Clinical Advances in Periodontics; Copyright 2013 DOI: 10.1902/cap.2013.

130050

Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis Associated With Plasma Cell

Gingivitis Lesion: A Case Report and Non-Surgical Treatment
*
Andreas O. Parashis, Emmanouil Vardas, † Konstantinos Tosios, ‡
*
Private practice limited to Periodontics, Athens, Greece; and, Department of Periodontology,
School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States of America.
†
Clinic of Hospital Dentistry, Dental Oncology Unit, University of Athens, Greece.
‡
Private practice limited to Oral Pathology, Athens, Greece.
Introduction: Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) is an unusual inflammatory condition characterized by dense,
band-like polyclonal plasmacytic infiltration of the lamina propria. Clinically, appears as gingival enlargement with
erythema and swelling of the attached and free gingiva, and is not associated with any loss of attachment. The aim of
this report is to present a rare case of severe generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) associated with a PCG lesion
that was successfully treated and maintained non-surgically.
Case presentation: A 32-year-old white male with a non-contributory medical history presented with gingival
enlargement with diffuse erythema and edematous swelling, predominantly around teeth #5-8. Clinical and radiographic
examination revealed generalized severe periodontal destruction. A complete blood count and biochemical tests were
within normal limits. Histological and immunohistochemical examination were consistent with PCG. A diagnosis of
severe GAP associated with a PCG lesion was assigned. Treatment included elimination of possible allergens and non-
surgical periodontal treatment in combination with azithromycin. Clinical examination at re-evaluation revealed
complete resolution of gingival enlargement, erythema and edema and localized residual probing depths 5 mm. One
year post-treatment the clinical condition was stable. Radiographic examination indicated improved bone levels and
formation of crestal lamina dura.
Conclusion: This case report highlights the unusual coexistence of GAP and PCG, where non-surgical
treatment with elimination of all possible causes in combination with antimicrobials resulted in elimination of the
gingival enlargement and significant improvement of periodontal parameters.

KEY WORDS (MeSH):

Gingivitis; plasma cell; gingival enlargement/therapy; periodontitis, aggressive/therapy.

BACKGROUND
Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) most commonly affects healthy individuals under 35
years of age.1 It presents with a pronounced episodic generalized destruction of the attachment and
alveolar bone in relation to their age affecting at least three permanent teeth other than first molars
and incisors. In contrast to localized forms, clinical inflammation and amounts of plaque and
calculus formation are similar to that observed in chronic periodontitis. Although the clinical
distinction between chronic periodontitis and GAP is not clear cut, destruction in relation to age and
family history are important criteria for its diagnosis.1, 2 Prevalence of aggressive periodontitis
remains elusive, which is reflective of the unresolved debate about its accurate and universally
accepted case definition. It appears that among individuals younger than 35 years of age ranges
from approximately 1% to a maximum of 15%, depending on the age of participants and the study.3,
4

Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) is an unusual inflammatory condition clinically characterized by

marginal gingival enlargement which extends to the attached gingiva. Contrary to plaque induced
gingivitis the enlargement is located in the oral aspect of the attached gingiva. The attached and free

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 Clinical Advances in Periodontics; Copyright 2013 DOI: 10.1902/cap.2013.130050

gingiva are diffusely enlarged, erythematous and edematous, with loss of normal stippling, a
velvety texture and bleed easily. They are sharply demarcated along the mucogingival junction and
are not usually ulcerated. PCG is asymptomatic, but some individuals may complain of pruritus,
burning or pain. No loss of attachment or bone is usually seen.5-7 Microscopically,7-9 the gingival
epithelium is spongiotic and infiltrated by inflammatory cells, while the underlying lamina propria
is highly vascular and densely infiltrated by a polyclonal plasma cell infiltration. Similar lesions
have been described on the tongue and lips,10 while the disease shows clinical and histopathologic
similarities to plasma cell balanitis (Zoon’s balanitis).11 The term “plasma cell orificial mucositis”
was also used to describe a similar reactive polyclonal plasma cell infiltration involving different
anatomical areas, i.e. oral cavity, larynx, epiglottis and vulvae.12
Although the exact etiology of PCG is not known, chronic infection, hormonal changes,
Candida albicans infection and particularly a hypersensitivity reaction to certain allergens have
been described.10 Such allergens can be flavoring agents, in particular cinnamon compounds or
herbs, incorporated in chewing gums, mouthwashes and toothpastes as well as spices.9, 13-17 To date,
no definitive management is defined for PCG.
This report presents a unique case of severe GAP associated with a PCG lesion that was
successfully treated and maintained non-surgically.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION
A 32-year-old white male was referred by his general dentist in September 2009 for treatment of
gingival enlargement and periodontitis. According to the patient, the gingiva enlarged progressively
and occasionally bled during the last few months; the teeth became progressively mobile; and there
was a burning sensation on the gingiva. His medical history was non-contributory. He reported a
family history of periodontal disease and a smoking history of two packs per day for 14 years till
December 2008, when he quit smoking. His dental history included occasional visits to his dentist
for “teeth cleaning”. He denied any habits or parafunctions. He reported using desensitizing
toothpaste§ and chlorhexidine 0.12% rinse** daily for the last two months.
Clinical examination revealed gingival enlargement with diffuse erythema and edematous
swelling, predominantly around teeth #5-8. Those areas were sharply demarcated and showed no
desquamation on friction. The rest of oral and pharyngeal mucosa was within normal limits.
High levels of plaque (PI =95%), gingival inflammation (GI=90%), bleeding on probing
(BOP=87%) and calculus were also found. Generalized probing depths (PD) ≥ 5 mm were recorded
with depths ≥ 7 mm on teeth #2-7, #10-12, #14-15, #18-19, #24-25 and #30, grade II furcation
involvement on # 3 and 14, mobility 1 on #2-5, #14-15, #18-19 and #31, and mobility 2 on #7, #10
and #23-25 (Figs. 1a to 1d). All teeth tested vital. Occlusal analysis revealed generalized fremitus
with prematurities on centric occlusion, protrusion and lateral movements without balancing
contacts. Radiographic examination indicated generalized moderate bone loss with severe and
angular loss on #2-7, #10-12, #14-15, #18-19, #24-25 and #30, widening of the PDL, and
thickening of the lamina dura (Fig. 1e). The clinical and radiographic findings were consistent with
severe GAP in association with gingival enlargement.
Due to the unusual appearance of enlargement of the gingiva around teeth #5-8, blood tests and
histologic examination were suggested and accepted by the patient. A complete blood count and
biochemical tests were within normal limits and HIV testing was negative. A biopsy was performed
under local anesthesia from the area of #7. Five-micron thick formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded
tissue sections showed parakeratinized gingival mucosa with dense, chronic inflammatory
infiltration (Fig. 2a). The epithelium displayed elongated and anastomosing rete pegs, spongiosis

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and neutrophilic exocytosis, without micro-abscess formation (Fig. 2b). The underlying lamina
propria was highly vascularized and densely infiltrated by plasma cells (Fig. 2b).
Immunohistochemistry was performed in a fully automated system, by applying a polymer
detection system††. For antigen retrieval a high temperature technique with citrate buffer was
utilized and the reaction product was visualized by incubation with the substrate/chromogen, 3,3’–
diaminobenzidine (DAB) prepared from DAB chromogen and DAB substrate buffer (polymer), as a
brown precipitate‡‡. Primary antibodies used were mouse monoclonocal anti-human antibodies for
CD138 (clone MI15, dilution 1:30) and CD20 (clone L26, dilution 1:300), and polyclonal rabbit-
antihuman antibodies for kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) light-chains (dilution 1:200) §§. For negative
control, the primary antibodies were substituted with non-immune serum of the same specificity.
Most cells were CD138/syndecan-1+ (Fig. 2c) and some of them CD20+ cells (Fig. 2f), while
both κ or λ light-chains were expressed (Figs. 2d and 2e). No fungal hyphae or spores were revealed
by Periodic Acid-Schiff stain. The microscopic diagnosis was chronic inflammation with plasma
cell predominance. The clinical and microscopic findings were suggestive of PCG, and upon
questioning the patient admitted regular use of cinnamon-flavor chewing gums, while mint flavor
was contained in the desensitizing toothpaste he was using.
Thus, the clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings were interpreted as severe GAP
associated with a PCG lesion and secondary trauma from occlusion. The treatment plan, which
included oral hygiene instruction (OHI), mechanical non- surgical therapy in combination with
antibiotics, extraction of #1, #16 and #17, splinting of #6-8, occlusal adjustment, and construction
of a bite guard followed by re-evaluation, was accepted by the patient.

CASE MANAGEMENT
The patient was instructed to refrain from using any cinnamon-flavored chewing gums. OHI with a
rotating-oscillating electric toothbrush*** using a toothpaste containing triclosan and co-polymer†††
and reinforcement in combination with ultrasonic supra and subgingival debridement was
performed 3 times (Figs. 3a and 3b), followed by splinting of #6-8, occlusal adjustment, and
construction of a bite guard (November-December 2009) (Fig. 3c).
Two months later (February 2010) quadrant scaling and root planing under local anesthesia with
hand and ultrasonic instrumentation and extraction of #1, 16 and 17 was completed within a week.
In addition, azithromycin 500 mgr‡‡‡ the day of the first appointment followed by 250 mgr for 4
days was prescribed. Postoperative instructions included twice daily use of antimicrobial gel§§§
(chlorhexidine 0.2%) for one month followed by daily use, soft foods for 10 days and analgesics
(acetaminophen 1000 mg****, every 4-6 hours) as needed.

ClINICAL OUTCOMES
Postoperatively, the patient tolerated treatment well, had no complaints, and reported having
complied with the provided instructions. Re-evaluation was done two months later (April 2010).
Clinical examination revealed complete resolution of gingival enlargement, erythema and edema
despite average OH (PI=28%), significant reduction of gingival inflammation (GI=15% and
BOP=10%) and mobility 1 on #5, #10, #14, and #23-25. PD 5 mm were recorded on # 3, #4, #10,
#12, #14-15 and #18 (Figs. 4a to 4d). Surgical treatment for pocket elimination and periodontal
regeneration in these areas in combination with a connective tissue graft for #7 to improve esthetics
was suggested but the patient opted to delay this treatment because of financial reasons. At this
point he was placed on a 3-month maintenance schedule.

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The patient complied with all maintenance visits. Clinical examination one year post-treatment
(April 2011) revealed again average OH (PI=35%), with moderate inflammation (GI=25% and
BOP=14%) without gingival enlargement, erythema and edema. PD and mobility were stable (Figs.
5a to 5d).
Radiographic examination indicated improved bone levels on #2-7, #10-12, #14-15, #18-19,
#24-25 and #30-31, reduction in the width of the PDL, and formation of crestal lamina dura (Fig.
5e).

DISCUSSION
The case presented herein fulfills the criteria of a diagnosis of GAP, i.e. an otherwise clinically
healthy individual with a family history of periodontitis, presenting with rapid generalized
attachment loss and bone destruction in a young age.1 The localized erythematous enlargement of
the gingiva was not clinically consistent with GAP, as the latter is not usually associated with
significant gingival enlargement or marked marginal inflammation.
An immunofluorescence study in PCG has reported IgG, but not IgM, IgA, or C3 expression by
plasma cells,18 however there are no studies concerning the immunophenotype of inflammatory
cells. In chronic periodontitis and GAP plasma cells constitute the dominant inflammatory
population19 and immunohistochemically there is a predominance of CD20+ B-cells over plasma
cells20 that are more numerous in GAP than in chronic periodontitis.21-23 In our case, a predominance
of CD138/syndecan-1+ cells was seen, while the presence of CD20+ B-cells was limited.
CD138/syndecan-1 is considered as a marker of plasma cells,24 but in gingivitis and chronic
periodontitis syndecan-1 is reported to be expressed by plasma cells and B-cells.25, 26 A
preponderance of CD138/syndecan-1+ mature plasma cell over CD20+ B-cells was evident in our
case, not conforming to the histological picture of periodontitis. Thus, we suggest that the clinical
and microscopic features are more consistent with PCG,10, 18 possibly associated with a
hypersensitivity reaction to cinnamon-flavored chewing gums or mint in the toothpaste.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of severe GAP associated with a PCG lesion
that was successfully treated and maintained non-surgically. Only a case of a 15 year old female
with rapidly progressive periodontitis combined with marked enlargement of the gingiva with
microscopic findings of dense infiltration of plasma cells similar to PCG,27 and a case of PCG
associated with chronic periodontitis,16 with clinical and histological features very similar to our
case, have been reported to date.
Differential diagnosis of PCG is very important due to its clinical similarity with other gingival
pathologies, in particular desquamative gingivitis and granulomatous gingivitis that may represent
manifestations of mucocutaneous and granulomatous diseases, respectively.28 In addition, plasma
cell predominance in the inflammatory infiltrate necessitates exclusion of plasma cell neoplasms, in
particular an unusual plasmablastic lymphoma that is usually located in the gingiva and palate of
HIV positive or otherwise immunocompromised patients.10 Negative HIV testing, lack of clonality,
as shown by the expression of κ and λ light chains, as well as recognition of other population of
inflammatory cells, ruled out plasmablastic lymphoma in our case.10
To date, there is little evidence and no agreement on the most appropriate treatment for PCG
and no definitive standard of oral care has been defined. Further, there is little evidence and no
agreement on the most appropriate surgical or nonsurgical periodontal protocols to PCG as well as
on long-term management.28

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Although the exact etiological factors of PCG are not known and even the existence of the
disease has been questioned,29 both the clinical and histologic features of this unique disorder
suggest an enhanced inflammatory reaction characterized by normal plasma cells. The irritants of
this exaggerate response can be traditional periodontal local factors such as plaque and calculus or
allergens.6 The significant role of B-cells in periodontitis and the fact that B-cells and plasma cells
are the majority of the cells in periodontitis lesions with no difference between chronic and
aggressive periodontitis is well established in the literature.19, 20, 30 In addition, non-surgical
mechanical therapy results in a marked decline of plasma cells both in chronic and aggressive
periodontitis.31 These observations suggest that treatment of PCG can follow the same rational as
treatment of periodontitis aiming at elimination of all the possible causes triggering an
inflammatory response. Management of this case was based on this assumption.
As soon as the diagnosis of PCG was established the reduction or elimination of all possible
causes triggering an inflammatory response has started. The patient was using cinnamon flavored
chewing gums, while mint in toothpaste used daily could also act as allergens. PCG is frequently
associated with cinnamon or other flavoring agents. Thus, elimination of those factors was the first
treatment objective. In addition, OHI with a rotating-oscillating electric toothbrush that shows
increase effectiveness of plaque removal over manual brushing,32 using a toothpaste containing
triclosan, an anti-inflammatory agent,33 and ultrasonic supra- and sub-gingival debridement was
performed 3 times. Trauma from occlusion was also eliminated. The reduction in gingival
enlargement, erythema, swelling, and inflammation was very slow over a period of two months, but
improvement was noticed after each visit (Fig. 3). This finding is in accordance with preliminary
results of a case series, where standard professional oral hygiene procedures and non-surgical
periodontal therapy including antimicrobials were associated with marked improvement of clinical
and patient related outcomes in pediatric cases of PCG.34
Definitive treatment with quadrant scaling and root planing under local anesthesia with hand
and ultrasonic instrumentation completed within a week started after reduction of severe
enlargement and inflammation were confirmed, an indication that the used approach was effective,
to allow visibility and proper tissue manipulation. In addition azithromycin 500 mgr the day of the
first appointment followed by 250 mgr for 4 days was prescribed. This approach was based on the
effectiveness of this regiment in cases of generalized aggressive periodontitis35 and the need to use
concomitantly all possible means to eliminate inflammation and avoid re-infection. Azithromycin
use was decided based on the low side effects, suppression of periodontal pathogens and
effectiveness in aggressive cases,36 and high concentration and slow and prolonged release in
gingival tissues.37, 38 In addition, emerging evidence is indicating a possible anti-inflammatory
activity and healing through persistence at low levels in macrophages and fibroblasts in periodontal
tissues and a reduction of drug-related gingival enlargement.38
Postoperative instructions included twice daily use of antimicrobial gel (chlorhexidine 0.2%) for
one month followed by daily use to avoid possible allergens included in mouthwashes. This
combined treatment resulted in complete resolution of gingival enlargement, erythema, and edema
despite average OH and significant reduction of gingival inflammation, PD, and mobility.
Clinical conditions remained stable during maintenance despite average OH and radiographic
improvement was observed at one year post-treatment suggesting that all of the possible causes
triggering an inflammatory response were maintained below the patient’s threshold level.

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Summary
Why is this case new information? The present report documents an unusual case of severe
GAP associated with a PCG lesion that was successfully
treated and maintained non-surgically.
What are the keys to successful management of this - Establishing a diagnosis based on clinical, radiographic,
case? histological and immunohistochemistry findings.
- Reduction or elimination of possible causes triggering an
inflammatory response with discontinuation of all possible
allergens and non-surgical periodontal treatment in
combination with local and systemic antimicrobials.
What are the primary limitations to success in this - Compliance with OH and maintenance.
case? - Possible recurrence of the disease.

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Arch Dermatol 1986;122:1321-1324.
13. Lamey PJ, Lewis MA, Rees TD, Fowler C, Binnie WH, Forsyth A. Sensitivity reaction to the cinnamonaldehyde
component of toothpaste. Br Dent J 1990;168:115-118.
14. Macleod RI, Ellis JE. Plasma cell gingivitis related to the use of herbal toothpaste. Br Dent J 1989;166:375-376.
15. Marker P, Krogdahl A. Plasma cell gingivitis apparently related to the use of khat: report of a case. Br Dent J
2002;192:311-313.
16. Serio FG, Siegel MA, Slade BE. Plasma cell gingivitis of unusual origin. A case report. J Periodontol 1991;62:390-
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17. Agarwal S, Ajmera N, Chatterjee A, Madaiah H. An unusual plasma cell gingivitis case related to use of herbal
toothpowder. Clin Adv Periodontics 2012;2:107-112.
18. Newcomb GM, Seymour GJ, Adkins KF. An unusual form of chronic gingivitis: an ultrastructural, histochemical,
and immunologic investigation. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1982;53:488-495.

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19. Smith M, Seymour GJ, Cullinan MP. Histopathological features of chronic and aggressive periodontitis.
Periodontol 2000 2010;53:45-54.
20. Donati M, Liljenberg B, Zitzmann NU, Berglundh T. B-1a cells and plasma cells in periodontitis lesions. J
Periodontal Res 2009;44:683-688.
21. Afar B, Engel D, Clark EA. Activated lymphocyte subsets in adult periodontitis. J Periodontal Res 1992;27:126-
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22. Sigusch BW, Wutzler A, Nietzsch T, Glockmann E. Evidence for a specific crevicular lymphocyte profile in
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23. Artese L, Simon MJ, Piattelli A, et al. Immunohistochemical analysis of inflammatory infiltrate in aggressive and
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of "many and multiple myelomas" and of new targets for myeloma therapy. Haematologica 2006;91:1234-1240.
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from peripheral blood and gingiva in health and periodontal disease. J Dent Res 2001;80:1704-1710.
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Periodontol 2008;79:4-24.
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31. Kleinfelder JW, Lange DE, Bocker W. Some effects of non-surgical therapy on gingival inflammatory cell subsets
in patients with adult and early-onset periodontitis. J Periodontol 2000;71:1561-1566.
32. Moritis K, Jenkins W, Hefti A, Schmitt P, McGrady M. A randomized, parallel design study to evaluate the effects
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33. Ciancio S, Panagakos FS. Superior management of plaque and gingivitis through the use of a triclosan/copolymer
dentifrice. J Clin Dent 2010;21:93-95.
34. Arduino PG, D'Aiuto F, Cavallito C, et al. Professional oral hygiene as a therapeutic option for pediatric patients
with plasma cell gingivitis: preliminary results of a prospective case series. J Periodontol 2011;82:1670-1675.
35. Deas DE, Mealey BL. Response of chronic and aggressive periodontitis to treatment. Periodontol 2000
2010;53:154-166.
36. Haas AN, de Castro GD, Moreno T, et al. Azithromycin as an adjunctive treatment of aggressive periodontitis: 12-
months randomized clinical trial. J Clin Periodontol 2008;35:696-704.
37. Gomi K, Yashima A, Iino F, et al. Drug concentration in inflamed periodontal tissues after systemically
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CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Dr. Andreas Parashis, 33 Sp. Merkouri Str., Athens, 11634,
Greece. E-mail: [email protected]
Submitted May 22, 2013; accepted for publication July 6, 2013.

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FIGURE 1.
(a, b, c, d) Clinical and e) radiographic images at initial presentation. Note generalized gingival enlargement
interproximally with diffuse erythema and edematous swelling of the attached and free gingiva particularly in teeth #5-
8.

FIGURE 2.
(a) Gingival mucosa, consisting of parakeratinized epithelium (EP) and vascular lamina propria (LP), with dense
plasma cell infiltration (asterisks) (hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E), original magnification x25). (b) Epithelium
(EP) displays elongated and anastomosing rete pegs, spongiosis, and neutrophilic exocytosis. The inflammatory
infiltrate consists mostly of mature appearing plasma cells (asterisks) (H&E, original magnification x100). Positive
immunohistochemical expression for (c) CD138, (d) κ and (e) λ light-chains, and to a lesser extent for (f) CD20 (brown
grains) (avidin-biotine-peroxidase, original magnification x100).

FIGURE 3.
(a, b) Clinical images following oral hygiene and ultrasonic debridement and c) splinting of #6-8 and construction of
bite guard.

FIGURE 4.
(a, b, c, d) Clinical images at completion of treatment. Note complete resolution of gingival enlargement, erythema, and
edema. Compare to Figure 1.

FIGURE 5.
(a, b, c, d) Clinical and e) radiographic images at one year post-treatment. Note stable periodontal conditions and
radiographic improvement. Compare to Figures 1 and 4.
§
Sensodyne rapid relief mint, GlaxoSmithKline, Greece.
**
Plak Out, Omega Pharma, Greece.
††
Leica Biosystems Newcastle Ltd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
‡‡
Leica Biosystems Newcastle Ltd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
§§
Dako, Glostrup, Denmark.
***
Sonicare, Philips Electronic, Stamford, CT, USA.
†††
Colgate Total, Colgate-Palmolive Hellas, Greece.
‡‡‡
Zithromax, Pfizer Hellas, Greece.
§§§
Plak Out Gel, Omega Pharma, Greece.
****
Depon, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Greece.

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