Severe periodontitis in Marfan's syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Connective tissue disorders, such as some forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, have been associated with severe periodontitis.

METHODS

This report describes a case of Marfan's syndrome, an inherited disorder of connective tissue caused by mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene, in which the patient presented with severe periodontitis.

RESULTS

At examination, an average full-mouth clinical attachment level loss of 5.6+/-2.1 mm, furcation involvement, and severe alveolar bone loss were observed in a 41-year-old Caucasian male. Tooth hypermobility was also present.

CONCLUSIONS

This case appears to be the first documentation of severe periodontitis in a patient with Marfan's syndrome. It supports the hypothesis that a variety of connective tissue disorders may confer increased susceptibility to periodontal tissue breakdown.