Diffuse perimaxillary cellulitis: etiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects at the University Teaching Hospital of Lubumbashi

Introduction: Diffuse perimaxillary cellulitis (kapopo) can cause life-threatening complications. The objective of this study was to study the etiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of diffuse perimaxillary cellulitis and to assess their prognosis. Patients and Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study with collection of retrospective data concerning 60 cases collected over a period of five years from January 2016 to December 2020 at the University Teaching Hospital of Lubumbashi. The parameters considered were collected on a three-fold sheet: socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic. Results: The average age of our patients was 30 ± 3.14 years (range: 15 and 80 years), with a clear predominance of women (75%), the sex ratio (F / M) being 3. The average delay of consultation was one month. Our patients came from rural areas (55%) and in 80% of cases they had received traditional treatment before admission. The main aetiology was dental caries (80%) and the lower molars were the starting point in 60% of cases. The clinical focus was mainly acute diffuse perimaxillary swelling in all patients. The pyoculture revealed more staphylococcus (25%) sensitive to cefotaxime. The first-line medical treatment was antibiotics, pain relievers and antiinflammatory drugs, before considering an incision and drainage. 40% of our patients had a fatal outcome following late management and outcome of complications including mediastinitis, while 60% recovered from their disease after wellfollowed treatment with unsightly sequelae. Conclusion: Diffuse perimaxillary cellulitis of dental origin are potentially serious pathologies requiring early management in hospital settings, hence the imperative need for effective dental prophylaxis through simple prevention measures and health education.