DIAGNOSIS AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF AUTOIMMUNE PEMPHIGUS

Abstract

Autoimmune pemphigus is a severe, potentially fatal disease affecting skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized by the presence of IgGautoantibodies against target desmosomal antigens of stratified squamous epithelium. Despite the promising results of the molecular biological research in the area of the pathogenesis of autoimmune pemphigus during past decades, diagnosis/ differential diagnosis of pemphigus remains one of the most important problems of dermatology due to rapid progression and expansion of the skin and mucous membranes lesions and the high risk of disability and death in inadequately treated patients. Correct and timely diagnosis of autoimmune pemphigus contributes to proper treatment and reduces complications risk.

Keywords

• autoimmune pemphigus
• diagnosis
• immunofluorescence