Acantholytic epidermolysis bullosa.
BACKGROUND
We describe a new variant of inherited epidermolysis bullosa and elucidate the clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural features of this condition.


METHODS
This form of epidermolysis bullosa displays an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, is characterized by acral bullae, and histologically demonstrates suprabasal clefting with acantholysis. Ultrastructural findings are nonspecific but reminiscent of those observed in benign familial pemphigus.


CONCLUSIONS
Acantholytic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare but distinct clinicopathologic entity that warrants inclusion in the nosologic classification of epidermolysis bullosa.
Hoffman
M D
MD
Department of Dermatology, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Ill, USA.
Fleming
M G
MG
Pearson
R W
RW
D000051:Acantholysis / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D001768:Blister / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004820:Epidermolysis Bullosa / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D005799:Genes, Dominant; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure