Which immunobullous disorder shows 'n-serrated' pattern on electron microscopy of the BMZ, distinguishing it from bullous pemphigoid which shows 'u-serrated' pattern?
- A Pemphigus vulgaris
- B Dermatitis herpetiformis
- C Linear IgA disease
- D Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita ✓
Explanation
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) targets type VII collagen in the sub-lamina densa (anchoring fibrils). On salt-split skin (1M NaCl), DIF in EBA shows IgG on the dermal floor, while bullous pemphigoid deposits on the epidermal roof. On electron microscopy, EBA shows n-serrated (narrow) deposits below the lamina densa, whereas BP shows u-serrated (undulating) deposits in the lamina lucida/lucida area.
Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.