Archives of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): APGHN Vol. 5 No. 3 August 2026

Desquamative Esophagitis Secondary to Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid in a Three-Year-Old Child: A Rare Case Report

Sainath Preetam (Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India)
Dr Meenakshi Swain (Department of Pathology, Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India)
Ramesh Srinivasan (Intitutes of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is an uncommon disorder characterized by sloughing of the esophageal mucosa. Paediatric cases are infrequent and esophageal involvement due to mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is exceptionally rare. We report a young child presenting with recurrent hematemesis secondary to EDS caused by MMP Case: A previously healthy three-year-old girl presented with hematemesis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed severe desquamative esophagitis. Initial treatment with proton pump inhibitors resulted in temporary resolution, however symptoms recurred three months later. Careful examination identified intermittent blistering skin lesions. Skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence demonstrating linear IgG deposition along the basement membrane zone confirmed MMP. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids and azathioprine resulted in sustained remission over 52 months of follow-up. Discussion: The absence of obvious mucocutaneous manifestations initially delayed diagnosis. Recurrent EDS should prompt evaluation for autoimmune blistering disorders. Multidisciplinary assessment and direct immunofluorescence were crucial for establishing the diagnosis and guiding treatment. Conclusion: Mucous membrane pemphigoid should be considered in children with recurrent desquamative esophagitis or unexplained hematemesis. Early diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapy may prevent long-term oesophageal complications and achieve durable remission.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

journal

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Archives of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (APGHN) is the official journal issued by the Indonesian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (Perhimpunan Gastroenterologi, Hepatologi, dan Nutrisi Anak Indonesia). APGHN is issued four times in a year and ...