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Oral cavity eumycetoma.
Gisele Alborghetti Nai1, Maria Luiza de Toledo Stuani, Luís Antonio Sasso Stuani
1Department of Pathology, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil. patologia@unoeste.br
Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|July 15, 2011
Summary
This study details the first reported case of oral eumycetoma, a fungal infection, in a 43-year-old male. Diagnosis was confirmed via histopathology, and the patient successfully recovered after nine months of ketoconazole treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- Mycetoma is a chronic, deforming infection caused by fungal (eumycetoma) or actinomycotic agents.
- It typically affects subcutaneous tissues, skin, and bones, originating from exogenous sources.
- Oral cavity involvement is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with hard palate swelling and a draining fistula.
- Initial imaging suggested a periapical cyst, but histopathology revealed characteristic grains of eumycetoma.
- Fungal elements were confirmed by Grocott-Gomori staining, while bacterial stains were negative.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of eumycetoma affecting the oral cavity.
- Histopathological and direct microscopic examination of grains are crucial for differentiating eumycetoma from actinomycetoma.
- Successful treatment was achieved with a nine-month course of ketoconazole.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare fungal infections in oral pathology diagnostics.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic value of histochemical staining in identifying causative agents of mycetoma.
- Suggests ketoconazole as an effective treatment for oral eumycetoma.
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