1. Pharyngolaryngeal ulcers associated with the improper use of alendronate
- Author
-
Kazuo Fukutome, Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Hiroshi Sakaida, and Hiroto Yuasa
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.drug_class ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Antibiotics ,Esophageal ulceration ,Oral cavity ,medicine.disease_cause ,Oral prednisolone ,Laryngeal Diseases ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Biopsy ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,030223 otorhinolaryngology ,Adverse effect ,Ulcer ,Aged ,Alendronate ,Bone Density Conservation Agents ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Pharyngeal Diseases ,General Medicine ,Bisphosphonate ,Dermatology ,Surgery ,Otorhinolaryngology ,Osteoporosis ,Female ,Irritation ,business - Abstract
Bisphosphonates can cause mucosal irritation. Although esophageal ulceration is a well-recognized adverse effect of bisphosphonates, pharyngolaryngeal ulcers associated with the improper use of oral bisphosphonates have rarely been described. A previously healthy 78-year-old woman presented with refractory pharyngolaryngeal ulcers. Extensive evaluation, including biopsy, bacterial culture, and blood tests did not identify any findings that indicated a specific disease diagnosis. Antibiotics and oral prednisolone were ineffective. Ultimately, it was found that the patient regularly took a tablet of alendronate, a type of bisphosphonate, by dissolving it in the oral cavity. Within 2 weeks after withdrawal of the use of the medication, her symptoms were eliminated, and the lesions were completely healed. This case illustrates the importance of correct administration of bisphosphonates. Given the widespread use of bisphosphonates, physicians need to be aware that their improper use can cause pharyngolaryngeal ulcers.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF