[Pemphigus vegetans (Hallopeau) with eosinophilic spongiosis--successful retinoid therapy]

We present an unusual case of pemphigus vegetans (Hallopeau) with widespread, nonblistering gyrate erythematous lesions on the trunk and extremities in addition to typical vegetating lesions in the inguinocrural area. The histopathology which was characterized by eosinophilic spongiosis, as well as immunofluorescence and immunoelectron-microscopic studies indicated that the gyrate erythema (characterized by eosinophilic spongiosis) seen in our patient represented a manifestation of pemphigus. Treatment with retinoids resulted in the prompt disappearance of the gyrate erythemas, and the eosinophils returned to normal. A short-term, low-dose corticosteroid regimen also led to rapid healing of vegetating lesions.