Plunging Ranula as Initial Manifestation of HIV-AIDS: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Ranulas are defined as the extravasation of mucus into an intraoral cystic cavity produced by an injury to the excretory ducts or the acini of the sublingual gland. Plunging ranulas are generated when the salivary collection penetrates the mylohyoid through a dehiscence of its fibers, invading the submandibular space. The close relationship between these lesions and HIV-AIDS infection has been reported since 2004, with a 75.88% rate of positive cases. The objective of this article is to present the management of patient with a plunging ranula, which made it possible to address the diagnosis of HIV-AIDS. Case Report: A 28-year-old male patient presented with a painless and fluctuating swelling in the laterocervical space and the floor of the mouth, which produced dysphagia and dyslalia. Serological tests for HIV were carried out and had a reactive result. Surgical treatment was performed via intraoral approach, with a favorable evolution at 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Ranulas, and particularly plunging ranulas, should be considered in the group of oral lesions associated with HIVAIDS infection, as they may even be the initial manifestation of the disease.