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Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Gastric lesion in dermatitis herpetiformis
Patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) often have gastric parietal cell antibodies, indicating a higher prevalence of atrophic gastritis and impaired acid secretion. This suggests a potential link between DH and gastric autoimmunity, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunodermatology
Background:
- Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic autoimmune blistering skin condition.
- Gastric autoimmunity is increasingly recognized as a comorbidity in various autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of gastric parietal cell antibodies in patients with DH.
- To assess the histological and functional state of the gastric mucosa in DH patients.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 33 DH patients and 30 healthy controls were tested for gastric parietal cell antibody.
- Gastric biopsies were performed on 15 DH patients to evaluate for atrophic gastritis.
- Gastric acid secretion was assessed in the DH group.
Main Results:
- Five of 33 DH patients (15%) tested positive for gastric parietal cell antibody, compared to none in controls.
- Atrophic gastritis was diagnosed in all antibody-positive DH patients and 3 of 11 antibody-negative patients.
- Marked impairment of gastric acid secretion was observed in the DH group, with one case of pernicious anemia.
Conclusions:
- Dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with a higher prevalence of gastric parietal cell antibodies.
- Autoimmune gastritis, specifically atrophic gastritis, is common in DH patients.
- Impaired gastric acid secretion is a frequent finding in DH, suggesting a link to gastric autoimmunity.
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