Punctate pemphigus: an underreported direct immunofluorescence pattern.

Abstract

Intercellular epidermal deposition of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in a continuous net-like or 'chicken wire' pattern is a well-described and diagnostic finding in direct immunofluorescence (DIF) studies of pemphigus. In our experience, punctate or dot-like intercellular deposition of IgG can also be seen in cases of pemphigus but has received little attention in the literature. We describe a series of DIF specimens showing intercellular deposition of IgG in continuous and/or punctate patterns, which occurred with equal frequency in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. This series highlights the punctate or dot-like pattern of intercellular IgG deposition in DIF studies of pemphigus, reviews potential mechanisms and calls attention to this potentially under-recognized phenomenon.

• Authors: Christine J Ko, Jennifer M McNiff
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous pathology (J Cutan Pathol) Vol. 41 Issue 3 Pg. 293-6 (Mar 2014) ISSN: 1600-0560 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24372009 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• Immunoglobulin G

Topics

• Female
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin G (metabolism)
• Immunohistochemistry (methods)
• Male
• Pemphigus (metabolism, pathology)
• Retrospective Studies