Systemic amyloidosis manifesting as localized, severe periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Amyloidosis comprises a heterogenous group of disorders characterized by amyloid deposition in various organs. The authors document a case in which amyloidosis manifested as a localized, severe, periodontal disease. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 73-year-old woman visited her dentist because of pain and increased mobility of her mandibular bridge. Radiographic examination revealed severe vertical bone loss associated with tooth no. 27. One of the authors extracted the tooth, removed tissue with a curet from this site and submitted it for pathological examination. He made a diagnosis of amyloidosis on the basis of histological and immunohistochemical findings. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians should consider periodontal involvement in amyloidosis as a possible cause of severe, localized, periodontal disease, particularly in patients with chronic inflammatory disorders or a history of amyloidosis.