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We report three cases of hepatic steatosis associated with lactic acidosis occurring in HIV positive patients and due to a toxicity of antiviral nucleoside analogues. The clinico-pathological presentation was similar associating digestive signs (vomiting and abdominal pain), polypnea, lactic acidosis, a lethal clinical course, and an hepatomegaly with a diffuse macrovacuolar steatosis. The ultrastructural study performed in two cases showed mitochondrial alterations in hepatocytes. The toxicity of antiviral nucleoside analogues is due to a mitochondrial DNA polymerase inhibition. The incidence of this disease is actually low but probably underestimated. The diagnosis should be rapidly performed and the treatment immediatly interrupted.

Hemangioma of urinary tract are unusual, being about 2% of all hemangiomas. We present a case of a glans penis hemangioma. There is controversy concerning their treatment and outcome. Our patient was treated with a Neodymium: Yag laser irradiation, with complete morphological recuperation.

Peak flow rate data (Qmax) are important for diagnosis of lower urinary tract obstruction. However, the lack of uroflowmetry studies in children, makes their interpretation difficult. With this aim, we studied 167 boys classified in four groups according to their age (G1: n = 48, 6-7 years; G2: n = 43, 8-9 years; G3: n = 37, 10-11 years; G4: n = 39, 12-14 years). We studied in all children, weight, height, body surface area, peak flow rate (Qmax) and the correspondant urinary volume (Vol). Means and standard deviations of Qmax (ml/sec) were: 15 +/- 5 (G1), 15 +/- 5 (G2), 17 +/- 5 (G3) and 22 +/- 7 (G4) respectively. Corresponding urinary volumes (Vol) (mean standard deviation-in ml) were: G1 = 123 +/- 75; G2 = 122 +/- 79; G3 = 158 +/- 96 and G4 = 162 +/- 101. We found a significant correlation (p < 0,01) between Qmax and Vol in groups G2, G3 and G4; and between Qmax and height in groups G1 and G4. The authors demonstrated a positive correlation between maximum flow and voided volume, and an increase of Qmax with age.

Mesodermal tumors of the urinary tract are unusual, being leiomyoma the most frequent tumor type. We present a case of leiomyoma of the urinary bladder in a 29 year old woman and review the literature. Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Severe forms of posterior urethral valve are essentially seen in neonates and infants. In 6 neonates under the age of 3 months, the predominant presenting features were a deterioration in the general status and renal failure. Transurethral section of the valves, after urinary drainage for an average of one month, restored patency of the lower urinary tract in every case. All children have persistent renal failure, which is moderate or severe in 4 cases. In 6 infants between the ages of 3 and 11 months, the clinical presentation was dominated by signs of infection. Section of the valve was able to be performed earlier, with subsequent urethral stricture in one case. Five infants, initially presenting with renal failure, have persistent moderate renal failure. The degree of obstruction accounts for the severity of the uropathy and its early clinical presentation. The renal prognosis is poor and related to the uretero-renal consequences of the valve as well as associated renal dysplasia.