D. Gosset

Conjunctival Biopsy in Scleroderma and Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca complicates both scleroderma and Sjögrens syndrome. Scleroderma of recent onset is difficult to diagnose, but is easily recognized late in its course. To assess the value of the conjunctival biopsy in the diagnosis of scleroderma, we used light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy to compare in a masked fashion specimens from 21 patients with scleroderma and 14 patients with primary Sjögrens syndrome. Epithelial changes permitted diagnosis of early scleroderma in the two groups of patients. Lymphocytic infiltrate was always present in Sjögrens syndrome, but not in scleroderma. Fibrosis was always found in scleroderma, even in scleroderma of recent onset, but was absent in Sjögrens syndrome. The fibrosis was distributed around capillaries in a band-like pattern and was associated with degranulating mast cells. Conjunctival biopsy is valuable for the early diagnosis of scleroderma and for differentiating between scleroderma and primary Sjögrens syndrome.

Arthropathies digitales: une complication exceptionnelle de la maladie de still

The present study emphasizes the possible complication of adult onset-Stills disease by psoriatic-arthropathy of the hands (3 cases in a retrospective study of 18 patients).

Artérite distale symptomatique des membres supérieurs: 60 observations

We report 60 cases of distal symptomatic arm arteritis. The diagnosis made on anamnestics, clinicals and arteriographics criteria was: junevile arteritis (47 %), occupationnal origin (25 %), connectivite tissue diseases (15 %).

Fibrose rétropéritonéale et sclérodermie. Association fortuite ou mécanisme commun

We present a case of retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with scleroderma (CREST syndrome). The pathogenic implications of such association with systemic vasculitis and connective tissue disease is discussed.

Aspects comparatifs des critères diagnostiques de la maladie de behçet autochtone et non autochtone

We studied 36 patients with Behcets disease according to Mason and Barnes criteria. 16 % of these patients had no Behcets disease according to the International Study Group criteria.

Dermatomyosite et cancers. 10 observations parmi 41 myopathies inflammatoires

The relationship between malignancy and dematomyositis (DM) is well established. We report 10 cases of dermatomyositis associated with malignancies in a serie of 29 DM. Low albumin, high CRP level, older patients are significantly associated with malignancy.

Nécroses digitales précédant une sclérodermie: 4 observations

Digital necrosis are common in systemic sclerosis, but rarely in the onset of disease. We report four cases of digital necrosis in men whom are previous or revealing the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.

Manométrie œsophagienne au cours de la sclérodermie et du syndrome de Raynaud suspect. Analyse rétrospective de 50 cas

The authors studied esophageal manometry in 50 patients with systemic scleroderma (SS) or suspected secondary Raynauds phenomenom (SSRP). Motor esophageal dysfunction (MED) was present in 27 of 33 patients with SS (82 %) and in 11 of 17 patients (65 %) with SSRP. No statistical correlation was found between MED and age at diagnosis nor duration of disease or skin involvement. Esophageal manometry must be performed early in SSRP to detect MED and prevent esophageal or pulmonary complications.

Hyperpigmentation palmo-plantaire: un effet secondaire du cyclophosphamide mal connu (une observation)

Abstract The authors report on a case of a very unusual side-effect of cyclophosphamide: palmo-plantar hyperpigmentation.

Le phénomène de Raynaud suspect est-il une forme infra-clinique de sclérodermie?

Abstract 20 patients with Raynauds Phenomena and a Nailfold capillary scleroderma pattern but without any clinical sign of progressive systemic sclerosis, were studied: 15/20 patients had an oesophagal hypotonia, 11/20 had an alveolitis on the broncho alveolar lavage and/or alterations of the pulmonary fonction tests. 13/18 showed a scleroderma like active pericapillary fibrillogenesis on labial salivary gland biopsy.