Erythema Multiforme: Immune Complex Vasculitis of the Superficial Cutaneous Microvasculature

Fc and C3 Receptors Induced by Herpes Simplex Virus on Cultured Human Endothelial Cells

“…For example, immune complex deposition in the cutaneous microvasculature after herpes simplex virus (HSV)1 infection has been implicated in the development of erythema multiforme in some patients (6). In addition, Fc receptors can be demonstrated on cultured fibroblasts and other cell lines after infection with several herpes-family viruses (7)(8)(9).…”

In Vivo Confocal Microscopic Evaluation of Corneal Changes in Chronic Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

“…Recurrent inflammation may occur sometime after the acute phase, induced by the deposition of circulating immune complexes in the vessel walls. [7][8][9][10] Biopsies of the conjunctiva in patients suffering rapid degradation of the ocular surface reveal infiltration of the conjunctiva with inflammatory cells and the deposition of immune complexes directed against herpes virus. 11 However, in addition to these cases of rapid progression, in which the inflammatory recurrence is clinically evident, a large proportion of patients present marked functional signs, cyclic in some cases, which may be aggravated by other factors (the season of the year, menstruation, and recurrent herpes simplex labialis).…”

Erythema multiforme Associated with Radiotherapy

“…No laboratory test is diagnostic for EM: an increase in circulat ing immune complexes has been found in case 2. which could be related to the pathogenic mechanism of the disease as suggested by Kazmierowsky and Wuepper [8). The hislopathological features are not specific either, but in 2 cases where this test was performed, the picture w'as com patible.…”