Oral Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Case Report and Review

important that dentist is able to recognize oral manifestations of PV and treat and refer appropriately. 1 Pemphigus Vulgaris is an immunopathologic dermatologic disease that usually occurs in patients between the ages of 30 and 60. It is characterized by the development of flaccid, easily ruptured intraepithelial bullae on apparently normal skin and mucous membranes. The oral cavity is frequently affected in the course of the disease. Intraoral lesions may appear in as many as 50% of the patients without a simultaneous affection of the skin. Although any part of the oral mucosa may be affected, areas exposed to mechanical irritation are most commonly involved. The lesions tend to occur most frequently on the buccal and palatal mucosa and on the gingiva. The oral lesions begin as blebl ike blisters or as diffuse gelatinous plaques. Rupture of the bullae occurs in an early stage and may be caused by slight rubbing or minimal mucosal trauma. The lesions are usually painful. Untreated generalized Pemphigus Vulgaris may be fatal. Therefore, by recognizing the oral lesions of Pemphigus Vulgaris, the clinician has a responsibility in the early diagnosis of the disease, which is of the utmost prognostic importance. 2