Aleksandar Acović

Lingua plicata: new possible sign in ulcerative colitis

Lingua plicata (LP) is condition that dentists sometimes overlook. Although benign, this condition is diagnosed in 35% patients who suffers from ulcerative colitis (UC). Ulcerative colitis is a complex disease in which the interaction of genetic, environmental, and microbial factors drives chronic intestinal inflammation. Gastrointestinal symptoms are predominant, including pathological manifestation in the oral cavity as well as extra intestinal complications. Lingua plicata is a condition characterized by an increased number of fissures and grooves at the central and lateral aspects of the dorsal surface of the tongue. LP is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, but the accumulation of food in the fissures and grooves can lead to focal glossitis and halitosis.
By analyzing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in gingival cervical fluid, we can track different phases of the disease as well as treatment success. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are much higher with patients with LP, then UC patients without, which may be considered as a sign of disease progression and consequently poor prognosis for the patient.

Dr Aleksandar Acovic, graduated from Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac in 2016. In 2020, he received his doctorate in the elective field of Immunology, infection, inflammation. He specialized in Orthodontics and was promoted to the position of assistant professor for the same department in 2023.