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Orofacial Pain Associated with Vasospastic Angina: A Case Report
Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache
|October 12, 2017
Summary
Orofacial pain can be a symptom of ischemic heart disease, specifically coronary spastic angina. Dentists can play a role in identifying this cardiac condition and referring patients for timely cardiac evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease commonly presents as chest pain, but symptoms can manifest atypically.
- Orofacial pain is an unusual presentation of cardiac disease, potentially leading to diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of orofacial pain originating from cardiac disease.
- To highlight the potential role of dental professionals in diagnosing ischemic heart disease.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 44-year-old man with unexplained orofacial pain.
- Diagnostic cardiac catheterization with intracoronary ergonovine maleate provocation.
- Referral from oral and maxillofacial surgery to cardiology.
Main Results:
- The patient was diagnosed with coronary spastic angina.
- Intracoronary ergonovine maleate successfully induced orofacial pain, confirming its cardiac origin (telalgia).
- Medication resolved symptoms, with no recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Orofacial pain can be a referred symptom of coronary spastic angina.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons and dentists may be the first to encounter patients with cardiac telalgia.
- Prompt referral to cardiology is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of ischemic heart disease presenting with orofacial pain.
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