Oral cavity manifestations by COVID-19 infections: a review

Abstract

<p class="abstract">Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a threat to the global health caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The lungs are the primary site of infection in COVID-19 patient and the symptoms ranges from mild flu like manifestations to fulminant pneumonia and respiratory failure. COVID-19 infection also significantly affects the oral cavity and salivary glands with oral mucosal manifestations. Other than airway manifestations, COVID-19 patients are presenting with oral cavity lesions such as aphthous like ulcers, glossitis, oral mucositis or stomatitis, oral candidiasis and herpetic recurrences. These oral lesions are often associated with immunocompromised patients and elderly age. Direct involvement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus for development of oral ulcers remains uncertain. The salivary gland related symptoms and taste disturbances are highly common in COVID-19 patients. In COVID-19 patient, certain presentations like ulcers or blisters or diffuse reddish lesions affect both keratinized and non-keratinized tissues of the oral cavity. These lesions are found in palate, lip mucosa, buccal mucosa and tongue. The ulceration and blisters of the oral cavity are more often seen. There is still a gap of knowledge related to the oral manifestations of the COVID-19 infections and its impact on the oral cavity. This review article discussed the details of the oral cavity lesions in COVID-19 patients.</p>

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: a case report and overview of the literature

“…RCP is another protein being part of the cytokines that is believed to play a role in the manifestation of MRS related to Covid -19 infection. High RCP levels are detected in Covid -19 patients and in MRS patients, too (16,17). Nevertheless, this hypothesis of association with infections -and in particular with SARS -Cov -2 -needs further investigations.…”

“…Beyond the typical pulmonary presentation of the disease, it is well established that it can affect the entire body and so the mouth, too. It is strongly supported that the virus enters the human cells through the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, which are extremely represented in the lungs, in the salivary glands and in the surface of the tongue (16,17). After the colonization, in predisposed patients it leads to the cytokine storms and the pulmonary disease characterized by a glass appearance of the chest in X-rays and TC scan (16).…”

“…It is strongly supported that the virus enters the human cells through the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, which are extremely represented in the lungs, in the salivary glands and in the surface of the tongue (16,17). After the colonization, in predisposed patients it leads to the cytokine storms and the pulmonary disease characterized by a glass appearance of the chest in X-rays and TC scan (16). Since it affects primary the tongue, it is quite clear that it can cause oral lesions, too.…”

Ranula: a narrative review

“…In many cases, inflammation of the mucosa that involves a minor salivary gland duct results in obstruction, dilation, and rupture of the duct with sub-epithelial spillage of the fluid. 19 Alteration in minor salivary gland function and composition of the saliva may result in the development of the ranula. In a few cases, an immunological reaction may be the etiology.…”

A Severe Case of Post-COVID-19 Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption in a Pediatric Patient

“…Mucosal manifestations of COVID-19 have been described with different presentations in both adults and children. 1,2…”