Oral manifestations of acute myelomonocytic leukemia: a case report and review of the classification of leukemias

BACKGROUND: Oral signs and symptoms may indicate a serious underlying systemic disease. The most frequently observed oral findings of leukemia are mucosal bleeding and ulceration, petechiae, and gingival hyperplasia. This case report describes a 53-year-old male who presented with gingival enlargement and bleeding, fatigue, and recent weight loss as initial manifestations of acute myelomonocytic leukemia. METHODS: A gingival biopsy was performed, revealing the presence of a hypercellular infiltrate of atypical myeloid and monocytic cells. Further work-up consisted of a complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy, and immunohistochemical and histochemical analysis of biopsy material and flow cytometry of peripheral blood. RESULTS: Flow cytometry results confirmed that the infiltrate was of a myelomonocytic origin, and a diagnosis of acute myelomonocytic leukemia was rendered. The patient responded well to a chemotherapeutic induction regimen of cytosine arabinoside and idarubicin hydrochloride, with regression of gingival enlargement and remission of disease. The patient continued with consolidation chemotherapy and an autologous bone marrow transplant, but eventually died 22 months after initial diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Oral health care professionals, especially periodontists, must recognize that gingival enlargement may represent an initial manifestation of an underlying systemic disease. Acute myelogenous leukemia is a hematological disorder with a predilection for gingival involvement.     

Treatment of gingival fibromatosis associated with Zimmermann-Laband syndrome

BACKGROUND: Gingival fibromatosis is a rare condition characterized by a generalized enlargement of the buccal and lingual aspects of the attached and marginal gingiva. METHODS: This case report describes the periodontal management of a 13-year-old female patient with gingival fibromatosis associated with Zimmermann-Laband syndrome. The patient presented with gingival enlargement involving the maxillary and the mandibular arches, anterior open bite, and non-erupted teeth. Periodontal treatment included gingivectomy in all four quadrants. RESULTS: Histopathologic evaluation of the excised tissue supported the diagnosis of gingival fibromatosis. A significant improvement in esthetic appearance and eruption of the non-erupted teeth were obtained. The patient was referred for appropriate orthodontic treatment and has been closely followed for the earliest signs of recurrence of gingival enlargement. CONCLUSIONS: The successful therapy for gingival fibromatosis depends on correctly identifying the etiological factors and improving the impaired function and esthetic appearance through surgical intervention and adjunctive orthodontics. Maintaining treatment results depends on preservation of periodontal health.     

Periodontal management of gingival enlargement associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome

BACKGROUND: Sturge-Weber syndrome (encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis) is a rather uncommon congenital condition that is characterized by a combination of venous angioma of leptomeninges over the cerebral cortex and ipsilateral angiomatous lesions of the face and sometimes of the skull, jaws, and oral soft tissues. It is commonly referred to as Sturge-Weber syndrome after Sturge and Weber who first described this affliction in 1879. This article presents a case of Sturge-Weber syndrome associated with severe gingival enlargement, its management, and follow-up results. METHODS: A 15-year-old male patient was referred to the Department of Periodontics, Government Dental College and Hospital, for severe gingival enlargement. A detailed dental and medical history, clinical examination, and investigations confirmed the diagnosis of Sturge-Weber syndrome. This report reveals a classic presentation of the syndrome with emphasis on its oral manifestations. Periodontal management included thorough scaling and root planing followed by periodontal flap surgery to treat the gingival enlargement. Histopathologic examination of the excisional biopsy specimen revealed features suggestive of fibrous gingival enlargement. RESULTS: Reevaluation of the patient after 2 years showed remarkable (90%) reduction of the gingival enlargement in the maxillary arch and complete diminution (100%) in the mandibular arch. However, a slight recurrence was noted in the maxillary right quadrant. CONCLUSIONS: Sturge-Weber syndrome is clinically important to the periodontist because of its associated gingival vascular features and their complicating manifestations. Periodic systemic and oral examinations are recommended to identify and prevent any complications from the cranial and oral lesions.     

Clinical management of an unusual case of gingival enlargement

AIM: The purpose of this article is to report a case of conditioned gingival enlargement managed by non-surgical periodontal therapy. BACKGROUND: Hormones are specific regulatory molecules that modulate a host of body functions. Hormonal effects reflect physiologic and pathologic changes in almost all tissues of the body with the periodontium being no exception. Physiologic changes like puberty, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy cause hormonal variations that may cause inflammation of the gingiva. Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and/or progesterone are associated with gingival enlargement. REPORT: A 28-year-old female presented with a complaint of swelling of the gingiva with spontaneous bleeding in the maxillary anterior region for a period of one year. The health history documented the use of contraceptives for one year, and a clinical examination revealed the existence of poor oral hygiene and enlarged painful gingival tissues that bled when touched. SUMMARY: This case reaffirms the fact plaque control is the most important procedure in any periodontal therapy. Another factor contributing to the excellent response to therapy is patient compliance. The patient followed home care instructions well and was effective in personal oral hygiene measures.     

Long-term management of an idiopathic gingival fibromatosis patient with the primary dentition.

Gingival fibromatosis is usually seen as an isolated finding or occasionally in association with other features as part of a syndrome. The combination of gingival enlargement, hypertrichosis, epilepsy and mental retardation is also a commonly reported syndrome that features gingival fibromatosis. The following report is about a mentally retarded patient who has shown no sign of hypertrichosis, but has been taking phenobarbital as a long-term therapy drug for anti-convulsion. Long-term management of this patient has been carried out from the age of one-and-a-half years to 14 years old. The patient's clinical features, treatment received, histopathologic presentation of gingival fibromatosis and proper management of the condition are discussed.     

Clinical evaluation of medications on oral and dental health

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of medications on oral and dental health on a group of dental patients taking drugs regularly. METHODS: The study comprised two groups, the medication group included 328 dental patients regularly taking medication and the control group of 201 dental patients who took no medication. The patients were questioned about occurrence of self-reported oral dryness and were evaluated for the occurrence of any oral mucosal lesions, gingival recession, bleeding and enlargement, alveolar bone resorption, dental caries, any restorations and missing teeth were recorded. Data were statistically analysed with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between medication and control groups for oral mucosal lesions, gingival recession and enlargement but a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between the groups for oral dryness and gingival bleeding. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the groups for dental caries, amalgam, fixed and removable prosthetic restorations and missing teeth. CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant difference for self-reported oral dryness and gingival bleeding and these factors may have been influenced by the increased rate of missing teeth and prosthetic restorations in the medication group.     

Periodontal management of a patient with severe aplastic anemia: a case report

This article describes the periodontal management of a patient with severe aplastic anemia. A 51-year-old female patient was hospitalized with aplastic anemia and was referred for the management of her cyclosporine-induced gingival enlargement and bleeding from her gums. She also complained of pain in the palatal area and the mandibular anterior region. The patient was managed successfully with supra- and subgingival instrumentation, local drug delivery (LDD), electrosurgery, repeated oral hygiene instruction, and constant supervision. The treatment resulted in dramatic improvement in the patient's oral health and quality of life. This report highlights the importance of nonsurgical therapy followed by electrosurgery for the management of residual gingival enlargement.     

Management of idiopathic gingival fibromatosis: report of a case and literature review

Gingival hyperplasia is a rare condition and is of importance for cosmetic and mechanical reasons. Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis, a benign, slow-growing proliferation of the gingival tissues, is genetically heterogeneous. The enlargement is most intense during the eruption of the primary and permanent teeth, and minimal or nondetectable growth is observed in adults. The genetic aspect, clinical feature, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and treatment aspects are reviewed. The purpose of this paper was to report a case of idiopathic gingival fibromatosis in a 13-year-old female who had a negative family history for a similar type of gingival enlargement. The diagnosis was established through history, clinical examination, and histopathology using both hematoxylin and eosin and Van Giesen stain (a special stain for collagen). Surgical treatment, which included both gingivectomy and gingivoplasty, was carried out. The case showed remarkable esthetic and functional improvement. The patient returned after a year and showed no recurrence.     

Periodontal disease status during pregnancy and 3 months post-partum, in a rural population of Sri-Lankan women

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of pregnancy on the periodontium, in a rural population of Sri-Lankan women. METHODS: The study group consisted of 47 pregnant women and 47 non-pregnant women who served as matched controls. All subjects were examined for plaque (plaque index: PLI), gingival condition (gingival index: GI) and loss of periodontal attachment (LA) levels, 4 x during the study, at 3-monthly intervals. RESULTS: Despite similar scores for plaque levels in both pregnant and non-pregnant women, the GI of pregnant women was significantly increased, during the 1st and 2nd trimesters compared to the controls (p<0.01, 2-way ANOVA). During the 3rd trimester, GI was further increased (p<0.001), but dropped at 3 months post-partum. Values for LA did not show significant differences from that of controls, during any of the stages of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that pregnancy had an effect only on the gingivae and not on periodontal attachment levels. The effects of oestrogen and progesterone could give rise to a more florid response to the irritant effects of plaque, resulting in severe gingivitis.     

高频电刀行牙龈成形术的研究

目的：探讨高频电刀在治疗牙龈增生中的应用。方法：用高频电刀治疗牙龈增生18例，术中重塑牙龈外形。结果：18例术后伤口均一期愈合，术中及术后无明显出血，牙龈外形正常。结论：高频电刀切除牙龈组织时，具有速度快、出血少、易于愈合的特点，为一种操作简单，效果可靠的方法。     

The influence of progestogen on gingival exudation during menstrual cycles

The investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect on gingival exudation of a raised level of progestogen in young females by using the exudation during the normal menstrual cycle as a reference. Fourteen female student nurses aged 19 to 24 years participated in this study. Only the buccal mesial aspect of the upper incisor and canine teeth was examined. In no case did the depth of the gingival pocket exceed three millimeters, and the gingiva in the area of observation showed clinically only slight signs of chronic inflammation. Intra-crevicular exudate samplings were carried out once every second day for a period of around 140 days. The hormone administration was not started until a period of time containing two phases of menstrual bleedings had elapsed. The results clearly show that the regular use of chlormadinone acetate, a synthetic preparation with a specific and marked progestogen effect, induces a gradual increase in the amount of gingival exudate obtainable on filter paper strips inserted into gingival pockets. The influence of the progestogen was most marked during the menstrual phase when the production of ovarian estrogens and progesterone is low.     

不同民族固定矫治所致牙龈炎和前牙牙龈增生的临床研究

目的:探讨牙龈增生、牙龈炎在不同社会背景下的固定矫治患者中发病率及相关因素。方法:收集正畸治疗中或刚刚拆除矫治器的患者250名,随机分为2组。在接受矫治6~12个月和≥12个月时,由牙周专科医师检查菌斑及牙龈指数、牙周袋深度、附着丧失及牙龈增生程度。患者的社会经济背景,正畸治疗持续时间,正畸过程中牙线使用情况被记录下来。之间的相关性建立泊松回归模型,并使用多元性回归分析法进行分析。结果:牙龈出血(RR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.02)和托槽周围多余的树脂残留(RR 1.04; 95% CI 1.04-1.05)跟牙龈增生有高度相关性。社会背景跟牙龈增生无相关性。结论:在正畸治疗患者中前牙牙龈出血和托槽周围多余树脂残留跟牙龈增生程度成正相关。     

An investigation of the oral status and reported oral care of children with heart and heart-lung transplants

Aim . To investigate the oral health status and oral microflora of children who have received heart and heart-lung transplants. Parental knowledge and current practice of oral health procedures by the child were also investigated.
Sample and method . Thirty-five children attending the Cardio-Thoracic Transplant Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children were included. Measurements were compared with children matched by age and gender attending the trauma clinic at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Eastman Dental Hospital. Teeth were examined for the presence or absence of caries or enamel defects. Plaque deposition, gingivitis, gingival bleeding and gingival enlargement were measured and a swab was taken to look at the oral microbial flora. A questionnaire was used to assess parental knowledge of dental health procedures and the current practice of these.
Results . There were no significant differences between transplant and control children in caries experience, plaque or gingivitis. Children with heart or heart-lung transplants had significantly greater numbers of enamel defects and more gingival enlargement than control children, children in the heart transplant group had significantly more gingival bleeding. There was little difference in the dental knowledge and reported behaviour of the transplant group compared to the control group.
Conclusion . The dental needs of heart and heart-lung transplant patients treated at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children were similar to those of the control group in this study, however further improvement could be made in educating parents and children on the importance of caries prevention and good oral hygiene.     

Microsomal enzyme induction and gingival enlargement in subjects taking phenytoin

Subjects taking the anticonvulsant phenytoin were examined for gingival enlargement and skin-fold thickness. Induced synthesis of their hepatic microsomal enzymes was estimated by measuring urinary D-glucaric acid. Gingival enlargement was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with urinary D-glucaric acid. Although skin-fold thickness was not correlated with either urinary D-glucaric acid or gingival enlargement, mean gingival enlargement was greater in some subjects who did have an increased skin thickness than in those with normal skin thickness. The results suggest that induction of microsomal enzyme synthesis, as estimated by urinary D-glucaric acid, is related to taking phenytoin, as is gingival enlargement, and that there are other factors that affect both phenomena.     

Drug-associated gingival enlargement: case report and review of aetiology, management and evidence-based outcomes of treatment

"Gingival enlargement" is the term now used to describe medication-related gingival overgrowth or gingival hyperplasia (AAP, 2004), a condition commonly induced by three main classes of drugs: anticonvulsants, antihypertensive calcium antagonists and the immunosuppressant cyclosporin. It is important that the health practitioner is aware of the potential aetiologic agents and characteristic features in order to be able to accurately diagnose and successfully manage patients who present with a condition such as outlined in the following case presentation.     

Severe gingival bleeding in a myelodysplastic patient: management and outcome

BACKGROUND: The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of stem cell disorders characterized by a reduction in one or more elements of the peripheral blood. Oral manifestations of the disease and oral complications of medical management may result in significant symptoms and have an impact on the systemic condition of the patient. The removal of the infectious focus, such active teeth infection or severe periodontal disease, remains controversial in these patients, due to the increased risk of bleeding and systemic infection. METHODS: This paper reports a case of MDS with spontaneous gingival hemorrhage and generalized gingival hyperplasia associated with periodontal disease. This patient underwent several platelet transfusions due to these oral complications. The patient received periodontal therapy, resulting in an improvement of the oral clinical situation and a decrease of gingival hyperplasia. RESULTS: The patient did not present any episode of gingival hemorrhage after the periodontal treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that periodontal therapy should be performed in MDS patients presenting thrombocytopenia, gingival hyperplasia, and gingival bleeding, with the intent of preventing further hemorrhagic episodes and possible systemic infection.     

The effect of a plaque control program on the development of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth

The effect of a plaque control program on the development of phenytoin(PHT)-induced gingival overgrowth was studied in 16 epileptic children, 8-16 years of age during a 2-year longitudinal study. The parameters studied were: visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth and gingival overgrowth. A preventive program was instituted before the start of the PHT-medication and included oral hygiene instruction and frequent professional tooth cleaning during the observation period. When gingival overgrowth was evaluated on the basis of probing depth, no patients on PHT therapy for 2 years developed pseudopockets (greater than or equal to 4 mm). During the 2-year observation period, there was a statistically significant increase (p less than 0.01) in the thickness of the marginal gingiva bucco-lingually in all patients. This gingival enlargement was already evident (p less than 0.01) after 1 month. The degree of gingival enlargement in this patient group did not increase significantly after the 1st year of PHT-medication and was not significantly correlated to the plasma concentration of PHT. The results of this study show that the development of PHT-induced gingival overgrowth could not be prevented by this specific plaque control program.     

Severe alveolar bone loss and gingival hyperplasia as initial manifestation of Burkitt cell type acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this case report is to present severe alveolar bone destruction and gingival enlargement as initial manifestation of Burkitt cell type acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL-L3) in a 14-year-old boy. METHODS: The patient was referred to the periodontology department with a 4-week history of gingival enlargement and loosening of teeth. The clinical examination revealed gingival enlargement and expansion of alveolar mucosa particularly in molar regions of both jaws. Almost all teeth had deep periodontal pockets and severe mobility. While the radiographs showed severe alveolar bone loss which extended to apical thirds of many teeth, the microbiologic analysis revealed that the patient did not harbor major periodontopathogenic bacteria species. The results of blood tests and bone marrow aspiration were compatible with ALL-L3. RESULTS: Remission-induction treatment with BFM-90 ALL chemotherapy protocol was started; however, the patient died 4 weeks after the diagnosis due to neutropenic sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Although no biopsy was performed, it is possible that the severe periodontal destruction and gingival enlargement in this case may have been due to the infiltration of leukemic cells in gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. The similarities of these findings with numb chin syndrome (NCS) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) are discussed in this report.     

An unusual case of generalized severe gingival enlargement during pregnancy

Increased hormone levels that are present during puberty and pregnancy are associated with localized or generalized gingival enlargement. This article reviews the gingival alterations that can occur during pregnancy and describes a case of generalized severe gingival enlargement associated with pregnancy and its management. A 36-year-old woman had severe bilateral gingival enlargement of short duration. The patient denied taking any medications. The laboratory report revealed no systemic abnormalities; however, the report disclosed that she was pregnant. Surgical therapy for the gingival enlargement included gingivectomy and gingivoplasty of all quadrants, which reduced the size of the enlarged gingiva. Postoperative visits demonstrated uneventful healing, with no recurrence seen at the one-year follow-up appointment. It appears that the English literature includes only one other case report that discusses generalized gingival enlargement during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related gingival enlargement should be included as a differential diagnosis in women who have non-drug-induced generalized gingival enlargement.     

Periodontal disease in primary Sjögren's syndrome

Occurrence of periodontal disease in Sjögrens's syndrome (SS) is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To examine if the risk of gingival and periodontal conditions was increased in SS compared to the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty‐seven patients (4 men, 53 women) with primary Sjögren's syndrome (Copenhagen criteria) and an age‐matched representative sample of the general population of 80 controls (all women) were examined for gingival and periodontal disease. RESULTS: Gingival bleeding and supra‐gingival calculus did not differ among SS patients and controls. Subgingival calculus occurred more often among the younger SS patients than controls, but did not differ among the older SS patients and controls. Periodontal pockets of 4–5 mm as well as pockets >5 mm occurred with similar prevalences among the two groups. Smoking habits did not influence the results. The health status of the gingival and periodontal tissues were thus similar in SS and controls. CONCLUSION: Primary SS is not associated with increased risk of periodontal disease.