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[Actinomyces infection in a compound odontoma]
L Di Tommaso1, M Bassi, V Eusebi
1Dipartimento di Oncologia, Citologia Patologica Marcello Malpighi Università di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria.
Pathologica
|January 29, 1999
Summary
This case study reports the first instance of compound odontoma complicated by actinomycosis infection in an immunocompetent patient. The findings highlight a rare oral pathology requiring careful diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oral Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Compound odontoma is a benign tumor of dental origin with organized tooth-like structures.
- Actinomyces are bacteria commonly found in the oral cavity, capable of causing opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male presented with a year-long history of mandibular pain, ulcerated gums, and fistulous tracts.
- Radiographic examination suggested an odontoma; histological analysis revealed features of compound odontoma with superimposed infection.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed well-differentiated enamel and dentin, characteristic of compound odontoma.
- The pulp exhibited intense inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis, with evidence of Actinomyces infection confirmed by PAS and Grocott's silver stain.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of compound odontoma co-infected with actinomycosis in an immunocompetent individual.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering infectious complications in odontoma cases, even in patients with robust immune systems.