Unusual Clinical and Pathological Features in Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
2011

Unusual Features in Pemphigus Vulgaris

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Caltabiano Rosario, Magro Gaetano, Puzzo Lidia, Vasquez Enrico, De Pasquale Rocco

Primary Institution: University of Catania

Hypothesis

Can pemphigus vulgaris present with atypical clinical and histological features that mimic actinic keratosis?

Conclusion

The resolution of the lip lesion after treatment suggests that it was a manifestation of pemphigus vulgaris rather than actinic keratosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had a dry whitish scaly lesion that resembled actinic keratosis.
  • Histological examination showed acantholysis and cytological atypia.
  • The lesion resolved after treatment for pemphigus vulgaris.

Takeaway

A woman had a lip lesion that looked like a skin problem called actinic keratosis, but it turned out to be a sign of a different condition called pemphigus vulgaris, which got better with treatment.

Methodology

The patient underwent clinical examination, laboratory tests, immunofluorescence tests, and a biopsy for diagnosis.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in diagnosis due to atypical presentation.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case, which may not be generalizable.

Participant Demographics

67-year-old woman.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2011/518758

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