Esophagitis Dissecans Superficialis Associated With Mucosal Pemphigus vulgaris: A Rare and Underrecognized Clinical Presentation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is an uncommon desquamative disorder most frequently associated with chemical, thermal, and medication-related injury or bullous autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris (PV). We report a case of mucosal-dominant PV presenting with progressive oral ulceration and symptomatic EDS in the absence of cutaneous involvement. The diagnosis was confirmed by oral mucosal biopsy demonstrating suprabasal acantholysis and positive serum anti-skin immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, despite nondiagnostic direct immunofluorescence. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids resulted in rapid clinical improvement. This case underscores the importance of considering mucosal-dominant PV in patients with persistent oral ulceration and gastrointestinal symptoms that fail to respond to standard initial therapy.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.99124
Authors: Amani Altaiam, Husam Saffo, Yousef Yahia
Institutions: Primary Health Care, Hamad Medical Corporation
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7115013204