eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Diseases of the Oral Mucosa

Oral Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

Author: Jeffrey M Casiglia, DMD, DMSc, Lecturer, Harvard School of Dental Medicine; Private Practice, Salem, Massachusetts
Coauthor(s): Ginat W Mirowski, MD, DMD, Adjunct Associate Professor, Departments of Oral Pathology, Medicine, and Radiology, Indiana University School Medicine
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Jan 15, 2009

Introduction

The oral cavity is an important anatomical location with a role in many critical physiologic processes, such as digestion, respiration, and speech. It is also unique for the presence of exposed hard tissue surrounded by mucosa. The mouth is frequently involved in conditions that affect the skin or other multiorgan diseases. In many instances, oral involvement precedes the appearance of other symptoms or lesions at other locations.

This article is intended as a general overview of conditions that have oral manifestations but also involve other organ systems. It is not intended to provide details about the diagnosis and management of all of these conditions in detail. All conditions described in this article have excellent full-length eMedicine entries, many of which are linked herein, that should be consulted for comprehensive information.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

The oral cavity is the portal of entry to the GI tract. Lined by stratified squamous epithelium, the tissues of the mouth are often involved when individuals have conditions affecting the GI system. These may be immune-mediated or chemically mediated processes.

Crohn disease ^1,2,3,4,5,6

Crohn disease is an idiopathic disorder that can involve the entire GI tract with transmural inflammation, noncaseating granulomas, and fissures. This disease is most common in Western countries and is slightly more prevalent among white males. The peak incidence is in the second and third decades of life, with a second peak occurring in the sixth and seventh decades. Symptoms of Crohn disease include intermittent attacks of diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and fever. Patients may develop malabsorption and subsequent malnutrition. Fissures or fistulas may occur in persons with chronic disease.

Intraoral involvement in Crohn disease occurs in 8-9% of patients and may precede intestinal involvement. With oral involvement, the likelihood of extraintestinal manifestations is greater. Extraintestinal features are also common in persons with Crohn disease, and these may manifest systemically as arthritis, clubbing of the fingers, sacroiliitis, and erythema nodosum.

Orofacial symptoms of Crohn disease include (1) diffuse labial, gingival, or mucosal swelling; (2) cobblestoning of the buccal mucosa and gingiva; (3) aphthous ulcers; (4) mucosal tags; and (5) angular cheilitis. Noncaseating granulomas are characteristic of orofacial Crohn disease. Oral granulomas may occur without characteristic alimentary involvement (orofacial granulomatoses). However, the term orofacial granulomatoses encompasses a variety of other disorders, including sarcoidosis, Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, and, rarely, tuberculosis. Whether patients with orofacial granulomatoses will subsequently develop intestinal manifestations of Crohn disease is uncertain, but histologic similarities between the oral lesions and the intestinal lesions are obvious.

Labial swelling is most often a cosmetic complaint, but it can be a painful manifestation of the disease. Gingival and mucosal involvement may cause difficulty while eating. The pattern of swelling, inflammation, ulcers, and fissures is similar to that of the lesions occurring in the intestinal tract. Acute and chronic inflammation, with lymphocytic and giant cell perivascular infiltrates, and lymphoid follicles are the most common histologic findings in oral and GI Crohn disease. Noncaseating granulomas are present in biopsy samples in a number of cases. Increased dental caries and nutritional deficiencies may be related to decreased saliva production and malabsorption in the intestinal tract.

Oral findings as described above warrant a full systemic evaluation for intestinal Crohn disease, including referral for colonoscopy and biopsy with histopathologic correlation. Oral involvement may precede systemic manifestations and symptoms. Negative findings on GI evaluations should be repeated in patients with oral symptoms. The severity of oral lesions may coincide with the severity of the systemic disease, and it may be used as a marker for intestinal impairment.⁷

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition with some similarities to Crohn disease. However, it is restricted to the colon and is limited to the mucosa and submucosa, sparing the muscularis. Lesions in the colon consist of areas of hemorrhage and ulcerations along with abscesses. Similar lesions may manifest in the oral cavity as aphthous ulcerations or superficial hemorrhagic ulcers. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission, and, generally, oral lesions coincide with exacerbations of the colonic disease. Similar ulcerations may arise on the buttocks, abdomen, thighs, and face.⁸ Aphthous ulcers or angular stomatitis occurs in as many as 5-10% of patients.

Gastroesophageal reflux ⁹

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in the United States. Regurgitation of gastric contents (pH 1-2) reduces the pH of the oral cavity below 5.5; this acidic pH begins to dissolve enamel. It is most commonly seen on the palatal surfaces of the maxillary dentition. Erosion of the enamel exposes the underlying dentin, which is a softer, more yellow, material. The extent of erosion depends on the frequency and the quantity of exposure along with the duration of disease. Newly exposed dentin is smooth and shiny, while dentin from previous exposures may be stained. Exposed dentin is often sensitive to temperature changes and, secondary to its lower mineral content, develops caries much more quickly.

Erosion differs from dental caries in that it is a hard, dished-out area where enamel has dissolved and the underlying dentin is exposed. On the other hand, caries reveals soft, discolored dentin and results from the bacterial breakdown of sugars into acid, which demineralizes the surface of the teeth.¹⁰ The prevalence of caries is not increased in persons with GERD, possibly because the acidic environment interferes with the formation of the dental biofilm, or the. Good dental care and control of acid helps decrease the prevalence of erosion. However, once the erosion occurs, it is irreversible and can only be treated with surgical restorative procedures. Therefore, early recognition and patient education is the most effective treatment.

Chronic liver disease

Chronic liver disease impacts many systems of the body. The coagulation pathway is one such system. The liver synthesizes many of the clotting factors necessary for hemostasis. In addition, vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, requires proper liver function to be adequately absorbed from the intestines. In patients with liver disease, the resultant impaired hemostasis can be manifested in the mouth as petechiae or excessive gingival bleeding with minor trauma. This is especially suggestive if it occurs in the absence of inflammation. Therefore, special care must be taken during any type of surgery, oral or otherwise; severe hemorrhage can ensue as a result of the paucity of clotting factors.

The only manifestation of advanced liver disease visible in the oral mucosa is jaundice, which is the yellow pigmentation that results from the deposition of bilirubin in the submucosa. Jaundice may occur following disorders in bilirubin metabolism, production, or secretion. Hepatocellular damage affects secretion, the rate-limiting step in bilirubin metabolism, allowing conjugated bilirubin to leak out of the cells and into the blood stream. This water-soluble substance is loosely albumin bound, and it is deposited in the mucous membranes throughout the body. When jaundice is due to chronic liver disease, the yellow color reflects a direct relation to liver function. Jaundice manifests at serum levels greater than 2.5-3 mg/dL or 2-3 times baseline. Because they are thinner, the mucosae on the soft palate and in the sublingual region are often first to reveal a yellow hue. With time, the yellow changes can be visible at any mucosal site.

Because of its high rate of progression to chronic hepatitis (50%) and cirrhosis, hepatitis C is the leading infectious cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The association between hepatitis C and oral lichen planus is controversial. This association is greater in Europe and Asia than it is in the United States, where no significant correlation has been noted. The link between the 2 conditions is tenuous and not sufficient to warrant screening for hepatitis C infection in all patients with lichen planus.

Hematologic Disorders

Anemias

The potential causes for reduction in oxygen-carrying capacity are legion. Fatigue and decreased resistance to infection are common systemic symptoms. The nail beds and oral mucosa exhibit pallor. This pallor is a common and easily recognizable feature of anemia.

Mucosal conditions, such as glossitis, recurrent aphthae, candidal infections, and angular stomatitis may be more common in patients with anemia. Glossitis may be the first sign of folate or vitamin B-12 deficiency. The tongue appears reddened, and the papillae are atrophic, producing a smooth ("bald") appearance. Angular stomatitis is commonly caused by a candidal infection, and it has been linked to iron deficiency. If the anemia persists, resistance to infection may be decreased.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis ¹¹

Langerhans cell histiocytosis has replaced the term histiocytosis X, a condition of unknown etiology and pathogenesis characterized by abnormal proliferation of histiocytes and eosinophils. Langerhans cell histiocytosis may manifest with either localized proliferation or more extensive systemic involvement.

One form, previously referred to as Letterer-Siwe disease, is most common in infants and is characterized by widespread involvement of the viscera, potentially leading to death. Skin lesions are common and include papules, plaques, vesicles, and hemorrhagic nodules, all of which may manifest in a pattern similar to that of seborrheic dermatitis. Oral symptoms include large ulcerations, ecchymoses, gingivitis, periodontitis, and subsequent tooth loss.

A more localized variant, primarily referred to as Hand-Schüller-Christian disease, is a childhood disease that consists of the triad of diabetes insipidus, lytic bone lesions, and proptosis. Oral manifestations include irregular ulcerations of the hard palate, which may be the primary manifestation of the disease. Gingival inflammation and ulcerated nodules, difficulty in chewing, and foul-smelling breath also occur.

The most common form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis is the eosinophilic granuloma type, which develops in young adults. Radiolucent bone lesions can occur anywhere but are most common in flat bones, such as the posterior jaw. Radiologic findings demonstrate rapid progressive alveolar bone loss with dental extrusion, producing the characteristic appearance of "floating teeth." These lesions result in fractures and displaced teeth.

Oral swellings or ulcerations resulting from mandibular or maxillary bone involvement¹² are common. Oral ulcerations may develop on the gingiva, palate, and floor of the mouth, along with a necrotizing gingivitis. Oral lesions may occur without underlying bone destruction. In these rare cases, ulceration of the palate or gingiva may be the primary oral sign.

A biopsy specimen reveals the pale Langerhans cells with bilobed nuclei, which resemble coffee beans. Clusters of eosinophils also may be present. Biopsy is necessary and should be used for diagnosis because the ulcerations are nonspecific.

Connective-Tissue Disorders

Sjögren syndrome

Sjögren syndrome is the second most common autoimmune disease, affecting as many as 3% of women aged 50 years or older. The sex predilection is profound: approximately 90% of patients are female. Sjögren syndrome is characterized by sicca syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and xerostomia. A secondary form is associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Oral changes in Sjögren syndrome include difficulty in swallowing and eating, disturbances in taste and speech, increased dental caries, and a predisposition to infection, all due to a decrease in saliva. These changes are nonspecific for Sjögren syndrome because they may occur in any condition associated with diminished saliva production. Saliva can be thick, ropey, and mucinous, or it may be altogether absent. The mucosal changes typical of xerostomia include dry, red, and wrinkled mucosa. The tongue may exhibit a cobblestonelike appearance due to atrophy of the papillae. Candidiasis is common in persons with Sjögren syndrome. An increased incidence of dental caries is also common of Sjögren syndrome because the amount of saliva is insufficient to rinse away or dilute dietary sugar and the buffering capacity is greatly reduced.^13,14

Histologic examination of minor salivary or lacrimal glands reveals the cause for this decrease in saliva and tears. In Sjögren syndrome, lymphocytic infiltrates surround the salivary gland and lacrimal gland ducts. The inflammation and resultant epithelial hyperplasia render the ducts blocked and useless. This leads to atrophy of the acini, fibrosis, and hyalinization of the gland. These changes are irreversible, although certain medications can help to maximize saliva production from the remaining functional glandular tissue. Taken together, these facts reinforce the philosophy that good oral hygiene and frequent dental visits are essential in minimize the deleterious effects of compromised salivary flow.

Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease, or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is a vasculitis that affects medium and large arteries with a corresponding cutaneous lymph node syndrome. Kawasaki disease has replaced rheumatic fever as the primary cause of childhood heart disease in the United States. Children younger than 5 years are most commonly affected. Patients present acutely with edema, erythema of the hands and feet, fever, oral erythema, and rash. The associated temperature must exceed 38.5°C (101.3°F) for 5 days to meet diagnostic criteria.

For diagnosis, 4 of the 5 following criteria must also be met: (1) peripheral extremity edema, erythema, or desquamation; (2) polymorphous exanthem; (3) bilateral conjunctival injection; (4) erythema and strawberry tongue in the oral cavity; and (5) acute cervical adenopathy. Cardiac sequelae to the vasculitis may result in aneurysm and myocardial infarction. Myocarditis commonly occurs within a week after the fever. Within 2-3 weeks, the previously edematous palms and soles peel and slough.

Oral findings include swelling of papillae on the surface of the tongue (strawberry tongue) and intense erythema of the mucosal surfaces. The labia are cracked, cherry red, swollen, and hemorrhagic. The last of these may be due to the long-standing high-grade fevers.

Pulmonary Conditions

Wegener granulomatosis^15,16

Wegener granulomatosis is a necrotizing vasculitis of small-to-medium vessels associated with necrotizing granulomas of the upper and lower airways and necrotizing glomerulonephritis. In limited Wegener granulomatosis, the disease spares the kidneys and only involves the respiratory tract. Early diagnosis of this disease is essential in order to prevent the irreversible glomerular damage that can lead to death.

Oral involvement in Wegener granulomatosis is common, and autopsy studies of patients with the disease show this site is affected in nearly all cases. Oral lesions include ulcerations and gingival enlargement. The oral ulcerations, which occur on the buccal mucosa or palate, are the most common but least specific oral lesions. The characteristic gingival appearance of Wegener granulomatosis is a pathognomonic finding termed "strawberry gingivitis," although it is less common than other findings.^17,18 The gingivae take on a characteristic swollen, reddened, and granular appearance. Initially, bright red-to-purple friable diffuse papules originate on the labial interdental papillae. Involvement may eventually include the lingual and palatal mucosa. Tooth and alveolar bone loss are common. Oral and skin manifestations may correlate with disease progression, thereby providing prognostic value.

Histologically, biopsy findings of the gingivae demonstrate necrotizing inflammation of vessels with accompanying granulomatous inflammation. The pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, microabscess formation, and multinucleate giant cells found in this condition are seen in few other gingival conditions. Pathological findings consistent with Wegener granulomatosis combined with a positive result from antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing are diagnostic for the disease. The discovery of oral lesions during the physical examination can direct the appropriate confirmatory tests to ensure prompt treatment and to prevent further damage to the lungs and kidneys.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic systemic disease characterized by bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and noncaseating granulomas in the lungs. Ocular and cutaneous manifestations are common.

Sarcoidosis may involve nearly any organ system; organs involved include the liver, heart, spleen, eyes, kidneys, and lymph system. Pulmonary manifestations are the most common and include dyspnea with exertion, nonproductive cough, chest pain, wheezing and nasal congestion, and hemoptysis.

Sarcoidosis may manifest cutaneously in 5-20% of patients and is more common in African Americans. Examples of skin manifestations include alopecia, erythroderma, subcutaneous nodules, erythema nodosum, macules, papules and plaques, and lupus pernio. Papules are small with a waxy consistency, and they may appear on the trunk and around the nose and eyes. Lupus pernio is characterized by indurated purplish nodules that occur on the face of women with chronic sarcoidosis.¹⁹ Systemic annular plaques with pale centers and violaceous edges may also appear on the extremities, back, buttocks, and face.¹⁹

Oral manifestations may include multiple, nodular, painless ulcerations of the gingiva, buccal mucosa, labial mucosae, and palate. Indistinct ulcerations or swellings do not aid in diagnosing sarcoidosis, but biopsy results reveal noncaseating granulomas surrounded by multinucleate giant cells along with lymphocytic infiltrate. Although less common, salivary gland involvement is a possibility, leading to tumorlike swellings. Heerfordt syndrome may arise if symptoms include parotid gland swelling, xerostomia, uveitis, and facial nerve palsy. Rarely, sarcoidosis may involve the tongue, including swelling, enlargement, and ulcerations. Involvement of the tongue is an uncommon manifestation, with few cases reported in the past 30 years.

Oral involvement in sarcoidosis usually manifests after systemic symptoms develop. This form is commonly a diagnosis of exclusion. Biopsy samples are used to identify noncaseating granulomas, a nonspecific finding. Other granulomatous diseases must be excluded, such as Wegener granulomatosis, Crohn disease, syphilis, or tuberculosis.^19,20 Treatment with systemic corticosteroids may be useful, but symptoms may resolve spontaneously or progress despite treatment. Multiple organ and progressive pulmonary involvement indicate a poor prognosis. The overall mortality rate is approximately 5%.¹⁹

Multisystem Conditions

Amyloidosis ^21,22,23

Amyloidosis is the deposition of amyloid proteins in body tissues leading to tissue damage. Amyloidosis is classified as either primary or secondary. The former results from multiple myeloma²⁴ or an idiopathic disease, while the latter is a sequela of a chronic or inflammatory disease process. These classifications are based on the type of fibrillar protein deposited. The primary form usually affects the skin, heart, tongue, and GI tract, while the secondary form, although more common, has no cutaneous manifestations.

Systemically, patients with primary amyloid light chain amyloidosis present with fatigue, weight loss, and symptoms specific to the organs involved. The kidneys and heart are the most common organs involved, demonstrating renal failure and aggressive congestive heart failure. CNS manifestations are absent, but peripheral neuropathies are common.²⁵

The most common oral manifestation of amyloidosis is macroglossia, which occurs in 20% of patients. The enlarged tongue demonstrates lateral ridging due to teeth indentation.²⁵ Although pain is not usually present, enlargement, firmness, and loss of mobility are common. Grossly, the tongue may be firm and appear relatively normal or it may have yellow nodules on the lateral surface. Interference with taste has also been reported in some patients, and hyposalivation may result from amyloid deposition in the salivary glands. Submandibular swelling occurs subsequent to tongue enlargement and can lead to respiratory obstruction.

Microscopic examination of a biopsy sample from an enlarged tongue reveals the characteristic amorphous fissured appearance of amyloid in the tissues; a green negative birefringence is depicted when polarized light is shone on tissue stained with Congo red. The most common protein type deposited in the oral cavity is amyloid. The detection of AL in a patient warrants further evaluation for possible multiple myeloma. Of patients with multiple myeloma, 7-20% have amyloid deposition. The presence of myeloma yields a poor prognosis for the patient.

Drug-Induced Conditions

Aphthous stomatitis ²⁶

Pharmacologic agents are among the most common causes of recurrent aphthous lesions, commonly known as canker sores. Some common culprits include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nicorandil, ACE inhibitors, but any drug can potentially produce an aphthous-like reaction. These ulcerations are round, crateriform, yellowish depressions surrounded by an area of erythema. The size varies from 1-3 mm (aphthous minor, approximately 80% of cases) to larger than 1 cm (aphthous major, approximately 15% of cases). Patients may have outbreaks of multiple ulcerations at one time. These are usually quite painful but typically are self-limiting and resolve in 7-10 days for aphthous minor and 14-21 days for aphthous major lesions.

Dry mouth

The most common adverse effect of many medications is dry mouth (hyposalivation or xerostomia). The reasons for this vary from medication to medication but can range from dehydration (eg, with diuretics) to anticholinergic activity (eg, with some antidepressants).

Dry mouth has a number of consequences, including altered taste, increased risk of fungal infection, increased caries risk, and increased prevalence of traumatic ulceration due to lack of lubrication. Patients with severely impaired salivary flow also have difficulty with eating, swallowing, and speech. The former can result in decreased food intake and poor nutrition.

Numerous management options are available for decreased salivation, which are beyond the scope of this chapter. These range from the simple, such as increased hydration, to the complex, such as systemic procholinergic agents to increase salivary production.

Lichen planus ²⁷

Many medications can produce mucosal reactions that are indistinguishable both clinically and microscopically from lichen planus. Although this is often the classic reticular form, it may also appear ulcerative or erosive. Biopsy is warranted to verify diagnosis. The association with medication is made primarily by history and temporal association between the lesions and starting the offending medication. In rare circumstances, the lichen planus can become extensive or painful enough to warrant changing the culprit medication. Common drugs that cause lichenoid reactions include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, NSAIDs, diuretics, hydroxychloroquine, and others.

Inhaled steroids²⁸

A frequent complication of inhaled steroids is candidiasis (sometimes called thrush). Patients experience overgrowth of Candida species in correlation with the dose and the frequency of the steroid use. This growth is due to inhibition of the patient's normal immune function, altering the normal equilibrium in favor of the yeast. Oral candidiasis is characterized by small, curdy-appearing whitish papules and plaques that can usually be wiped from the mucosa. The tissue beneath these plaques is often inflamed and may bleed. The infection is usually self-limiting, so steroid use can still continue. To prevent further exacerbations, adding a spacer to the inhaler, decreasing the frequency of steroid use, and rinsing the mouth after taking the steroids are recommended.

Gingival enlargement (hyperplasia)²⁹

Gingival enlargement (often referred to as hyperplasia even though it is not a true hyperplasia) may occur because of congenital abnormalities, hormone abnormalities, or certain medications. The 3 most common drugs that can produce dramatic gingival hyperplasia are phenytoin, calcium channel blockers, and cyclosporine. A pre-existing condition of gingival inflammation, resulting from poor oral hygiene, can predispose the patient to, or exacerbate, existing enlargement.

Gingival hyperplasia develops in approximately half the patients taking phenytoin. Gingival enlargement due to nifedipine use has an approximate prevalence of 38%, and the prevalence of cyclosporine-associated gingival hyperplasia varies from 13-85%.^30,31 The anterior gingiva is the most common site of enlargement, although it may occur anywhere. Changes typically begin in the first 3 months after the initiation of therapy, but they may develop within 2 weeks. As growth continues, gingival tissue may extend and nearly cover the facial surface of the crowns. The histologic features of phenytoin hyperplasia include increased amounts of connective tissue, an absence of vascular changes, and decreased epithelial thickness. Lymphocytes and plasma cells may be present because of increased plaque around the gingiva.

Diligent oral hygiene is essential to reduce the severity of gingival hyperplasia. Discontinuing the medication or changing to an alternative medication within the same drug class may reduce hyperplasia, but spontaneous remission or regression of the condition is rare. Therapy usually involves conservative surgical excision of the excess tissue using a scalpel, electrosurgery, or a laser. This helps to improve the cosmetic appearance for the patient and facilitates good plaque control. The gingival tissue continues to regrow, however, and patients typically need repeated surgeries for as long as they are on the offending medication.

HIV Disease

In the 20 years since the onset of the HIV pandemic, a number of oral and cutaneous entities have been recognized to be associated with HIV disease. Importantly, note that no unique condition specific to HIV disease has been identified in the oral cavity. These conditions have all been described in patients with other forms of immunocompromise and, indeed, in immunocompetent individuals. However, the clinical presentation is often more severe or atypical in patients with HIV disease. Many patients have both oral and cutaneous conditions simultaneously. Most of these conditions seldom manifest with CD4 counts lower than 400 cells/µL, and many have a positive predictive value for immune decline. The most common of these entities are discussed below.^{32,33,34,35,36,37}

Candidiasis

Oral candidiasis is often the first presenting sign of HIV infection, and it may occur in as many as 90% of patients infected with HIV. HIV infection should be considered in patients presenting with repeated oral candidiasis in the absence of other associated risk factors, such as steroid or antibiotic use.

The 4 common classifications of candidal infections are (1) pseudomembranous candidiasis, (2) erythematous candidiasis, (3) angular cheilitis, and (4) hyperplastic candidiasis. Pseudomembranous candidiasis is the most common presentation in HIV-infected individuals. This is characterized by white or whitish-yellow papules that can be wiped from the oral mucosa to reveal erosions or erythematous mucosa. These often manifest on the buccal mucosa, palate, and vestibule, although any surface may be involved.

Erythematous candidiasis is more difficult to diagnose because it manifests as a nonspecific area of erythema, commonly on the palate or dorsum of the tongue (or both as a result of autoinoculation). Hyperplastic candidiasis is uncommon and manifests as adherent white plaques that cannot be easily removed. These are often mistaken for premalignant leukoplakia. Angular cheilitis appears as cracked, red, and sometimes ulcerated fissures in the corners of the mouth with or without intraoral symptoms. Although the history and physical examination findings help establish the diagnosis, confirmation can be made by using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, which shows hyphae, pseudohyphae, or spores. The KOH preparation is often negative in persons with erythematous candidiasis or angular cheilitis. If confirmation is required, cytology or tissue biopsy can also be used, with the latter test being definitive.

The frequency of candidal infection increases as HIV disease progresses (ie, as viral loads increase and CD4 lymphocyte counts decline). Antifungal treatment is often effective, but the condition can be difficult to eradicate in immunocompromised patients. Often, this is because clinical recovery does not coincide with mycologic recovery; the patient may appear well but still may be harboring fungal organisms. Additionally, fungal resistance to azole drugs (eg, fluconazole) is increased among HIV-infected patients. If patients do not respond, culture and sensitivity studies should be considered. Finally, patients must also remember to treat any removable dental prosthesis, such as dentures, because these can act as fomites and can reinoculate the patient.

Herpes simplex ³⁸

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that has 2 subtypes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Stress, fever, and sunlight may precipitate reactivation of HSV, which usually lies dormant in nearby ganglia. After this stimulus, or decreased immune surveillance, the virus travels down peripheral nerves to produce lesions. The frequency and the severity of these recurrences vary, but the lesions most commonly occur on the vermilion of the lips and are sometimes preceded by a burning or tingling sensation. Numerous small (<1 mm) vesicles appear, which sometimes coalesce into larger vesicles. These then rupture and leave behind painful, weeping ulcerations. These ulcerations are highly infectious until they eventually crust over, which usually takes approximately 3-5 days. The normal duration of lesions is 7-10 days in immunocompetent individuals.

Immunodeficiency, as seen with HIV disease, permits reactivation of latent herpes infections. Until disproved, all perineal and orolabial ulcerations should be evaluated for HSV in patients who are infected with HIV. Compared with individuals who are immunocompetent, HSV infection in a patient who is HIV positive is more aggressive, prolonged, and diffuse.

Intraoral lesions occur most commonly on the keratinized mucosa, such as the dorsal aspect of the tongue, gingiva, and hard palate. Here, they form single or multiple coalescing vesicles with irregular margins that rupture into ulcerations. Although the keratinized mucosa is usually infected, HSV lesions can manifest on nonkeratinized surfaces in immunocompromised hosts. These include the labial mucosa, ventral tongue, floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, and the soft palate. Herpetic lesions may extend to other areas, including the tonsillar pillars and the esophagus.

Diagnosis is made by physical examination and a history of prodrome at the site of the vesicles. A Tzanck smear demonstrating multinucleate giant cells is suggestive, but culture and antibody stain results are diagnostic. Tissue biopsy can also be used to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Thymidine kinase inhibitors are the most commonly used antivirals to treat HSV infections. These include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. However, acyclovir-resistant strains are more common among HIV-infected individuals. In these instances, the infections are treated aggressively with intravenous foscarnet.

Hairy leukoplakia ^39,40

Hairy leukoplakia (HL) most commonly manifests as corrugated white plaques most commonly on the lateral portions of the tongue. These plaques can range in appearance from very thin and homogenous to a thickened, rough area that mimics hyperplastic candidiasis. The infectious agent responsible for these lesions is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), located within the epithelial cells. In the early 1980s, HL was first identified and characterized in patients who were HIV positive, but it has also been described in persons with other states of immunocompromise (eg, renal transplant recipients).
 
HL remains the most specific manifestation of HIV disease to occur in the mouth, and its presence has prognostic implications for the progression to AIDS because patients rarely manifest the condition with CD4 counts greater than 200 cells/µL. The white verrucous plaques vary greatly in size, are not premalignant, and are usually asymptomatic. These lesions can be clinically mistaken for candidiasis, and a biopsy should be performed for definitive diagnosis.

Histologically, hairlike folds can be seen, which demonstrate hyperparakeratosis, acanthosis, and groups of ballooning cells, with little inflammatory infiltrate present. Definitive diagnosis may be made with in situ hybridization of the DNA from EBV in surface epithelial cells.

Although the severity of HL is not directly correlated with HIV stage, HL has been shown to precede the diagnosis of AIDS in patients with HIV infection, and it appears to be a prognostic indicator of advanced disease and death within several years. An analysis of 198 patients with HL in the pre–highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era demonstrated that the median time to onset of AIDS was 24 months and to death was 41 months. Oral HL may be the presenting sign in as many as 5% of patients who are HIV positive. Because HL is usually asymptomatic, treatment is elective. HL responds to antiviral medication, such as oral acyclovir, but lesions generally recur after cessation of therapy. If a patient reports symptoms associated with HL, the lesions are most likely superinfected with Candida species. Antifungal treatment usually ameliorates the symptoms.

Kaposi sarcoma ⁴¹

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a neoplasm that was extremely uncommon in the United States before the discovery of AIDS. KS is the most common malignancy in patients who are HIV positive. Prior to the introduction of HAART, KS occurred in nearly 15% of patients with AIDS, but this has decreased dramatically in the age of HAART.

Oral KS in patients not on immunosuppressive therapy is correlated with a lowered CD4 count and is diagnostic for AIDS. Intraorally, KS appears as brown, bluish, purple, or red patches or papules on the hard palate, mucosa, and gingiva. The initial lesions are flat macules or patches on the mucosal surface, but, over time, they become nodular and often ulcerate and bleed. KS can also manifest on the skin, with lymph node enlargement, and in the salivary glands. Edema commonly occurs in association with extensive cutaneous involvement.

A biopsy should be performed to definitively diagnose KS. Histologically, KS is characterized by increased vascularity, spindle-shaped cells with little mitotic activity, and hemosiderin deposition. Treatment is accomplished through a variety of methods. Lesions may be injected with sclerosing agents such as vinblastine or sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Advanced cases may require treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin. The course of the disease can be aggressive, and death due to lung involvement may occur.

Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that is fairly common in the general population, with approximately 60% of people being seropositive but asymptomatic. Symptomatic disease does not usually occur unless the patient has undergone organ or bone marrow transplantation, has HIV disease, or is immunocompromised in some other way. CMV retinitis occurs in 30% of patients with AIDS, causing blindness. CMV pneumonia occurs in 5% of patients with AIDS. Pneumonia and adrenalitis due to CMV may be a leading cause of death in patients with AIDS. CMV may also be a cause of subacute encephalitis, resulting in headaches and personality changes in patients with AIDS.

In patients who are immunocompromised, the infection rarely manifests intraorally. However, when it does, CMV produces deep, penetrating oral ulcerations on the lips, tongue, pharynx, or any mucosal site^42,43 The aphthouslike ulcerations have a punched-out look with rolled, erythematous borders. Diagnosis is definitive upon detection of the characteristic "owl's eye" appearance of cellular inclusions during the histologic examination. CMV is treated with intravenous agents such as ganciclovir or cidofovir.

Human papillomavirus

As with the human herpesviruses, human papilloma virus (HPV) infections are more common in individuals with HIV disease. The papillomas or condylomas appear on the gingiva and sometimes the lips and labial mucosa; they are soft pink masses with a characteristic papillary surface texture. These can be treated by excision, laser ablation, or chemical means (eg, 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod). One study showed that a combination regimen of intralesional and subcutaneous injections of interferon alfa produced resolution of lesions.

Also of interest is that although the incidence of lesions is declining in the age of HAART, most studies agree that the incidence of HPV infection is actually increasing. The reason for this phenomenon is unclear.

Aphthouslike ulcerations

Aphthous ulcerations are ulcerations of the oral cavity that typically cannot be classified as due to any other infectious agent. In immunocompetent individuals, these ulcerations (termed canker sores in the vernacular) usually affect only the nonkeratinized surfaces of the oral cavity. However, in immunocompromised hosts, these ulcerations can appear anywhere. Although 3 forms of recurrent aphthous ulcerations are recognized (ie, minor, major, herpetiform), the major form is more common in persons with HIV disease. The appearance of these lesions in an HIV-infected patient is a reliable indicator of severe immunodeficiency and disease progression.

Aphthous lesions manifest as yellowish-gray areas of ulceration ranging in size from a few millimeters to larger than a centimeter. The ulcerations are surrounded with a halo of erythema and are usually very painful. Major aphthae are larger than 1 cm in diameter and heal in 14-21 days. Major aphthae differ from the other forms of the condition in that they can heal with scarring.

Aphthouslike ulcerations can be treated with a wide array of immune-modulating agents that can be delivered via topical, intralesional, or systemic means. Practitioners should be careful with topical immunosuppressants in this patient population because of the risk of candidal overgrowth that can accompany these agents. Patients who cannot tolerate the adverse effects or additional immunocompromise from the immunosuppressive agents can sometimes be treated with thalidomide.⁴⁴

Because so many conditions in HIV-affected individuals can manifest with ulceration of the oral cavity and because the presentations are often atypical, biopsy is indicated for definitive diagnosis of all HIV-related ulcerations.

Cutaneous Diseases

Psoriasis ^45,46,47,48

Psoriasis is a chronic papulosquamous inflammatory condition of the skin. It affects 2% of the US population. Psoriasis generally occurs in the second or third decade of life and shows no sexual bias. The extent and severity of the disease vary greatly between individuals. Its etiology is unknown. The scalp, elbows, or knees are typically affected with characteristic scaly, white, well-demarcated plaques. When the silvery scale is elevated or scratched, bleeding points are evident (ie, Auspitz sign). In moist intertriginous areas, such as the axillae and groin, well-demarcated erythematous patches and plaques predominate.

Although psoriasis is characteristically a cutaneous condition, some clinicians believe it may uncommonly manifest on the lips, tongue, palate, buccal mucosa, and gingiva. Psoriatic tongue involvement appears indistinguishable from geographic tongue involvement. In addition, a higher frequency of fissured tongue occurs in patients with psoriasis. Pindborg recognized 3 other findings suggestive of oral psoriasis. These findings include small, whitish papules that yield bleeding points upon scraping; red and white plaques that follow skin lesions; and bright-red patches. Because oral psoriasis rarely manifests without cutaneous involvement, definitive oral diagnosis is made with the finding of corresponding cutaneous lesions and is confirmed with biopsy results.

Histologic findings demonstrate characteristic psoriatic histology: parakeratosis and hyperplasia of the epidermis; elongation of rete ridges; a thinned stratum granulosum; Munro microabscesses of neutrophils superficially; and chronic inflammation of the epidermis and the dermis with polymorphonuclear leukocytes, lymphocytes, and histiocytes. Dilated and tortuous blood vessels high in the submucosa are also noted.

Acanthosis nigricans ^49,50

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a cutaneous disorder of hyperpigmentation and papillomatosis that may precede or coincide with a variety of benign, familial, or malignant disorders. Most cases of AN are the benign type and manifest as an autosomal dominant disease, a rare congenital disorder, or in association with obesity or diabetes. Patients who are affected usually present in childhood or adolescence with hyperpigmented velvety papillated plaques in flexural areas, such as the neck, axilla, groin, and fingers. Benign AN appears as velvety areas of hyperpigmentation in flexural regions of the body, and only rarely, when it manifests in a more exuberant fashion, will the umbilicus, areolae, or oral cavity be involved. Malignancy-associated AN (MAN) is hypothesized to be due to overproduction of an epidermal growth factor promoter secreted by the associated neoplasm. MAN is most commonly associated with adenocarcinoma of the stomach.⁵¹

Oral manifestations are most common with MAN, but not the benign type of AN. They are present in 25-50% of patients with MAN. MAN may present with 3 other findings, which are cutaneous and oral papillomatosis, hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles, and a sudden eruption of seborrheic keratosis termed the Leser-Trélat sign. Recognition of these lesions could be vital in the early diagnosis of a potentially fatal adenocarcinoma of the GI tract.

The oral manifestations of MAN involve the lips, tongue, and palate. Gingival hyperplasia may also occur. Nonpigmented hypertrophy of the papillae along the dorsal surface and lateral edge of the tongue yield a characteristic fissured and shaggy texture. The lips are also subject to these papillomatous growths and swelling. The buccal mucosa shows some papillae, but, more commonly, velvety white plaques are present along with the uneven appearance. Interdental gingiva may become so hyperplastic that it interferes with eating as it covers the teeth.

Histologically, the benign and malignant forms of cutaneous AN are not different. Characteristic morphology includes an increase in surface keratin deposits, acanthosis hyperplasia of melanocytes in the spinous layer, and increased melanin deposition in the basal cell layer. Unlike the cutaneous areas of hyperpigmentation, oral lesions do not share the increased deposition of melanin.

Keywords

gastrointestinal diseases, Crohn disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, gastroesophageal reflux, reflux disease, hepatitis, chronic liver disease, hepatitis C, hematologic disorders, anemia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, histiocytosis X, Letterer-Siwe disease, Hand-Schüller-Christian disease, Hand-Schuller-Christian disease, connective tissue disorders, Sjögren syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome, Sjogren syndrome, Kawasaki disease, Kawasaki's disease, mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, pulmonary disorders, Wegener's granulomatosis, Wegener granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, multisystem disease, amyloidosis, drug-induced conditions, inhaled steroids, gingival hyperplasia, AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, candidiasis, herpes simplex virus, HSV, hairy leukoplakia, HL, Kaposi's sarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, cytomegalovirus, CMV, cutaneous diseases, psoriasis, acanthosis nigrans, AN

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