DRUG-INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA PRESENTING WITH ISOLATED ORAL LESIONS -REPORT OF 2 CASES

Patients with platelet-mediated bleeding disorders often present with clinical manifestations of bruising and bleeding. Although these chang es are detected most frequently on the skin and in the oral cavity, th e nasal and genital mucosa, as well as the renal and gastrointestinal systems, also may exhibit signs of bleeding. In this report, we descri be two patients who presented with isolated oral features: one with or al hemorrhagic bullae and a second;with oral petechiae and gingival bl eeding indicative of a bleeding disorder. Results of laboratory tests revealed severe thrombocytopenia and a careful history disclosed drug hypersensitivity as the cause. It is important to recognize the oral m anifestations of thrombocytopenia since the oral cavity is a frequent site of hemorrhage and may be the only manifestation of the disease. P roper identification permits the prompt institution of treatment and p revention of serious complications.