Oral manifestations and early diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris: a case report

Abstract

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease that affects the epithelial tissue of affected individuals. Oral manifestations are often the first signs observed of the disease. We aimed to present a clinical case of pemphigus vulgaris in a 39-year-old patient seen at a reference hospital service in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The patient complained of painful lesions in the oral cavity for about 1 month, with rapid progression. Upon intraoral clinical examination, the Nikolsky test was performed, with a positive result. An incisional biopsy was then performed, confirming the clinical diagnosis of PV. The patient received multiprofessional treatment and was medicated to control the disease, with significant improvement in the clinical picture. The early diagnosis of the disease by the professional is important, followed by a multiprofessional approach for a correct diagnosis of the pathology, enabling remission of the symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients.