transverse arthritis.

Health risks and risk-taking behaviors among International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expatriates returning from humanitarian missions.

Objective: To assess self-reported health risk and risk-taking behavior of humanitarian expatriates.

Methods: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was completed by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expatriates returning during May 2003 to September 2004, covering perceived health status before and after mission, malaria prevention, prevalence of exposure to stress, accidents and violence, and risk-taking behaviors.

Findings: More than one-third (36.

[Prevention of non infectious health problems in expatriates and humanitarian workers].

Frequently, expatriates and humanitarian workers change their lifestyle during expatriation and take more risks. Exposure to sun and heat, alcohol abuse, unprotected sexual relationships, stress, accidents and security incidents are the main non infectious health risks. It is important to prevent them, as the consequences are more serious abroad.

[Stress and mental health in expatriates].

To be an expatriate can be a very rewarding experience. Nevertheless, it requires a great ability of adaptation to a new environment. The living and professional conditions may be very demanding.