Pityriasis rubra pilaris presenting with an abnormal autoimmune profile: two case reports

J Med Case Rep. 2009 Nov 13:3:123. doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-3-123.

Abstract

Introduction: Pityriasis rubra pilaris is an uncommon inflammatory and hyperproliferative dermatosis of juvenile or adult onset. The etiology of the disease is still unknown.

Case presentation: We present the cases of two Caucasian men aged 53 and 48 who presented with pityriasis rubra pillaris type 1; both patients also exhibited an abnormal immunological profile.

Conclusion: Pityriasis rubra pillaris is currently classified as a keratinization disorder. The abnormal immunological profile reported in our patients along with the comorbidity of pityriasis rubra pilaris with autoimmune disorders reported in the literature poses the question of a possible pathogenetic role for the immune response in this disorder.