title: Myospherulosis of the alveolus secondary to the use of Terra-Cortril and Gelfoam. Report of a case.
abstract: Myospherulosis is a recently discovered disease apparently caused by the placement of mineral oil- or petrolatum-based products into various tissues. Terra-Cortril (a tetracycline/steroid ointment in a petrolatum base) on Gelfoam has been placed in the sockets of surgically removed third molars in an attempt to eliminate the occurrence of dry sockets. The case report presented here documents the radiographic progress of the disease for 6 years, showing an attempt by the bone to repair itself. A surgical procedure was performed to remove the affected tissue, and photographs were taken to illustrate the clinical appearance of the disease. The specimen consisted of a black, tarlike material which was completely encased in bone. Histologic examination was consistent with a diagnosis of myospherulosis.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000009:adverse effects; D004913:Erythrocytes, Abnormal / Q000473:pathology*; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010118:Oxytetracycline / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013102:Spherocytes / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D010118:Oxytetracycline