Refractory pemphigus foliaceous treated with rituximab

BMJ Case Rep. 2019 May 29;12(5):e229026. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-229026.

Abstract

Autoimmune blistering diseases are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions. Pemphigus foliaceus is one of these conditions, characterised by superficial erosions of the skin without mucosal involvement. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman who presented with a 4-week history of rash affecting her scalp with associated hair loss. Clinical and histopathological findings were in keeping with pemphigus foliaceus. She was successfully treated with rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, leading to a transient depletion of B cells. After 5 months of follow-up, her rash had cleared, and her hair had completely regrown.

Keywords: dermatology; pathology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Middle Aged
  • Pemphigus / blood
  • Pemphigus / diagnosis*
  • Pemphigus / drug therapy
  • Rituximab / administration & dosage
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*
  • Scalp*

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab