Orofacial granulomatosis: presentation, pathology and management of 13 cases.

BACKGROUND: Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) comprises of a group of conditions, all characterized histologically by the presence of granulomatous inflammation.

METHODS: This diagnosis may be determined by exclusion from other conditions that may present with similar clinical and histopathologic features. These include Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS), Miescher's cheilitis (an oligosymptomatic form of MRS), Crohn's disease, and sarcoidosis.

RESULTS: A great deal of attention has been devoted to the similarity and overlap in clinicopathologic and histomorphologic features of these conditions, suggesting that they may actually represent a spectrum within a single overarching entity. In the review of the 13 cases of OFG retrieved from the files of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Department of Dental Medicine, we describe their presentation, clinicopathologic features, and management. These cases comprise examples of MRS (in its oligosymptomatic forms) and Crohn's disease. The similarity, kinship, and overlap between the cases presented are clearly demonstrated.

CONCLUSION: In addition, based upon our observations and review, we propose the notion that oral manifestations of Crohn's disease may be classified as an oligosymptomatic form of MRS.