Multiple Sclerosis and Bullous Pemphigoid

Abstract

3 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who developed severe widespread bullous pemphigoid (BP) are presented. MS preceded the presentation of BP by 13–23 years (mean 18 years). BP was confirmed histologically and immunopathologically. Upon successful therapy with steroids, no recurrence of BP was observed over a 3–5 year (mean 3.7 years) follow-up. Several abnormalities of the immune system have been reported in both diseases. It is interesting to speculate that amidst existing immunologic abnormalities in all 3 patients with MS, a specific event, immunologic or viral or both may have triggered the development of BP.