title: In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy for non-invasive diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a modern non-invasive method for investigation of the skin that allows real-time visualization of individual cells and sub-cellular structures at resolution similar to the one provided by routine histopathology. Our aim was to investigate the potential of CLSM for non-invasive diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus (PF).
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre-existing and mechanically induced lesions in two cases of PF were examined by means of CLSM, parallel to routine histology, direct immunofluorescence microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay performed in the same patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The morphological features characteristic for PF, namely an intraepidermal blister with acantholytic cells in the blister cavity, were readily detectable by means of CLSM. The findings were consistent in both patients and across the investigated lesions. The confocal images were consistent with the routine histology of the pre-existing lesions. No differences in the confocal images of pre-existing lesions compared with mechanically induced ones were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest the potential of CLSM as a non-invasive tool for the diagnosis of pemphigus and differentiation of its subtype. Although at present the method cannot replace the current diagnostic standards for pemphigus, it may be successfully used as in vivo non-invasive screening tool to facilitate the diagnosis and point to the need for further investigation of the patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. irena.angelova-fischer@uk-sh.de
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Angelova-Fischer
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pfeuti
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zillikens
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rose
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D046169:Dermoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000473:pathology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity