Profile of Amoebic vs. Pyogenic Liver Abscess and Comparison of Demographical, Clinical, Radiological, and Laboratory Profiles of These Patients from Three Secondary Care Centers in Senegal

Background: Liver abscess (LA) is a suppurated collection in the hepatic parenchyma. In Africa, liver abscesses are most often of amoebic origin, but more recently, the rate of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA) has increased. Objective: to assess the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, biological radiological findings, and outcomes of patients with PLA and with amebic liver abscess (ALA) in order to determine the potential factors that may help improve diagnosis and treatment for LA in the context of secondary care centers with limited medical supports. Methods: Retrospective review of LA diagnosed and treated at three secondary care centers in Thiès over 11 years. Results: 61 patients, were included, 52.45% had ALA and 47.54% had PLA. Males were predominant (79.31% in PLA vs 65.63% in ALA, p = 0.2). The median age was 38 years for the PLA group vs 39 years for the ALA group (p = 0.4). In both groups, the most common symptom was right upper abdominal pain (81.97%), hepatomegaly (81.97%). The PLA group had a higher prevalence of fever (79.31% vs 46.88%, p = 0,009), chills (51.72% vs 18.75%, p = 0.007), right basi-thoracic pain (55.17% vs 28.13%, p = 0.032), and jaundice (55.17% vs 28%, p = 0.032). There was no difference in radiological features between PLA and ALA. Patients with PLA had a higher level of White blood cell (20.600 vs 15.400, p = 0.014). The most common bacteria identified in PLA were Escherichia coli (58.8%). All patients had received antibiotic therapy, which was combined with aspiration puncture (37.3%), transcutaneous drainage (43.3%), and surgery (9.0%). Seven patients had received antibiotic therapy alone and all had amoebic abscesses. Elsewhere, the occurrence of complications was higher in PLA cases (75.86% vs 37.5%, p = 0.003). The overall hospital mortality rate was 13.11%, higher in cases of PLA (24.14% vs 3.13%, p = 0.022). Conclusion: Clinical and biological features were more severe in PLA. But radiological features cannot be used to distinguish between PLA and ALA.

Neuro-meningeal Tuberculosis in Adult Senegalese Patients: Profile and Outcome of Cases Diagnosed at a Referral Service, from 2015 to 2020

Background: Among patients treated for tuberculosis, 2% to 5% have a Central Nervous System (CNS) lesion, and its frequency rises to 10% in HIV-infected patients. Neuro-meningeal tuberculosis (NMT) is responsible for death and severe permanent neurological damage. This poor prognosis requires early diagnosis and rapid initiation of specific treatment. Unfortunately, the great clinical polymorphism and the lack of specificity of radiological and biological signs are frequently responsible for a delay in diagnosis and management. Senegal is one of the African countries where tuberculosis has remained a concern until now. And there are no studies carried out on this subject. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the profile and outcome of Neuro-meningeal tuberculosis (NMT) cases diagnosed at the infectious diseases department (SMIT) of Fann University Hospital in Dakar, (referral service for management of tuberculosis). Methods: We carried out a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, reviewing medical records of adults diagnosed with NMT at the SMIT of Fann Hospital from January 2015 to December 2020. Results: We collected 55 cases of NMT. The median age was 38 years [range 16 - 77 years]. The sex ratio (M/F) was 3.23. HIV patients represented 41.82% of cases. A history of tuberculosis was found in 25.5% of cases. The delay in consultation was greater than one month in 60% of patients. Headaches were the most constant reason for consultation (94.55%). Meningeal signs were present in 94.55% of patients, and consciousness disorders and intracranial hypertension were present in 63.64% and 56.36% respectively. Nerve palsy was found in 38.18%. CSF was clear in 81.64%. GeneXpert MTB/RIF in CSF was performed in 33 patients and was positive in 4 patients. Brain CT was abnormal in 72.09% of cases. Tuberculoma, hydrocephalus and meningeal contrast enhancement were the main lesions. The neuro-meningeal localization was associated with a pulmonary form in 32.7%. The lethality rate was 21.8%;higher in women (46.2% vs 14.3%;p = 0.01), in patients with a delay in consultation > 1 month (p = 0.03), and in patients who presented with consciousness disorders (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Despite the availability of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF, diagnosis of NMT remains difficult. Because of its variable clinical expression and the low sensitivity of the GeneXpert MTB/rif in the CSF, it exposes patients to serious complications. Among the factors associated with death, we found consciousness disorders, a long delay in diagnosis.

An Atypical Ovarian and Peritoneal Pelvic Tuberculosis Complicated by Toxidermia

Background: Ovarian tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis. Its clinical presentation mimics an ovarian tumor, leading to misdiagnosis. Proper treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs can lead to a cure for the disease but can sometimes cause adverse effects that compromise therapeutic management. Observation: We report a 71-year-old female Senegalese patient who presented with a chronic abdominopelvic mass with an elevated Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) level, raising the suspicion of an ovarian tumor. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy and the anatomopathological study confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian and peritoneal tuberculosis. After starting treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs, she developed toxidermia in the form of generalized urticaria. Discontinuation of the four-drug therapy and separate reintroduction of anti-tuberculosis drugs led to the incrimination of rifampicin. Progress was then favorable on Isoniazid (H) pyrazinamide (Z) and Ethambutol (E). Conclusion: Ovarian tuberculosis should be suspected in the presence of an abdominopelvic mass in a woman living in an endemic area. The occurrence of adverse reactions to anti-tuberculosis treatment is not uncommon, hence the importance of regular monitoring.

Laryngeal Tuberculosis and Laryngeal Cancer: Two Similar Diagnoses in an Elderly Person in Tuberculosis-Endemic Area

Laryngeal tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, often complicating pulmonary tuberculosis that may be unrecognized. Its clinical presentation is nonspecific, often pointing to cancer. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman, with no reported pathological history. She also has no alcohol or tobacco intoxication, who presented with chronic dysphonia evolving for 2 months, associated with an altered general condition. The examination of the larynx by direct laryngoscopy and anatomical pathology study of the biopsies led to the diagnosis of laryngeal tuberculosis. A search for secondary sites revealed a concomitant pulmonary infection. The evolution was favorable under standard anti-tuberculosis treatment, with complete voice recovery and improved performance status. Laryngeal tuberculosis should be suspected in patients living in endemic areas and suffering from chronic dysphonia, even if they are not alcoholics or smokers.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Outcome Aspects of Care-Related Tetanus in Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: Tetanus portals of entry are numerous. Amongst these, the carerelated portals of entry are rarely reported. The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and outcome aspects and identify the factors associated with death from care-related tetanus. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of descriptive and analytical purposes. Data were collected from the medical records of patients admitted to the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department of the National University Hospital Center (CHNU) of Fann in Dakar for care-related tetanus during the period ranging from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2016. Care-related tetanus was defined as any case of tetanus occurring after a surgical procedure, including circumcisions performed even outside a health facility. Results: In eight years, 50 cases of care-related tetanus were recorded. Care-related tetanus accounted for 6.7% of hospitalized tetanus cases. The mean age of patients was 21 ± 22 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio: 6.14). The procedure had been performed in most cases, either in a health facility in 22 patients (44%) or at home in 16 patients (32%), and occurred after circumcision. In 62% of cases the portal of entry was urological, followed by orthopedic surgery (14%) and visceral surgery (10%). The procedures performed were dominated by circumcision (31 cases), limb amputation (3 cases) and inguinal hernia repair (2 cases). Tetanus was immediately generalized on admission in all patients. Eighty-four percent (84%) of patients were admitted with Mollaret stage II. Cardiovascular (11 cases), infectious (10 cases) and respiratory (9 cases) complications were the most frequent. The hospital case fatality rate was 24%. Factors associated with death were female gender (p = 0.03), age between 15 - 60 years (p = 0.02), incubation time Conclusion: Care-related tetanus remains a concern in poor income countries, particularly in Senegal. The drop of these cases will require better immunization coverage of the population. It is also appropriate to raise the awareness of health care providers and surgeons and to promote capacity building for better prevention of cases through sero-immunization of patients at risk before the procedure and rigorous asepsis.

Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors in Patients Living with HIV Followed at the Ambulatory Treatment Center (CTA) of Fann National University Hospital in Dakar

Introduction: The efficacy of antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV (PLHIV) has been associated with an important increase in metabolic disorders, such as hypertension (HTA). This work allowed us to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in PLHIV and to describe associated factors. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and analytical study was carried out based on the records of people living with HIV followed at the Ambulatory Treatment Center (CTA), from January 1st 1998 to 31st, December 2014. The WHO criteria were used to diagnose hypertension. Data entry was performed using ESOPE software and data analysis was done using Epi Info software version 3.5.3. A multiple logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with hypertension. Results: During the study period, 3624 patients followed at CTA were included of which 1184 patients (32.7%) had hypertension. The average age was 47. 3 years ±10.5 years, with a sex ratio of 0.7. The most common opportunistic infections at diagnosis were tuberculosis (14.9%) and oral candidiasis (15.3%). The HIV infection was advanced (stage 3 or 4 of WHO classification) for 39% of cases. Overweight and obesity was found in 19.1%. Only 17.6% were treated by protease inhibitors. Higher average age (OR:1,05;IC [1.04 - 1.05], p = 0.000001), higher average BMI (OR:5,3;IC [3.3 - 8.5], p = 0.00001), WHO clinical stage I-II (OR:1,4;IC [1.2 - 1.6], p = 0.00003), and ARV treatment (OR:2,5;IC [1.7 - 3.7], p = 0.000001) are associated with the occurrence of hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was high among PLHIV and associated factors were: advanced age, high BMI, WHO clinical stages I and II and antiretroviral therapy. Hence, the interest of a systematic screening of hypertension and others cardiovascular risk factors particularly in patients under ARV antiretroviral therapy.

Characteristics of Liver Abscess in Department of Infectious Diseases at Fann Teaching University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal

Introduction: Abscesses of the liver are due to an infection of bacterial, parasitic or fungal origin. Through amoebiological imaging and serology, their diagnosis was facilitated. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and evolutionary aspects of these liver abscesses at the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Fann Teaching University Hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study, based on records of patients hospitalized for abscess of the liver over a period of 8 years, from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2015. Results: We collected 20 cases of abscesses including 12 cases of confirmed amoebic abscesses and 5 cases of pyogenic abscesses. The mean age of the patients was 43.15 ± 15.12 years. There were 18 men and 2 women. The average hospital stay was 32 days. The most common clinical signs were abdominal pain (100%), fever (75%), hepatomegaly (80%). A leukocytosis greater than 12,000 Gb/mm3 was found in 13 patients. The amoebic serology was positive in 71% of cases and negative in 29% of cases. No germ was isolated from the blood culture. On hepatic ultrasound the abscess was unique in 90%. Treatment was exclusively medical in 11 patients (55%). The trend was favorable in 85% of cases. Conclusion: The incidence of liver abscesses has significantly decreased. It is important to develop diagnostic tools better in the case of pyogenic abscesses.