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Eosinophilic ulcer: the role of stress-induced psychoneuroimmunologic factors

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Abstract

Introduction

Eosinophilic ulcer (EU) is a rare pathology and its etiology is still slightly known. It is a benign lesion characterized by fast-growing ulceration with elevated and indurated borders, most commonly affecting the tongue.

Case report

The authors describe a case of EU on a lingual border that was initiated and had its clinical behavior altered by the psychological stress the patient was experiencing.

Discussion

This paper discusses the stress effects that alter the individual’s immunologic response, thus attracting mast cells and eosinophils towards the mucosal epithelium, which are involved in eosinophilic ulcer. The authors make an association between eosinophilic ulcer and atopic dermatitis, two diseases that appear to have a similar, though not fully defined, etiology. The psychological stress factor was considered a predisponent factor for eosinophilic ulcer etiology and its interference in the etiology and evolution of this disease should be considered.

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Conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Correspondence to André Luis Ribeiro Ribeiro.

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Ribeiro, A.L.R., de Oliveira Mendes, F.R., Alves, S.M. et al. Eosinophilic ulcer: the role of stress-induced psychoneuroimmunologic factors. Oral Maxillofac Surg 15, 179–182 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-010-0239-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-010-0239-4

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