[Lichen planus associated with liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus]

The association between lichen planus (LP) and liver disease by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has recently been described although its significance is controversial. The charts of 10 patients (8 women, 2 men) clinically and/or histologically diagnosed of LP and with positive HCV serology were retrospectively reviewed. Nine of the patients presented mucosal involvement, four of which were of the erosive form. In 7 patients liver disease preceded the appearance of LP. In the remaining 3 patients HCV infection was detected after the diagnosis of LP despite no alterations being observed in the liver function tests in 2 cases. Alpha-interferon 2b treatment triggered the lesions in 3 cases while leading to resolution of LP in another case. These data confirm the findings referred in the references and support the direct or indirect participation of HCV in LP.