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Updated: Oct 27, 2025
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Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
535
Chronic Early-Stage Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid
Sonya Besagar1, Ashley O London1, Meghan P Jairam1
1Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|July 22, 2021
Summary
Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) can present as prolonged conjunctivitis without scarring. Early diagnosis of this OCP subtype is crucial for preventing blindness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is an autoimmune conjunctival disease.
- It typically progresses from chronic conjunctivitis to fibrosis, scarring, and blindness.
- Corneal keratinization is a common cause of vision loss in OCP.
Observation:
- This case series describes 3 patients with OCP.
- Patients presented with chronic conjunctivitis for an average of 10 years.
- No cicatricial formation was observed in these cases.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of OCP was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence of conjunctival biopsy samples.
- The findings suggest a potential OCP subtype with an extended early or prodromal phase.
- This subtype may precede the development of fibrosis and cicatrization.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of this OCP variant are essential.
- Prompt intervention can prevent severe complications like blindness.
- Recognizing this prolonged early stage is critical for effective patient management.
