defining characteristics
Blistering disease where epidermis is lifting off of basement membrane; usually on lower extremities of older patients
Itchy, tense blisters (do not break easily!)
disease development
Autoimmune blistering disorder where antibodies are directed at hemidesmosomes (sub-basal) so loss of epidermal attachment to basement membrane
potential causes
Autoantibodies against
BPAG1 and/or BPAG2
epidemiology
Histology? Subepidermal blister (white space btwn epidermis & dermis) (sub-basal split), healthy epidermis, +eosinophils (pink)
Dx confirmed w/ immunofluorescent Abs binding to
basement membrane
