Reactive Palatal Fibrosis Following Facial Dermal Filler Injection and Anfiye Inhalation: A Case Mimicking OSMF

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dermatology
• Traditional Medicine

Background:

• Anfiye is a traditional herbal remedy used for sinusitis and nasal congestion in Iran and Arabic countries, typically inhaled as a powder.
• Facial aesthetic procedures involve dermal fillers (e.g., hyaluronic acid) but can lead to side effects like inflammation and fibrosis.
• Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant condition characterized by progressive fibrosis of oral tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of reactive palatal fibrosis.
• To investigate potential etiological factors, including Anfiye and dermal fillers.
• To differentiate this condition from oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF).

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 41-year-old Iranian woman.
• Clinical examination, including assessment for OSMF criteria.
• Excisional biopsy and histopathological analysis of palatal swelling.

Main Results:

• Histopathology revealed marked submucosal fibrosis, resembling OSMF.
• Key clinical criteria for OSMF were absent, and the patient denied areca nut use.
• The lesion showed spontaneous healing post-biopsy.

Conclusions:

• The palatal fibrosis was likely reactive, secondary to facial filler injection and Anfiye inhalation.
• Anfiye and dermal fillers should be considered potential causes of reactive fibrosis.
• This condition can be misdiagnosed as OSMF if not carefully evaluated.