[Two cases of superficial pemphigus induced by pyritinol (author's transl)]

Pyritinol is presently prescribed in rhumatoid polyarthritis because of its structural analogy to D-penicillamin. Only benign cutaneous side effects had been mentioned up to now. We report two cases of pemphigus occurring during pyritinol therapy given in one case for rhumatoid polyarthritis, in the other case for memory deficiency. Clinical aspect was that of a superficial pemphigus. The histologic picture was in some instances that of a superficial acantholysis, and in other instances, that of an eosinophilic spongiosis. Definite proof of pemphigus was shown by presence of anti-intercellular substance antibodies in the serum and in the skin of both patients.