Oral Lesions of Immune-Mediated and Autoimmune Diseases: A 12-year Experience at a Single Brazilian Referral Center.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral lesions of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases have been well-documented, but studies from Brazil are limited. The varied spectrum of oral lesions within this demographic group poses challenges to clinicians, particularly when they occur in isolation. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence, clinical characteristics, and management of patients with oral lesions of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases at a single center in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from 2010 to 2022. Clinicodemographic data, histopathological features, and treatment modalities were analyzed descriptively and analytically. RESULTS: Of the 3,790 oral and maxillofacial lesions diagnosed, 160 (4.2%) were confirmed as immune-mediated or autoimmune diseases. The population surveyed predominantly consisted of women (73.7%), with a mean age of 60.2 years. Oral lichen planus (51.3%), mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) (23.7%), and pemphigus vulgaris (PV) (19.4%) were the most prevalent lesions. The buccal mucosa (59.4%) was predominantly affected, with pain reported in 46.2% of cases, notably in individuals with PV and MMP. The average time to disease stabilization post-local and/or systemic corticosteroid therapy was 15.8 months for systemic lupus erythematosus, 8.7 months for MMP, and 6.5 months for PV. CONCLUSION: Although oral lesions related to immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases are uncommon, their diverse clinicopathological aspects require multidisciplinary management.