Antidesmocollin 1 autoantibody negative subcorneal pustular dermatosis-type IgA pemphigus associated with multiple myeloma

Case report: Vesiculobullous eruption with an atypical IgA deposition pattern in a patient with multiple myeloma-A case report and literature review

Cutaneous vesiculobullous eruptions associated with multiple myeloma (MM) are rare. Although the development of blisters is mostly driven by amyloid deposits of paraproteins in the skin, autoimmunity may play a role. In this study, we report an unusual case of an MM patient with blisters who presented with both flaccid and tense vesicles and bullae. Direct immunofluorescence revealed IgA autoantibody deposits in the basement membrane zone (BMZ) and intercellular space of the epidermis, which displayed an atypical autoantibody deposition pattern. The patient showed rapid disease progression and died during follow-up. We performed a literature review of autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) associated with MM or its precursors and found 17 previously reported cases. Together with the present case, cutaneous involvement of the skin folds was frequently reported, and mucous membranes were barely affected. IgA pemphigus, with consistent IgA monoclonality, was observed in half of the cases. Five patients displayed atypical autoantibody deposition patterns in the skin; the prognosis of these patients appeared to be poorer than that of other patients. We aim to increase our understanding of AIBDs associated with MM or its precursors.

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis-type IgA pemphigus associated with multiple myeloma: A case report and literature review

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) pemphigus, also known as intercellular IgA dermatosis, is a rare autoimmune bullous disease presenting with IgA anti-keratinocyte cell surface autoantibodies. Concomitant lymphoproliferative disorders have been reported in IgA pemphigus, including IgA monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and IgA type multiple myeloma (MM). A 35-year-old Japanese woman with a 3-year history of pruritic papulovesicles on her lower legs and trunk was referred to our department. Histopathological examination revealed acantholytic blisters, and results of both direct and indirect immunofluorescence were negative. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence were still negative 3 years and 7 months later. Approximately 7 years after her first visit, the patient was re-referred to us because of disease exacerbation. Histopathological findings revealed subcorneal blistering with acantholysis, in which neutrophil-dominant inflammatory cells were present. Indirect immunofluorescence was positive for IgA on the epidermal cell surface and both desmoglein (Dsg) 1/3 and (Dsc) desmocollin 1-3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for IgA were positive. The histological findings and positive Dsc1 IgA ELISA led to the diagnosis of subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD)-type IgA pemphigus. Further examination revealed hyper-IgA globulinemia, increased serum IgA-κ protein, and increased plasma cells in the bone marrow, enabling the diagnosis of IgA type MM. Daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DLd) therapy was effective for both the MM and the skin lesions, resulting in negative results on Dsg1/3 and Dsc1-3 IgA ELISAs. The association between IgA pemphigus and IgA type multiple myeloma remains unclear, and only seven cases including the present case have been reported. Literature review revealed associations between SPD-type and IgA κ chain in IgA pemphigus and MM, and that in most cases the onset or diagnosis of MM was simultaneous or occurred after the diagnosis of IgA pemphigus. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the development of multiple myeloma during the clinical course of patients with SPD-type IgA pemphigus.

Systemic retinoids for treatment of recalcitrant IgA pemphigus

IgA pemphigus is an exceedingly rare autoimmune blistering disorder, caused by IgA autoantibodies against desmosomal proteins. No treatment option has been found to be universally effective. The disease is often recalcitrant to oral steroids and immunosuppressants. Here, we describe the use of systemic retinoids for the treatment of recalcitrant IgA pemphigus in 3 cases. Although the use of acitretin has been reported before, we present for the first time the positive effects of alitretinoin in treatment of 2 patients with IgA pemphigus. Besides hyperlipoproteinaemia requiring use of hypolipidemic agents in one case, alitretinoin was well-tolerated and has generally a more favorable side effect spectrum than immunosuppressants.