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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
04:58
Method of Studying Palatal Fusion using Static Organ Culture
Published on: September 19, 2015
Hard palate perforation in cocaine abusers: a systematic review
Francisco Javier Silvestre1, Ana Perez-Herbera, Angel Puente-Sandoval
1Departamento de Estomatología, Universidad de Valencia, Calle Gascó Oliag 1, 46010 Valencia, Spain. silvestredonat.franciscojavier@gmail.com
Clinical Oral Investigations
|January 12, 2010
Summary
Cocaine abuse can cause midpalatine perforations due to its caustic effects. This review analyzes 36 cases, highlighting clinical features and management strategies for these drug-induced injuries.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cocaine abuse has risen, leading to increased midpalatine perforations.
- The drug's vasoconstrictive and caustic properties damage nasal and palatine mucosa, causing bone destruction and oronasal defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review clinical cases of necrotic nasopalatine perforations caused by inhaled cocaine.
- To examine clinical characteristics, management options, and differential diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of cases documented in the PubMed database.
- Analysis of 36 reported cases of cocaine-induced nasopalatine perforations.
Main Results:
- Most perforations (77.7%) occurred in the hard palate.
- The mean perforation diameter was 19.32 mm.
- Common symptoms included rhinolalia and food/liquid regurgitation through the nares.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine-induced midpalatine perforations present with distinct clinical features and require careful differential diagnosis.
- Management involves antibiotics, analgesics, obturators, and surgical reconstruction.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations: