Open AccessLong-lasting localized pemphigus vulgaris without detectable serum autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 and desmoglein 1
Author(s) -
Asuka Yoshifuku,
Kazuyasu Fujii,
Hisao Kawahira,
Hiromi Katsue,
Atsunori Baba,
Yuko Higashi,
Yumi Aoyama,
Takuro Kanekura
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
indian journal of dermatology/indian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.395
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1998-3611
pISSN - 0019-5154
DOI - 10.4103/0019-5154.185712
Subject(s) - medicine , pemphigus vulgaris , desmoglein 1 , autoantibody , desmoglein 3 , desmoglein , antibody , prednisolone , immunosuppression , acantholysis , immunology , dermatology , autoimmune disease , biopsy , pathology , gastroenterology
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease elicited by anti-desmoglein (DsG) 3 antibody. Although skin lesions tend to be distributed over the entire body, in some patients, they are confined to a restricted area. We report two patients who presented with long-lasting localized PV without detectable anti-DsG antibodies after suffering antibody-positive systemic PV. Initial treatment with prednisolone (PSL) was successful in both patients, but a local relapse occurred on the cheek or lower lip after a reduction in the PSL dose. Biopsy of the localized lesions showed suprabasal acantholysis; no serum DsG antibodies were found. Local immunosuppression therapy was effective in both patients. Based on our findings, we suggest that localized PV without detectable antibodies can develop after systemic PV.