Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report

Abstract

Summary Our case is that of a 67‐year‐old man who presented with a blistering, scarring eruption at sites of trauma. Histologically the blistering was subepidermal. IgG and C3 were present at the basement membrane zone. Electronmicroscopy demonstrated bulla formation to be beneath the basal lamina and that it contained amorphous electron‐dense material. These clinical and investigational findings are consistent with a diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). The patient also had pulmonary tuberculosis which again highlights the association between EBA and diseases in which the immune system is compromised.

Evidence-based guidelines for laboratory screening for infectious diseases before initiation of systemic immunosuppressive agents in patients with autoimmune bullous dermatoses

“…A case of infantile bullous pemphigoid treated with systemic corticosteroids was complicated by tuberculous meningoencephalitis . Fatal cases of pulmonary TB in patients with pemphigus vulgaris and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita have been reported …”

“…64 Fatal cases of pulmonary TB in patients with pemphigus vulgaris 65,66 and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita have been reported. 67 Latent M. tuberculosis infection also was found in a cohort of Asian patients with autoimmune blistering and connective tissue diseases during screening before commencing glucocorticoid therapy. 68…”

Investigation of comorbid autoimmune diseases in women with autoimmune bullous diseases: An interplay of autoimmunity and practical implications

“…47,110 Ulcerative colitis has also been associated with autoantibodies against C7 and EBA, however this association is less frequent than the association with Crohn's disease. 48,111 This might be attributed to the fact that there is a higher incidence of C7 autoimmunity in Crohn's disease. 47…”