Leukaemic infiltration of the mandible in a young girl.
BACKGROUND
This report presents a case of leukaemic infiltration of the mandible in a 10-year-old female of Sudanese extraction.


METHODS
The patient was in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she presented with pain localized to the alveolar ridge overlying the unerupted lower right second permanent molar. Two days later, she developed right inferior alveolar nerve paraesthesia. Radiographic imaging demonstrated cortical line absence around the developing lower right second and third permanent molars, and distal displacement of the lower right third molar. In addition, the cortical outline of the right inferior dental canal lacked clarity. Biopsy confirmed leukaemia recurrence demonstrating the Philadelphia chromosome. Tailored chemotherapy was commenced, and a bone marrow transplant was carried out 12 weeks later. At 6-month dental review, the patient remained exceptionally well with no bone pain and normal sensation in the right lower lip.


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of regular and long-term dental examination of patients with leukaemia is discussed.
Benson
Rachael E
RE
School of Clinical Dentistry, Department of Oral Health & Development, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Rodd
Helen D
HD
North
Sarah
S
Loescher
Alison R
AR
Farthing
Paula M
PM
Payne
Martin
M
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001549:Benzamides; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D002648:Child; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D017254:Leukemic Infiltration / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology*; D010677:Philadelphia Chromosome; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000008:administration & dosage
D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D003907:Dexamethasone; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate