Clinical management of bullous pemphigoid-The importance of cytology in diagnosis.

ABSTRACT

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common immune-mediated blistering disorder with predominant skin involvement and occasionally oral manifestations. Vesiculobullous lesions of the oral mucosa present with similar clinical features, and hence arriving at a clinical diagnosis is aided by a valuable chairside investigation, exfoliative cytology. Cytology done in the present case ruled out pemphigus because of the absence of Tzanck cells in the smear. Biopsy and direct immunofluorescence further confirmed the diagnosis of BP. Treatment initiated with systemic steroids and immunomodulators, along with oral topical application of triamcinolone acetonide resulted in complete remission in 2 months. This case report highlights the role of cytology in the diagnosis of vesiculobullous lesions and management protocol for BP patients presenting with simultaneous skin and oral lesions.