J Oral Med Pain.  2021 Jun;46(2):63-68. 10.14476/jomp.2021.46.2.63.

A Case of Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: From Diagnosis to Therapeutic Strategy

• Kang KH
• Byun JS
• Jung JK
• Choi JK

• KMID: 2552361
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2021.46.2.63

Abstract

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a heterogeneous group of chronic, autoimmune subepithelial blistering diseases, predominantly involving oral mucosal membrane. Because of its pathophysiology of autoimmune reaction, MMP-related gingivitis would not respond to conventional periodontal treatments. We present a case of a 65-year-old female with a chief complaint of chronic generalized buccal gingivitis, unimproved after periodontal treatment for four months. Based on the clinical findings, histological examination, and direct immunofluorescence microscopy, it was diagnosed as MMP. The symptoms were relieved with immunomodulatory therapy using corticosteroids and the supportive management of professional plaque control. MMP can cause pathological involvement throughout the oral and other mucosae of the body, thus leading to functional impairment through repeated inflammatory cascades. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is essential to properly manage local and possible systemic complications of MMP.

Keyword

Gingivitis; Mucous membrane pemphigoid; Subepithelial autoimmune disease; Topical corticosteroids