Retrospective study of the clinical, histologic, and immunologic features of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in 9 patients

Introduction: Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease caused by autoantibodies to type VII collagen. The clinical presentation is variable, with skin and mucosal lesions that can cause significant dysfunction. Different treatment options exist, but the results are often unsatisfactory.

Objective: To review all the cases of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) diagnosed at our hospital over a 26-year period.

Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective review of the clinical, histologic, and immunologic features of EBA in 9 patients.

Results: Mean age at presentation was 37 years and 66.67% of the patients were women. EBA occurred in association with malignant tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders. The most common variant was inflammatory EBA (6 of the 9 cases). In all 9 patients, histology revealed a subepidermal blister and direct immunofluorescence showed linear deposits of immunoglobulin G and C3 in the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence performed on salt-split skin substrate was positive in 6 patients and showed a dermal pattern in all cases. Five patients were tested for autoantibodies to type VII collagen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with positive results in 2 cases. Immunoblotting using recombinant noncollagenous domains (NC1) of type VII collagen was positive in all 6 cases in which it was performed. Response to treatment was variable.

Conclusions: EBA is a rare disease with a variable clinical presentation that can be confused with that of other subepidermal blistering diseases. Correct diagnosis requires a high level of clinical suspicion and the use of all available diagnostic tests. Thorough evaluation of cutaneous and mucosal involvement and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment will ensure the detection and prevention of dysfunction and treatment-related complications.