Ligneous periodontal lesions in a young child with severe plasminogen deficiency: a case report

BACKGROUND: Ligneous periodontitis or gingivitis is a rare periodontal disorder, secondary to plasminogen deficiency, characterised by nodular gingival enlargements and progressive destructive membranous periodontal disease. CASE REPORT: We describe the early and successful dental management of a case of ligneous gingivitis secondary to plasminogen deficiency in a 6-year- old girl. The patient was referred because of a nodular asymptomatic gingival hypertrophy with ulceration around the eruption site of tooth 36, without any detectable tooth mobility. After non-surgical management of the lesion and strict follow-up, the first molar erupted completely, with no signs of bone and periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: Ulcerated periodontal lesions could represent the ?rst signs of plasminogen deficiency. The early treatment is essential in preventing infections and the onset of a destructive periodontitis. The paediatric dentist may play a key role in early diagnosis and treatment.