A RARE CASE OF MANDIBULAR ASPERGILLUS OSTEOMYELITIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT

Abstract

A 57-year-old White woman was referred for evaluation of a painful recurrent swelling with purulent drainage in the anterior mandibular alveolar ridge. The patient reported that surgical interventions and antibiotic therapy were performed previously in other services without success. Otherwise, the patient was systemically healthy. A new surgical debridement was performed, and histologic examination showed osteomyelitis associated with <i>Aspergillus</i> species. The patient was referred to an infectious disease physician and treated with oral itraconazole (400 mg per day) for 3 months. Complete resolution was achieved, and the patient was followed for 15 years and no recurrence was observed. The patient was rehabilitated with dental implants and overdenture prosthesis. Other microorganisms, such as <i>Aspergillus</i>, should be considered in cases of mandibular osteomyelitis that do not heal after surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy.