Mandibular osteomyelitis: a rare complication of sickle cell anaemia. Report of two cases

Published literature indicates that the prevalence of osteomyelitis in sickle cell anaemic patients is up to 29%. While sickle cell osteomyelitis is more commonly seen in long bones, its occurrence in the jawbones remain relatively rare, with scientific literature reports few cases occurring mainly in young adults. The pathogenesis of jaw osteomyelitis start by intravascular sickling, which leads to ischaemic infarction and necrosis of bone, which in turn create a favorable environment for bacterial growth from the oral region. Jaw osteomyelitis in sickle cell anaemic patients tends to occur more commonly in mandible with the mandibular molar region being most commonly involved area. This poster presentation describes two clinical cases of 16 and 23-years old male sickle cell anaemic patients, who presented with 1–2 months duration of chronic pus discharge from buccal aspect of mandibular body. Based on clinical, radiographic and laboratory investigations the diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the mandible was confirmed with involvement of actinomycosis species in one case and Streptococcus anginosus in the second case. Both patients were managed by local sequestrectomy, removal of involved teeth and the use of long-term antibiotic therapy directed towards the causative microorganism with a final successful outcome.

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Jan 21, 2018 | Posted by in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Comments Off on Mandibular osteomyelitis: a rare complication of sickle cell anaemia. Report of two cases

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