BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pemphygus refers to a group of bullous intradermal and immune-mediated diseases, characterized by loss of cohesion among epidermal cells. Bullous injuries may involve skin and mucosa. Esophageal involvement, when it occurs, may be followed by symptoms such as odynophagia and dysphagia. This study aimed at reporting a case of odynophagia and burning retrosternal pain, diagnosed as esophageal pemphygus vulgaris and treated with prednisone. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 53 years old, who looked for assistance with severe odynophagia for fluids, associated to continuous burning retrosternal pain of intermediate intensity for seven days, with marked worsening for 12h. High digestive endoscopy was performed and showed hyperemic or hemorrhagic areas along the esophagus, with spontaneous peeling areas. Diagnostic impression was superficial esophagitis dissecans, with peeling lesions suggesting pemphygus. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the suspicion of esophageal pemphygus vulgaris be mandatory when there is a compatible clinical presentation so that diagnosis and treatment are achieved as soon as possible.
Autoimmune diseases; Esophagus; Odynophagia; Pemphygus