			Home About us Contact

Lichen Planus (lichen + planu)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Dermatology	48%
Oral Sciences & Technology	9%
Gastroenterology & Hepatology	3%
8 Other Subdomains	40%

Kinds of Lichen Planus

cutaneous lichen planu

oral lichen planu

Selected Abstracts

Incidence of Sjögren's syndrome in Japanese patients with hepatitis C virus infection

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2003
YUMIKO NAGAO
Abstract Background and Aim: Hepatitis viruses induce not only chronic liver diseases but also the impairment of other organs and tissues as extrahepatic manifestations. In particular, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is involved in various extrahepatic manifestations. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and lichen planus (LP) involvement, which are various extrahepatic manifestations in patients with liver diseases related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) or HCV. Methods: We examined a total of 110 Japanese patients with chronic liver disease: 29 with HBV infections and 81 HCV infections. Results: The prevalence of SS according to European and Japanese criteria in patients with chronic HCV infection was significantly higher than in patients with chronic HBV infection (European criteria: 25.9 vs 3.4%; P < 0.05, Japanese criteria: 21.0 vs 3.4%; P = 0.05). Lichen planus was observed in one (3.4%) of 29 patients with chronic HBV infection, and in 11 (13.6%) of 81 patients with chronic HCV infection. Simultaneously combined LP and SS occurred in 8.6% (seven of 81) of patients with HCV infection, but in none with HBV infection. Conclusions: Clinicians should routinely follow the HCV-infected patients, paying sufficient attention to the presence of SS and LP, and they should also carefully monitor their prognosis. [source]

Oral lichen planus: a condition with more persistence and extra-oral involvement than suspected?

JOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 10 2008
Marta Bidarra
Background:, Lichen planus is a relatively common and often studied chronic mucocutaneous condition. Reports detailing certain aspects relevant to patients affected have been lacking or inconsistent. Methods:, A questionnaire-based survey was employed to assess the duration of oral lesions and the prevalence of self-reported potential extra-oral manifestations associated with oral lichen planus in 87 patients. All patients had recognized clinical features of oral lichen planus, and most had had histopathological confirmation following oral biopsy. Results:, We report the findings of a preliminary survey which assessed the duration of oral lesions and the prevalence of extra-oral lesions consistent with lichen planus in patients presenting with oral lesions. The study confirmed the chronic nature of oral lichen planus and the rarity of spontaneous resolution. Most subjects had experienced symptoms for one to ten years (66 patients; 75.8%). Approximately 40% (36 patients) of the sample reported clinical features suggestive of extra-oral manifestations of lichen planus by the time that their oral lesions were apparent. The most commonly reported extra-oral manifestations involved the nails (27.6%, 24 patients). 25.3% (22 patients) reported a persistently sore throat suggestive of oesophageal or pharyngeal involvement. Skin (17.2%, 11 patients), and genital (10.3%, 9 patients) involvement was relatively infrequently reported. Most patients reported extra-oral lesions at only one site. Conclusions:, The survey results suggest that in patients with oral lichen planus oral lesions persist for a prolonged period, and that extra-oral lesions may be more common than suspected. However, further studies involving specialists to examine extra-oral sites are required. [source]

Lichen planus and other cutaneous manifestations in chronic hepatitis C: pre- and post-interferon-based treatment prevalence vary in a cohort of patients from low hepatitis C virus endemic area

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 7 2008
M Maticic
Abstract Background, Several controversies exist regarding the relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and some cutaneous manifestations, lichen planus (LP) in particular. Objectives, To determine the prevalence of LP and other cutaneous manifestations in a cohort of patients infected with HCV from low HCV endemic area of Slovenia, to correlate findings with chosen biological variables and to assess the role of interferon (IFN)-based treatment of HCV infection in cutaneous manifestations. Methods, A total of 171 consecutive HCV-seropositive patients and 171 HCV-seronegative age- and gender-matched controls were studied prospectively. Prevalence of cutaneous manifestations, comparison between study patients and controls and correlation of skin findings with demographic, biochemical, virological and liver histologic findings as well as IFN-based therapy were assessed. Results, Overall presence of LP in HCV-seropositives was 2.3%; although LP was not found in controls, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.123). Significantly higher than in controls was the prevalence of pruritus (31.0%, P < 0.001), dry skin (16.4%, P < 0.001) and hair loss (9.9%, P < 0.001). In IFN-based treatment naïves, skin findings were more frequent compared with controls, but not significantly, with no correlation to chosen biological variables. Current IFN-based treatment was significantly connected to pruritus (P < 0.001) and dry skin (P < 0.001). Compared with treatment naïves, in post-treated patients pruritus (odds ratio, 19.13; 95% confidence interval, 6.85,53.42; P < 0.001), dry skin (odds ratio, 4.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.44,12.31; P < 0.001) and hair loss (P < 0.001) were significantly more common. Conclusions, LP was not significantly related to HCV infection. Prevalence of pruritus, dry skin and hair loss was significantly higher in post-compared with pre-treated patients. The role of IFN in post-treatment persistence of skin manifestations needs to be assessed. [source]

Lichen planus and hepatitis C virus prevalence and clinical presentation in Egypt

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 9 2007
MA Amer
[source]

Lichen planus: an unusual cause of oesophageal stricture

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
C Bachmeyer
[source]

Lichen planus and leukocytoclastic vasculitis induced by interferon alpha-2b in a subject with HCV-related chronic active hepatitis

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
JM De Sousa Pinto
ABSTRACT Lichen planus (LP) has been reported in association with chronic active hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases. The occurrence of LP in persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) was reported by Robert et al., and the possible relationship between LP and hepatitis virus has also been supported by cases of LP following hepatitis B vaccination. Exacerbation or appearance of LP during the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, lymphoproliferative diseases and melanoma with alpha-interferon (IFN-,) and improvement of these diseases after discontinuation of this drug indicate that IFN-, may possibly induce LP. We present a case of cutaneo-mucous LP in a woman with chronic active hepatitis treated with IFN-, and in whom local leukocytoclastic vasculitis was induced by the intradermal injection of a very low dose of IFN-,. [source]

Lichen planus and dyslipidaemia: a case,control study

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
J. Dreiher
Summary Background, Previous reports have demonstrated an association between psoriasis and dyslipidaemia. Objectives, As lichen planus (LP) is also a chronic inflammatory disorder, we investigated the association between LP and dyslipidaemia in Israel. Methods, A case,control study was performed utilizing the database of Clalit Health Services, a large healthcare provider organization in Israel. Patients aged 20,79 years who were diagnosed as having LP were compared with a sample of enrollees without LP regarding the prevalence of dyslipidaemia. Data on other health-related lifestyle factors and comorbidities were collected. Results, The study included 1477 patients with LP and 2856 controls without LP. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was significantly higher in patients with LP (42·5% vs. 37·8%, P = 0·003; odds ratio, OR 1·21, 95% confidence interval, [CI]: 1·06,1·38). A multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that LP was significantly associated with dyslipidaemia even after controlling for confounders, including age, sex, smoking, hypothyroidism, diabetes, hypertension, socioeconomic status and obesity (multivariate OR 1·34, 95% CI: 1·14,1·57, P < 0·001). Conclusions, In the present study, LP was found to be associated with dyslipidaemia. [source]

Detection of myxovirus resistance protein A in lichen planus lesions and its relationship to hepatitis C virus

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
O.G. Shaker
Summary Background, Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory disease of the skin and oral mucosa. Studies suggested that type I interferons (IFNs) could play an important role in the cytotoxic inflammation in LP. Type I IFNs stimulate the production of several IFN-induced proteins including myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA protein). The association of LP and chronic hepatitis C is well established, with variable prevalence rates among different populations. Many authors have considered hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a possible antigen for inducing cytotoxic immune response in LP. Objectives, To investigate the role of type I IFNs in LP through the detection of MxA protein, and to compare the expression of MxA protein between HCV-positive and HCV-negative patients with LP in an attempt to clarify the role of HCV in the pathogenesis of LP. Methods, The study included 33 skin biopsies from patients with LP and 10 control biopsies. MxA mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. HCV-specific antibodies were detected in patient sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results, Our analysis revealed a significantly higher level of MxA protein in all the LP skin biopsies compared with controls. The expression was significantly higher in HCV-positive patients than in HCV-negative patients. Conclusions, Type I IFNs play a role in the pathogenesis of LP, and HCV could induce LP through increasing the production of type I IFNs. [source]

Prevalence of vulval lichen planus in a cohort of women with oral lichen planus: an interdisciplinary study

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2006
P. Belfiore
Summary Background, Lichen planus (LP) is a mucocutaneous inflammatory dermatosis that frequently involves the oral and genital mucosae. Patients with LP affecting these sites are often seen by oral medicine specialists or gynaecologists who work in isolation and depend heavily on histopathologists to help them in confirming the diagnosis. There are few studies in the literature combining the experiences of these specialists who share the care of patients with both oral and genital LP. Objectives, To estimate the prevalence of vulval LP (VLP) in a cohort of patients with histologically confirmed oral LP (OLP). Methods, The study group consisted of 42 women histologically diagnosed with OLP. The mean age was 60·5 years (range 27,81). They underwent genital examination, colposcopy and vulvoscopy. For the histological confirmation of clinical VLP biopsies were performed whenever a clinical lesion was found. Oral and genital biopsy specimens were processed through histological and immunohistochemical staining. Histological diagnoses of LP were made according to the modified World Health Organization histopathological criteria proposed by van der Meij and van der Waal for the diagnosis of OLP, and extended to VLP. Patients with clinical evidence, but without the histological confirmation of OLP and VLP, were excluded from the study group. Results, Thirty-two vulval and one vaginal biopsy specimens were obtained. Histological diagnoses were confirmed in 24 of 32 (75%) patients who underwent a vulval biopsy: these represent 57% (24 of 42) of the study group. Of the 12 patients free of symptoms such as itching, burning and dyspareunia, but with clinical vulval lesions, 11 (92%) had histological confirmation of VLP. Vulval lichen sclerosus was ascertained in five of 32 (16%) cases. Conclusions, This study showed a 57% prevalence of VLP in selected patients with OLP. The high prevalence of VLP of 92% in the women who were free of vulval symptoms confirmed the usefulness of this careful integrated approach. [source]

Lichen planus of the nails mimicking the yellow nail syndrome

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2000
R. Baran
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

New millennium, new nail problems

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 2 2002
Robert Baran
The major nail disorders in the new millennium may well be related to systemic drugs used for conditions other than nail problems. Conversely the new therapies for onychomycosis, a condition whose incidence is increasing, may result in drug interactions. We have chosen to report on the most common iatrogenic causes of nail disorders, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, psoriasis or acral psoriasiform reaction, lichen planus or lichenoid reaction, antineoplastic therapy-induced palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, paronychia and pyogenic granuloma, drug-induced onycholysis and photo-onycholysis, and drug-induced scleroderma and sclerodermiform conditions. The adverse effects and drug interactions of the newer oral antifungal agents will be quoted and their management will be discussed. [source]

Oral lichen planus has a high rate of TP53 mutations.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 3 2002
A study of oral mucosa in Iceland
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a world-wide health problem. In addition to external exposure (smoking and alcohol), certain oral lesions may increase the risk of oral cancer (e.g. leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral lichen planus). TP53 has been implicated in OSCC, but there are limited studies of mutations in premalignant oral lesions. In this study, 55 samples from OSCC, 47 from hyperkeratotic (HK) oral mucosa, clinically diagnosed as white patches, 48 samples from oral lichen planus (OLP), and 12 biopsies from normal oral mucosa were studied immunohistochemically for expression of TP53 protein. From all the carcinoma samples and selected non-malignant samples showing moderate or strong TP53 protein expression, malignant cells or TP53-positive nuclei were microdissected and screened for mutations in exons 5,8 by constant denaturation gel electrophoresis. Moderate to strong TP53 protein staining was seen in 56% of OSCC, 32% of OLP but only in 13% of HK. All OLP samples showed a characteristic pattern of positive nuclei confined to the basal layer, whereas TP53 staining was seen in suprabasal nuclei in HK. Mutation rate was 11 out of 52 for OSCC, three out of 20 tested for HK and, remarkably, nine out 27 tested for OLP. There was no correlation between TP53 protein staining and TP53 mutations. No associations were found with anatomical sites or disease progression. The unexpectedly high mutation rate of OLP might explain the premalignant potential of this lesion. [source]

Apoptosis in oral lichen planus

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2001
Evelyn Neppelberg
Apoptotic cell death may be a contributory cause of basal cell destruction in oral lichen planus (OLP). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of apoptosis in OLP and the expression of two proteins (FasR and FasL) regulating this process. Biopsies from 18 patients with histologically diagnosed OLP were investigated, with comparison to normal oral mucosa of healthy persons. For visualisation of DNA fragmentation, the TUNEL method was used. In order to characterise the infiltrating cell population (CD3, CD4, CD8) and expression of FasR and FasL, we used an immunohistochemical technique. The results showed that T cells dominated in the subepithelial cell infiltrate. Within the epithelium the apoptotic cells were confined to the basal cell layer, and more apoptotic cells were seen in areas with basal cell degeneration and atrophic epithelium. There was a prominent expression of FasR/FasL in OLP, with a rather uniform distribution throughout the inflammatory cell infiltrate. In the epithelium, the FasR/FasL expression was more abundant in the basal cell area compared to the suprabasal cell layer. In conclusion, apoptosis within the epithelium is significantly increased in situ in OLP compared to normal oral mucosa, and seems to be related to the epithelial thickness. [source]

Multilineage progression of genetically unstable tumor subclones in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2004
Albert Rübben
Abstract:, Molecular analysis of solid malignant tumors has suggested multilineage progression of genetically unstable subclones during early stages of tumorigenesis as a common mechanism of tumor cell evolution. We have investigated whether multilineage progression is a feature of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). To identify individual tumor cell subclones, we determined the pattern of mutations within microsatellite DNA obtained from multiple histomorphologically confined tumor cell nests of mycosis fungoides (MF) and lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) lesions. Tumor cells were isolated by laser microdissection, and allelotypes were determined at microsatellite markers D6S260, D9S162, D9S171, D10S215, TP53.PCR15, and D18S65. Nine cases of MF and one patient with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) originating from LyP were analyzed at 277 different microdissected areas obtained from 31 individual lesions. Three specimens of cutaneous lichen planus microdissected at 26 areas served as the control tissue. Microsatellite instability in microdissected tissue [MSI(md-tissue)] was detected in tumor tissues of all CTCL patients. One hundred and fifty-seven of 469 analyzed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications contained mutated microsatellite alleles (34%). In lichen planus, MSI(md-tissue) was seen in only four of 76 PCR products (5%) (P < 0.0001). The distribution of allelotypes in tumor cells from different disease stages was consistent with multilineage progression in five MF cases, as well as in the LyP/ALCL patient. Our results suggest that CTCL may evolve by multilineage progression and that tumor subclones in MF can be detected in early disease stages by mutation analysis of microsatellite DNA obtained from multiple microdissected areas. [source]

,Activation-induced cell death': a special program able to preserve the homeostasis of the skin?

EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2002
Giuseppe De Panfilis
Abstract: The ,activation-induced cell death' (AICD) is a molecular system leading to death of antigen-activated T lymphocytes, in order to avoid accumulation of harmful cytokine-releasing cells. This article reviews both the molecular mechanisms working in AICD and the role played by such mechanisms in preventing a number of skin diseases. Specifically, because AICD removes activated and autoreactive T cells through a CD95-/CD95-L-mediated suicide, skin diseases were scrutinized in which such valuable machinery could be lacking. Indeed, at least some inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, can be sustained by an increased survival of activated T lymphocytes associated with deficient CD95-/CD95-L-mediated AICD of such strong pro-inflammatory cells. In addition, autoreactive skin diseases, including, e.g. alopecia areata, lichen planus and other lichenoid tissue reactions, can be related to autoreactive T lymphocytes which could be unable to undergo CD95-/CD95-L-mediated AICD. Finally, a lack of AICD may be executive even in favoring cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Thus, because inflammatory, autoreactive and neoplastic skin diseases can be associated with a deficient CD95-/CD95-L-mediated suicide of activated T cells, AICD is likely to represent a fundamental program to preserve the homeostasis of the skin. Therapeutic approaches able to restore the AICD machinery promise to successfully treat such relevant skin diseases. [source]

Pimecrolimus in dermatology: atopic dermatitis and beyond

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 8 2005
Paolo Gisondi
Summary Pimecrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor developed for the topical therapy of inflammatory skin diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis (AD). Pimecrolimus selectively targets T cells and mast cells. Pimecrolimus inhibits T-cell proliferation, as well as production and release of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, interferon-, and tumour necrosis factor-,. Moreover, pimecrolimus inhibits mast cell degranulation. In contrast to tacrolimus, pimecrolimus has no effects on the differentiation, maturation and functions of dendritic cells. In contrast to corticosteroids, pimecrolimus does not affect endothelial cells and fibroblasts and does not induce skin atrophy. Given the low capacity of pimecrolimus to permeate through the skin, it has a very low risk of systemic exposure and subsequent systemic side-effects. In different randomised controlled trials, topical pimecrolimus as cream 1% (Elidel®) has been shown to be effective, well tolerated and safe in both adults and children with mild to moderate AD. In addition, pimecrolimus has been successfully used in inflammatory skin diseases other than AD, including seborrheic dermatitis, intertriginous psoriasis, lichen planus and cutaneous lupus erythematosus. [source]

Paraneoplastic pemphigus/paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
FNASC, FRAS(LOND.), Virendra N. Sehgal MD
Paraneoplastic pemphigus is the term used for an exclusive subset of pemphigus. The clinical lesions may resemble pemphigus, pemphigoid, erythema multiforme, graft-vs.-host disease, or lichen planus. A common denominator in all patients is the concomitant occurrence of either occult or confirmed systemic neoplasm. It is imperative to confirm the diagnosis through microscopy, where intraepidermal suprabasal cleavage, epidermal acantholysis, dyskeratotic keratinocytes and vacuolar changes in the basal epidermis, interfacial dermatitis, and epidermal exocytosis can be seen. Furthermore, the deposition of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complement in the epidermal intercellular spaces, detected by direct and/or indirect immunofluorescence, is equally crucial for confirming the diagnosis. [source]

Annular atrophic lichen planus

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
Rosa María Ponce-Olivera MD
A 30-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of a pruritic eruption on the extremities, characterized by several annular plaques. The patient had been treated unsuccessfully with medium-potency topical steroids. The lesions had an erythematous papular border with an atrophic center (width, 1,4 cm) (Fig. 1). No oral, genital, or nail lesions were observed. Figure 1. Annular lesion with an infiltrated border and atrophic center A skin biopsy from one of the plaques was performed. Histopathologic examination of the raised border showed hyperkeratosis of the stratum corneum, focal thickening of the granular layer, basal liquefaction degeneration of the epidermis, and a band-like subepidermal infiltration with numerous Civatte bodies. In the center of the lesion, the epidermis became thinner (Fig. 2). Elastic fibers were reduced or absent in the papillary dermis. Figure 2. (a) Biopsy of the border of a plaque with the typical changes of lichen planus (hematoxylin and eosin, ×10), with flattened epidermis in the center of the plaque; (b) medium power of the border of the plaque with details of the changes of lichen planus (hematoxylin and eosin, ×40) The patient was treated with high-potency topical steroids for 2 months with clinical improvement. [source]

Effective treatment of erosive lichen planus with thalidomide and topical tacrolimus

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
Haritini Petropoulou MD
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

An interesting case of colocalization of segmental lichen planus and vitiligo in a 14-year-old boy

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2002
Kabir Sardana MD
A 14-year-old boy had segmental vitiligo (L3,4) on the right thigh and leg for 4 years, and was advised to apply topical clobetasol propionate, 0.05%, in the night, with daily sun exposure for 10 min, as he refused to comply with topical psoralens. As there was no response to therapy even after 3 months, the patient stopped the steroid cream but continued with the sun exposure. Subsequently, the patient noticed gradual-onset, itchy, violaceous, pigmented, raised lesions superimposed on the vitiligo macules. Cutaneous examination revealed violaceous, polygonal papules, 0.5 × 0.5 cm in size, some of which coalesced to form discrete violaceous plaques, confined to areas of vitiligo, with a clear-cut demarcation from normal skin (Fig. 1). The scalp, palms, soles, nails, and mucosa were normal. Histopathology of the polygonal papules revealed hyperkeratosis, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, irregular acanthosis with saw toothing of the rete ridges, basal cell liquefaction, and a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate (Fig. 2), consistent with lichen planus. The patient was subsequently prescribed fluticasone propionate (0.05%) ointment once daily for the lesions of lichen planus. There was a marked improvement in the lesions of lichen planus after 1 month. Figure 1. Violaceous papules of lichen planus colocalized on vitiligo macules with associated leukotrichia seen on the right leg Figure 2. Histopathology reveals hyperkeratosis, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, irregular acanthosis with saw toothing of the rete ridges, basal cell liquefaction, and a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate (hematoxylin and eosin, × 40) [source]

Lichen planopilaris [cicatricial (scarring) alopecia] in a child

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2001
FNASC, FRAS (Lond.), Virendra N. Sehgal MD
A mother of a 12-year-old boy, 2 years ago, noticed that he showed patchy loss of hair on the vertex of the scalp. It was asymptomatic and progressive. Subsequently, similar patches appeared elsewhere on the scalp. Some of these patches joined to form a large bald patch. This was accompanied by dusky blue eruptions over the left upper lip and eyebrows. Later, there was localized loss of hair. A family history of a similar ailment was absent. Examination of the scalp revealed plaques of alopecia with mild to moderate erythema. The skin was smooth, shiny, and atrophic (Fig. 1). Atrophy was apparent by the presence of wrinkles in places, and by holding the skin between the thumb and the index finger. The periphery of the lesions was well demarcated and was occupied by erythematous, scaly, follicular papules. Lesions were also located on the patches of alopecia. In addition, flat-topped, dusky blue, papules/plaques were present over the upper lip. Figure 1. Lichen planopilaris: plaques of alopecia showing smooth, shiny, atrophic skin with erythema A study of hematoxylin and eosin-stained microsections prepared from the upper lip and vertex of the scalp was undertaken. The former revealed hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, sawtooth irregular acanthosis, and destruction of the basal cell layer which, in turn, was embraced by a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate disposed in a band-like fashion. A few cells were seen invading the epidermis. Pigment-laden histiocytes were found intermingled with the infiltrate. In the scalp skin, on the other hand, atrophy of the epidermis with punctuation of keratin plugs, together with fibrosis of the dermis, was prominent. The walls of the hair follicles were hyperkeratotic, while their lumina were conspicuous by their dilatation and contained keratotic plugs (Fig. 2a,b). Sebaceous and sweat glands were absent. Figure 2. Lichen planopilaris showing atrophy of the epidermis, fibrosis of the dermis, dilatation of the hair follicle lumina containing keratotic plug(s), and hyperkeratosis of the wall of the follicle (hematoxylin and eosin: a , ×,40; b , ×,100) Response to treatment, comprising ultramicronized griseofulvin (Gris O.D.) 375 mg/day (Sehgal VN, Abraham GJS, Malik GB. Griseofulvin therapy in lichen planus ,- a double blind controlled trial. Br J Dermatol 1972; 86: 383,385; Sehgal VN, Bikhchandani R, Koranne RV et al. Histopathological evaluation of griseofulvin therapy in lichen planus. A double blind controlled study. Dermatologica 1980; 161: 22,27) and prednisolone 20 mg/day for 6 months, was excellent (Fig. 3). Topical betamethasone dipropionate (Diprovate) lotion was used as a supplement. Figure 3. Perceptible decline in band-like lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrate (hematoxylin and eosin, a, × 40; b, ×,100) [source]

Mucous membrane pemphigoid, thymoma, and myasthenia gravis

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2000
Haideh Yazdani Sabet
In November 1997, approximately 1 year before being evaluated at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, a 63-year-old woman presented with erosive tongue lesions that were diagnosed by her physician as oral lichen planus. The lesions responded well to 3 months of treatment with systemic and topical corticosteroids and topical antiyeast medication. She stopped taking the medications and had a relapse. A few months after the oral lesions developed, her left eyelid became ptotic. Results of magnetic resonance imaging of her brain were normal, and the ptosis resolved spontaneously after 2 weeks. One year later, her right eyelid began to droop, and the results of edrophonium testing were positive. She was prescribed prednisone, 30 mg daily, and pyridostigmine, as needed. The ptosis improved, but never fully resolved. Radiography revealed a left ,,thyroid nodule,'' but computed tomography did not show a mediastinal mass. She was advised to have the ,,nodule'' removed surgically and came to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, for a second opinion. Her medical history was significant for the following: tinnitus, glaucoma, early bilateral cataracts, and long-standing hypertension, for which she took losartan, 50 mg twice daily. Other medications included: prednisone, 30 mg daily; pyridostigmine as needed; famotidine, 40 mg daily; and eyedrops for glaucoma. She denied any history of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, head and neck irradiation, family history of thyroid disease, or diplopia. Hepatitis serologic studies revealed hepatitis B exposure and recovery, hepatitis C immunity, and a previous hepatitis A viral infection. On examination at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, an erosive hypertrophic plaque was noted on the posterior dorsal half of the tongue, and vesicles and erythematous erosions on the hard and soft palates ( Fig. 1a). A lace-like white pattern was seen on the buccal mucosa bilaterally, and a small erosive patch on the left buccal mucosa ( Fig. 1b). Ocular and nasal mucous membranes were normal in appearance, and there were no pertinent skin findings. Dermatopathologic examination of an excisional biopsy specimen from the left dorsum of the tongue demonstrated an ulcer with epitheliomatous hyperplasia and a granulomatous reaction, presumably due to yeast infection. Silver staining showed hyphae and yeast at the base of the tongue ulcer. The results of the direct immunofluorescence study were negative and revealed no lichenoid changes on hematoxylin and eosin staining. Indirect immunofluorescence testing of the serum revealed a 1 : 80 titer of basement membrane zone antibodies, reflecting pemphigoid. This test was positive on repeat study. Salt-split skin on monkey esophagus revealed an epidermal pattern of basement membrane zone antibodies. Treatment included fluocinonide gel applied to the involved areas four times daily and oral antiyeast therapy (fluconazole, 200 mg once daily by mouth) while the rest of the evaluation was being completed. Figure 1(a). Erosive hypertrophic tongue plaque. Figure (b) ,. Erosive patch on the buccal mucosa. As part of the evaluation of the ptosis, a myasthenia gravis antibody panel was performed. It revealed the following abnormalities: striated muscle antibody at 1 : 480 (reference range, <1 : 60), acetylcholine receptor binding antibody at 6.33 nmol/L (reference range, ,,0.02 nmol/L), acetylcholine receptor blocking antibody at 31% (reference range, 0,25%), and acetylcholine receptor modulating antibody at 100% (reference range, 0,20%), suggesting thymoma. Treatment included pyridostigmine, 30,45 mg 3,4 times daily, to control the myasthenia symptoms, while the ill-defined neck mass was being evaluated. A mildly enlarged thyroid was noted on physical examination. Hematology panel revealed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the low normal range; the thyroid microsomal antibody was normal. Chest radiography showed minor tracheal deviation, and a previous computed tomogram showed what appeared to be a 3-cm enlarged mass in the thyroid. Ultrasonographically guided thyroid biopsy did not show malignancy, but a benign mesenchymal-type tumor was found and surgical excision was planned. Intraoperatively, a thymoma of the left cervical thymic tongue was found. At 6 months' follow-up, the ptosis and oral mucosal lesions had improved significantly, although she continued topical corticosteroid therapy intermittently for minor erosive oral disease. [source]

Comparative effect of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and clobetasol 0.05% ointment in patients with oral lichen planus

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
Giovanni Corrocher
Abstract Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is considered to be an autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology that affects the mucosae, especially the oral cavity. Objective: We compared tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and clobetasol 0.05% ointment for the treatment of OLP. Patients and Methods: A total of 32 patients (20 females and 12 males; all white, Italian origin, mean age of 43.6±18.4 years; 16 patients per treatment group) were treated with tacrolimus or clobetasol ointment for 4 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. Pain severity, burning sensation, and mucosal lesion extension were assessed using a four-point scale. Results: At the end of the treatment period, symptom scores were significantly lower in the tacrolimus group than in the clobetasol group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that tacrolimus 0.1% ointment is more effective than clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment in the treatment of OLP. However, other studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment before it can be recommended for use in clinical practice. [source]

Gingival involvement of oral lichen planus in a series of 700 patients

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 10 2005
Michele D. Mignogna
Abstract Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common oral mucosa disorders. OLP gingival involvement is very frequently observed, and it is characterized by wide variations in clinical appearance and symptoms, leading, in many cases, to misdiagnosis or undiagnosis. This can be potentially harmful since OLP patients require appropriate management in oral and periodontal care, together with an adequate systemic evaluation. Objective: In this paper, we have analysed the prevalence and clinical aspects of gingival lesions in our series of 700 patients affected by OLP. Furthermore, we have discussed the possible periodontal implications on the basis of the available literature. Patients and Methods: Data from 700 patients affected by OLP, clinically and histologically assessed, have been studied; the location and morphology of lesions, the symptoms and the progression of the disease have been considered, with particular attention given to gingival involvement. Results: Gingival lesions have been diagnosed in 48% of cases, usually associated with diffuse oral involvement. Only 7.4% of patients had OLP lesions confined to the gingiva. The morphology of lesions included all the forms originally described for OLP (reticular, papular, plaque, atrophic, erosive and bullous). The symptoms, if present, varied from mild discomfort to severe oral pain, with the general trend increasing from the keratotic to the erosive forms. The gingiva was involved in four out of 21 of our oral cancer cases, which developed from pre-existing OLP lesions. Conclusion: OLP is a very proteiform disorder; considering the high frequency of gingival involvement and its influence on oral health, it is our opinion that periodontologists should be involved in OLP management and should become familiar with its clinical aspects and related themes. [source]

Psychological profile in oral lichen planus

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 10 2005
Kiro Ivanovski
Abstract Aim: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an oral lesion with an enigmatic etiology. To explore the possibility of psycho-somatization, we evaluated the psychological personality profiles of OLP patients. Methods: Twenty patients with reticular; 20 with erosive form of OLP, and 25 controls were tested with the psychological Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-202 test. Eight clinical scales (hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychopathic deviate, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizophrenia, and hypomania) as well as cortisol level, CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD16 markers by group were compared. Psychosomatization was evaluated by the use of internalization ratio (IR) Index. Results: A characteristic MMPI profile was noted in the OLP groups with high IR index value. Significant differences among the groups were detected for cortisol, CD4, CD8, and CD16 counts. Mean values for hypochondriasis, depression, and hysteria were all significantly different with significantly higher mean scores for both reticular and erosive OLP subjects compared with controls. Conclusions: Prolonged emotive stress in many OLP patients may lead to psychosomatization and may contribute to the initiation and clinical expression of this oral disorder. Clinical significance: If additional research involving a larger and more diverse sample of patients confirms these findings, clinical trials will be needed to determine whether adjunctive psychological intervention provides a benefit in treating patients with OLP. [source]

Histopathologic Differential Diagnosis of Subepidermal Cutaneous Blisters and Erosions at Autopsy

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
C. Kovarik
The histopathologic differential diagnosis of subepidermal blisters is broad and most commonly includes primary dermatologic diseases (i.e. bullous pemphigoid), secondary blistering conditions (i.e. bullous lichen planus), and drug reactions (i.e. toxic epidermal necrolysis); however, when examining blister specimens taken during autopsy, several other entities need to be added to the differential diagnosis. For one year, we biopsied cutaneous blisters and erosions found during autopsies performed at the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office and examined them histologically. The objective of this study was to determine the primary cause of blisters and erosions seen at autopsy, characterize them histologically in order to allow differentiation from other blistering conditions, and emphasize causes of subepidermal blisters that are often not considered in the differential diagnosis. We present eight representative cases in order to illustrate the following points. The majority of blisters and erosions examined were subepidermal and secondary to physical causes, such as burns, defibrillation, submersion, fetal maceration, and decomposition. Although primary skin conditions need to be considered when examining blisters and erosions at autopsy, the most common entities are secondary to physical causes, and these need to be included in the differential diagnosis in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. [source]

The value of molecular analysis by PCR in the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrates

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 8 2002
Niels Holm
The diagnosis and classification of cutaneous lymphomas remain a challenge for the clinician and dermatopathologist. This diagnostic dilemma is mainly encountered in the distinction between an early malignant lymphoma and a benign reactive lymphocytic infiltrate (pseudolymphoma). Until the beginning of the 1980s, our diagnostic tools were limited to the clinical presentation, course, and histopathology in diagnosis and classification of lymphocytic infiltrates. Advances in immunology and, in particular, in molecular genetics with the introduction of the Southern blot technique and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have revolutionized the diagnosis of lymphocytic infiltrates by determination of clonality. In some series, more than 90% of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas have a clonal rearrangement of the T-cell receptor ,-chain gene, as opposed to very low percentages of rearrangement in T-cell pseudolymphomas. However, the presence of clonality does not necessarily imply malignancy. Cases of pseudolymphomas, lichen planus and pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta were reported with clonal lymphocytic proliferations. Therefore, care should be exercised in the evaluation of the results of molecular analysis, and these should always be correlated with the clinical, histological and immunophenotypic picture to arrive at the correct diagnosis. It may be expected that the molecular methods for diagnosis of lymphocytic infiltrates will be improved and refined in future, and that sensitivity and specificity will increase. [source]

The quality of patient-orientated Internet information on oral lichen planus: a pilot study

JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 5 2010
Pía López-Jornet PhD MD DDS
Abstract Objective, This study examines the accessibility and quality Web pages related with oral lichen planus. Methods, Sites were identified using two search engines (Google and Yahoo!) and the search terms ,oral lichen planus' and ,oral lesion lichenoid'. The first 100 sites in each search were visited and classified. The web sites were evaluated for content quality by using the validated DISCERN rating instrument. JAMA benchmarks and ,Health on the Net' seal (HON). Results, A total of 109 000 sites were recorded in Google using the search terms and 520 000 in Yahoo! A total of 19 Web pages considered relevant were examined on Google and 20 on Yahoo! As regards the JAMA benchmarks, only two pages satisfied the four criteria in Google (10%), and only three (15%) in Yahoo! As regards DISCERN, the overall quality of web site information was poor, no site reaching the maximum score. In Google 78.94% of sites had important deficiencies, and 50% in Yahoo!, the difference between the two search engines being statistically significant (P = 0.031). Only five pages (17.2%) on Google and eight (40%) on Yahoo! showed the HON code. Conclusion, Based on our review, doctors must assume primary responsibility for educating and counselling their patients. [source]

Hepatitis C virus and lichen planus

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 10 2004
YUMIKO NAGAO
Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important factor in the development of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years it has become known that HCV induces various extrahepatic manifestations including mixed cryoglobulinemia, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, Sjögren's syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, malignant lymphoma, porphyria cutanea tarda and lichen planus. Although the mechanisms of extrahepatic manifestations remain unclear, it is known that interferon (IFN) therapy and coadministration of IFN with ribavirin are effective in promoting the disappearance or alleviation of such extrahepatic lesions, which have tended to be overlooked. The present review focuses on lichen planus, one of the major extrahepatic manifestations. © 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd [source]