Lichen planus and liver disease: how strong is the association?

One hundred and thirteen patients with histologically confirmed oral lichen planus, from three stomatology clinics, were examined for evidence of liver disease. No patient had clinical evidence of liver disease. Nine patients (7.9%) had a raised serum concentration of a single enzyme; 6 patients had raised gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, 2 had raised alkaline phosphatase, and 1 had raised aspartate transaminase levels. No patient had serum auto-antibodies suggestive of primary biliary cirrhosis or chronic active hepatitis. Most patients presenting with oral lichen planus are unlikely to have liver disease.