Abstract
The dental surgeon plays a fundamental role in the early diagnosis of oral leishmaniasis, since oral mucosa may be the primary site of the disease manifestation. This study reports seven clinical cases of orofacial mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. All had mucocutaneous leishmaniasis with oropharyngeal involvement confirmed by laboratory tests. Five out of the seven cases were males, and in four cases, patients had associated comorbidities. Late diagnosis was observed, resulting in treatment delay and increased hospitalization stay. One patient had severe psychological consequences due to facial deformity. The lack of differential diagnosis due the great variability of clinical presentation of the lesions and frequent unspecific histopathology represent a challenge for the dental surgeon. In two reported cases, there were unspecific biopsy results. The multidisciplinary approach plays an important role in orofacial leishmaniasis diagnosis and treatment. Leishmaniasis should be investigated in case of atypical and persistent lesions in patients from endemic regions. This recommendation may avoid diagnosis delays and decrease dissemination of the disease.
Highlights
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by several species of the protozoan genus Leishmania[1]
Leishmaniasis classification encompasses different clinical forms[2]; mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a chronic form of infection[3] that may manifest in the mucosa after months or years of latency[4]
The multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of orofacial leishmaniasis is highlighted in this case series
Summary
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by several species of the protozoan genus Leishmania[1]. Case 1 Male, 24-years-old, Caucasian, unemployed, from Tancredo Neves, State of Bahia, Brazil, was admitted to the University Hospital, in January 2012, presenting diffuse bullous lesions on the body, osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints and proteinuria 399 mg/day (reference value >150mg/day). In August 2013, in outpatient medical consultation, the lesions were observed in nasal mucosa and palate He was followed up in the outpatient clinic and treatment with glucantime 20 mg/kg/day was prescribed for one month. In 2013, the patient was admitted with submandibular lymphadenopathy and ulcerated lesions in the lower lip frenulum (Figure 1d), gingiva, nasal septum and in the back region She was hospitalized for diagnosis and treatment of lesions with liposomal amphotericin B. The patient has not yet returned for evaluation as they are receiving antineoplastic treatment outside our hospital
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
