Patient with lichen planus and conjunctival immunopathologic features of lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of severe cicatricial conjunctivitis in a patient with lichen planus, which is known to affect the skin and mucous membranes. The conjunctival immunopathologic features were consistent with lupus erythematosus rather than with lichen planus.


METHODS
Oral mucosal and skin biopsies were performed with histopathologic and immunofluorescent studies consistent with lichen planus. The patient later had a biopsy of cicatrized conjunctiva with histopathologic and immunofluorescent findings consistent with lupus erythematosus. Evaluation by rheumatology and dermatology consultants demonstrated no evidence of active systemic lupus erythematosus or discoid lupus erythematosus.


RESULTS
The patient was treated with topical and systemic immunosuppressives and her disease eventually stabilized.


CONCLUSIONS
The case demonstrates two coexisting autoimmune disease entities: lichen planus of the skin and oral mucosa and a cicatricial conjunctivitis consistent with lupus erythematosus.
Chung
M S
MS
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0284, USA. mchung@eye1.eye.ufl.edu
Driebe
W T
WT
D001706:Biopsy; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003176:Complement C3; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011239:Prednisolone