Case Reports
17 September 2025
Early Access
https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2025.10100

Unusual site presentation of dermatitis herpetiformis: line-field confocal optical coherence tomography for effective management

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LC-OCT, non-invasive diagnosis, dermatitis herpetiformis
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Authors

Luca Bettolini
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4374-802X
Dermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy.
Stefano Bighetti
s.bighetti@unibs.it
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2781-6909
Dermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy.
Sara Rovaris
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5454-4220
Dermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy.
Iacopo Ghini
Pathology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy.
Vincenzo Maione
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0420-5009
Dermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy.

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an uncommon autoimmune blistering skin disorder linked to gluten sensitivity. This report describes the line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) features in a DH case, correlating with histopathological findings. A 60-year-old man exhibited erythematous papules and vesicles on the trunk with itching and burning, alongside alternating bowel issues. LC-OCT revealed subepidermal hypo-reflective areas with hyper-reflective floating cells at the dermal papillae tips. Histopathology showed subepidermal vesiculation and neutrophilic microabscesses, confirmed by granular IgA deposits in the dermal papillae via direct immunofluorescence. The patient tested positive for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, was referred to a gastroenterologist, and began dapsone treatment, resolving the skin lesions. LC-OCT findings were consistent with histopathology, supporting its utility in diagnosing DH. Despite clinical similarities between DH and other blistering disorders, LC-OCT offers a non-invasive diagnostic approach, aiding in identifying optimal biopsy sites and expediting treatment. Further studies are warranted to validate LC-OCT’s potential.

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Unusual site presentation of dermatitis herpetiformis: line-field confocal optical coherence tomography for effective management. (2025). Dermatology Reports. https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2025.10100
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