Conversion of pemphigoid gestationis to bullous pemphigoid--two refractory cases highlighting this association.

Abstract

Pemphigoid gestationis and bullous pemphigoid are autoimmune diseases characterized by subepidermal blisters and antibodies against the hemidesmosomal antigens: BPAG1 and BPAG2. Clinical histological and immunological similarities between pemphigoid gestationis and bullous pemphigoid suggest that they may have common pathogenetic determinants. We report two patients who presented initially with clinico-pathological features characteristic of pemphigoid gestationis but who subsequently evolved into bullous pemphigoid.