Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to endobronchial metastases from extra-thoracic neoplasms: A report of three cases and brief review of literature.

Introduction: Endobronchial metastases (EBMs) are rare, with primary tumours predominantly of breast, renal, and colorectal origin. Bronchoscopy is the diagnostic gold standard, with histological confirmation through immunohistochemical study.

Cases: We presented three cases of EBMs, one secondary to colorectal cancer and two associated with renal tumours.

Laboratory findings predictive of critical illness in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Tunisia.

Background: COVID-19 disease has spread rapidly worldwide, causing high mortality. Accessible biomarkers capable of early identification of patients at risk of severe form are needed in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to determine the biological markers that predict a critical condition.

A rare coexistence of sarcoidosis with overlap syndrome and sarcoidosis with primary biliary cholangitis and Sjogren's syndrome: Two distinct case reports.

Sarcoidosis and the overlap syndrome of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) share common clinical, biological, and histological features. The simultaneous occurrence of these diseases have been reported in few cases and suggests that a common pathway which may contribute to granuloma formation in both conditions. We report the cases of two female patients having an association of sarcoidosis and inflammatory liver diseases.

[Pneumomediastinum and vomiting: Which approach to diagnosis? A case report].

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare and often unrecognized condition of which vomiting is one of the reported triggering factors. Differentiating SPM from Boerhaave's syndrome (pneumomediastinum secondary to esophageal breach) is the first step in management and prognosis.

Observation: A 27-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematous presented to the emergency department with epigastralgia, incoercible vomiting and diarrhoea.

[Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis complicating pulmonary adenocarcinoma: a case report].

Limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disease often of paraneoplastic origin. It is frequently associated with bronchopulmonary cancer. Diagnosis is based on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Case Report: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Revealing Asthma.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunological pulmonary disorder caused by hypersensitivity to which colonizes the airways of patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. Its diagnosis could be difficult in some cases due to atypical presentations especially when there is no medical history of asthma. Treatment of ABPA is frequently associated to side effects but cumulated drug toxicity due to different molecules is rarely reported.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic management of operable bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumours].

Introduction: Bronchial carcinoid tumours (CT), divided into typical carcinoid (TC) or atypical carcinoid (AC), are rare tumours whose therapeutic management remains unspecified.

Methods: Retrospective study collecting cases of bronchial CT operated at the thoracic surgery department of Abderrahmane-Mami hospital of Ariana and recruited from the pneumology departments of Northern Tunisia, during a 12-year period.

Results: Ninety patients were collected (74 cases of TC and 16 cases of AC).

[Sleep disorders and psycho-affective problems in paramedical personnel working an atypical schedule].

Introduction: Shift work can cause health problems and sleep disorders and therefore affect mental health. These psycho-affective disorders can, in return, worsen sleep disorders and thus establish a vicious circle. The aims of our study were to assess the frequency of sleep and psycho-affective disorders among paramedical personnel doing shift work and to screen them for obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSA).

[Confusion in the diagnosis of endobronchial tumor].

Bronchopulmonary cancer is the leading cause of death in men and the second in women. Some endoscopic or radiological features may guide histological diagnosis and thus facilitate therapeutic management. We here report the case of a 54-year old man, with a history of smoking and recent coronary stent implantation, presenting with haemoptysis and worsening of dyspnea which had evolved over the last month.

Esophageal leiomyomas presenting as a mediastinal mass.

Although benign tumors of the esophagus are very rare, the leiomyomas are frequently recorded. Most of them are small, asymptomatic and without risk of malignant degeneration. These benign tumors are usually discovered fortuitously on endoscopy.

Anxiety and depression in Tunisian patients with COPD.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease with a multi-systemic impact that can be complicated by psycho-affective disorders.

Aim: To determinethe frequency of anxiety and depression in patients followed for stable COPD in a university hospital-center in Tunisand to determine the predictors of their onset.

Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional studyof patients followed for stable COPD at the pulmonology department of the Mongi Slim La Marsa Hospital.

Preoperative assessment in pulmonary resection surgery.

Pulmonary resection can be associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality, which depends on the nature and extent of pulmonary resection but also on the patient himself. This risk can be apprehended by a preoperative assessment which estimates the immediate operative risk as well as the physiological state and the post-operative quality of life which can require more conservative therapies. Currently, preoperative exploration of a patient is based on various technological tools, which can range from simple electrocardiogram or simple spirometry to a complex exploration such as a cardiorespiratory effort test.

[Tuberculous pseudotumour, a challenging diagnosis].

Introduction: The pseudotumorous form of tuberculosis is a rare entity. Whatever its location, it can simulate neoplasia by its radiological and/or endoscopic appearances. We highlight the diagnostic difficulties associated with this type of presentation.

Contribution of fixed-dose combinations in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Background - The introduction of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of TB treatment in Tunisia is recent (July 2009). WHO and the National Tuberculosis Programme recommend the use of fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablets for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The effectiveness of ADF has been demonstrated, however the risk of relapse and tolerance were controversial.

Role of metalloproteinases MMP-2 in asthma.

Background - Many metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in the pathogenesis and modulation of the severity of asthma. MMP-9 is the predominant in asthma but other MMPs are involved such as the MMP-2. Aim - To determine the role of single nucleotide polymorphism of the gene MMP2 in susceptibility to asthma and its severity.

The Z-score: A new tool in the interpretation of spirometric data.

Spirometry is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of patients with respiratory pathology. An appropriate interpretation of the spirometric data requires the use of a population-specific reference equation. However, the most widely used equations were established in European populations with limited age groups.

Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms to antituberculosis treatment.

Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome reflects a serious hypersensitivity reaction to drugs. This syndrome is an uncommon adverse reaction due to antituberculosis drugs and is sometimes difficult to identify the culprit agent. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman who received combined antituberculosis drugs (RHZE) for lymph node tuberculosis.

[Diagnosis delay of pleural and pulmonary tuberculosis].

Tuberculosis (TB) is still being endemic in our country. Time until management determines both evolution and prognosis of this condition. The aim of this work is to evaluate the delay in diagnosis of TB in a respiratory unit from a university hospital series.

[Diagnosis approach of pulmonary embolism].

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a fairly common condition that can be fatal. The variability of presentation sets clinician up for potentially missing the diagnosis. Routine laboratory findings are nonspecific and are not helpful in diagnosis of PE.