Linear IgA bullous dermatosis of childhood: Retrospective single-center cohort

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder impacting children and adults. In this single-center retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with LABD at a large tertiary referral center, we report the unifying and unique clinical features of 10 pediatric patients. Patients typically presented with the "cluster of jewels" sign (n = 6; 60%), mucous membrane involvement (n = 5; 50%) and had a mean disease duration of 38 months; six patients (60%) required inpatient admission for management of their skin disease, including all five patients who had mucous membrane involvement. Our findings suggest that pediatric LABD may be a disease with high morbidity and may be associated with severe complications when mucous membranes are involved.

IgA autoantibody may be the foremost pathogenic in three cases of linear IgA/IgG bullous dermatosis

Linear IgA/IgG bullous dermatosis (LAGBD) is a relatively rare autoimmune bullous disease characterized by both IgA and IgG antibodies to basement membrane zone. The heterogeneity and pathogenesis of antibodies and the relationship between IgA and IgG in LAGBD have not been fully elucidated. We observed clinical, histological and immunological features of three LAGBD cases at different time points in the disease course. In our cohort, two cases showed IgA antibodies to epidermal antigens vanished when their lesions cleared after 3 months of treatment. One refractory case showed increasing antigens targeted by IgA antibodies with the progression of the disease. Collectively, the results suggest that IgA antibodies may play a major role in LAGBD. In addition, epitope spreading may be related to disease relapse and treatment refractory.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis in the setting of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

We report an 80-year-old male developing linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LAD) in the setting of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). This phenomenon is rare, as only three cases have been described in the literature. The pathophysiologic process can be attributed to dysregulation in somatic hypermutation and the expression of chemokine receptor 5 in AITL, contributing to increased IgA. Immunoglobulin production resulting from clonal plasma cell expansion may be because of the B-cell promotional effect by neoplastic follicular helper T-cells. Beyond providing a pathophysiologic platform for AITL-associated LAD, we also briefly summarized prior cases. This report demonstrates the importance of considering LAD in the differential diagnosis for patients with a bullous eruption in the setting of AITL.

Localized Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis and a Recurrent Cicatricial Ectropion of the Eyelid: A Case Report of a Sixteen-Year Follow-up

Cicatrizing ectropion of the eyelid is an uncommon condition, possibly resulting in significant ocular morbidity. A potential cause can be a systemic disease, including autoimmune blistering disease (ABD). We herein report a case with a sixteen-year follow-up of a patient with a chronic cicatrizing unilateral ectropion caused by linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD). LABD is an ABD, characterized by the accumulation of IgA anti-basement membrane autoantibodies. It has a varied presentation; however, localized or ophthalmic manifestations have been infrequently described. The case demonstrates the benefits of immunohistochemistry in obtaining the correct diagnosis, and difficulties in the medical and surgical management of a recurrent cicatricial ectropion caused by chronic systemic disease.

Eosinophil-rich linear IgA bullous dermatosis induced by mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine

We present a case of eosinophil-rich linear IgA bullous disease (LABD) following the administration of a messenger RNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. A 66-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 3-week history of a pruritic blistering rash characterized by fluid-filled bullae and multiple annular and polycyclic plaques. He was initially diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid based on a biopsy showing a subepidermal blister with numerous eosinophils. However, direct immunofluorescence studies showed linear IgA and IgM deposition along the basement membrane zone with no immunoreactivity for C3 or IgG. Additionally, indirect immunofluorescence was positive for IgA basement membrane zone antibody. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with LABD and initiated on dapsone therapy with resolution of his lesions at 3-month follow-up. This case illustrates the growing number of autoimmune blistering adverse cutaneous reactions from vaccination. Dermatopathologists should be aware that features of autoimmune blistering diseases can overlap and may not be distinguishable based on these histopathological findings alone. Confirmation with direct immunofluorescence and/or serological studies may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Histopathology of autoimmune bullous dermatoses: What's new?

Autoimmune bullous dermatoses are characterized by the presence of tissue-bound and often circulating pathogenic autoantibodies targeting structural components of the skin and/or mucous membranes. The diagnostic workup for this heterogeneous group of disorders consists of a multi-step process, of which the light microscopic examination is a crucial component. This review is organized following a classification scheme that is based on two main histopathologic features, namely level of intraepithelial split and composition of the inflammatory infiltrate. Overall, we aim to place emphasis on the histopathologic clues that can assist pathologists in differential diagnosis and review the updates in the literature.

Linear IgA/IgG bullous dermatosis successfully treated with omalizumab: A case report

Linear IgA/IgG bullous dermatosis (LAGBD) is a rare, autoimmune blistering skin disease. We report a case of LAGBD in a 70-year-old woman. All common treatments were discontinued due to side effects or lack of treatment response. The patient was successfully treated with omalizumab which cleared her lesions after three months.

Linear IGA bullous dermatosis potentially triggered by vaccination

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a mucocutaneous autoimmune blistering disease affecting both adults and children. It is caused by IgA antibodies targeting multiple antigens along the basement membrane zone, leading to disruption of dermoepidermal junction and development of bullous lesions which often presents in characteristic arrangement. Although most LABD cases have been reported to be idiopathic, different triggers have been described, including several drugs and infection. However, the occurrence of vaccine-induced cases of LABD is not widely known and accepted due to the few reports available. We present two cases of LABD occurred following different triggers, rising the suspicion for a possible pathogenetic role of vaccines.

NUTRITION AND BULLOUS DISEASES

Although relatively uncommon, autoimmune bullous diseases carry the risk of increased mortality and can significantly impact quality of life. This group of diseases is broad and encompasses subepidermal conditions like bullous pemphigoid, cicatricial pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, dermatitis herpetiformis, and linear IgA bullous dermatosis, as well as intraepidermal conditions like pemphigus and its variants. The pathophysiology of each condition is incompletely understood but broadly involves the formation of autoantibodies targeting skin adhesion proteins, a process which relies on a complex interplay between a dysregulated immune system, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. We review the impact of nutrition on pathogenesis, clinical course, and treatment of various autoimmune bullous diseases.

Updates in the Diagnosis and Management of Linear IgA Disease: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Linear IgA disease (LAD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease with linear IgA deposits along the basement membrane zone. Direct immunofluorescence remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but other diagnostic measures reported in recent literature have proven useful in the setting of inconclusive preliminary results. Dapsone is a commonly used treatment, but many therapeutic agents have emerged in recent years. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of updates on the diagnosis and management of LAD. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted from May to June of 2021 for articles published in the last 5 years that were related to the diagnosis and management of LAD. Results: False-negative results in cases of drug-induced LAD and the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies on immunofluorescence studies were reported. Serration pattern analysis has been reported to be useful in distinguishing LAD from sublamina densa-type LAD. Rituximab, omalizumab, etanercept, IVIg, sulfonamides, topical corticosteroids, and others have been used successfully in adult and pediatric patients with varying disease severity. Topical corticosteroids were preferred for pediatric patients while rituximab and IVIg were used in adults with recalcitrant LAD. Sulfonamides were utilized in places without access to dapsone. Conclusion: In cases where preliminary biopsy results are negative and clinical suspicion is high, repeat biopsy and additional diagnostic studies should be used. Patient factors such as age, medical comorbidities, and disease severity play a role in therapeutic selection.

Subepithelial autoimmune bullous dermatoses disease activity assessment and therapy

Subepidermal (subepithelial) autoimmune blistering dermatoses are a group of rare skin disorders characterized by the disruption of the dermal-epidermal junction through the action of autoantibodies. The fourth article in this continuing medical education series presents the current validated disease activity scoring systems, serologic parameters, treatments, and clinical trials for bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, bullous systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-p200 pemphigoid, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, and dermatitis herpetiformis.

Subepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses: Clinical features and diagnosis

Subepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses are a group of rare skin disorders that are characterized by the disruption of the dermal-epidermal junction through the action of autoantibodies. The third article in this continuing medical education series explores the background, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnostic criteria of each of the major subepithelial autoimmune blistering dermatoses, including bullous pemphigoid, pemphigoid gestationis, lichen planus pemphigoides, mucous membrane pemphigoid, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, and dermatitis herpetiformis.

Successful treatment of a case of idiopathic linear IgA bullous dermatosis with oral sulfasalazine

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare acquired autoimmune chronic vesiculobullous dermatosis affecting primarily young children and older adults. We report a 17-year-old Chinese boy with a 2-month history of intense itching erythema or tense vesicles on healthy skin or on an erythematous base, with parts of lesions arising a characteristic "cluster of jewels" pattern. With the characteristics of vesicles or blisters on the skin, subepidermal blisters with neutrophilic infiltrate on histology, and linear IgA deposits on the basement membrane zone and absence of other immunoglobulins on direct immunofluorescence, LABD was dignosized. Sulfapyridine has also been reported as one of the best options of systemic therapy for LABD. Our patient successfully treated with only oral sulfasalazine (alternative medicine of sulfasalazine), which is safe and effective.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis associated with ulcerative colitis: A case report and literature review

We report the case of a 59-year-old Japanese woman who developed linear IgA bullous dermatosis during treatment for ulcerative colitis that manifested as pruritic vesicles with erythema on the trunk and scalp. Histopathological examination revealed subepidermal bulla with neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration in the upper dermis. Direct immunofluorescence revealed linear IgA deposits at the basement membrane zone, and indirect immunofluorescence using split skin revealed IgA reaction to the epidermal side (lamina lucida type). We reviewed 33 reported cases of linear IgA bullous dermatosis associated with ulcerative colitis and found that ulcerative colitis preceded the onset of linear IgA bullous dermatosis in 94% of the patients and that IgA-positive patients in split skin indirect immunofluorescence all showed the lamina lucida type, indicating that target antigens for serum IgA antibodies may reside in the lamina lucida. Regarding the pathogenetic association of ulcerative colitis and linear IgA bullous dermatosis, intestinal inflammation may induce the exposure and presentation of intestinal antigens that are cross-reactive to cutaneous antigens, stimulating autoimmune response to antigens of cutaneous basement membrane zones.

Vancomycin-induced linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD)-an atypical presentation

We report an uncommon presentation of bullous dermatosis by linear IgA. There are few cases reported in the literature with this form of presentation starting with mucosal lesions and then evolving into a similar bullous pemphigoid pattern. In addition, we emphasize the importance of direct immunofluorescence for the definitive diagnosis.

Drug-induced linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis: A French retrospective pharmacovigilance study of 69 cases

AIMS

Linear immunoglobin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis is a rare autoimmune dermatosis considered spontaneous or drug-induced (DILAD). We assessed all DILAD cases, determined the imputability score of drugs and highlighted suspected drugs.

METHODS

Data for patients with DILAD were collected retrospectively from the French Pharmacovigilance network (from 1985 to 2017) and from physicians involved in the Bullous Diseases French Study Group and the French Investigators for Skin Adverse Reactions to Drugs. Drug causality was systematically determined by the French imputability method.

RESULTS

Of the 69 patients, 42% had mucous membrane involvement, 20% lesions mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), 21% eosinophil infiltrates and 10% keratinocytes necrosis. Direct immunofluorescence, in 80%, showed isolated linear IgA deposits. Vancomycin (VCM) was suspected in 39 cases (57%), 11 had TEN-like lesions, as compared with three without VCM suspected. Among the 33 patients with a single suspected drug, 85% had an intrinsic imputability score of I4. Among them, enoxaparin, minocycline and vibramycin were previously unpublished. For all patients, the suspect drug was withdrawn; 15 did not receive any treatment. First-line therapy for 31 patients was topical steroids. Among the 60 patients with available follow-up, 52 achieved remission, 10 without treatment. Four patients experienced relapse, four died and five had positive accidental rechallenges.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no major clinical difference between DILAD and idiopathic linear IgA bullous dermatosis, but the former features a higher prevalence of patients mimicking TEN. VCM, suspected in more than half of the cases, might be responsible for more severe clinical presentations. We report three new putative drugs.

Non-infectious diffuse vesiculobullous rash in a pancreas and renal transplant recipient

Solid organ transplant patients are well established to be at risk of herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus infection and reactivation. We present a case of a 41-year-old woman with a history of pancreas and renal transplant who presented with what appeared to be disseminated herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus induced rash, but who was ultimately diagnosed and treated as linear IgA bullous dermatosis. This case alerts physicians to other non-infectious dermatoses as a cause of vesiculobullous rash in solid organ transplant patients.

Linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis: A case report

We present the case of a sixty five year old woman with two months history of pruritus and hyperpigmented annular lesions on the trunk, buttocks and upper extremities. In addition, she presents vesicles with healthy skin on the basis, in the flexor aspect of wrists. No evidence of mucosal involvement. Histological study showed subepidermal vesicular dermatitis with inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils and eosinophils. Direct immunofluorescence evidenced linear and continuous deposition of immunoglobulin A in basement membrane zone, compatible with linear immunoglobulin A disease.