All that glitters is not pemphigus: Pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans misdiagnosed as IgA pemphigus for 8 years

Abstract

Pyodermatitis-pyostomatitis vegetans is a rare mucocutaneous dermatosis often associated with gastrointestinal disorders, especially with inflammatory bowel disease. It is clinically characterized by erythematous lesions with multiple pustules and erosions affecting the mucosal surfaces. Cutaneous lesions are characterized by exudative and vegetating plaques affecting frequently the axillae and groins. The clinical diagnosis is supported by histologic findings, whereas immunofluorescence studies are useful to rule out other entities such as pemphigus3. Herein we report the case of a young man who was misdiagnosed as having IgA pemphigus for 8 years due to positive immunofluorescence findings. The clue for the final diagnosis was the diagnosis of a concomitant ulcerative colitis, which prompted us to reconsider his cutaneous disease.