Linear IGA bullous dermatosis potentially triggered by vaccination

Abstract

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a mucocutaneous autoimmune blistering disease affecting both adults and children. It is caused by IgA antibodies targeting multiple antigens along the basement membrane zone, leading to disruption of dermoepidermal junction and development of bullous lesions which often presents in characteristic arrangement. Although most LABD cases have been reported to be idiopathic, different triggers have been described, including several drugs and infection. However, the occurrence of vaccine-induced cases of LABD is not widely known and accepted due to the few reports available. We present two cases of LABD occurred following different triggers, rising the suspicion for a possible pathogenetic role of vaccines.

Keywords: adverse reaction; autoimmune blistering disease; dermatology; linear IgA bullous dermatosis; papillomavirus; vaccines.

Figure 1.

(a–d) Tense bullous lesions, some of which in the typical ‘string-of-pearls’ configuration, in periorificial regions, upper limbs and abdomen. (e) Linear IgA deposition associated with linear C3 deposition along the BMZ of the perilesional skin.

Figure 2.

(a, b) Vesicles and blistering lesions on cheeks, nose and forehead in ‘string-of-pearls’ distributions, with some yellowish crusts. (c) Linear IgA deposition along BMZ at DIF performed on perilesional skin biopsy.