Colonic Ischemia in a Patient With Pemphigus Vulgaris: Coincidence or Causation

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder requiring immunosuppression therapy for optimal treatment. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with newly diagnosed PV who developed colonic ischemia while undergoing treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The “acute abdomen” that developed from this ischemia mandated abdominal exploration, resulting in ileocecectomy for effective management. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of colonic ischemia temporally associated with IVIG therapy in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris. This case highlights the clinical relevance of recognizing the potential for gastrointestinal complications and emphasizing the importance of vigilance while treating PV patients with IVIG.