title: Ionizing radiation-induced pemphigus. Case presentations and literature review.
abstract: Reports of pemphigus following ionizing radiation exposure are rare. We report two cases and review the literature regarding this association. Characteristics common to these cases include a prodromal persistent nonspecific dermatitic eruption that is often interpreted as radiation dermatitis, and latency of variable duration before the onset of a vesiculobullous eruption that begins at the portal of irradiation. Direct immunofluorescence is positive for intercellular IgG, while indirect immunofluorescence is commonly positive only at low titers; HLA correlations have not been studied. Documentation of clinical course and laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis, including hematoxylin-eosin, direct and indirect immunofluorescence, and HLA determinations (if available), should be recorded to enable further clarification of this entity.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Low
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Keeling
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology