When Salmonella Manifests Through the Skin: Erythema Nodosum in a Pediatric Case.

Erythema nodosum (EN) is a non-specific nodular dermo-hypodermic rash characterized by the sudden occurrence of painful lumps located especially in the legs following a non-specific reaction to different internal and external antigens. Clinical and histological manifestations are stereotyped, regardless of the etiology. Erythema nodosum is most frequently associated with infections, particularly bacterial and less commonly viral, fungal, and parasitic. Other conditions can be discussed, including systemic diseases, malignant tumors, medicines, and vaccines. In almost half of cases, erythema nodosum is idiopathic if no cause is found. We report a case of erythema nodosum secondary to a Salmonella infection in a seven-year-old male. The peculiarity of our observation is the initial presentation of systemic signs that preceded the gastrointestinal symptoms.

Acceptance, Hesitancy, and Refusal Among Parents of Young Girls in Relation to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: A Study From the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda, Morocco.

INTRODUCTION: Morocco has joined the global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by introducing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination into its national immunization program. However, vaccination rates remain insufficient relative to the importance of the vaccine. Therefore, the objective of the study was to understand better the factors associated with acceptance, hesitance, or refusal of the HPV vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted among 450 parents of girls of HPV vaccination age at the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Oujda, Morocco, over a period of three months. RESULTS: A total of 450 parents were included in the study, most of them being mothers. Most parents were unaware of HPV infection (66%) or the HPV vaccine (62%). The rate of HPV vaccination among the study population was only 33%. Factors associated with nonvaccination included a lack of information about the HPV vaccine (57%), concern about side effects (33%), and unvaccinated family and friends (10%). Parents' intention to vaccinate their daughters was significantly lower in fathers (95% confidence interval, or 95% CI = 0.34-0.66), those with a low educational level (odds ratio, or OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.40-0.80), and those with an unfavorable socioeconomic level (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.30-0.56), whereas it was significantly higher in cases of a vaccinated entourage, including friends and family (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.22-2.12), and when vaccination was recommended by a doctor (OR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.56-2.39). CONCLUSION: The results of our study highlighted parents' lack of information about HPV infection and the HPV vaccine. They also revealed a clear lack of HPV vaccination coverage and identified the reasons for reluctance to vaccinate against HPV. Much remains to be done to increase the rate of HPV vaccination in Morocco.

When Tuberculosis Defies Appearances: The Tale of a Deceptive Abdominal Mass on Imaging.

Tuberculosis poses a significant public health challenge, especially in highly endemic countries. Rarely, it appears as an abdominal mass resembling a malignant abdominal tumor and can be misleading on imaging, so early diagnosis remains a challenge, and confirmation may require invasive examinations such as laparotomy. The most characteristic radiological appearance is that of a solid, hypervascular, or peripherally enhancing mass with a hypodense center. We present a case of retroperitoneal tuberculosis that simulated a teratoma on imaging. This case highlights the diagnosis difficulties even in endemic countries, despite advances in imaging techniques such as ultrasound and computed tomography.

A Rare Case of Trichobezoar Revealing Undiagnosed Celiac Disease.

Trichobezoar is a relatively rare condition in children, mainly observed in young girls with psychiatric disorders. While documented cases of trichobezoar associated with celiac disease exist, such occurrences remain uncommon in the literature. The association between the two can be explained either by behavioral disorders resulting from a deficiency in iron and folic acid or directly by celiac disease. Treatment is predominantly surgical, and psychological support plays a crucial role in preventing the likelihood of recurrence. We present an unusual case involving the discovery of gastric trichobezoar in a 15-year-old girl who had undiagnosed celiac disease. The condition manifested after she experienced abdominal pain and pallor.

Lupus Hepatitis: A Rare Manifestation Revealing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare disease in children but is more severe than in adults. SLE may be associated with various non-specific hepatic manifestations, but subacute lupus hepatitis remains unusual and is rarely a mode of revelation. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, laboratory, and histological findings after ruling out other causes of hepatitis, notably autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We report the case of a young girl with undiagnosed SLE, which first revealed itself as liver involvement and progressed well on corticosteroid therapy. During the course of her illness, she presented with other manifestations that led us to think of SLE with lupus hepatitis.