Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is the presence of persistent enlargement of the soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region, characterized by non-caseating granulomatous inflammation in the absence of diagnosable systemic Crohn's disease (CD) or sarcoidosis. Over 20 years have passed since OFG was first described and an extensive review of the literature reveals that there is no consensus whether OFG is a distinct clinical disorder or an initial presentation of CD or sarcoidosis. Furthermore, the precise cause of OFG is still unknown although several theories have been suggested including infection, genetic predisposition and allergy. The clinical outcome of OFG patients continues to be unpredictable. Current therapies remain unsatisfactory. Regular clinical review is indicated to identify the development of gastrointestinal or systemic involvement. The aim of this review was to analyse the developments in our understanding of the aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment protocols, with particular emphasis on management and outcomes of OFG since this entity was first described in 1985.

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Although it is established that the immunosuppressant cyclosporin-A (CsA) and calcium antagonists [Nifedipine (Nif) and Diltiazem (Dz)] can independently induce gingival enlargement, little has been documented on the significance of the salivary CsA levels and the combined effect of CsA and a calcium antagonist upon gingival tissues. In the present cross-sectional investigation, clinical periodontal parameters and the pharmacologic profiles of CsA, Nif, and Dz were determined for 66 renal transplant recipients. Subjects were divided into the following groups: Group (Gp) 1: CsA [n = 18]; Gp 2: CsA + Nif [n = 15]; Gp 3: CsA + Dz [n = 12] and a negative Control Gp 4: azathioprine [n = 21]. A gingival enlargement score was assessed for each patient from study models using a hyperplastic index (HI). Pharmacologic profiles included CsA whole blood and whole saliva levels as measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The HI scores between Gp 1, 2 and 3 were not significantly different. However, when compared with controls (Gp 4), there was a significant difference in HI and all individual groups (Gp 1, 2, 3) (p < 0.05). Gingival hyperplasia was only weakly related to plaque and calculus but was unrelated to CsA dose (mg/kg/day), duration of CsA therapy (months), CsA blood or saliva levels (ng/ml), or the concurrent administration of a Nif or Dz. Gingival enlargement was found to occur in 49% of subjects who were either on CsA or CsA and a calcium antagonist. It is concluded that CsA alone or in combination with a calcium antagonist caused a significant increase in gingival enlargement compared with controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)