Cinnamon products as a possible etiologic factor in orofacial granulomatosis.

OBJECTIVES

It has been reported that clinical changes due to hypersensitivity reactions to various foods, preservatives, and oral hygiene products may be consistent with the characteristic signs of orofacial granulomatosis (OFG). The objective of this study was to examine 37 well-documented cases of cinnamon-induced contact stomatitis for clinical and histological features consistent with a diagnosis of OFG.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed the records of the 37 cases to screen them for the clinical and histopathologic features of OFG.

RESULTS

Twelve patients showed clinical characteristics of OFG. The most commonly affected site was the gingiva. Focal non-caseating, epitheloid granulomas were observed in four histologic specimens. Multinucleated giant cells were observed in an additional four cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Although OFG may have multiple etiologies, it is clear that, in some instances, a hypersensitivity reaction to cinnamon products can elicit lesions consistent with OFG.