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Oral mucosal involvement as the sole or main manifestation of linear IgA disease: case report and review of the literature
Author(s) -
Betts A.,
Yeoman C.M.,
Farthing P.M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
oral surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.156
H-Index - 11
eISSN - 1752-248X
pISSN - 1752-2471
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-248x.2010.01070.x
Subject(s) - medicine , disease , dermatology , oral mucosa , erythema multiforme , pathology , gingivitis , mucosal lesions , autoimmune disease , direct fluorescent antibody , mucous membrane , immunology , antibody , dentistry
Background: Linear IgA disease is a rare autoimmune subepithelial blistering condition that predominantly affects the skin. Lesions also commonly occur on mucosal surfaces, including the oral mucosa. Demonstration by direct immunofluorescence of IgA deposits in a linear pattern along the basement membrane zone is required for diagnosis. Case report: A case of linear IgA disease in which oral mucosal involvement remained the sole manifestation of the disease for twenty‐three years is presented. Literature review: A review of the literature revealed seventeen cases in which the disease manifested itself principally in the oral mucosa. Desquamative gingivitis or gingival erythema appears to be the most common manifestation of the disease. Vesicles and bullae, shallow ulcers, erosions, white striae and white patches are also commonly seen. There may be considerable clinical and histological overlap with other diseases, principally mucous membrane pemphigoid and lichen planus. Conclusion: Although a number of case reports have been published describing instances in which oral mucosal involvement was the only or main manifestation of the disease, the fact that linear IgA disease can manifest itself as a predominantly oral mucosal condition is not widely appreciated by clinicians. This may lead to potentially serious delays in arriving at the correct diagnosis in these cases.