Vulvar lichen planus associated with ulcerative colitis. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Lichen planus (LP) is a common inflammatory dermatosis the diagnosis of which can be very complex when it affects the female genital area exclusively. The condition should be managed by both dermatologists and gynecologists because the association between vulvar LP and other immune-mediated disorders occurs frequently.


METHODS
Vulvar LP was diagnosed in 37-year-old woman whose past history was significant for ulcerative colitis (UC) since the age of 21. The oral mucosa and skin were completely unaffected, but whitish papules and plaques were seen diffusely on the whole vulvar region, which had become sclerotic and edematous. Microscopic examination of lesional tissue confirmed the diagnosis, showing classic histologic features in spite of the mixed and hypertrophic clinical variant. Oral therapy with cyclosporin at an initial dose of 250 mg/d led to complete remission within 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This case is reported on for the rarity of isolated vulvar involvement by LP and for the excellent response to treatment.
Giomi
Barbara
B
Department of Dermatology, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via degli Alfani, 23, 50121, Firenze, Italy. fabbri@unifi.it
Pestelli
Elisabetta
E
Massi
Daniela
D
Caproni
Marzia
M
Fabbri
Paolo
P
D000328:Adult; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy