La Revue de médecine interne
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Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large-vessel vasculitis that mainly affects women over fifty. GCA usually involves branches from the external carotid arteries, causing symptoms such as headaches, scalp tenderness, and jaw claudication. The most severe complication is ophthalmologic involvement, including acute anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and, less frequently, central retinal artery occlusion with a risk of permanent blindness. ⋯ General practitioners play a crucial role in early diagnosis, directing patients to specialized centres, and in managing ongoing treatment in collaboration with specialists. This collaboration is essential to address potential long-term complications such as cardiovascular events. They can occur five to ten years after the diagnosis of GCA even when the disease is no longer active, meaning that vigilant follow-up is required due to the patients' age and status.
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Cogan's syndrome is a condition of unknown origin, classified as a systemic vasculitis. It is characterised by a predilection for the cornea and the inner ear. It mainly affects Caucasian individuals with a sex-ratio close to one. ⋯ Therapeutic management of Cogan's syndrome, given its rarity, lacks consensus since no prospective randomised studies have been conducted to date. Corticosteroid therapy is the first-line treatment. Combination with anti-TNF therapy should be promptly discussed.
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Fever is a cosmopolit zoonosis due to Coxiella burnetii. The diagnosis of chronic Q fever can be really misleading. The growth of this bacterium is difficult and blood cultures are often negatives. ⋯ Chronic Q fever and mostly osteoarticular diseases are difficult to diagnose. We have to evoke the diagnosis of osteoarticular chronic Q fever in case of insidious inflammatory syndrome, negatives blood cultures spondylodiscitis especially when associated to endocarditis or vascular infection, and in case of spondylodiscitis with a granulomatous histology without Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although there are many complementary tests (PET scanner, PCR), serology remains the cornerstone of diagnosis.
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Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are common conditions that result in a significant deterioration of the quality of life. Their origin is multifactorial and poorly understood, and their management is often inadequately defined. Medications typically show limited effectiveness, while mind-body approaches play a central role, guided by three key principles: establishing an empathetic, respectful, and sincere doctor-patient relationship; promoting regular and gradual physical activity; and implementing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ⋯ The combination of gradual physical activity and CBT appears to be complementary. Other mind-body approaches such as mindfulness meditation might help although their level of evidence is weaker. Given the prevalence of FSD in the general population, it seems necessary for all physicians to be trained in managing this condition.
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Ciguatera is a food poisoning caused by marine organisms and has a polymoprhic clinic. Differential diagnoses need to be eliminated. ⋯ A central neurological involvement in ciguatera is possible but rare, CLOCCS may be one of them. On the other hand, a febrile syndrome should lead to consider an differential diagnosis or a complication.