Wegener's Granulomatosis: Strawberry Gums of the Oral Cavity

Abstract

Wegener's Granulomatosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening vasculitic disease of unknown origin. The diagnosis of Wegener's Granulomatosis is made on the basis of clinical presentation, positivity for serum c-ANCA and histologic examination of the lesions. This report details a case of limited Wegener's Granulomatosis with hyperplastic gingivitis lesions presenting as an initial manifestation of Wegener's Granulomatosis. The resemblance of the affected gums to over-ripe strawberries is pathognomonic of this condition and is thus highlighted. Because of the rarity of Wegener's Granulomatosis presenting initially in the oral cavity, clinicians should be alerted to the characteristic appearance of “strawberry gingivitis”.