Against All Odds: Recovery of a Vietnamese Teenager Diagnosed with Rare Paraneoplastic Pemphigus Spondylitis

A young man from Thanh Hoa, Vietnam was diagnosed with Pemphigus spondylitis, a rare disease that had never been recorded in Vietnamese medical literature. At just 19 years old, he began experiencing erosive ulcers on his oral mucosa and purple-red patches and scalds on his body in November of the previous year. After being initially examined at a local hospital, he was transferred to the Central Dermatology Hospital and then to Bach Mai Hospital for further treatment.

Despite receiving a diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis in January of 2024, the patient continued to experience new outbreaks of symptoms in April. This led 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.

Throughout the treatment process, medical professionals faced challenges due to the patient’s inconsistent symptoms and histopathological results. Despite these difficulties, the 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 the support of his family, he was able to overcome the illness and recover.

The patient was covered by health insurance for most of the treatment costs, with his family contributing a smaller amount. 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