Third molar pericoronitis in neutropenia

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Pericoronitis, inflammation of the gum flap over a partially erupted tooth, can be complicated by neutropenia, a low white blood cell count.
• Third molar impaction is common and can lead to pericoronitis.
• Neutropenia significantly increases the risk of severe infections and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a rare case of third molar pericoronitis in a patient with neutropenia.
• To highlight potential causes and management strategies for pericoronitis in immunocompromised individuals.
• To report outcomes following surgical intervention and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Main Methods:

• A 40-year-old female patient with neutropenia presented with symptoms of third molar pericoronitis.
• Surgical extraction of the affected right mandibular third molar was performed.
• The patient underwent an umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant.

Main Results:

• Pericoronitis was attributed to infection in the extraction socket or residual crown fragments.
• Post-extraction, no significant inflammation was noted.
• Following the umbilical cord blood transplant, the patient showed no signs of inflammation related to the surgical site.

Conclusions:

• Third molar pericoronitis in neutropenia requires careful management, including prompt surgical intervention.
• Extraction of the affected tooth is crucial for resolving the infection.
• Umbilical cord blood transplantation may be a viable option for managing underlying neutropenia and preventing post-operative complications.