Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025

Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
High frequency of upper aerodigestive tract manifestations in mucous membrane pemphigoid
Hiroyasu Endo1, Terry D Rees2, Hideo Niwa3
1Department of Oral Diagnostics, School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Nihon University, Matsudo, Japan.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of upper aerodigestive tract involvement in patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid associated with desquamative gingivitis.
Subjects And Methods:
Data from 25 patients were collected by retrospective chart review. Their upper aerodigestive had been evaluated using a conventional flexible fiberscope. Oral disease activity was quantified on the basis of the Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid Disease Area Index activity score.
Results:
Lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract were confirmed in nine symptomatic patients (9/25, 36%), of which five (5/25, 20%) had laryngeal involvement. No lesions were seen in the asymptomatic patients on fiberscope examination. There was a statistically significant difference in the symptoms, high oral disease activity score, and linear IgA deposition on direct immunofluorescence between patients with and without upper aerodigestive tract lesions (p = .001, .001, .002, respectively).
Conclusion:
The high frequency of considerable complications highlights the importance of confirming the presence of upper aerodigestive tract involvement in patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid having desquamative gingivitis. Signs including the presence of symptoms, high oral disease activity score, or linear IgA deposition on direct immunofluorescence might indicate a higher risk of upper aerodigestive tract involvement.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...

