BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune bullous skin disorder characterized by frequent involvement of the mucous membranes, usually beginning at the mouth. AIMS: To investigate the oesophageal involvement in patients with PV and to explore the primary relationship of the disease with symptoms such as dysphagia, odynophagia and retrosternal burning. METHODS: Oesophageal involvement was investigated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy during the early phase of the attacks in 26 patients with PV (12 men, 14 women, age range 24-63 years). RESULTS: Histopathological examination and direct immunofluorescence of the oesophageal biopsy specimens revealed pemphigus involvement in 12 of 26 patients (46.15%). CONCLUSION: The oesophagus is an important predilection zone for PV, thus care must be taken to detect these lesions at an early stage.
BACKGROUND:Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune bullous skin disorder characterized by frequent involvement of the mucous membranes, usually beginning at the mouth. AIMS: To investigate the oesophageal involvement in patients with PV and to explore the primary relationship of the disease with symptoms such as dysphagia, odynophagia and retrosternal burning. METHODS: Oesophageal involvement was investigated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy during the early phase of the attacks in 26 patients with PV (12 men, 14 women, age range 24-63 years). RESULTS: Histopathological examination and direct immunofluorescence of the oesophageal biopsy specimens revealed pemphigus involvement in 12 of 26 patients (46.15%). CONCLUSION: The oesophagus is an important predilection zone for PV, thus care must be taken to detect these lesions at an early stage.