Lichen planus induced by interferon-alpha-2a therapy for chronic active hepatitis C.
OBJECTIVE
To report the development of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive chronic active hepatitis with lichen planus in a patient during interferon treatment.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


METHODS
A 64-year-old anti-HCV and HCV-RNA-positive woman.


METHODS
The patient received interferon-alpha-2a treatment for histologically proven chronic active hepatitis.


RESULTS
Four months after the start of treatment the patient developed multiple cutaneous lesions on her hands, feet and back. A skin biopsy led to the diagnosis of lichen planus. The withdrawal of interferon was followed by a marked improvement in the cutaneous lesions, but not complete regression.


CONCLUSIONS
This case shows that HCV-positive patients with chronic active hepatitis may develop lichen planus during interferon therapy.
Barreca
T
T
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Italy.
Corsini
G
G
Franceschini
R
R
Gambini
C
C
Garibaldi
A
A
Rolandi
E
E
D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000628:therapy*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins