Clinical Characteristics and Disease Course in Black Patients With Lymphomatoid Papulosis: A Case Series

INTRODUCTION: Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) presenting as a recurrent eruption of papules and nodules which resolve spontaneously. CD30+ LPD prevalence in African American (AA)/Black patients is lower compared to White patients. CD30+ LPD has been recently reported to have worse outcomes in AA patients compared to White patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified eight AA patients with LyP. We describe our experience with these eight patients and review the literature on similar cases. RESULTS: In half of the eight included patients, lesions occurred 1-4 years before they were diagnosed. In six patients (75%), resolution of the lesions resulted in hyperpigmented macules and scars. Five patients (63%) had also mycosis fungoides. Most of the patients who were followed (4/7, 57%) did not have complete resolution at their last visit, despite different treatment approaches. Discussion: Our results highlight that although LyP has an indolent course in AA/Black patients, residual hyperpigmentation and scars frequently occur, highlighting the need for better treatments of this lymphoproliferative disorder in this specific population. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(1):89-91. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4602