Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Mar 05, 2019
  • Author: Jacob Reinhart, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

It is important that an accurate diagnosis be obtained before treatment is initiated because patients often require long-term steroids or immunosuppressants, which carry potential severe adverse effects. Monitoring for and preventing these potential adverse effects is essential.

When epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) occurs in early childhood, its resemblance to the heritable forms of blistering skin disease epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica may lead to misdiagnosis. Therefore, a direct immunofluorescence study is recommended for childhood-onset blistering diseases.

Because epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, concerning GI symptoms should prompt GI diagnostic evaluation.

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita has also been associated with internal malignancies.

Differential Diagnoses