title: Long-lasting Localized Pemphigus Vulgaris without Detectable Serum Autoantibodies Against Desmoglein 3 and Desmoglein 1.
abstract: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering disease elicited by anti-desmoglein (DsG) 3 antibody. Although skin lesions tend to be distributed over the entire body, in some patients, they are confined to a restricted area. We report two patients who presented with long-lasting localized PV without detectable anti-DsG antibodies after suffering antibody-positive systemic PV. Initial treatment with prednisolone (PSL) was successful in both patients, but a local relapse occurred on the cheek or lower lip after a reduction in the PSL dose. Biopsy of the localized lesions showed suprabasal acantholysis; no serum DsG antibodies were found. Local immunosuppression therapy was effective in both patients. Based on our findings, we suggest that localized PV without detectable antibodies can develop after systemic PV.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
authors: Asuka
authors: A
authors: Yoshifuku
authors: Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
authors: Kazuyasu
authors: K
authors: Fujii
authors: Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
authors: Hisao
authors: H
authors: Kawahira
authors: Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
authors: Hiromi
authors: H
authors: Katsue
authors: Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
authors: Atsunori
authors: A
authors: Baba
authors: Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
authors: Yuko
authors: Y
authors: Higashi
authors: Department of Dermatology, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan.
authors: Yumi
authors: Y
authors: Aoyama
authors: Department of Dermatology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.
authors: Takuro
authors: T
authors: Kanekura
keywords: Anti-desmoglein 1 and 3 antibodies; direct immunofluorescence test; indirect immunofluorescence test; localized; pemphigus vulgaris