1.Neurological Characteristics of Allgrove Syndrome: A Case Series
Dhoha Ben SALAH ; Mouna ELLEUCH ; Oumeyma TRIMECHE ; Asma ZARGNI ; Fakhri KALLABI ; Salma SAKKA ; Fatma MNIF ; Nabila REKIK ; Nadia CHARFI ; Hassen KAMOUN ; Mouna Mnif FEKI ; Faten Hadj KACEM ; Mohamed ABID
Annals of Child Neurology 2024;32(2):130-134
Purpose:
Allgrove syndrome, also known as “triple A” syndrome, is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, achalasia, and alacrimia. When neurological signs are also present, the condition is referred to as “4 A” syndrome.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of three patients with 4 A syndrome confirmed genetically. A complete neurological exam was carried out by an experimented neurologist.
Results:
Herein, we describe the neurological characteristics often associated with this condition, through the clinical and electrophysiological analysis of three patients. All patients exhibited a mutation in AAAS, the gene coding for ALADIN. While these individuals presented with the classic features of triple-A syndrome, neurological symptoms were not prominent.
Conclusion
The neurological manifestations of Allgrove syndrome have historically been overlooked and inadequately explored. Due to the condition’s rarity and substantial phenotypic heterogeneity, only recently have a variety of symptoms been recognized and described.
2.Tuberculous and Brucellar Spondylodiscitis: Comparative Analysis of Clinical, Laboratory, and Radiological Features
Fatma HAMMAMI ; Makram KOUBAA ; Wiem FEKI ; Amal CHAKROUN ; Khaoula REKIK ; Fatma SMAOUI ; Chakib MARRAKCHI ; Zeineb MNIF ; Mounir Ben JEMAA
Asian Spine Journal 2021;15(6):739-746
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted using the data of all patients hospitalized for TS and BS in the infectious diseases department between 1991 and 2018.
Results:
Among a total of 117 patients, 73 had TS (62.4%) and 44 had BS (37.6%). Females were significantly more affected with TS than males (56.2% vs. 22.7%, p<0.001). Fever (72.7% vs. 45.2%, p=0.004) and sweating (72.7% vs. 47.9%, p=0.009) were significantly more frequent among patients with BS. The median erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly higher in the TS group (median, 70 mm/hr; interquartile range [IQR], 45–103 mm/hr) than in the BS group (median, 50 mm/hr; IQR, 16–75 mm/hr) (p=0.003). Thoracic involvement was significantly more frequent in the TS group (53.4% vs. 34.1%, p=0.04), whereas lumbar involvement was significantly more frequent in the BS group (72.7% vs. 49.3%, p=0.01). Initial imaging findings revealed significantly higher frequencies of posterior vertebral arch involvement, vertebral compaction, and spinal cord compression in the TS group. Percutaneous abscess drainage (20.5% vs. 2.3%, p=0.005) and surgical treatment (17.8% vs. 2.3%, p=0.01) were more frequently indicated in the TS group, with a significant difference.
Conclusions
A combination of clinical, laboratory, and radiological features can be used to distinguish between TS and BS while these patients await diagnosis confirmation.