Riga-Fede disease like ulcers in old age: A case report

Abstract

Riga-Fede disease (RFD) is a traumatic, reactive benign disorder characterized by persistent ulceration on the tip or ventral surface of the tongue, seen mainly in infants and children. Lesions tend to develop after the eruption of natal or primary incisors, resulting from repetitive traumatic damage due to backward and forward movements of the tongue over the lower incisors. A literature survey has revealed a very limited number of reported cases of RFD in adults. Herein we reported a 70-year-old female patient who developed RFD-like ulcers on the tongue and buccal mucosa during the previous two months, while under treatment of dental implants. Histopathological examination and direct immunofluorescence of the ulcers and periulcer area did not yield a specific diagnosis. The lesions were resistant to systemic steroid treatment, however, after applying for a soft dental plate nightly for protection of the tongue and buccal mucosa, all ulcers completely healed in two months. With regard to the presented patient, we have reviewed the cases of RFD or RFD-like ulcers reported in adults and discussed the factors contributing to ulcer formation in our patient.