AIM: To describe three cases of extraoral sinus tracts, related to infected teeth, which were initially misdiagnosed as skin lesions and inappropriately treated. SUMMARY: The extraoral sinus tracts were initially misdiagnosed as skin lesions. Dermatological surgery was performed and antibiotics prescribed but the lesions did not resolve. Then, a dental cause was sought, and identified. Endodontic intervention resulted in resolution of the problem, confirming the initial misdiagnosis. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Dermatologists and other medical practitioners should be aware that dental extraoral sinus tracts can be confused with skin lesions. A dental aetiology, as part of a differential diagnosis, should be kept in mind with oro-facial skin lesions. If an extraoral sinus tract is of endodontic origin, then elimination of infection through effective endodontic treatment will lead to resolution of the sinus tract. Early correct diagnosis can prevent unnecessary and ineffective antibiotic therapy and/or surgical intervention.
AIM: To describe three cases of extraoral sinus tracts, related to infected teeth, which were initially misdiagnosed as skin lesions and inappropriately treated. SUMMARY: The extraoral sinus tracts were initially misdiagnosed as skin lesions. Dermatological surgery was performed and antibiotics prescribed but the lesions did not resolve. Then, a dental cause was sought, and identified. Endodontic intervention resulted in resolution of the problem, confirming the initial misdiagnosis. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Dermatologists and other medical practitioners should be aware that dental extraoral sinus tracts can be confused with skin lesions. A dental aetiology, as part of a differential diagnosis, should be kept in mind with oro-facial skin lesions. If an extraoral sinus tract is of endodontic origin, then elimination of infection through effective endodontic treatment will lead to resolution of the sinus tract. Early correct diagnosis can prevent unnecessary and ineffective antibiotic therapy and/or surgical intervention.
Authors: Hong Li; Wenjing Luo; Anna Feng; Michelle L Tang; Terry B Kensler; Elizabeth Maldonado; Octavio A Gonzalez; Matthew J Kessler; Paul C Dechow; Jeffrey L Ebersole; Qian Wang Journal: Am J Phys Anthropol Date: 2018-08-20 Impact factor: 2.963
Authors: Eun-Young Lee; Ji-Yeon Kang; Kyung-Won Kim; Ki Hwa Choi; Tae Young Yoon; Ji Yeoun Lee Journal: Ann Dermatol Date: 2016-07-26 Impact factor: 1.444
Authors: Talita Ribeiro Tenório de França; Flávia Maria de Moraes Ramos-Perez; José Divaldo Prado; Danyel Elias da Cruz Perez Journal: Ann Dermatol Date: 2014-02-17 Impact factor: 1.444