Aftosis recurrente / Relapsing aphthous ulcers

RESUMEN

La aftosis recurrente o estomatitis aftosa recurrente es una de las patologías más frecuentes de la mucosa oral. Aunque sus características clínicas están bien definidas, la etiología específica y la patogenia de este trastorno no han sido dilucidadas. Clínicamente pueden distinguirse dos formas de aftosis recurrente, que varían de un polo de elevada frecuencia y menor severidad conocido como aftosis simple, a uno infrecuente y de mayor severidad asociado o no a patologías sistémicas, que se denomina aftosis compleja. El tratamiento es inespecífico y en ocasiones frustrante, a pesar de la multiplicidad de agentes tópicos y sistémicos descriptos. La presencia de aftas orales recurrentes exige realizar un diagnóstico adecuado y una clasificación clínica apropiada que permitan excluir la enfermedad de Behçet e identificar factores predisponentes y eventuales patologías sistémicas asociadas. Son necesarios más estudios para poder comprender el origen de este trastorno y optimizar su terapeútica.

ABSTRACT

Relapsing aphthous ulcers or relapsing aphthous stomatitis is one of themost frequent disorders of the oral mucosa. Although their clinical characteristics are well defi ned, the specifi c etiology and pathogenesis of this disorder have not been established. Clinically it is possible to determine two forms of relapsing aphthous ulcers,varying from one pole of high frequency and low severity known as simple aphthosis to another more rare and severe, which may or may not be associated to systemic pathologies, and is called complex aphthosis.Treatment although not specifi c is at times frustrating despite many topical and systemic options.The presence of relapsing oral aphthous ulcers demands an adequate diagnosis and clinical classifi cation in order to rule out Behcet`s disease, as well as the identifi cation of possible predisposing factors and associated systemic diseases. Further studies are required to understand the origin of this disorder and optimize its treatment.