Osteonecrosis of the jaw induced by arsenic trioxide therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia patient: a case report and literature review

To investigate the etiology, clinical manifestations, treatment and prevention of jaw necrosis caused by arsenic trioxide to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

To analyze the clinical data and related literature of patients with jaw necrosis caused by acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with arsenic trioxide.

We report a case of jaw necrosis caused by the use of arsenic trioxide (10 mg once a day for one month) during the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. About 20 days after treatment, the patient developed right maxillary pain accompanied by gingival redness and swelling and mucosal ulcer, 14-17 teeth had buccal and palatal alveolar bone exposed, gingival mucosa was missing, gingival tissue was damaged to the bottom of vestibular groove, and palatal soft tissue was damaged to 5-8 mm of palatal suture. Due to the unstable condition of acute promyelocytic leukemia, the patient was given conservative treatment such as oral vitamin and Kangfuxin liquid gargle to keep his mouth clean. Drug induced jaw necrosis reported in the literature can be caused by bisphosphonates. Arsenic trioxide can also cause local jaw necrosis. Clinically, it is often manifested as long-term wound nonunion, pus, alveolar bone or jaw bone exposure, dead bone formation, accompanied by pain, loose teeth, facial swelling and other symptoms. Anti inflammation, debridement and surgical removal of dead bone are commonly used treatment methods.

In clinical practice, we should be alert to drug-induced jaw necrosis and strengthen prevention.