Riga-Fede disease associated with postanoxic encephalopathy and trisomy 21: a proposed classification

Diagnosis and Management of Riga-Fede Disease: A Case Series

In this case series, we present four unique cases of Riga-Fede disease (RFD), a rare disorder characterized by mucosal trauma as a result of repetitive tongue protrusion against the incisors, leading to the development of a large oral mass/ulceration. Due to the rapid development and growth of these lesions mimicking malignancy, it is important for the general and pediatric otolaryngologist to correctly diagnose and treat this benign disorder. This series highlights the variable clinical presentations, along with comorbidities of RFD, as well as the importance of interdisciplinary care between the pediatric otolaryngologist and pediatric dentist in its management. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Riga Fede disease associated with a neonatal tooth

Riga Fede disease is defined as traumatic ulcerations on the ventral surface of the tongue in infants and neonates and most commonly occurs due to natal, neonatal teeth or erupting deciduous mandibular central incisors. The occurrence of natal or neonatal teeth is also a rare occurrence. This article represents a reported case of Riga Fede disease associated with a neonatal tooth in a 10 weeks old patient and its non-invasive management.

Riga-Fede disease in the upper jaw in an infant

Riga-Fede disease is a benign and uncommon mucosal disorder. This illness is an ulceration of the oral mucosa and arises from repetitive traumatic injuries. The disease is usually caused by the sharp edges of new erupted teeth. The aim of the present case report is to present Riga-Fede disease and its treatment. We reported a 11-month-old healthy female infant diagnosed as Riga-Fede disease based on clinical features. After the conservative treatment that focused on eliminating the source of trauma, total healing was observed. Riga-Fede disease is rare. This illness can be confused with malignancies. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of this disease are very important for physicians and patients.

Persistent untreated Riga-Fede disease for 6 years

Riga-Fede disease is an uncommon, benign, ulcerative condition due to dental trauma that can occur at any age. A 9-year-old boy with a painful tongue is presented. Physicians need to recognize Riga-Fede disease and Riga-Fede-like disease to intervene early.

Persistent lingual ulceration (Riga-Fede disease) in an infant with Down syndrome and natal teeth: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Riga-Fede disease is a rare pediatric condition in which chronic lingual ulceration results from repetitive trauma. Neonatal teeth or underlying neuro-developmental disorders which include Down syndrome are described as causative factors, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of both Down syndrome and natal teeth coexisting. The need for early extraction in the presence of two risk factors is highlighted in this case report.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 18-month-old Sinhalese male presented with an ulcerating lingual mass on the ventral surface of the tongue. The lesion had progressed over the past six months. He also had clinically diagnosed Down syndrome.The ulcer was non-tender, indurated, and had elevated margins. It was not bleeding and two natal teeth in lower central dentition were seen in apposition with the lesion. There was no regional lymphadenopathy but the ulcer was causing concerns as it mimicked a malignant lesion. A clinical diagnosis of Riga-Fede disease caused by raking movements of the tongue against anterior natal teeth by a child who was developmentally delayed and prone to suck on his tongue was made. The mother was reassured and the natal teeth were extracted.

CONCLUSIONS

Early extraction of natal teeth is recommended only if there is a risk of aspiration or interference with breast feeding. Although Down syndrome is among the neuro-developmental conditions that lead to this lesion, its occurrence is usually at an older age. The presence of natal teeth together with Down syndrome caused the lesion to occur in infancy. Awareness of the benign nature of this rare condition by pediatricians and dental practitioners is important as it will allay anxiety and avoid unnecessary biopsy. This case also highlights the impact of two risk factors and needs consideration as an added indication for the early extraction of natal teeth.

[Riga-Fede disease]

INTRODUCTION

Riga-Fede disease is a benign affection of the oral mucosa which has been poorly described in the literature. This entity of unknown ethiopathogenicity is sometimes revealing of dysautonomic or neuropsychic disorders. We report a new case.

CASE REPORT

A 10-month-old girl was referred to us for a unique deep ulceration of the lower lingual apex, in a context of right basal pneumopathy. Samples were negative for bacteriological, virological and mycological analysis. After successful treatment of the pneumopathy, the ulceration was unchanged and we diagnosed Riga-Fede disease.

DISCUSSION

Our observation is representative of the Riga-Fede cases previously described in the literature, comparing the age of onset, the topography and the ulceration type. We did not diagnose any dysautonomic or neuropsychic disorder as reported in some cases. Suppression of the lingual trauma resulted in healing of the ulceration.

Traumatic lingual ulceration in a newborn: Riga-Fede disease

Riga Fede disease is a reactive mucosal disease as a result of repetitive trauma of the tongue by the anterior primary teeth during forward and backward movement. Although the aspect of the lesion might be impressive, its nature is relatively benign. The history and clinical features are most often so typical that there is seldom a need for addititonal histopathological examination. Riga Fede disease can most often be treated with conservative measures only.

Beside the presentation of a six-month-old boy with Riga Fede disease, the literature has been reviewed as well. From this review it can be concluded that Riga Fede disease is almost exclusively restricted to the tongue, occurs soon after birth when associated with (neo)natal teeth, has a male predilection, and is in one quarter of the cases associated with neurologic disorders. In the later case, Riga Fede disease develops after the age of 6 months.

Deformity of the tongue in an infant: Riga-Fede disease

Riga-Fede is the rare condition of benign ulceration caused by repetitive trauma to the lingual tissues by the teeth in children younger than two years of age. The differential diagnosis includes infective and neoplastic conditions. Histological diagnosis is required when the symptoms fail to resolve with standard management. The case involving an 11-month-old girl who presented with ulceration of the tongue, resulting in a reasonable defect of the tongue tip, is reported in the present article. Following excisional biopsy, the lesion healed without subsequent recurrence. Riga-Fede disease should be considered in infants presenting with oral ulceration. Extraction of the offending teeth should be considered when associated with failure to thrive or failed conservative management.