Description

Atrophic glossitis (smooth tongue, bald tongue) can occur due to a number of underlying conditions.


 

Clinical features:

(1) The tongue is smooth, red and glossy without the usual rough dorsal surface.

(2) The tongue is often painful or it may have a burning sensation.

(3) Biopsy of the tongue shows atrophy of the papillae.

(4) Treatment of the underlying cause usually results in regeneration of the papillae.

 

Risk factors:

(1) nutritional deficiencies or malabsorption (celiac disease, etc):

(1a) iron

(1b) folic acid

(1c) vitamin B12

(1d) riboflabin

(1e) niacin

(2) Riley-Day syndrome (Familial Dysautonomia, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy)

(3) syphilis

(4) amyloidosis

(5) cardiac failure

(6) Sjogren's syndrome

 


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.