|
 
 |
| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
|
| Year : 2014 | Volume
: 1
| Issue : 1 | Page : 25-31 |
|
A cross-sectional study of clinical, histopathological and direct immmunofluorescence diagnosis in autoimmune bullous diseases
Anchal Jindal1, Rushikesh Shah2, Neela Patel1, Krina Patel3, Rupal P Mehta4, Jigna P Barot1
1 Department of Dermatology, Smt. Shardaben General Hospital, Smt. Nathiba Hargovandas Lakhmichand Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
2 Department of Medicine, Civil Hospital, B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
3 Department of Dermatology, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
4 Department of Pathology, Smt. Shardaben General Hospital, Smt. Nathiba Hargovandas Lakhmichand Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
| Date of Web Publication | 24-Jun-2014 |
Correspondence Address:
Anchal Jindal
A-133, Ext 2, Shalimar Garden, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad - 201 005, Uttar Pradesh
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
Background: Immunobullous diseases are morphologically heterogeneous and the differentiation between various subtypes is essential for proper treatment and prognosis. Aim of our study was to analyze and correlate clinical, histopathological and immunofluorescence findings in autoimmune bullous diseases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done over a period of two years (2010-2012) after approval of the ethics committee. Sixty patients, who met the inclusion criteria of immunobullous disease, were included in the study. Skin biopsy for histopathology and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) examination was taken. DIF using salt-split technique was done in few of the cases. The final diagnosis was based on clinical, histopathology and DIF findings. Pearson's coefficient of correlation (r) was calculated. Statistical Analysis was done using Epi info version. 7.0. Results: Fifty-three cases with clinical diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases were evaluated. In 88.6% of cases, histopathology diagnosis was consistent with clinical diagnosis and in 75.5% of cases, DIF findings were consistent with clinical diagnosis. A positive relation was seen between clinical and DIF findings with r = 0.65 and between histopathology and DIF findings with r = 0.75. DIF positivity was seen in 100% cases of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and pemphigus foliaceous and 94.7% cases of pemphigus vulgaris, which was statistically significant with p < 0.05. In DIF salt-split test, deposition was seen on roof of blister in BP whereas on floor in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence-based guidance for the diagnosis and classification of various immunobullous disorders. DIF test should be done in conjunction with histopathology for definitive diagnosis and to minimize both: False-positive and false-negative results. Keywords: Histopathology, immunobullous, immunofluorescence
How to cite this article:
Jindal A, Shah R, Patel N, Patel K, Mehta RP, Barot JP. A cross-sectional study of clinical, histopathological and direct immmunofluorescence diagnosis in autoimmune bullous diseases. Indian J Dermatopathol Diagn Dermatol 2014;1:25-31 |
How to cite this URL:
Jindal A, Shah R, Patel N, Patel K, Mehta RP, Barot JP. A cross-sectional study of clinical, histopathological and direct immmunofluorescence diagnosis in autoimmune bullous diseases. Indian J Dermatopathol Diagn Dermatol [serial online] 2014 [cited 2023 Apr 1];1:25-31. Available from: https://www.ijdpdd.com/text.asp?2014/1/1/25/135194 |
| Introduction | |  |
Dermatopathology, as pioneered by Unna, affords a keystone not only for modern dermatology but also for the use of immunofluorescence in studies of skin immunopathology. [1] Histopathologic studies of Walter Lever differentiated what we now call pemphigus and pemphigoid. [2] Immunofluorescent studies by Ernst Beutner and his group revealed the autoimmune etiologies of pemphigus and pemphigoid. [1] Now, other immunologic methods also contribute to our understanding. [3],[4]
Autoimmune blistering diseases are associated with an autoimmune response directed to structural proteins mediating cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion in the skin. [5] Autoimmune blistering diseases are classified based on the ultrastructural site of deposition of immunoreactants and on the molecular target of autoantibodies. [6]
Diseases of the pemphigus group are associated with autoantibodies to epidermal components mediating cell-cell adhesion and are characterized by acantholytic blisters within the epidermis. [7] Tissue-bound and circulating autoantibodies to the dermal-epidermal junction are characteristic immunopathological features of subepidermal autoimmune bullous diseases. [5],[8]
Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is more sensitive and also more frequently positive than indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) in patients in clinical remission and more valuable for detection of immunological activity of the disease. [9]
| Materials and Methods | | |
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Dermatology, Smt. S. C. L Hospital, Smt. N. H. L Municipal Medical College from June 2010 to November 2012 after being approved by the Institutional ethics committee Board. The patients were selected from the in and outpatient department of the Department of Dermatology, and informed consent was obtained. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of autoimmune bullous disorders, irrespective of age and gender and willing to participate in the study were included. Patients not willing to be the part of the study or undergo the required investigations were excluded.
Clinical data were recorded in the form of:
- Demographic information
- Detailed clinical history taking
- General and dermatological examination
- Clinical photographs
- Routine investigations
- Tzanck smear
- Skin biopsy for histopathological evaluation
- Direct immunofluorescence staining of peri-lesional skin specimen.
A total of 53 cases, clinically diagnosed with autoimmune bullous dermatological disorders were included in the study. Skin biopsy sample (punch biopsy/excision biopsy) was the standard procedure for obtaining samples.
The biopsy specimen for histopathology was sent in 10% formalin and for DIF in Michel medium. In the laboratory, specimens were processed, stained and findings were recorded. DIF using a salt-split method was performed in a few cases, on the specimen that has previously been investigated by routine DIF. The specimen was incubated in 10 ml 1mol/L NaCl at 40°C for 48-72 hours. Epidermis was separated from dermis easily and DIF staining was carried out. Facilities for IIF were not available at our center, hence not performed. While reporting DIF finding of skin biopsy, the fluorescent staining was described under the following headings:
- Type of immunoreactant: IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, and fibrin
- Location of immune deposits: Intercellular spaces (ICS) in epidermis/basement membrane zone (BMZ)/blood vessels/hair shaft
- Pattern of immune complex deposits: Granular or linear.
The description of all these staining characteristics leads to immunopathological diagnosis. Digital photography was done to document the results. In this way, both histopathological and DIF examination were carried out in all included cases and findings were recorded. The definite diagnosis of these patients was based on clinical, histopathological and immunofluorescence findings.
Statistical analysis
Analysis was done in Epi info version 7 and word excel. The Z-test of significance of difference in proportions of large samples was used. The Chi-square test with Yates correction was used to find the significance of difference in two more than two proportions. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was found. Above tests were used where ever applicable according to the sample size and type of data.
| Results | | |
The study group comprised of 53 cases of autoimmune bullous disorders of the skin, with 30 females (56.4%) and 23 males (43.6%). The age range of cases was between 5 months and 88 years with mean value 39.7 years.
The clinical diagnosis of the predominant cases were pemphigus vulgaris (PV) in 19 cases (31.6%), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) in 11 (18.3%), bullous pemphigoid (BP) in 10 (16.6%) and pemphigus foliaceous (PF) in 3 cases (5%). Two cases (3.3%) each of pemphigus erythematosus (PE), bullous SLE, linear IgA dermatosis (LAD), were seen [Table 1].
Discordance between clinical, histopathological and DIF diagnosis was noted [Table 2]. Overall, in 47 cases (88.6%), histopathology findings were consistent with the clinical diagnosis, and in 40 cases (75.5%), DIF findings were consistent with the clinical and histopathology diagnosis. [Figure 1] shows the correlation between clinical and histopathology diagnosis. On applying Pearson's correlation coefficient, a positive relation was seen between clinical and histopathology diagnosis with r = 0.97. [Figure 2] shows correlation between clinical and DIF diagnosis. A positive relation was seen between clinical and DIF diagnosis with r = 0.65. [Figure 3] shows correlation between histopathology and DIF diagnosis. A positive relation was seen between histopathology and DIF diagnosis with r = 0.75.
DIF pattern of deposition of immunoreactants in different disorders are shown in [Table 3].
- Pemphigus vulgaris: Out of total 19 cases, 94.7% showed DIF positivity (N = 18). IgG was the commonest immunoreactant, deposited in 83.3% cases, followed by C3 in 16.7% [Figure 4]
- Pemphigus foliaceus: 100% cases showed DIF positivity (N = 4). IgG was found in 100% cases followed by C3 in 25% (N = 4) cases
- Pemphigus erythematosus: IgG and IgM deposition at ICS and BMZ was found in 100% cases (N = 2)
- Bullous pemphigoid: 100% (N = 10) had DIF test positive. One case clinically diagnosed having LAD, showed histopathological and DIF findings consistent with the diagnosis of vesicular variant of BP. So total 11 patients had DIF findings, suggestive of BP [Table 2] IgG with C3 were predominant immunoreactant, found in 90.9% (N = 10) cases, IgG alone was present in only one case that is 9% [Figure 5]
- Dermatitis herpetiformis: Out of total 11 cases, clinically diagnosed having DH, only 27.27% (N = 3) cases had a positive DIF test. IgA was the principal immunoreactant deposited in 67% of cases. IgM deposit along dermal papillae was seen in one case [Figure 6].
 | Figure 4: DIF photomicrograph of a case of pemphigus vulgaris showing IgG deposits in ICS of epidermis in fishnet pattern (×20)
Click here to view |
 | Figure 5: DIF photomicrograph of a case of bullous pemphigoid showing C3 deposits in linear pattern at dermoepidermal junction (×20)
Click here to view |
 | Figure 6: DIF photomicrograph of a case of dermatitis herpetiformis showing IgM deposits at dermal papillae (×20)
Click here to view |
On applying Z-test between various types of immunoreactants among various blistering disorders, it was found that immunoreactant deposition was statistically significant in pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceous, pemphigus erythematosus, lichen planus pemphigoid and dermatitis herpetiformis, with P < 0.05 [Table 3].
Among subepidermal group of disorders, bullous pemphigoid (BP) can mimic epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) in clinical presentation, histopathological and DIF findings. In the present study, 4 cases having clinical and histopathological differential diagnosis of BP and EBA, direct salt-split immunofluorescence test was performed. Predominantly IgG and/or C3 deposition on the roof of blister cavity was seen in 3 out of 4 cases, favoring diagnosis of BP. In one case, IgG deposits were seen along floor of blister cavity, favoring diagnosis of EBA [Figure 7]. | Figure 7: DIF salt-split skin photomicrograph showing linear C3 band at BMZ showing roof pattern in BP (×20)
Click here to view |
| Discussion | | |
The diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases is based on the evaluation of clinical findings, histopathology, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and indirect immunofluorescence. [10]
The differentiation between the entities is important for both treatment modalities and prognosis. [11] Our study validate that DIF is requisite for accurate diagnosis of autoimmune bullous disorders of the skin. Thus, improved detection and affirmation of clinical diagnosis of diseases like DH, LAD, chronic bullous disease of childhood (CBDC), bullous SLE is attainable with DIF only. In the present study, DIF was able to confirm 75.47% of clinically diagnosed cases. In a study by Minz et al., DIF was able to detect 70% of clinically diagnosed vesicobullous lesions of the skin. [12]
Out of 19 cases, clinically suspected as pemphigus vulgaris, DIF was found to be consistent with the clinical diagnosis in 18 cases. In all the 3 clinically suspected cases of pemphigus foliaceous, light microscopy and DIF diagnosis was consistent with the clinical diagnosis. One case, clinically suspected as pemphigus vulgaris, after histopathology and DIF examination features turned out to be of pemphigus foliaceous [Table 2]. A total of 10 cases of clinically suspected bullous pemphigoid were analyzed by DIF, 100% cases were consistent and one additional case, clinically diagnosed as LAD was picked up on DIF and light microscopy [Figure 8] when there was no clinical finding in favor of BP. [Table 2] In DIF microscopy, linear IgG and/or C3 deposition in BMZ were observed in all cases [Table 3]. | Figure 8: Bullous pemphigoid: Section showing subepidermal blister with eosinophilic infiltrate. (H and E, ×10)
Click here to view |
Another case clinically mimicking linear IgA disease, turned out to be a case of disseminated herpes virus infection. Tzank smear and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from vesicular fluid for herpes simplex was positive, patient responded well to antiviral treatment. Histopathology findings were also in favor of viral etiology and DIF was negative.
Histopathological findings were consistent with the clinical diagnosis in 100% (N = 11) cases of dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). Granular deposition of IgA and C3 in the papillary dermis and along the BMZ is diagnostic if DH deposition of IgG or IgM or both is less frequent and less intense. [13],[14] However, only in 3 of 11 cases DIF findings were consistent with clinical diagnosis of DH. Our observation of only 27% of cases with a firm diagnosis of DH and actual negative findings by DIF (73%) is in agreement with the sensitivity of DIF reported in literature. [15] In a study of Banu Lebe et al., [11] only in 3 of 58 cases of histopathology and DIF findings were in accordance with clinical diagnosis. The authors reported that the possible reason for this discordance may be due to pruritic papulovesicular eruptions of DH that evolved and disappeared rapidly and could be the inclusion of DH to clinical differential diagnosis by clinicians in many pruritic papulo-vesicular eruptions. [16] Selection of biopsy site, technical errors and treatment status may result in false negativity of DIF.
In one case, initial diagnosis was dermatitis herpetiformis, as histopathology showed subcorneal bullae, eosiniphilic spongiosis, and slight acantholyis. Immunofluorescence invariably showed IgG intercellular deposits in epidermis like pemphigus group. Therefore, diagnosis of pemphigus herpetiformis was considered. In view of atypical clinical manifestations, the lesions are, as a rule, initially diagnosed as various other bullous diseases. The recognition of pemphigus herpetiformis as a variety of pemphigus is practically important since it differs clinically and histologically both from pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceous and requires a different therapeutic regimen. [17]
One cases with clinical differential diagnosis of EBA or DH, histopathology and DIF findings were in favor of BP or EBA. In DIF salt-split examination, immunoreactant deposition was seen in the floor of blister cavity, favoring the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita [Figure 7].
Out of 2 cases with final diagnosis of lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP), clinical diagnosis was consistent with histopathology and DIF diagnosis in one case. In second case, on basis of clinical presentation, differential diagnosis considered were bullous lichen planus, dermatitis herpetiformis. Histopathology and DIF findings were suggestive of features of LPP [Table 4], [Figure 9]. | Figure 9: DIF photomicrograph of a case of lichen planus pemphigoid showing IgG deposits at dermoepidermal junction. (×20)
Click here to view |
 | Table 4: Clinical and immunohistological features of cases of lichen planus pemphigoides
Click here to view |
Lichen planus pemphigoides is an acquired autoimmune dermatosis and LP lesions usually precede the vesicobullous lesions. Clinically, LPP is characterized by developing blisters on lichenoid lesions and on uninvolved skin with more acral distribution of bullous lesions. [18],[19],[20] The differential diagnoses include bullous LP [21],[22] or association of LP with erythema multiforme. Histological analysis reveals an intense lichenoid reaction with extensive liquefaction of basal keratinocytes. There is no linear immunostaining at the dermo-epidermal junction.
Out of two cases of pemphigus erythematosus, histopathology in first case showed subcorneal blister and acantholysis [Figure 10] and second biopsy specimen showed intraepidermal blister with perivascular and interstitial dermal infiltrate. DIF of peri-lesional biopsy specimen in both the cases revealed IgG and/or C3 deposits in intercellular epidermis and dermoepidermal junction. So, DIF was helpful as both PE and PF show similar histopathology findings. Because histology is not always specific, immunopathology is very important. | Figure 10: Pemphigus erythematosus: Section showing subcorneal cleft with acantholytic cells. HPE findings are same as of pemphigus foliaceous. (H and E, ×10)
Click here to view |
One case clinically suspected of CBDC, histopathology showed subepidermal cleft with upper dermal mast cell infiltrate. Giemsa stain was done, DIF was negative. And a diagnosis of bullous mastocytosis was made.
Cases of limited number in our studies were CBDC, pemphigus vegetans, lichen planus pemphigoid and pemphigoid gestationis.
DIF microscopy evaluates tissue for the presence of autoantibodies, complements, and fibrin. It is important to take biopsy sample for DIF from appropriate site, to place it in correct transport media and to convey it to the laboratory without any delay. Failure at any of these points contributes to false negative results.
| Acknowledgment | | |
Authors are grateful to faculty of Department of Pathology, Smt. Shardaben General Hospital and Dr.Sanjeev Shah, for their support in carrying out this study.
| References | | |
| 1. | Beutner EH, Chorzelski TP, Jablonska S. Immunofluorescence tests. Clinical significance of sera and skin in bullous diseases. Int J Dermatol 1985;24:405-21. 
[PUBMED] |
| 2. | Lever WF. Pemphigus. Medicine (Baltimore) 1953;32:1-123.
[PUBMED] |
| 3. | Stanley JR. Cell adhesion molecules as targets of autoantibodies in pemphigus and pemphigoid, bullous diseases due to defective epidermal cell adhesion. Adv Immunol 1993;53:291-325.
[PUBMED] |
| 4. | Amagai M. Autoimmunity against desmosomal cadherins in pemphigus. J Dermatol Sci 1999;20:92-102.
[PUBMED] |
| 5. | Sitaru C, Zillikens D. Mechanisms of blister induction by autoantibodies. Exp Dermatol 2005;14:861-75.
|
| 6. | Sitaru C, Mihai S, Zillikens D. The relevance of the IgG subclass of autoantibodies for blister induction in autoimmune bullous skin diseases. Arch Dermatol Res 2007;299:1-8.
|
| 7. | Kottke MD, Delva E, Kowalczyk AP. The desmosome: Cell science lessons from human diseases. J Cell Sci 2006;119:797-806.
|
| 8. | Yancey KB. The pathophysiology of autoimmune blistering diseases. J Clin Invest 2005;115:825-8.
[PUBMED] |
| 9. | Balighi K, Taheri A, Mansoori P, Chams C. Value of direct immunofluorescence in predicting remission in pemphigus vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 2006;45:1308-11.
|
| 10. | Beutner EH. The development of immunofluorescence and the immunopathology of the skin. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:99-109.
[PUBMED] |
| 11. | Lebe B, Gül Niflioðlu G, Seyrek S, Ellidokuz H. Evaluation of clinical and histopathologic/direct immunofluorescence diagnosis in autoimmune vesiculobullous dermatitis: Utility of direct immunofluorescence. Turk Patoloji Derg 2012;28:11-6.
|
| 12. | Minz RW, Chhabra S, Singh S, Radotra BD, Kumar B. Direct immunofluorescence of skin biopsy: Perspective of an immunopathologist. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2010;76:150-7.
[PUBMED]  |
| 13. | Mutasim DF, Adams BB. Immunofluorescence in dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:803-22.
|
| 14. | Leonard JN, Haffenden GP, Fry L. Dermatitis Herpetiformis. In: Beutner EH, Chorzelski TP, Kumar V, editors. Immunopathology of the skin. 3 rd ed. Vol I. New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc; 1987. p. 443.
|
| 15. | Alonso-Llamazares J, Gibson LE, Rogers RS 3 rd . Clinical, pathologic and immunopathologic features of dermatitis herpetiformis: Review of the Mayo Clinic experience. Int J Dermatol 2007;46:910-9.
|
| 16. | Sousa L, Bajanca R, Cabral J, Fiadeiro T. Dermatitis herpetiformis: Should direct immunofluorescence be the only diagnostic criterion? Pediatr Dermatol 2002;19:336-9.
|
| 17. | Maciejowska E, Jablonska S, Chorzelski T. Is pemphigus herpetiformis an entity? Int J Dermatol 1987;26:571-7.
|
| 18. | Cohen DM, Ben-Amitai D, Feinmesser M, Zvulunov A. Childhood lichen planus pemphigoides: A case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Dermatol 2009;26:569-74.
|
| 19. | Stavropoulos PG, Leonforte JF, Gollnick H, Tuderman LB, Zouboulis CC. Lichen planus pemphigoides: Another paraneoplastic bullous disease? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1997;9:62-7.
|
| 20. | Yoon KH, Kim SC, Kang DS, Lee IJ. Lichen planus pemphigoides with circulating autoantibodies against 200 and 180 kDa epidermal antigens. Eur J Dermatol 2000;10:212-4.
|
| 21. | Lee J, Dasher M, Stadecker MJ, Sobell JM. Vesicles in a patient with a lichenoid eruption: Quiz case. Arch Dermatol 2003;139:1363-8.
|
| 22. | Swale VJ, Black MM, Bhogal BS. Lichen planus pemphigoides: Two case reports. Clin Exp Dermatol 1998;23:132-5.
|
[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5], [Figure 6], [Figure 7], [Figure 8], [Figure 9], [Figure 10]
[Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4]
|
Search Pubmed for