CREST syndrome and periodontal surgery: a case report

CREST syndrome diagnosed by oral lesions: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia (CREST) syndrome is an acronym for the clinical features that are seen. Its etiology is unknown, affecting women three times more than men. CREST syndrome is often diagnosed by systemic symptoms. However, oral manifestations could be helpful in the early diagnosis of the disease. Less than 20 cases of CREST syndrome with oral symptoms were described.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of a 26-year-old female, who was diagnosed with CREST syndrome based on findings of the oral mucosa.

CASE REPORT

Clinical examination revealed sclerodactyly and nail alterations. Oral findings were associated with hypochromic and paleness mucosa. The tongue was strongly rigid and reddish areas compatible with telangiectasias were found. The mouth opening was particularly compromised. Histological findings were suggestive of systemic sclerosis in the context of CREST syndrome. Considering the available diagnosis criteria, this case was diagnosed as CREST syndrome based on oral manifestations.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral manifestations of CREST syndrome could help in early clinical diagnosis, preventing a delay in the onset of an aggressive form of the disease. Accurate referrals of patients to specialists are needed for a multidisciplinary approach.

[Oral manifestations of systemic sclerosis]

Nous rapportons l'observation d'une jeune femme de 26 ans ayant une sclérodermie systémique diffuse présentant une atteinte bucco-dentaire complexe: microstomie, hyperplasie gingivale, parodontite, dépôts tartriques, caries multiples et chevauchement dentaire antéro-inférieur. Nous discuterons à travers cette observation les manifestations bucco-dentaires de cette connectivite qui sont loin d’être rares mais souvent négligées par les cliniciens malgré leur retentissement fonctionnel majeur. Il convient de surveiller régulièrement l’état bucco-dentaire chez tout patient sclérodermique afin de diagnostiquer précocement ces atteintes. Diagnostiquées à un stade tardif les complications bucco-dentaires de la sclérodermie seront très difficiles à traiter.

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus manifesting with localized loss of periodontal attachment

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disorder of uncertain aetiology that is clinically characterized by the appearance of well delimited white plaques or papules, preferentially affecting the skin and genitals, and more rarely the oral cavity. We present the case of a woman with LSA limited to the oral cavity in the form of a well delimited, flat whitish lesion affecting the vestibular gingiva of the right upper incisors and left central incisor, and extending towards the vestibular fundus and frenulum of the upper lip. Widening of the periodontal space was observed, with gingival recession and attachment loss limited to these teeth. Local corticosteroid injections caused the mucosal lesion but not the periodontal alterations to resolve. Emphasis is placed on the importance of knowledge of this condition in relation to establishing a diagnosis, and on its periodontal repercussions.