Pemphigus Vulgaris: Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Autoimmune mucocutaneous disorders of oral cavity constitute an important group of lesions that pose diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic difficulties to the dental clinician. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering condition that usually affects the oral mucosa and is characterised by autoantibodies directed against the desmoglein component of the keratinocytes. It manifests clinically as vesicles, bullae or desquamative gingivitis and histopathologically shows the presence of acantholysis. Immunofluorescent demonstration of IgG antibodies against desmoglein usually confirms the diagnosis. The resemblance in clinical appearance to other oral diseases mandates the inclusion of pemphigus vulgaris in the differential diagnosis of oral vesiculo-bullous lesions. Adequate knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities helps the clinician in appropriate management. This paper presents a case report of pemphigus vulgaris affecting both oral cavity and skin along with a brief review of literature.

Keywords

• autoimmune disorders
• oral mucosa
• pemphigus vulgaris