Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie : MKG
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Mund Kiefer Gesichtschir · Sep 1999
Review[Clinical studies on the pathophysiology of odontogenic abscesses].
In 26 patients with abscesses in the maxillofacial area, the electrolyte concentrations, pH and osmotic and hydrostatic pressures of the pus fluid were measured and calculated. The main cations identified were sodium (134 +/- 38 mmol/l) and potassium (37 +/- 16 mmol/l) and as anions chloride (183 +/- 46 mmol/l) and bicarbonate (10 +/- 4 mmol/l). The pH value of the pus liquid was 6.164 +/- 0.233. ⋯ After penetration of virulent microorganisms into the tissue space, the area of acute inflammation is walled off by the collection of inflammatory cells. Destruction of tissue by products of the polymorphonuclear leucozytes takes place and results in liquefactive necrosis and a hypertonic abscess cavity. The inwards-directed flow of tissue fluids into the cavity via the abscess membrane causes volume expansion and generates pressure, two facts that can explain the swelling dynamics and typical symptoms of abscesses in the maxillofacial area.