Pemphigus vulgaris—a case report and detailed review of literature

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris is a common oral mucosal disease characterized by the occurrence of chronic multiple ulcerative lesions. Although exact etiology is not known, the underlying mechanism responsible for causing intra-epithelial lesion of pemphigus vulgaris is binding of IgG autoantibodies to desmoglein 3, a transmembrane glycoprotein adhesion molecule. The characteristic oral lesions of pemphigus vulgaris are thin-walled flaccid bullae arising on otherwise normal skin or mucosa. The bullae rupture and extend peripherally, giving a large area of denuded skin or mucosa. Here, we report a case of a 56-year-old female patient suffering from exacerbations and remissions of pemphigus vulgaris since last 2 years, with a detailed review of literature. The present case report emphasizes a need of detailed case history, thorough oral and systemic examination, investigative measures, and a proper treatment regimen.