[Problems in the differential diagnosis between eosinophilic granuloma and marginal periodontitis]

Difficulties in the differential diagnosis from the alveolar form of eosinophilic granulomas and deep marginal periodontitis were repeatedly observed. The clinical and radiologic characteristics of eosinophilic granuloma were described on the basis of three cases which were diagnosed as severe juvenile marginal periodontitis and treated accordingly for a long period of time. Clinical differentiation from marginal periodontopathy is usually possible with these characteristics. Only a pathohistologic examination can ultimately clarify the diagnosis; the tissue specimen must be removed from material in the central bony focus which has not been reinfected.