ORAL VARICOSE VEINS: CLINICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ASSOCIATION WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

Objective Oral venous varicosities (OVs) are a common condition, increasing in incidence with age. They are also mentioned in association with several medical conditions, but the evidence is scarce and inconsistent. So, the aim was to describe OVs clinical features and to analyze association with medical conditions. Study Design A prospective case-control study was carried out in the oral medicine department (Córdoba, Argentina). The oral cavity was examined by double-blinded previously calibrated professionals (kappa > 0.60) in a standard dental chair. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess variables. Results The final sample was 672 individuals. OVs were found in 46%, (62% = female and 38% = male) and were asymmetric (96.8%, P < .0001). Age showed a statistically significant difference between OV and control (P < .0001). Also, there was significant difference in mean age regarding extension (P < .0001, years): G1 (only sublingual OV) = 48.61; G2 (sublingual OV plus 1 site) = 63.567; and G3 (sublingual OV + 2 or more sites) = 75.1277 (95% confidence interval [CI]: ± 1.9763). The most frequent medical conditions found were: lower limb varices (n = 162), tobacco consumption (n = 98), family history of varices (n = 81), hypertension (n = 50), and type 2 diabetes (n = 25). Conclusion OV occurrence rises with age, and its presence could be an indicator of certain medical conditions. Oral venous varicosities (OVs) are a common condition, increasing in incidence with age. They are also mentioned in association with several medical conditions, but the evidence is scarce and inconsistent. So, the aim was to describe OVs clinical features and to analyze association with medical conditions. A prospective case-control study was carried out in the oral medicine department (Córdoba, Argentina). The oral cavity was examined by double-blinded previously calibrated professionals (kappa > 0.60) in a standard dental chair. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess variables. The final sample was 672 individuals. OVs were found in 46%, (62% = female and 38% = male) and were asymmetric (96.8%, P < .0001). Age showed a statistically significant difference between OV and control (P < .0001). Also, there was significant difference in mean age regarding extension (P < .0001, years): G1 (only sublingual OV) = 48.61; G2 (sublingual OV plus 1 site) = 63.567; and G3 (sublingual OV + 2 or more sites) = 75.1277 (95% confidence interval [CI]: ± 1.9763). The most frequent medical conditions found were: lower limb varices (n = 162), tobacco consumption (n = 98), family history of varices (n = 81), hypertension (n = 50), and type 2 diabetes (n = 25). OV occurrence rises with age, and its presence could be an indicator of certain medical conditions.