Abstract

An 18-year-old woman presented with enlarged gingivae of 1-year duration with no history of drug consumption or systemic conditions that might explain the enlargement. Biopsy revealed hyperplastic gingival epithelium and a plasma cell-rich inflammatory infiltrate in the subepithelial connective tissue with the presence of scattered multinucleated giant cells. Immunostaining revealed the plasma cells to be positive for IgG4. Serum IgG4 levels were elevated at 3.6 g/L (reference range: 0.049–1.985). These findings led towards the diagnosis of an IgG4-related disease (RD). Other granulomatous conditions were also ruled out via series of investigations. The enlarged tissue was surgically excised. No corticosteroids were administered owing to the localised nature of the manifestations. After 3 months, the gingival size remained unchanged. This case has been reported with a relatively shorter follow-up period because of the rarity of the presentation. IgG4-RD should be considered while diagnosing a patient with gingival enlargement.