Two cases of granulomatosis polyangiitis presenting with Strawberry gingivitis and a review of the literature

Abstract

Hyperplastic gingivitis is a rare manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). This gingivitis has a very distinctive clinical appearance (so-called Strawberry gingivitis) and when seen is virtually pathognomic for GPA. Gingivitis often precedes other organ involvement therefore making awareness of this manifestation particularly important to aid early diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, histopathological findings of gingival specimens rarely reveal necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis, which is classically seen at other sites of involvement. As a result a delay in diagnosis is not uncommon. GPA if left untreated has a high mortality rate and early immunosuppressive treatment is associated with an improved prognosis. We present two cases of patients with GPA presenting with characteristic strawberry gingivitis and review the reported cases.

Keywords: Granulomatosis polyangiitis; Strawberry gingivitis.