Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 203, 507 - 509 (2007)
Published online: 10 November 2007 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.994
Subject Categories: Medical matters | Oral pathology
Gingival infiltration in acute monoblastic leukaemia
- Raises awareness of acute leukaemia as a possible cause of gingival enlargement.
- Increases awareness of differential diagnosis of gingival enlargement.
- Highlights the importance of collaboration between specialties.
- Emphasises the importance of considering general medical conditions as a cause for dental problems.
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemias (AML) are aggressive haematopoietic neoplasms that, if untreated, can lead to death within days. Up to 40% of presenting patients show evidence of extramedullary involvement (EMI) at diagnosis. EMI is reportedly most prevalent in myelo-monoblastic and monoblastic subtypes of AML (M4 and M5 according to FAB classification) and can present as leukaemic infiltrates in many sites including gingival enlargement and mucosal and skin nodules. We report a case of a patient who presented with gingival enlargement secondary to leukaemic infiltration. This case shows the importance of awareness of leukaemic infiltration as a cause for gingival enlargement.
- Haematology SpR, West of Scotland Deanery;
- Consultant Haematologist, Stobhill Hospital, 133 Balornock Road, Glasgow, G21 3UT
Correspondence to: P. Gallipoli1 e-mail: p_gallipoli@hotmail.com
