Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Immunopathological Diagnosis of Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid (MMP)

Abstract

Pejcic A, Zivkovic V, Pesic Z, Obradovic R, Awan K, Dencic T, Minic I, Mirkovic D and Zarev M

Background: Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a serious, autoimmune, blistering disorder which primarily involves the mucous membranes and that can result in blindness and other complications as a result of scarring of mucous membranes. The oral cavity and the eye are most frequently involved. Since extension of the lesion into pharynx causes dysphagia and progressive ocular lesions may cause blindness, early and valid diagnosis is very important. Diagnosis of MMP is a problem because patients afflicted are elderly, the disease is chronic, and is often in an advanced stage when the diagnosis is established and requires aggressive therapy for control. Oral and dental care is important in all phases of the diagnosis and treatment of the patient with mucous membrane pemphigoid. Early recognition and diagnosis are important for early treatment, improving survival and for limiting the complications of therapy. Methods: Here we present a case of mucous membrane pemphigoid with onset at age 49 in patient who manifested severe periodontal disease and showed the lesion only on the mucous membrane of the gingiva. We describe how we made a differential diagnosis from other diseases which also accompany similar lesions. Results: We examined the clinical manifestations, blood test results, histopathologic findings of the affected tissue, and immunological findings in relation to autoimmunity. Conclusion: We believe that the diagnostic strategy described in the present study will be quite informative for making rapid and definite diagnoses of similar cases.