Ulcerative colitis complicated with linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis

Abstract

Linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare disorder involving subepidermal blistering characterised by IgA deposition along the basement membrane. The clinical features of LABD are variable but can include bullae, vesicles and erythematous lesions. Histopathology reveals formation of subepidermal bullae and linearly deposition of IgA in the basement membrane of the epidermis. LABD has been reported as a rare complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). We report the case of a young woman with UC complicated by LABD. The latter manifested as vesicles with erythema on almost the entire body. A biopsy of the skin lesions revealed linear IgA deposits in the basement membrane according to a direct immunofluorescence assay. Prednisolone administration resulted in clinical remission of UC but poor improvement of skin lesions. Oral administration of diaminodiphenyl sulfone led to improvement of blisters. Thereafter, abdominal and skin symptoms did not recur and she was discharged from hospital.