LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY FOR SEVERE ORAL PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS MANAGEMENT: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

A 61-year-old female patient reported odynophagia and the presence of bullous lesions on the trunk, scalp, and limbs. She was hospitalized with epigastralgia associated with gastric ulcers, evolving to painful bullae and ulcers in the pharynx and oral cavity, compromising her nutritional intake. Based on clinical and anatomopathological findings, the diagnosis was conclusive for pemphigus vulgaris. Upon oral clinical evaluation, severe stomatitis, trismus, biofilm accumulation, and tongue coating were observed. The systemic treatment involved the use of immunosuppressants, analgesics, and antibiotics. Oral hygiene guidelines with mechanical and chemical devices and a low-level laser therapy were instituted. After 28 sessions of laser therapy, a significant clinical improvement and resolution of oral lesions were observed. Oral care contributed to a better management of oral lesions, providing patient comfort and preventing major complications during hospitalization. The patient is clinically well and is still routinely monitored by the dental team. A 61-year-old female patient reported odynophagia and the presence of bullous lesions on the trunk, scalp, and limbs. She was hospitalized with epigastralgia associated with gastric ulcers, evolving to painful bullae and ulcers in the pharynx and oral cavity, compromising her nutritional intake. Based on clinical and anatomopathological findings, the diagnosis was conclusive for pemphigus vulgaris. Upon oral clinical evaluation, severe stomatitis, trismus, biofilm accumulation, and tongue coating were observed. The systemic treatment involved the use of immunosuppressants, analgesics, and antibiotics. Oral hygiene guidelines with mechanical and chemical devices and a low-level laser therapy were instituted. After 28 sessions of laser therapy, a significant clinical improvement and resolution of oral lesions were observed. Oral care contributed to a better management of oral lesions, providing patient comfort and preventing major complications during hospitalization. The patient is clinically well and is still routinely monitored by the dental team.