A case of bullous pemphigoid following chronic lymphocytic Leukemia

Bullous pemphigoid is a rare nonhematologic autoimmune complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. There have been roughly 10 cases worldwide since 1974, and searches through Korean dermatological literature revealed no reported cases. A 72-year-old man had been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and treated with chemotherapy for 7 months. After that, he was in complete remission, and the chemotherapy was discontinued consequently. One month later, multiple erythematous blisters, papules, and crusts developed on his trunk and bom extremities. Histopathologic examination and immunofluorescence of the tense blister revealed a bullous pemphigoid. We present this rare case as the first documented case report of bullous pemphigoid following chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the Korean dermatological literature.