Pemphigus Vulgaris
Basics
Pemphigus is derived from the Greek word pemphix meaning “bubble” or “blister.” Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is the most common form of pemphigus.
Description
- Rare, potentially fatal autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease due to loss of keratinocyte to keratinocyte adhesion that involves the skin and the mucous membranes
- Flaccid, painful, nonhealing bullae, pustules, or ulcerations that appear spontaneously on the skin and mucosal surfaces, typically begin in the oropharynx, and then may spread to the skin, having a predilection for the scalp, face, chest, axillae, groin, and pressure points
- Patient often presents with erosions and no intact bullae.
- System(s) affected: skin, GI, genitourinary
Epidemiology
Incidence
- Disease of the middle-aged population, typically occurring after the age of 50 years, although some cases have been reported in younger adults and children
- Affects both sexes equally
- 0.1 to 3.2 cases per 100,000 individuals annually worldwide
Prevalence
- Uncommon, affects <200,000 people in the United States
- Seen more frequently in people of Mediterranean decent and Ashkenazi Jew
Etiology and Pathophysiology
- Autoantibodies (IgG) are directed against desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3 adhesion molecules. Dsgs interact with desmosomes, which hold epidermal cells together. The antibodies against Dsg molecules cause intraepidermal blister formation and acantholysis.
- Dsg 3 is predominantly expressed in oral epithelium, whereas both Dsg 1 and Dsg 3 are expressed in the skin.
- Dsg 1 is expressed more intensely in the superficial layer, whereas Dsg 3 is found more abundantly in basal and suprabasal layers.
- Additionally, autoantibodies against Dsg 4, the acetylcholine receptor, and pemphaxin have been identified in patients with PV. The exact pathogenesis of pemphigus has yet to be fully explained and is likely a “multiple hit” process. Autoimmune; stimulus is unknown.
- Inducing factors include physical trauma, such as thermal burns, UV light, and ionizing radiation; neoplasm; emotional stress; drugs; and infections. Most patients lack a recognized inducing factor.
Genetics
Strong association with certain human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), especially HLA-DR4, HLA-DR14, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DQ1, and HLA-DQ3, although the susceptibility gene differs depending on ethnic origin. >95% of patients will test positive for HLA-DR4 and/or HLA-DR6 haplotypes.
Commonly Associated Conditions
- Thymoma
- Myasthenia gravis
- Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a type of pemphigus defined by the fact that the patient has a malignancy at the time the pemphigus is diagnosed.
- Gastric adenocarcinoma
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Citation
Domino, Frank J., et al., editors. "Pemphigus Vulgaris." 5-Minute Clinical Consult, 33rd ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2025. Medicine Central, im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688850/all/Pemphigus_Vulgaris.
Pemphigus Vulgaris. In: Domino FJF, Baldor RAR, Golding JJ, et al, eds. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2025. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688850/all/Pemphigus_Vulgaris. Accessed November 5, 2024.
Pemphigus Vulgaris. (2025). In Domino, F. J., Baldor, R. A., Golding, J., & Stephens, M. B. (Eds.), 5-Minute Clinical Consult (33rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688850/all/Pemphigus_Vulgaris
Pemphigus Vulgaris [Internet]. In: Domino FJF, Baldor RAR, Golding JJ, Stephens MBM, editors. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2025. [cited 2024 November 05]. Available from: https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688850/all/Pemphigus_Vulgaris.
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