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Dens in dente associated with infective endocarditis
1Department of Community Dental Health, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
A rare case of infective endocarditis in an 11-year-old was linked to a dental issue called dens in dente. This dental anomaly, previously unreported, led to a serious infection requiring extensive medical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart's inner lining.
- Dental abscesses can be a source of systemic infections.
- Dens in dente is a developmental anomaly of teeth.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old patient developed infective endocarditis.
- The IE was associated with a dental abscess in a maxillary lateral incisor with dens in dente.
- The causative agent was identified as nutritionally deficient streptococci.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of dens in dente as a source of infection leading to infective endocarditis.
- Nutritionally deficient streptococci can cause severe IE.
- IE secondary to dental anomalies can necessitate prolonged hospitalization.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare dental anomalies as potential sources of serious systemic infections like IE.
- Suggests a need for increased awareness among dental and medical professionals regarding the link between dens in dente and IE.
- Emphasizes the critical role of prompt diagnosis and management of dental infections to prevent severe complications.