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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
Pemphigus vulgaris: bilateral plica semilunaris involvement
Jay M Fiore1, Henry D Perry, Eric D Donnenfeld
1Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, Rockville Centre, NY 11570, USA.
Purpose:
To present a case of pemphigus vulgaris, involving the conjunctiva, specifically the plica semilunaris, in both eyes of a 33-year-old woman.
Methods:
Ocular evaluation showed bilateral plica semilunaris vegetations extending for 3 mm linearly. Sequential excisional biopsies of both affected plica were performed and sent for pathological examination and immunofluorescent staining.
Results:
After each excisional biopsy, the patient's ocular symptoms resolved. Excisional biopsies showed suprabasilar clefting within the epithelium; lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and immunopathology showed intraepithelial intercellular and basement membrane zone staining with immunoglobulin G consistent with pemphigus vulgaris. At 1-year follow-up, the patient continues to be asymptomatic with no signs of recurrence.
Conclusions:
Excisional biopsy, in a very symptomatic patient with pemphigus vulgaris with conjunctival vegetations, may hasten his or her recovery.
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