A 19-year-old male student from Thanh Hoa, Vietnam was diagnosed with a rare disease that had not been previously recorded in Vietnamese medical literature. Pemphigus spondylitis is an autoimmune disorder that causes erosive ulcers on the oral mucosa and purple-red patches and scalds on the body. The patient began experiencing symptoms in November of the previous year and was initially examined at a local hospital before being transferred to the Central Dermatology Hospital and then to Bach Mai Hospital for further treatment.
Following a skin biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis in January of 2024. This was followed by a diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus, bilateral ureteral stones, and a weakened physical condition. Despite being scheduled for surgery, his weakened state forced him to be discharged from the hospital for nutritional supplementation. However, he experienced new outbreaks of symptoms in April, leading to more treatment including plasma replacement and antibiotics. In May, he underwent surgery to remove the tumor, resulting in a successful recovery and discharge from the hospital.
Medical professionals faced challenges throughout the treatment process due to the patient’s inconsistent symptoms and histopathological results. Despite these difficulties, doctors continuously consulted and researched to provide the most accurate diagnosis and care. The patient’s poor response to conventional immunotherapy, along with other complications, made the treatment process even more challenging. However, with the efforts of the medical team and support from his family, he was able to overcome the illness and recover successfully.
The patient was covered by health insurance for most of his treatment costs but his family contributed smaller amount towards it too. Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a rare disease typically associated with lymphoproliferative disorders and is more common in older individuals. The successful treatment and recovery of this young student serve as a testament to the dedication and expertise of medical professionals involved.
In conclusion, despite facing numerous challenges throughout their journey towards recovery, this young student’s resilience combined with expert medical care has led him on a road towards full recovery from Pemphigus spondylitis – an autoimmune disorder that can be life-threatening if left untreated or misdiagnosed
