[Develop of localized pemphigoid following radiation treatment (author's transl)]

A case of localized bullous pemphigoid in a 79-year-old woman is reported. The symptoms developed 5 months following radiation treatment of breast cancer. Direct immunofluorescence investigations showed IgG and C3 deposition in the basement membrane zone (BMZ) of lesional skin. Serum BMZ antibodies (IgG, IgM) and C3 deposition were demonstrated. Light microscopic investigation revealed subepidermal blister formation. A cellular infiltrate consisted predominantly of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the upper dermis. Junctional blister formation, located within the lamina lucida of the basement membrane, was confirmed by electron microscopy. Differential diagnoses and various possible etiologies are discussed.