A typical case of pemphigoid gestationis with a unique pattern of intercellular immunofluorescence
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Updated: Nov 2, 2026

Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
S A Vaughan Jones1, B S Bhogal, M M Black
1St John's Institute of Dermatology, London, U.K.
Abstract:
Pemphigoid gestationis is an autoimmune bullous disorder affecting pregnant women which typically presents in the second and third trimester of pregnancy with an itchy bullous eruption on the abdomen and limbs. The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of complement-binding IgG antibasement membrane zone (BMZ) antibodies, which bind to the roof of salt-split skin. We describe a case of clinically typical pemphigoid gestationis with the combination of intercellular IgG and BMZ IgG and C3 staining on immunofluorescence, a pattern which is unique for this condition.
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