title: Cocaine-related oronasal communication and hard palate destruction.
abstract: Four cases of midpalatal perforation in cocaine abusers are presented. Other potential etiological processes are discussed to establish an adequate differential diagnosis. These patients were treated at our department, due to the drawback promoted by the establishment of oronasal communication that was provided after an accurate diagnosis. Histopathological evaluation of the lesion margins were conducted in two of the four cases, and yielded no evidence of vasculitis or active cocaine abuse. Therapeutic approach consisted of reconstructive surgeries and/or sealing prostheses. Histological assessment of oronasal communication margins could be useful in establishing the persistence of active addiction, and also as a complementary tool for planning possible treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, University of Valencia, Peset University Hospital, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Francisco Javier
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Silvestre
authors.forename: Cesar
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salort-Llorca
authors.forename: Maria Paz
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Mínguez-Serra
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Silvestre-Rangil
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061270:Nasal Septal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*