Strawberry Gingivitis as a Diagnostic Clue to Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis in an Older Woman: A Case Report
Qiyu Chen, Lijuan Shi, Chuanjing Ye, Jie Zhao, Wenlei Wu, Juan WuABSTRACT
Background
Strawberry gingivitis is a characteristic but under‐recognised oral manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), with potential for long‐term sensory damage often overlooked.
Case Presentation
A 60‐year‐old woman with strawberry gingivitis, cough, and hearing loss fulfilled the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for GPA (score 13), with the diagnosis established through integrated clinical, serological, radiological, and histopathological assessment. Induction therapy resolved the oral lesions, but 18‐month follow‐up showed bilateral deafness and blindness.
Conclusions
Strawberry gingivitis is a highly characteristic, though not pathognomonic, sign of GPA. Even with good short‐term control, patients risk progressive sensory damage, emphasising the need for long‐term follow‐up.