[Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus--a diagnostic problem].

BACKGROUND

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is a rare disease with etiology that has not been clearly defined up to now. This disease appears up to 10 times more frequently among women, than among men. It occurs at the age of 40-60. Anogenital site is the most common, but in 20% of cases it is extragenital.

METHODS

We report a case of a 78-year-old woman with skin lesions on the hand and face, that appeared 7-8 years ago after intensive sun exposure. When admitted to hospital, she had a butterfly-shaped livid erythema on cheeks and nose hypopigmentation on its edges. Atrophic plaques were formed in some areas of lesions. On the dorsal side of hand clear atrophic plaques were noticed. Pathohistological analysis of skin lesions revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis and atrophy with follicular hyperkeratosis, dermal edema, with subepidermal blistering and edematous hyalinized connective tissue. Direct immunofluorescence of the face lesion has shown presence of IgA, IgG and IgM deposits along the epidermo-dermal interface. Based on all findings the following diagnosis was made: Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus bullosus.

CONCLUSIONS

Differentiation between chronic discoid lupus erythematosus and LSA presents a diagnostic challenge. Both diseases have some common pathohistological changes, but a single mixed inflammatory dermal infiltrate as well as edema and hyalinized connective tissue were the most important facts in making diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of knowledge in regard to etiology of this disease has caused some problems in differential diagnosis. This disease hasn't always been a separate entity, but we expect that many things regarding the etiology and pathogenesis to be explained in the future.