Linear IgA disease presenting as desquamative gingivitis: a pattern poorly recognized in medicine

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Apr;130(4):469-72. doi: 10.1001/archotol.130.4.469.

Abstract

Linear IgA disease is a subepidermal blistering disorder of unknown cause. Along with dermatologic blistering, other manifestations include oral ulceration and desquamative gingivitis. We present a case of linear IgA disease that manifested simply as oropharyngeal ulceration and desquamative gingivitis, resulting in considerable delay in diagnosis and treatment. This article (1) highlights the difficulties of diagnosing linear IgA disease when the predominant presenting features are mucosal and (2) reviews the current literature regarding linear IgA disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology*
  • Basement Membrane / immunology
  • Basement Membrane / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Gingiva / pathology
  • Gingivitis / immunology
  • Gingivitis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Mucosa / immunology
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Oral Ulcer / immunology
  • Oral Ulcer / pathology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A