La Revue de médecine interne
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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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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.
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Health anxiety (HA) is a frequent problem (up to 20% of consultants in the context of secondary care) responsible for decreased well-being, disability, somatic and psychiatric complications, which contributes to high healthcare expenditures at the population level. It is likely, if not definitely established, that the prevalence of ACS is increasing, and this can partly be explained by the growing medicalization of society in general, the appetite of Media for health issues, and the uncontrolled use of the Internet (which can lead certain vulnerable subjects to cyberchondria). The pandemic of COVID-19 could have contributed to it, at least by the significant increase in the overall level of psychological distress in the population it has caused, although this has not formally been demonstrated to date. ⋯ Certain intuitive attitudes of doctors, such as reassurance, prove to be iatrogenic for the patient with HA. The management of HA can be facilitated by an acculturation of physicians to cognitive conceptions of anxiety in general and HA in particular. HA is effectively treatable by certain psychotherapy and in the first place cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBT), but the availability of trained therapists and accessible at a lower cost is sorely lacking, particularly in France.