Palmar plantar keratosis and unusual periodontal findings. Observations from a family of 4 members.

The connection between palmar plantar hyperkeratosis and severe periodontal disease was first reported in 1924 by Papillon and Lefevre. The 2 major components of this syndrome (PLS) can also occur as distinct entities. The literature describes a number of cases which do not fit the classical disease descriptions. In this paper, we report on a family with an atypical PLS. The father had marked palmar plantar hyperkeratosis but a very late onset of destructive marginal periodontitis. The son also had palmar plantar hyperkeratosis, but despite the fact that he initially harboured Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis, he did not develop periodontal disease over a seven-year observation period when improved oral hygiene and professional tooth cleaning were instituted.