title: Lupus erythematosus-like reaction in imiquimod-treated skin: a report of 2 cases.
abstract: Imiquimod (Aldara) is a topical immune response modifier effective against a variety of cutaneous tumors. Post therapy histologic reaction patterns have not been well characterized. Here, we present 2 patients treated with imiquimod, whose biopsies showed interface dermatitis of the epidermis and the adnexae with prominent periadnexal and perivascular lymphocytic inflammation. Without the clinical history, these histologic findings may be misinterpreted as lupus erythematosus. This report describes a new finding in imiquimod-treated skin and supports the diversity of reaction patterns that may be seen in association with imiquimod treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: May P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Mary Jane
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Zimarowski
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018327:Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle / Q000188:drug therapy; D000077271:Imiquimod; D055623:Keratosis, Actinic / Q000188:drug therapy; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod