A 64-year-old guy visits the office because he has blisters on his trunk and groin. Itching has been going on for several weeks, and blisters appeared around a week ago. He has a history of high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. At the age of 60, the patient received the zoster vaccination. A thorough examination reveals multiple 0.5- to 3-cm bullous skin lesions. The results of a skin biopsy are depicted in the figure below: Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Question

A 64-year-old guy visits the office because he has blisters on his trunk and groin. Itching has been going on for several weeks, and blisters appeared around a week ago. He has a history of high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. At the age of 60, the patient received the zoster vaccination. A thorough examination reveals multiple 0.5- to 3-cm bullous skin lesions. The results of a skin biopsy are depicted in the figure below:  Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Autoantibodies against hemidesmosomes at the basement membrane of the dermal-epidermal junction induce bullous pemphigoid. The whole epidermis separates from the dermis, resulting in tight, subepidermal blisters.

A 64-Year-Old Guy Visits the Office Because He Has Blisters