Lichen planus associated with chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid for gallstone dissolution

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Hepatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Gallstones are often treated with bile acid therapy.
• Chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid are commonly prescribed.
• Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition affecting skin and mucous membranes.

Observation:

• A patient developed lichen planus during bile acid therapy for gallstones.
• Skin biopsy suggested a drug-induced cause for the rash.
• The patient had no signs of liver disease.

Findings:

• The patient's rash resolved after discontinuing bile acid therapy.
• This suggests a potential causal link between bile acids and lichen planus.
• The underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Implications:

• Bile acids may be an underrecognized cause of lichen planus.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism.
• This finding could inform differential diagnosis in patients with lichen planus and gallstone disease.