Cocaine-induced oronasal fistulas with external nasal erosion but without palate involvement

Ear Nose Throat J. 2002 Aug;81(8):562-3.

Abstract

The effects of chronic cocaine abuse have been widely described in the literature. Common complications include nasal septal perforation, saddle-nose deformity, and palatal perforation. Erosion of the external structures of the face has not been as extensively described, nor have oronasal fistulas that involve structures other than the hard or soft palate. In this article, we present the first reported case of cocaine-induced external nasal erosion that included multiple oronasal fistulas in the anterior gingival sulcus but did not involve the hard or soft palate. We stress the importance of a thorough history in such patients and consideration of all possible diagnoses, including drug abuse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Nose Deformities, Acquired / diagnosis
  • Nose Deformities, Acquired / etiology
  • Nose Deformities, Acquired / surgery
  • Nose Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Nose Diseases / complications
  • Nose Diseases / surgery
  • Oral Fistula / chemically induced*
  • Oral Fistula / complications
  • Oral Fistula / surgery
  • Palate, Hard / physiopathology
  • Palate, Soft / physiopathology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Cocaine