Proliferating pilar tumors (PPTs) are rare neoplasms arising from the outer root sheath of hair follicles, with approximately 90% occurring on the scalp. These tumors predominantly affect women over 50 years of age and may occasionally undergo malignant transformation, necessitating careful histopathological evaluation. We present the case of a 60-year-old female who presented with a gradually enlarging, non-tender lump on the right cheek of 1.5 years' duration. Local examination revealed a firm, 3×2 cm solid mass with no overlying skin changes or palpable cervical lymphadenopathy. Excisional biopsy was performed and histopathological analysis demonstrated a lobulated lesion composed of proliferative squamous cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, brisk mitotic activity, and abrupt keratinization — findings consistent with a proliferating pilar tumor. Post-operative MRI of the head, face, and neck with contrast revealed no evidence of residual or recurrent tumor. This case highlights an uncommon presentation of PPT on the cheek, a site rarely reported in the literature.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare, chronic autoimmune blistering disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized by the production of IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein-1 and desmoglein-3, which are essential components of desmosomes responsible for cell-to-cell adhesion in the epidermis. Loss of adhesion between keratinocytes leads to acantholysis and the formation of painful blisters and erosions, commonly beginning in the oral cavity before involving the skin. PV most frequently affects middle-aged individuals and shows higher prevalence among certain ethnic groups, including those of Mediterranean and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Diagnosis is confirmed by clinical features, histopathology, and direct immunofluorescence studies. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine or rituximab, significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Although once associated with high fatality rates, advances in immunotherapy have markedly improved patient prognosis.

Glomus tumors are rare mesenchymal tumors usually located in the skin or subcutaneously, most often benign, however they can exceptionally be of gastric location appearing in the intramuscular layer, and generally present in the form of a solitary submucosal nodule in the antral and pyloric region. We report the case of a 36-year-old patient who consulted the surgical emergency department for severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with abundant melena evolving for 3 days due to a glomus tumor of gastric location and effectively treated by an atypical gastrectomy following an exploratory laparotomy performed in emergency whose origin could not be specified by endoscopic explorations.

Men use aphrodisiac substances during sex for a mix of psychological, physiological, social, and cultural reasons. Using aphrodisiac substances whether herbal, pharmaceutical, or recreational—can affect male psychological health in several ways. These effects depend on frequency of use, underlying health conditions, expectations about sexual performance, and the type of substance used. Many men may begin to believe that sexual performance is impossible without the substance and his can lead to: decreased natural sexual confidence, reliance on external aids and anxiety about sexual failure if the substance is unavailable. This psychological dependency can be as impactful as physical addiction. This study is aim to evaluate the Psychological Factors Associated with the Frequent Use of Aphrodisiacs During Sexual Activity Among Men in South-South Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 250 women. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. The study lasted for a period of 2 months. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0 and p < 0.05 was significant. The results revealed that 75% of the participants were addicted to the use of aphrodisiac substance, 64% had anxiety, 72% were ashamed of constant erection, 68% were confused, 76% were depressed, 86% isolated themselves.

Background: CHAPLE syndrome (Complement Hyperactivation, Angiopathic Thrombosis, and Protein-Losing Enteropathy) is an extremely rare and life-threatening monogenic disease caused by loss-of-function mutations of CD55 leading to dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. The clinical pattern characterized by PLE and chronic inflammatory disease is frequently misattributed to idiopathic bowel disease (IBD) with consequent inappropriate and prolonged treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Methods: We report on a 6-year-old boy with early-onset chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive and steroid-dependent PLE that was initially identified as IBD. To resolve the diagnostic confusion, a fulminant biochemical and genetic lookups were performed. Results: This patient's sustained biochemical abnormalities severe hypoalbuminemia (15-22 g/L), profound thrombocytosis (platelets> 800 x 10⁹/l) and dimorphic anaemia were unrelated to traditional IBD. Genetic central sequencing demonstrated a homozygous deleterious CD55 variant, confirming the diagnosis of CHAPLE syndrome. This diagnosis provided the pathophysiological explanation for complement activation. Discussion: Treatment was consequently changed from corticosteroids to pozelimab, a complement C5 inhibitor monoclonal antibody. This therapy resulted in a prompt normalization of serum albumin and relief from gastrointestinal symptoms with subsequent prolonged clinical remission. Conclusions: We report a case, which highlights that a particular combination of biochemical aberrations in a previously well individual with refractory IBD should bring to mind monogenic causes including CHAPLE syndrome. Genetic testing is the best and most accurate way to diagnose a disorder. It is a revolution in the treatment of disease: away from nonspecific suppression of the immune system and toward targeted biologic therapy aimed at its precise cause — with dramatically better outcomes. Identification of these patterns and advising on confirmatory testing is a responsibility of clinical biochemists.

β-thalassemia minor is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by a reduction in β-globin synthesis, usually presenting as mild, microcytic anemia. Although generally asymptomatic, pregnant women with this condition may pose anesthetic challenges due to altered hematologic and physiological states. In this case, a patient with β-thalassemia minor underwent a cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia without complications. The anesthetic technique provided effective sensory blockade and stable hemodynamics, demonstrating that regional anesthesia can be safely administered when accompanied by appropriate preoperative evaluation, vigilant intraoperative monitoring, and effective blood conservation strategies. This case underscores the importance of individualized anesthetic planning for patients with hemoglobinopathies undergoing obstetric surgery.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), or Ogilvie’s syndrome, is characterized by dilation of part or all of the colon and rectum in the absence of any intrinsic or extrinsic mechanical obstruction. It predominantly affects people around the age of 60, with a male predominance. Its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. It often occurs in debilitated individuals. Although rare, it is serious, with a mortality rate of about 15% when treated early and appropriately, but increasing to 36–44% in cases of perforation or intestinal ischemia. Treatment may be medical, endoscopic, or surgical. Surgery is indicated when medical management fails or if there is suspicion of colonic perforation. Surgical options include cecostomy or possibly peroperative transanal pan-colorectal intubation using a multi-perforated tube via laparotomy. We report the case of an 18-year-old patient admitted for surgical management of acute intestinal obstruction due to Ogilvie’s syndrome lasting more than 24 hours, treated with a decompressive colostomy.