Paraneoplastic pembigus: clinical and diagnostic features

Abstract

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is an autoimmune dermatosis following against the background of neoplasia. It can occur before cancer is diagnosed, during or shortly after treatment, and even during remission of the underlying disease. Typically, paraneoplastic pemphigus only refers to the deposition of IgG. The article is devoted to paraneoplastic IgA/IgG pemphigus, which is one of the rare forms of paraneoplastic pemphigus in which deposition of IgA together with IgG is observed. We have described a clinical case of a patient who developed various rashes during the period of remission of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Diagnosis of paraneoplastic IgA/IgG pemphigus based on clinical and anamnestic data, the results of a diagnostic skin biopsy, immunofluorescence test, consultation with a hematologist and lab tests. Difficulties in diagnosing paraneoplastic pemphigus are due to the polymorphism of rashes and the variety of clinical and laboratory parameters, which may depend on concomitant oncological pathology. A diagnostic search requires an assessment of the clinical picture of the disease, a carefully collected anamnesis, and a complete diagnostic algorithm for patients with bullous dermatoses.