Lichen planus with predominant plasma cell infiltrate

Bullous lichen planus - a review

Bullous lichen planus is a rare variant of lichen planus. It is characterized by vesicles or bullae, which usually develop in the context of pre-existing LP lesions. It is often misdiagnosed and should be differentiated from other subepidermal bullous diseases especially lichen planus pemphigoides. The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and is confirmed by histopathology and immunofluoresence. The clinical features of bullous lichen planus include typical lichen planus lesions, accompanied by the formation of bullae on the affected or perilesional skin. This is evident on histology, with alteration of the dermo-epidermal junction and intrabasal bullae as a consequence of extensive inflammation. The histologic features in conjunction with the negative immunofluoresence indicate that bullous lichen planus is a form of "hyper-reactive lichen planus" rather than a distinct entity. There is no standard treatment of bullous lichen planus. Topical and systemic corticosteroids, dapsone and acitretin have been described as effective choices.

Lichen Planus With Predominate Plasma Cell Infiltrate: Two Case Reports

Lichen planus (LP) is a mucocutaneous inflammatory dermatitis of idiopathic origin that can involve the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails. LP has an associated set of characteristic histopathologic findings which include hyperkeratosis, vacuolization of the basal layer, Civatte bodies, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, band-like lymphocytic infiltrate at the dermal epidermal junction, eosinophilic colloid bodies in the papillary dermis, and pigment incontinence. The infiltrate is usually composed of lymphocytes with few histiocytes, mast cells, and macrophages. The presence of plasma cell predominant infiltrate in LP has only been reported in four previous cases and 2 other cases of lichen nitidus. The authors report another 2 cases of LP with predominate plasma cell infiltrate in 2 female patients on the legs. The differential includes a drug-induced lichenoid reaction with predominate plasma cell infiltrate. However, there have been no case reports of that type of reaction. Because plasma cells are seen commonly in certain infectious diseases, malignancy, and macroglobulinemia, it is prudent to rule out those entities. Our patients responded well with a class 1 topical steroid, with improvement of their lower leg lesions within 1 month of treatment.

Coexistence of Riehl's melanosis and lichen planus

A 61-year-old man presented with purple-red papules and plaques. These lesions on the nape and dorsal aspects of both hands displayed the histological findings characteristic of lichen planus. Riehl's melanosis, which is synonymous with pigmented contact dermatitis, was present on the forehead and bald scalp. Riehl's melanosis typically appears on the face and is induced by cosmetics. Causative factors in this case, however, remained undefined. The coexistence of lichen planus and Riehl's melanosis at separate sites in a single patient suggests that the two diseases represent manifestations of specific immune responses characteristic of lichenoid tissue reaction and situate in the same spectrum. The differences in the skin manifestations of lichen planus and Riehl's melanosis might depend on the severity of immune responses against intrinsic or extrinsic antigens. In addition, the skin manifestations of lichenoid tissue reaction might depend on the disposition of the lesion sites.

Diseases of the generative nail apparatus. Part I: Nail matrix

Disorders of the generative structures of the nail produce a characteristic set of outcomes. The matrix is the seat of nail development and diseases or insults of this germinative epithelium will tell a story in the signs that unfold in the ensuing nail growth. This story will be influenced by the intensity, duration and extent of this pathology. A method of categorizing changes associated with the generative matrix of the nail will be presented.