Padjadjaran Journal of Dentistry
Vol 37, No 1 (2025): March 2025

Finding the pathognomonic clinical features, do we still need supporting examinations?: two case reports

Fetriani, Ulfa (Unknown)
Permatasanti, Ayu (Unknown)
Wahyuni, Indah Suasani (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Apr 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Pathognomonic symptoms often allow for the extablishment of a clinical diagnosis without laboratory-supporting examinations. This article discusses two cases of oral mucosal disease presenting with typical symptoms and pathognomonic clinical features. Through anamnesis, history taking, and physical examination led to the clinical diagnosis of primary herpetic gingivostomatitis and pseudomembranous oral candidiasis. Case report: The first case involved a 30-year-old woman with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis, characterized by multiple ulcers in the oral cavity and lips. The second case was that of a 4-year-old girl with pseudomembranous oral candidiasis, characterized by wipeable whitish plaques on the oral mucosa, which left an erythematous area. Antiviral therapy was given to the herpetic gingivostomatitis patient, while the patient wih pseudomembranous candidiasis received antifungal treatment. Significant clinical improvement was observed within 1-2 weeks following adequate treatment. Supporting examinations were not performed due to the pathognomonic clinical features. Conclusion: Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis and acute pseudomembranous candidiasis exhibit pathognomonic clinical features that are typical and generally sufficient for clinical diagnosis without laboratory-supporting confirmation.  If clinical diagnosis-based treatment results in improvement, supporting examination may not be necessary. Therefore, strict supervision from a doctor is mandatory in this situation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PJD

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Dentistry Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Padjadjaran Journal of Dentistry or known as PJD, is an English-language scientific periodicals published by the Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Padjadjaran thrice a year on every March, July and November. The submission process of manuscript is open throughout the year. All submitted manuscripts ...