Seven-year itch: a perplexing case of lichen planus-lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome.

We report a case of LP-LE overlap syndrome diagnosed in a man previously believed to have atypical lichen planus who presented with an exacerbation of exuberant pruritic erythematous scaly plaques. The patient had six separate skin biopsies all of which displayed features of LP. Because the clinical symptoms did not correlate to the histopathological picture, a seventh skin biopsy with direct immunofluorescence (DIF) was performed and immunologic markers measured. The DIF demonstrated early lupus bands; serologic testing exhibited elevated ANA and anti-SSA. These findings established the diagnosis of LP-LE overlap syndrome. The patient was started on hydroxychloroquine with short-term trials of oral prednisone during disease flares, which took place in the first three months of treatment. PMID: 30677835 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Dermatol Online J - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Dermatol Online J Source Type: research