Pemphigus vegetans of Hallopeau: immunofluorescent studies

Abstract

Immunofluorescent techniques were used in the study of tissue from a patient with pemphigus vegetans of Hallopeau. The findings were typical of pemphigus, confirming the propriety of classifying this entity as a benign variant of pemphigus, rather than a disease of purely microbial etiology. The question is raised whether other types of vegetating pyodermas actually are separate diseases or represent a spectrum of pemphigus with the clinical appearance dependent on the patient's immunity to his disease. Immunofluorescent studies are proposed as a basis for classification.

A Case of Pyoderma Vegetans Associated with Acne Conglobata

“…Since Hallopeau's first report of pyodermite vegetante, there has been considerable discussion of the differences between PYV and pemphigus vegetans. In 1977, Nelson et al (1) stated that direct and indirect immunofluorescent methods gave different results in patients with PYV and pemphigus vegetans. However, in dermatology textbooks, a controversy exists over delineating the identities of PYV and pemphigus vegetans.…”

Deep pemphigus (pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans and paraneoplastic pemphigus) in dogs, cats and horses: a comprehensive review

“…More than a decade later, Henri Hallopeau reported five patients that exhibited polycyclic eruptions of pustules that rupture and formed “firm pink papillomas”. Together with a similar case also reported by himself 9 years previously, Hallopeau named this variant of PVeg as “pyodermite végétante” in 1889 [ 94 ]. It was not until 1965 that Lever classified Hallopeau’s “pyodermite végétante” as PVeg Hallopeau-type in his book [ 25 ]; this name has been used in the medical literature until today.…”

Two Cases of Hallopeau Type of Pemphigus Vegetans in Two Women in Burkina Faso

“…Diagnostic problems on black skin occur with the bullous lichen, the toxicodermatitis, the dermatophytosis, the pemphigus vulgaris, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and eczema. Complementary examinations, especially histology and direct immunofluorescence on surrounding skin through IgG or even C3 make it possible to confirm the strong clinical suspicion [2]. The physiopathology is not well clarified and an association with IEC is described.…”

“…It is also called Hallopeau type by Anglo-Saxons = Acrodermatitis continua suppurativa [1]. This affection termed "pyodermite végétante" was first de-scribed by Hallopeau in Paris at the 1st International Congress of Dermatology and syphiligraphy [2]. PH is a rare form of pemphigus vegetans and it has a better prognosis with 1% to 2% of spontaneous remission [3].…”