Generalized gingival enlargement associated with aggressive periodontitis in a 20-year-old patient: case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract:The association of a pronounced gingival enlargement (GE) and severe aggressive periodontitis (AP) without underlying diseases or syndromes is rarely reported. We aimed to report a rare case of such association in a young female patient and to review the literature regarding the coexistence of these two diseases. A 20-year-old female patient was referred due to an extensive and generalized gingival enlargement along with teeth mobility with one-year length. Medical and family histories were non-contributory.Intraoral examination revealed a diffuse and smooth-surfaced overgrowth, normal in color with fibrous consistence covering nearly all molars crowns of both upper and lower arches. Histopathological examination revealed excessive amounts of collagen fibers and mild inflammation. The clinical and histopathological features did not fit in any known syndrome or disease. Thus, the diagnosis of generalized idiopathic gingival enlargement associated with severe aggressive periodontitis was concluded and the patient was referred to specialized periodontal treatment. The real meaning of the association between GE and AP remains unknown. Further investigation is desirable to understand the coexistence of these two diseases.