Abstract
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare acquired type of mechanobullous disease affecting the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) of trauma prone acral surfaces. It manifests as tense vesicles, bullae, and milia and typically heals as atrophic hypo- or hyperpigmented scars. Classic noninflammatory mechanobullous EBA typically presents at a mean age of 48 years. A 21-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of nonpainful papular-vesicular lesions on his hands, knees, and toes after minor trauma to these areas. Physical exam revealed postinflammatory hypopigmented scarring and milia to the bilateral dorsal hands and bilateral extensor elbows and knees, with tense blisters on the dorsal hand and patella regions. Direct immunofluorescence revealed strong linear IgG and IgM with weak focal positivity for IgA and C3 at the DEJ. Blood work revealed an increased diffuse gamma region of 71 g/L (6-13 g/L) on serum protein electrophoresis. Pathology showed a fibrotic underlying dermis, with subepidermal bullae and separation and no significant inflammation. The patient was started on colchicine. This case showcases an unusual early age of presentation for mechanobullous EBA and illustrates the importance of interpreting pathology in the context of clinical findings and maintaining a high index of suspicion for EBA in younger patients who present with classic findings. This case is unique as it is the first report of an association between EBA and polyclonal gammopathy and could be suggestive of chronic inflammation, which would fit with our patient’s chronic history of EBA.
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