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Lichen Planus With Predominate Plasma Cell Infiltrate: Two Case Reports
Huyenlan Dinh1, Jennifer Seyffert, Nektarios I Lountzis
1*Department of Dermatology, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA; †School of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA; and ‡Advanced Dermatology Associates, LTD, Allentown, PA.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|January 31, 2017
Summary
Lichen planus (LP) can rarely present with a plasma cell infiltrate, differing from typical lymphocytic patterns. This rare presentation in two female patients responded well to topical steroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lichen planus (LP) is a mucocutaneous inflammatory condition with characteristic histopathologic findings.
- Typical LP infiltrates are predominantly lymphocytic, with occasional histiocytes, mast cells, and macrophages.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of LP in female patients exhibiting a predominant plasma cell infiltrate, a rare finding.
- The lesions were located on the legs.
Findings:
- The presence of plasma cells in LP is uncommon, with only a few prior case reports documented.
- Differential diagnoses for plasma cell-rich LP include drug-induced reactions, infectious diseases, malignancy, and macroglobulinemia.
Implications:
- Recognizing plasma cell-rich LP is crucial for accurate diagnosis and to exclude other serious conditions.
- Topical corticosteroid therapy demonstrated efficacy in treating these rare LP cases.

