(548) What Otolaryngologists Should Know About Mpox: A Scoping Review

Introduction: The global burden of mpox has increased over the past three decades, culminating in the 2022 global outbreak. The objectives of this scoping review are 1) to provide an overview of mpox and the 2022 outbreak, 2) to synthesize data on otolaryngologic manifestations reported in the literature, and 3) to draw some lessons for otolaryngologic patient care.

Methods: We conducted a literature review of English language articles using combinations of ("monkeypox" OR “monkey pox” OR “mpox”) and various otolaryngology-related terms on Pubmed Central (PMC) and Embase through January 20, 2023. Retrieved studies were screened first by abstract and then by full manuscript. Preset exclusion criteria used for the abstract screen included non-English language, non-specificity to mpox, and animal studies unrelated to course or treatment of disease in humans. For general background and real-time data on mpox we reviewed the National Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization websites.

Results: The 2022 outbreak is notable for its volume, spread to new geographic regions, and atypical clinical presentations. Reported otolaryngologic manifestations of mpox infection in this and prior outbreaks include head and neck skin lesions, cervical lymphadenopathy, oral lesions, oropharyngeal lesions, laryngeal lesions, throat pain, cough, dyspnea, dysphagia/odynophagia, nasal congestion, and rarely retropharyngeal abscess and otalgia.

Conclusions: As many of our patients’ main points of contact in the healthcare system, otolaryngologists should have an understanding not only of the otolaryngologic implications of mpox, but also of the overall presentation, work up, and management of this viral infection. It is important to include mpox infection as a differential diagnosis of new facial and oral lesions.