Pemphigus vulgaris presenting as a gingival lesion. A case report

A 26-year-old hispanic male presented with a nonspecific gingival lesion initially presumed to be of infectious etiology. During continued follow-up over several weeks, the lesion evolved into one typical of desquamative gingivitis. Direct immunofluorescent testing and routine histopathology resulted in a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris, which was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence. Although it is unusual for pemphigus vulgaris to present with the gingiva as the sole primary site of involvement, this case serves to enhance our awareness of the gingiva as a site at which systemic disease can be manifested.