Mycetoma of the maxillary sinus: endodontic and microbiological correlations
Received 29 July 2003; received in revised form 3 October 2003; accepted 18 December 2003.
Abstract
Objective
The purpose was to show the capacity of zinc oxide and eugenol to affect the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus.
Study design
An in vitro microbiological analysis was conducted on samples from infected maxillary sinuses and on 3 different endodontic sealers.
Results
Tests showed that zinc oxide in solution favors the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus, while eugenol inhibits this growth, even when mixed with zinc oxide powder. This inhibiting effect decreases over time. A reduced effectiveness was demonstrated over a 75-day period.
Conclusions
The hypothesis is that the diminishing concentration of eugenol over time in endodontic sealers allows the zinc oxide to support growth of Aspergillus fumigatus. This is reinforced by clinical experience, where mycetoma has developed years after endodontic therapy with excess sealer in the maxillary sinus.
Brescia, Italy UNIVERSITY OF BRESCIA AND SPEDALI CIVILI HOSPITAL
aResearcher, Department of Endodontology and Oral Surgery, University of Brescia Dental School, Italy
bAssociate Professor, Department of Endodontology and Oral Surgery, University of Brescia Dental School, Italy
cSenior consultant, Department of Microbiology and Virology, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
dPostgraduate doctor, University of Brescia Otolaryngology Clinic, Italy
Reprint requests: Dr. Magda Mensi, Researcher, Dept. of Endodontology and Oral Surgery, Dental School—University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili N° 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
ABSTRACT