Bullous Pemphigoid Associated with Multiple System Atrophy: Case Series

BACKGROUND: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering dermatosis associated with a number of neurological conditions, including idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). Only 1 case of BP in a patient with multiple system atrophy (MSA) has been reported. CASES: We report 3 cases of men with probable MSA who developed bullous pemphigoid at a latency of 4–6 years from MSA symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: Skin α‐synuclein deposition in neurodegenerative conditions such as IPD and MSA may be a potential substrate for the exposure of BP‐related antigens. Alternatively, central neurodegeneration may expose antigens as a substrate for cross‐reactivity and BP pathogenesis. Our report suggests an association between BP and MSA, in addition to the previously documented association with IPD.