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Anthrax of the lower lip
Stefano Veraldi1, Gianluca Nazzaro, Ermira Çuka
1Department of Medical-Surgical Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan and Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
|October 15, 2013
Summary
Anthrax affecting the lips is exceptionally rare. This case highlights a lower lip anthrax infection successfully treated with ciprofloxacin, emphasizing its consideration in endemic area travelers.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Cutaneous anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) typically presents on exposed skin.
- Oral and oropharyngeal anthrax are documented, but lip involvement is exceedingly uncommon.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old male presented with a rare case of lower lip anthrax.
- Clinical signs included a prominent black eschar, surrounding vesicles, crusting, and an erythematous-edematous halo.
- Associated findings were submandibular and laterocervical lymphadenopathy; oral and oropharyngeal examinations were normal.
Findings:
- Laboratory results showed leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers.
- Systemic examinations (otolaryngologic, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, neurologic) were unremarkable.
- The patient demonstrated a positive response to oral ciprofloxacin treatment.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering lip anthrax in the differential diagnosis.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for anthrax in patients with relevant travel history.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in rare presentations of anthrax.
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