Plasma cell gingivitis apparently related to the use of khat: report of a case

Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) is characterized by massive infiltration of plasma cells into the subepithelial tissue. It is a rare condition; the cause of which is still not fully understood. A case of PCG is reported in the mandibular gingiva probably caused by chewing khat. This report is the first, as far as we know, that relates PCG to the use of khat. The histological examination revealed infiltration of polyclonal plasma cells without signs of fungus, tuberculosis or malignancy. It is concluded that the changes were compatible with an allergic-like reaction. The patient, a 30-year-old immigrant from Somalia, revealed in a subsequent consultation that he regularly used khat. The leaves are placed in the buccal sulcus. The PCG disappeared within two weeks of the use of khat being discontinued. Dental surgeons (periodontists) in Europe and the New World will, due to increasing immigration from Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, meet more patients who regularly use khat. This means that PCG and other khat related intraoral changes will become more common in the future.