[Effect of inhaled corticosteroids on bone mineral density in asthmatic adults: a 20 cases study].

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids are widely used in the treatment of asthma but their safety on bone density is controversial.

Aim: To study in a population of adults with asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids for long term, the effect of this therapy on bone mineral density.

Methods: Prospective study including 20 asthmatics, aged from 20 to 45 years, treated with inhaled corticosteroids for 12 months or more, with no risk factors for osteoporosis.

[Prevalence of axial manifestations among patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective study about 50 cases].

Background: Rheumatologic manifestations occurring during inflammatory bowel disease are the most frequent extra intestinal features. They are dominated by spondyloarthropathies, sacro-iliite and peripheral arthritis.

Aim: To identify in a group of inflammatory bowel disease, the frequency of axial manifestations, to describe the clinical and the radiological features and to identify the risk factors of their occurrence and/or worseness.

Atypical form of melorheostosis improved by pamidronate.

Background: Melorheostosis is a rare chronic bone disease of unknown etiology that often affects a single limb.

Aim: Report a new case of melorheostosis of the ribs improved by pamidronate infusions

Case: A 36-year-old man without any medical history was admitted for a history of one month painful tumefaction on the 7th left rib. The diagnosis of melorheostosis of the rib and the tibia was made.

[Bone loss owing to inflammatory bowel disease: prospective study, 50 cases].

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to determine the risk factors.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study that includes IBD patients. For all patients, bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-rays absorptiometry.

Myositis ossificans circumscripta of the knee improved by alendronate.

Myositis ossificans circumscripta (MOC) is a rare benign disorder characterized by heterotopic ossification of soft tissues. We report a case in a 21-year-old male who presented with knee pain after strenuous physical activity. Evidence of inflammation of the knee and a hard swelling in the subquadricipital area were the main physical findings.