Oral manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis: a report of three cases and a literature review

Patients with vasculitis present a poor oral health: results of the online cross-sectional survey from Canada (VASC-TOOTH Survey)

To describe oral health complications and related quality of life in patients with vasculitis. Survey to assess clinical variables, pertinent to oral and dental health in patients with vasculitis and using the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP14) questionnaire. 226 patients answered the survey. Globally, 179 (79.2%) patients reported good oral and dental health before the vasculitis diagnosis, while 92 (40.7%) patients reported a worsening since the diagnosis of vasculitis. Patients with a worsened oral health had a longer disease duration (10.0 (1.0) vs. 7.4 (0.7) years; p < 0.05), and had more relapses in the previous 2 years (34.8% vs. 16.4%; p < 0.005). The median OHIP14 score was 4 (IQR: 0-10); 97 (48.7%) patients scored > 4 points. Patients with Takayasu arteritis and Behçet disease showed worse OHIP14 scores, had a longer disease course but were younger than those with better scores or other vasculitis diagnoses. A high proportion of patients with vasculitis, especially those with Takayasu arteritis or Behçet disease, reported oral or dental complications, with subsequent impaired oral health-related quality of life.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis presenting with isolated external genital and urethral manifestations: a case-based review

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis primarily affecting the respiratory tract and kidneys, with external genital and urethral lesions (EGUL) being exceedingly rare. We present a case of a middle-aged man with relapsing proteinase 3-antineutrophil antibody-positive GPA who developed isolated granulomatous, ulcerative balanitis, and urethritis. His condition abruptly worsened after a prolonged indolent course, requiring treatment with glucocorticoids and rituximab, leading to successful remission. To better characterize EGUL in GPA, a systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and the NPO Japanese Society of Medical Abstracts databases using keywords related to GPA and EGUL. Cases meeting the American College of Rheumatology or Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare criteria for GPA and the 2012 Chapel Hill Consensus Conference definitions were included for analysis. Our review identified that EGUL often presents as an initial symptom and can be classified by the presence or absence of preceding urethritis. Cases with preceding urethritis had a higher risk of severe complications with extensive penile or urethral involvement. In contrast, penile lesions without preceding urethritis typically presented as characteristic mucosal lesions localized around the glans. In females, GPA-associated urethritis frequently led to periurethral mass formation, vaginal involvement, and significant sequelae. Given the potential for delayed diagnosis and serious complications, clinicians should be vigilant for EGUL in patients with suspected or diagnosed GPA. Future prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to elucidate the prevalence, clinical spectrum, and optimal management of these rare but significant manifestations of GPA.

Strawberry gingivitis as an initial presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis in an older adult

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in an older adult in light of the existing literature.

BACKGROUND

GPA is a potentially life-threatening multisystem necrotising vasculitis, characterised by a spectrum of oral mucosal lesions that present diagnostic challenges.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 76-year-old female patient presented with asymptomatic granular and haemorrhage swelling ("strawberry" gingivitis) affecting the upper and lower anterior and posterior gingivae. Cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was positive. Concurrent kidney lesions were diagnosed.

RESULTS

Histopathological examination revealed a pseudoepitheliomatous proliferation with perivascular inflammation and a dense eosinophilic infiltrate. After a 5-year follow-up, the patient showed no signs of recurrence. A literature review performed using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus identified 22 documented cases of GPA-related oral lesions in older adults, with equal sex distribution and 63.6% occurring in the seventh decade of life.

CONCLUSION

Early recognition and diagnosis of "strawberry" gingivitis in older adults with GPA are crucial, as these oral manifestations may be the initial presentation of the disease.

A Rare Presentation of Wegener's Granulomatosis in ENT

Wegener's granulomatosis or Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare multisystem autoimmune vasculitis disease which may become life threatening due to the various system involvement. Granular hyperplastic gingivitis, the so called "strawberry gingivitis" is a rare manifestation of this disease, yet pathognomic when present. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important.

Oral granulomatosis with polyangiitis a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an unusual multisystemic inflammatory disease, with vasculitis of small- and medium-sized vessels, with a predilection for upper lower airways and kidneys. The etiology remains unknown although it may originate from different stimuli, in genetically susceptible patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A detailed database search was performed. The variables were demographics, localization, histopathological findings, antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody, cytoplasmic (c-ANCA) tests, treatment, and follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-two cases were identified; the mean age was 49.6 years, with a range from 6 to 87 years. It was most frequently seen in females (57.7%). The most common race was white (59.6%). The most frequent location was in the maxillary gingiva (28.8%), followed by both the upper and lower gingiva (19.2%). The most common clinical presentation was "strawberry gingivitis" (61.5%). The main symptom was pain, in 50%. Regarding the c-ANCA test, it was positive in 71.2% of cases. The most common therapy was prednisone and cyclophosphamide, utilized in 51.9%. The average follow-up was 23.6 months, and 88.5% of patients were still alive at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis initially was difficult to establish, an early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. If untreated the disease can be associated with morbidity and mortality. For the oral clinician, this disease needs to be addressed in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions.

Difficult and complicated oral ulceration: an expert consensus guideline for diagnosis

The complexity of oral ulcerations poses considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to oral specialists. The expert consensus was conducted to summarize the diagnostic work-up for difficult and complicated oral ulcers, based on factors such as detailed clinical medical history inquiry, histopathological examination, and ulceration-related systemic diseases screening. Not only it can provide a standardized procedure of oral ulceration, but also it can improve the diagnostic efficiency, in order to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Oral Granulomatous Disease

Granulomatous diseases are chronic inflammatory disorders whose pathogenesis is triggered by an array of infectious and noninfectious agents, and may be localized or a manifestation of systemic, disseminated disease. As in the skin, oral manifestations of granulomatous inflammation are often nonspecific in their clinical appearance. Thus, in the absence of overt foreign material or a recognizable infectious agent, identifying the underlying cause of the inflammation can be challenging. This article highlights various conditions known to induce granulomatous inflammation within the oral soft tissues.

How Oral Specialists Can Help Diagnose and Manage Extra-Digestive Inflammatory Bowel Disease Complications

Identification of extra-digestive manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is essential. The oral cavity is a preferential site in which gingival enlargement may be one of these manifestations. We present, in this article, two original cases and a concept map that highlights the need for a close collaboration between the dental surgeon or oral specialist, the dermatologist, and the gastroenterologist. In the first case, the strictly local management of a systemic IBD oral complication, can relieve and answer the patient's complaint without modifying or disrupting the systemic treatment already implemented by the gastroenterologists. In the second case, the dental surgeon's diagnosis of gingival enlargement turns out to be the inaugural manifestation of Crohn's disease and allows early treatment of the intestinal pathology. These two cases illustrate the close link between the oral cavity and IBD. Knowledge and multidisciplinary management of these manifestations such as proposed in the concept map are essential for clinicians for the early diagnosis and the improvement of the oral and general quality of life of patients suffering from IBD.

Granulomatous diseases: Oral manifestations and recommendations

Granulomatous diseases may present with oral manifestations that are detectable by dental care providers. In certain cases, oral manifestations may precede systemic signs and symptoms. Dentists managing patients with these conditions may modify the dental treatment plan and possibly retain the support of other health professionals. This review gives an update on granulomatous diseases that can be faced by the dental practitioner.

Gingival Swelling as the Initial Manifestation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

We describe a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA; formerly named Wegener granulomatosis) that presented initially as florid areas of gingival swelling. The patient also had upper respiratory symptoms that included sinus congestion and cough of recent onset. Clinical-pathologic correlation aided the interpretation of non-specific biopsy findings and immediate referral to an appropriate medical specialist. Treatment was rendered at an early stage of disease with a good response to date. Review of the literature indicates that gingival swelling, often with the characteristic appearance of "strawberry gingivitis" may represent the initial sign of disease in 2% of patients with GPA. Biopsy of gingival lesions often shows a non-specific histologic appearance that should be interpreted in the context of the clinical appearance and pertinent medical history. The clinical investigations that lead to definitive diagnosis and treatment are presented to facilitate the management of this uncommon but potentially fatal condition.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis: potentially lethal gingival lesions presenting to the dentist

Gingival pathology is a daily presentation, however a small number of systemic conditions can manifest similar to a common gingival condition and have fatal results. Dentist referred 56-year-old woman to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department with a 2-week medical history of gingival bleeding not responding to local measures. Biopsy showed eosinophilic infiltrate and vasculitis, and blood tests showed positive markers including cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare disease affecting the respiratory tract, blood vessels and kidneys. Oral lesions are rarely the primary presenting feature. When left untreated, most cases are fatal within a year of diagnosis. The diagnosis can only be made when certain criteria are found, including granular oral lesions exhibiting an eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate on biopsy. With 5% of cases showing intraoral lesions as the primary feature, it is essential that dentists have the knowledge of this rare disease to refer and not to treat as a common gingival condition.

Erythematous and Vascular Oral Mucosal Lesions: A Clinicopathologic Review of Red Entities

Erythematous lesions of the oral mucosa are common and can reflect a variety of conditions, ranging from benign reactive or immunologically-mediated disorders to malignant disease. Together with vascular abnormalities, which can vary from reddish to bluish-purple in color, the differential diagnosis for erythematous oral mucosal change is quite diverse. This review focuses on salient clinical features and histopathologic findings of selected conditions which clinically present as red or vascular-like oral mucosal alterations, including oral vascular malformations and neoplasms, pyogenic granuloma, localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia, denture stomatitis, benign migratory glossitis (geographic tongue), orofacial granulomatosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener granulomatosis), megaloblastic anemia, and erythroplakia. Recognition of the characteristic clinical features of these conditions, in conjunction with thorough patient history, will allow clinicians to narrow the differential diagnosis and guide appropriate clinical decision making, including the need for tissue biopsy, in order to complete the diagnostic process and initiate optimal patient care.

Rare case report of idiopathic gingival fibromatosis in childhood and its management

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (GF), also known as gingivomatosis, is a rare condition in childhood, with an unknown aetiology. The oral manifestations of the condition are varied and depend on the severity and age of involvement. This paper describe the case of a 5-year-old male child with extensive gingival enlargement covering almost all the maxillary and mandibular teeth resulted in difficulty with speech, mastication and poor aesthetics. Clinical and radiographic examination along with haematological investigations ruled out any systemic association. The case was managed with conventional scalpel blade surgery along with electrocautery under general anaesthesia yielding good results without any recurrence after a 12-month follow-up. The results revealed that the oral manifestations of GF depend on its severity and the age of onset. Timely intervention can help to prevent associated complications in a growing child.

The oral mucosa: A barrier site participating in tissue-specific and systemic immunity

In the oral cavity, the immune system is constantly exposed to unique tissue-specific signals, including a rich community of commensal microbes and their metabolites, continuous tissue damage from mastication, and antigens from food and airborne particles. How this unique combination of signals participates in the training of specialized immunity at this site is not well understood, yet imbalance of local responses is linked to tissue-specific disease susceptibilities with the prototypic disease being periodontitis. However, the oral mucosa is also well recognized as a site where systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases often manifest, indicating that systemic immune deregulation is reflected in the function of the oral immune system. This commentary will discuss both aspects of compartmentalized and systemic immunity at the oral mucosa.

Cutaneous Manifestations of ANCA-Associated Small Vessels Vasculitis

Skin lesions are frequent manifestations of underlying systemic conditions, including systemic autoimmune vasculitis. In particular, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are associated with distinct forms of vasculitis characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration of the walls of small and medium-sized vessels leading to vascular destruction and tissue necrosis. ANCA-associated vasculitis is rare and systemic diseases, which can be classified based on different distribution of vascular inflammation and presence or absence of granulomatosis and asthma. Despite their diversities, ANCA-associated vasculitis, namely microscopic polyangiitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, can all display a broad variety of cutaneous manifestations, which can appear during the course of the disease or even as first sign at the time of onset. Different skin manifestations might coexist in the same patient and occur in different occasions during the course of the vasculitis. Thus, a deep knowledge of the spectrum of skin lesions as part of ANCA-associated vasculitis is mandatory for a correct diagnostic process, whenever cutaneous vasculitis is suspected. Due to this broad variety of manifestations, the diagnosis of skin involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis is very challenging and it must be supported by a detailed medical history, accurate physical examination, specific histopathological analysis of skin biopsy and the presence of ANCA serology. In this review, we focus on the cutaneous manifestations that can develop in the context of ANCA-associated vasculitis, detailing the clinical features, the histopathological aspects as well as the direct immunofluorescence studies for each of the three conditions. Moreover, we acknowledged the differential diagnoses that must be ruled out in the diagnostic process and the main therapeutic approaches available for treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Spectrum of orocutaneous disease associations: Immune-mediated conditions

There are a number of diseases that manifest both on the skin and the oral mucosa, and therefore the importance for dermatologists in clinical practice to be aware of these associations is paramount. In the following continuing medical education series, we outline orocutaneous disease associations with both immunologic and inflammatory etiologies.

Granulomatous Diseases Affecting Jaws

The common aspect of all granulomatous diseases is the typical form of chronic inflammatory response with distinct microscopic granulomas that are formed secondary to either definitive etiologic agents, like bacteria, fungal, or parasitic, or due to an unknown etiologic agent, such as trauma, autoimmune, or even neoplastic process. Although they can be histologically distinct, granulomatous diseases demonstrate a variety of clinical features that may not seem to be inflammatory. Two types of granulomas are typically encountered: foreign body granulomas and immune granulomas. The differences between the two types of granulomas lie in the pathogenesis.

Gingival hyperplasia as first sign of recurrence of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis): case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly referred to as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a rare systemic disease of unknown etiology which can affect all areas of the body, including the oral cavity. The typical oral manifestations occur as nonspecific erosive/ulcerative lesions of the oral cavity or appear with hyperplastic gingivitis, a so called "strawberry gingivitis".

CASE PRESENTATION

We report here about an extremely rare case with hyperplastic gingivitis as the first sign of recurrence of GPA in the absence of oral manifestations in the primary disease. A 72 year-old female was referred to our Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery with hyperplastic gingivitis. The patient was diagnosed with GPA already eight years before. We referred the patient to our Clinic of Internal Medicine where she was successfully treated with rituximab. At the follow-up visit, the patient showed complete remission of the hyperplastic gingiva.

CONCLUSION

The often overlooked oral manifestation may be interpreted as the first evidence of resurgent GPA in general and therefore could be pathognostic for the disease. This case affirms the need of health professionals to be acquainted with orofacial manifestations of rare diseases such as GPA. As a consequence, dentists will be able to assist in diagnosing GPA more easily leading to a better prognosis for patients suffering from this disease.

Gingival fibromatosis: clinical, molecular and therapeutic issues

Gingival fibromatosis is a rare and heterogeneous group of disorders that develop as slowly progressive, local or diffuse enlargements within marginal and attached gingiva or interdental papilla. In severe cases, the excess tissue may cover the crowns of the teeth, thus causing functional, esthetic, and periodontal problems, such as bone loss and bleeding, due to the presence of pseudopockets and plaque accumulation. It affects both genders equally. Hereditary, drug-induced, and idiopathic gingival overgrowth have been reported. Hereditary gingival fibromatosis can occur as an isolated condition or as part of a genetic syndrome. The pathologic manifestation of gingival fibromatosis comprises excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, of which collagen type I is the most prominent example. Mutation in the Son-of-Sevenless-1 gene has been suggested as one possible etiological cause of isolated (non-syndromic) hereditary gingival fibromatosis, but mutations in other genes are also likely to be involved, given the heterogeneity of this condition. The most attractive concept of mechanism for drug-induced gingival overgrowth is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process in which interactions between gingival cells and the extracellular matrix are weakened as epithelial cells transdifferentiate into fibrogenic fibroblast-like cells. The diagnosis is mainly made on the basis of the patient's history and clinical features, and on histopathological evaluation of affected gingiva. Early diagnosis is important, mostly to exclude oral malignancy. Differential diagnosis comprises all pathologies in the mouth with excessive gingival overgrowth. Hereditary gingival fibromatosis may present as an autosomal-dominant or less commonly autosomal-recessive mode of inheritance. If a systemic disease or syndrome is suspected, the patient is directed to a geneticist for additional clinical examination and specialized diagnostic tests. Treatments vary according to the type of overgrowth and the extent of disease progression, thus, scaling of teeth is sufficient in mild cases, while in severe cases surgical intervention is required. Prognosis is precarious and the risk of recurrence exists.

Role of gingival manifestation in diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis)

Purpose

This report describes a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in which the gingival manifestation was crucial in both making an early diagnosis and possibly in deciding the approach to treatment.

Methods

A 57-year-old sailor presented to the Department of Dentistry at Ulsan University Hospital complaining of gingival swelling since approximately 2 months. He had orofacial granulomatous lesions and the specific gingival manifestation of strawberry gingivitis.

Results

The diagnosis of GPA was made on the basis of clinical symptoms and signs, and confirmed by the presence of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and a positive biopsy. The patient was admitted to the hospital and subsequently placed on a disease-modifying therapy regimen that included methotrexate and prednisone.

Conclusions

Identification of the gingival manifestation of the disease permitted an early diagnosis and prompt therapy in a disease in which time is a crucial factor. Because of its rapid progression and potentially fatal outcome, an early diagnosis of GPA is important. Therefore, dentists should be aware of the oral signs and symptoms of such systemic diseases.

Gingival enlargements: Differential diagnosis and review of literature

Gingival enlargement is one of the frequent features of gingival diseases. However due to their varied presentations, the diagnosis of these entities becomes challenging for the clinician. They can be categorized based on their etiopathogenesis, location, size, extent, etc. Based on the existing knowledge and clinical experience, a differential diagnosis can be formulated. Subsequently, after detailed investigation, clinician makes a final diagnosis or diagnosis of exclusion. A perfect diagnosis is critically important, since the management of these lesions and prevention of their recurrence is completely dependent on it. Furthermore, in some cases where gingival enlargement could be the primary sign of potentially lethal systemic diseases, a correct diagnosis of these enlargements could prove life saving for the patient or at least initiate early treatment and improve the quality of life. The purpose of this review article is to highlight significant findings of different types of gingival enlargement which would help clinician to differentiate between them. A detailed decision tree is also designed for the practitioners, which will help them arrive at a diagnosis in a systematic manner. There still could be some lesions which may present in an unusual manner and make the diagnosis challenging. By knowing the existence of common and rare presentations of gingival enlargement, one can keep a broad view when formulating a differential diagnosis of localized (isolated, discrete, regional) or generalized gingival enlargement.

Features of coexisting granulomatosis with polyangiitis in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: a case report

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's or GPA) are two rare autoimmune disorders. Both can involve the upper airways, and diagnosis can be difficult in the absence of extra-airway symptoms. We report the case of a patient with well-controlled PV but persistent upper respiratory tract symptoms. Further evaluation revealed perforation of the nasal septum and elevated serologies consistent with GPA. The patient improved with rituximab treatments. This case demonstrates that alternative concomitant diagnosis should be considered in patients with symptoms suggestive of recalcitrant PV and/or GPA, since these patients may require more aggressive initial treatment.

Orofacial granulomatosis: clinical signs of different pathologies

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is an uncommon disease characterized by persistent or recurrent soft tissue enlargement, oral ulceration and a variety of other orofacial features. It could be an oral manifestation of a systemic disease. For a correct differential diagnosis, local and systemic conditions characterized by granulomatous inflammation should be excluded using appropriate clinical and laboratory investigations. In fact, the diagnosis of OFG may be confirmed only by histopathological identification of noncaseating granulomas. The literature from 1943 to 2014 was reviewed with emphasis on the etiology of OFG and on clinical manifestations of systemic pathologies associated with OFG. The precise cause of OFG is still unknown, although several theories have been suggested, such as infection, hereditary factors and allergy. OFG is a disease that has a wide spectrum of presentation, which may include the oral manifestation of a systemic condition such as Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

Wegener's granulomatosis: a review of clinical features and an update in diagnosis and treatment

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is an idiopathic, systemic inflammatory disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and pauci-immune small-vessel vasculitis of upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys. The condition affects both genders equally, although some inconsistent gender differences have been observed. The aetiology of WG remains unknown although a number of exogenous factors have been suggested to be of aetiological relevance. Most clinical characteristics of this disease are non-specific, making clinical diagnosis challenging. Histopathological examination of lesional and peritoneal tissue is not pathognomonic, but is an essential investigation to confirm the presence of disease and exclude other disorders. At present, despite the increasingly wide range of potential therapies, cyclophosphamide plus corticosteroids remain the most recognized and effective means of inducing and sustaining remission of WG.

Wegener's Granulomatosis: Strawberry Gums of the Oral Cavity

Wegener's Granulomatosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening vasculitic disease of unknown origin. The diagnosis of Wegener's Granulomatosis is made on the basis of clinical presentation, positivity for serum c-ANCA and histologic examination of the lesions. This report details a case of limited Wegener's Granulomatosis with hyperplastic gingivitis lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of Wegener's Granulomatosis. The resemblance of the affected gums to over-ripe strawberries is pathognomonic of this condition and is thus highlighted. Because of the rarity of Wegener's Granulomatosis presenting initially in the oral cavity, clinicians should be alerted to the characteristic appearance of “strawberry gingivitis”.

Pediatric Wegener's granulomatosis with oral ulcers and progressive periodontitis: a case report

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare multisystem disorder. Although it can occur at any age, it is rarely observed in children. Oral manifestations, which are present in fewer than 10% of patients, include oral ulceration, nonhealing extraction sockets, and the most common oral lesion, hyperplastic gingivitis, which is known as "strawberry gingivitis." We report the unusual case of a 6-year-old boy with WG who presented with atypical oral manifestations, including severe progressive periodontitis accompanied by oral ulcers, before the development of systemic symptoms. Although WG is rare, this case emphasizes the importance of considering the diagnosis in those who present with progressive and atypical oral disease, as prompt treatment of the systemic illness can significantly improve outcome.

Strawberry gingivitis as the first presenting sign of Wegener's granulomatosis: report of a case

Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare multi-system disease characterized by the classic triad of necrotizing granulomas affecting the upper and lower respiratory tracts, disseminated vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. Oral lesions as a presenting feature are only encountered in 2% of these cases. Hyperplastic gingival lesions or strawberry gingivitis, is a characteristic sign of Wegener's granulomatosis. The latter consists of reddish-purple exophytic gingival swellings with petechial haemorrhages thus resembling strawberries. Recognition of this feature is of utmost importance for timely diagnosis and definitive management of this potentially fatal disease. A case of strawberry gingivitis as the first presenting sign of Wegener's granulomatosis affecting a 50-year-old Malay male is reported here. The differential diagnosis of red lesions that may present in the gingiva is discussed.

Localized Wegener's granulomatosis

BACKGROUND

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis of small and medium vessels which has predilection for upper airways, lungs and kidney. However, any other organ, including the skin and oral cavity, can be involved. Although mucocutaneous lesions are relatively common, they have only rarely been reported as localized manifestation of the disease.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to evaluate the type and sites of skin and mucosal lesions, clinical course and response to treatment, histologic features and laboratory findings in localized WG.

METHODS

The medical records of three patients (two women and one man) with localized WG followed up at our hospitals for a mean time of 10 years were studied.

RESULTS

All patients presented with facial plaques infiltrating the nasal and palatal mucosae and cartilages and, in one case, perforating the palatal bone. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, which are the marker for multisystem WG, were negative. The disease, refractory to various immunosuppressants, responded well, albeit incompletely, to prednisone plus cyclophosphamide.

LIMITATIONS

The limited number of patients is counterbalanced by the rarity of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cases may represent a rare distinctive subset of WG limited to the facial region and upper airway mucosa but showing a locally aggressive behaviour leading to cartilage and bony destruction.

[Oral manifestations of systemic diseases]

Many systemic diseases may present with oral manifestations and the oral mucosa may act as a mirror of internal involvement. We discuss the most common, specific and unspecific, as the most peculiar oral mucosal manifestations of systemic disease in the different organ systems. The most prevalent conditions of the oral mucosa in the course of HIV infection and marker lesions of multisystemic genodermatoses are elucidated.

"Strawberry like" gingivitis being the first sign of Wegener's granulomatosis

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a rare granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis of small vessels, affecting vascular structures having predilection for upper airways. If untreated WG can be lethal. WG is also known to cause oral mucosal lesions. We report a case of WG that was first diagnosed on oral gingival mucosa. A 51-year old woman was referred to a specialized dentist because of consistent irritative buccal gingival hyperplasia that did not react to conservative and microbial treatment. The lesion was biopsied and the diagnosis was suggestive for WG. Patient was further referred to the Department of Rheumatology and the diagnose of WG was confirmed and treated. The oral lesions cured totally. This case emphasizes the importance to recognize the oral manifestation of WG to get proper medication as soon as possible and avoid serious systemic tissue damage.

Vasculitis of the upper and lower airway

The pulmonary vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders that result from an inflammatory process damaging the vessel wall and consequent impaired blood flow, ischaemia and tissue necrosis. The clinical manifestation of these vasculitides depends on the site, size, type and severity of the inflammatory process. Vasculitis involving the airways is a common feature of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated systemic vasculitides (AASVs) and can predate the diagnosis by years. Secondary causes of vasculitis associated with connective tissue disorders are also capable of presenting with pulmonary features. Recognition of involvement, investigation and treatment are important to ameliorate symptoms for patients. This article concentrates on the assessment and specific management of upper and lower airway problems of AASV.