Pemphigus Vulgaris
Pronunciation: /ˈpɛmfɪɡəs vʌlˈɡɛərɪs/
An autoimmune blistering disorder characterised by intraepidermal bullae caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein 3.
Full Definition
Pemphigus vulgaris is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease in which IgG autoantibodies target desmoglein 3 (and sometimes desmoglein 1), disrupting keratinocyte adhesion and leading to flaccid intraepidermal blisters and erosions affecting skin and mucous membranes. It is the most common form of pemphigus and is distinguished from bullous pemphigoid by the intraepidermal rather than subepidermal cleavage plane. Editors working on immunodermatology manuscripts must correctly retain 'vulgaris' (not 'vulgarius' or 'vulgares') and distinguish the condition from pemphigus foliaceus, which spares mucosae. The condition is frequently abbreviated PV in clinical contexts; editors should expand this on first use.
Usage
Usage note: Always use the full binomial on first mention. 'PV' is acceptable shorthand thereafter within clinical documents but must be defined.
In Context
- "Direct immunofluorescence showing intercellular IgG deposition confirmed a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris." — Histopathology report
- "Editors should note that pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid are distinct entities with different cleavage planes and treatment protocols." — Editorial style guide note