Periodontal manifestations of acute autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. A case report.

Purpuric hemorrhages are usually the result of thrombocytopenia, but are also seen in vascular disorders such as vitamin C deficiency, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and von Willebrand's disease. The progressive purpuric hemorrhages in the oral mucosae and skin in a case of acute autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) in a young adult are described. Localized hemorrhagic periodontal lesions of doubtful interpretation proved to be the first clinical signs of the underlying thrombocytopenia. The diagnosis is confirmed by finding thrombocytopenia with normal or increased numbers of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Treatment must be started before the onset of serious complications such as cerebral hemorrhages.