The Transition from Pemphigus Foliaceus to Pemphigus Vegetans—An Intriguing Phenomenon within the Spectrum of Autoimmune Blistering Diseases: A Case Report

Abstract

Pemphigus vegetans and pemphigus foliaceus are rare autoimmune blistering diseases characterized by the disruption of desmosomal adhesion proteins, particularly desmoglein 3 and desmoglein 1. We report the case of a 62-year-old male who presented initially with scaly red plaques posing several diagnostic challenges. A histopathological examination revealed subcorneal acantholysis, matching the suspected clinical diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus. The patient progressed, developing vegetating plaques, and a new biopsy was performed. The new histopathological and direct immunofluorescence exams were consistent with pemphigus vegetans. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by the transition of pemphigus foliaceus to its vegetating form. We discuss the role of desmogleins in the pathogenesis of pemphigus and explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting these specific autoantigens.

Keywords

• autoimmune blistering diseases
• case report
• desmoglein 1
• desmoglein 3
• pemphigus vegetans
• pemphigus foliaceus