title: Systemic complications of esophageal lichen planus.
abstract: Lichen planus is an uncommon inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder affecting the skin and its appendages, as well as oral and genital mucosa. Involvement of the esophageal mucosa is rare and causes significant morbidity, with dysphagia and risk of long-term complications, such as esophageal strictures and stenosis. Esophageal lichen planus is an underreported condition in the spectrum of lichenoid tissue reactions, presenting the risk of systemic manifestations. We describe a patient with severe, long-standing esophageal lichen planus, which had led to marked weight-loss, malnutrition syndrome and chronic respiratory distress due to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. Diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of concomitant muco-cutaneous lesions and characteristic endoscopic and histological findings. Systemic therapy with cyclosporine A and micronutrient supplementation led to rapid clinical improvement. Early diagnosis of esophageal lichen planus as well as effective systemic immunosuppressive treatment is crucial in order to prevent short- and long-term complications.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Internal Medicine, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Universita' Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Manna
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Garcovich
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giovinale
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marinaro
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manganelli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zampetti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Feliciani
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016572:Cyclosporine