[Successful treatment of Lichen planus esophagitis with topical budesonide]

Here we describe the first case of symptomatic Lichen planus oesophagitis that was successfully treated with topical budesonide. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes which is in some cases associated with oesophageal involvement and dysphagia. So far, anecdotal treatment approaches consisted of systemic steroids, retinoids or immunosuppressives. Our patient received oral budesonide suspension 2×1 mg per day for 8 weeks, followed by 2 × 0.5  mg for 3 months. At the end of treatment we observed a complete symptomatic, endoscopic and histological remission, which lasted for at least further 6 months after termination of treatment.