Updated classification of papular mucinosis, lichen myxedematosus, and scleromyxedema

Lichen myxedematosus (LM) is an idiopathic cutaneous mucinosis; its classification dates back to 1953, when Montgomery and Underwood distinguished 4 types of LM: a generalized lichenoid eruption, later called scleromyxedema, a discrete papular form, a localized or generalized lichenoid plaque form, and an urticarial plaque form. In the literature, the terms LM, papular mucinosis, and scleromyxedema have been often used indiscriminately as synonyms, but most reported cases of LM or papular mucinosis without indication of the subtype appear in fact to be cases of scleromyxedema. On the basis of personal experience, the anatomoclinical manifestations of published cases of LM, papular mucinosis, and scleromyxedema are reviewed to distinguish clearly between a generalized form with systemic, even lethal, manifestations and a localized form, which does not run a disabling course. LM includes two clinicopathologic subsets: a generalized papular and sclerodermoid form (also called scleromyxedema) and a localized papular form. Diagnosis of scleromyxedema should fulfill the following criteria: (1) generalized papular and sclerodermoid eruption; (2) mucin deposition, fibroblast proliferation, and fibrosis; (3) monoclonal gammopathy; and (4) the absence of thyroid disease. The criteria for localized LM are as follows: (1) papular or nodular/plaque eruption; (2) mucin deposition with variable fibroblast proliferation; and (3) the absence of both monoclonal gammopathy and thyroid disease. The localized form is subdivided into 5 subtypes: (1) a discrete papular form involving any site; (2) acral persistent papular mucinosis involving only the extensor surface of the hands and wrists; (3) self-healing papular mucinosis, of a juvenile and an adult type; (4) papular mucinosis of infancy, a pediatric variant of the discrete form or of acral persistent papular mucinosis; and (5) nodular form. A third group of atypical or intermediate forms, not meeting the criteria for either scleromyxedema or the localized form, includes cases of (1) scleromyxedema without monoclonal gammopathy, (2) localized forms with monoclonal gammopathy and/or systemic symptoms, (3) localized forms with mixed features of the 5 subtypes, and (4) not well-specified cases.

Oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations

Several therapeutic agents have been investigated for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). Among these are corticosteroids, retinoids, cyclosporine, and phototherapy, in addition to other treatment modalities. A systematic review of clinical trials showed that particularly topical corticosteroids are often effective in the management of symptomatic OLP lichen planus. Systemic corticosteroids should be only considered for severe widespread OLP and for lichen planus involving other mucocutaneous sites. Because of the ongoing controversy in the literature about the possible premalignant character of OLP, periodic follow-up is recommended. There is a spectrum of oral lichen planus-like ("lichenoid") lesions that may confuse the differential diagnosis. These include lichenoid contact lesions, lichenoid drug reactions and lichenoid lesions of graft-versus-host disease. In regard to the approach to oral lichenoid contact lesions the value of patch testing remains controversial. Confirmation of the diagnosis of an oral lichenoid drug reaction may be difficult, since empiric withdrawal of the suspected drug and/or its substitution by an alternative agent may be complicated. Oral lichenoid lesions of graft-versus-host disease (OLL-GVHD) are recognized to have an association with malignancy. Local therapy for these lesions rests in topical agents, predominantly corticosteroids.

Lichenoid drug eruptions

Lichen planus-like or lichenoid eruptions from certain drugs and compounds can closely mimic idiopathic lichen planus. The patient's history and physical examination histopathologic criteria, and certain tests can assist in the differentiation between a lichenoid drug eruption and idiopathic lichen planus and in the identification of the offending drug.

Cicatricial alopecia

Scarring alopecias are of diverse etiology and pathogenesis. They may be histologically classified as primary or secondary, depending on involvement of reticular dermis. The most important primary scarring alopecias include pseudopelade, lichen planopilaris, and diffuse scarring of the vertex in African-Americans. The most important secondary scarring alopecias include folliculitis decalvans and late-stage lupus erythematosus.

Lichenoid eruptions in children

Lichenoid eruptions are quite common in children and can result from many different origins. In most instances the precise mechanism of disease is not known, although it is usually believed to be immunologic in nature. Certain disorders are common in children, whereas others more often affect the adult population. Lichen striatus, lichen nitidus, Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, and lichen spinulosus are examples of lichenoid lesions that are more common in children than adults. Distinguishing these diseases is necessary for prediction of the course of the eruption and for optimal management. In most cases, certain clinical characteristics enable the clinician to reach a diagnosis, whereas in other cases biopsy is required for a definitive answer. Many of these lesions are self-limited and only require symptomatic treatment, although corticosteroids can hasten resolution in certain disorders. Discontinuation of the medication is often sufficient for resolution of lichenoid drug eruptions.

Oral lichenoid drug eruptions

OBJECTIVES

To identify, from amongst drugs reported as causing lichenoid drug eruptions, those affecting the oral mucous membranes and to review the clinical, histological and immunological features of such oral lichenoid drug eruptions in comparison to oral lichen planus, amalgam contact lesions and lichen planus-like eruption in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

DATA SOURCES

Ovid Medline data searches on CD-Rom were carried out for the years 1966-1996 to identify reports of oral lichenoid drug eruptions and their clinical, histological and immunological features. Articles retrieved were examined for further appropriate references in the period 1940-1996.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Each paper was critically examined for evidence of a clinically verifiable lichenoid drug-eruption affecting the oral mucous membranes and the effects of subsequent drug withdrawal. Available clinical, histological and immunological features were recorded. The papers examined were too diverse in nature to permit a structured criticism. The extracted data have been tabulated where appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

The reports of oral lichenoid drug eruptions are considerably fewer than those of cutaneous eruptions and fewer drugs have been reported as causing oral rather than cutaneous lichenoid eruptions. Histology and immunology cannot be used reliably to differentiate lichenoid drug eruptions from idiopathic lichen planus, amalgam contact lesions and lichen planus-like eruption in GVHD. Lichenoid drug eruptions may also show some histological characteristics of oral discoid lupus erythematosus. An accepted protocol agreed by a number of international centres would permit the gathering of substantial information on LDE and could lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved.

Lichenoid paraneoplastic pemphigus in the absence of detectable antibodies

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) has been described as an antibody-mediated mucocutaneous disease occurring almost exclusively in patients with lymphocytic neoplasms. We describe 4 patients with the clinical features of the lichenoid variant of PNP in the absence of detectable autoantibodies. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that the spectrum of PNP likely includes patients with disease predominantly or exclusively mediated by cytotoxic T cells rather than autoantibodies. The pathophysiology and range of PNP disease are likely more complex than was initially believed.

Indirect immunofluorescence on rat bladder transitional epithelium: a test with high specificity for paraneoplastic pemphigus

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a blistering disease with specific serum immunoprecipitation findings. Although immunoprecipitation studies allow accurate diagnosis, they are time-consuming, expensive, and not readily available. In contrast, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) testing of serum on transitional rat bladder epithelium is a simple and inexpensive method available to any immunopathology laboratory.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine the specificity of positive IIF on rat bladder epithelium for paraneoplastic pemphigus.

METHODS

The IIF findings in four index cases of paraneoplastic pemphigus were compared with the findings in 47 patients with a variety of malignant neoplasms and no associated blistering disease as well as 49 patients with vesiculobullous or lichenoid disease but no neoplasia.

RESULTS

IIF was negative in all patients with neoplasia and no blistering disease and negative in all but one of the patients with vesiculobullous or lichenoid disease without neoplasia (98.9% specificity).

CONCLUSION

IIF on transitional rat bladder epithelium appears to be a highly specific test for paraneoplastic pemphigus. Because of its simplicity and inexpensiveness, we suggest that IIF be performed on transitional epithelium in any suspected case of paraneoplastic pemphigus.

Hydroxyurea dermopathy: a unique lichenoid eruption complicating long-term therapy with hydroxyurea

BACKGROUND

Hydroxyurea is usually a well tolerated antitumor agent.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to describe a distinct clinical and histologic eruption in patients receiving long-term hydroxyurea therapy.

METHODS

The clinical, histologic, and immunopathologic features of six patients with hydroxyurea dermopathy are described.

RESULTS

Three women and three men were identified. The average age was 61 years. Hydroxyurea had been used for an average of 5 years. Lichenoid papules, telangiectasia, and poikilodermatous lesions on the dorsal hands and digits were the most common findings. Interface dermatitis, focal lichenoid reaction with epidermal atrophy, and Civatte bodies were the most common histologic findings. Endothelial swelling also was noted. Cytoid staining with multiple conjugates was the most common immunopathologic finding. Four patients showed significant improvement after discontinuation of hydroxyurea.

CONCLUSION

A distinct cutaneous reaction to long-term administration of hydroxyurea has been characterized. Cessation of treatment is necessary for healing or improvement. We have designated this eruption hydroxyurea dermopathy.

Localized longitudinal erythronychia: diagnostic significance and physical explanation

BACKGROUND

Longitudinal erythronychia (LE) is a term for red streaks in the nail. We describe the range of diseases manifested by localized (single or bifid) LE and explain the underlying physical changes.

OBSERVATIONS

Longitudinal erythronychia can be multiple or localized. Multiple lesions typically indicate an inflammatory disease such as lichen planus. When localized, they may be a single or bifid streak arising through a benign or malignant neoplasm, scarring of the dermis or epidermis, or the first stage of an inflammatory process that may evolve into multiple LE. Excision of a localized LE may provide a diagnosis and cure. Incisional matrix biopsy of multiple LE may provide a diagnosis. Clinical manifestation of LE arises through reduced compression of the nail bed due to loss of bulk of the nail plate with a groove on the undersurface. A streak of thinned nail then allows an enhanced view of a corresponding streak of engorged nail bed. The reduction in nail thickness renders it more fragile with a tendency to split distally.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding LE can assist in diagnosis and explanation to the patient. Localized LE may represent a focal tumor or dysplastic process.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus: An Update for Dermatologists

Vulvar lichen sclerosus is an important skin disease that is common in women in their 50 s and beyond; however, it can also affect females of any age, including children. If not treated, it has the potential to cause significant and permanent scarring and deformity of the vulvar structure. In addition, if untreated, it is associated with a 2-6% lifetime risk of malignant squamous neoplasia of the vulva. Lichen sclerosus has been considered a difficult to manage condition; however, both serious complications can potentially be prevented with early intervention with topical corticosteroid, suggesting that the course of the disease can be treatment modified.

Oral lichen planus (OLP), oral lichenoid lesions (OLL), oral dysplasia, and oral cancer: retrospective analysis of clinicopathological data from 2002-2011

INTRODUCTION

This 10-year retrospective study analyzed the incidence of malignant transformation of oral lichen planus (OLP). The study also included dysplasia and oral lichenoid lesion (OLL) in the initial biopsy as a potential differential diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 692 scalpel biopsies were taken from 542 patients (207 [38.2%] men and 335 [61.8%] women). Clinical and histopathological parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The parameters gender (p = 0.022) and smoking behavior (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the severity of diagnosis. Mucosal lesions with an ulcerative appearance (p = 0.006) and those located on the floor of the mouth (p < 0.001) showed significantly higher degrees of dysplasia or were diagnosed as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Smoking and joint disease appeared to be significant risk factors. Treatment with tretinoin in different concentrations (0.005-0.02%) significantly improved diagnosis. Twelve patients (8 female, 4 male) showed malignant transformation to OSCC within an average period of 1.58 years. The malignant transformation rate (MTR) was higher for OLL (4.4%) than OLP (1.2%). If the first biopsy showed intraepithelial neoplasia, the risk of developing OSCC increased (by 3.5% for squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) II and by 6.7% for SIN III).

CONCLUSION

Although we cannot rule out that OLP is a premalignant oral condition, we can confirm that OLP had the lowest MTR of all diagnoses.

Delayed cutaneous manifestations of drug hypersensitivity

Drugs may elicit a considerable variety of clinical signs, often affecting the skin and the mucous membranes. The most common are maculopapular exanthemas and urticaria, more rarely pustules, bullae vasculitic lesions, and lichenoid lesions may also be observed. Apart from the morphology, the chronology of the occurrence and the evolution of single skin lesions and exanthema are also paramount in the clinical diagnosis of cutaneous drug hypersensitivity. Often, the skin represents the only organ manifestation; however, it may be the herald for a systemic involvement of internal organs, such as in severe drug-induced hypersensitivity syndromes or anaphylaxis.

Dermoscopic pattern of intermediate stage in seborrhoeic keratosis regressing to lichenoid keratosis: report of 24 cases

BACKGROUND

Lichenoid keratosis (LK) is a well-described entity which has been proposed to represent an immunological or regressive response to pre-existing epidermal lesions such as solar lentigines or seborrhoeic keratoses.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the dermoscopic criteria of a series of cases of LK with remaining areas of seborrhoeic keratosis which were both dermoscopically and histologically diagnosed.

METHODS

Pigmented lesions with dermoscopic areas of seborrhoeic keratosis and LK in the same tumour were consecutively diagnosed and prospectively included in the study. All pigmented lesions were examined and registered using DermLite Foto equipment (3Gen, LLC, Dana Point, CA, U.S.A.), at 10-fold magnification, at the Dermatology Department of Hospital de Sant Pau i Santa Tecla (Tarragona, Spain), between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2005.

RESULTS

In total, 24 cases of lesions with dermoscopic areas of seborrhoeic keratosis and LK were collected. In four lesions (17%), the clinical differential diagnosis without dermoscopy included malignant melanoma and in seven lesions (29%), basal cell carcinoma. The diagnosis of LK was clinically considered without dermoscopy in only six cases (25%). A granular pattern was observed to be distributed throughout the LK areas of the lesions. This pattern consisted of the presence of brownish-grey, bluish-grey or whitish-grey coarse granules that formed, in 11 cases (46%), globules and/or short lines. In one lesion, located on the face, these short lines produced annular or rhomboid structures as seen in lentigo maligna melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Dermoscopy is a useful tool which assists in the correct clinical recognition of LK, which may also potentially illuminate the pathogenesis of these tumours, showing the intermediate stage of regressing epidermal lesions in an LK.

Localized linear bullous eruption of systemic lupus erythematosus in a child

A 9-year-old girl newly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed a localized linear papulovesicular eruption over the right dorsal hand and ulnar forearm. The skin findings were clinically suggestive of herpes zoster, lichen striatus, or lichen planus-lupus erythematosus overlap. However, histologic, immunofluorescent, immunoelectron microscopic, and immunoblot studies revealed findings compatible with bullous SLE. Our patient is noteworthy because she is the first one reported with bullous SLE presenting in a localized linear pattern. She is also the second-youngest reported patient with bullous SLE.

Lichen striatus in adults or 'adult blaschkitis'? There is no need for a new naming

BACKGROUND

Lichen striatus (LS) is a well-known acquired linear inflammatory dermatosis. In 1990, Grosshans and Marot introduced the term 'adult blaschkitis' (AB), describing an eruption similar to LS occurring in an adult (adult LS). Does there really exist a new entity or a need for a new naming?

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

Two new cases of adult LS are described and the data from 16 earlier cases (12 AB and 4 adult LS) are reviewed.

RESULTS

The analysis of 18 adult patients with an acquired inflammatory blaschkolinear eruption reveals that females are affected two times as frequently as males. The mean age at onset is 44 years, the mean duration until spontaneous cure 8.7 months. Relapses occur in 27.7%. In 78%, the eruption is localized on the trunk, in 55% on the arms and in 50% on the legs. Multilinearity is found in 100% if the eruption is on the trunk, and 61.5% if it is on the limbs. Neither clinical nor morphological differences exist between AB and adult LS.

CONCLUSION

There are no convincing characteristics which justify creating a new name or even a new entity. AB may be the same as LS, a well-known acquired linear inflammatory dermatosis, which--as has been shown now--does not occur so rarely in adults. However, the etiology of this entity remains obscure.

A Cys634Gly substitution of the RET proto-oncogene in a family with recurrence of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and cutaneous lichen amyloidosis

Germ-line mutations of the RET proto-oncogene, involving five cysteine residues at codons 609, 611, 618, 620 and 634, are associated with two variants of the inherited cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2: type 2A and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. The association of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A with the dermatological disorder cutaneous lichen amyloidosis has already been reported, and mutations in the Cys634 have been identified in different families. We describe here an additional pedigree in which multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and cutaneous lichen amyloidosis cosegregate. A Cys634Gly was identified by direct sequencing of the RET proto-oncogene exon 11 in the affected individuals. The mutation creates a new HaeIII site, and restriction analysis performed on all family members rules out the presence of the altered allele in two children and consequently the risk of developing thyroid tumors. These results emphasize the role of molecular analysis of the RET proto-oncogene in diagnosing presymptomatically those individuals at risk of inheriting the disease allele.

Keratosis lichenoides chronica

Keratosis lichenoides chronica is a rare dermatosis characterized by a distinctive seborrheic dermatitis-like facial eruption, together with violaceous, papular, and nodular lesions on the extremities and trunk typically arranged in a linear and reticulate pattern. We describe a patient with KLC who had the typical features of this disease and responded partially to treatment with oral isotretinoin.

Papulonodular lichenoid and pseudolymphomatous reaction at the injection site of hepatitis B virus vaccination

Immunization with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is effective and safe with an estimated incidence of adverse reactions, either local or systemic, of less than 0.1%. Cutaneous side effects are rare and include lichen planus (LP) and lichenoid reactions. We report the case of a 21-year-old female, in whom a persistent, papulonodular lesion developed at the site of the injection, 6 weeks after the second dose of the HBV. Histological examination revealed lichenoid and pseudolymphomatous features. In addition, sensitization to thiomersal, a vaccine constituent, was documented by patch testing. The association of LP with chronic liver disease is well established. Furthermore, less than 20 cases of lichen or lichenoid reactions, following HBV vaccination, have been reported. Although several arguments have been presented, it is still debated whether there is a causal association or the occurrence of LP following HBV vaccination is a simple coincidence. It has been speculated that a T-cell-mediated, graft-versus-host-like reaction, triggered by a sensitizing protein, is directed against keratinocytes expressing an epitope of hepatitis B surface antigen or a similar epitope. Our case may represent a localized lichenoid reaction to HBV vaccination, a local reactive hyperplasia or a persisting delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a vaccine constituent. This is the first case of a local lichenoid reaction at the injection site of the HBV vaccine, providing further documentation for a causal association linking the HBV vaccine with LP.

Oral lichenoid eruption secondary to imatinib (Glivec®)

BACKGROUND

Oral lichenoid drug eruption (OLE) is a self-restricted inflammatory condition usually secondary to a variety of drugs and dental materials (mercury, gold), and rarely to immunomodulators and new antineoplastic agents such as imatinib mesylate (Glivec). OLE clinical features are reminiscent of lichen planus and include symmetric and asymptomatic, erythematous, reticulated and painful ulcerated plaques. Histological examination reveals perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate and the presence of eosinophils that obscures the dermal-epidermal junction, with acanthosis and mild hyperkeratosis.

METHODS

A 62-year-old man was treated with Glivec for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST).

RESULTS

The patient presented with grey-violaceous plaques on both cheek mucosal surfaces and the lateral sides of the tongue and labial mucosa, with a reticular pattern resembling oral lichen planus. These lesions appeared approximately 1 year after therapy and partially subsided in about 10 weeks, to clear after topical corticosteroids and oral omeprazole. The diagnosis of OLE induced by imatinib was confirmed by histological biopsy evaluation; immunohistochemical analysis revealed intense immunoreactivity with only cytokeratins 5/6 and 14 in the epithelium of affected mucosa. All laboratory investigations proved asiderotic anaemia but excluded infectious causes.

CONCLUSION

It is believed that this patient developed imatinib-induced OLE; this relationship with therapy rather than the underlying disease rules out a paraneoplastic reaction, and negative immunofluorescence excluded autoimmune dermatosis. In addition, we propose that these lesions are correlated with abnormal expression of some cytokeratins directly caused by this drug.

Keratosis Lichenoides Chronica: Proposal of a Concept

It has been a subject of controversy whether keratosis lichenoides chronica (KLC) is a distinctive inflammatory disease of the skin or whether it represents a manifestation of another well-known disease, such as lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, or lichen simplex chronicus. In search of clear criteria for diagnosis of KLC the entire literature pertinent to the subject was studied and findings clinical and histopathologic as they were telegraphed in them were compared with a patient of my own experience. Review of the literature reveals more than 60 patients in whom the diagnosis of KLC was made. Three categories emerge based on whether the findings presented in a particular article (1) do not permit any diagnosis to be rendered; (2) do allow a diagnosis specific to be made, such as of lichen simplex, lichen planus, or lupus erythematosus; or (3) do not correspond to any disease well defined, such as lichen simplex, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, but seem to show attributes morphologic, clinically and histopathologically, that are repeatable. Patients diagnosed as having KLC obviously represent a potpourri of different diseases, the most common of them being lichen simplex chronicus, lichen planus, and lupus erythematosus. Fewer than 25 patients reported on, however, presented themselves with lesions very similar to one another clinically, namely, an eruption that involved the face in a manner reminiscent of seborrheic dermatitis and with tiny papules on the trunk and extremities, which assumed linear and reticulate shapes by way of confluence of lesions. Individual papules were infundibulocentric and acrosyringocentric. Findings histopathologic were those of a lichenoid interface dermatitis affiliated with numerous necrotic keratocytes and covered by parakeratosis housing neutrophils in staggered fashion. These patients seem to have an authentic and distinctive condition that is exceedingly rare. In conclusion, the diagnosis of KLC should be made only for patients who present themselves with features clinical and findings histopathologic that resemble closely those of what is summarized in this article under category 3.

Expression of estrogen receptors in desquamative gingivitis

BACKGROUND

Most cases of chronic desquamative gingivitis (CDG) are shown by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) to be immune mediated diseases. Some patients present with similar clinical and microscopic findings as CDG but DIF staining is negative. It has been suggested that those cases of CDG may be hormone (estrogen) mediated and may be treated with estrogens with favorable results.

METHODS

Gingival tissue from 24 cases of CDG and one case of ordinary gingivitis were studied for estrogen receptor (ER) expression using immunohistochemical techniques. Twenty-four of the 25 cases were female. Using standard DIF analysis, 11 of the CDG cases were diagnosed as benign mucous membrane pemphigoid, 10 as lichen planus or lichenoid mucositis (LP), and one as pemphigus. The remaining 3 cases were not diagnostic for a specific disorder (idiopathic). Five of the females had a history of estrogen substitute therapy.

RESULTS

Twenty-two of 23 female CDG cases were positive for ER, although the degree of staining varied. A 32-year-old female with ordinary gingivitis, whose gingivitis varied with her menstrual cycle, did not stain for ER. A 50-year-old male and a 76-year-old female, both with gingival LP, also had negative staining for ER.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be no correlation between diagnosed diseases (immunological versus idiopathic) and expression of ER in CDG gingiva. ER expression in the gingiva is probably not related to the presence or absence of estrogen supplementation. The results of this study do not support the use of estrogen in the treatment of idiopathic CDG.