[Significance of systematic endoscopic decannulation. Retrospective study on intensive care patients].

We performed a retrospective study in 42 consecutive tracheotomy patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit. Endoscopy was used systematically to assess all patients at decanulation and whenever symptoms suggested possible tracheal granuloma. Nine tracheal granulomas were evidenced.

[Fat embolism after intrapenile injection of sweet almond oil].

We report a case of fat embolism following self injection of vegetable oil in the penis, to treat an impotence. The patient developed respiratory failure and neurological disorders as confusion. A chest roentgenogram revealed diffuse alveolar infiltrate.

Left-sided superior vena cava: diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging.

We describe a case of left-sided superior vena cava. The diagnosis was suggested by chest radiograph after central venous catheter placement. This was subsequently confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging.

[Chronic atrophic polychondritis. Clinical polymorphism and severity of respiratory lesions].

The authors report the case of chronic destructive polychondritis (PCA) with extensive and predominant laryngo-tracheal involvement. The respiratory localisation of PCA is apparent in around 50% of cases. In a quarter of patients presenting with this type of localisation, the outcome is fatal.