Pemphigus foliaceus

Dermatol Online J. 2014 Dec 16;20(12):13030/qt421460hm.

Abstract

A 55-year-old woman presented after a four-year history of impetiginized eczema that was distributed over her face, scalp, chest, and back and a recent diagnosis of breast cancer. A skin biopsy specimen for direct immunofluorescence demonstrated intercellular IgG4. Anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 antibodies were present. Indirect immunofluorescence testing was positive on monkey but not rat esophagus. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus in association with a malignant condition. After many years of the use of topical glucocorticoids and oral antibiotics, the patient's disease was ultimately managed with methotrexate and a small dose of prednisone. Increasing data supports a role for a steroid-sparing effect of methotrexate in pemphigus vulgaris and likely pemphigus foliaceus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / complications
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / immunology
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / pathology*
  • Pemphigus / complications
  • Pemphigus / immunology
  • Pemphigus / pathology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G