Ultrasound Features of Nail Lichen Planus.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the ultrasonographic features of nail lichen planus (NLP), which, so far, have not been reported in the literature. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study of NLP patients' color Doppler ultrasound examinations was performed between March 2014 and January 2023. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥15 years with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of NLP in sequential order. Exclusion criteria included concomitant systemic or local cutaneous or nail diseases and systemic or local nail treatments before the ultrasound examination. The ultrasound protocol included the examination of all fingernails or toenails following the reported protocol for dermatologic ultrasound examinations at high and ultra-high frequencies. Patient demographics and ultrasound features of the nail bed, periungual region, nail plate, and regional vascularity were registered and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients met the criteria. All cases presented thickened and decreased echogenicity of the nail bed. A hypoechoic halo surrounding the origin of the nail plate was present in 78% of cases. Exactly 58% of patients presented decreased echogenicity of the proximal periungual dermis, and 86% showed thickening of the periungual dermis. Hypervascularity of the nail bed was seen in 94% of cases. The mean maximum thickness of vessels, the peak systolic velocity of the arterial vessels, and other blood flow findings are provided. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography can support the diagnosis of NLP, which benefits the non-invasive discrimination of nail conditions and can avoid the potential permanent scars derived from nail biopsies. Furthermore, ultrasound may be a powerful tool to monitor this disease's treatment.

Lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia: review and update of diagnostic and therapeutic features.

Lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia are primary scarring alopecias where diagnosis can be suggested by clinical and trichoscopy features, especially in the early stages, but scalp biopsy is the standard exam for definitive diagnosis. Frontal fibrosing alopecia is considered a variant of lichen planopilaris, as the histopathological findings are similar, with a perifollicular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, sometimes with a lichenoid pattern. A thorough clinical examination, trichoscopy and photographic documentation are essential to assess the evolution and therapeutic response. To date, there are no validated treatments or guidelines for these diseases, but there are recommendations that vary with the individual characteristics of each patient. This article presents a comprehensive review of the literature, including an update on topics related to the diagnosis, follow-up, histopathological aspects and available treatments for lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia, highlighting their similarities, differences and peculiarities.

Brimonidine-induced unilateral ocular lichen planus: a case report / Líquen plano ocular unilateral induzido por brimonidina: relato de caso

ABSTRACT This report was written to describe a case of unilateral brimonidine-induced conjunctival lichen planus. Because the ophthalmic examination indicated chronic conjunctivitis or drug-induced pseudopemphigoid, the patient underwent thorough ophthalmic and systemic examinations, as well as conjunctival biopsy and direct immunofluorescence studies. A 71-year-old woman with unilateral left eye findings of chronic conjunctivitis was referred to our Ophthalmology Department. The patient reported that chronic conjunctivitis began shortly after she initiated use of topical brimonidine. Ophthalmic examination revealed foreshortening of the inferior fornix and symblepharon. Conjunctival biopsy revealed submucous lymphocytes and shaggy distribution of fibrinogen on direct immunofluorescence; this was suggestive of ocular lichen planus. No other systemic lesions were found that were consistent with the presentation of lichen planus. A good response was observed to topical cyclosporine treatment. To our knowledge, this may be the first report of unilateral ocular lichen planus without systemic findings. The correlation with the initiation of topical brimonidine suggests that this might be the first case of biopsy-confirmed brimonidine-induced ocular lichen planus.

RESUMO Este relato é para descrever um caso de líquen plano conjuntival unilateral induzido por brimonidina. Como o exame oftalmológico indicava conjuntivite crônica ou pseudopenfigóide induzido por medicamento, o paciente foi submetido a exames oftalmológicos e sistémicos completos, além de biópsia conjuntival e estudos de imunofluorescência direta. Uma mulher de 71 anos de idade com achados unilaterais do olho esquerdo de conjuntivite crônica foi encaminhada ao nosso departamento de Oftalmologia. A paciente relatou que a conjuntivite crônica começou logo após o início do uso da brimonidina tópica. O exame oftalmológico revelou encurtamento do fórnice inferior e do symblepharon. A biópsia conjuntival revelou linfócitos submucosos e distribuição felpuda de fibrinogênio na imunofluorescência direta; isso era sugestivo de líquen plano ocular. Não foram encontradas outras lesões sistêmicas compatíveis com a apresentação do líquen plano. Uma boa resposta foi observada no tratamento tópico com ciclosporina. Pelo nosso conhecimento, este pode ser o primeiro relato de líquen plano ocular unilateral sem achados sistêmicos. A correlação com o início da brimonidina tópica sugere que este pode ser o primeiro caso de líquen plano ocular induzido por brimonidina confirmado por biópsia.

Brimonidine-induced unilateral ocular lichen planus: a case report.

This report was written to describe a case of unilateral brimonidine-induced conjunctival lichen planus. Because the ophthalmic examination indicated chronic conjunctivitis or drug-induced pseudopemphigoid, the patient underwent thorough ophthalmic and systemic examinations, as well as conjunctival biopsy and direct immunofluorescence studies. A 71-year-old woman with unilateral left eye findings of chronic conjunctivitis was referred to our Ophthalmology Department. The patient reported that chronic conjunctivitis began shortly after she initiated use of topical brimonidine. Ophthalmic examination revealed foreshortening of the inferior fornix and symblepharon. Conjunctival biopsy revealed submucous lymphocytes and shaggy distribution of fibrinogen on direct immunofluorescence; this was suggestive of ocular lichen planus. No other systemic lesions were found that were consistent with the presentation of lichen planus. A good response was observed to topical cyclosporine treatment. To our knowledge, this may be the first report of unilateral ocular lichen planus without systemic findings. The correlation with the initiation of topical brimonidine suggests that this might be the first case of biopsy-confirmed brimonidine-induced ocular lichen planus.

Liquen plano blaschkoide facial como expresión de mosaicismo cutáneo, a propósito de un caso / Lichen planus blaschkoide facial as expression of cutaneous mosaicism, on a case by case

El liquen plano es un trastorno inflamatorio adquirido de etiología desconocida que, excepcionalmente, puede presentarse de forma lineal, debido a la predisposición genética de un clon que se produce durante el desarrollo embrionario. El liquen plano lineal o Blaschkoide de localización facial, es aún más infrecuente, y traduce una mutación genética postcigótica, que así como en otras patologías inflamatorias dermatológicas, aumenta la susceptibilidad de los individuos a desarrollarla.

Lichen planus is an acquired inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that in exceptional cases can occur linearly. This is due to the genetic predisposition of a clone that occurs during embryonic development. Facial localization of the lichen planus is even more infrequent, and translates to a postcigotic genetic mutation. This mutation increases individual susceptibility, just as in other dermatological inflammatory pathologies.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planus pigmentosus: diagnosis and therapeutic challenge.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a variant of lichen planopilaris with marginal progressive hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows and axillae. We report a case of frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planus pigmentosus in a postmenopausal woman, that started with alopecia on the eyebrows and then on the frontoparietal region, with periocular and cervical hyperpigmentation of difficult management. The condition was controlled with systemic corticosteroid therapy and finasteride. Lichen planus pigmentosus is an uncommon variant of lichen planus frequently associated with frontal fibrosing alopecia in darker phototipes. It should be considered in patients affected by scarring alopecia with a pattern of lichen planopilaris and areas of skin hyperpigmentation revealing perifollicular hyperpigmentation refractory to multiple treatments. This case illustrates diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in face of scarring alopecia and perifollicular hyperpigmentation.

Lichen planopilaris in a Latin American (Chilean) population: demographics, clinical profile and treatment experience.

BACKGROUND: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltrate, fibrosis and potential destruction of the hair follicle. Demographic and clinical studies in LPP are limited, and racial differences have not been thoroughly investigated. AIM: To analyse epidemiological data and clinical profiles of Chilean adults with LPP, and report on the treatments used. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of medical records and clinical follow-up of Chilean adults with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of LPP. Treatment response was categorized clinically as none (with progression of condition), mild or satisfactory. RESULTS: The study assessed 103 patients with LPP [67 women (mean age 54.1 years) and 36 men (mean age 39.1 years)]. Of the 103 patients, 41 women and 34 men were diagnosed with classic LPP (CLPP) and 26 women and 1 man with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), while Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome (GLPLS) was identified in 1 man. Men with CLPP had a significantly (P < 0.001) earlier age of onset than women. Scalp dysaesthesia, erythema and peripilar hyperkeratosis were common findings, and 51 (66%) of patients with CLPP had cicatricial patches, most of which were circumscribed in the vertex area. All patients with FFA had band-like scarring in the frontal and temporal hairlines. Morbidities associated with LPP were hypothyroidism, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and depression. For most patients, treatment halted or improved their inflammatory/scarring condition. A sustained combination of at least one topical (clobetasol, minoxidil and salicylic acid) and one systemic (cetirizine, hydroxychloroquine, finasteride, methotrexate and isotretinoin) medication was necessary in all of our patients with LPP. CONCLUSION: This investigation is one of the first to describe the demographic, clinical and therapeutic features of LPP in a Latin American population. Similar profiles to previous reports may encourage research in larger multicentre international studies.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planus pigmentosus: diagnosis and therapeutic challenge

Abstract Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a variant of lichen planopilaris with marginal progressive hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows and axillae. We report a case of frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planus pigmentosus in a postmenopausal woman, that started with alopecia on the eyebrows and then on the frontoparietal region, with periocular and cervical hyperpigmentation of difficult management. The condition was controlled with systemic corticosteroid therapy and finasteride. Lichen planus pigmentosus is an uncommon variant of lichen planus frequently associated with frontal fibrosing alopecia in darker phototipes. It should be considered in patients affected by scarring alopecia with a pattern of lichen planopilaris and areas of skin hyperpigmentation revealing perifollicular hyperpigmentation refractory to multiple treatments. This case illustrates diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in face of scarring alopecia and perifollicular hyperpigmentation.

Erosive lichen planus: a therapeutic challenge.

Erosive lichen planus is an uncommon variant of lichen planus. Chronic erosions of the soles, accompanied by intense and disabling pain, are some of its most characteristic manifestations. We present the case of a woman who developed oral and plantar erosive lichen planus associated with lichen planus pigmentosus and ungueal lichen planus that were diagnosed after several years. The patient failed to respond to multiple therapies requiring longstanding medication but remained refractory. Knowledge of the treatment options for erosive lichen planus is insufficient. Further research is required to clarify their effectiveness, ideally adopting an evidence-based methodology.

Erosive lichen planus: a therapeutic challenge

Abstract Erosive lichen planus is an uncommon variant of lichen planus. Chronic erosions of the soles, accompanied by intense and disabling pain, are some of its most characteristic manifestations. We present the case of a woman who developed oral and plantar erosive lichen planus associated with lichen planus pigmentosus and ungueal lichen planus that were diagnosed after several years. The patient failed to respond to multiple therapies requiring longstanding medication but remained refractory. Knowledge of the treatment options for erosive lichen planus is insufficient. Further research is required to clarify their effectiveness, ideally adopting an evidence-based methodology.

Case for diagnosis

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur Syndrome is a rare form of Lichen Planus, characterized by the presence of the triad: non-scarring hair loss in the inguinal and axillary regions and follicular spinous or disseminated acuminate papules; typical, cutaneous or mucous LP; and scarring alopecia of the scalp with or without atrophy. These features do not have to be present simultaneously.

Case for diagnosis. Lichen Planus.

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur Syndrome is a rare form of Lichen Planus, characterized by the presence of the triad: non-scarring hair loss in the inguinal and axillary regions and follicular spinous or disseminated acuminate papules; typical, cutaneous or mucous LP; and scarring alopecia of the scalp with or without atrophy. These features do not have to be present simultaneously.

Lichen planus and lichenoid drug-induced eruption: a histological and immunohistochemical study.

INTRODUCTION: Lichenoid drug eruption (LDE) shares similar features with lichen planus (LP), that could reflect the same pathogenesis. In LP, an autoimmune attack is accepted and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+) predominate, especially in late lesions. Apoptosis of keratinocytes may be mediated by CD8+ T and NK cells in two distinct ways: by the release of cytotoxic molecules such as perforin and granzyme B or by the Fas/FasL system. The immunological mechanisms involved in LDE are not yet fully established. OBJECTIVES: Investigate immunohistological features in LP and LDE to add clues to better understand their pathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients fulfilled all clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and follow-up features of lichen planus (n = 16) and lichenoid drug eruption (n = 6). Classic histological features favoring LP or LDE were evaluated by two observers. HAM56, MAC387, UCHL-1, OPD4, CD8, Granzyme B, Perforin, and ICAM-1 antibodies were used to decorate the immune infiltrate. Results were analyzed through Pearson correlation, Student's t-test, and linear discriminant analysis. RESULTS: A higher number of necrotic keratinocytes as well as plasma cells and eosinophils within inflammatory cells were associated with LDE diagnosis. Only in LDE, a correlation was found between the number of T and CD8+ cells and between the number of granzyme B+ cells and apoptotic keratinocytes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a more important role of CD8+ granzyme B-containing cells in LDE group, being its synthesis associated with more intense apoptosis. So, LP and LDE may have a somewhat distinct pathogenesis.