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The professional driver's post is a security post that requires a careful assessment of the visual functions influencing the medical fitness decision. Professional driving benefits from a codified regulation regarding vision disorders. However, it suffers from several shortfalls making the task of the occupational doctor sometimes difficult.To identify the ophthalmological pathologies that have influenced the fitness decision for professional driving and develop a fitness approach for professional driving according to the different ophthalmological pathologies encountered.We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study from the files of professional drivers with visual impairment who consulted the department of occupational health at Charles-Nicolle Hospital of Tunis for medical fitness decision, during the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2016.Sixty drivers were included in the study. The population gender was exclusively male. Mean age was 48 ± 8.43 years. A pathological medical history was found in 70% of patients, mainly represented by: Diabetes (37%) and high blood pressure (28%). Truck drivers were the most represented (45%) and the average of professional experience was 14 years with extremes ranging from zero to 33 years. In 75% of cases, patients had one or more functional complaints. The decrease in visual acuity was the common reason for consultation (55% of cases). Diabetic retinopathy was the ophthalmological diagnosis most commonly found in our study (18% of cases). Diabetic retinopathy was the leading cause of definitive disability in our study (32% of cases). Other ophthalmologic causes of definitive disability were: Glaucoma, amblyopia, homonymous haemianopia, age-related macular degeneration, blindness or functional loss of one eye, diplopia, retinal detachment and uveitis complicating Behcet's disease.At the end of this study, we showed regulatory deficiencies for which we suggested recommendations that could help the occupational physician to take medical fitness decisions.

Background Recently, it has been shown that a deletion in the late cornified envelope (LCE) gene cluster (LCE3C_LCE3B-del) is associated with susceptibility to psoriasis in European and Asian populations. However, no study of this deletion has been performed in the North African population. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this deletion is associated with familial psoriasis in Tunisian population. Methods A total of 34 patients and 55 healthy individuals were recruited from 7 multiplex families and a PCR assay was used to determine the association of this deletion. Its effect on susceptibility to psoriasis was assessed using the PDT program. Results We failed to detect any evidence of association between LCE3C_LCE3B-del and psoriasis in Tunisian families. No epistasic effect was found between the deletion and PSORS1 locus. Conclusions These findings indicate that the LCE3C_LCE3B-del does not contribute in a major way to psoriasis susceptibility in Tunisian families.

Introduction Tuberculosis is endemic in Tunisia. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common presentation in our country. Cutaneous presentations are rare (1–2% of cases). The diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis (CT) is difficult. Histological and clinical presentations are polymorphous, many differential diagnoses are available, and it is difficult to isolate Mycobacterium . Objective We had for aim to study the epidemiological and clinical features of CT in Tunisia, and to compare presentations before and after 1990. Patients and methods We conducted a retrospective study between January 1991 and December 2011, in which we included all cases of CT observed at the Infectious Diseases and Dermatology Units of the Tunis la Rabta Hospital. Results Hundred and thirty-seven patients were included, with a mean age of 43.8 years; 72.3% were female patients. Hundred and fifty locations were observed, most of which on the head and neck. Scrofuloderma was the most frequent presentation, observed in 65% of cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by histology and/or microbiology in 75.8% of cases. The treatment was prescribed for a mean 11.3 months, leading to full recovery in most cases. Conclusion CT is still reported in Tunisia. The diagnosis relies mainly on histology. Controlling this mutilating tuberculosis requires a global control of this disease, and especially lymph node location, given the high rate of scrofuloderma.

The traditional approach to the drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is open necrosectomy. As an alternative to open necrosectomy, percutaneous drainage is the first-line treatment of IPN. This study is aimed to identify predictive factor of failure after CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) of IPN.Between June 1st 1988 and October 31th 2011, 26 patients with IPN were treated by PCD. The outcome measures were the failure of the PCD and/or death. A descriptive analysis was performed followed by a comparative analysis of alive versus deceased patients and success group versus failure group. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine predictive factors of failure after percutaneous drainage or death.The failure and mortality rates were respectively 38% and 34%. The size of catheter inferior to 10 French was the only variable associated with the percutaneous drainage failure (OR=27, CI95% [2.5-284.6], p=0.006]. The collection number on CT scan was associated with mortality (OR=2.2, IC95% [1-5.1], p=0.050).PCD with catheter size equal or greater than 10 French is efficient tool for the treatment of IPN. Collection number on CT scan is an independent predictive factor of mortality.

Pellagra is a rare condition that has been known for many years to be related to niacin deficiency. Clinically known as the 4 "D" symptoms for dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and even death, skin changes remain one of the most important features of this pathology, leading frequently to the diagnosis. Pellagra is mostly seen in poor populations with a deficient diet; still, it is sporadically observed in developed countries, usually in association with digestive disorders. We report a new case of pellagra in a 29-year-old woman in whom the diagnosis of megaduodenum was made. Megaduodenum is a rare condition that can be idiopathic or secondary to visceral myopathy or neuropathy. Parenteral supplementation with niacin has resulted in a quick response of dermatological and psychiatric symptoms. To our knowledge, no case of pellagra due to megaduodenum has been reported in literature.

La tuberculose mammaire (TM) est une localisation rare de la tuberculose extrapulmonaire, atteignant essentiellement les femmes jeunes en periode d’activite genitale. Objectifs : a travers huit observations de TM, nous decrivons les particularites cliniques et evolutives de cette entite, et nous discutons les difficultes diagnostiques. Patients et methodes : il s’agit d’une etude retrospective ayant collige tous les cas de TM diagnostiques dans un service de maladies infectieuses de Tunisie entre 2000 et 2009. Nous avons releve les particularites epidemiocliniques, paracliniques, therapeutiques et evolutives de nos observations. Resultats : huit patientes ont ete suivies pour une tuberculose mammaire. L’âge moyen de nos patientes etait de 52,5 ans (31-75). Les tableaux cliniques etaient trompeurs, a type de lesion erythemateuse retractee dans quatre cas, d’abces fluctuant dans deux et de nodule bien limite dans deux autres. La culture de la cytoponction etait positive dans deux cas. A l’histologie, un aspect de granulome tuberculoide avec necrose caseeuse etait observe dans tous les cas. Un traitement antituberculeux par quadri- puis bitherapie, durant huit a douze mois, etait institue, complete d’une chirurgie dans deux cas avec une evolution favorable dans tous les cas. Conclusion : les tableaux cliniques de TM sont souvent trompeurs et posent un probleme de diagnostic avec le cancer du sein. La mise en evidence du bacille de Koch ou la presence d’un granulome tuberculoide avec necrose caseeuse a l’histologie confirme le diagnostic. Le traitement repose essentiellement sur les antituberculeux. Bien que rare, la TM ne doit pas etre meconnue, surtout dans un pays de forte endemicite tuberculeuse.

Background Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune blistering skin disease characterized by the production of pathogenic IgG autoantibodies directed against desmoglein 1. Aim To determine the prevalence of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies in healthy subjects and their distribution in the different regions of Tunisia and to better identify endemic areas of pemphigus foliaceus. Methods We tested, by enzyme-linked immunoserbent assay, sera of 270 normal subjects recruited from different Tunisian areas and 203 related healthy relatives to 90 Tunisian pemphigus foliaceus patients. Results Seventy-six patients (84.4%), 20 healthy controls (7.4%), and 32 relatives (15.76%) had anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies. In southern regions where pemphigus foliaceus is associated with a significant sex ratio imbalance (9 female : 1 male in the south vs. 2.3 : 1 in the north) and a lower mean age of disease onset (33.5 in the south vs. 45 years in the north), a higher prevalence of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies in healthy controls was observed (9.23% vs. 5.71% in the north). Interestingly, the highest prevalence of anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies in healthy relatives (up to 22%) was observed in the most rural southern localities. More than half anti-desmoglein 1–positive healthy controls were living in rural conditions with farming as occupation, which suggests that this activity may expose the subjects to particular environmental conditions. Conclusion These results show that the endemic features of Tunisian pemphigus foliaceus are focused in these southern areas more than in other areas and that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the disease. Conflicts of interest None declared.

Background Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a clinically heterogeneous blistering disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. DEB is caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils. On the basis of the mode of inheritance and the clinical manifestations, DEB is classified into two major subtypes: one dominant (DDEB) and one recessive (RDEB). Objective We report, here, clinical, histological and genetic investigation of a large Tunisian family presenting with a wide range of clinical manifestations of DEB and a pedigree suggestive for a pseudodominant pattern of inheritance of a recessive mutation. Methods Indirect immunofluorescence (IF) with the antibody LH7:2 against collagen VII and electron microscopy (EM) analyses were performed. The members of the family were genotyped with five markers flanking COL7A1, and screening for the deleterious mutation by DHPLC and direct sequencing. Results The family presented four pretibial DEB patients and one generalized RDEB. Molecular investigation showed that all family members, unaffected and affected by the pretibial form, were heterozygous for the c.7178delT mutation, except for the member with the generalized form who was homozygous. IF showed that heterozygous individuals, independently of their clinical status, have a slightly reduced staining, and the homozygous individual with generalized DEB has markedly reduced staining at the dermal–epidermal junction. Conclusion These results are suggestive for an autosomal semidominant model of inheritance with incomplete penetrance and variable expression for the identified mutation. No genotype phenotype correlation was observed suggesting the existence of other genetic determinants influencing dermo-epidermal junction cohesion.

Background Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon, destructive, cutaneous ulceration, belonging to the neutrophilic disease spectrum. It is associated with systemic disease in 50% of cases. Methods We report a retrospective study of 21 cases of PG. All cases studied fulfilled the following criteria: (i) clinical features of PG; (ii) histopathology consistent with a diagnosis of PG, and excluding other specific dermatoses. Results The average age of our patients was 41.8 years. The male to female ratio was 1.1. The typical ulcerative variant was found in 17 patients, bullous PG in two patients, and the granulomatous variant in two patients. Sixty-two per cent of our patients had lesions on their lower legs. Two patients had neutrophilic pulmonary involvement concurrent with the ulcers. An association with other internal diseases was noted in 12 patients. Histopathologic study showed vasculitis in 13 patients. Of these, 11 were leukocytoclastic and the others predominantly lymphocytic. Conclusions PG is a rare disease, with the ulcerative variant being most frequent. The lower legs are the most commonly affected sites. The recurrence rate in our study was about 46% regardless of the treatment prescribed. Pulmonary involvement was fatal in two patients.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing eczematous skin disease. It represents one of the symptoms of atopic diathesis. DA affects usually infants and children. aim : The aim of our study is to draw up the epidemiological, clinical features, treatment and outcome of severe childhood AD through a hospital series. methods: A retrospective study of 24 cases of severe childhood AD hospitalized in the Dermatology Department of La Rabta hospital of Tunis was conducted during a 28 year-period (1981 - 2009). results: The hospital incidence of severe childhood AD was 0,085‰. Patient's mean age at the beginning was 14 months. The sex ratio H/F was 1.66. Cutaneous manifestations occurred preferentially in face (75%). Generalized eczema was observed in 37.5% of cases. Pruritus and xerosis were constant. The mean duration of hospitalization was 11 days. Topical corticosteroids was the most effective method of treating severe DA, associated with antiseptic solutions emollient and antihistaminic drugs. Infectious complications were noted in 50% of cases. Ocular complications were observed in 16.7% of cases. Recurrences were reported in 9 cases. Conclusion :AD is an inflammatory, chronically relapsing, and pruritic skin disorder developing in a xerotic skin. Severe AD in childhood is rare in Tunisia. It requires a good understanding of therapeutic modalities by the patient and his family. It is a cause of important morbidity and it may have a bad impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder that has been associated with oxidative stress, abnormal plasma lipid metabolism, and high frequency of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to determine lipid profile variations in Tunisian psoriatic patients. METHODS: This study was designed and conducted as a case-control assay with 91 psoriatic patients and 91 controls. The lipid profiles, including serum level of triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were assessed in both groups. RESULTS: The two groups consisted of 91 patients and 91 controls, each with 45 males and 46 females. In the psoriatic group, serum triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05), while the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) was significantly decreased in patients with psoriasis compared to controls (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences concerning insulin or insulin resistance and total cholesterol between the two groups. The insulin secretion was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis than in the control group (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant correlation between severity of psoriasis and serum lipid and insulin secretion. A negative correlation (r = -0.253, p = 0.019) was found between PASI index and HDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: A high serum lipid level is significantly more common in psoriatic patients. This could be responsible for higher prevalence of cardiovascular incidents in psoriatic patients. It may be useful to do early screening and treatment of hyperlipidaemia in psoriatic patients to prevent atherosclerosis and its complications.

A 30-year old man with no trauma history presented to our department of dermatology with a 2-year history of abdominal painful masses. The spontaneous pain and tenderness in the abdominal region gradually worsened. Physical examination revealed 3 firm, irregular subcutaneous nodules measuring 1 x 0.5 cm, which were movable and unattached to the overlying skin. One of the nodules was ulcerated (Figure 1). Histopathologic examination showed spindle-shaped fibroblast cells intermingled with gangliocyte-like giant cells in the hypodermis with an infiltrate made of lymphocytes and histiocytes (Figure 2 and Figure 3). The immunohistochemical staining showed the negativity of the fusiform cells and the gangliocyte-like cells to anti-S100 protein and to anti-smooth muscle actin.

SUMMARYResistance to Leishmania parasite infection requires the development of a cellular immune response that activates macrophage leishmanicidal activity. In this study we have investigated the lymphoproliferative responses and in vitro cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from individuals living in an endemic area for L. major infection in Tunisia. The results were compared with the DTH reaction of the leishmanin skin test (LST). Sixty-seven individuals were included in the study: 22 persons (age range 9–60 years) who developed, 2 years before the present study, a parasitologically confirmed localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) that healed spontaneously, and 45 individuals (age range 18–20 years) born and living in the same area, with no previous history of LCL. LST was positive (skin induration ≥ 5 mm) in 20/22 cured cases of LCL and in 75% of healthy individuals without history of LCL. LST+ individuals expressed vigorous Leishmania-specific lymphoproliferative responses associated with in vitro production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) but not IL-4. Interestingly, IL-10 was detected in parallel with the highest levels of IFN-γ in PBMC supernatants from 3/20 cured LCL and 8/25 individuals without history of LCL. Our results showed a 98% concordance between the DTH reaction assessed by LST and the in vitro proliferative assay induced by soluble leishmanial antigens. Moreover, proliferative assays as well as cytokine analysis did not show any significant difference of the immune memory to parasite antigens developed by patients who had overt cutaneous leishmaniasis and those who had apparently asymptomatic infection.

Hydatid recurrence after surgery is about 10 %. It still constitutes a problem both in terms of pathophysiology and management of recurrence. The aim of this study was to assess the management of abdominal hydatid recurrence after surgical treatment for liver hydatid cyst and to identify the predictive factors of recurrence. We retrospectively included all the patients operated on between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012, in the Department “B” of Charles Nicolle Hospital (Tunisia), for abdominal hydatid recurrence. Sixteen men and 33 women, with a median age of 45 years, were included. For all patients, clinical variables and morphological and intra-operative characteristics concerning both the hydatid cysts previously treated and the recurrent cysts were collected. Surgical procedures were recorded as well as the immediate and long-term outcomes. Comparative studies were performed: “extrahepatic recurrence versus No,” “peritoneal recurrence versus No,” and “open approach versus laparoscopic approach.” A univariate analysis followed by a multivariate analysis was carried out to determine predictive factors of hydatid recurrence. Comparative analysis showed that laparoscopic approach, segments II and III localization, and postoperative complications during the first intervention were associated with a greater number of both peritoneal and extrahepatic hydatid recurrence. Multivariate analysis retained the laparoscopic approach as a predictive factor of both peritoneal recurrence (OR 5.5; 95 % CI 1.56; p = 0.008) and abdominal extrahepatic recurrence (OR 3.54; 95 % CI 1.08; p = 0.035). Laparoscopic approach for the treatment of liver hydatid cysts was associated with a higher rate of extrahepatic and peritoneal recurrence than open.

Acne is a chronic disease that is especially common among adolescents. It can have a considerable psychological and social impact that is not always correlated with clinical severity. The aim of this paper was to evaluate clinical severity and alteration of quality of life in acne patients, and to investigate a possible correlation between the two. A total of 82 patients with juvenile acne were included in this study. The clinical severity of acne was evaluated using the Echelle de Cotation des Lésions d'Acné (ECLA) scale. The Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) was used to assess acne-related quality of life. Acne was mild to moderate in 61% of patients (ECLAor = 12). A considerable alteration of quality of life was present in 51% of cases. There was a positive correlation between overall scores on the ECLA and CADI scales (P = .012) before and after treatment. Additionally, CADI score improved after effective treatment of acne. Acne may have an important impact on teenagers' psychological and social life. An objective assessment of this impact seems to be necessary. ECLA and CADI scores appear to be objective and simple instruments that may be used in acne management.

Author(s): Zaraa, Ines; Dorbani, Imen; Hawilo, Abdelmoati; Mokni, Mourad; Ben Osman, Abel | Abstract: Background: Ingrown toenail is a common problem causing significant morbidity. Various procedures used for treating this painful condition were discussed in the literature.Objetctive: Through a prospective study we aimed to evaluate in a long-term follow-up the efficacy of partial nail plate avulsion combined with phenolic chemical matricectomy for the treatment of Ingrown toenails.Methods: We recruited outpatient from January 2006 to December 2009; all treated by phenol matricectomy and assured a regular follow up.Results: Consecutive 146 patients with a total of 171 Ingrown toenails were enrolled. There was no significant morbidity and the procedure was tolerated well by all patients. The short-term results were excellent. No severe complications occurred during the 21-month follow-up period. The overall recurrence was 2.7 %.Conclusion: Phenol cauterization compared with other surgical ablation techniques may be the treatment of choice of Ingrown toenails. It’s an effective technique for the treatment of Ingrown toenails accompanied by less morbidity and lower recurrence rates.

Background: The efficacy of topical antifungals is controversial. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of a sequential (SEQ) treatment with chemical nail avulsion and topical antifungals to amorolfine nail lacquer in dermatophytic onychomycosis. Methods: This was a randomized, parallel-group, controlled study comparing a 36-week SEQ treatment with chemical nail avulsion with RV4104A ointment (class I medical device containing 40% urea) followed by ciclopirox cream for 8 weeks and ciclopirox nail lacquer for 25 weeks (SEQ group) to amorolfine nail lacquer for 36 weeks (AMO group). Patients had to have a big toenail onychomycosis, sparing the matrix. The primary efficacy criterion was complete cure at week 48. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. Results: A total of 142 patients were randomized. The complete cure rate at week 48 was significantly higher in the SEQ group than in the AMO group (36.6 vs. 12.7%, p = 0.001). Clinical cure at week 48 was observed in 53.5% of patients in the SEQ group versus 17% in the AMO group (p < 0.01). The cost of cure per patient was 50% lower with SEQ treatment (EUR 33) compared with amorolfine (EUR 76). Conclusion: A treatment of onychomycosis comprising chemical avulsion of the pathological nail, ciclopirox cream and nail lacquer is significantly more effective than amorolfine nail lacquer.

Depilatory radiotherapy was used in the sixties as a treatment for ringworm in Tunisia. Subsequently some of these patients developed radio-induced carcinomas of the scalp.To present the epidemiological, clinical, pathological,therapeutic features and out come of radio-induced cutaneous carcinomas.We conducted a retrospective study performed in the dermatology department of the La Rabta hospital of Tunis over a 6- year-period recording all histologically confirmed carcinomas in patients irradiated in childhood for tinea capitis.Thirty one patients were included with 49 tumors: 47 basal cell carcinomas and 2 squamous cell carcinomas. The average latent period between the irradiation and the appearance of the carcinomas was of 35.7 years. The average age was 53 years. A male predominance was noted, with a sex ratioM/F of 6.75. Clinically, basal cell carcinomas were nodular in all cases. Surgery was indicated in 90% of cases. Cryosurgery and radiotherapy were used respectively in 1 and 2 patients.Our study shows that radio-induced cutaneous carcinomas are widely dominated by basal cell carcinoma. They arise, approximately, ten years earlier than carcinoma in patients with no history of scalp irradiation. However X-ray exposure does not seem to influence clinical or histological presentation, therapeutic modalities nor prognosis of these tumors. The prognosis of radioinduced cutaneous carcinomas was globally similar to that of other cutaneous carcinomas with same histological type and equivalent degree of invasion.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the lips (90%). The prognosis of these SCC seems to be poor thus here periorificial localization.To present the epidemiological, clinical, pathological, therapeutic features and out come of SCC of the lips.we conducted a retrospective study performed in the dermatology department of the La Rabta hospital of Tunis over a 11-year-period [2000-2010] recording patients with histologically confirmed SCC of lips.Thirty patients were included (26 men and 4 women) with an average age of 63 years. The most frequent risk factors were smoking and chronic sunlight exposure. The occurrence of the labial SCC on a precursor lesion was noted in 11 cases. It occurred more frequently on the lower lip (80%). Tumor was ulcero-vegetant in 21 patients. Twenty patients had a commune SCC, 19 of them were well-differentiated. Surgery was indicated in 18 cases and 10 patients were treated by exclusive radiotherapy. Lymph nodes metastases were noted in 2 cases. No visceral metastasis was observed. During the period of follow-up (20.12 months), two patients died.The diagnosis of SCC of the lips is late and the treatment often mutilating. The improvement of the prognosis depends not only on the early diagnosis and the treatment of the precursors, but also on the photo protection and alcohol and smoking eviction.

BACKGROUND To assess the ten-year cardiovascular risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in psoriatic patients and to test the impact of psoriasis severity and duration on cardiovascular risk. METHODS A case-control study included 202 adult psoriatic patients and 202 controls. RESULTS Risk CHD was estimated using the Framingham risk score algorithm. Patients had a higher ten-year Framingham risk score (13.62 +/- 11.86 vs. 9.23 +/- 8.04; p = 0.002) than controls. In addition, a high risk score and a very high risk score (> 40%) were more frequent in psoriatic patients compared with controls (p = 0.043 and p < 0.001, respectively). According to the severity of psoriasis, the ten-year cardiovascular risk increases progressively and significantly (11.84 +/- 10.08; 15.59 +/- 11.79 and 16.92 +/- 14.13 for mild, moderate and severe psoriasis, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Psoriatic patients have significantly greater risks of developing coronary heart disease than controls in relationship with psoriasis comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, inflammation and probably with psoriasis itself.

Recent studies have suggested that in Tunisia, pemphigus foliaceus is more frequent in young women than expected. To confirm these findings, we compared the incidence rates of pemphigus in Tunisia as a whole and in a large area of France, New cases of pemphigus were detected retrospectively from dermatology departments and pathology laboratories over a 6-year period and classified as pemphigus vulgaris or foliaceus according to the pathology. In France, the incidence rate was 1.7 cases per million per year (95% confidence interval 1.4 to 2.1). Pemphigus vulgaris accounted for 73% of all cases, incidence increased with age, and the female-to-male sex ratio was 1.2. The incidence rate was significantly higher in Tunisia than in France: 6.7 cases per million per year (95% confidence interval 5.8 to 7.7); pemphigus foliaceus was more frequent (61%), the female-to-male sex ratio was 4.1, and the incidence rate was higher in young women. The incidence rate was 15.5 cases per million per year for pemphigus foliaceus among women aged 25 to 34 years and was even higher in some rural areas, No case was observed among household members or in neonates, and only one case occurred in childhood, Thus, we confirmed that the epidemiology of pemphigus in Tunisia is unusual. High rates of pemphigus foliaceus among young people living in rural areas are reminiscent of Brazilian pemphigus. However, the absence of cases among genetically related household members and during childhood, and the large predominance of women, contrast with Brazilian pemphigus.

Psoriasis is a relapsing chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting all population groups, with a peak prevalence of 3% in northern European and Scandinavian caucasians. Epidemiological studies have implicated a genetic component to psoriasis. In the past 12 years multiple genome-wide linkage analyses have identified putative susceptibility loci on several chromosomes, with a major locus in the major histocompatibility complex region.To investigate the genetic basis of familial psoriasis in the Tunisian population using a genome-wide linkage scan in seven ultiplex psoriatic families from Tunisia.Following single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping on the Affymetrix 10K SNP array, we performed nonparametric linkage (NPL) multipoint analyses to identify genotypes and obtain evidence for linkage with psoriasis across the genome.No chromosomal region gave consistent evidence for linkage, providing evidence for genetic heterogeneity in Tunisian psoriasis families. Significant evidence for linkage of psoriasis to chromosome 2p12 was seen in one family. We also identified several regions of tentative psoriasis linkage on chromosomes 2q, 4q, 6p, 11q, 12q, 9q and 13q. One family exhibiting suggestive evidence for linkage to 17q25 (PSORS2) was identified and all affected members harboured a p.Gly117Ser mutation in CARD14 (caspase recruitment domain family, member 14), recently reported to lead to psoriasis in a large family from the U.S.A.Our results support the genetic heterogeneity of psoriasis in the Tunisian population, provide confirmatory evidence for a novel psoriasis locus at chromosome 2p12 and reveal a psoriasis family with a mutation at PSORS2.

Inflammatory Tinea capitis (TC) is a rare form of TC. The aim of this study was to review epidemiological, clinical and mycological profile of inflammatory TC. We present a retrospective study (1999-2010), enrolled all the cases of inflammatory TC observed at a referral hospital in the northern Tunisia. One hundred and twenty-one patients with inflammatory TC, 83 male patients (68.6%) and 38 female patients (31.4%) were enrolled. The mean age was about 8 years. A majority of TC (71.9%) were in patients lesser than 10 years of age. Positive family history and contact with animals were noted in seven and 35 cases respectively. Direct examination was positive in 110 cases (59 ectothrix, 51 endothrix) and positive cultures were obtained in 105 patients (49 Trichophyton violaceum, 31 Microsporum canis, 13 Trichophyton interdigitale complex, 12 Trichophyton verrucosum). Systemic treatment was carried out in 115 patients with griseofulvin, in one with terbinafine. A complete recovery was noted in 88 cases; and persistent alopecia in 28 cases. The inflammatory TC is rare, but more common in rural families. The disease mostly affected male genders (68.6%) and T. violaceum remains the common pathogen of inflammatory TC in northern Tunisia.

Administrative database, used previously for control of cost, patient flow and invoicing, offer to researchers a large sample of patients representative of population providing interesting informations in the field of descriptive and analytic epidemiology with less cost.To assess the usefulness of administrative database for quality of care and research.It was a prospective study concerning 4690 hospitalisations in Department B of General Surgery of hôpital Charles Nicolle during a period of 18 months, between June 1st, 2008 and December 31st, 2009. A descriptive analysis followed by a pronostic study with a univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RÉSULTATS : Our study showed the usefulness of an administrative database in assessing the quality of care, it allowed us to determine postoperative mortality rate (2.7%), deep morbidity (2.5%), parietal morbidity (1.2%), medical complications (6%), nosocomial infections (3.6%) and re intervention (2.7%), with independent predictive factors of these events. To reduce the incidence of these events we should reduce length of pre-operative stay, prevent intra operative accidents, avoid intra operative bleeding in order to reduce intra operative transfusions and avoid as far as possible the stay in ICU Independent predictors of post trauma death are multiple trauma [OR: 6.14, 95% (from 1.68 to 16.94), p = 0.002], a traumatized patient in distress on arrival [OR: 8.74, 95% (3.59 -27.77), p = 0.000] and overall medical complications [OR: 13.18, 95% (from 4.01 to 31.25), p=0.000]. The ISS is a good discriminative indice to assess the severity and life-threatening risk.Administrative databases provide information on the efficiency of care, it helps to realise observational studies on large samples representative of the population at low cost. They are very useful in the research, despite the lack of clinical data.

International audience; An association between a common deletion comprising the late cornified envelope LCE3B and LCE3C genes (LCE3C_LCE3B-del) and psoriasis has been reported in Caucasian and Asian populations. To investigate whether this deletion plays a role in the genetic of psoriasis in Tunisian population, we determined the LCE3C_LCE3B-del genotype in 180 Ps patients and 208 healthy controls from different regions of Tunisia. The LCE3B and LCE3C gene variant was determined in the patients through PCR amplification and the SPSS software package. The frequency of the LCE3C_LCE3B-del was similar between patients and healthy controls. Subanalyses by family history revealed that the frequency of LCE3C_LCE3B-del was significantly higher in patients with a positive family history than in control individuals, as well as in individuals with a positive family history versus those without in the case cohort. However, no significant difference was observed between psoriatic patients with no family history and controls. We also evaluated the relationship between LCE3C_LCE3B-del and PSORS1. No significant epistatic effect was observed suggesting that there was no significant epistasis of the two loci in the Tunisian population. Our findings indicate that the LCE3C_LCE3B-del might play a role in familial psoriasis in the Tunisian population.

Cutaneous manifestations are the most common extra intestinal manifestations associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).To assess the epidemio-clinical profile of skin manifestations in IBD.A prospective and descriptive study was conducted. We have examined skin, mucosa, hair and nails, of all patients with an IBD during one year.One hundred-ninety-five patients were included. Crohn's disease (CD) was noted in 154 cases (79.8%), ulcerous rectocolitis (UC) in 39 cases (21.2%) and inclassable IBD in 2 cases. Cutaneous manifestations were found in 91% of Crohn's patients and in 92% of UC patients. Granulomatous perianal skin lesions were the main cutaneous manifestations of CD (53%). The most common affected sites were ano-perineal fistulae, perianal and perineal fissures and oedematous and infiltrated perianal and genital plaques. Reactive lesions (Erythema nodosum, Pyoderma gangrenosum, Aphthous stomatitis) were noted in 14 cases. Skin manifestations due to malabsorption were also frequently observed (101 cases: 51.7%).Other dermatoses implicating various mechanisms such as psoriasis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, rosacea, lichen planus, were also noted. Adverse skin manifestations due to treatment (folliculitis, acne, macula-papular rash and DRESS syndrome) were present in 16 cases.Our series is characterized by a high frequency of cutaneous manifestations associated to IBD. A better recognition of these skin manifestations by the physician may improve their management.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a mutifocal angiogenic process characterized by cellular and vascular proliferation.To identify the epidemio-clinical, histological and therapeutic features of KS.Retrospective study of 75 cases of KS at the dermatology department of Rabta hospital in Tunis during a period of 25 years (1982-2007).Three epidemio-clinical forms of KS were observed in our study: the classic KS (70 cases), the AIDS-related KS (4 cases) and the iatrogenic KS (1 case). The mean age of our patients at diagnosis was 69.16 years with a sex ratio of 2.33. Elective site of cutaneous lesions in the classic KS was the limbs (87.1%). The cephalic part was concerned in 17.1% of cases. Mucosal involvement was found in 28.5% of patients. Extra dermatological localizations of KS were observed in 32.9%.Our study identified some epidemio-clinical features of the classic KS especially the high frequency of mucosal and cephalic involvement as well as extra dermatological localizations. Thus further exploration is required even without alarm signs.

The kappa light chain constant region of immunoglobulins bears polymorphic markers involved in susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases. To determine whether it also contributes to the occurrence of pemphigus, a group of autoimmune blistering skin diseases owing to pathogenic autoantibodies, the genotypic frequencies of Km allotypes were evaluated in patients with pemphigus foliaceus or pemphigus vulgaris and ethnically-matched healthy controls in both Tunisia and France. No difference in the distribution of Km genotype or allele frequencies was observed between patients and controls in either countries. Therefore, Km allotypes do not appear to constitute a genetic factor contributing to pemphigus.

the erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that may be potentially life-threatening.To study the characteristics of this severe form of psoriasis.We present a retrospective study, including all cases of EP followed in the dermatology department of the La Rabta hospital of Tunis over a 31-year-period from January, 1980 to June, 2010.sixty patients were included, concerning 46 men and 14 women, with an average age of 53.7. A history of psoriasis was reported in 78 % of the cases. A triggering factor was found in 53 % of the cases. Systemic treatments were required in 55 % of cases. An improvement was noted in 69.4 % of the cases. A recurrence of the EP was observed in 15% of the cases. Three cases of sepicemia and one of stroke were noted.Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most common etiology of erythroderma. It represents more than half of severe psoriasis. As shown in our study it affects mainly adults' males. It complicates usually a common psoriasis. Septic and thromboembolic complications ones justify a close follow up.

International audience; Auto-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes play a key role in the progressive loss or destruction of melanocytes in vitiligo but the mechanism underlying the loss of self-tolerance is unknown. A deregulation of regulatory T-cell biology has recently been suggested. The analysis of the suppressive effects of peripheral T regulatory cells in vitiligo patients revealed a functional defect in seven of 15 cases. This defect was strongly correlated with disease activity. The evaluation of the percentage of peripheral regulatory T lymphocytes did not reveal any intrinsic quantitative defect. Yet, a decrease in the percentage of such cells was noted in patients with progressive forms, suggesting a recruitment of regulatory T cells from the peripheral blood to the site of injury. This was further corroborated by the significant increase of Forkhead box P3 expression in the vitiliginous skin of patients. Our data support the involvement of a functional defect of peripheral regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and open new possibilities to advance therapeutic approaches.

Autoimmune bullous dermatoses (ABD) are a rare but significant group of cutaneous disorders posing great diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the treating dermatologist. Few surveys have been carried out to describe the whole spectrum of ABD in a region.To determine the clinicoepidemiological features of various ABD.We retrospectively recruited all ABD cases seen during an 11-year period (1997-2007).One hundred and seventy-four patients were involved (16.3 cases/year). Pemphigus was observed to be the most common ABD (53%), with the majority being pemphigus vulgaris (61%) vs. 36% of pemphigus foliaceus (Tunisian pemphigus).Most epidemiological surveys have focused on a single or just one group of ABD. In our series, pemphigus foliaceus was relatively more prevalent than in occidental data. The frequencies of subepidermal immunobullous dermatoses in our study were in agreement with those in the literature.

Adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDR) are common, and some can be lethal. The aim of our study was to discuss the epidemiological and clinical features of severe ACDR.We retrospectively analyzed 100 cases of ACDR from 1981 to 2007, collected in the Department of Dermatology of the La Rabta Hospital in Tunis, which is located in the north of Tunisia. Severity was defined on three criteria: hospitalization; visceral involvement; and severity markers.Characteristics of the 54 included cases were: women (70%); mean age: 44.8 years; responsible drugs: anticonvulsants (28%), antibiotics (28%), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (15%). The most common dermatoses were maculopapular rash (50%). We observed fever (76%), lymphadenopathy (31.5%), eosinophilia (35%), and visceral involvement (50%). Twelve patients died directly related to the ACDR.This study underlines the polymorphous clinical presentation of ACDR and the importance of researching some severity markers, which have important practical implications.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an uncommon but severe dermatosis, characterized by acute occurrence of fever, and erythemato-oedematous rash, covered by sterile nonfollicular pustules. Most cases of AGEP have been described in association with the intake of drugs.To determine clinical and prognostic features of AGEP in our patients.All cases of AGEP diagnosed between 1992 and 2007 according to EuroSCAR criteria have been collected.Twenty two patients (16 female, 6 male) with a mean age of 40.9 years (19-81) were included in the study. Clinical features showed in all cases an acute eruption with oedematous erythema, rapidly covered by nonfollicular pustules. The rash was mainly localized on big folds, trunk and/or limbs in 14 cases and generalized in 8 cases. A biological cytolysis was noted in 5 cases and a functional acute renal failure was objected in 2 cases. Etiological work up has found an association with the intake of drugs in 14 cases, a toxic cause (mercury) in 1 case and a B19 parvovirus infection in one case. The mean delay between drug intake and beginning of the eruption was 5 days (24 hours- 15 days). Pharmacovigilance enquiry has concluded to a probable or plausible causality in all our cases. Clinical features improved with drug or toxic withdrawal with a mean delay of 7 days (4 -12 days). A relapse of AGEP was observed in 2 cases after accidental introduction of the drug.AGEP is a cutaneous side effect not to ignore, because of its severe prognosis in case of systemic involvement and the possibility of relapses in case of retake of the causal drug.

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common condition. Usually benign, it can be debilitating. The main step was to identify the potential causes of CU to institute the strategy for management of patients.To present the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of CU.233 cases of CU were enrolled through a retrospective study conducted in the dermatology department of La Rabta hospital during 10 years (1997-2006).The mean age of our patients was about 36 years with a sex ratio of 2.28. The mean duration of the CU before the consultation was 21 months. Inducing Factors were reported in 109 cases, dominated by physical factors (73 cases). Severe symptoms as facial edema were observed in 44 cases. The CU was considered as idiopathic in 179 cases (77%). An etiology was found in 54 cases, dominated by physical origin, noted in 25 cases. All patients were treated by antihistaminic. Systemic corticosteroids were associated in 41 patients. Partial improvement was the mainly outcome (166 cases).CU is a frequent disease which the diagnosis is based on clinical exam. The causes of CU were numerous and sometimes intricate, that gives the etiologic courses difficult and usually disappointing.

A significant association between psoriasis and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been frequently reported.The aim of this study was to specify the main factors that determine the MetS in psoriatic Tunisian patients.A case-control study has included 164 psoriatic patients and 216 controls.The prevalence of MetS was higher in cases than in controls but without statistical differences [35.5% vs. 30.8%, odds ratio (OR): 1.39 CI: 0.88-2.18; P=0.095]. According to gender, the prevalence of MetS was significantly increased only in psoriatic women (47.4% vs. 30%, OR: 1.89, CI: 1.11-3.21; P=0.01). A multiple logistic regression, considering the effect of age, and gender, showed that the prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in cases than in controls (OR: 1.73, CI: 1.06-2.82; P=0.03). MetS components analysed seperately showed a significantly higher prevalence of decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) (60.9% vs. 35.9%, OR: 2.77, CI: 1.8-4.27, P0.001) and for increased hypertension (50% vs. 40%, OR: 1.48, CI: 0.97-2.257, P=0.04) in psoriatic patients. According to gender, HDLc was significantly decreased in both genders (male: OR: 2.075, CI: 1.24-3.47, P=0.004; female: OR: 3.58, CI: 2.07-6.19, P0.0001), while hypertension was increased only in psoriatic men (OR: 2.09, CI: 1.24-3.51, P=0.004) and abdominal obesity only in psoriatic women (OR: 2.31, CI: 1.30-4.11, P=0.002).Decreased HDLc is the main biological abnormality that characterized MetS in Tunisian psoriatic patients. Moreover, contrary to men, psoriatic women have shown a significantly higher prevalence of MetS, which is, in addition to decreased HDLc, mainly attributed to abdominal obesity.

Mycetoma is a chronic infection of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue that can be caused by fungi or bacteria. It is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas but rare in Tunisia.The purpose of this report is to describe epidemioclinical features, treatment and outcomes in patients presenting mycetoma in Tunisia.The files of all patients treated for mycetoma in the Dermatology Department of La Rabta Hospital in Tunisia from 1982 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed.A total of 15 cases of mycetoma were recorded during the study period. There were 6 men and 9 women with a mean age of 53.2 years. The most common clinical presentation was infiltrated erythematous plaques with sinus tracts (fistulas). Lesions were located on the foot in 12 cases. Thirteen patients reported the presence of grains in fluid discharging from fistulas. The cause of mycetoma was actinomycetes, i.e., Actinomadura madurae, in 9 cases and fungus in 6 cases including 3 due to Madurella mycetomi and 2 to Pseudallesheria boydii. Treatment was based on oral antibiotics for actinomycetoma and oral antifungals for eumycetoma.Mycetoma in Tunisia is still uncommon with a slight female predominance. The foot is the most frequent location. Diagnosis can be accomplished by direct mycologic examination, culture, and histololgy. There is no consensus on treatment that is often prolonged with numerous relapses.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disease involving many systemic lesions characterized by vasculitis as a common basic pathologic process. Mucocutaneous (MC) features are considered as the diagnostic hallmarks.To retrospectively determine the epidemiological and clinical aspects of BD mucocutaneous symptoms in Tunisia compared to those found in the literature.Twenty-eight patients were involved in a single-center dermatological recruitment for a 27-year period (1980-2007) on the basis of international BD criteria.Our series included 19 males and 9 females. The mean age at onset was 28 years and the mean age at diagnosis was 37.9 years. The frequency of MC manifestations was as follows: oral ulcers (100%), genital ulcers (92.8%), other cutaneous signs (82.1%) such as papulopustular lesions (53.5%), and dermohypodermal nodes (11.53%), aphthous cutaneous ulcers (17.8%), and other lesions (leg ulcer: three cases, erythema multiform: one case, and infected pyodermatitis: one case). Systemic manifestations were present in 18 patients.MC manifestations are hallmarks of the disease and usually the onset symptoms. The frequencies of the various MC signs seen in our study broadly match those found in the literature.

Summary background Most of the published reports on Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) come from European and Asian countries. We report here the clinical and genetic investigation of 20 patients affected with HHD in Tunisia. Methods Affected individuals from three large teaching hospitals in Tunis were recruited for the study over a 25-year period. Nine patients were identified through the active files and examined together with their family members that were visited in their respective regions. We have clinically examined in total 65 individuals and then identified 11 new cases. Patients were included on the basis of evocative skin lesions, biopsy proven HHD and negative immunofluorescence. Investigations to rule out fungal, bacterial and viral infections were done according to clinical symptoms. Results Twenty patients (12 males and 8 females) from 8 families were included in the present study with more than 55% that were undiagnosed before this investigation. Four patients had mild disease, eight had moderate disease and another eight had severe disease, among whom seven were females. Parental consanguinity was found in 7 cases out of 20 cases (35%). The neck region was first affected in half (4/8) of the male patients. Groins were first affected in 42% (5/12) of the female patients. Depression complicated the course of the disease in two female patients with severe HHD. We report an original association of supernumerary nipples with HHD in two sisters from the north of Tunisia. In 10 patients, the disease has become less troublesome with aging. Conclusion HHD is underestimated. Physicians must be aware of this disease in case of resistant intertriginous dermatosis especially with a positive family history as nine out of 20 patients were misdiagnosed.

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous fungal infection caused by dematiaceous saprophytic moulds. We report a case of chromoblastomycosis due to Fonsecaea pedrosoi observed in man from the Baja region of Tunis. He presented since one year an erythemato-squamous atrophic plaque localised at the abdomen area. Clinical remission was obtained after cryotherapy and terbinafine.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. The familial nature of psoriasis has long been recognized. Aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and genetic features of familial psoriasis.Through a prospective study we investigated during a study period of lyear (2006-2007) 9 Tunisian unrelated multiplex families. Patients with psoriasis and their available family members were examined by the same dermatologist.Thirty nine individual presented psoriasis (25 men and 4 women), with a mean age at onset about 19.8 years. With the systematic exam of member's family we discover 11 cases of unknown psoriasis. The common form of psoriasis was the preponderant one (37 cases). The nails, the scalp, the mucous membranes were involved respectively in 21, 12 and 13 cases. The psoriasis was severe in 11 cases.Through this study we find similar epidemiological and clinical features of those reported previously. The intra and inter-familial variability was evident in our patients.

hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory, suppurating, fistulizing, and scar-producing disease of apocrine gland-bearing skin. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the presence of both sinus tracts and abscesses with a characteristic distribution.Review of epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic characteristics of HS and discussion of the etiopathogenic aspects of this chronic problem.We retrospectively report all cases of HS followed at the Department of Dermatology between January 1985 and December 2008.Eleven patients (10 male and 1 female), with a mean age of 35.2 years (range 21 dash, vertical53 years) at HS diagnosis were followed for HS. The average age of disease onset was 23.9 years. The median delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 144 months (range 1 dash, vertical408 months). Clinical features showed inflamed discharging papules or nodules, painful tender erythematous nodules, and double-ended comedones. The disease mainly affected the axillary, anal, perineal, and genital areas. Histologically, dermal features showed active folliculitis or abscess, sinus tract formation, fibrosis, and granuloma formation. Pathological associations (Darier's disease and Down syndrome) were noted in two patients. Treatment consisted of antibiotics in eight patients, retinoids (1 mg/kg/ day) in three patients, and surgery in three patients. The mean follow-up was 13 months (range 2 dash, vertical30 months). Recurrence of lesions was observed in all patients approximately 1 month after treatment withdrawal. The Down syndrome patient developed vaginal hydrocele of the testis as a complication of his staphylococcic ulcers. In all cases healing occurred with substantial scarring.An obvious male predominance was noted in our patients as well as a delay in the diagnosis of HS, which could be explained by non-recognition of the disease by non-specialists that see the patients at the primary-care level.

Pregnancy is a period of hormonal, immunological, metabolic and vascular changes. Some of them are considered to be physiologic, but others are real diseases specific or not of pregnancy. The aim of our study is to present the epidemiological and clinical physiologic dermatological changes of pregnancy.We present a transversal monocentric study. One hundred pregnant women attending the department of dermatology of the La Rabta hospital were enrolled. Systematic detailed cutaneous examination was performed by a dermatologist to look for a physiologic skin changes.The mean age was 29 years [20-46 years]. Pigmentary changes were the most preponderant (93%), dominated by the areolar region pigmentation (77%). The glandular changes were noted in 75% of cases. The vascular modifications were observed in 77% of pregnant women. Of these, gingival hyperemia was the most common (46%). Others cutaneous changes were less frequent (stria distensae 45%, nevi changes 35%, molluscum gravidarum 10%).The physiologic cutaneous changes during pregnancy are numerous. Our study confirms the frequency and the variability of these modifications. The pigmentary changes were the most common finding.

Summary Background Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune blistering skin disease that partly results from genetic factors, especially human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes. Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the HLA DR/DQ markers of susceptibility and protection in the Tunisian endemic form. Methods Genomic DNA from 90 patients with pemphigus foliaceus recruited from all parts of the country and matched by age, sex and geographical origin with 270 healthy individuals, was genotyped. Results Firstly, when the whole patient population was studied, DRB1*03, DQB1*0302 and DRB1*04 alleles were significantly associated with the disease while a significant decrease of, in particular, DRB1*11 and DQB1*0301 was observed in patients compared with controls. DRB1*0301 was the dominant allele in DR3-positive patients and controls, while DRB1*0402 was found in 42% of DR4-positive patients. Secondly, when the HLA DR/DQ allele distribution was studied after dividing patients according to their geographical origin, the southern group, which consisted exclusively of patients with the endemic form of the disease, showed the same associations as the whole pemphigus foliaceus population, particularly with DRB1*03. In the northern group, only the DRB1*04 and DQB1*0301 alleles were found to be associated. Interestingly, anti-desmoglein 1 antibody-positive healthy controls did not carry susceptibility alleles but, in contrast, most carried negatively associated alleles. Conclusions These observations indicate that a particular genetic background characterizes the Tunisian endemic form of pemphigus foliaceus and that HLA class II genes control the pathogenic properties of the autoimmune response rather than the initial breakage of B-cell tolerance.

Participation in athletic activities is associated with a variety of skin problems. We aimed to precise the most important sports related dermatoses in athletes.We conducted transversal study on 30 athletes of 2 teams: one of soccer and the other of basketball players. For each athlete dermatological exam was practiced.18 soccer players and 12 basketball players were enrolled; the mean age was about 25.3 years [18-35 years]. The results suggest that athletic activity seems to be a predisposing factor for cutaneous infections (87%) especially fungal infections (90%). Traumatic lesions were also frequent in our athletes (20/30), dominated by calluses and nail disorders (80%).Sports-related dermatoses include infections, traumatic entities, allergic contact dermatitis, environmental encounters, exacerbation of preexisting dermatoses, thus regular dermatological screening of athletes is critical for rapid identification and treatment of dermatoses distrusting sport performance.

Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most frequent acute nodular hypodermatitis. Etiologies of EN are varied although a similar clinical presentation. The aim of our study is to establish epidemio-clinical characteristics of EN in 103 patients.(62 in care (january 1980-december 2005) and 41 consultants (january 1991-december 2005) were seen on the dermatology unit of the Rabta hospital. We have only included patients that had done: blood count, chest X-Ray, ASLO, tuberculin intradermoreaction, transaminase, inflammation marker.We had 86 women and 17 men with a mean age of 36,5 years. Lesions were located in lower limbs in 88 cases. The main etiologies were: post streptococcal infections (42 cases), tuberculosis (8 cases), Crohn disease (8 cases), Behçet disease (7 cases) and sarcoidosis (5 cases). EN was idiopathic in 23 patients. The most common provoking agent of EN varies from a country to another and even in the same country from a study to another. In Tunisia, post streptococcal infections and Behçet disease still frequent etiologies for EN, sarcoidosis and inflammatory colites are more and more found unlike tuberculosis which is less incriminated than before. In case of EN it is reasonable to begin etiological enquiry by common causes.