A Clinico-Pathological Study of 22 Cases of Pemphigus

Introduction: Blistering diseases are alarming skin conditions where blister formation occurs in various ways and cannot be differentiated clinically. For confirmation of diagnosis routine histological examination of early lesions is very much helpful. Pemphigus is one of autoimmune blistering disorder involving skin and mucosal surfaces. Tzanck smear may be used as a rapid diagnostic tool. Material and Method: A clinico-palhological study of 22 cases of pemphigus over a span of two year at the Department of Pathology, Medical College Baroda and S.S.G. Hospital has been carried out to know incidence of pemphigus. Result: Pemphigus vulgaris constituted the single largest group of 18 cases followed by pemphigus foliaceus (2 cases) and pemphigus erythmatosus (2 cases). Majority of the cases were seen in the age group of 21-60 years, with a slight female predominance. The youngest patient was 20 years while the eldest was aged 73 years. Flaccid bullae were present in 100% cases. Tzank smear found to successful in 75% cases of pemphigus vulgaris. However, it is difficult to take Tzank smear in some patients as patients were presented with predominantly crusted lesions. Conclusion: Most of the patients have pemphigus vulgaris. Tzank smear is proved very useful tool for rapid diagnosis of pemphigus.