Riga-Fede Disease: A Case Report

Riga-Fede disease in a child

“…With repetitive trauma, it may progress to a fibrous mass similar to an ulcerative granuloma with superficial necrosis. Histological findings of the lesion reveal that it has a mixed inflammatory infiltrate consisting of numerous eosinophils with lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and mast cells …”

“…In infants, because of the pain of the lesion, feeding difficulties and/or dehydration often occur. Failure to diagnose and treat RFD early and properly will lead to permanent lingual deformity and growth retardation . In older children, the pain is mild and there is no feeding difficulty, but it may hinder the child's growth and lead to pronunciation difficulties.…”

“…Tongue ulcers may have other aetiologies, including allergies, bacterial infections, immunological disorders, congenital syndromes and metastatic conditions. It must be differentiated from ulcerative candidiasis, agranulocytosis, primary syphilis, sarcoma and lymphoma . These differential diagnoses can be excluded by the typical history, clinical features, laboratory data and biopsy findings.…”

“…Traumatic ulceration on the ventral surface of the tongue is closely related to repetitive trauma by the anterior primary teeth during the forward and backward tongue‐thrusting movement. This particular type of benign lingual ulceration was initially identified by Antonio Riga in 1881, and more case descriptions and histological studies were published by Fede in 1890 . It has therefore been termed Riga–Fede disease (RFD).…”

“…This particular type of benign lingual ulceration was initially identified by Antonio Riga in 1881, 1,2 and more case descriptions and histological studies were published by Fede in 1890. 3,4 It has therefore been termed Riga-Fede disease (RFD). Although the lesion primarily occurs in neonates and infants with natal teeth, similar clinical and histopathological findings can also be found in older children.…”