[Pemphigoid vegetans. An immunoelectron microscopic study].

INTRODUCTION

Pemphigoid vegetans is a rare disease. It has a clinical resemblance to pemphigus vegetans, but there are histological and immunopathological features of bullous pemphigoid.

CASE REPORT

We describe a case in a 57-year-old-man who had developed intertriginous vegetating plaques. Histologic examination of a skin biopsy specimen and direct immunofluorescence microscopy of a biopsy specimen were those of bullous pemphigoid. Immunoblot studies and indirect immunofluorescences of salt-split skin were negative. Direct immunoelectron microscopy was consistent with bullous pemphigoïd.

DISCUSSION

Only five cases have been reported. We describe the first case including direct immunomicroscopic findings which suggest that pemphigoid vegetans is a subtype of bullous pemphigoid. The other interest was a remarkable improvement with tetracyclines.