COVID-19 Pandemic: Oral Repercussions and its Possible Impact on Oral Health

Abstract Many viral infections cause oral manifestations, including disorders in odontogenesis, resulting in dental malformations. In this review, based on current knowledge, we will discuss the likely dental and oral consequences of COVID-19. In this article, we review currently available data associated with vertical transmission of COVID-19 and odontogenesis, oral manifestations, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on a diagnosis of oral diseases. Owing to the severity of the pandemic, the population's anxiety and fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 may underestimate the signs and symptoms of serious illnesses, besides discourage patients from seeking health, medical or dental services to determine the diagnosis of oral lesions. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic could be an additional and aggravating factor for the delay of serious illness diagnosis, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma resulting in higher morbidity and worse prognosis. Several changes and oral lesions have been described as oral manifestations of COVID-19, such as dysgeusia, oral ulcers, petechiae, reddish macules, desquamative gingivitis, among others. Besides, it can cause major systemic changes and predispose opportunistic infections. As with other viral infections, oral manifestations, including dental anomalies, can occur as a direct result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, further studies are needed to guide and clarify possible oral changes.

Oral ulcerative lesions in a post-liver-transplantation patient

Oral involvement is rarely found in histoplasmosis, except in its disseminated form, which is mostly observed in the severely immunocompromised host. Herein, we presented the case of a 36-year-old female with a previous history of liver transplant, who was hospitalized due to fever, chills, night sweats, diarrhea, and painful oral lesions over the last 3 days. The oral examination revealed the presence of painful shallow ulcers lined by a pseudomembrane in the gingiva and the soft and hard palate. The initial working diagnosis comprised cytomegalovirus reactivation or herpes simplex virus infection. The diagnostic work-up included incisional biopsies of the gingiva and the sigmoid colon. Both biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Intravenous itraconazole was administered with significant improvement after 7 days. Although oral involvement is rare, histoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions, particularly when the patient is immunosuppressed. This study reports a rare presentation of histoplasmosis involving the mucosa of the oral cavity and the colon.

Therapeutic effect of Aloe vera and silver nanoparticles on acid-induced oral ulcer in gamma-irradiated mice

Abstract Radiation combined injury, a life-threatening condition, has higher mortality than simple radiation injury. The aim of the present study was to analyze the efficiency of Aloe vera and silver nanoparticles in improving the healing of ulcerated oral mucosa after irradiation. Thirty male Albino mice were divided into five groups: control, radiation, Aloe vera (AV), silver nanoparticles (NS), and AV+NS. The mice were exposed to whole body 6Gy gamma-radiation. After one hour, 20% acetic acid was injected into the submucosal layer of the lower lip for ulcer induction. The animals received topical treatment with the assigned substances for 5 days. Lip specimens were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin and anti alpha-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemical staining. Results demonstrated occurance of ulcer three days post irradiation in all groups except in the AV+NS group where only epithelial detachment was developed. After seven days, data revealed persistent ulcer in radiation group, and almost normal epithelium in the AV+NS group. A significant reduction of epithelial thickness was detected in all groups at the third day as compared to control. At the seventh day, only the AV+NS group restored the epithelial thickness. Area percent of alpha-smooth muscle actin expression was significantly decreased in radiation group at the third day followed by significant increase at the seventh day. However, all treatment groups showed significant increase in alpha-smooth muscle actin at the third day, which decreased to normal level at the seventh day. Our study demonstrated the efficiency of Aloe vera and silver nanoparticles in enhancing ulcer healing after irradiation.

Linfoma primario difuso de células B grandes de mucosa gingival, en paciente VIH y EBV negativos / Primary gingival diffuse large b-cell lymphoma in HIV/EBR negative patient abstract

El linfoma difuso de células B grandes (LDCBG) es el linfoma más frecuente. La presentación clínica puede ser nodal o extranodal y sus síntomas dependen de la localización tumoral; en la mayoría de los casos están asociados a algún tipo de inmunodeficiencia. Referiremos un caso de LDCBG de presentación atípica en una localización muy infrecuente. Es importante tener en cuenta estas situaciones, ya que pueden simular otros procesos patológicos, retrasando así su correcto diagnóstico y por lo tanto un adecuado tratamiento. (AU)

Diffuse large cell lymphoma B (LDCBG) is the most common type of lymphoma. It´s clinical presentation can be nodal or extranodal and it's symptoms depend where the tumor is located and whether is associated or not with an immunodeficiency disease. We present an atypical presentation of a LDCBG in a very unusual location. It´s important to consider these kind of appearance, as they can mimic other oral pathological processes, delaying their correct diagnosis and therefore an appropriate treatment. (AU)

Oral manifestation of histoplasmosis on the palate

Abstract This case report describes an uncommon manifestation of histoplasmosis on the soft palate. The importance of appropriate treatment and follow-up in complex cases is emphasized, especially in patients with chronic diseases. Oral lesions may occur as multiple, granular and painful ulcers, as well as verrucous growths. Lesions may also be deep, with infiltrative edges and erythematous or with white areas, accompanied by local lymphadenopathy, resembling a carcinoma on clinical examination. In this sense, a fast and accurate diagnosis is essential to the success of treatment of oral histoplasmosis.

TNF-alpha expression, evaluation of collagen, and TUNEL of Matricaria recutita L. extract and triamcinolone on oral ulcer in diabetic rats

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease associated with delayed wound healing of oral ulcers by increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and cellular apoptosis. Objective to evaluate the influence of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and apoptosis in rats with DM treated with chamomile extract or triamcinolone. Material and Methods Wistar male rats (210.0±4.2 g) were divided into five groups: negative control group (NCG) without diabetes; positive control group (PCG) with DM (alloxan, 45 mg/kg); and groups treated with chamomile extract (normoglycemic= NCG group and diabetic= DCG group) and with triamcinolone (TG). Traumatic ulcers were performed on all animals that received topical triamcinolone, chamomile extract or saline 12/12 hours for ten days. Results On days five and ten the animals were euthanized and the ulcers were analyzed by light microscopy, TUNEL assay, and immunohistochemically (TNF-α). The NCG (p=0.0062), PCG (p=0.0285), NCG (p=0.0041), and DCG (p<0.0001) groups were completely healed on the 10th day, however, there was no healing on the TG (p=0.5127) group. The TNF-α expression showed a significant reduction from the 5th to the 10th day in NCG (p=0.0266) and DCG (p=0.0062). In connective tissue, the TUNEL assay showed a significant reduction in the number of positive cells in NCG (p=0.0273) and CNG (p=0.0469) and in the epithelium only in CDG (p=0.0320). Conclusions Chamomile extract can optimize the healing of traumatic oral ulcers in diabetic rats through the reduction of apoptosis in the epithelium and TNF-α expression.

Ulcerations due to methotrexate toxicity in a psoriasis patient

Abstract: Methotrexate is one of the most used drugs in the treatment of psoriasis with indication of systemic therapy. Cutaneous and mucous side effects are described by pharmacological characteristics of the drug itself or due to overdose. We report the case of a patient with ulcerations in oral mucosa and psoriatic plaques after incorrect use of Methotrexate. Prescribed in a weekly dose, it was used continuously for 10 days and without simultaneous intake of folic acid. It is important to ensure correct comprehension of the prescription.

Eosinophilic ulcer of the tongue - Case report

Eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa is a rare, self-limiting, chronic and benign lesion of unknown pathogenesis that affects the oral mucosa. We present the case of a 65 year-old Caucasian female with a fivemonth history of a painful ulcer on the lateral side of her tongue. The ulcer was not adhered to the underlying structures and there was no evidence of regional lymph node involvement. Laboratory examinations and X-rays revealed no abnormalities. Topical treatments had been performed without any improvement. Histopathological examination showed an ulcerated surface and mixed inflammatory infiltrate with several eosinophils extending into the mucosa and submucosa. No cellular atypia was observed. Based on the patient-s history and mucosal biopsy, a final diagnosis of eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa was made.

Disguised ulcer of lip and buccal mucosa – rare clinicalmanifestation as tuberculosis: a case report / Úlcera de mucosa labial e bucal – uma rara manifestação clínica detuberculose: relato de caso clínico

Introduction: Oral tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 2 billion people are infected with tuberculosis. Objective: To report a rare case of oral tuberculosis with ulcers at two different sites. Materials and methods: In order to emphasize the need to consider tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of non-healing ulcers of oral cavity and the role of oral physician in preventing the spread of such lesions, this article presents a case of oral ulcers at two different sites, diagnosed as tuberculosis ulcer. Results: Oral cavity, which is considered to be a mirror of systemic health, rarely manifests tuberculosis. With increasing number of tuberculosis cases and unusual form of the disease in the oral cavity, the cases are likely to be misdiagnosed. Conclusion: An oral clinician should have a thorough knowledge of tuberculosis and its oral manifestations.

Introdução: A tuberculose oral é uma doença granulomatosa crônica causada pelo Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), cerca de 2 bilhões de pessoas estão infectadas com tuberculose. Objetivo: Relatar um caso raro de tuberculose oral com úlceras em dois locais diferentes. Materiais e métodos: Para realçar a necessidade de considerar a tuberculose sob o diagnóstico diferencial das úlceras não curadas da cavidade oral e o papel do dentista na prevenção da propagação de tais lesões, este artigo apresenta um caso de úlceras orais em dois locais diferentes, diagnosticados como úlcera de tuberculose. Resultados: A cavidade oral, considerada como um espelho da saúde sistêmica, raramente manifesta a tuberculose. Com um número cada vez maior de casos de tuberculose e a forma não usual da doença na cavidade oral, os casos são frequentemente diagnosticados erroneamente. Conclusão: O dentista clínico geral deve ter um conhecimento profundo da tuberculose e de suas manifestações orais.

Reliability of acridine orange fluorescence microscopy in oral cytodiagnosis.

Context and Aims: The oral cavity is the most predominant location in the head and neck region for primary malignant epithelial tumors. Oral cancer is estimated to be the sixth most common malignancy. Early recognition is imperative for successful treatment and good prognosis. Exfoliative cytology is a simple and reasonably effective technique for rapid initial evaluation of a suspicious oral lesion. The present study was conducted to determine the reliability of acridine orange fluorescence microscopy for cytodiagnosis as a more rapid and easier method for the final evaluation of the cytological specimen. Materials and Methods: Smears were collected from 20 individuals with oral lesions suspicious of malignancy, oral lesions not suggestive of malignancy and normal buccal mucosa. One smear was stained with Papanicolaou stain and another one with acridine orange stain. The differences in the study group and control group were compared by means of the χ2 (Chi-square) test. The results were considered statistically significant whenever P was <0.05. Results: The acridine orange fluorescence stain reliably demonstrated malignant cells based on the differential fluorescence - a cytochemical criterion. The efficacy of the stain was higher than the conventional Papanicolaou stain in screening of oral lesions suspicious of malignancy. However, the acridine orange fluorescence stain did not differentiate effectively between malignant cells and rapidly proliferating cells, as the technique is based on the nucleic acid content. Conclusion: The fluorescent acridine orange method can be used reliably for the screening of carcinomas and it is especially helpful in the follow-up detection of recurrent carcinoma in previously treated cases.

A rare case of sarcoid-like reaction of lymph nodes associated with squamous cell carcinoma of alveolar mucosa.

Non-necrotizing granulomas are occasionally seen in patients with certain malignant disorders and are termed as "sarcoid-like reaction," which have many similarities with sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology characterized by organ involvement and interference of organ function by granuloma or fibrosis. Sarcoidosis is occasionally found in a variety of malignant diseases with an overall incidence of 4.4% in carcinoma patients. We present here a rare case of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of alveolar mucosa with regard to mandible associated with sarcoid-like reaction of cervical lymph nodes in a female patient in the absence of clinical evidence of systemic sarcoidosis. The relevant literature including pathogenesis is also discussed.

Riga-Fede disease: A histological study and case report.

Acute traumatic ulcerations and granulomas of the oral mucosa may result from physical damage via sharp foodstuffs, accidental biting, or talking. Most ulcerations heal within days. Others become chronic, reactive, and exophytic. A histopathologically unique type of chronic traumatic ulceration is the traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE). TUGSE exhibits a deep "pseudoinvasive" inflammatory reaction. This lesion may occur under the tongue in infants as a result of chronic mucosal trauma caused by mandibular anterior primary teeth during nursing and is termed Riga-Fede disease (RFD). The clinical presentation many resemble squamous cell carcinoma causing concern. RFD, although not uncommon, is not frequently reported. Thus, dental practitioners are unfamiliar with such lesions. We present a large Riga-Fede lesion in an infant along with the clinical management.

Ulcerative lesions of the mouth: an update for the general medical practitioner: [review]

Oral ulceration is a common complaint of patients attending out-patient clinics. Because of the diversity in causes of oral ulceration, patients presenting with oral mucosal disease can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Patients with signs or symptoms of oral ulcers are sometimes referred to gastroenterology clinics; however, in most instances the ulcers do not result from gastrointestinal disease. The aim of the present article is to review aspects of the etiology, diagnosis and management of common ulcerative disorders of the oral mucosa. A search in the National Library of Medicine computerized bibliographic database MEDLINE was performed. Selection of publications, extraction of data, and validity assessment were then performed by the authors. Based upon the searched literature, it is concluded that there are several systemic disorders that can present with similar clinical signs and symptoms, and knowledge of each disease is necessary for the clinician to provide proper management.

A ulceração oral é uma queixa comum dos pacientes que são atendidos em ambulatórios. Com freqüência é difícil estabelecer um diagnóstico preciso e atingir o controle dos sinais e sintomas dos pacientes que apresentam ulceração oral. Os pacientes acometidos por ulceração oral são eventualmente encaminhados para os ambulatórios de gastroenterologia, entretanto, a maioria das úlceras não reflete doença gastrointestinal, e sim desordens sistêmicas que podem se apresentar com sinais e sintomas clínicos similares. O objetivo do presente artigo foi revisar aspectos da etiologia, diagnóstico e tratamento das desordens ulcerativas mais comuns da mucosa oral. Foi realizada uma busca no banco de dados MEDLINE da National Library of Medicine. A seleção dos artigos, coleta de dados e julgamento em termos da pertinência de inclusão foram realizadas pelos autores. Baseado na literatura pesquisada, foi concluído que existem várias doenças sistêmicas que podem apresentar sinais e sintomas clínicos semelhantes e o conhecimento de cada doença poderá guiar o clínico para uma intervenção apropriada.

Epidemiology of Behcet's disease in Thai patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe symptoms, signs, laboratory findings and to compare sensitivity of several classification criteria in Thai patients who were diagnosed with Behcet's disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Using medical records from the rheumatology unit, Siriraj hospital, all cases diagnosed with Behcet's disease by our rheumatology staff were identified and reviewed. Demographic data, clinical presentations, and laboratory data were collected. All cases were also reviewed if they had fulfilled any of the following criteria: Iran classification tree, Japanese, Korean, ISG and O'Duffy's criteria. The sensitivity of each criterion was calculated. RESULTS: Twenty three cases were identified during a 24 year interval (1980-2003). Our population had a mean age of 30.83 years. Common clinical presentations were recurrent oral ulcers 100% (23/23), genital ulcers 69.6% (16/23), eye involvement 52.2% (12/23), skin involvement 60.9% (14/23), GI ulcers 8.7% (2/23), epididymitis 4.3% (1/23), vascular lesions 8.7% (2/23), CNS involvement 8.7% (2/23), fever 60.9% (14/23), and positivity of the pathergy test 33.3% (3/9). The sensitivity of criteria used for diagnosis of our patients with Behcet's disease varied widely. We found that the Iran classification tree criteria had the highest sensitivity followed by those from Japan (82.6%), O'Duffy's (73.9%), ISG (52.2%), and Korean (39.1%o) criteria respectively. CONCLUSION: Behcet's disease is heterogeneous in its manifestations and clinical constellation of the disease varies widely among different parts of the world. This is the first epidemiologic study describing Thai Behcet's patients. We also found the Iran classification tree criteria had the highest sensitivity for diagnosis of Thai patients.

Nasal extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma presenting as a perforating palatal ulcer: a diagnostic challenge.

A 40-year-old man presented with chronic nasal stuffiness and bloodstained discharge of 3 years' duration, along with a non-healing palatal ulcer since 2 months. Examination revealed a perforation in the midline on the hard palate and a superficial ulcer on the soft palate. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry suggested a diagnosis of extranodal nasal/nasal-type T-cell lymphoma. The patient was started on multiagent chemotherapy in the form of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone but succumbed after two cycles. Only one case of nasal T cell lymphoma presenting as nasal septal perforation, oronasal fistula and a concomitant palatal ulcer has been described. We report this case of a perforating palatal ulcer as a rare presentation of nasal lymphoma.

Ulcera eosinofílica de la lengua: reporte de un caso clínico / Eosinophilic ulcer of the tongue: report of a clinical case

El propósito de este trabajo es describir un caso clínico de úlcera eosinofílica de la lengua en una mujer de 71 años y hacer énfasis en sus características clínicas e histológicas, así como en el diagnóstico diferencial con carcinoma epidermoide, cuyo tratamiento y pronóstico es diferente. Otras entidades con las que puede confundirse incluyen: tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, chancro, infiltración leucémica, linfoma, etc. Se destaca la importancia de la biopsia y el establecimiento del diagnóstico correcto