Multifocal viral epithelial hyperplasia in the elderly with identification of high-risk human papillomavirus

Abstract

Multifocal viral epithelial hyperplasia (MVEH), also known as focal epithelial hyperplasia or Heck’s disease, is an oral condition associated to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection mainly viral genotypes HPV-13 and 32. MVEH most frequently affects children and especially females. We present a case of MVEH in a Mexican 88-year-old elderly female, with high-risk HPV-31 and -68 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in addition to low-risk HPV32, and review the literature on MVEH focusing on elderly individuals. We are not aware of another report of high-risk HPV-associated MVEH. It appears that MVEH in elderly affects exclusively the tongue.