Biodegradable temporizing matrices (BTMs) are temporary, biocompatible, and resorbable scaffolds designed to temporarily occupy a defect site, facilitating tissue regeneration and neodermal growth in a surgical wound or defect site while minimizing the need for extensive tissue transfers. Spiradenomas are mostly benign skin tumors developing from sweat gland cells that typically require surgical excision as treatment, which can result in scarring and functional impairment, especially in functional joint areas like the ankle. While the application of BTMs in small- to moderate-sized defects resulting from malignant resections in functionally critical areas has shown promising results in preliminary studies, the use of BTM for functional reconstruction is an emerging concept that needs to be further studied. This case report presents the successful application of a BTM in the reconstruction of a soft tissue defect following wide local excision of a spiradenoma on the right ankle of a 64-year-old man, demonstrating the value of these matrices as an essential reconstructive tool in the management of soft tissue defects following malignant resections.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare autoimmune skin disorder most commonly seen in older adults. It is marked by subepidermal blistering due to autoantibodies targeting hemidesmosomal proteins. While often idiopathic, BP has occasionally been linked to internal malignancies. We present the case of a 77-year-old man whose diagnosis of BP led to the detection of invasive colorectal adenocarcinoma. This case highlights the need for malignancy screening in patients with atypical dermatologic presentations and systemic symptoms.

Burn injuries impose a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to surgical interventions is limited. In such settings, supportive measures, especially nutrition, play a central role in recovery. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with ~70% total body surface area scald burns, including superficial and deep partial-thickness injuries. On admission, he was hemodynamically stable but at high risk of malnutrition. Multidisciplinary care included fluid resuscitation, antimicrobial dressings, antibiotics, and early nutrition. Energy and protein goals were set at 3400 to 3800 kcal/day and 153 to 212 g/day, respectively. By day 4, oral intake achieved ~3500 to 3700 kcal/day and 178 to 205 g protein/day. The patient showed rapid healing of superficial burns (50%–55% total body surface area by postburn day 19) and complete wound closure at 5 months, without grafting. One-year follow-up revealed no major complications, although expected scarring and contractures occurred. In conclusion, aggressive nutritional care potentially achieved favorable outcomes in this burn patient.

Breakthrough labor pain, defined as the return of pain despite ongoing administration of neuraxial analgesia, poses a significant challenge within the field of obstetric anesthesia. Epidural adjunct medications may be used to enhance neuraxial block density or provide coverage to previously spared regions. Dexmedetomidine, a US Food and Drug Administration–approved selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has gained attention for an off-label use as a labor epidural adjunct medication for labor analgesia. This case series highlights three cases of epidural dexmedetomidine use for breakthrough pain during labor.

Hydrophilic polymer embolism (HPE) is a rare complication of endovascular procedures caused by embolization of polymer coatings from vascular devices. We report a 72-year-old man with peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease who developed painful, nonhealing lower-extremity ulcers presenting shortly after vascular stenting. Initial biopsies and an extensive infectious and autoimmune workup were nondiagnostic, and the patient failed treatment for presumed pyoderma gangrenosum. Repeat biopsies later revealed amorphous blue material in dermal vessels, highlighted by Alcian blue staining, confirming HPE. Despite treatment with pentoxifylline and wound care, disease progression led to bilateral below-the-knee amputations. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of HPE, which can present months after endovascular intervention and mimic other ulcerative disorders. Histologic findings are subtle, and early coordination with dermatopathology is key. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for HPE in patients with unexplained ulcers and vascular procedure history, as early recognition may reduce morbidity.