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Case Reports
. 2024 Mar 8;12(3):e8541.
doi: 10.1002/ccr3.8541. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Rituximab-induced psoriasis in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: A case report and literature review

Leila Ghadirzade Arani  1 , Shima Moslemi Haghighi  1 , Soheila Nasiri  1   2 , Sahar Dadkhahfar  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Rituximab-induced psoriasis in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: A case report and literature review

Leila Ghadirzade Arani et al. Clin Case Rep. .

Abstract

Key clinical message: Rituximab which is established as a main treatment for pemphigus vulgaris can be a potential causative factor for development of psoriasis in some patients. It is preferred to avoid using rituximab in patients who had a history of psoriasis. Acquainting medical doctors about rituximab-related cutaneous complications will help them in detection and management.

Abstract: Rituximab is a human/murine monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen on B-lymphocytes surface. Although it is used as promising treatment for pemphigus, nowadays it is also a new therapy for other autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and others like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although there is increasing evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of rituximab in these diseases, many cutaneous adverse effects have been reported. Here, we describe a 48-years-old patient affected with pemphigus vulgaris who developed psoriatic lesions on her on scalp, trunk, and extremities, 4 months after the second course of rituximab.

Keywords: pemphigus; psoriasis; rituximab‐induced psoriasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Multiple scaly erythematous plaques on the abdomen (A, B), extensor surfaces of the lower (C) and upper (D) extremities.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Photo of patient when she had pemphigus vulgaris; multiple erosions on trunk.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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