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Leishmaniasis with oral mucosa involvement.
Ana C A Pellicioli1, Marco A T Martins, Manoel Sant'ana Filho
1Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Santana, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Gerodontology
|May 23, 2012
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of oral leishmaniasis in an elderly patient. Early diagnosis by dentists is crucial for managing this uncommon condition.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Leishmaniasis encompasses protozoan diseases caused by Leishmania species, presenting as visceral, cutaneous, or mucocutaneous forms.
- Exclusive oral mucosal involvement is exceptionally rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of ulcerated nodules on the palate and oropharynx.
- Differential diagnoses included chronic infections and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Diagnostic workup involved histopathology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, chest X-ray, and a positive Montenegro skin test.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with leishmaniasis presenting exclusively in the oral mucosa.
- Treatment with liposomal amphotericin was initiated.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering leishmaniasis in oral lesions, even when rare.
- Dentists are vital in the early detection of oral leishmaniasis, which can have systemic consequences.
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