Epidemiological Aspects of Obesity, Overweight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors at Associes in Semi-Urban Areas (Case of Sébikotane)

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are a public health problem. The general objective was to determine the epidemiological aspects of obesity, overweight and associated risk factors in a semi-urban environment. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on November 28 and 29, 2023 in Sébikotane. It focused on volunteers for screening for chronic non-communicable diseases. Epidemiological and clinical data were evaluated. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine cases of obesity were recorded (28%). Two hundred and eighty-two cases were overweight or obese (61.3%). The mean age was 49.55 years, with a standard deviation of 12.41 years. The age group [40 - 49 years] was the most representative, with 85 cases (30.1%), and the majority were female, with 264 cases (93.6%). Primary education was the most common, with 75 cases (46.3%). Grade 1 obesity concerned ninety-seven cases (75.2%), and diabetes was present in thirty cases (23%). Hypertension was present in ninety-five cases (33.7%). Obesity was more marked in the age group [40 - 49 years] with 45 cases (36%). Conclusion: Obesity and overweight are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The development and implementation of a prevention and management program is essential.

Survey on Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Dakar Region

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases constitute a major public health problem, due to their morbi-mortality. The aim was to study knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among residents of Dakar. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Our investigations were recruited over a six-month period (October 17, 2021 to March 21, 2022). Results: Two hundred and twenty-six (226) patients were enrolled. The mean age was 45.9 years. The under-40 age group was the most represented with 37.2%. There were 129 men (57.1%), giving a male/female sex ratio of 1.33. The highest level was represented by 159 people (70.4%). Those who responded (heart disease) were in the majority (38.1%). Hypertension was the most common CVD for 101 people (44.7%). One hundred and ninety (190) people (84%) knew the risk factors for CVD. Good knowledge of risk factors concerned 103 people (54.2%). Obesity was the best-known risk factor in 156 cases (69%). The media was the most important source of information for 121 people (53.5%). Hypertensives were the most represented with 8.4%. One hundred and thirty (130) people (57.5%) had previously paid attention to these FDRCVs. Awareness campaigns were the most effective means of communication for 170 cases (75.2%). Sixteen (16) people (35.6%) were taking antihypertensive medication. Walking was the most popular physical activity for 102 people (45%). People with a balanced diet were in the majority, with 174 respondents (77.0%). Conclusion: NCDs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is essential to develop and implement a prevention and management program.

Late Diagnosis of Turner Syndrome in Adulthood;a Case Study from the Endocrinology-Diabetology Nutrition Department of the National Hospital of Pikine Senegal

Introduction: Turner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterised by the presence of one X chromosome and the absence of part or all of an X or Y chromosome and patients may experience delayed puberty and infertility. Our study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic delay in our practice and analyze the impact of this diagnostic delay on the effectiveness of patient management. Patients and Methods: Turner syndrome patients were identified from the endocrinology-diabetology nutrition department Database We examined the records of patients in whom the karyotype analysis favoured Turner syndrome. Results: We have selected 5 patients’ records of female patients with Turner syndrome. The mean age was 25, ranging from 19 to 29 years. Primary amenorrhea and characteristic dysmorphic features were observed in all patients. One married patient, who sought consultation for infertility, expressed a desire for pregnancy. Short stature was identified in 3 patients. Primary hypothyroidism and hypertension were respectively found in 1 and 2 patients. Gonadal dysgenesis was noted in 100% of cases. Karyotype analysis revealed monosomy X in 2 patients and mosaic patterns in others. All patients received estrogen-progestin treatment. Antihypertensive therapy was initiated for 2 patients. One patient is on L-thyroxine. In the short term, treatment led to the onset of menstruation after the initial months. Evaluation of treatment efficacy on internal genital organs is yet to be performed. Due to uncertain benefits at this age, growth hormone therapy was not considered for our patients. We provided counseling on assisted reproductive options for couples desiring to conceive. In our study, all patients were placed on estrogen-progestin therapy, and the response appeared favorable. Conclusion: In our practice, the diagnosis of Turner syndrome occurs very late in adulthood, at an age when growth hormone treatment is nearly ineffective. Treatment typically revolves around estrogen-progestin therapy, along with managing other comorbidities such as hypertension and primary hypothyroidism.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, a Rare Complication of Severe Malnutrition: Two Cases from a Subsaharian Endocrinology Department

Introduction: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), a rare diagnosis due to compression of the third duodenum between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the aorta resulting in bowel obstruction, may lead to severe malnutrition. We report two cases of patients hospitalised in the Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nutrition Department of the National Hospital Center (NHC) of Pikine. Observations: Patient 1: A 35-year-old female was referred for an aetiological diagnosis due to a rapid weight loss of 15 kilograms in one month, accompanied by persistent vomiting, following an appendectomy performed a month before admission. Upon clinical examination, she presented severe malnutrition (Buzby index of 76%), early post-prandial chronic vomiting, and a poor general condition. An abdominal CT scan revealed aortomesenteric clamp syndrome (AMCS) with an angulation between the aorta and the SMA of 13˚. The underlying cause in this patient was severe malnutrition. Fortunately, her condition improved with medical treatment. Patient 2: We report the case of a 30-year-old female hospitalized due to unusual weight-bearing post-prandial epigastric pain and intermittent vomiting over the past six months. Upon physical examination at admission, she exhibited severe malnutrition with a body mass index (BMI) of 14 kg/m2, a Buzby index of 71%, trophic disorders, and a stage IV general condition assessment according to the World Health Organization (WHO). An abdominal CT scan revealed AMCS with an angle between the aorta and the SMA of 22˚ and an aortomesenteric space of 4 mm. The outcome was poor with medical treatment failure and, unfortunately, the patient died before surgery. Conclusion: SMAS is rarely evoked in clinical practice despite the presence of contributing factors and suggestive clinical signs. The prognosis depends on management time.

Overview of Adrenals Tumors in Dakar Hospitals

Introduction: Adrenal tumours (AT) are commonly encountered in clinical practice. For any patient presenting an adrenal mass, there are two crucial points to consider: is the adrenal mass malignant and is it hormonally active? The objective of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of AT in a developing country. Methodology: We conducted a retrospective study spanning 17 years (from January 2005 to October 2022) in four Dakar hospital services. We included all patient medical records with explored AT. Results: AT was diagnosed in 35 patients who had a mean age of 36.62 years (range: 12-79), and a female predominance (26 women to 9 men). Among these patients, 17.2 % had incidental AT. Hypertension was the commonest presenting symptom in 27 patients (77%), which was associated with Mnards triad in 14 patients (40%). Abdominal pain was reported by 20 patients (57%), and 14 presented with an abdominal mass. Among the patients, 29 had functional AT: 22 with pheochromocytoma, 5 with primary hyperaldosteronism, and 2 with hypercortisolism. Imaging evaluations revealed that 33 patients had unilateral AT and one had bilateral AT. Tumour sizes varied, 5 patients had tumours 10 cm. Two patients presented with metastases. The therapeutic approach involved adrenalectomy in 32 patients. Perioperative complications were observed in five patients, including haemorrhage (two patients), hypotension (two cases), and hypertensive crisis (one case). One patient with bilateral pheochromocytoma developed acute adrenal insufficiency postoperatively, followed by abdominal herniation. Histopathological examination confirmed pheochromocytoma in 21 patients, Conns adenoma in 5, adrenocortical carcinoma in 3, cortisol adenoma in 2, and adrenal cyst in 1 patient. Non-functional AT included adrenocortical carcinoma (three patients), adrenal cyst (one patient), and pheochromocytoma (two patients). After a one-year follow-up, 29 patients with benign tumours had favourable outcomes, while death occurred within six months of diagnosis in five cases. A patient who had bilateral pheochromocytomas, with complications, died before surgery. Conclusion: In our practice, AT are predominantly pheochromocytomas, being typically diagnosed when they become symptomatic large tumours and, due to this large size, laparotomy is the preferred surgical approach. Unfortunately, the prognosis for malignant tumours is poor.

Diabetes Ketoacidosis in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study from the Teaching Hospital of Pikine

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pregnancy is rare but associated with maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the epidemiological, diagnostic, and prognostic characteristics of DKA in pregnant women in Dakar hospitals and to study the predictive factors of its occurrence. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2013 to January 2021 in the Internal Medicine/ Endocrinology-Diabetology-Nutrition and Gynaecology-Obstetrics departments of the National University Hospital Centre in Pikine, Senegal. Medical files of all pregnant women hospitalised for DKA during this period were collected. Results: A total of 10 patients were included in the study. Average age was 30.9 years. Two patients with unplanned pregnancies had pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (pre-GDM) and did not have regular diabetic follow-up. Among the 8 patients with GDM, risk factors for GDM were found in 7 women, and three had a history of GDM. Blood glucose levels were >1.02 and >11 g/L for these two groups, respectively. None of the women had been systematically screened for GDM between 24 and 28 gestational weeks. Signs of ketosis were present: 6 patients had Kussmaul dyspnea and one patient had a Glasgow Coma Score of 10/15. The precipitating factor was infection in three patients. Two patients had pre-eclampsia. The evolution of DKA was favourable in all patients. For pregnancy outcomes: 4 cases of intrauterine foetal death were recorded, 2 women carried their pregnancy to term, a woman gives birth prematurely and 3 patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: DKA during pregnancy is rare in Dakar hospitals but health risk increases with the lack of screening for GDM in pregnant women, follow-up in a specialised environment, and pregnancy planning in diabetic patients. The obstetrical prognosis is poor for GDM patients, with a high rate of foetal death in utero.

Diagnosis of Male Hypogonadism: Experience of a Subsaharan African Endocrinology Department: Transversal Study from January 1st, 2020 to July 31st, 2022

Introduction: Hypogonadism should be suspected in a man who has symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency. Clinical manifestations depend on the severity and duration of testosterone deficiency, whether the testicular deficit is concerning only androgen synthesis, spermatogenesis, or both. The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical and aetiological characteristics of male hypogonadism in Dakar’s suburb. Patients and methods: We conducted a transversal study from January 1st, 2020 to July 31st, 2022. We included all male patients aged at least 14 years old with hypogonadism confirmed by a low level of early-morning free testosterone based on two different dosages. For all patients included, sociodemographic and diagnostic parameters were collected by using a pre-established registration form. Results: In total, 20 patients were selected. The average age was 36.3 years old [14 - 62 years old]. Half of the patients were overweight. Five patients had an abdominal circumference greater than 94 cm (37 inches). The other comorbidities found in our patients were type 2 diabetes (n = 1), hypertension (n = 1) and primary hypercholesterolemia in 2 patients. The functional signs reported by the patients were: couple’s infertility in 17 patients, decreased libido in 14 patients, erectile dysfunction in 13 patients, premature ejaculation in 2 patients and anejaculation in 4 patients. The physical examination revealed a bilateral testicular atrophy in 17 patients and a unilateral testicular atrophy in 2 patients;no patient had varicocele or urethral meatus abnormalities. Ten patients presented a micropenis. A eunuchoid morphotype was present in 6 patients and a short stature was noted in 2 patients. It was peripheral hypogonadism (HH) in 18 patients and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (Hh) in 2 patients. The hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was isolated in both cases. The testicular echography confirmed testicular atrophy and showed cryptorchidism in 5 patients. The pituitary MRI performed in 2 patients with Hh showed an aspect of empty sella turcica in one patient and was normal in the second patient. Conclusion: In our practice, the diagnosis of male hypogonadism is most often made in adulthood. The most usual clinical presentation is failure of pubertal sexual development associated or not with a eunuchoid morphotype. The anomalies of spermatogenesis are found in most patients. Infertility is the primary motive for consultation.

Resistance to Anti-Thyroid Drugs in Graves’ Disease: Clinical-Biological Characteristics and Alternative Therapy in Tropical Area

Background: Resistance to anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs) is a rare entity recently described. We report two African observations in the treatment of Graves’ disease. Case 1: A 19-year-old Senegalese woman presented on admission with thyrotoxicosis syndrome associated with diffuse goitre and Grave’s orbitopathy. TSH levels were low (0.005 mIU/ml;N = 0.27 - 4.20) and fT4 elevated (60 pmol/L;N = 12 - 22]. Combination therapy with propranolol (40 mg/day) and carbimazole (starting dose of 45 mg/day and increased to 60 mg/day) was initiated. In view of the persistence of symptoms despite good therapeutic compliance, carbimazole was replaced by methimazole with an initial starting dose of 40 mg/day, followed by 60 mg/day. Despite the change in therapy, clinical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis persisted, and fT4 levels remained elevated. The patient was diagnosed with resistance to ATDs in Graves’ disease. Total thyroidectomy following 10 days of preoperative preparation with 1% Lugol’s solution was performed successfully. Case 2: A 22-year-old woman was referred for continued management of Graves’ disease with elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) levels (34 UI/mL;N < 1.75). Treatment included propranolol (80 mg/day) and carbimazole at an unusual dose of 80 mg/day. Combined therapy was clinically and biologically ineffective, with an fT4 level of 100 pmol/L [N: 12 - 22]. Upon admission, methimazole (40 mg/day) followed by propylthiouracil (800 mg/day) replaced carbimazole. Despite good patient compliance, the patient’s symptoms remained unaltered and fT4 levels elevated. A total robot thyroidectomy using the right axillary approach was performed successfully after 10 days of preoperative preparation, including prednisone (40 mg/day) combined with 1% Lugol’s solution. Conclusion: Resistance to ATDs complicates the management of Graves’ disease. Total thyroidectomy following preoperative preparation with Lugol’s solution and/or corticosteroids was shown to be successful.

Assessment Postpartum Glucose Status among Women with Gestational Diabetes: Experience of a Sub-Saharan African Endocrinology Department

Background: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a significantly increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes after delivery. The purpose of this study was to determine the postpartum glycemic status among women with GDM in an Endocrinology-Diabetology department in Sub-Saharan Area. Methods: It was a prospective cohort study conducted between January 1, 2013, and July 31, 2018 (over period of 5 years and 7 months) at Pikine National Hospital, Dakar, Senegal. Postpartum glucose status was evaluated at least 6 weeks post-partum among women with history of GDM according to IADPSG criteria. The glycemic status after delivery was pointed referring to 2006 WHO criteria. Results: Overall 53 patients were included in this study. Fasting plasma glucose was performed as a screening test in 94% of the cases. A type 2 diabetes after GDM as diagnosed in 6 patients, accounting for a prevalence of 11.32%. An Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) was revealed in 5 patients (9.43%). The patients underwent a screening test in the first year after delivery in 54.70% of the cases, over a half of whom during the post-partum period range from the 6th to the 12th week. Insulin usage during pregnancy was statistically correlated with the occurrence of postpartum diabetes. Conclusion: Diabetes prevention and early diagnosis require a glycemic status monitoring among women with history of GDM.

Convulsive Seizures Revealing Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy

Introduction: Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is an autoimmune disease with different neurological and psychiatric characteristics. It is associated with increased thyroperoxidase autoantibodies. The diagnosis of HE is clinical and involves the detection of serum thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies and the exclusion of other etiologies. A clinical response to corticosteroid therapy supports the diagnosis. We report a case of HE revealed by convulsive seizures and cognitive and behavioral disorders. Observation: She is a 7-year-old child followed in a neurology unit for convulsive seizures for one year. Clinical examination performed in the endocrinology unit later found tachycardia without goiter, behavioral disorders, difficulties to concentrate as well as psychomotor agitation. Biological work up revealed subclinical hypothyroidism, positive anti-TPO antibodies with normal thyroid ultrasound and brain MRI. The cerebrospinal fluid was clear, normotensive and absence of pleocytosis. The sleep-wake electroencephalogram was well organized for her age with a paroxysmal discharge in the left parieto-temporal region. Based on these clinical, biological and morphological data, the diagnosis of HE was retained. Corticosteroid therapy with prednisone at 1 mg/kg/day was initiated for 6 weeks while reducing the dose progressively. There was a good clinical and biological progress under treatment. Conclusion: Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is a rare, but probably unrecognized entity. Over the past decades, knowledge about thyroid, brain, immunity interactions has increased. This indicates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach of endocrinologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and pediatricians for early recognition and treatment.

Corticosteroid-Induced Adrenal Insufficiency in Africa: Report of Nine Cases at the Internal Medicine/Endocrinology-Diabetology Department of Pikine NHC

Introduction: Prolonged corticosteroid therapy is labeled as the main cause of corticotropic adrenal insufficiency. However, the current frequency of this complication remains unknown. The objective of our study was to assess its epidemiologic, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of our practice. Methodology: A 60-month retrospective study was performed from May 2014 to April 2020 in the Pikine National Hospital Centre. Data were obtained from the medical records of patients with corticosteroid-induced adrenal insufficiency. Epidemiologic, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary parameters, and data related to corticotherapy were recorded. Patients with basal plasma cortisol levels <50 ng/ml or a plasma cortisol level less than double of the basal cortisolaemia one H after administration of synachtene 250 were included. Results: Medical records were obtained from nine patients, comprising six women and three men. The mean age of the patients was 48 years. Long-term corticosteroid therapy was used for self-medication in six patients and artificial bleaching in the remaining three patients. Betamethasone was the most commonly used drug in four patients, followed by clobetasol in three patients. Corticotropic insufficiency was revealed as a result of acute decompensation in five patients. All patients presented with a pseudo-cushingoid pattern. Diagnosis of corticotropic adrenal insufficiency was confirmed by measuring basal plasma cortisol levels of <50 ng/ml in seven patients. A standard Synachtene test was performed on two patients. All patients benefited from hydrocortisone supplementation. In the short-term, the outcome was unremarkable for all patients. Medium and long-term progression could be assessed in only three patients. Two patients showed persistent suppression with a 6- and 9-month follow-up. One patient was readmitted after one month due to an adrenal crisis following voluntary discontinuation of hydrocortisone treatment. Conclusion: Post-corticosteroid therapy adrenal insufficiency remains a concern in our practice and is favoured by the non-compliance of providing rules by pharmacies and the parallel drug market.

Screening of Peripheral Artery Disease by Systematic Measurement of Ankle-Brachial Index among Diabetic Patients in Dakar

Introduction: The peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of the chronic and frightening vascular complications of the diabetes whose tracking can be done by the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement. We conducted in this context a study which consisted in measuring the ABI among hospitalized diabetic patients at Teaching Hospital of Pikine in Dakar, over 18 months’ duration. The aim was to determine the prevalence and evaluate factors correlated to the presence of the PAD. Patients and Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study interested the whole of diabetic patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine/Endocrinology Department, from January 2013 to June 2014. We carried out a complete clinical examination associated with ABI measurement by a Doppler probe for each included patient after having collected the clinical and paraclinical data. Results: Our population of study comprised 209 diabetic patients with a female predominance (126, 60.3%). The sex-ratio man/woman was 0.6. The median age of the population of study was 54 ± 2 years. In our series, 157 (75.1%) patients discovered their diabetes with the waning of an affection while the 52 (24.9%) other patients discovered their diabetes at the time of a systematic assessment. The PAD appeared by an intermittent claudication among 38 patients (18.2%). The ABI was normal for 126 patients (60.3%). The ABI was low for 51 patients (24.4%), unilateral in 3.8% of cases and bilateral in 20.6% of cases. The ABI was high among 32 patients (15.3%), unilateral in 7.2% of cases and bilateral in 8.1% of cases. The ABI extremes values were 0.11 and 2. In the population of study, 46 patients (22%) had a well-compensated PAD. The PAD was low compensated for 3 patients (1.4%) and severe for 2 patients (1%). The ABI was more frequent and significantly among women than men, with 32 cases (25.4%) against 19 (22.9%) cases (p = 0.021). The proportion of low ABI was more important among patients whose diabetes had evolved for more than 5 years (42.3% of cases) with a peak of frequency in the duration of 6 - 10 years (47.7% of cases). Conclusion: The PAD global prevalence among hospitalized diabetic patients appeared high with 24.4% patients presenting low ABI. Its early diagnosis among subjects at risk as for our study population allowed identifying asymptomatic subjects having another cardiovascular damage. Thus, the screening of obstructive arteriopathy of lower limb PAD by the measurement of ABI should be applied to all diabetic patients for a better assessment of atherosclerotic complication.

Management of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A (MEN 2A): Diagnostic and Therapeutic Concerns with the First Documented Senegalese Family

Introduction: Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A is a multiglandular tumor condition inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It is related to proto-oncogene RET mutation whose analysis is the best technique for family screening. It features in a variable way medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and pheochromocytoma. The revealing manifestations of these tumors are often neglected for a long time and the screening should be systematic particularly in a known family context. Methods: After a family tree establishment of a MEN 2A index case, a family survey allowed to diagnose other cases in the family by means of biological, radiological and/or genetic examinations. Results: We report a family form of MEN 2A in a family of three households. In this family 13 people (index case included) were probed out of 34 members. The average age of our patients was 43.54. The sex ratio men/women was 0.85. The simultaneous diagnosis of a primary HPT and a MTC was carried out in our index case and constituted the circumstance of discovery of MEN 2A. The time limit of MEN 2A diagnosis on the other family members was on average 7.7 years. A MTC was recorded in 7 patients. It was asymptomatic in overall cases. A pheochromocytoma was present in only one patient. Primary HPT was found in four patients. Renal lithiasis with recurrent unilateral or bilateral nephritic colic attacks was the main manifestation. Besides the index case, 11 patients had a genetic testing. In 7 patients, a mutation on proto-oncogene RET located on the codon 634 was noted. A surgical care was carried out on 6 patients. We recorded three patients lost to follow-up. A patient died before surgery. In the index case, biological and radiological monitoring found a locoregional residual disease that indicated surgical revision and radiotherapy. Prophylactic thyroidectomy was not performed in any case driven by lack of compliance and/or low income. Conclusion: The discovery of a MEN 2A case imposes genetic survey allowing the screening of other cases in the family and the establishment of a preventive strategy.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of De Quervain Thyroiditis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Illustration with Two New Cases in Dakar

Introduction: De Quervain’s subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory granulomatosis with clinical presentation some time atypical leading eventually to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment. In our area, physician should be aware of this possible etiology in presence of recent and acute features of thyrotoxicosis with or without painful firm goiter. We illustrate this fact with two new observations from Sub-Saharan Africa. Observations: Our first patient is a 70-year-old Guinean woman presenting a painful nodular and hard goiter at palpation. Her history was recent in a context of deterioration of the general state with a sub clinical thyrotoxicosis syndrome. The diagnosis of probable malignant thyroid tumor was evoked initially and a thyroidectomy considered. She presented an important biological inflammatory syndrome and biological peripheral hyperthyroidism. Neck ultrasound examination showed heterogeneous patchy decreased echogenicity. The diagnosis of subacute De Quervain’s thyroiditis was set up. A corticosteroid therapy at a rate of 20 mg/day of prednisone was begun with a fast degression of dose. After 3 weeks of treatment, we noticed total clinical recovery normalization of biological parameters. The second observation was about a 52-year-old Senegalese women living in Bamako. She presented cervical pains evolving for 2 months in a context of flu-like syndrome associated with thyrotoxicosis and marked biological inflammatory syndrome. The thyroid ultrasound showed global heterogeneity with characteristic aspect of “geography map” leading to the diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis. A combination therapy with low dose of prednisone, &#223;-blockers and tranquillizers. We noticed fast disappearance of clinical and biological signs. At 5 mg per day of prednisone, there were moderate signs of relapse with rapid favorable evolution after few days under increased dose of prednisone up to 10 mg/day. Conclusion: De Quervain’s thyroiditis can appear under misleading features opening out to make wandering diagnosis. A good clinical evaluation coupled with hormonal and ultrasound thyroid examination may help for right management. The use of low dose of corticosteroid had enabled us to obtain a fast control of main clinical and biological abnormalities.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey in Management of Type 2 Diabetes by General Practitioners in Dakar

Introduction: Considering the global burden of diabetes and lack of specialist in diabetology in our subsaharian area, general practitioners (GPs) play a major role as first referent for care of diabetic people. The aim of this work was to describe knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs related to management of type 2 diabetes. Patients and Methods: It was about a transversal and descriptive survey held between July 14, 2015 and November 1st, 2015 in the medical districts and public corporations of health of Dakar in Senegal. Results: The population of study was made of 107 males and 40 females GPs. The majority (82.8%) was graduated since less than five years. Hygienic and dietetic measures (HDM) were known and commonly recommended by 77.60% of GPs in their daily practice. The caloric intakes were known by 21.1%. The 30 min of physical activity per day three times in the week was advised by 91.20%. Monotherapy with metformine associated with HDM was prescribed by 76.90%. Bitherapy with metformine and sulfonylureas associated to HDM were prescribed by 39.50%. Concerning insulin therapy, mixed insulin twice daily associated with rapid insulin before lunch was prescribed by 49.7%. Use of rapid acting insulin with three injections before each meal was prescribed by 36.10%. Treatment of the other cardiovascular risk factors was addressed by 97.30%. Smoking cessation was advised by 37.40%. Use of sweetened drink and intravenous glucose were most adopted in case of hypoglycemia, and use of glucagon was adopted by 23.10%. To improve the diabetic retinopathy 61.2% of GPs recommended tight control of other cardiovascular risk factors. Rigorous glycemic control and regular physical activity were recommended for painful neuropathy beside analgesics. Smoking cessation was also recommended by 61.90% for that. Against obstructive arterial disease of the lower extremities, tight control of blood pressure was recommended by 69.40% Conclusion: It comes out from these results the need for reinforcing post graduate trainings on diabetes for our GPs. Moreover, there’s an urgent need to elaborate and disseminate adapted guidelines and recommendations for improving efficient and standardized strategies for day to day management of type 2 diabetic people in our country.

Management of Pheochromocytoma in Dakar: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances throughout 16 Cases

Introduction: Management of pheochromocytoma faces different challenges leading to misdiagnosis and therapeutic delay in developing countries. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic features as well as the evolution of our management strategies in hospital setting in recent years in Dakar. Patients and Method: We carried out a retrospective study over 12 years (January 2005 to June 2017), in 4 hospitals in Dakar. We only included patients with established diagnosis of pheochromocytoma upon clinical, biological, radiological and histological arguments. Results: During this period, 16 observations have been collected and were all about female patients. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 36.81 years. The clinical signs were dominated by hypertension found for 14 patients. At biological examination, hypersecretion catecholamine was found in 13 patients, high urinary metanephrines in 7 patients, high plasmatic metanephrines in 2 patients and raised urinary Vanyl Mandelic Acid (VMA) in 4 patients. Dosage of chromogranin A showed high level for one patient. Abdominal CT scan allowed making the adrenal origin of tumors precise. One patient presented bilateral pheochromocytoma. Before being treated surgically, all patients had had medical preparation. The surgical treatment by median laparotomy consisted of an enucleation of the tumor in 2 patients, and adrenal resection in 11patients.The evolution after surgery was favorable in 12 patients out of 13. One patient died 2 days after surgery by hemodynamic instability. In 2 patients who presented metastases, multidrug therapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and dacarbazine was decided after a multidisciplinary meeting, but they died before treatment. Conclusion: Management of pheochromocytomas in developing countries is obviously improving, but the mortality rate remains high. Early diagnosis and perioperative care are to be targeted for better outcome and prognosis of this rare tumor in our areas.

Unusual Causes of Adenopathy in a Tropical Environment: About 3 Observations

Introduction: The discovery of peripheral lymphadenopathy is a frequent reason for consultation and hospitalization in Internal Medicine. The aim of this article is to review through three cases the etiologies of chronic lymphadenopathy rarely reported in a tropical environment. Observations: The first patient is a 62-year-old man who has been infected with HIV-1 for 14 years and who had a multicenter form of Castleman disease. The diagnosis was confirmed after 3 histological lymph nodes. The progression was favorable under Etoposide-based chemotherapy. The second observation is about a 38-year-old woman with a 2-month chronic febrile adenopathy without improvement after anti-tuberculosis treatment. The diagnosis of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease, in its necrotizing form, was confirmed in histology. The evolution was made favorable by the corticosteroid therapy. The third observation is about a 63-year-old woman with an enlargement of groups of lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. This tumoral syndrome was associated to an exudative ascites and a Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). The initial diagnosis was a multifocal tuberculosis based on a set of evidence (exudative lymphocytic ascites, epidemiological context and a positive Quantiferon TB test). The first ganglionic histology was not contributory. It was the second ganglionic histology that indicated the diagnosis of lymph node plasmocytoma revealing a myeloma. The patient died of septic shock. Conclusion: In tropical environment, the etiologies of chronic lymphadenopathy are not limited to tuberculosis and malignant haemopathies. Carrying out ganglionic histology is an absolute necessity.

Adult Onset Still’s Disease in Tropical Area: Illustration of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Difficulties from 3 Senegaleses Observations

Introduction: The Adult Onset Still’s Disease (ASD) is a systemic auto-inflammatory affection of unknown cause seldom described in sub-Saharan Africa. We report 3 observations of ASD illustrating the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties of this affection in our areas. Observation 1: Our first patient is a 56 years old schoolteacher presenting an ASD in its chronic articular form. She had been followed for an inflammatory arthralgia for 10 years and of the pharyngal pains without exact diagnosis. She presented ASD’s criteria of Yamaguchi and of Fautrel. The prednisone was begun at the dose of 0.8 mg/kg/day with fast appearance of a progressive muscular weakness. Use of methotrexate at a rate of 15 mg per week, associated with low dose of prednisone was effective in long-term without any flare of the disease so far. Observation 2: Our second patient is a 30 years old dressmaker presenting an ASD in its complicated systemic form of lymphohistiocytic activation syndrome. She validated the criteria of Yamaguchi and Fautrel for ASD. She also presented resistance to corticosteroid therapy. The evolution was marked by a hospital-acquired septicemia and a multi-organ failure leading to death. The diagnosis was retrospectively confirmed after that, with the low level of the glycosylated ferritin serum value. Observation 3: The third patient is a 22 years old Guinean student who presented prolonged fever and inflammatory polyarthralgia without articular deformation. He had been misdiagnosed for ASD with diagnostic wandering of several months. He was treated successfully with prednisone after set up of ASD diagnosis according common criteria. Corticosteroid therapy was stopped after 8 months without any relapse noted so far. Conclusion: Caring for ASD is difficult in our context mainly because of high cost of several explorations needed to set up its exact diagnosis while making differential one. Evolution under corticosteroid therapy is usually favorable but diagnostic delay may lead to severe complications and death.

Adenopathies in Internal Medicine Etiological Profile and Diagnostic Limits

INTRODUCTION: An adenopathy is a pathological hypertrophy of a lymph node of various etiologies requiring a rigorous approach. Thus we proposed in this work to study the etiological particularities of patients admitted for adenopathy in order to identify their specificities. METHODS: This was an observational study of a transverse and descriptive type, which took place from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 in the internal medicine department of the Aristide Le Dantec national hospital in Dakar. RESULTS: We identified 84 patients, consisted of 46 male and 38 female. The sex ratio was 1.2. The mean age was 37.5 years. The consultation period was on average 2 months with extremes of 1 month and 1 year. The mean hospital stay was 29. 2 days with extremes of 1 week and 2 months. The etiologies found were classified into 6 groups. Hemopathies (30.9%) were dominated by acute leukemia in 8 patients (9.52%), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 9 patients (9.5%), Hodgkin’s disease in 5 patients (5.9%). Chronic lymphocytic leukemia was retained in 3 patients (3.5%) and Castleman disease in 1 patient. Systemic diseases (11.9%) were divided into lupus disease in 4 patients and rheumatoid arthritis in 4 patients, one case of Sj?gren’s syndrome and one case of sarcoidosis. Infections were very frequent in our study, found in 34 patients (40.4%). Tuberculosis was more frequent (27.3%). The association with HIV was noted in 4 patients. The other infections were pyogenic in 3 patients (3.5%), HIV in 6 patients (7.1%), Borrelia and toxoplasma in 1 patient respectively. Cancers (8.3%) were metastatic of primary tumors including the esophagus, lung, prostate, cavum, stomach, pancreas and breast, one case each. One patient presented lymphadenopathy with inguinal localization, the etiology of which was found to be thrombophlebitis of the right lower limb. The hystiocytic pathologies (3.5%) were all related to lymphohystiocytic activation syndrome (LHAS) secondary to tuberculosis in 2 patients and pyomyositis in 1 patient. The difficulties encountered were mainly the inaccessibility of certain complementary examinations and the delay in obtaining the results. CONCLUSION: Adenopathies are a very common reason for consultation in internal medicine. This study allowed us to draw up the etiological profile of adenopathies in our practice but also to identify the main difficulties which are among other things the inaccessibility of certain complementary examinations.

Assessment of the Podiatric Risk on Diabetics in Dakar Hospital Area: Cross-Sectional Study in Regard to 142 Patients

The prevention of diabetic foot goes through a systematic podiatric assessment of diabetic patients permitting to identify the foot at risk. Then, we realized a study in the Internal Medicine Department at Pikine Teaching Hospital in Dakar with the assessment of foot risk on admitted diabetic patients as our main objective. Methods: It was about a prospective cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study done on 18 months period. Results: Overall, 142 patients were gathered. The average age was 56.22 years and the sex-ratio was 0.67. 87.2% of the patients were running type 2 diabetes. The capillary blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin were respectively around 3.24 g/L and 9%. High Blood Pressure was found in 62% of cases. The type of footwear most used by our patients was sandals (96.3%). Also, 30.6% of patients walked barefoot. Prior ulceration and/or amputation were noted in 30% of cases. During the foot examination, a lesion was found in 15.5% of patients. Loss of monofilament sensitivity was about 66.7%. The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) less than 0.9 was recorded in 34% of patients and at least a quarter of patients were posteriorly tibial pulselessness. The gradation of the foot risk according to the International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) was established as follow: grade 0 (58%), grade 1 (9.8%), grade 2 (14.3%), grade 3 (17.3%). The presence of neuropathy (OR 12. 162 [3.368 - 43.923];p = 0.000), plantar keratosis (OR 2.87 [1.119 - 7.399];p = 0.024) and the absence of pulse perception (OR 9.00 [3.205 - 25.414];p = 0.000) were significant associated factors of foot injury occurrence on our patients. Conclusion: The prevention of diabetic foot in emerging countries is accessible by a systematic clinical examination of all diabetic feet and the awareness of adapted footwear.