RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Pemphigus vulgaris: a multidisciplinary approach to management
JF BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP bcr2013200479
DO 10.1136/bcr-2013-200479
VO 2013
A1 Vinall, Christopher
A1 Stevens, Lucy
A1 McArdle, Paul
YR 2013
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2013/bcr-2013-200479.abstract
AB Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare but potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease affecting the mucosa and the skin. The disease is caused by circulating antibodies to desmosomes (important adhesion proteins linking cells together). Disruption of these intercellular connections results in a loss of cohesion between cells (acantholysis). The clinical result of this process is the development of multiple blisters that easily rupture, leaving behind painful sloughing eroded areas of mucosa and/or skin. We report a case of severe PV in a 56-year-old man presenting with widespread, painful, eroded mucocutaneous lesions. The severity of the disease demanded a range of medical and surgical specialties to successfully manage the problem. This paper highlights the importance of an early multidisciplinary team approach to improve the outcome of patients suffering with this disease.