Libyan Medical Journal

Pseudomass-like CNS Lesions in Neuro-Behçet’s Syndrome: A Narrative Review of a Rare Radiological Entity and Its Diagnostic Challenges

Seraj Ajaj, Faisal Taleb, Abdussalam Abograra, Badar Allagi — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Neuro-Behçet’s syndrome (NBS) is an uncommon but potentially disabling manifestation of Behçet’s disease. While typical parenchymal NBS predominantly affects the brainstem, basal ganglia, and diencephalon, a rare subset presents as tumefactive or pseudomass-like lesions that mimic neoplasm, infection, and demyelinating disorders. These lesions create substantial diagnostic uncertainty and may lead to unnecessary neurosurgical intervention if misinterpreted. This narrative review synthesizes published evidence on pseudomass-like NBS, focusing on clinical context, neuroimaging patterns, pathological correlates, differential diagnosis, and treatment response to immunosuppressive therapy. A representative clinical vignette is included to illustrate typical radiological evolution and regression after therapy. Improved awareness of this rare radiological entity may facilitate timely diagnosis, avoid invasive procedures, and improve outcomes.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Study About Covid- 19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Libya

Marwa Daw, Mohammed Smeo, Hajir Dakheel, Mohamed Sryh — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health and economies, underscoring the importance of vaccination in controlling the virus's spread. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among anyone residing within the state of Libya, regardless of their nationality, across all age groups, and who has reliable access to the internet. For three months from November 2023 to February 2024, a descriptive study of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) was undertaken. Non-probability convenience sampling was used, and participants completed online questionnaires sent via social media, meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main instrument for data collection was a standardized, self-administered questionnaire designed based on previous validated instruments from 404 participants. A total of 404 participants completed the questionnaire, with most of them being Libyan (n=393, 97.3%), over the age of 18 (n=388, 96%), and living outside of Tripoli (n=243, 60.1%). Female respondents (n=266, 65.8%) with higher qualifications (n= 262, 64.9%), with many responses coming from the medical sector (n= 241, 59.6%). The most prevalent source of information was numerous sources (n=177, 43.8%). The current results gathered through seven questions designed to evaluate participants' understanding of the vaccine's efficacy in preventing the disease showed that 18.1% of respondents believed the vaccine prevents COVID-19, 20.3% were unsure, and 61.6% disagreed. Despite this, 74.5%, 91.3%, and 69.6%, respectively, of participants had adequate knowledge, attitude, and practice about the vaccine. Additionally, 43% of the study population expressed willingness to receive the vaccine, and 69.1% understood that infection with the coronavirus is more dangerous than the vaccine itself. In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity of public health promotion to improve vaccine acceptance and address misconceptions. Suggest the need for targeted communication strategies to enhance public trust in the vaccine.

Nevus Lipomatosus Cutaneous Superficialis: A Case Report from Tripoli, Libya

Yaser Mustafa Garmadi — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis (NLCS) is a rare benign hamartomatous lesion characterized by ectopic mature adipocytes within the dermis. We present the case of a 24‑year‑old Libyan male with asymptomatic, multiple, soft, yellowish papules and nodules localized to the left buttock. The lesions had been present for several years and gradually increased in size. Systemic examination and laboratory findings were unremarkable. Histopathological analysis revealed clusters of mature adipocytes interspersed among dermal collagen bundles and surrounding subpapillary vessels, extending into the papillary dermis. The clinical and histological features were consistent with classical NLCS. The condition is benign, with no systemic associations or malignant potential. Treatment is unnecessary unless for cosmetic reasons, with surgical excision or CO₂ laser ablation as options. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case reported in Tripoli, contributing to the limited regional literature and reinforcing the importance of recognizing NLCS to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions

Determining the Contents of Chromium and Copper Metals in Some Nail Polish Samples

Ahlaam Ali, Gibril Al-Daik, Rehab Yaakub, Amira Alarabi, Hamad Hasan — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The contents of Chromium and Copper were estimated in different samples of nail polish collected from cosmetic and pharmacies in some Libyan cities. In this study, the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)Technique was used for the determination of the selected metals. The results of this study showed small variations in concentrations of Chromium and Copper. Generally, the ranges of chromium and Copper were fluctuated in the following ranges (1.43-2.01 µg/g), where the high content was recorded in sample D(none), while the low content was recorded in sample B(Top lady). On the side, the concentration of chromium ranged between (2.83-3.01 µg/g). The high content of chromium was recorded in A (Flormar), while the low value was found in sample D (None). The study concluded that the presence of toxic metals in the nail polish samples gave negative impact on human health.

Massive Pulmonary Embolism Presenting as Septic Shock Despite Repeatedly Negative D-dimer and Negative Lower Limb Doppler: A Diagnostic Challenge

Mohamed Elhamedi, Mahmoud Alalaqi, Azab Elsayed Azab — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pulmonary embolism (PE) may present atypically and mimic septic shock, posing a significant diagnostic challenge in critically ill patients. A 45-year-old woman initially presented with symptoms suggestive of acute gastroenteritis and was discharged. She re-presented within 24 hours with hypotension, tachycardia, and hypoxemia. Laboratory findings revealed severe anemia (hemoglobin 6.5 g/dL), leukocytosis (14 ×10⁹/L), platelet count 153 ×10⁹/L, elevated lactate (7.6 mmol/L), and metabolic acidosis (pH 7.23, HCO₃⁻ 12 mmol/L, PaCO₂ 24 mmHg, PaO₂ 56 mmHg). No clear infectious source was identified apart from the initial gastrointestinal presentation. Early transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction suggestive of acute pressure overload. Lower limb Doppler ultrasound was negative. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography confirmed a massive saddle pulmonary embolism. Thrombolysis was withheld due to high bleeding risk. The patient improved with anticoagulation and was discharged on apixaban. Further evaluation for underlying prothrombotic conditions, including thrombophilia and rheumatologic screening, was unremarkable. This case highlights the limitations of D-dimer and Doppler ultrasound in high-risk patients and underscores the critical role of clinical judgment and early echocardiography in diagnosing PE.