Sutton Afty

Sutton's aphthae (R.L. Sutton) is a lesion of the oral mucosa that occurs as a manifestation of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Sutton's aphthae is characterized by the appearance of multiple painful ulcers on the oral mucosa. They can be localized on the lips, tongue, soft palate, cheeks and gums. The size of the ulcers varies from 2-3 mm to 1 cm in diameter. The edges of the ulcers are surrounded by an erythematous rim.

The cause of Sutton's aphthae is an immunological conflict between the transplanted cells and the recipient's body. This complication usually develops in the first 100 days after transplantation. Treatment includes topical steroids, immunosuppressive therapy, and antiseptic rinses. In severe forms, systemic glucocorticoid therapy may be required.