Periodontitis as manifestation of Crohn's disease in primary dentition: a case report

Abstract

The purpose of this case report is to detail an initial periodontal manifestation of Crohn's disease in a 6-year-old boy. The first clinical diagnosis, localized aggressive periodontitis, was based on the microbiological isolation of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans from subgingival sites. On examination, gingival lesions, together with bleeding on probing, edema, and erythema, were observed. Although an increased probing depth was detected, no radiographically visible alveolar bone loss was observed. According to these findings, periodontitis as a manifestation of a systemic disease was assumed. Furthermore, fissural ulcerations of the lips were noted. The patient also reported a swelling of the upper lip in the morning. Oral hygiene procedures, scaling, root planning, and the application of metronidazole and amoxicillin were not successful. Metabolic and several immunological tests, however, showed normal values. Two months after the first periodontal signs, the child suffered from severe malnutrition, accompanied by diarrhaea and abdominal pain. Active colitis with multiple granulomas was detected histopathologically from biopsies. Crohn's disease was then diagnosed by the internist. If in doubt, medical examinations in every case of childhood periodontitis are recommended to determine whether the findings speak for initial symptoms of a systemic disorder (eg, Crohn's disease).