Orofacial granulomatosis associated with hypersensitivity to dental amalgam

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2011 Sep;112(3):335-41. doi: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2011.03.030.

Abstract

Orofacial granulomatosis is a clinicopathologic entity characterized by chronic swelling of the lip and possible soft tissues in the orofacial region owing to granulomatous inflammation of unknown cause. We present 3 cases of orofacial granulomatosis associated with allergic contact dermatitis to dental materials. Previous treatment with corticosteroids did not have any therapeutic effect. Patch testing revealed a positive reaction to several allergens, including dental amalgam and mercury in 2 cases. A lymphocyte transformation test modified for metals was used to evaluate lymphocyte reactivity. After the removal of the suspected allergens, all patients experienced recovery within 1 month, with the exception of the lip swelling, which gradually subsided over several months.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dental Amalgam / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Granulomatosis, Orofacial / chemically induced*
  • Granulomatosis, Orofacial / pathology
  • Granulomatosis, Orofacial / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / etiology*
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / pathology
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / therapy
  • Lip Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Lip Diseases / pathology
  • Lip Diseases / therapy
  • Mercury / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dental Amalgam
  • Mercury