[Pemphigus vegetans of the Hallopeau type. Detection of pemphigus antibodies with direct and indirect immunofluorescence].

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman with bullous lesions diagnosed as the rare pustular type of pemphigus described by Hallopeau. Direct immunofluorescence studies revealed deposits of IgG and C3 in the intercellular spaces of the epidermis; the indirect immunofluorescence technique revealed circulating antiepithelial IgG antibodies. The skin lesions cleared completely following treatment with systemic corticosteroids and azathioprine. These findings indicate the disease first described by Hallopeau as "pyodermite végétante" does indeed belong to the pemphigus group, being a rare type of pemphigus vegetans.