Oral and Cervical Pathology during the COVID-19 Crisis

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 5781

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Ear-Nose-Throat, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: ENT; cancer; immunology; morphoPathology

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Guest Editor
Department of Microscopic Morphology, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. Nr.2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
Interests: ENT; cancer; immunology; morphoPathology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), recognized as SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), has produced a significant impact on the daily activity of ENT (ear, nose and throat) and maxillofacial surgery. Together with morpho-pathological experts, we have encountered new challenges regarding COVID-19 patients’ diagnosis and management. At the same time, malfunctions and disruptions in patients undergoing oral and cervical pathology evaluation have led to an increased number of late-stage cancer patients and life-threatening deep neck infections. Screening services have been temporarily stopped. Pathologies have ranged from mild to severe cases, requiring oxygen masks, intubation, mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, cervicotomy, laryngectomy, pharyngolaryngectomy, etc. There have been numerous cases with hypercoagulative status, acute thrombosis, etc. All these factors have changed our daily activity regarding cancer and non-cancer patients. Our main interest in this Special Issue is to raise attention with a series of articles related to ENT and maxillofacial surgery patients, especially with deep neck infections, and oral, larynx and pharynx cancers, and indications of tracheostomy in these cases and in COVID-19 patients. At the same time, we will focus on the identification of prognostic and risk factors that might be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and cervical pathologies in patients with COVID-19.

Prof. Dr. Nicolae Constantin Balica
Prof. Dr. Flavia Baderca
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • oral pathology
  • cervical pathology
  • oral cancer
  • larynx cancer
  • pharynx cancer
  • deep neck infection
  • tracheostomy
  • prognostic and risk factors

Published Papers (4 papers)

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9 pages, 339 KiB  
Article
Associated Bacterial Coinfections in COVID-19-Positive Patients
by Eugen Radu Boia, Alexandru Romulus Huț, Alexandra Roi, Ruxandra Elena Luca, Ioana Roxana Munteanu, Ciprian Ioan Roi, Mircea Riviș, Simina Boia, Adina Octavia Duse, Dan Dumitru Vulcănescu and Florin George Horhat
Medicina 2023, 59(10), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59101858 - 19 Oct 2023
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify specific rhino- and oropharyngeal microbiological pathogens as well as associated comorbidities that favor SARS-CoV-2 infection and corelate them. Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical study enrolled 61 patients (28 COVID-19-positive [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify specific rhino- and oropharyngeal microbiological pathogens as well as associated comorbidities that favor SARS-CoV-2 infection and corelate them. Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical study enrolled 61 patients (28 COVID-19-positive and 33 controls) who were tested for other comorbidities and co-existence of associated oral pathogenic microbiota. Results: A total of 247 bacterial isolates were identified in the bacterial cultures in both groups. Viral hepatitis type A was more prevalent in the COVID-19-positive group (p = 0.026), as was the presence of oral candidiasis (p = 0.006). In the control group, a moderate direct relationship was observed between the Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and dermatitis, and strong direct relationships were observed between the Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and external otitis, Streptococcus pyogenes and dental alveolitis, and Streptococcus pyogenes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In the test group, strong direct relationships were observed between Hemophilus influenzae and pulmonary thromboembolism; Staphylococcus aureus and autoimmune thyroiditis; post-viral immunosuppression, chronic coronary syndrome, and hypernatremia; Beta hemolytic streptococcus group C and rheumatoid polyneuropathy; Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and hyperkalemia, hypothyroidism, secondary anemia, and splenomegaly; and active oral candidiasis and SARS-CoV-2 viral pneumonia. The following relationships were strong, but inverse: Beta hemolytic streptococcus group G and acute respiratory failure, and active oral candidiasis and SARS-CoV-2 viral bronchopneumonia. Conclusions: Briefly, COVID-19-positive patients have the predisposition to build up associated comorbidities and coinfections, which can be the expression of the immune burden that this virus generates to the host. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Cervical Pathology during the COVID-19 Crisis)
12 pages, 1801 KiB  
Article
Hyposmia in COVID-19: Temporal Recovery of Smell: A Preliminary Study
by Barbara Verro, Giulia Vivoli and Carmelo Saraniti
Medicina 2023, 59(9), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59091511 - 22 Aug 2023
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hypo/anosmia is a characteristic symptom of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the time of smell recovery and to identify a possible order of perception recovery of different odors in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Hypo/anosmia is a characteristic symptom of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the time of smell recovery and to identify a possible order of perception recovery of different odors in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on not hospitalized COVID-19 patients, selected according to eligible criteria. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee. A questionnaire formulated by our team was submitted to patients in order to know the duration of the hypo/anosmia and hypo/ageusia and the order of odor recovery: vanillin (mixed olfactory/gustatory substances), phenyl ethyl alcohol (rosewater) (pure olfactory substances), eucalyptol (mixed olfactory/trigeminal substances), and eugenol (mixed olfactory/trigeminal/gustatory substances). Results: 181 patients were included. Hypo/ageusia and hypo/anosmia lasted on average 10.25 (±8.26) and 12.8 (±8.80) days, respectively. The most frequent odor recovery sequence was: (1) phenyl ethyl alcohol; (2) eucalyptol; (3) vanillin; and (4) eugenol. In COVID-19 patients, hypo/anosmia occurs more often in women and at a young age. Conclusions: This preliminary investigation highlighted novel data: there is a chronological order in perception recovery of different olfactory substances and, therefore, in the restoration of the various sensitive nerve pathways involved in the sense of smell. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Cervical Pathology during the COVID-19 Crisis)
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10 pages, 1238 KiB  
Article
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patient Changes during the COVID-19 Quarantine
by Alexandra Rodriguez, Younes Steffens, Christian Calvo-Henriquez, Miguel Mayo-Yáñez, Mihaela Horoi and Jerome R. Lechien
Medicina 2023, 59(8), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59081475 - 17 Aug 2023
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Abstract
Background and Objective: To examine the effects of the lockdown on diet adherence and stress levels in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Materials and Methods: Patients with a positive LPR diagnosis at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were treated from a pre- [...] Read more.
Background and Objective: To examine the effects of the lockdown on diet adherence and stress levels in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Materials and Methods: Patients with a positive LPR diagnosis at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance-pH monitoring were treated from a pre- to lockdown period with a 3-month high-protein, low-fat, alkaline, plant-based diet, with behavioral changes, and an association of pantoprazole (20 MG/d) and alginate (Gaviscon 3/d). The following patient-reported outcomes questionnaire and findings instrument were used: Reflux Symptom Score-12 (RSS-12) and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA). At the posttreatment time, patients were invited to evaluate the impact of lockdown on diet adherence and stress management with a predefined grid of foods and beverages and the perceived stress scale (PSS), respectively. Results: Thirty-two patients completed the evaluations. RSS-12 and RSA significantly improved from baseline to 3-month posttreatment. Most patients experienced mild-to-severe stress levels at the end of the lockdown. The level of stress substantially increased in 11 patients (34%) due to the lockdown, while it did not change in 11 patients (44%). In 11 cases (34%), patients reported that the adherence to the anti-reflux diet was better than initially presumed thanks to the lockdown period, while 44% (N = 14) reported that the lockdown did not impact the adherence to a diet. PSS and RSS-12 were significantly correlated at the end of the pandemic (rs = 0.681; p < 0.001). The increase in stress level was positively associated with the lack of adherence to diet (rs = 0.367; p = 0.039). Conclusions: During the lockdown, the diet habits of LPR patients were improved in one-third and unchanged in 44% of cases. The stress level was increased in one-third of patients, which was associated with an increase in symptom scores. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Cervical Pathology during the COVID-19 Crisis)
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8 pages, 5089 KiB  
Case Report
Ameloblastoma of the Mandible in a 16-Year-Old Female—Case Report
by Horatiu Urechescu, Ancuta Banu, Flavia Baderca, Raluca Maria Closca, Maria-Bianca Ilas-Tat, Florin Urtila and Marius Pricop
Medicina 2024, 60(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010066 - 29 Dec 2023
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Abstract
Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial tumor that has aggressive, destructive and unlimited growth potential, having the capacity for recurrence and malignant transformation. Regarding the symptoms and clinical signs, the presentation of ameloblastoma is poor. In children and young people, ameloblastoma can be difficult [...] Read more.
Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial tumor that has aggressive, destructive and unlimited growth potential, having the capacity for recurrence and malignant transformation. Regarding the symptoms and clinical signs, the presentation of ameloblastoma is poor. In children and young people, ameloblastoma can be difficult to diagnose, because it mimics other benign lesions. Its diagnosis requires a combination of imaging data, histopathological analysis and molecular tests. The methods of treatment consist of radical surgery (segmental resection) and conservative treatments (enucleation with bone curettage). The particularity of the presented case is represented by the late request for medical consultation, a direct consequence of the measures implemented to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral and Cervical Pathology during the COVID-19 Crisis)
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