Bullous pemphigoid associated with mantle cell lymphoma

Arch Dermatol. 2004 Dec;140(12):1496-9. doi: 10.1001/archderm.140.12.1496.

Abstract

Background: Bullous pemphigoid has developed in association with different types of malignant diseases, including a few cases of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. However, the paraneoplastic significance of this association is still controversial.

Observations: We describe a 39-year-old patient who presented with a bullous eruption and generalized lymphadenopathy. The results of histologic, immunofluorescence, and antigenic studies confirmed the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. The histopathologic and immunophenotypic features of a lymph node biopsy specimen were consistent with mantle cell lymphoma. There was total resolution of the mucocutaneous lesions when mantle cell lymphoma went into remission.

Conclusion: The age of the patient and the concomitant appearance and simultaneous remission of both diseases strongly suggest that bullous pemphigoid was a paraneoplastic phenomenon in the present case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Biopsy
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell / complications*
  • Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / etiology*
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / pathology
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / etiology*
  • Pemphigoid, Bullous / pathology
  • Remission Induction