Rituximab-induced psoriasis in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: A case report and literature review

Rituximab which is established as a main treatment for pemphigus vulgaris can be a potential causative factor for development of psoriasis in some patients. It is preferred to avoid using rituximab in patients who had a history of psoriasis. Acquainting medical doctors about rituximab-related cutaneous complications will help them in detection and management.

Rituximab is a human/murine monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen on B-lymphocytes surface. Although it is used as promising treatment for pemphigus, nowadays it is also a new therapy for other autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and others like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Although there is increasing evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of rituximab in these diseases, many cutaneous adverse effects have been reported. Here, we describe a 48-years-old patient affected with pemphigus vulgaris who developed psoriatic lesions on her on scalp, trunk, and extremities, 4 months after the second course of rituximab.