Lichenoid dermatitis following PD-1 inhibitor-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis: a case report and literature review.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 receptor antibodies have been shown to be effective in patients with advanced gastric cancer. However, there is a growing concern about immune-related adverse events. A case of a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) induced by sintilimab and subsequently developed lichenoid dermatitis is reported. TEN was diagnosed according to a history of sintilimab use, clinical symptoms and physical examination. During hospitalization, the patient developed recurrent fever caused by bacteremia and recovered from TEN after anti-infection and anti-inflammatory treatments. However, when TEN was controlled, the patient developed the lesional manifestations of lichenoid dermatitis. To date, no cases of lichenoid dermatitis after TEN have been reported following the use of PD-1 inhibitors.

PD-1 inhibitors are drugs that help fight stomach cancer but can sometimes cause skin problems. Most skin problems are minor and do not have a serious impact on the patient's health. However, life-threatening skin problems such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can sometimes happen. This case report describes a patient with stomach cancer who had lichenoid dermatitis (another skin problem) after TEN, following the treatment of his cancer with PD-1 inhibitors. To the best of our knowledge, it is very rare to experience both skin problems after treating cancer with PD-1 inhibitors. This rare phenomenon is reported to bring more attention to it. More research is needed to determine how to treat this problem better.

Pustular Lichenoid Eruptions Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Two Case Reports and a Review of the Literature.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard treatment for many types of cancer. After several years of using these therapies, many adverse events related to ICIs have been observed. Dermatologic toxicities such as nonspecific morbilliform rash, vitiligo, Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, and more rarely, lichenoid eruptions have been described in the literature. We report 2 cases of pustular lichenoid eruptions, 1 in a patient with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma and 1 in a patient with metastatic melanoma, induced by pembrolizumab and nivolumab, respectively. The 2 patients were treated with topical corticosteroids, and complete healing of lesions was slowly obtained. Due to the severity of the cutaneous eruptions, pembrolizumab and nivolumab were discontinued. We identified 6 cases of pustular lichenoid eruptions induced by ICIs in the published literature and in the French Pharmacovigilance Database and reviewed their main clinical features and courses.

Regression of thymoma-induced lichenoid hypersensitivity reactions of the oral mucosa following thymoma treatment: a case report.

Thymomas are neoplasms associated with paraneoplastic disorders. Severe hypersensitivity reactions involving the oral cavity may be the first sign of an undiagnosed thymoma. Oral manifestations of an underlying thymoma may present as recurrent severe painful lesions with associated significant morbidity, often not responding to standard therapeutic measures. This case report describes the treatment of a 75-year-old woman who presented with severe oral lichenoid hypersensitivity reactions secondary to an undiagnosed underlying thymoma. No substantial improvement of the oral conditions was achieved with conventional therapies (topical and systemic steroids); however, almost complete resolution of the lesions was achieved following completion of radiation therapy for the thymic neoplasm. This article is intended to serve as a resource for clinicians to understand early, rare manifestations of an undiagnosed thymoma.

Histopathologic Spectrum of Findings Associated With Tattoos: Multicenter Study Series of 230 Cases.

IMPORTANCE: Reactions to tattoo may simulate common dermatosis or skin neoplasms. Histopathology allows diagnosis and helps determining the level and degree of inflammation associated, consequently orientating treatment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the histological features found in biopsies of cutaneous reactions to tattoo. DESIGN: This study was designed as a multicenter case series. SETTING: All consecutive histopathological samples of tattoos referred from 1992 to 2019 to the Hospital General de Catalunya, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, and a private practice, all in Barcelona, Spain, and from the Kempf und Pfaltz Histologische Diagnostik in Zurich, Switzerland were retrieved from the files. PARTICIPANTS AND EXPOSURE: The inclusion criteria were all cosmetic/permanent makeup, artistic/professional, and traumatic tattoos associated with either inflammatory reactions alone and/or with tumors and/or infections. Exclusion criteria were cases without any associated pathologic finding in the place of the ink, amalgam tattoos, and medical or temporary tattoos. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: In all patients, clinical features (age, sex, location, tattoo color, and presentation) were recorded. Histological features evaluated included ink color, associated tumors or infections, and inflammatory reaction pattern. Inflammation was graded in low to moderate or severe. RESULTS: From 477 biopsies diagnosed as tattoos, 230 cases from 226 patients met the inclusion criteria. Samples corresponded to 107 male and 120 female subjects and 3 of unknown gender. Median age was 39 years (ranging from 9 to 84 years). Fifty-three samples were referred from centers in Spain and 177 from the center in Switzerland. The series was analyzed in 2 parts: tattoos associated only with inflammatory reactions (117/230) and tattoos associated with tumors or infections (113/230). The most common form of inflammatory pattern associated with tattoo was the fibrosing reaction (79/117, 68%), followed by granulomatous reaction (56/117, 48%), lichenoid reaction (33/117, 28%), epithelial hyperplasia (28/117, 24%), pseudolymphoma (27/117, 23%) and spongiotic reaction (27/117, 23%). Combined features of 2 or more types of inflammatory patterns were seen in 64% cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our series confirms that cutaneous reactions to tattoos are polymorphous. Inflammation tends to present with combined patterns. Infections are tending to decline, and pathologic findings are not specific to ink color or clinical features.

Oral submucous fibrosis presenting with histopathological lichenoid changes as predominant feature: Report of five cases and review of the literature.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition of the oral cavity associated with habitual chewing of quid, with a high incidence among populations of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Clinically, its initial manifestation may mimic oral lichen planus or lichen sclerosus. If the habit is not halted, the mucosa gets leathery and thickened, and fibrous bands form causing significant morbidity. Microscopically, it is characterized by atrophic epithelium, loss of rete ridges, and hyalinization of lamina propria. Of note, these hallmark histopathological features may be overlooked in the unusual presence of lichenoid interface changes, which may lead to the wrong diagnosis. We present herein five cases in which the rare joint appearance of OSF and lichenoid reaction features posed a diagnostic challenge. Due to its progressive nature and malignant potential, the presence of oral lichenoid changes overlying submucous hyalinization, in the right clinical and demographic setting, should raise suspicion of OSF and prompt actions directed at quid-chewing discontinuation.

Histopathological evaluation of cutaneous reactions to tattoos: Study at a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Tattooing has been around for many years and is becoming an increasingly common fashion trend. As there are often few regulatory laws regarding the practice, an increase in the incidence of cutaneous reactions to tattoo inks is noted. These include allergic reactions, granulomatous dermatitis, infections, lichenoid dermatoses, and sometimes malignancy. The present study examines the histopathological changes seen in patients with cutaneous reactions to tattoo ink. METHOD: A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months in the dermatology clinic of a tertiary care center in western India. The study population included 22 patients with cutaneous reactions over the tattoos. Punch biopsy specimens were sent to study the pattern of histopathological response. RESULTS: All 22 patients studied were between the ages of 17 and 35 years. The mean duration of development of reaction was 8.1 months. Most of the reactions were seen in black ink tattoos performed by amateurs. Perivascular and spongiotic dermatitis suggestive of allergic response was the most common feature on histopathology. Granulomatous response and lichenoid response were seen in five and three biopsies, respectively. CONCLUSION: Legalization is needed for this practice to prevent tattoo reactions. Histopathological evaluation is important as tattoo reactions may be associated with skin infections and malignancies.

Erythema ab igne with features resembling keratosis lichenoides chronica.

Erythema ab igne (EAI) is an asymptomatic dermatosis that develops in response to chronic exposure to low-grade heat. Characteristic findings on histopathology include epidermal atrophy, dermal elastosis, atypical histiocytes, and melanin and hemosiderin deposition. Reactive endothelial changes and prominent vascular proliferation are variable. Keratosis lichenoides chronica (KLC) is a rare lichenoid hyperkeratotic dermatosis. Acanthosis with parakeratosis and a lichenoid interface dermatitis with lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells are characteristic findings of KLC. Although its etiology remains unclear, KLC has been reported to occur in response to heat. Herein, we report a case of EAI with features resembling KLC.

PD1 inhibitor induced inverse lichenoid eruption: a case series.

The increased use of monoclonal antibodies that target the immune checkpoint T cell receptor programmed death-1 (PD1) to treat numerous solid tumors has led to several reports describing associated cutaneous adverse events. Although lichenoid reactions have been well described, we propose that PD1 inhibitor-induced inverse lichenoid eruption (PILE) is a distinct variant. We describe two patients who presented with nearly identical deeply erythematous, malodorous, eroded anogenital plaques with focal crusting. Diagnosis of PILE was established given the biopsy findings and temporal association with PD1 inhibitor therapy. Treatment with clobetasol ointment was successful without necessitating discontinuation of immunotherapy. The findings were consistent with the only other previously published case of inverse lichenoid eruption in the groin secondary to PD1 inhibitors.

Lichenoid Dermatitis Development After Excision of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

This is the first reported case of lichenoid dermatitis erupting after surgical excision of basal cell carcinoma on the upper eyelid of an African-American woman. Lichenoid dermatitis is a common dermatologic diagnosis which may coexist with superficial malignancies, although the exact interaction between the 2 entities is not entirely known. The authors propose that successful treatment of basal cell carcinoma induces inflammation in the form of lichenoid dermatitis, which may play an adjunct role in eradication of the malignancy. The appearance of lichenoid dermatitis could theoretically represent a positive response to treatment; future studies are needed to establish this.

Extracorporeal Photopheresis: An Efficacious and Well-Tolerated Treatment for Cutaneous and Oral Mucosal Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a second-line therapy for steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). OBJECTIVE: We describe the long-term efficacy and tolerability of ECP according to the cutaneous phenotype of cGVHD and report on the reduced need for immunosuppressant drugs in this setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients (8 females) with cutaneous and/or mucosal cGVHD, treated with ECP between October 2010 and May 2016 within a single center, were included. Final analyses included patients who had received ECP for at least 12 months. We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of ECP using lesion-specific clinical scores and by recording changed doses of systemic immunosuppressants. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients, sclerotic skin lesions were present in 10 (71%). The mRODNAN score decreased in all patients from month 9 onwards, with 40 and 77% reductions at 12 and 36 months, respectively. Six patients (43%) presented with cutaneous lichenoid lesions: this score was reduced in all patients by month 3, reaching a 93% reduction by month 12. Five patients (36%) experienced oral mucosal lichenoid lesions: these scores were decreased by 55% at month 12 and by 100% by month 33. The use of systemic immunosuppressants was reduced in all patients; 4 patients could stop all immunosuppressant drugs after 2 years. ECP was stopped in 3 patients after a complete response. No major ECP-associated adverse effects were observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: ECP was an effective long-term therapy for oral and cutaneous cGVHD: consequently, dose levels of therapeutic immunosuppression could be reduced.

Oral Lichen Planus - Known and Unknown: a Review.

Lichen planus is a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease aff ecting 1-2% of the general population with maximum prevalence of the disease in women above the age of 40. Its aetiology remains unclear and the pathogenesis is still the object of much speculation. It is considered to be an autoimmune disorder mediated mainly by the T-lymphocytes. The present paper presents the most well-known external agents (viruses in particular), internal agents like stress, and the heat shock protein thought to be trigger factors and describes the action of diff erent cells and proteins associated with the development of that disease. Diagnosis is based on clinical and histopathologic evidence; direct and indirect immunofluorescence techniques can also be of use. Despite the wide variety of therapeutic modalities, treatment outcomes are often insufficient. Currently, topical corticosteroids are widely accepted as a standard therapy, but also retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors and other immunosuppressants can be administered. Because of the aspect relevant to these drugs, priority is given to alternative harmless methods such as LLLT and PDLT. There is an ongoing controversy in the literature about the possible premalignant character of oral lichen planus, however, periodic followup is recommended.

Dental patch testing in patients with undifferentiated oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Distinguishing between oral lichen planus (LP) and lichenoid reactions to dental restorations can be impossible on clinical and histopathological grounds. Epicutaneous patch testing is an investigation that may guide patients and physicians in making timely and costly decisions to replace or cover existing dental restorations. This study aimed to assess the role of epicutaneous patch testing with a battery of dental allergens in patients with undifferentiated oral LP. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with biopsy-proven oral LP referred by an oral medicine specialist and who presented for dental epicutaneous patch testing at a dermatology clinic in Perth, Western Australia between 2009 and 2016 was performed. RESULTS: In total, 68 patients were included, of whom 54 (79%) had positive patch tests. Gold 26 (48%), mercury 24 (44%), nickel 22 (41%), copper 19 (35%), potassium dichromate 14 (26%) and methylhydroquinone 13 (24%) were the most common allergens for which patients tested positive. Hypothyroidism and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were associated with negative patch tests (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). Smoking history, other medications and comorbidities, the location of the dental restorations and unilateral or bilateral disease were not significantly associated with the patch test results. Restorations were removed in 23 patients: 21 of these (91%) had positive epicutaneous patch tests. Of the 20 patients followed up, 19 (95%) experienced some improvement, among whom 11 (58%) had complete remission. CONCLUSION: Epicutaneous patch testing disclosed a high proportion of relevant positives. This guided the clinical decision to change dental restorations, with high rate of clinical improvement.