A case of cicatricial pemphigoid with circulating IgA and IgG antibodies directed against 280 kD, 165 kD and 120-130 kD epidermal antigens

Abstract

A case of subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease in an 86-year-old woman is reported. Clinical features were those of a cicatricial pemphigoid, with prominent mucosal involvement leading to conjunctival and nasal scarring. Direct immunofluorescence findings were consistent with either cicatricial pemphigoid or linear IgA dermatosis, since both IgG and IgA linear deposits were found at the basal membrane zone. Immunoelectron microscopy of perilesional skin revealed IgA deposits within the lamina lucida and immunoblotting of the patient's serum disclosed IgA and IgG antibodies directed against epidermal antigens of 280, 165 and 120-130 kD.