Apparent Digital Vasomotor Hypotonicity in the Remission Stage of Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

Abstract

Longitudinal studies were performed on patients with recurrent attacks of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) during remission. Their psychophysiologic responses to standardized stress procedures (cold-pressor stimulation, breath holding, and immersion of the fifth digit in ice water) were tabulated. The data suggested that a peripheral vasomotor defect in ANUG may be reflected in elevated digital temperatures and general hypotonicity of the digital vasomotor system.