A systemic vasculitis such as juvenile dermatomyositis may affect the gingiva. It occurs when there are significant capillary involvement.
Clinical features of gingival vasculopathy:
(1) gingival edema
(2) gingival hypertrophy
(3) ulceration
(4) telangiectasia
The presence of gingival vasculopathy is associated with:
(1) more severe disease activity
(2) widespread capillary involvement in the gastrointestinal tract
(3) significant periungual involvement
For a patient on corticosteroids or immunosuppressives, there is also the risk of periodontitis.
