Previously undescribed pulpal and periodontal ligament calcifications in systemic sclerosis: a case report

• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2012.09.091
• Publication Date: 2013-01-16T14:21:57Z
• Authors: Sophie Jung; Maryline Minoux; Marie-Cécile Manière; Thierry Martin; Matthieu Schmittbuhl
• Keywords: Adult; [SDV.MHEP] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology; Scleroderma, Systemic; Periodontal Ligament; Calcinosis; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Molar; Incisor; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Dental Pulp Calcification; Humans; Female; Dental Pulp Cavity; [SDV.MHEP]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Human health and pathology; Periodontal Diseases

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by widespread fibrosis, vascular alterations, autoimmunity, and inflammation, has effects on the hard and soft tissues of the orofacial region. The most common oral radiographic features correspond to widening of the periodontal ligament space and to mandibular resorption. In this report, cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) confirmed not only the well described periodontal features associated with SSc but also revealed previously undescribed calcifications within the periodontal ligament space of most maxillary teeth. Moreover, CBCT showed pulp calcifications in some incisors and premolars with these calcifications leading to root canal obliterations. Such manifestations (which could be linked to different major pathogenic features of SSc such as calcinosis, vasculopathy, and fibrosis) contribute to the phenotypic spectrum of the disease.