Background: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering skin disorder characterized by the presence of suprabasal acantholysis and autoantibodies against desmoglein 3. There are two different clinical forms: mucocutaneous (MCPV) or mucosal (MPV). However, it is not clear how PV lesions in oral, ear, nose and throat (OENT) areas produced by the very dynamic of the anatomical structures involved in the functions of the aerodigestive tract.
Objectives: To investigate the pattern of OENT manifestations in PV, and their relationship with physiological traumatic mechanisms in stratified squamous epithelium structures.
Patients: A prospective analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with MCPV (22 patients) or MPV (18 patients) was carried out in the University Clinic of Navarra. OENT manifestations were evaluated in all patients endoscopically. OENT involvement was divided into anatomical areas.
Results: The most frequent symptom was pain, mainly on oral mucosa (87,5%). Buccal mucosa (90%), posterior wall of pharynx (67.5%), upper edge of epiglottis (85%) and nasal vestibule (70%) were the areas most frequently affected in the OENT mucosa. These localizations were related to physiological traumatic mechanisms in polystratified squamous epithelium structures.
Conclusions: OENT endoscopy should be included in the examination of all PV patients. To know the most frequent localizations of active lesions on OENT mucosa in PV will help us to interpreter more efficiently the findings from OENT endoscopy. Also, information related to traumatic physiological mechanisms on OENT areas must be offered to patients in order to avoid the appearance of new active PV lesions.
