Aggressive destructive midfacial lesion from cocaine abuse. 2002

Bradley A Seyer, and William Grist, and Susan Muller
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Since the first reported case in 1912 of cocaine-induced perforation of the palate, an additional 7 cases have been reported describing extensive palatal destruction. The clinical presentation shares similarities with nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, Wegener's granulomatosis, and infectious diseases. We describe a 50-year-old woman with a progressively destructive midfacial process that initially appeared as a small, localized palatal defect. Over time, the lesion caused bilateral deformity of the ala, extensive loss of the palate, maxillary and sinonasal complexes, ethmoids, and ulceration of adjacent tissue. Clinical laboratory tests showed elevated cytoplasmic-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, but the histopathology did not support the diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis. Special stains and cultures were negative for infectious organisms. Flow cytometry and T-cell gene rearrangement studies ruled out lymphoma. Because of the inability to diagnose this worrisome process, the presence of polarizable foreign material in the original biopsy, and the patient's admission to past cocaine use, a urine drug screen was performed, which was positive for cocaine and marijuana.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008439 Maxillary Diseases Diseases involving the MAXILLA. Disease, Maxillary,Diseases, Maxillary,Maxillary Disease
D008443 Maxillary Sinus The air space located in the body of the MAXILLARY BONE near each cheek. Each maxillary sinus communicates with the middle passage (meatus) of the NASAL CAVITY on the same side. Antrum of Highmore,Maxillary Antrum,Maxillary Ostium,Antrum, Maxillary,Highmore Antrum,Maxillary Antrums,Maxillary Ostiums,Sinus, Maxillary
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009296 Nasal Cavity The proximal portion of the respiratory passages on either side of the NASAL SEPTUM. Nasal cavities, extending from the nares to the NASOPHARYNX, are lined with ciliated NASAL MUCOSA. Nasal Cavities,Cavities, Nasal,Cavity, Nasal
D009300 Nasal Septum The partition separating the two NASAL CAVITIES in the midplane. It is formed by the SEPTAL NASAL CARTILAGE, parts of skull bones (ETHMOID BONE; VOMER), and membranous parts. Nasal Septums,Septum, Nasal,Septums, Nasal
D009668 Nose Diseases Disorders of the nose, general or unspecified. Nasal Diseases,Nasal Disorders,Disease, Nasal,Disease, Nose,Diseases, Nasal,Diseases, Nose,Disorder, Nasal,Disorders, Nasal,Nasal Disease,Nasal Disorder,Nose Disease
D010020 Osteonecrosis Death of a bone or part of a bone, either atraumatic or posttraumatic. Aseptic Necrosis of Bone,Avascular Necrosis of Bone,Kienbock Disease,Necrosis, Aseptic, of Bone,Necrosis, Avascular, of Bone,Bone Necrosis,Kienbock's Disease,Kienboeck Disease,Kienboeck's Disease,Bone Aseptic Necrosis,Bone Avascular Necrosis,Bone Necroses,Kienboecks Disease,Necroses, Bone,Necrosis, Bone,Osteonecroses
D010159 Palate The structure that forms the roof of the mouth. It consists of the anterior hard palate (PALATE, HARD) and the posterior soft palate (PALATE, SOFT). Incisive Papilla,Incisive Papillas,Palates,Papilla, Incisive,Papillas, Incisive
D010254 Paranasal Sinus Diseases Diseases affecting or involving the PARANASAL SINUSES and generally manifesting as inflammation, abscesses, cysts, or tumors. Disease, Paranasal Sinus,Diseases, Paranasal Sinus,Paranasal Sinus Disease,Sinus Disease, Paranasal,Sinus Diseases, Paranasal
D003937 Diagnosis, Differential Determination of which one of two or more diseases or conditions a patient is suffering from by systematically comparing and contrasting results of diagnostic measures. Diagnoses, Differential,Differential Diagnoses,Differential Diagnosis

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