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Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis in a 5‐Year‐Old Girl: Evidence of Periodontal Pathogens
Author(s) -
Torrungruang Kitti,
Sittisomwong Sapatporn,
Rojanasomsith Kaesarin,
Asvanit Pornpun,
Korkongwisarut Dusadee,
Vipismakul Vichitra
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2006.050156
Subject(s) - treponema denticola , actinobacillus , tannerella forsythia , medicine , dental alveolus , molar , langerhans cell histiocytosis , porphyromonas gingivalis , periodontitis , aggressive periodontitis , pathology , dentistry , periodontal examination , disease , honeysuckle , alternative medicine , traditional chinese medicine
Background: Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder characterized by Langerhans' cell proliferation in various organs or tissues. When periodontal tissue is involved, clinical manifestations can vary from gingival recession and pocket formation to severe alveolar bone loss. This case report describes periodontal pathogens found in the pockets of involved primary teeth. Methods: A 5‐year‐old girl with LCH presented with loose teeth. Intraoral examination and radiographs revealed deep pockets and severe bone loss around all primary molars. Bacterial samples were obtained from saliva and subgingival plaque and analyzed for the presence of five periodontopathic bacteria using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Due to severe periodontal destruction, all primary molars were extracted, and a gingival biopsy was taken from tooth T to confirm the diagnosis of LCH. Results: The biopsy specimen revealed the histologic features of LCH. The patient was diagnosed as having periodontitis as a manifestation of LCH. PCR results of subgingival plaque from LCH‐affected molars indicated the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis , Tannerella forsythensis , Treponema denticola , and Prevotella intermedia . However, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was absent from these teeth. No tested bacteria were found in the non‐affected anterior teeth. Conclusions: The bacteria commonly associated with periodontal disease were detected in subgingival plaque samples from this LCH patient. More microbiological data are required to understand the role of these bacteria in LCH‐associated periodontal destruction.