Oral manifestation of vulgar pemphigus. A case report

Abstract

Pemphigus is a potentially deadly autoimmune disease causing blisters and erosions in the skin and the mucous membrane. The epithelial lesions are the result of antibodies reacting to desmosomal glycoproteins, and are present in the keratinocytes cellular surface. The autoimmune reaction to these glycoproteins causes a cellular adhesion loss resulting in the formation of intraepithelial blisters. From 80 to 90 % of the patients with vulgar pemphigus develop skin disorders, and 60 % of the cases show mucosa changes as the first or unique sign. The diagnosis of the lesions in oral cavity is essential because it could prevent the skin damage. If the treatment begins in an initial stage, it is easier to control the disease and the possibility of the disorder’s early remission and a better life quality increases. This is the report of the case of a female patient, aged 35 years, who presented ulcerated lesions in the entire oropharyngeal region, with itching sensation and inability for food consumption. The diagnosis was vulgar pemphigus.