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Lichen planus: a clinical and immuno-histological analysis
Sandeep K Arora1, Seema Chhabra1, Uma N Saikia2
1Department of Immunopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
Indian Journal of Dermatology
|June 4, 2014
Summary
Direct immunofluorescence aids lichen planus diagnosis, especially in unclear cases. Specific immune deposits on skin biopsies help differentiate it from other interface dermatitis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunopathology
Background:
- Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is crucial for diagnosing inflammatory skin conditions like lichen planus.
- It is particularly valuable in cases with ambiguous clinical and histopathological findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic significance of the intensity, quantity, and types of immune reactants in lichen planus.
- To correlate these findings with clinical presentation and variants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical and immuno-histological features in lichen planus patients.
- Direct immunofluorescence microscopy of skin biopsies.
Main Results:
- The study included a 1:1.1 male to female ratio, with most patients aged 31-50.
- Itching was the most common symptom; papular lesions predominated (53%).
- Direct immunofluorescence showed a 55% positive yield, with immunoglobulin M being the most frequent immunoreactant.
Conclusions:
- No correlation was found between Civatte body characteristics or immunoreactant levels and clinical disease variants or severity.
- The presence, number, and arrangement of Civatte bodies, along with immunoglobulin deposition on DIF, are key for distinguishing lichen planus from other interface dermatitis.
