Bullous Lupus, An Uncommon Cause Of Atypical Esophagitis: A Case Report
May 2025
in “
The Journal of Rheumatology
”
TLDR Bullous lupus can cause severe esophageal issues but responds well to corticosteroids and azathioprine.
This case report discusses a 42-year-old woman diagnosed with bullous lupus, a rare form of systemic lupus erythematosus, which presented with severe esophageal involvement and atypical esophagitis resistant to standard treatment. Despite negative immunological assessments, the diagnosis was confirmed through skin biopsy showing epidermolysis and specific immunofluorescence findings. The patient exhibited symptoms such as dysphagia, fragile skin, oral ulcers, and vesicular lesions. Treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine led to favorable clinical outcomes. The report highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by bullous lupus, especially with esophageal involvement.