12 - autoimmune skin disorders

Question 1

(autoimmune skin disorders)

1. lesions are usually what?
2. most common areas?

Answer 1

1. crusts covering erosions or ulcers
2. nasal planum, ear pinnae, footpads

Question 2

(autoimmune skin disorders)

1. usually dx how?
2. tx?

Answer 2

1. skin biopsy for histo (w/ lab work if systemic signs)
2. immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids

Question 3

(pemphigus complex)

1. dz mech?

resulting in what?

2. possible lesions?

Answer 3

1. IgG directed at desmosomes

acantholysis of keratinocytes

2. pustules to superficial or deep erosions to ulcers

Question 4

(pemphigus foliaceus)

1. most common of the autoimmune disorders
2. most common areas?
3. characterized by what lesions?

Answer 4

2. planum, pinnae, footpads (other areas can be affected as well)
3. pustules (resulting in crusts)

because its pustular, can mimic pyoderma

Question 5

(pemphigus vulgaris)

1. rare in dogs and cats
2. deep erosions to basal layer of epidermis

Question 6

(pemphigus erythematosus)

1. considered benign variation of pemphigus folicaceus - why?

Answer 6

1. it affects face only

Question 7

(bullous diseases: bullous pemphigoid)

1. this is a bullous dz with separation of the epidermis from the dermis
2. clinically identical to what?
3. lesions?

Answer 7

2. pemphigus vulgaris
3. ulcers and crusts

Question 8

(lupus)

1. mech of dz?

Answer 8

1. presence of Abs against nuclear antigens

2.

Question 9

(Discoid Lupus Erythematosus)

1. common?
2. no systemic signs - see what on skin?
3. distribution?

Answer 9

1. yes (esp in dogs)
2. crusts and erosions with hypopigmentation
3. nasal planum, eyelids, footpads, scrotum

Question 10

(Discoid Lupus Erythematosus)

1. dx?

Answer 10

1. histopath

Question 11

(systemic lupus erthematosus)

1. cutaneous lesions are extremely variable
2. dx?

Answer 11

2. histopath, ANA positive