[The "self-inflammatory syndrome"].

The "self-inflammatory syndrome" gathers diseases all characterized by a recurrent inflammatory syndrome with fever, in the absence of infection or neoplasia. It is based on a genetic support characterized by mutations in genes implied in the inflammatory response and in the activation of the cytokine network. The diseases associated with this syndrome are familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), TRAPS (tumor necrosis factor receptor super family 1 A-associated periodic syndrome), familial cold urticaria, the Muckle-Wells syndrome, the hyper IgD syndrome and CINCA.

[The return of the prodigal child or allergy to ficus].

Ficus benjamina (FB), the weeping fig, belonging to the Moracea family, is now widely used as an indoor ornamental plant in houses and offices. Its latex can be responsible of IgE allergies : rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, angiooedema, pruritus, anaphylactic shock. In some occupations such as gardeners, caretakers of plants, it can induce a contact urticaria.

[Macrophage activation syndrome, hemophagocytic syndrome].

Macrophage activation syndrome MAS describes the clinical, biological and histological symptoms related to a probably T lymphocytes/NK cell driven stimulation of macrophages with the consequence of a hemophagocytosis involving numerous organs, preferentially bone marrow, explaining the other term of "hemophagocytic syndrome". Clinical symptoms include cytopenia, multiple organ dysfunction, fever unresponsive to antibiotics, fatigue and rash. Infections (bacteria, virus or parasites), lymphoproliferative disorders, cancers, systemic diseases are the most prevalent triggers or etiologies of M.

[Systemic urticaria induced by hops].

The authors report a patient who presented 4 times a systemic urticaria with arthralgias and fever treated by corticosteroids with efficacy. Wild hop (Humulus lupulus) was finally proved to be the causal factor. H.

[Aspirin: allergy or intolerance].

Purpose: The paper describes the clinical characteristics of patients with aspirin-induced asthma and/or urticaria, angioedema, shock, the results of the challenge tests and the evolution of this disease.

Main Point: The authors present the different arguments supporting the physiopathological mechanisms from genetics to the inhibition of cyclooxugenase or the leukotriene hypothesis.

Prospectives: Finally, they recall the methodology to be used for a good clinical practice on this controversial field of research.

[Rare hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndromes].

Total immunoglobulin E levels are very frequently measured, particularly for allergy. Their high levels are ordinarily found in atopy and parasitosis. This article subject is to determine rare diseases where high levels of total immunoglobulin E are found except in classic diseases.