Whole-Exome Sequencing Reveals the Genomic Profile and IL6ST Variants as a Prognostic Biomarker of Paraneoplastic Pemphigus-Associated Unicentric Castleman Disease

Unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a major complication associated with poor UCD prognosis. However, the genomic profiles and prognostic biomarkers of PNP-associated UCD remain unclear. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing analysis for 28 matched tumor-normal pairs and 9 tumor-only samples to define the genomic landscape of Chinese patients with PNP-associated UCD. An integrative analysis was performed to identify somatic variants, the mutational signatures, and key pathways in tumors. Besides, we analyzed the relationship among mutated genes, clinical characteristics, and prognosis. Sixty-one somatic mutant genes were identified in >1 patient with PNP-associated UCD. Specifically, IL6ST and PDGFRB were the most frequently mutated genes (32%), followed by DPP6 (18%) and MUC4 (18%). Signaling molecules and interactions, cellular processes, and signal transduction pathways were enriched. Furthermore, we found that poor overall survival was related to IL6ST variants (P = .02). Finally, we classified PNP-associated UCD into 4 genomic subgroups: IL6ST, PDGFRB, IL6ST-PDGFRB, and an unknown subgroup. In summary, we defined the molecular profile of PNP-associated UCD and identified a potential molecular biomarker for predicting prognosis, which may provide therapeutic targets for treating this severe disorder.

[Lichenoid drug eruption with unfavorable evolution. Difficulties in diagnosis]

We report the case of a woman who started with a lichenoid eruption, unfavorable evolution, for which a drug reaction was suspected. The final diagnosis was paraneoplastic pemphigus. Multidisciplinary care and evaluation by an Allergist is important in patients with severe skin reactions, suspected of drug reactions, due to the difficulty in establishing the diagnosis.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus and Castleman's disease: a case report and a revision of the literature

BACKGROUND

In literature, a few reports described an association between paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) and Castelman's disease (CD), but no consensus have been proposed for the diagnostic-therapeutical approach. Aim of this study is to present a case report and explore the relationship between PNP and CD in pediatric patients, focusing on clinical manifestations, histopathological findings, treatment and outcome to find elements for an early diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the clinical case of a 13 years old girl with a challenging diagnosis of PNP and CD who underwent therapy at first with Rituximab and then with Siltuximab, for the control of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Reviewing literature, 20 clinical cases have been described in the pediatric age. Diagnosis may be challenging, requiring an average of 3 months (range from 3 weeks to 2 years). In all cases, the initial manifestations were mucocutaneous lesions, especially oral lesions with poor response to conventional treatment. Systemic symptoms may be present as well. Therapeutical approach is still discussed with no consensus. Almost all patients received corticosteroids with poor response. Other drugs including azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporine and monoclonal antibodies have been evaluated for the control of the disease. Further studies and experimental trials urge to define the diagnostic criteria and therapy protocol.

副肿瘤性天疱疮合并实体肿瘤的危重症患者术后远期结局的影响因素

OBJECTIVE

Critically ill patients with solid tumors complicated with paraneoplastic pemphigus are usually treated in intensive care units (ICU) for perioperative management after surgical treatment. In this study, the clinical characteristics and predictors of long-term prognosis of these critically ill patients were analyzed.

METHODS

the clinical and laboratory data of 63 patients with solid tumors complicated with paraneoplastic pemphigus admitted to ICU from 2005 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and the survival status of the patients were followed up.

RESULTS

Among the 63 patients, 79.4% had Castleman disease as the primary tumor, and 20.6% with other pathological types; 69.8% had severe-extensive skin lesions, and 30.2% had other skin lesions; the patients with bronchiolitis obliterans accounted for 44.4%, and 55.6% were not merged. Postoperative fungal infection occurred in 23.8% of the patients, and 76.2% without fungal infection. The median follow-up time was 95 months, and 25 patients died during the study period. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 74.6% (95%CI 63.8%-85.4%), 67.4% (95%CI 55.6%-79.2%) and 55.1% (95%CI 47.9%-62.3%), respectively. The log-rank univariate analysis showed that the patients had age>40 years (P=0.042), preoperative weight loss>5 kg (P=0.002), preoperative albumin < 30 g/L (P < 0.001), paraneoplastic pemphigus complicated with bronchiolitis obliterans (P=0.002), and perioperative fungal infection (P < 0.001) had increased mortality. Cox univariate analysis showed that preoperative weight loss >5 kg (P=0.005), preoperative albumin < 30 g/L (P < 0.001), paraneoplastic pemphigus complicated with bronchiolitis obliterans (P=0.009), preoperative bacterial pulmonary infection (P=0.007), prolonged surgical time (P=0.048), postoperative oxygenation index (P=0.012) and low albumin (P=0.010) and hemoglobin concentration (P=0.035) in ICU, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE Ⅱ) score (P=0.001); sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (P=0.010), and postoperative fungal infection (P < 0.001) were risk factors for long-term survival. Cox regression model for multivariate analysis showed that preoperative weight loss > 5 kg (HR 4.44; 95%CI 1.47-13.38; P=0.008), and preoperative albumin < 30 g/L (HR 4.38; 95%CI 1.72-11.12; P=0.002), bronchiolitis obliterans (HR 2.69; 95%CI 1.12-6.50; P=0.027), and postoperative fungal infection (HR 4.85; 95%CI 2.01-11.72; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSION

The 5-year survival rate of critically ill patients undergoing surgery for paraneoplastic pemphigus combined with solid tumors is approximately 55.1%, with preoperative weight loss > 5 kg, albumin < 30 g/L, bronchiolitis obliterans and postoperative fungal infection were associated with an increased risk of near- and long-term postoperative mortality.

Successful treatment of paraneoplastic pemphigus and bronchiolitis obliterans associated with follicular lymphoma with obinutuzumab and bendamustine

We herein report the rare case of a 72-year-old female who presented with paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) and bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) associated with follicular lymphoma (FL), who was successfully treated with obinutuzumab (GA101; G) and bendamustine (B). The patient had severe erosive stomatitis and bilateral conjunctival hyperemia that persisted for more than 6 months. A huge mass was found in the abdominal cavity, and a biopsy revealed grade 1 FL (stage IV). Based on a lip biopsy result, the patient was diagnosed with PNP associated FL. The patient received bendamustine and obinutuzumab (BG) chemotherapy and FL and PNP responded very well, but BO was additionally associated during the course of BG. BO progressed without exacerbation as BG therapy progressed to a 2 year maintenance therapy with G, and combination of azithromycin, inhaled bronchodilator therapy, and corticosteroid. She was followed up at the outpatient department with no pulmonary function decline or FL and PNP recurrence. Our case suggests that BG could be a promising treatment option for PNP and BO.

A Case of Paraneoplastic Pemphigus as a Preceding Manifestation of Underlying Follicular Lymphoma Treated with R-CHOP

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a rare, life-threatening disorder associated with an underlying neoplasm, which presents with painful stomatitis and polymorphous skin lesions. Successful diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus can lead to the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying malignancy. However, involvement of the respiratory system is typically unresponsive to treatment. Herein, we report the case of a 44-year-old female diagnosed with paraneoplastic pemphigus with underlying follicular lymphoma treated with a chemotherapy regimen including rituximab. Her skin lesions and underlying lymphoma responded to treatment, but bronchiolitis obliterans continued to progress and resulted in fatal respiratory failure.

Radiotherapy-Associated Paraneoplastic Pemphigus and Its Complications in a Patient with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Paraneoplastic pemphigus arising in association with non-haematological cancers is extremely rare, and there are no reported cases of a patient developing this in the setting of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and only 2 reported cases of patients developing this in response to radiotherapy. Here, we present the case of a patient who developed radiotherapy-associated paraneoplastic pemphigus in the setting of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and who then developed multiple complications.

LEARNING POINTS

Paraneoplastic pemphigus has a remarkably similar clinical picture to other dermatologic diseases (for example, pemphigus vulgaris), and therefore, it is easy to miss the diagnosis.Patients with oral and mucocutaneous lesions refractory to conventional therapy should be worked up for underlying occult malignancy.Our case highlights that prompt diagnosis and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy alongside effective management of complications can ensure recovery and survival.

Predominant Stroma-Rich Feature in Hyaline Vascular Variant of Castleman Disease Is Associated With Paraneoplastic Pemphigus

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to describe the clinical and histopathologic features of Castleman disease (CD), particularly emphasizing its associations with paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) and prognosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 123 CD patients at our center. Clinical, pathologic, and laboratory data were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fifty percent of the patients had PNP. Compared with those without PNP, patients with PNP-associated CD had more hyaline vascular (HV) variants (83.9% vs 57.4%), fewer mixed cellular variants (16.1% vs 24.6%), and no plasmacytic variants (0% vs 18.0%). Thirty-eight of 87 patients with the HV variant of CD (HV-CD) had stroma-rich (SR) features, and the incidence rate was higher in those with PNP-associated CD than in those without PNP (48.4% vs 13.1%, P < .001). The SR variant was associated with higher PNP-associated IgG titers than SR absence before surgery (median 1:160 vs 1:80, P = .019) or after surgery (median 1:160 vs 1:40, P = .013). The SR variant was also an unfavorable prognostic factor for CD survival in univariate analysis. The 3-year survival rates were 47.5% among those with PNP and 87.7% among those without PNP (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

PNP is associated with specific subtypes of CD and affects survival. The SR variant of HV-CD positively correlates with the incidence of PNP.

Intra-abdominal inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma associated with paraneoplastic pemphigus: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUD

Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcomas are rare neoplasms that occur predominantly in the lymph nodes. They can also occur extranodally. Extranodal FDC sarcomas most commonly present as solitary masses. Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT)-like FDC sarcomas, a subcategory of FDC sarcomas, are rarer than other sarcoma subtypes. They are composed of spindle or ovoid neoplastic cells and exhibit an admixture of plasma cells and prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), also known as paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome, is a rare autoimmune bullous disease that is associated with underlying neoplasms. PNP has a high mortality, and its early diagnosis is usually difficult.

CASE SUMMARY

We describe a 27-year-old woman who presented with stomatitis, conjunctivitis, and skin blisters and erosions as her first symptoms of PNP with an intra-abdominal IPT-like FDC sarcoma. The patient underwent surgical tumor resection and received tapering oral corticosteroid treatment. She showed no recurrence at the 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

IPT-like FDC sarcomas are rare underlying neoplasms that have an uncommon association with PNP. PNP-associated FDC sarcomas predominantly occur in intra-abdominal sites and suggest a poor prognosis. Surgical resection is an essential and effective treatment for PNP and primary and recurrent FDC sarcomas.

Detection of autoantibodies against alpha-2-macroglobulin-like 1 in paraneoplastic pemphigus sera utilizing novel green fluorescent protein-based immunoassays

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a devastating autoimmune multiorgan syndrome associated with autoantibodies against several autoantigens, including the alpha-2-macroglobulin-like-1 (A2ML1). A2ML1 is recognized by up to 70 % of PNP sera. The currently recommended techniques for serological diagnosis of PNP are inadequate to detect anti-A2ML1 antibodies.

OBJECTIVES

To develop novel assays which allow to easily and reliably detect anti-A2ML1 autoantibodies in PNP sera.

METHODS

We produced full-length A2ML1 in fusion with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP-A2ML1) in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 T cells. The recombinant protein was used as fluorescent ligand for immunoprecipitation studies. We further developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by immobilizing EGFP-A2ML1 on 96-well plates.

RESULTS

A2ML1-positive PNP sera were able to immunoprecipitate EGFP-A2ML1. Direct measurement of fluorescence in immunoprecipitates correlates with the relative levels of anti-A2ML1 antibodies in the PNP sera. By the novel ELISA, based on the determined best cut-off value, 61 % of the tested 36 PNP sera were A2ML1 positive with a specificity of 88.9 % and a sensitivity of 95 %. The 20 tested normal sera (NHS) were negative, while 2 (10 %) of 20 pemphigus vulgaris and 3 (15 %) of 20 bullous pemphigoid sera showed borderline values.

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel immunoassays enable rapid stratification of PNP patients. The novel green fluorescent protein-based ELISA utilizing an active eukaryotic A2ML1 is highly sensitive and reliable and, hence, is useful for a better understanding of the immunological background of PNP. This approach may be easily applied for the rapid detection of antibodies to various other antigens.

Cutaneous paraneoplastic pemphigus syndrome associated with undifferentiated uterine sarcoma

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This case report identifies a non-classical paraneoplastic pemphigus foliaceous cause by an undifferentiated uterine sarcoma.

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This patient’s paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) was resistant to treatment with azathioprine, dapsone, mupirocin cream, or betamethasone ointment, but stabilized with prednisone and rituximab per lymphoma protocol at 375 mg/m² weekly for one month.

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Dermatological symptom resolution was noted by the patient after surgical resection, with a corresponding drop in anti-Dsg1 IgG from 230u to 32u.

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No PNP cases exist that expressed only anti-Dsg1 IgG like this patient.

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This patient lacked mucosal involvement and anti-Dsg3 IgG, agreeing with literature suggesting their correlation.

Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune intraepidermal blistering diseases caused by immunoglobulins directed against keratinocyte cell surface components. In this case report, we identify a non-classical paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) foliaceous related to an undifferentiated uterine sarcoma.

The patient is a 54-year-old Chinese female with a past medical history of arthritis who presented with worsening fatigue in November 2017 and an itchy, blistering, erythematous annular plaque that first appeared on her chest in February 2018. Given high suspicion for primary immunobullous disease despite negative immunofluorescence and lack of subepidermal split on initial biopsy, a repeat biopsy was performed from the right thigh showing positive intraepidermal “net-like” staining for C3 and IgG, but was negative for IgA, IgM, and fibrinogen. IgG antibodies against desmoglein 1 were elevated at 280u (reference range <18), but none resulted against desmoglein 3, consistent with pemphigus foliaceus. This patient’s PNP was resistant to treatment with azathioprine, dapsone, mupirocin cream, or betamethasone ointment, but responded to prednisone and rituximab per lymphoma protocol at 375 mg/m² weekly for one month in December 2018.

In February 2019, the patient had 2–3 episodes of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding and subsequent hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage revealed an undifferentiated uterine sarcoma. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and bilateral pelvic lymph node sampling. After surgical staging, she noted significant improvement in her baseline skin lesions and has had no new lesions since surgery. Repeat desmoglein antibodies showed anti-Dsg1 antibodies of 32u (reference range <18) and anti-Dsg3 antibodies of 1u (reference range <19), as compared to the anti-Dsg1 antibodies of 280u in June 2018. She has since completed 4 cycles of adjuvant gemcitabine and docetaxel for her stage IIB undifferentiated uterine sarcoma with no recurrence of the pemphigus lesions.

Pemphigus group: overview, epidemiology, mortality, and comorbidities

Pemphigus forms a group of rare autoimmune bullous diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes. This group has a chronic course leading to high morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by the production of pathogenic autoantibodies directed against different proteins of the desmosome, leading histologically to intraepidermal cleavage, and clinically to vesicles and erosions on the epithelium of the mucous membranes and/or the skin. The diagnosis of the subtype of pemphigus is based on clinical features, the level of histologic cleavage, and the identification of the antigens recognized by circulating autoantibodies by immunoserological analyses. The epidemiological features of pemphigus vary considerably in different regions of the world. Observational studies examining comorbidities and associations among patients with pemphigus are scarce and sometimes inconclusive. The prognosis, mortality, and clinical outcomes in pemphigus have undergone dramatic change throughout the years. This review provides a brief overview about the different subtypes of pemphigus: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, paraneoplastic pemphigus, pemphigus herpetiformis, and IgA pemphigus. In addition, it summarizes the most recent understanding of the epidemiology, mortality data, and comorbidities of this group of organ-specific autoimmune diseases.

[Follicular lymphoma accompanied by paraneoplastic pemphigus and bronchiolitis obliterans: a case report]

A 54-year-old female complained of oral erosion. A flaccid blister appeared on the trunk 2 months after the onset. The high titer of the anti-desmoglein 1 antibody in the absence of Nikolsky's sign led to the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. The lymphadenopathy in the mesenteric and para-aortic regions indicated the possibility of paraneoplastic pemphigus. The steroid pulse therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange were ineffective. As CT-guided intraperitoneal lymph node biopsy revealed follicular lymphoma, R-CHOP therapy was performed. Although partial remission was attained accompanied by an improvement in the skin and mucosal findings after four courses of R-CHOP therapy, an occlusive ventilatory disturbance, possibly attributed to bronchiolitis obliterans, appeared 4 months after the treatment initiation. Although the treatment with tacrolimus was attempted, it was not feasible to be continued because of opportunistic infection, and the patient died 9 months after the onset of the skin lesion. Although specific anti-plakin antibodies were negative, this case was diagnosed as paraneoplastic pemphigus due to follicular lymphoma and complicated by obstructive bronchiolitis based on the clinical findings. The accumulation of similar cases is needed to establish effective treatment strategies.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report

Background

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a rare multiorgan disease of autoimmune causes, usually triggered by neoplasias, mainly of lymphoproliferative origin, such as leukemia and lymphoma. This disorder is categorized by the presence of autoantibodies that react against proteins, such as desmoplakins, desmogleins, desmocollins, and others that exist in cellular junctions. Paraneoplastic pemphigus can manifest clinically in a variety of ways, ranging from mucositis to lesions involving the skin and pulmonary changes. The diagnosis depends on the correlation between the clinical and histopathologic evaluations. Currently, the treatment of this disease is still very difficult and ineffective. The prognosis is poor, and the mortality rate is very high.

Case presentation

We report a case of a Caucasian patient who had chronic lymphocytic leukemia and developed paraneoplastic pemphigus with severe impairment of skin and mucosa. The initial diagnostic hypothesis was Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The histopathological examination of the skin biopsy was compatible with paraneoplastic pemphigus, and the definitive diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical-pathological correlation.

Conclusions

With the presence of multiorgan lesions in patients with lymphoproliferative neoplasia, paraneoplastic pemphigus should always be considered among the possible diagnostic hypotheses, because diagnosis and early treatment may allow a better prognosis for the patient.

[Paraneoplastic pemphigus: Retrospective study of a case series]

CONTEXT

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare condition associated with poor prognosis. It associates polymorphic mucocutaneous manifestations with neoplasia. Diagnosis is difficult because of the various clinical and histological features involved and the lack of specificity of immunological examinations.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients presenting with PNP in the Poitou-Charentes region between 2000 and 2015.

RESULTS

Seven patients were included. They presented 9 neoplasias (1 lymphoma, 1 melanoma, and 7 carcinomas) diagnosed from 4 months before to 25 months after the occurrence of cutaneous (6/7) and/or mucosal (6/7) polymorphic lesions. Histological examination revealed epidermal acantholysis (7/7), keratinocytic necrosis (4/7), and interface lichenoid dermatitis (5/7). Intercellular deposits of IgG and C3 or along the dermo-epidermal junction were detected with direct immunofluorescence (IF) (7/7). Four of 6 patients tested had positive indirect IF on rat bladder epithelium. Follow-up ranged from 1-132 months with a one-year survival of 85.7%.

DISCUSSION

The clinical and histopathological presentations observed in our patients were polymorphic, with overlap between the clinical and histological features of PNP and classical pemphigus. Prognosis and survival appear better in our series than in the literature. It is possible that in some cases, the association of pemphigus with neoplasia was fortuitous, which might account for the better prognosis. A new consensus on the diagnostic criteria for PNP is needed to help practitioners to consensually diagnose it for prognostic or therapeutic trials.

Buccal paraneoplastic pemphigus multi-resistant: Case report and review of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a rare autoimmune blistering disease generally associated with malignancy. The clinical presentation consists typically of painful and diffuse erosive stomatitis that may be accompanied by polymorphic skin lesions and systemic involvement. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and confirmed by histology and immunological testing. The current first-line treatment is systemic corticosteroids and adjuvant therapies, including immunosuppressive agents. We report a case of buccal paraneoplastic pemphigus resistant to ibrutinib and rituximab successfully treated with azathioprine and polyclonal immunoglobulins.

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus as a First Manifestation of an Intra-Abdominal Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma: Rare Case and Review of the Literature

Background

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is an extremely rare malignant tumor caused by proliferation of antigen-presenting follicular dendritic cells. The tumor most commonly arises in lymph nodes, with fewer than 30% of cases originating in extranodal sites.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 39-year-old previously healthy male patient who presented with paraneoplastic pemphigus in the setting of a large intraperitoneal mass with no associated lymphadenopathy. The biopsy results showed a cellular proliferation of mildly to moderately atypical oval-to-spindle-shaped cells admixed with a variably dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate suggestive of FDCS versus inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. A pathology review following total resection of the abdominal mass confirmed the diagnosis of FDCS. The tumor cells showed positivity for CD35, CD21, CD45, and CD68, negative ALK staining, and limited smooth muscle actin immunoreactivity. The surgery was complicated by severe pneumonia and acidosis, resulting in a prolonged ICU stay and death.

Conclusion

It is essential to maintain a high index of suspicion for FDCS and include it in the differential diagnosis of a spindle cell neoplasm, especially in the setting of paraneoplastic pemphigus. The histological and immunohistochemical features should be sufficient to confirm the diagnosis of FDCS.

Diagnosis of Castleman Disease

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare and heterogenous group of disorders sharing in common an abnormal lymph node pathology. CD comprises distinct subtypes with different prognoses. Unicentric CD and multicentric CD are featured by specific systemic manifestations and may be associated with Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma, and POEMS syndrome. Multicentric CD is classically associated with systemic symptoms and poorer prognosis. In this article, the authors review how to diagnose the disease, keeping in context the clinical findings, biochemical changes and complications associated with CD.

Achievement of the longest survival of paraneoplastic pemphigus with bronchiolitis obliterans associated with follicular lymphoma using R-CHOP chemotherapy

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare, fatal, paraneoplastic autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease, commonly associated with lymphoproliferative disorders, including malignant lymphomas. Lymphoproliferative disorders associated with PNP are sometimes associated with a serious lung complication, bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). Due to its rarity, guidelines for the management of PNP have not been established. Furthermore, most patients die within 1 year. Here we report the successful treatment of lymphoma-associated PNP and BO using R-CHOP chemotherapy. A 53-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital for severe erosive stomatitis. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography showed multiple lymphadenopathies. He was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma (Ann Arbor stage IVA) and PNP-related BO. The patient underwent six cycles of R-CHOP and an additional cycle of rituximab. Both the erosive stomatitis and the obstructive lung disease persisted, but complete response of the follicular lymphoma was achieved. The patient survived 27 months after diagnosis. Although he died from progressive respiratory failure due to BO, we note that this patient achieved the longest survival of any reported case of PNP-related BO associated with a lymphoproliferative disorder. The present case suggests that intensive immunochemotherapy for underlying lymphoma may improve the prognosis in patients with PNP-related BO associated with lymphoma.

A Case Report of Paraneoplastic Pemphigus Associated With Retroperitoneal Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune bullous disease associated with underlying neoplasms, both malignant and benign. The most constant clinical presentation of PNP is the presence of intractable stomatitis. Herein we present a 25-year-old male with a 3-month history of refractory stomatitis especially involving the lips and widespread vesiculobullous eruption on his trunk and extremities. The diagnosis of PNP was confirmed based on histological and serological results. Investigation for the underlying neoplasm revealed a retroperitoneal tumorous mass which was biopsied and diagnosed as the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). The tumor was surgically excised, and different treatment regimens were used to treat the mucocutaneous lesions. Skin lesions responded favorably to treatment, but oral stomatitis still persists which is the case in most PNP patients. This combination of PNP and IMT has rarely been reported in the literature. Treatment started with corticosteroid and rituximab then tumor excised.

Recurrent corneal melting in the paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with Castleman's disease

Background

The ocular presentation of Castleman’s disease (CD)-associated paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) has rarely been reported. In this report, we describe a young patient with CD-associated PNP who had recurrent corneal ulceration in addition to cicatrizing conjunctivitis.

Case presentation

We describe a case of 23-year-old male with mucocutaneous erosion and conjunctival injection and erosion who was found to have PNP. Pelvic hyaline-vascular CD was detected and completely excised. The mucocutaneous lesions improved postoperatively. Two years after pelvic surgery, the patient gradually developed conjunctival symblepharon in both eyes and pterygium in the right eye. The patient then underwent a successful exclusion of the symblepharon, an excision of the pterygium and an amniotic membrane transplantation in the right eye. However, after 6 months, he experienced an aseptic corneal ulcer and recurrent pterygiumin the right eye. After treatment with systemic and local immunosuppressive medications, the corneal ulcer gradually healed and remained stable.

Conclusion

Corneal ulceration and melting, in addition to conjunctivitis, as a complication of CD-associated PNP, can be successfully managed with systemic and local immunosuppressants.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus as a first sign of metastatic retroperitoneal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: (18)F-FDG PET/CT findings

A 30-year-old female presented with a 3-month history of erosive stomatitis and bullous lesions, along with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain. She was found to have a retroperitoneal lump in left lumbar region. Skin biopsy revealed bullous disorder. CT guided biopsy of the retroperitoneal mass was suggestive of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). She was started on oral steroids and supportive care, and surgery was being planned when she developed respiratory failure. CT chest revealed vertebral metastases. PET/CT for whole body work up revealed a left para-aortic mass along with multiple skeletal metastases. The patient was kept on conservative management. After 3 months, the patient has shown clinical improvement, and an exploratory laparotomy is now being planned for the excision of the tumor, followed by chemotherapy. This case of retroperitoneal IMT is rare in terms of skeletal metastases with paraneoplastic pemphigus.

Pseudopemphigoid as caused by topical drugs and pemphigus disease

Pseudopemphigoid can cause a chronic cicatricial conjunctivitis that is clinically identical to the manifestations seen in mucous membrane pemphigoid, a disorder with a common clinical phenotype and multiple autoimmune links. For the purpose of this review, we will describe pseudopemphigoid as caused by topical drugs, the most common etiology with ocular manifestations, and as caused by the pemphigus disease, a more rare etiology. Specifically, we will discuss the ophthalmological features of drug-induced cicatricial conjunctivitis, pemphigus vulgaris, and paraneoplastic pemphigus. Other etiologies of pseudopemphigoid exist that will not be described in this review including autoimmune or inflammatory conditions such as lichen planus, sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis), erythema multiforme (minor, major, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome), bullous pemphigoid, skin-dominated linear IgA bullous dermatosis, and skin-dominated epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Prompt diagnosis of the underlying etiology in pseudopemphigoid is paramount to the patient’s outcome as certain diseases are associated with a more severe clinical course, increased ocular involvement, and differential response to treatment. A complete history and ocular examination may find early cicatricial changes in the conjunctiva that are important to note and evaluate to avoid progression to more severe disease manifestations. When such cicatricial changes are noted, proper diagnostic techniques are needed to help elucidate a diagnosis. Lastly, collaboration between ophthalmologists and subspecialists such as dermatologists, pathologists, immunologists, and others involved in the care of the patient is needed to ensure optimal management of disease.

Detection of autoantibodies to periplakin and envoplakin in paraneoplastic pemphigus but not idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using full-length recombinant proteins

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) serum preferentially reacts with periplakin and envoplakin, which are plakin family proteins localized to desmosomes and intermediate filaments. Recently, anti-periplakin antibodies were also detected in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Although previous epitope-mapping studies showed multiple epitopes in each protein, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays have used several truncated, but not full-length, recombinant proteins.

METHODS

This study aimed to produce full-length biotinylated recombinant proteins of periplakin and envoplakin for detection of autoantibodies by immunoprecipitation and ELISA. Serum from a PNP patient who had been confirmed as carrying anti-periplakin and anti-envoplakin antibodies in our previous study was used as a positive control. Sera from 15 patients with IPF were analyzed for both antibodies by immunoprecipitation and by ELISA.

RESULTS

The PNP serum reacted strongly with the full-length recombinant proteins in immunoprecipitation and ELISA. Longitudinal serum samples from the PNP patient showed a clear decline of autoantibodies to both periplakin and envoplakin. None of the IPF sera showed both autoantibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the detection of anti-periplakin and anti-envoplakin antibodies using full-length recombinant proteins is useful immunoprecipitation and ELISA.

Pemphigus

Pemphigus vulgaris and paraneoplastic pemphigus are 2 subtypes of pemphigus that involve the oral mucosa. These autoimmune blistering disorders have antibodies targeted against proteins of keratinocyte adhesion, thereby causing acantholysis. Clinical findings include oral erosions and flaccid cutaneous bullae and erosions. Further malignancy workup in patients with suspected paraneoplastic pemphigus is warranted. Retrospective uncontrolled studies suggest that immunosuppressive agents reduce mortality in pemphigus vulgaris and cohort uncontrolled studies of rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20, suggest it is an effective treatment for refractory patients. Ongoing studies will define its role in early disease.