Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2005
Publisher
Elsevier
Source Publication
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology
Source ISSN
2212-4403
Original Item ID
DOI: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.04.006
Abstract
Background
Palatal perforation resulting from insufflation of cocaine has been well documented. In comparison, reports of destructive orofacial lesions resulting from intranasal abuse of prescription narcotics are rare. We present the clinical and histologic findings in a case of palatal perforation arising in a patient abusing a prescription opioid drug. The patient denied any history of cocaine use but admitted to habitually crushing and snorting a hydrocodone/acetaminophen preparation.
Study design
The patient presented to our clinic seeking resolution of speech difficulties associated with an oroantral fistula. Surgical repair of the defect had been attempted unsuccessfully in the past. In addition to blood and chemistry panels, endoscopic examination was conducted, with removal of several biopsy specimens for histologic evaluation and flow cytometry. Biopsy specimens included both lesional and perilesional tissue from within the oral and nasopharyngeal cavities. Culture and cytology for fungal organisms were also performed.
Results
Histopathologic examination revealed normal mucosa with diffuse and focal inflammatory changes and no evidence of malignancy. Polarizable foreign material was noted in the specimens. The absence of lymphoid neoplasia was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis. The toxicology panel was positive for the presence of opiates in the blood. Culture and cytology were positive for candidal organisms. A palatal obturator was fabricated for the patient, producing significant improvement in the quality of speech.
Conclusions
This may represent a case of palatal perforation resulting from abuse of a drug other than cocaine. The potential for drugs other than cocaine to produce destructive orofacial lesions should be considered.
Recommended Citation
Jewers, Wendi M.; Rawal, Yeshwant B.; Allen, Carl M.; Kalmar, John R.; Fox, Eric; Chacon, Guillermo E.; and Sedghizadeh, Parish P., "Palatal Perforation Associated With Intranasal Prescription Narcotic Abuse" (2005). School of Dentistry Faculty Research and Publications. 538.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/dentistry_fac/538
Comments
Accepted version. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, Vol. 99, No. 5 (May 2005): 594-597. DOI. © 2005 Elsevier. Used with permission.
Yeshwant B. Rawal was affiliated with The Ohio State University at the time of publication.