Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) manifests as an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the cathepsin C (CTSC) gene. This genetic alteration results in palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, rapid onset of periodontitis, and premature shedding of both primary and permanent teeth. The major etiological factor responsible for the development of this disorder appears to be variations in the CTSC gene, which is responsible for the production of the cathepsin C enzyme in the body. The multifactorial aetiology of the syndrome is influenced by immunologic, genetic, or microbial factors. This case report presents a clinical picture of a 21-year-old Indian male patient with oligodontia and mobile teeth accompanied by palmoplantar keratosis and a history of recurrent infection. The detailed family history of the patient revealed genetic relevance with PLS. This article will discuss in detail the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment modalities involved in the management of the case.

The Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) was first described by Papillon and Lefevre in 1924. It is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a diffuse palmoplanter hyperkeratosis and rapidly progressive and devastating periodontitis, affecting the primary as well as the permanent dentition, attributed to a point mutation of the cathepsin C gene. This paper presents a clinical presentation and a brief review of its etiology and treatment modalities.

BACKGROUND: Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis and severe early onset of destructive periodontitis leading to premature loss of both primary and permanent dentitions. The etiopathogenesis of the condition suggests that there is a genetic basis for susceptibility to specific virulent pathogens. Variation in the clinical presentation of PLS has recently been observed.
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to present the first report, which describes the concurrence of PLS and albinism. The etiology, pathology, and management of the condition were reviewed and genetic analysis was performed. SUBJECTS AND CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The probands are Jordanian brothers aged 13 and 20 years on their initial presentation. The parents were second cousins and not affected. The patients exhibited the typical clinical features of PLS with type 1 oculocutaneous albinism (OCA1). They also had increased susceptibility to infection manifested in recurrent tonsillitis, respiratory tract infection, pyoderma, onychogryphosis, and other pathosis. Skin biopsy demonstrated hyperkeratosis, focal parakeratosis, hypergranulosis, and acanthosis. Ectopic calcification of the dura was noticed in one of the probands. Hematological parameters tested were within the normal limits. The probands were tested for mutations in the causative genes of PLS and OCA1, cathepsin C (CTSC), and tyrosinase, respectively. Independent mutations (c.318-1G>A and c.817G>C/p.W272C) were identified in CTSC and tyrosinase, respectively. The probands were homozygous and their sister who had only PLS was homozygous for the same (CTSC) mutation but heterozygous for tyrosinase gene.
CONCLUSIONS: We hope that this report of coinheritance PLS and albinism will initiate further investigations to disclose other possible variations that may enhance our knowledge on gene mutations of this intriguing syndrome.

A 15-year-old boy presented with symmetric, well-demarcated, yellowish, keratotic plaques over the skin of his palms and soles extending onto the dorsal surfaces. Well-circumscribed, psoriasiform, erythematous, scaly plaques were also present on the elbows and knees bilaterally along with dystrophy an transverse grooving of the nails. He also had swollen and friable gums since the age of 3 with subsequent loss of most of his permanent dentition. These findings are consistent with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. The clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, complications and management of this syndrome are discussed.